In a message dated 21/01/2007 02:53:39 GMT Standard Time, [email protected] writes: > > Dear list, > > Having had enormous assistance with the deciphering of an ancient will I ask > for your help again. > > I have seen numerous of my HARLE ancestors in the Northumberland area listed > as witnesses or attorneys to documents,(particularly in the 16th and 17th > centuries) but have not found records of their legal training in either the > Oxford of Cambridge lists. > > What training did lawyers receive during this period, and was it more of an > 'apprenticeship' situation? > > Heather Brain > Melbourne, Vic. A > > > ==================================== Hello Heather, If you are looking at title deeds it may be that what you are seeing is someone acting as an attorney for the "Livery of Seizin" [the actual handing over of a clod of earth or a key]. If this is the case, the person did not need legal training, it was just someone to act on another's behalf. Best wishes, Margaret.