jan 1, 1590 - brigtree

Description:

It was not unusual for a plank to be placed across a ditch or gutter to serve as a bridge. In 1543, for example, Jefferaye Charder of Reeth sought to provide such a convenience for the parish: <i>I will that my executors shall bye one tree of one foote brode and laye yt over Waveland becke</i> (SS26/64). In Methley, in 1469, several tenants were ordered to place <i>brigtrees</i> near their houses in the common way and in 1590 Thomas Blewett was ordered to place <i>a paire of guttertrees</i> in the common lane: these were called <i>gutter trees</i> as early as 1509 (Th35/183,193,240).

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