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Some Special Interests => Occupation Interests => Topic started by: Siely on Saturday 21 June 25 11:41 BST (UK)

Title: Verderer
Post by: Siely on Saturday 21 June 25 11:41 BST (UK)

According to online dictionaries a Verderer is somebody who was responsible for law and order in Royal Forests.  (The main offence must have been poaching.) It seems to be a separate area of law.

Title: Re: Verderer
Post by: Viktoria on Saturday 21 June 25 11:48 BST (UK)

I wonder if the word is connected to verdant —green, as in lush green pastures .Viktoria.

Title: Re: Verderer
Post by: gc1 on Saturday 21 June 25 11:53 BST (UK)

Hi Viktoria

Looks like you are right

"The title Verderer comes from the Norman word ‘vert’ meaning green and referring to woodland"

Wikipedia The Free Encyclopedia

Title: Re: Verderer
Post by: BumbleB on Saturday 21 June 25 11:54 BST (UK)

According to my "A Dictionary of old trades, titles and occupations"

Verderer - Originally a royal officer in charge of the King's forest.  Later a petty constable.

Title: Re: Verderer
Post by: Siely on Saturday 21 June 25 12:13 BST (UK)

a petty constable ? oh dear, sounds dangerous .

Title: Re: Verderer
Post by: BumbleB on Saturday 21 June 25 12:19 BST (UK)

Same source - "Petty constable.  A constable (i.e. not a High Constable).  High Constable - similar to a Chief Constable in modern times, though constable duties differed then.  (See also seneschal).

Seneschal(us)  A steward with jurisdiction over several manors.  He was often also sheriff and/or High Constable.