Legal Definitions - viridario eligendo

Viridario eligendo is a historical legal term originating from medieval England. It refers to a formal written order, known as a 'writ,' issued by the monarch or a royal court. The specific purpose of this writ was to initiate the process of electing or choosing a verderer for a royal forest.

A verderer was a significant official responsible for overseeing the 'vert' (greenery) of the forest, which included trees, vegetation, and the king's deer. They enforced forest laws, investigated offenses like poaching or illegal timber felling, and presided over local forest courts. Verderers were typically elected by the freeholders (landowners) of the county where the forest was located and often served for life, making the issuance of a viridario eligendo writ a notable event.

• Example 1: Vacancy Due to Death

  Imagine the Royal Forest of Windsor in the 13th century. Sir Geoffrey, a long-serving verderer, passes away after decades of service. His death leaves a critical gap in the forest's administration, as he was responsible for prosecuting poachers and ensuring the timber was not illegally felled. To maintain order and protect the king's interests, the local sheriff would receive a viridario eligendo writ. This writ would command him to assemble the freeholders of Berkshire to elect a new verderer to fill the vacant post, ensuring the continued enforcement of forest laws.

• Example 2: Removal for Misconduct

  Consider the New Forest during the 14th century. A verderer named Thomas was found to be neglecting his duties, failing to report illegal enclosures, and even suspected of colluding with local timber merchants. After a formal complaint and investigation, the Crown decided he was unfit to serve and removed him from office. A viridario eligendo writ would then be dispatched to the county sheriff, instructing him to organize an assembly where eligible voters could choose a more diligent and trustworthy individual to replace Thomas and restore proper oversight to the forest.

• Example 3: Incapacity Due to Illness

  In the Forest of Dean during the 15th century, Master John, one of the appointed verderers, suffered a debilitating illness that rendered him unable to ride his rounds or attend court sessions. With vital forest management tasks going unaddressed, the local community and the Crown recognized the urgent need for a replacement. A viridario eligendo writ would be issued, directing the local authorities to convene an assembly to elect a new verderer capable of fulfilling the demanding responsibilities of the office, ensuring the continued protection and proper governance of the forest.