Legal Definitions - corrody

A corrody was a historical legal agreement, most commonly found in medieval England, where an individual would transfer property or a sum of money to an institution (often a monastery or a powerful lord) in exchange for a lifelong right to receive maintenance and provisions. This arrangement essentially functioned as a pre-paid pension or a life care contract, guaranteeing the individual food, lodging, and sometimes clothing or other necessities for the remainder of their life.

Here are some examples to illustrate the concept of a corrody:

• Example 1: Monastic Support

  Imagine Lady Agnes, an elderly widow in 13th-century England, who has no children to care for her and wishes to live out her days in peace and security. She decides to grant her small estate, including a cottage and some farmland, to a local abbey. In return, the abbey grants Lady Agnes a corrody. This agreement entitles her to a private room within the abbey's guesthouse, daily meals from the monastic kitchen, and basic medical care provided by the abbey's infirmary for the rest of her life. This arrangement ensures her sustenance and shelter in exchange for her property.

• Example 2: Feudal Lord's Provision

  Consider Sir Gareth, a knight who has served his liege lord, Baron Fitzwilliam, faithfully for many years but is now too old and infirm to continue his military duties. Sir Gareth owns a modest parcel of land that provides him with a small income. To secure his future, Sir Gareth transfers the ownership of his land to Baron Fitzwilliam. In exchange, the Baron grants Sir Gareth a corrody, guaranteeing him a permanent place in the Baron's castle, daily provisions of food and drink, and a modest allowance for clothing and other personal needs until his death. This arrangement secures Sir Gareth's welfare in his old age, acknowledging his past service.