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Archiver > GEN-MEDIEVAL > 1999-07 > 0931461842


From: Kay Robinson< >
Subject: Re: William Carter yeoman?
Date: Thu, 08 Jul 1999 19:24:02 GMT


On Thu, 8 Jul 1999 05:05:29 -0700 "dkoskie"
<> sharpened a new quill and wrote:

>Could someone please enlighten me as to the meaning of yeoman? I have read
>that it is (1) Someone who has worked in the home of a "great". (2) An
>assistant to a Sheriff. (3) A farmer. I have a William Carter of
>Bedfordshire who is a freeman in 1548 and the same William Carter of Bromham
>as a yeoman. Does anyone know which is correct? This William was married to
>Elizabeth Cranfield in 1522. Would the meaning of "yeoman" possibly
>evolved with the passing of time, and if so, what might have it meant during
>the early 1500's? I am also seeking any information I can find about
>William's parentage.
>thanks.

A 'Yeoman' would be somebody who farmed a small estate (but not
necessarily the owner of the property) and a 'Freeman' would be
someone who is free as opposed to serf or slave. Another use of the
word 'Freeman' could denote a person who has been given the freedom of
a city or town as a form of honour.

Can't help you regarding the parentage, sorry.

Kay

Please note that my email domain name is
deliberately misspelt dail instead of dial
- ------------------------------------------
A good end cannot sanctify evil, nor must
we ever do evil that good may come of it.
Force may subdue, but Love gains, and he
that forgives first wins the laurel.

William Penn 1644-1718
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Kay Robinson <>
Give all you can, Take only what you need

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