Borough English is a term used to describe a system of inheritance in England where the youngest son inherits the family estate. The spelling of "borough" in this context is unique as it is pronounced differently than the common pronunciation of the word. The IPA phonetic transcription for this pronunciation is /ˈbʌrə/, which is different from the more common /ˈbɜːrə/ pronunciation. It is important to note the distinction in pronunciation when discussing this specific context of "borough English."
Borough English is a legal concept that originated in medieval England and refers to a system of inheritance and property rights. It is primarily associated with the customary laws of land tenure in certain parts of the country.
In borough English, the youngest son has the right to inherit his father's estate or property instead of the eldest son, as is the case with primogeniture, the customary rule of inheritance. This custom was significant because it allowed for the preservation of family estates and kept landholdings intact. It also provided a means of support for younger sons who did not inherit the family title or lands.
Under borough English, the principle of inheritance applied only when there were no male heirs old enough to inherit or if the eldest son had died. In these cases, the youngest son would assume the rights to the family's estate. This custom was considered beneficial as it prevented land from being dispersed among multiple heirs, thereby ensuring its economic and social stability.
While primarily associated with the customary laws of land tenure, borough English also applied to personal property and other assets. It is important to note that the custom varied in different areas and could be subject to specific local regulations or restrictions.
In modern times, borough English is mostly a historical concept, as the laws of inheritance have evolved and primogeniture is now the dominant principle in most jurisdictions.
The word "borough" comes from the Old English word "burh" which means fortified town or settlement. It is derived from the Proto-Germanic word "burz" meaning fortress.
The term "borough English" refers to a traditional English custom of inheritance, where the youngest son inherits the family estate instead of the eldest. The term "English" in this context is used to distinguish it from similar customs in other regions.
The etymology of "borough English" is a combination of the word "borough" and the adjective "English", indicating that this custom was specifically attributed to England.