The concept of the “hundred” was a key administrative unit in medieval England, particularly in rural areas, and it played a significant role in local governance from the Anglo-Saxon period through the later Middle Ages. Hundreds were subdivisions of shires (counties) and were integral to the administration of justice, collection of taxes, and the organization of local defense. Here’s how hundreds administered rural areas:
1. Local Governance and Law Enforcement
- Court System: The hundred was primarily known for its court, the “hundred court,” which met regularly to deal with local disputes, minor criminal cases, and the administration of justice. This court was typically presided over by a local official known as the hundredman, or later by a bailiff or steward appointed by the local lord or the Crown.
- Dispute Resolution: The hundred court handled a range of legal matters, including property disputes, breaches of the peace, and other civil and criminal cases that did not warrant the attention of higher courts. It served as an essential forum for maintaining order in rural communities.
- Maintenance of Order: The hundred court also organized the “frankpledge” system, a form of collective responsibility where groups of ten households (tithings) were held accountable for each other’s conduct. This system helped enforce local law and order by ensuring that individuals within a community adhered to the law.
2. Tax Collection and Economic Administration
- Fiscal Responsibilities: Hundreds were responsible for the collection of taxes and other levies on behalf of the Crown. This included the collection of the “fyrd” tax, which supported the local militia, as well as various other dues and fines imposed by the hundred court.
- Resource Management: The hundred was often involved in the management and regulation of communal resources such as common land, forests, and meadows. This could include decisions on land use, agricultural practices, and the rights of local inhabitants to access these resources.
3. Military and Defensive Roles
- Military Muster: The hundred had an important role in organizing local defense. It was responsible for mustering the local militia, known as the “fyrd,” in times of need. This could include defending against external threats or dealing with internal unrest.
- Provision of Men and Equipment: The hundred was tasked with providing a certain number of men and equipment for the king’s army, based on the size and resources of the hundred. This made the hundred a crucial element in the broader defense strategy of the kingdom.
4. Administrative Subdivisions
- Parishes and Manors: Within the hundred, there were smaller units like parishes and manors that handled more localized administration, particularly related to the church and feudal obligations. The hundred coordinated the activities of these smaller units, ensuring that laws and policies were applied consistently across the rural area.
- Overseeing Local Officials: The hundred was often responsible for overseeing local officials such as constables, who were charged with maintaining law and order at the village level. These officials reported to the hundred court and were accountable to it.
5. Community and Social Cohesion
- Public Meetings: The hundred court and other gatherings provided a venue for the rural population to participate in local governance, fostering a sense of community and shared responsibility. This also helped in disseminating royal decrees and local regulations, ensuring that the population was informed of their duties and rights.
- Social Regulation: The hundred had a role in regulating moral and social behavior, enforcing standards related to marriage, inheritance, and community conduct, often in conjunction with the Church.
Decline of the Hundred
Over time, the importance of the hundred diminished, especially after the Norman Conquest, as the central government grew stronger and new forms of local administration emerged, such as the parish system and the more centralized royal courts. However, hundreds remained a key part of the rural administration for many centuries, providing a link between the local populace and the broader structures of government.
In essence, the hundred served as a fundamental unit of rural administration, ensuring that local governance, law enforcement, tax collection, and defense were managed effectively at a community level, while also integrating these activities into the broader framework of the kingdom.
