Legal Definitions - hundredary

A hundredary was a historical official, specifically the chief or presiding officer of a "hundred." In medieval England and some other regions, a hundred was an administrative division of land, typically smaller than a county but larger than a village. This division had its own local court and administrative functions, and the hundredary was the primary authority responsible for overseeing these duties within their territory.

Here are some examples to illustrate the role of a hundredary:

• Imagine a dispute between two villagers in 12th-century England over the ownership of a stray pig. The matter would likely be brought before the local Hundred Court. The hundredary would be the official who presided over this court, listening to the arguments, examining evidence, and guiding the proceedings to reach a judgment based on local customs and laws. This demonstrates the hundredary's role as a presiding judicial and administrative officer.

• During times of local crisis, such as a severe drought affecting crop yields, the community within a hundred would look to its leader for guidance. The hundredary would be responsible for coordinating efforts to manage the available resources, perhaps organizing the storage and distribution of grain, or even negotiating with neighboring hundreds for assistance. This illustrates the hundredary's function as the chief administrative officer, responsible for the welfare and governance of their division.

• If a serious crime, like a theft or assault, occurred within a hundred, it would fall to the hundredary to ensure that justice was pursued. They would be the primary authority figure responsible for organizing the pursuit of suspects, gathering evidence, and maintaining peace and order among the residents. This highlights the hundredary's role as a chief officer in upholding law enforcement and public safety within their administrative area.