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Author: ashelley

Puddingstones

Puddingstones

Megalithic (puddingstone) Marker I recently came across an interesting article by Gerry Smith in the Autumn 2024 Suffolk Review. He brings to light the theory of Dr Ernest A. Rudge about ‘puddingstones’. Puddingstones are minor megaliths (surfaced like plum puddings) that crop up in various places. The theory is that they were placed by Neolithic man as ‘way-markers’ to aid the distribution of Flint loads from its sources. In other words they marked the ‘Flint-ways, in much the same as…

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Road to Serfdom

Road to Serfdom

(Socialism vs Free-market) A great deal has been written of the freedom thought to be had by employing those powerful philosophies of either ‘Socialism or Fascism’ to govern a population. Famously a book was published in 1944 that is worthy of consideration regarding their consequences. These were the views, at that time, of Frederich Hayek, an Austrian-British economist. He argues that there must be freedom in economic affairs. That centralised planning by government would inevitably lead to ‘totalitarianism’. His central…

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The Grand Tour

The Grand Tour

(A cultural exploration) During the 18th century it was considered a necessary adjunct to a good education to visit places of classical antiquity. It was seen as an important rite of passage for the young aristocrat to travel through Europe by carriage lasting for as long as a year. Typically they would travel through France to Paris visit Switzerland to see the Alps and travel around Italy. This would include Venice, Florence, Rome, and Milan. Some would travel further into…

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Monasticism

Monasticism

The monastic regime developed alongside the earliest English establishment of the Christian Church. The Roman/Irish/English movement stretched over some 600 years. In earliest times there were some who would seek an ascetic form of dedicated, self-severe devotion. This would include the hermit in a cave dwelling and those individuals who requested to be locked up in the confinement of a church building. While there were early signs of established Christianity in southern England early in the 4th century, following its…

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Historic Courts

Historic Courts

Descriptions of Courts Courts Baron. Courts Leet. Customary Courts of the manor. Courts of Pie Poudre. Courts of the Staple. Courts of the clerks of the markets (or clerk of the market). Hundred Courts. Law Days. Views of Frankpledge. Common law (or Sheriffs’) county courts as known before the passing of the M1 County Courts Act 1846. Changes to legislation: There are currently no known outstanding effects for the Administration of Justice Act 1977, Part II . Part II Specific Courts…

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Understanding the Law

Understanding the Law

The absence of law would lead to a descent 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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