Heriot A right of the lord of a manor to the best jewel, beast, or chattel of a deceased copyhold tenant.
The word is compounded of the Saxon here (army), geatu (grant), because originally it was military
furniture, such as armour, arms, and horses paid to the lord of the fee. (Canute, c. 69.)

Some of the most enjoyable stories I have ever read were those written under pen name "James Herriot"

Alf Wight was a country vet and as James Herriot a best selling author. Two films and the popular television
series 'All Creatures Great And Small' were based on his books. The stories were based on his experiences as a country vet. His first book -'If only they could talk'- was published in 1970. In all he wrote eight books about his life as a vet. In 1979 his illustrated "James Herriot's Yorkshire" was published with photographs by Derry Brabbs. The book with photographs of the Yorkshire Dales, Moors and Coast and commentary by Alf went on to be another best seller