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Author: ashelley

Understanding the Law

Understanding the Law

The absence of law would lead to a decent into chaos and conflict would surely be inevitable. It is important to emphasise that law cannot be understood without an awareness of its social, political, moral, and economic dimensions. Legal theory or jurisprudence seeks to uncover many of the deeper philosophical elements that explain the complex phenomenon of law and its operation in legal systems. Raymond Wacks, in his ‘Introduction to Law’ OUP, 2008. There are many branches of the law;…

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Heritage/ Town Lands

Heritage/ Town Lands

Following the nomadic period and ignoring the Roman conquest, people were beginning to settle in tribal territories. This was the family kinship system much as the Clans in Scotland. Boundaries were jealously guarded. The tribal system became modified by King Offa who appears to have introduced the Feudal organisation. When King William conquered England, all lands were deemed to be under the ownership of the King. For many subsequent years, the land has been distributed among members and associates of…

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Warning Over Development of Town Lands

Warning Over Development of Town Lands

To Freemen and Commoners All: WARNING All freemen with heritage lands. The ‘Grey and the Green Belt’ town lands are under speculation by Government for new housing development. I am not scaremongering when I say that there is a serious danger that threatens your lands. All such land will be under review. Be especially cautious and do not get caught napping. Make sure that all deeds and documentary sureties are readily available, and your legal advisers are aware. It is…

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Disruptions in the Countryside

Disruptions in the Countryside

I feel something needs to be said about the apparent gathering discordance developing in the countryside at large. There seem to be a rising number of factors disrupting the settled landscape. This has to some extent, become more apparent when combined with a period of deep depression following the Covid epidemic and an economic turndown in general. Firstly, the countryside has come under the economic pressures of an expanding population. The richer element of society is taking a larger slice…

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BBBF Reunion in Somerset

BBBF Reunion in Somerset

22-24 May 2024 The three “Invincibles” Together again Montacute Curious Tony Tony and Alan Table at Cadbury Court An Honorary Freedom Conveyed by Waltham Abbey The Legend of the Montacute ‘Holy Cross’ The 11th century church and manor of Waltham, Essex (on the foundations of a 7th century wooden church) was held by ‘Tovi the Proud’. The ‘Waltham Chronicle’ relates that at another estate belonging to Tovi, at Montacute near Glastonbury, a blacksmith, following a dream found a large crucifix…

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Springtime in Dorset

Springtime in Dorset

Reminiscing those special memories of past holidays on the Jurassic Coast in early spring. The view from Eype’s Mouth Hotel Walking up towards the Golden Cap Walking around St Gabriel’s {National Trust) Estate. Symondsbury – A brief History At Domesday the lands were owned by the Abbot of Cerne. The Tithe Barn, built around1440, was the third largest and second oldest Barn in Dorset. Following the Dissolution by Henry VIII, the estate came into the ownership of the Duke of…

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Admission to Borough (town or city) Freedom

Admission to Borough (town or city) Freedom

An Aide Memoire Recently, there has been a little confusion regarding the suitability of candidates and of their initiation. My following comments will apply singularly to borough (hereditary) freedom. I fully understand the dwindling nature of the uptake of candidates and am sympathetic toward its restoration. Firstly I will eliminate those seeking ‘Honorary’ freedom by alternative means. For example associate freemen of trade gilds/guilds. Such gilds are autonomous and possibly may engage associates of their gild. The Town Mayor’s Office…

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Abstract Reflections

Abstract Reflections

Of schoolboy walks through Dingley-dell on the way to church on Sundays ‘Righteousness’ or rectitude is the quality or state of being morally correct and justifiable. It can be considered synonymous with “rightness” or being “upright” or to-the-light and visible. It can be found in several religions and traditions. “ He does not die that can bequeath, Some influence on the land he knows. Or dares, persistent, interweave. Love permanent with the wild hedgerows”. Of the Norman church, St Mary’s,…

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