Duties and Offices (39)

The Act of Union finishes from post (38)....

"c23. Item, that all Mayors, Sheriffs, Stewards, Bailiffs, and other ministers and officers of justice of every county, lordship, town and place within the said dominion of Wales and all and singular the king's subjects of the same shall be always obedient attendant and assisting to the said President Council and Justices of Wales, and every of them, and shall obey the King's commandments and process from them or any of them directed, and all the reasonable and lawful precepts of the said President, Council, and Justices, and every of them, and also shall be obedient to all the said Justices of Peace, Sheriffs, and Escheators within the limits of their said authorities, as well for common administration and due execution of justice as in all other things appertaining to their duties and offices."

This ends the Act of Union as recorded in English Historical Documents 1485 - 1558, edited by C.H. Williams, 1967.  The following is a copy of the front sheet to this document...thanks.

Any additions or comments please post in the comment section.

Sheriffs (38)

The Act of Union 1536 continues from post (37)...

"c22. Item, that there shall be Sheriffs in every of the said shires yearly appointed by the King's Majesty; and that none of the said Sheriffs shall have their said office of sheriffwick any longer time than is used by the laws and statutes of England..."

The term "Sheriff" is thought to have its origin in the Anglo-Saxon hundred.  Manorial administration, within each hundred, was handled by a man called the "reeve".  He was chosen from and by the folks in the manor (villeinage), and held this position for one year.  Thus he become the "shires' reeve".  A full discussion of this can be found in Origins of The Common Law, by Arthur R. Hogue, pp.126-129.

Justices of Peace (37)

The Act of Union 1536 continues from post (36)...

"c21. Item, over and besides the said President and Council, and Justices there shall be Justices of Peace and Quorum, and also Custos Rotulorum in every of the said twelve shires.:

At the age of 14 years an individual could choose their own guardian.  This court would deal with guardianship issues that were being questioned.