FOLKMOOT

Folkmoot: translation

   The citizens' court called "le Folkmot" held on "Tota placea terrae" east of St. Paul's Church, where the new burial-ground was and where the great bell-tower of the church was.

   Dimensions given 30 ft. by 20 ft. But this would be too small, and it would seem that there must be some confusion about it.

   Complaint was made against the Dean and Chapter that they had enclosed this land to the detriment of the citizens 14 Ed. II., and the folkmoot disappeared from history about this time.

   Right of the citizens to enter the bell-tower to ring the bell to convene the Folkmot admitted (Lib. Cust. I. 343, and H. MSS. Com. 9th Rep. p. 49). Called "Folkemannemote," 25 H. III. (Lib. Albus, I. 104).

   In an extract from the Cotton MSS. relating to Folkmoots and Mootbells it is said that the Folkmoot ought to be held once a year, viz. "in capite Kalendarium Maii." This refers to the whole country, but is it certain that it applied to London? (Lib. Cust. II. 635). In the Lib. Albus, I. 118-19, provision is made for the holding of Folkmoots three times in the year, viz. at Midsummer, Michaelmas and Christmas. Folkmoots compared to Roman "Plebiscita" (ib. 8).

Folkmoot: translation

A general assembly (*moot) of the people (folk) of a town in King Alfred's time; but esp. of London where it was (probably) the city's oldest institution and its first in dignity. It was summoned by ringing the great bell of St Paul's Cathedral. Sessions were held at *Michaelmas, Christmas and Midsummer - save for occasions of emergency. It was the place for declarations of outlawry. The meeting was in open space a little to the north-east of St Paul's Cathedral. [< OldEngl. folcgemot] -

Cf. Folio; Gemot; Saint Paul's Cross