FORMER EXISTENCE OF THE ROE-DEER IN ENGLAND. 139 
in the isle of Efy. From an account of the natural pro- 
ductions of this island, drawn up for the information of the 
Conqueror, and embodied in what is now known as the ‘ Liber 
JEliensiSy it appears that Ely at that date was remarkably 
fertile in its resources, not only affording pasturage to number- 
less flocks and herds, but yielding plenty of fish and wild fowl, 
as well as harts and hinds, roes and hares, which abounded 
in its woods.* William the Conqueror punished with the loss 
of eyes any who were convicted of killing a wild boar, stag, 
or roebuck. 
In the year 1183, Bishop Pudsey caused a survey to be 
made of the various estates of his see in the county of Durham, 
with a specification of their respective tenures, rents, and 
services. This survey is generally called the ‘ Boldon Book/ 
Boldon being the first place mentioned in it. From entries in 
this book, it appears that the early Bishops of Durham were 
mighty hunters, and their tenants often held lands by the 
service of protecting the deer, and furnishing horses, grey- 
hounds, and other dogs for the chase. It appears, moreover, 
that the villani and farmers were wont to assemble from time 
to time at the summons of the Bishop, for the purpose of 
constructing ‘ haies/ and assisting at a roe-hunt : — 
1 Omnes villani de Aukelandschire scilicet dc North Avkeland et 
West Aukeland et Escumba et Newtonci . . . faciunt partem sucim 
de haia circa logias. . . . Procter ecc omnes villani et firmarii emit 
in “ rahunt” acl summonitionem Episcopi ’ f 
In this same county is a place called Beshope, otherwise 
Beshoppe and Bosheppe,t i. e., Boe’s hop, or jump, in all 
probability indicating some famous ‘ deer-pass 9 in the days when 
these animals were common in Durham. So also in Lancashire, 
its former occurrence in Bowland, says Whitaker, is pretty 
plainly indicated in the perambulation by the word ‘ roe-cross/ 
In ancient charters conveying the royal license to enclose 
certain forest-lands, or to hunt in particular counties or dis- 
tricts, the Boebuck is sometimes mentioned amongst other 
animals which might be enclosed or hunted. Thus from a 
charter of liberties granted by King John, when Earl of Morton, 
to the inhabitants of Devonshire, it appears that Boe-deer at 
that date were included amongst the beasts of chase in that 
county. This deed, the original of which is still preserved in 
the custody of the Dean and Chapter of Exeter, is under seal, 
and provides, inter alia } as follows : — 
‘ Quod habeant canes suos et alias libertates, sicut melius et 
* See Fenland Past and Present , p. 356. 
t The Boldon Book, p. 26 (Surtees Society), and Raine, Ilist. Acct.of the 
Episcopal Palace of Auckland, p. 5. 
X The Boldon Book, p. 6. 
