That's a good suggestion Lyn. I'll send it on. However, the original enquiry came from someone who had read it in a transcription of the "Battle Abbey Roll" so the original (if it was) Latin is somewhat remote. This is where the transcription may be found - you have to scroll down until you come to the paragraph headed Bracy, or Ctrl-F, and put Malbank in the search box: http://www.1066.co.nz/library/battle_abbey_roll1/chap01.htm I do not vouch for its accuracy, veracity or authenticity!! Ruth > -----Original Message----- > From: cheshire-bounces@rootsweb.com > [mailto:cheshire-bounces@rootsweb.com] On Behalf Of Mrs L. McCulloch > Sent: 13 April 2014 23:52 > To: cheshire@rootsweb.com > Subject: [CHS] Black Nephew > > I consulted my non - Family Historian but very sensible other > half and he suggested that it may have been a mis-reading of > a contracted word in the original document > > eg ' blvd' for 'beloved'. > > That would fit with the context better than 'black.' > > ' William Malbank, Baron of Nantwich, gives notice that he > has received of Robert de Bracy, his beloved nephew, homage > and 3 knights' fees.' > > Any comments on this theory? > > Regards, > > Lyn >