The spelling of the word "Tything" can be misleading as it does not follow typical English phonetic rules. The correct pronunciation of this word is /ˈtaɪðɪŋ/, with the "ty" sound being pronounced as "tai" and the "th" combination making a soft "th" sound as in "that". "Tything" is an archaic term referring to a small division or settlement, usually having its own church and priest, and was often found in medieval England. Despite being outdated, the word is still used today, mostly in historical or legal contexts.
Tything is a historical term that refers to a small administrative division or territorial unit found in Anglo-Saxon England. Dating back to the early medieval period, a tything typically consisted of a group of households or families that were collectively responsible for fulfilling certain civic and legal obligations under the governance of a local court.
In terms of its territorial extent, a tything usually encompassed around ten to twelve households, although this number could vary in different regions. Each tything would appoint a chief or tythingman who acted as the representative and leader of the group, responsible for maintaining law and order within the community.
The primary functions of a tything were centered around maintaining public order, security, and justice. The members of a tything collectively bore responsibility for the actions of their fellow members, ensuring that they adhered to societal norms and laws. This included the pursuit of criminals, maintaining the peace, and assisting in the provision of justice and arbitration.
Furthermore, a tything system served as a form of mutual assistance and support among its members. In times of need or emergency, such as safeguarding against raiders or assisting in times of disaster or famine, the members of a tything would come together to lend aid and support.
Overall, a tything can be perceived as a localized social and administrative unit that played a key role in maintaining order and providing collective support within Anglo-Saxon England.
The word "tything" comes from the Old English word "tīdung" (also spelled "tihting" or "tiþing"), which means "a tenth" or "tenth part". This term was derived from the Old English word "tīen", meaning "ten". In feudal England, a tything referred to the subdivision of a hundred (a geographic division) and was originally composed of ten families, who were collectively responsible for one another's conduct and actions. Over time, the concept of tything evolved to include other administrative and law enforcement responsibilities.