Legal Definitions - wapentake

A wapentake is a historical division in some English counties. It is similar to a hundred or ward in other counties. It was called wapentake because it was a place where people would touch their weapons to show that they were ready to fight for their community.

There was also a court within the wapentake where legal matters were handled. A bailiff worked in this court to help with the legal proceedings.

• In Yorkshire, there were many wapentakes that helped to govern the county.
• The wapentake of Agbrigg and Morley was responsible for collecting taxes and maintaining order in the area.
• The bailiff of the wapentake of Staincliffe and Ewcross was responsible for making sure that justice was served in the court.

These examples show how wapentakes were used in English counties to help with governance and legal matters.