During old English times, the term “wapentake” referred to a territorial division in certain regions of England, akin to a local community or neighbourhood. Historically, it possessed its own court and was overseen by a bailiff. This concept is comparable to the “hundred” or “ward” designations used in other areas of England.
A wapentake, also known as a hundred or ward in other counties, is a historical division in some English counties. Its name derives from the practice of people touching their weapons to signify their readiness to defend their community. Within the wapentake, there was a court where legal matters were addressed, and a bailiff assisted with the legal proceedings. In Yorkshire, numerous wapentakes played a role in governing the county. For instance, the wapentake of Agbrigg and Morley was responsible for tax collection and maintaining order in the area. Similarly, the bailiff of the wapentake of Staincliffe and Ewcross ensured justice was served in the court. These examples illustrate the role of wapentakes in English counties in terms of governance and legal affairs.
A wapentake is an administrative division used in some parts of England, particularly in the historic counties of Yorkshire and Lincolnshire. It is similar to a hundred or a county.
The purpose of a wapentake was originally to serve as a unit for the administration of justice and the collection of taxes.
A wapentake is a smaller administrative division within a county, similar to a district or a parish, whereas a county is a larger administrative division that encompasses multiple wapentakes.
In modern times, the term wapentake is largely historical and is not commonly used in contemporary legal systems.
The term “wapentake” is derived from Old Norse and Old English words meaning “weapon” and “taking” or “seizing,” and it likely referred to the practice of raising a weapon as a symbol of assent in early assemblies.
In the past, a wapentake had powers related to local governance, including the administration of justice, the collection of taxes, and the maintenance of public order.
Wapentakes were governed by a council of local landowners and officials, who were responsible for making decisions and enforcing laws within the wapentake.
In modern England, the functions of wapentakes are largely carried out by local government authorities, such as districts, boroughs, and counties.
Wapentakes played a significant role in the early legal and administrative systems of England, and their historical importance is recognized in the study of legal history.
While wapentakes themselves are no longer directly relevant to modern legal systems, their historical significance may have implications for the interpretation of certain laws and legal traditions.
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/wapentake/
- Modern Language Association (MLA):Wapentake. dlssolicitors.com. DLS Solicitors. May 09 2024 https://dlssolicitors.com/define/wapentake/.
- Chicago Manual of Style (CMS):Wapentake. dlssolicitors.com. DLS Solicitors. https://dlssolicitors.com/define/wapentake/ (accessed: May 09 2024).
- American Psychological Association (APA):Wapentake. dlssolicitors.com. Retrieved May 09 2024, from dlssolicitors.com website: https://dlssolicitors.com/define/wapentake/
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