As exemplified in the Manor of Castle Combe. 151 
Baron, but sometimes oftener, and separately. At this Court the 
matters treated of had reference to the interests of the entire 
Community, ‘ totius Communitatis,” or “totius Villae.” It was 
presided over by the Seneschal or Steward of the Lord. The 
Tything-man attended, with the entire tything, (Decennarius cum 
toté Decennid), that is to say, the Dozein or twelve principal 
inhabitants, who acted as a grand Jury. In later times a Jury 
was sometimes sworn of as many as sixteen or even twenty persons. 
The absence of any inhabitant duly summoned to attend was 
reported, and he was fined 2d., as also was the Tything-man for 
not producing him. The Tything-man presented a nominal list of 
foreigners, chiefly servants and artificers, who paid yearly 2d. each, 
for the privilege of living in the Manor, not being tenants of the 
Lord, or members of the tything, into which they could only be 
admitted by license of the Court. This list was called Capitagium 
Garcionum, sometimes Chevagiwm, or Head-roll. Its numbers 
varied from twenty to seventy, or more. Their masters stood 
pledged for the good conduct of these strangers, who might at any 
time be removed by order of the Court. 
The several public officers then reported all cases of breaches of 
the common or statute law, or of the bye-laws enacted by the Court 
itself for the good government of the place. These officers, the 
number of which increased as general Statutes were passed pre- 
scribing their appointment, consisted in the fifteenth century of 
The Tything-man, (Decennarius), whose duties have been already 
noticed. 
Two Constables specially appointed to see that the peace be not 
broken, and to arrest and bring to Justice all offenders against the 
laws. 
Two Ale-Conners (Tustatores Cervisiw), whose duty it was (perhaps 
not an unpleasant one), to taste the ale made at every brewing for 
public sale within the place, and see that it was of the ordained 
strength and goodness. They had to report to the Court all cases 
of breach of the Assize of Beer. And the same persons, but some- 
times others specially appointed, were to fulfil the same duties in 
respect to the Bread offered by the Bakers of the place for sale. 
