I think your sensible other half has come up with the answer, if the document's in English, as "black nephew" makes no sense at all! If in Latin, the word black (niger is the usual) also has a number of other meanings as well as black, which include "unlucky" ."bad" and "dark haired". And it's not the only Latin word which could be translated as "black". Somebody has made a mistake in transcription I reckon. My other half is also a non family historian, but is often good at cutting to the chase. His last offering was "you've got too many Marys"! (He was right) Angela > > > -----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