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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.
Title: Re: Verderer
Post by: Siely on Tuesday 26 August 25 20:47 BST (UK)
Verderers were elected officials not appointed according to local newspaper notices.
Title: Re: Verderer
Post by: Jebber on Tuesday 26 August 25 22:04 BST (UK)
Wikipedia has a comprehensive account on the responsibilities of a Verderers

Or better still go to BBC iPlayer and watch this mornings Countryfile and See Adam Henson with a New Forest Verderer and learn about the management of Forest and  the animals .