Deposition Book

[Footsteps]

Can someone please explain the role of the Deposition Book?  Why was it kept and what was its use?

I found the following on A2A and wonder what circumstances led to the following statements being recorded.  Was it necessary to make an oath in a court of law when moving from one area to another?

The Diocese and Archdeaconry of Chichester
FILE - DEPOSITION BOOK - ref. Ep/I/11/17 - date: Feb. 1663/4-Oct. 1676
[from Scope and Content] f.80(v)
Richard Crockford of Upmarden, Yeoman, where he had lived about 22 years,
and before in the Parish of Hambledon, Hampshire for about 30 years where,
also, he was Born. Aged about 53 years.

FILE - DEPOSITION BOOK - ref. Ep/I/11/21 - date: Dec. 1688-Apr. 1692
[from Scope and Content] f.37
Richard Crockford of Westborne. Aged about 72 years

Any further help would be much appreciated.

Marion

[stanmapstone]

A deposition was a statement made on oath, especially a written statement in lieu of the production of a witness. So presumably a Deposition Book was just a record of  depositions.
Stan