Burial registers - Affid???

[judb]

I'm looking at burials in Kirby Muxloe around the 1720s, particularly in 1728/9.  All of the burial records show the date of burial and then a notation which reads Affid or Affid Brought and another date which is usually a week later than the burial date. 

What is this annotation, please?

Judith

[philipsearching]

In 1666 a law was passed requiring bodies to be buried in woollen.  Subsequent law was repealed in the 19th century.  The intention was to reduce imports of linen and protect the English and Welsh sheep and weaving industries.

An affidavit (a sworn oath) was required, stating that the deceased person had been buried in woollen.  Failure to comply was punishable by a fine.

http://www.historyhouse.co.uk/articles/buried_in_wool.html

Hope this helps
Philip

[judb]

Makes sense now as that's obviously the explanation.

Many thanks,

Judith