A Will

[sstarr2008]

Hi,

I have been asked for my opinion on the wording of a 16th century will. It says "I bequest the lease and ..........    of my farmhold with Income of my lands" with a word which I think could possibly be "socage" but I was wondering if anybody agreed or had alternatives?

Stu

[known_unknowns]

'Google' socage: there is such a word, though I hadn't heard of it before. Something to do with land and the feudal system.

[veeblevort]

Unfortunately, the word you are interested in is defaced by
the 'f' and 'p' descending from the line above.

I would say it is definitely not 'socage', because socage
tenure could not be bequeathed. It passed automatically to
the next generation (Statute of Quia Emptores, Ed. 1st, 1290).

Apart from that, the word appears to be 'tacts', which I
can't explain, but will keep on looking.

vv.

[Alexander.]

I think it's 'tacke'.

According to the OED:

Tack
2a) Tenure or tenancy, of land, benefice, etc.: esp. leasehold tenure, e.g. of a farm, mill, or the like; the period of tenure. Sc. and north. Eng.

Alexander

[veeblevort]

I can see 'tacke' now that it is pointed out.

So I only scored 60%. Must try harder. 

vv.

[clayton bradley]

Stuart A. Raymond "Words from wills" says "pasture for cattle and horses hired out" and I have read a couple of wills from Derby where "tacks" were, as it were, contrasted with another method of holding, messuages, I think. In that instance, it appeared to mean that "tacks" were not built on, but I may have misunderstood it. Also, some of the Dearnley wills for the Glossop area mention something called the "Glossopdale tack". Perhaps the exact meaning of the word varied from place to place. claytonbradley

[sstarr2008]

Thanks very much to all those who have helped.

Stu