Land agents & bailiffs...
Posted by P. Bingham on February 04, 1998 at 14:50:59:
In response to Stewards, agents, bailiffs . . ., written by Woodhouse on February 04, 1998 at 07:57:48
Dear Woodhouse:
Land agent: this would have been the gentleman who oversaw affairs for
the gentleman's estates, usually estates which the gentleman never visited. For instance, if an English gentleman had land in Ireland but lived his days in England, he would need someone to oversee the collection of rents and other necessary business dealings. A land agent might oversee several properties, not exclusive to one employer. He would not be a servant, of course, but a business man. He might be referred to as a agent.
Bailiff: Sorry, I'll have to get back to you on this one. There are several types and I would wish to give you accurate information.
No, these terms would not be interchangeable, with the exception of agent, and land agent. Just think of the word agent being someone that the master might hire to oversee the exchange of money.
Hope that answered you question.
Patricia
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