An officer appointed by the manorial court to assess and moderate financial penalties.
An affeeror was a person appointed by the manorial court to assess or confirm the amount of a fine or amercement.
Because penalties imposed by the court were often described as “at the mercy” of the lord, affeerors helped ensure that the amount was reasonable and appropriate according to local custom.
Affeerors were usually experienced members of the tenant community who understood the customs and obligations of the manor.
The term appears in many court rolls and provides evidence of the way local communities participated in the administration of manorial justice.
See also:
Amercement
Court Baron
Court Roll
Fine
Homage Jury
