jan 1, 1653 - deodand

Description:

Etymologically a thing to be given to God. In English law if a chattel was shown to have caused the death of a reasonable creature, the owner forfeited its value to the Crown, and the money was put to pious uses, that is distributed in alms. 1336-8 <i>Catalla que dicuntur Deodanda:</i> a list of deodands in that period included a cart drawn by two horses, loaded with faggots, which caused the death of Robert Hert of Osgodby (YAJ15/201). At an early period the right to deodands was often granted to lords of manors, or to liberties: 1577 <i>Thomas Robinson for a debt due for a parcel of a dyadante ... 8s 2d</i>, Beverley (YRS84/14); 1653 <i>the Mannor of Ingleton ... All wayfes, Estrayes, deodandes, Goodes & Chattells of Fellons</i> (GRD). Deodands were abolished in 1846.

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