Legal Definitions - eyre

An eyre was a historical system in medieval England where royal judges, known as justices in eyre, traveled to different counties on behalf of the monarch. These traveling courts served multiple purposes: to investigate and try cases of wrongdoing, to ensure local officials were adhering to royal law, and to collect revenue for the Crown through fines and penalties. Essentially, an eyre brought the central government's authority directly to the local level, acting as both a judicial body and an administrative oversight mechanism. This system was a prominent feature of royal justice until its abolition in the 14th century.

Here are some examples illustrating the function of an eyre:

• Investigating Local Corruption and Crime: Imagine a situation in the county of Wessex where a series of unsolved thefts and a suspected murder have left the local populace uneasy, and the sheriff seems unable or unwilling to act. When the royal eyre arrives, its justices would summon local juries, hear testimony, and investigate these crimes directly. They might uncover evidence that the local sheriff was complicit or simply incompetent, ensuring that royal justice was applied where local justice had failed. This illustrates the eyre's function in investigating allegations of wrongdoing and trying cases, especially when local authorities were ineffective or corrupt.

• Administrative Oversight and Enforcement of Royal Decrees: Consider a scenario where the King has issued new decrees regarding the maintenance of bridges and roads, and the collection of feudal dues, but reports suggest that the Earl of Kent's officials are lax in their duties, leading to disrepair and lost revenue for the Crown. The eyre would visit Kent, not just to hear criminal cases, but also to scrutinize the records of the local administration. They would question the Earl's bailiffs and reeves, inspect infrastructure, and impose fines for non-compliance, thereby enforcing royal policy and ensuring good governance. This demonstrates the eyre's role in supervising local government and ensuring that royal mandates were followed, acting as an extension of the central administration.

• Raising Revenue for the Crown: Suppose the Crown is preparing for a military campaign and requires significant funds. A wealthy county like Norfolk is identified as a potential source of revenue. The eyre would be dispatched to Norfolk with a broad mandate to investigate all manner of infractions, from minor trespasses and unpaid debts to more serious crimes. They would impose fines for every conceivable offense, no matter how small, and ensure their collection, channeling these funds directly into the royal treasury to support the King's endeavors. This highlights the eyre's critical function in raising revenue for the Crown through the systematic levy of fines, often driven by the monarch's financial needs.