The
Unofficial Website
The Feoffees of Rotherham
In 1589 the Feoffees of the Common Lands of Rotherham, an ancient corporation were granted their charter by Elizabeth I. The Feoffees were performing many of the functions of the Gilds dissolved in 1547. Revenues from the Common Land were used for the benefit of the people of Rotherham, and the Feoffees were responsible for the sick and the poor of the parish, the water supply, the punishment of minor wrongdoers and the handing over of criminals to higher authority. They maintained roads, bridges and rights of way. They appointed parish officials and staff, they were in charge of the archery butts, stock and ducking stool, and the town pound or pinfold. Here straying animals were impounded and the owner had to pay a fee to get them back again (An early version of the present day wheel clamp so you can see that there is nothing new under the sun). In 1570 and 1589 when the plague came to Rotherham they organised isolation huts and nurses.