The ‘virge’ or rod of the steward of the manor of Coity Wallia. This is the ceremonial staff that was used in the manorial court for the transfer of copyhold land. It is a straight branch of briar rose with the sharp ends of the thorns filed down, and measures 31 inches/79cm in length and approximately 1 1/8 inches/3cm in thickness. There is a rebate carved into the top end suggesting it once had a head (now lost), while the other end has been sharpened to a point and is shod with an iron ferrule. In explanation of its function, see Sir Bartholomew Shower, ‘The Compleat English Copyholder,’ vol. II, p. 528 (London, 1735): “In some Manors where a Copyholder surrendereth his Copyhold, he useth to hold a little Rod in his Hand, which he delivereth to the Steward or Bailiff, according to the Custom of the Manor, to deliver it over to the Party to whose Use the Surrender was made, in the Name of Seisin, and from thence they are called Tenants by the Virge. In some Manors instead of a Wand, a Straw is used, and in other Manors a Glove is used; and the Custom of the Place is always to be observd.” The manor of Coity Wallia is in the Bridgend area.

This material is held atWest Glamorgan Archive Service