Ridings and Wapentakes

[trish251]

I realise the english spoken in Australia is not always understandable, but  I thought I could understand most English used in England until I started researching family in Yorkshire. Could someone please tell me

What is a Riding and why is there no South Riding?

What is a Wapentake (and where did this word originate?) - which I read became obsolete in 1900 - so do I even need to know about same?

Where does The Ainsty and York fit into the picture - is York not part of a riding? What is the Ainsty?

 

Trish

[Little Nell]

Hi trish,

Have a look at these two sites.  The first one looks as if it will answer your question.

http://members.aol.com/wryorks/wapen.htm
http://www.genuki.org.uk/big/eng/YKS/

Nell

[trish251]

Hi Nell

Many thanks - the first one was what I was looking for. Genuki had all the terms, but I couldn't find many explanations - seems I may have to buy the book.

Trish

[Hackstaple]

Wapentake, from Norse and found only in those areas which were substantially under Viking rule - the northern counties of England. In the south these are mostly known as Hundreds - administrative sub-districts. Wapentake is "the touching of weapons". When a new chief was elected the men of the tribe touched their spears to his showing that their spears were at his service.
Ridings is from Thridings [thirdings or thirds]. that is why there are 3 and not 4.
The Liberty of Ainsty and York was a major administrative unit that fell outside the Ridings and was administered by the aldermen and clergy of York.
We like to keep these quaint things on the go - it is part of being British.

[trish251]

Hi Hack

Many thanks - being of English, Scottish and Irish descent (have not found anyone from Wales yet), I'm learning about these quaint customs - I just keep finding new ones all the time, which is why my child will probably have to complete the family history.

Trish