Shelia, Thank you for helping. I am trying to understand how my SMITh family lived 200yrs ago. I appreciate your help in understanding these terms. Margaret L In a message dated 5/30/2008 7:57:31 A.M. Central Daylight Time, sheila.harris@wanadoo.fr writes: >From a website: The usual system of tenancy was called 'Copyhold Tenancy', because the stewards made a 'copy' of a document listing the services or money by which each tenant held his land. British History online has a glossary offering definitions of lots of obscure terms! Sheila **************Get trade secrets for amazing burgers. Watch "Cooking with Tyler Florence" on AOL Food. (http://food.aol.com/tyler-florence?video=4&?NCID=aolfod00030000000002)