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Minor Queries with Answers.
_Lawless Court, Rochford, Essex._--A most extraordinary custom exists, in a
manor at Rochford, in the tenants holding under what is called the "Lawless
Court." This court is held at midnight, by torch-light, in the centre of a
field, on the first Friday after the 29th Sept., and is presided over by
the steward of the manor, who, however, appoints a deputy to fulfil this
part of his duty. The tenants of the manor are obliged to attend to answer
to their names, when called upon, under pain of a heavy fine, or at all
events have some one there to respond for them. All the proceedings are
carried on in a whisper, no one speaking above that tone of voice; and the
informations as to deaths, names, &c. are entered in a book by the
president with a piece of charcoal. I may add, the business is not
commenced until a cock has crowed three times, and as it is sometimes a
difficult matter to get Chanticleer to do his duty, a man is employed to
crow, whose fee therefor is 5s.
Now Morant, in his _History of Essex_, merely cursorily mentions this most
singular custom, and has nothing as to its antiquity or origin; I should
therefore feel much obliged for any information concerning it.