Lathes and Hundreds
The division of Kentish land into Lathes and Hundreds dates back to Saxon times but was not fully established until the thirteenth century.
Each hundred consisted of several parishes grouped together with a 'court' or meeting place where the inhabitants dealt with routine judicial, security and tenency matters. The grouping of hundreds into Lathes was for judicial purposes; the justices travelled around the lathe every three months to deal with more serious matters - the origins of the Quarter Sessions.
The Lathes and Hundreds of Kent as established by the 13th century.
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