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Old Photographs, Recognition, Handwriting Deciphering => Handwriting Deciphering & Recognition => Topic started by: dcissell on Monday 20 February 12 18:01 GMT (UK)

Title: Meaning of ffraunkel? COMPLETED - Thank You
Post by: dcissell on Monday 20 February 12 18:01 GMT (UK)

In the Yorkshire Subsidy Rolls (Poll Tax) records for 1373, one of the entries for occupation is: "ffraunkel et Hosteller".

I assume that "Hosteller" means "Innkeeper", but does anyone know what "ffraunkel" might mean?

Thanks.

Title: Re: Meaning of ffraunkel?
Post by: Viktoria on Monday 20 February 12 19:44 GMT (UK)

I don`t think it is an occupation rather his status, he was a "freeman", not a serf. He had tenure on land which, other than perhaps  saying prayers  had no obligations. Another meaning  is when a group of people could act as surety for one another in the system of tithing when one tenth of what they produced was given to the local religeous order. It made sure (?) there was no cheating. I suppose they could collude and all cheat though.
So a freeman and/or one in a sort of syndicate to assure the correct tithes were rendered to the local monastery
                          Viktoria.

Title: Re: Meaning of ffraunkel?
Post by: shanghaipanda on Monday 20 February 12 19:51 GMT (UK)

Viktoria has given you a great definition already.  But seeing as I had just found this I shall post it anyway!

Definition of FRANKLIN 
 : a medieval English landowner of free but not noble birth

Middle English frankeleyn, from Anglo-French franclein, from franc
First Known Use: 14th century

Title: Re: Meaning of ffraunkel?
Post by: dcissell on Monday 20 February 12 20:25 GMT (UK)

Viktoria and Shanghaipanda,

Thank you very much for the excellent answers to my question.

dcissell