EXPENSES OF THE SHRIEVALTY. 29 



the jury being summoned to meet in the " Newe Hall." If, 

 then, the New Hall existed in 1593 and in 1661, for what 

 reason was it necessary to rent Widow Sligh's buildings for 

 the assizes in 163 1 ? The only possible explanation is that 

 the word " sitt " is used for abide, and that the rent was paid 

 for the judges' lodgings. 



"Tom Cotton," mentioned on page 31, connects us with a 

 Release, or Bond, dated 10th December, 1630 (Wolley Charters 

 xii., 72, 15), by Thomas Cotton, of Derby, and others to 

 Francis Bradshawe, Sheriff, in ^roo for the due performance 

 by the said Thomas Cotton of the office of bailiff for the 

 hundred of Morleston and Litchurch. 



One other item suggests rather an interesting question. It 

 will be noted that there is a sum of £2 13s. charged to the 

 High Sheriff's account for " the judges' present."* This appears 

 to have been quite usual, and not a special mark of favour 

 on the part of Mr. High Sheriff Bradshawe, and would almost 

 suggest the question as to whether it might not be the origin 

 of the beautiful bouquet now daily supplied to the judge by 

 the High Sheriff, and a survival of the ancient custom of 

 presenting gifts to the King, in this case, of course, to the 

 King's representative. 



The simple habits of our forefathers are marked by the item 

 of 2s. paid to a woman for collecting fern,t probably bracken, 

 with which to cover the floors of the courts. It is interesting, 

 too, to note the very low prices paid for farm produce. While 

 a guinea is paid for the amount of fish consumed, ns. only 

 is given for a couple of turkeys, two pullets, and two capons. 

 In another account the turkeys are shown to be is. apiece, the 

 chickens 5d., and the rabbits 3d. apiece; while the farmers 

 appear to have to content themselves with butter at 3d. per lb., J 

 and with receiving only is. for every 33 eggs, or 3s. per 100. 

 But money was at a premium in those days. The accounts, 

 however, in which will be found occasional mistakes in the 

 addition, speak for themselves. 



*P-35- tp-3i- XV- 36- 



