Estovers facts for kids
An estover is an old legal term from English law. It means an allowance or permission given to a person to take something they need from a piece of land or an estate. Think of it as a right to use certain resources.
Often, "estover" specifically meant the right for a tenant (someone renting land) to take wood from common land. This wood could be used for important things like repairing farm tools (called husbandry), fixing hedges and fences, or for firewood to keep warm.
What is Estover?
An estover is essentially a right to take necessary things. It's like having permission to gather resources from a property you live on or use. This was especially important in the past when people relied directly on the land for their daily needs.
Where Does the Word Come From?
The word "estover" comes from the French word estover or estovoir. This French word meant "that which is necessary." It's thought to be related to the Latin words stare (to stand) or studere (to desire).
Old English "Bote"
Before "estover" became common, the Old English word for this right was bote or boot. This word literally meant 'good' or 'profit', and it's related to our modern word "better."
There were different kinds of "bote" depending on what the wood was used for:
- House-bote: Wood for building or repairing a house.
- Cart-bote or Plough-bote: Wood for making or fixing farm tools like carts or plows.
- Hedge-bote or Hay-bote: Wood for repairing hedges or fences.
- Fire-bote: Wood for burning as firewood.
These "bote" rights were very important for people living on land, allowing them to maintain their homes and farms. Sometimes, these rights could be limited by special agreements.
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