Several times Carol Garnett's new book "New Castle County Land Records 1770-1777" mentions 'Turf and Twig" and I found quick reference for it's use from Mass to Va.. From England- There are many Commoners in Malmesbury, all descendants of men who fought for King Athelstan at the Battle of Brunanburg in 937. AD. Athelstan, the Saxon King of Wessex, gave the men of Malmesbury a share of 700 acres of land as a reward for their part in the defeat of the Danes. They could farm or graze animals on this land. The right to become a Commoner was passed down from father to son, and a ceremony is still held when a Malmesburian becomes a Commoner. He has to stand on a piece of turf from the common and is hit on the back with a hazel stick while someone says "Turf and twig I give to thee, as King Athelstan gave to me." He then receives a share of the annual rent on the land, but ceases to be a Commoner if he moves out of Malmesbury. The Malmesbury Commoners meet several times a year in the Old Courthouse.