Brithem facts for kids

A Brithem was a special legal expert in medieval Scotland. Think of them as important judges or law-keepers. This job was often passed down through families, meaning it was hereditary. Brithems helped make sure laws were followed in different parts of Scotland called provinces.

Historians believe this role existed long before it was first written down in the 1100s. Each province usually had at least one Brithem. They were not chosen by the king. Instead, they were important people within their own province. While we don't have records of Brithems in a place called Lothian, we know they were active in Galloway.

What Did Brithems Do?

Brithems handled important legal matters. They dealt with issues that were too big for local courts. Their work involved many different tasks.

Settling Land Disputes

Brithems helped solve arguments about land. They would walk around the edges of properties to figure out who owned what. This was called a perambulation. It helped make sure everyone knew their land boundaries.

Witnessing Important Papers

They also witnessed charters. These were official documents, like contracts or agreements. When a Brithem witnessed a charter, it made the document more official and trustworthy.

Investigating Cases

Brithems also conducted inquests. This means they investigated certain situations or crimes. They would gather information to help make fair decisions.

Overseeing Courts and Assemblies

They supervised legal meetings and courts held by powerful lords. These were called seigneurial courts. Brithems made sure these meetings followed the rules. They also helped manage larger gatherings where laws were discussed.

Handling Compensation

Brithems played a role in cases of violence. If someone was hurt, they helped decide how much compensation (payment) the victim's family should receive. This was a way to bring justice and peace after a conflict.

How the Brithem's Role Changed

For a long time, Brithems were very powerful. They even made laws and gave important judgments. Sometimes, their decisions were more important than those of bishops or abbots. They could even overrule other important people at provincial meetings.

The King's Growing Power

However, things began to change around the time of William the Lion, a Scottish king. Kings started to see themselves as the main source of law. This meant the Brithem's role slowly became less important.

The King's Brithem

By the 1180s, a new type of legal expert appeared: the "King's Brithem." These experts worked directly for the King, not for a specific province. This showed how the King's power was growing.

Decline of the Brithem

The last time we hear about a group of Brithems making laws was in 1221. By the end of the 1200s, the Brithem's status had clearly dropped. They appeared in less important positions on official lists. They were mostly seen in documents from earls, not from the King or church leaders. Their once powerful role slowly faded away.