Free alms, also referred to as Frankalmoign, was a method utilised by religious organisations to possess land by pledging to pray for the benefactor’s soul. This differed from the tenure by divine service, which necessitated particular church services. Frankalmoign was a remnant of Anglo-Saxon law and indicated an unlimited commitment to pray for the benefactor’s soul. In contrast, the tenant committed to a specific number of prayers in the case of Divine Service, which was not as commonly fulfiled.
Frankalmoin, also known as frangk-al-moyn, was a form of spiritual tenure in which a religious institution held land with the primary obligation of praying for the donor. Unlike the tenure by divine service, which mandated specific church services, frankalmoin allowed the religious institution to solely focus on praying for the donor’s soul. For instance, during medieval England, a wealthy landowner could donate land to a monastery or church, and in return, the religious institution would be responsible for praying for the donor’s soul. This arrangement, known as frankalmoin, ensured that landowners could secure prayers for their souls even after their passing. This type of land tenure was prevalent in medieval England and served as a means for landowners to guarantee spiritual support in the afterlife.
Frankalmoin is a legal term that refers to a type of tenure in medieval England where land was granted to a religious institution or church in exchange for prayers or spiritual services.
Unlike other forms of land tenure, such as fee simple or leasehold, Frankalmoin involves a religious institution as the recipient of the land. The grantor retains a spiritual interest in the land, rather than a purely economic one.
Frankalmoin is an archaic form of land tenure that is no longer commonly used in modern legal systems. However, some historical land grants may still be governed by Frankalmoin principles.
The religious institution receiving the land in a Frankalmoin arrangement is typically obligated to provide prayers, masses, or other spiritual services for the grantor or their designated beneficiaries.
In most cases, the grantor cannot reclaim the land once it has been granted in Frankalmoin. The land becomes the property of the religious institution, and the grantor’s interest is limited to the spiritual services provided.
Frankalmoin land is subject to the same legal restrictions as any other type of land. Local zoning laws, environmental regulations, and other applicable laws still apply.
In general, Frankalmoin land can be sold or transferred like any other property. However, the religious institution’s interest in providing spiritual services may need to be considered in the transfer process.
If the religious institution fails to fulfill its obligations, the grantor or their designated beneficiaries may have legal recourse. This could include seeking a court order to enforce the terms of the arrangement or seeking damages for breach of contract.
Frankalmoin land can be inherited like any other property, subject to the terms of the original grant. The religious institution’s obligation to provide spiritual services would typically transfer to the new owner.
Frankalmoin is a legal concept that originated in medieval England and may not be recognized in all legal jurisdictions. Its applicability and enforceability may vary depending on the specific laws and customs of a particular jurisdiction.
This site contains general legal information but does not constitute professional legal advice for your particular situation. Persuing this glossary does not create an attorney-client or legal adviser relationship. If you have specific questions, please consult a qualified attorney licensed in your jurisdiction.
This glossary post was last updated: 17th April 2024.
To help you cite our definitions in your bibliography, here is the proper citation layout for the three major formatting styles, with all of the relevant information filled in.
- Page URL:https://dlssolicitors.com/define/frankalmoin/
- Modern Language Association (MLA):Frankalmoin. dlssolicitors.com. DLS Solicitors. May 09 2024 https://dlssolicitors.com/define/frankalmoin/.
- Chicago Manual of Style (CMS):Frankalmoin. dlssolicitors.com. DLS Solicitors. https://dlssolicitors.com/define/frankalmoin/ (accessed: May 09 2024).
- American Psychological Association (APA):Frankalmoin. dlssolicitors.com. Retrieved May 09 2024, from dlssolicitors.com website: https://dlssolicitors.com/define/frankalmoin/
Our team of professionals are based in Alderley Edge, Cheshire. We offer clear, specialist legal advice in all matters relating to Family Law, Wills, Trusts, Probate, Lasting Power of Attorney and Court of Protection.
All author posts