LUDSHOTT MANOR COURT ROLLS, 1400–1833

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Dates are of first Ludshott document of the reign, not of the monarch: Henry IV (1400) . Henry V (1415) . Henry VI (1423) . Edw IV (1462) . Henry VII (1458) . Henry VIII (1523) . Edw VI (1548) . Philip & Mary (1555) . Elizabeth (15591602) . James I (1604) . Charles I (1640) . Commonwealth (1651) . Charles II (1668) . George III (17661811) . George IV (1827) . William IV (1833)


1. Z23/21. Court heading illegible – but c.1399/1400, see next Court.

The business done suggests that this was the first Court of a new Lord of the Manor – but see list of Lords.

4/2. Thomas Chamberlayne does fealty to the Lord and holds … one messuage and half a virgate (paying) 6s.8d. annually at Michaelmas and owes (suit of Court).

4/3. Richard de Wydenhall does fealty and agrees that he holds from the Lord … and one virgate previously held by his father for … payable at Easter and Michaelmas in equal portions, and that he owes suit of court.

4/4. The same Richard agrees that he holds a (messuage?) and tenement previously held by William … paying 7s.6d. a year, at Easter 6d., at Michaelmas 7s.

4/5. Roger atte Stepe does fealty and agrees that he holds as a free tenant … paying 10s. (and?) a pound of pepper annually at Michaelmas.

4/6. (Robert Wall is occupying?) land and tenements previously held by John Wall by service … and suit of Court. Summoned to Court but has not come. Order is given etc.

4/7. (Robert le?) Young does fealty and agrees that he holds in villein tenure one (messuage?) and one virgate by service of 4s. at Easter and Michaelmas and by (reaping) corn for 3 days with two men or he will give 8d., at choice [ad voluntatem, presumably at the Lord’s choice).

5/2. The same (Robert?) holds 1 toft and 4 crofts of land once held by Richard Passova … and reaps the Lord’s corn for 4 days with 1 man or he will give ….

5/3. … holds 1 messuage and 1 parcel of land by rent of …s. and … all services as Robert le Young.

5/4. (Peter?) Newman holds 1 messuage and l½ virgates by … and all services as the aforesaid Robert.

5/5. … holds 1 cottage and 3 crofts of land previously (held by) … (and all services) as for the aforesaid Peter.

5/6. … holds 1 cottage and 1 croft for … and has to reap as the aforesaid Richard Passova [cp.5/2].

5/7. Peter atte Wood holds in villein tenure 1 messuage and 1 ploughland by service of … (rent), payable at Michaelmas and he must reap as the aforesaid Richard Passova.

5/8. Alice Foghell (=Fogle) holds in villeinage 1 cottage by service of 8d. a year at … [see 8/2].

6/3. (Remaining) in hand (with the Lord?) land and a tenement which ?William Gentill ?held … and half a virgate which Alice Gilbert ?widow held in villeinage. [Rest of sheet 6 illegible].

2. Verso of Z.23/21. LUDSHOT. COURT HELD THERE ON … IN THE SECOND YEAR OF HENRY IV (1400 or 1401).

7/4. At this Court order is given to distrain to the next Court [ie. oblige to attend then] ?Richard. Holles, John … & John ?Hithiers of Hedleigh [Headley] to (answer a charge) that they (in the Lord’s?) wood and cut down oaks growing there and carried them away.

7/5. William ?Fishe … because he ?hunted in the Lord’s warren and … trampled down … at Blainchards, on penalty for each of them of … He now comes and gives the Lord for a fine …

7/6. John Duffield who held 1 messuage and … land called Woodhouse has died, heriot one male draught-animal value 12d. Proclamation had been made for any of his kin who wished to take the holding – no one came. John Bigkenhall takes the said messuage and land with its appurtenances, to have and to hold for him and his, by services and customs according to the custom of the manor, at the Lord’s pleasure. He gives the Lord … 4s.; his sureties for the fine for messuage and land, John Blanchard and William Souch.

8/1. Order is given to distrain John Beell for the relief, homage, fealty and other services due for the holding he has of the Lord by military service, before the next Court [relief = ‘entrance money’ payable on taking over a holding].

812. Alice Foghell [cp.5/9] comes and surrenders 1 messuage with curtilage and garden and one croft opposite Ludeshat grove, to the use of Peter le Young; heriot to the Lord one … Peter has not yet paid a ‘fine’ for the said land so it remains in the Lord’s hands [see 9/2].

Assessors: Peter Young and William Stede.

3. LUDSHOT. COURT HELD ON THE FEAST OF ST EDWARD THE MARTYR IN THE FIFTH YEAR OF HENRY IV (18 March 1404).

9/2. John Beell, free tenant, is in default [has not come as ordered at 8/1], so order is given to distrain him (to next Court). William Stede is also guilty of failing to come. Richard ?Durvet who held one messuage and one ferling [usually = ¼ virgate] and l½ acres of land in Ludeshot has died, heriot to the Lord 1 cow value 6s.8d. And the said tenement and closes … to a loss of 3s.4d. which … to the use of the Lord. John Newman allows his tenement to be in disrepair and fails to repair it, so is in mercy; he is ordered etc. William Stede fails to reside on his villein holding so is in mercy; order is given … The Prior of Selborne has taken over without permission one grove containing about 4 acres in the villein holding called Woodhouse [see 7/6; Selborne Priory held Priors in NE Ludshott, nr. Gentills – see Farm Index, ‘Priors’]; order given to distrain … to next Court. One toft and 2 crofts containing 3 acres, once held by Alice Foghell, remain in the Lord’s hands [see 8/2 – and 9/3?].

9/3 [badly torn). Robert Chester and wife Joan take on the tenancy of … cottage & curtilage and one acre of land in Ludshot which William Foghell … ; it came into the Lord’s hands because no one of the said William Foghell’s blood (claimed the holding. So Robert takes it on according) to the custom of the said manor and gives for a ‘fine’ … and does fealty, his surety [for payment] being Peter ?Longe …

[New parchment begins here, Queen’s No. Z. 23/1].

10/1. William Re … takes on … of villein land, plus 5¼ acres, previously held by Richard Duvett in Ludshott [cp.9/2] (to have and to hold) for him and his according to the custom of the manor and gives the Lord for a fine for entry 13s.8d., and is admitted to the tenancy and does fealty etc.; his surety is Peter Longe the ?younger.

10/2. William at Well who holds … land in the … of Ludshott called Aylemonds Lands has not sworn fealty to the Lord; ordered that the said William be distrained to do homage to the Lord, with the other services going with the said holding. The said William now comes and makes a fine with the Lord (for the tenancy) and gives 5s. and does homage. And it is agreed that ….

10/3. Robert Cover comes and takes the tenancy of 1 toft and 1 ferling of villein land ….

10/4. …

Assessors: John ?Newman and John Blanchard.

4. LUDESHOTE. COURT HELD THERE ON JUNE THIRD, IN THE SIXTH REGNAL YEAR OF HENRY IV (3 June 1405).

11/3. John Bicknell and William Long [?have failed to attend court].

11/4. John Bicknell (2d. ), William Long (2d. ) are fined ….

Rest of this side is illegible.

5. (Verso of Z.23/1) … COURT HELD THERE ON THE FEAST OF THE EXALTATION OF THE HOLY CROSS, THIRD REGNAL YEAR OF HENRY V (14 Sept 1415).

Photocopy pages 13–17 are a rent roll of the manor; for ease of reference the entries are summarised below in tabular style, ending with the annual rent; m=messuage, v=virgate, c=cottage, purp. =purpresture,ie. a piece enclosed from the ‘waste’. References 13/5 to 17/9 are to lines on the page, not to paragraphs.

Free Tenants.                        Holding                                    Annual Rent

13/5. Robert Gore                   1 m, 1 v                                   10s. & 1 lb. pepper

13/7. Peter att Crouch             do.                                          12s.

do                                           1 purp. called …                      6d

13/11. Peter Young                 ½v, called Gentills                    1 rose

do                                           1 m and 1 ferling                      2s.

14/7. Thos. Komber                l m, l v, Wydenhales                 15s.

14/9. Jn.Beele de Fermesham [Frensham]     1m. ½v               6d.

14/11. Peter Young [again?]    ½v, called ?Wadland               1 lb. Cumin

14/13. Wm. Newman              ½v.                                          1 lb. Cumin

do                                           1 purp.                                    ?

14./16. Robert atte ?Well         ½v.                                          ?

do.                                          1 purp.                                    6d.

14/19. Prior of Selborne          ½v.                                          ?

TOTAL RENTS, FREE TENANTS – 49s. 8d., 1lb. Pepper, 2 lbs. cummin.

Tenants holding ‘at the Lord’s pleasure’.

14/22. John Bickenhull sen.      ½ v.                                         ?

14/24. John Bickenhull jun.      ½ v. 7s.

14/26. Wm Souch                   ½ v.                                         7s.

14/27. Wm Gentill                   1 cottage &                             3s. 4d.

15/9. Agnes Doffield                do.                                          3s.

15/10. Robert Cover               1 c.+ ferlingate called Wastell   3s. 4d.

15/12. Roger Young                1m. ½ v.                                  7s.

do.                                          1 toft & ½ v. called Gore         6s.

16/1. Robert Gore                   … called Stedes                      3s.

16/3. Wm Newman                 1 cottage called Sparage          16d.

16/5. Rich. Young                    1 ferlingland                             4s.

16/6. Rob. Widdenhall             1 croft called Goldenland         5s.

TOTAL RENTS, TENANTS HOLDING BY CUSTOM OF THE MANOR – 51s.

[No heading – Tenants leasing part of demesne, see foot & note to 41/3].

16/9. Richard de Bramshott [or just Richard of Bramshott?]

1 ‘campus’ called ?Wolker’s & 1 parcel of demesne land (campus=an enclosed field) 6s.8d.

16/12. Wm.Newman,   1 garden of the Lord & 1 campus called … dingfeild     5s.

16/14. Wm. Qweynt     1 campus, 1 moor called Shiphousefeild & the Breche   20s.

16/16. Jn. Beelle           1 campus called (?He)bdenfeld, & 1 parcel of land called the Coniggare (Anglo-Norman =coney-warren) 7s.

17/3. Roger Young       1 campus called Berifeld, one … called the ?Feild, one ferlingland called Shepherds paying 3s ….. ?9s.

17/7 Robert Over         1 campus called Werefeild        10s.?

17/9 Wm. Newman      1 meadow called Kingsleesmede           16s.

TOTAL, DEMESNE TENANTS – £3.2.8d

TOTAL, ALL RENTS AND ‘FARMS’ – £9.8.4d, plus 1 lb. Pepper, 2 lbs. Cumin, 1 red rose.

17/13. The homage say that Robert Gore is in default [has failed to attend], fined 3d. Wm.Smyth who holds 1 cottage, garden, curtilage and 3 acres of land with appurtenances allows the said cottage to be ruinous and has removed himself from the Lord’s land and left the said cottage, curtilage and 3 acres and the whole tenancy. Ordered for this to be verified … On this Richard Primestede comes and accepts the said cottage and 3 acres with appurtenances, granted to him and his according to the custom of the manor; he gives the Lord for a fine … does fealty and is admitted to the tenancy.

18/2. Robert Gore has cut down and felled 3 oaks in … called ??Hanger Hill without permission and carried them away, fined 6d. [cp.22/4] … ??Edward ??Poyle …

Rest of p. 18–20 virtually illegible – a few names visible, eg. William Souch, Robert Gore again, plus a beginning of a new Court session on 19 – and at foot of 20, “Assessors: William Newman, John Bickenhall”.

6. LUDESHOTE. COURT HELD THERE ON THE 21ST JUNE IN THE SEVENTH REGNAL YEAR OF HENRY V (21 June 1419).

Excused. No one.

21/6. John Beell, John …, the Prior of Selborne have failed to attend; the bailiff is ordered to ‘distrain’ them (to attend next Court?) …

21/9. John Bickenell junior who holds from the Lord (a messuage) and half a virgate previously held by John Newman has died, heriot to the Lord one hen, value 2d., because he has nothing else. So the said messuage and land are in the Lord’s hand. John Bicknell, represented by William att Hole, claims to succeed to the said messuage and land according to the custom of the manor, giving rent and services as due and customary, and gives [promises] the Lord for a fine 6s.8d. and is allotted a day to swear fealty; surety for payment and for repairing the said messuage, Peter att Crouch.

22/2. William Sawyer who holds according to the custom of the manor a cottage, garden & 2 acres has died, heriot 1 cow value 6s.8d., said cottage & land remains in hand.

22/3. John at Welle who owes the Lord 4 days (field-)work with one man in autumn, plus carrying the hay with the other tenants, has withdrawn from this work for a year; yearly value of this work 3s.6d., which the bailiff is ordered to collect.

22/4. Robert Gore has cut 2 large oaks on the Lord’s land called Thornehull, value 20d., without permission and carried away the timber for his own use. Bailiff to take from Robert’s beasts [or, chattels – same word] to the value of the oaks. Further, the said Robert is given a day to replace them with similar oaks or pay a fine of 40d. [cp. 18/2].

22/5. John, Rector of Bramshott Church, broke the Lord’s pinfold [pound] and took his horse out of his animals confined there until he paid 4d. rent due at Easter for the enclosure called Wulfardesland which John Ward, lately Rector of the said church, holds from the Lord according to the custom of the manor – and took the horse away. Writ to be issued.

22/6. When the Lord, by his bailiff, took over the tenement lately held by Peter Young, without prejudice to anyone’s rights, Thomas Bovile and Robert Gore entered on the tenement and expelled the Lord from possession. Writ to be issued.

22/7. Although by right and ancient custom no tenant of the Lord of this manor opens and enters the said Lord’s meadow & holding called Kinggesmede until the Lord himself has opened it and entered to take away his hay, nevertheless William Bramshott ?entered before the Lord, on the part lately held by Peter Wydenhall, with his carts and carried his hay away, contrary to custom, to the ‘disinheritance’ of the Lord [ie. damage to the Lord’s heritable rights]. Bailiff to distrain him to next Court, to give satisfaction for this offence. [‘King’s Mead’ was a meadow in Kingsley parish in which both Ludshott and Bramshott had an interest – see Main Farms Index. William Bramshott is the Lord of Bramshott Manor – see 23/2.

23/2. William Bramshott and his Bramshott tenants (have neglected?) the enclosures which it was their duty to make & maintain between Bramshott land and the land of the Lord of Ludshott, so that they lie open and broken, to the loss of the Lord [of Ludshott] and his tenants. Writ to be taken out.

The bailiff says that sales of (timber?) in the Lord’s woodland since St Martin’s day in the 4th year of the King till now [ie. 11 Nov 1416 to 21 June 1419] amount to 8s. 4d.

23/3. Richard Young, born a villein of the Lord, who (held) by grant of John Silver and Stephen ?Jewel one toft with garden and half a virgate called Wodlands has died, on which services for the last 3 years are due. The said toft, garden and land are escheated to the Lord, since the said Richard was his villein, and remain [sc. (scilicet=namely) in hand]. Bailiff ordered etc. [cp.24/1 & 26/4].

24/1. [Effectively a repeat of previous item]. A messuage with curtilage and 1 ferling of land with appurtenances lately held by Richard Young, villein of the Lord, came into the Lord’s hands through the past three years [of services not rendered?] and by the death of the tenant, and so remain. Bailiff (to distrain) for rents etc.

24/2. Thomas Komber comes and agrees that he holds of the Lord as a free tenant 1 enclosure called Goldland by gift and grant of Richard son of Robert Wydenhale for a rent of 5s. a year and swears homage to the Lord.

(Short break in MS. )

Continuing with Court business [? – Latin is Adhuc de Cur’ intrint]. Thomas Komber comes [cp.14/4 where he holds Wydenhales] and shows a deed of John de St John Lord of Chawton, a copy of which follows: “Know all persons now and in future that we, John de St John, Lord of Chawton, have inspected the deed of Sir [dominus] Thomas Paynell which he made for Richard Wydenale as follows: ‘Know all persons now and in future that I Thomas Paynell have given and granted and by this my deed confirm to Richard Wydenale all my complete holding in Ludeshute called Aylmondsland, in buildings, messuages, curtilages, lands, meadows, rents, woods, pastures, commons, waters, ways, woodlands and all their appurtenances in any way belonging to the said holding, To have and to hold to the said Richard and his heirs legitimate issue of his body, freely, peacefully and wholly, all the days of my life, paying me an annual rent as long as I live of 15s. sterling, at the Feast of the Annunciation [ie. Lady Day, 25 March] and at Michaelmas [29 Sept.] in equal portions, with all services and enclosure of warren all the days of my life’. We therefore, John de St John, wish and have granted and by this present deed of mine do confirm for ourselves and our heirs to the said Richard and his legitimate heirs, to have and to hold the aforesaid holding called Aylmondsland with all its appurtenances as set out in the aforesaid deed of Sir Thomas Paynell, paying an annual rent to us and to our heirs (as paid?) after the death of the said Sir Thomas Paynell, to be paid at the aforesaid dates as more fully laid down in the deed of the aforesaid Sir Thomas Paynell. And if the aforesaid Richard [Wydenale] should happen to die leaving no legitimate heirs of his body, the whole aforesaid holding called Aylmondsland, complete with its appurtenances, shall return to us and our heirs without any claim by anyone, etc., with a warranty clause etc. (sic – ie. the grantor will warrant and defend the grantee’s rights against any third party’s claim). Given at Chawton on Saturday the twentieth day after the Feast of St Lucy Virgin [13 Dec.] in the fifth regnal year of King Edward son of King Edward (5 Edward III is meant, ie 1331; 5 Edward II would be 1311, before Sir Thomas Paynell had the Manor. Cp.4/2, Richard de W. holds his father’s land c1400).

25/1. A toft with garden and 1 ferling, once tenanted by William Wastell and later by Robert Cover (15/10), rent 3s.4d. p.a., is in the Lord’s hands. Peter att Crouch comes and receives the said toft, garden and land to hold according to the custom of the manor, for the rent and services hitherto due and customary, and gives a fine of 3s.4d. for entry, plus 1 calf and 1 gallon of wine, and swears homage to the Lord.

7. LUDESHOTE. COURT HELD ON THE VIGIL OF ST MARGARET’S, 1 HENRY VI [19 JULY 1423].

25/2. Robert Gore who held 1 messuage and half a virgate [one virgate at 13/1] called Steplands by right of his wife has died. No heriot to the Lord since he held through his wife. The aforesaid Joan [?] comes and agrees that she holds the said messuage and land as free tenant for 10s. and 1 lb. pepper at Michaelmas and by all services …, swears homage and offers (10s. and 1 lb. ) pepper.

25/3. Richard Sprimstede who held 1 cottage by rent of … called Stedes at Parchfeild has left the Lord’s land, heriot 1 sheep. (John?) Bele comes and takes tenancy of the cottage, to hold for himself, Joan his wife and John his son [ie. for 3 lives] according to the custom of the manor for the said rent and heriot after a death of… He gives 2 capons as entry fine and swears homage.

26/2. William Gentill (6d. ) has felled 1 oak value 6d. on his land held according to the custom of the manor, so is liable to a fine. Peter Phelip (12d.?) … in the Lord’s woodland, so is liable etc. [Fines marked against their names].

26/3. One cottage with garden and 2 acres is … still in Lord’s hands.

26/4. One toft and half-virgate called ?Wodlands … still in Lord’s hands.

26/5. One messuage with curtilage and 1 ferling (previously held by …) Young is still in Lord’s hands. The bailiff should therefore etc. [sic].

26/6. The bailiff reports his sales from the Lord’s woodland, viz. Richard de Bramshott ?and at Falghe 16d., for 8 oaks (which) William Bramshott (20d.?)

8. COURT- Date and text illegible, except that –

27. Homage list [list of tenants] includes Thomas Porter. fined 2d. not attending].

27/8. Mention of John Steele [?] and John ?Belle (Beale is meant?).

28 – illegible.

9. COURT OF 25. 4. 14… Mostly illegible.

29/3. John Clement has cut branches in the Lord’s woodland.

29/3. … called Stronis (?) … fined 6d.

29/5. Refers to holding called Stedes.

10. COURT OF 8th December 37 HENRY VI (1458).

30. last para. The homage say that tenants of the Lord Bishop of Winchester [ie Headley men] have appropriated a piece of the Lord’s land at Lightwood, 2 furlongs long by half a furlong wide. Writ to be taken out. Cp. 32/1 and 34/2.

31/1. John Bugenell [ie Bicknell], Thomas Benifold and John Farlee have let their houses fall into disrepair. Ordered to repair them adequately and to mend them in dilato (?error for sine dilato, ‘without delay’]. The homage assess damages for mending the house of Thomas at …; Richard Vallor is his surety that he will do the work before Pentecost.

31/2. John Andrew of Bramshott has cut a bough in the Lord’s woodland and carried it away, without permission. John Langford of Graveshut [Grayshott] cut and carried away one cart-load of wood and one of bracken from the common pasture of the Lord’s tenants without permission, fined 3d. And whereas Thomas Benifold seized 7 young cattle belonging to John Hownesham which were doing damage in the said Thomas’s oats and put them in the Lord’s pound, the said John broke the aforesaid pound and recovered the said young cattle without permission, so he is fined 6d. The same John grazed, trampled and consumed with his pigs the Lord’s grass and corn in the Gardenfeild, fined 2d.

No reaper fines [fines for failing to do field-work] at this Court.

Affeerers: John Farlee and John Bugenell.

11. LUDSHUT. COURT HELD ON 26th September 39. HENRY VI (1460).

32/1. John Bugenell, customary tenant, is in default [hasn’t attended Court], fined 2d. Headley tenants of the Lord Bishop of Winchester have appropriated some of the Lord’s land at Lithwodd [Lightwood], two furlongs by half a furlong. To be prosecuted by writ. Cp.30 & 34/2.

32/2. Thomas Benifold and John Farlee have not repaired their ruinous houses as ordered at last Court; ordered to repair them adequately before next Court, on pain of fine of 3s.4d. each. John Hownesham and John Lenchmere have dug [clay?] on the Lord’s land at ?Bournes Water and turned the water there onto the land of the Lord of Bramshott. To be prosecuted by writ. The same John Lenchmere with his pigs grazed, trampled and consumed the rye and oats of the Lord’s ‘farm tenant’ there, to his grave loss. To be prosecuted by writ. [For farm tenants, see note to 41/3].

32/3. John Farlee, Joan his wife and John their son receive from the Lord’s hand one messuage with garden and one virgate with appurtenances called Youngs, for the longest lived of the three [ie for ‘three lives’], to have and to hold according to the custom of the manor, at an annual rent of 3s., plus court attendance. They give the Lord a fine of 6s.8d., do fealty and are admitted as tenants.

32/4. John Hobbson receives from the Lord one cottage and garden and … of land with pertinences called Delles, to hold for life … for a rent of 4s. and court attendance. He does fealty, pays a fine of 3s.4d. and is admitted as tenant.

33/1. Peter Andrew son of John receives from the Lord a toft with garden and 5 acres with pertinences called Wastelles, for life, according to the custom of the manor, annual rent 2s. and court service. Pays fine of 12d., does fealty and is admitted.

33/2. William Bele ordered to make adequate the bridge at Coppers [Coopers Bridge], on pain of a fine of 3s.4d.

Affeerers: Will. Symon & John atte Well.

12. LUDSHUT. COURT HELD THERE ON 4 AUGUST, 2 EDWARD IV [1462].

No essoins.

33/4 (foot). Wm. ?Maugeham ‘seized’ in fee simple [seisitus fuit in dominio suo ut de feodo, standard description of a free tenant who could dispose of his land] of 1 messuage, a garden, 40 acres (farm-)land and pasture, 1 acre woodland and 2 acres moorland [heath] with their appurtenances, held from the Lord by all dues and an annual rent of 12s. payable at Michaelmas, with court service, has died. The said messuage, garden, land, pasture, woodland and moor descends to Peter ?Maugeham as heir to the said William, being of full age. The Lord receives 12s. as a ‘relief’ [entry premium]. Peter comes, does homage and is admitted to the tenancy. (Marginal note, ‘death of a free tenant’).

34/1. Peter Young who [as 33/4.] held a fee of one messuage with garden, 8 acres of (farm-)land with all appurtenances, 30 acres pasture and a wood called Gentills, holding all from the Lord by homage and rent, viz. for the aforesaid messuage, garden & 8 acres land 2s. and for the aforesaid 30 acres pasture and woodland one red rose, to be paid annually at the Feast of St John Baptist, has died, the said messuage, garden, land, pasture and woodland with their appurtenances fall to Richard Young, as son and heir of the said Peter, being of age. The Lord receives 2s. as relief and one red rose. Richard comes and swears homage and is admitted tenant. See 38/2.

34/2. The tenants of the Lord Bishop of Winchester at Headley are still appropriating land of the Lord at Lithewood [Lightwood], 2 furlongs long by half a furlong wide. To be prosecuted by writ. Cp.32/1.

34/3. Wm. Aylewyn, customary tenant, has not fenced his heathland, held from the Lord by the custom of the manor. He is ordered to fence the said heathland before next Easter, on pain of a fine of 6s.8d. John Lenchmere has trampled and consumed the grass of the Lord and his ‘farmers’ at ?Crouch Heath with his animals and is therefore amerced 6d. [see 31/2].

34/4 & 35. Partly illegible – not possible to make full sense of it. John Bramshott and his predecessors as Lords of the Manor of Bramshott have from time immemorial had a duty to make a certain bank against (the land of) Thomas Poynings de St John and his predecessors as Lords of the Manor of Ludshott. viz. against the watercourse and stream existing there, so that the said water running there from a certain place called the ?White Well to a certain place called Coversland in the land of the said John Bramshott Lord of the Manor of Bramshott should not flow or run through … for the making and guarding of which bank for the conservation of the water and pools the said Thomas and his predecessors ought to pay … to the said John Bramshott his heirs and assigns yearly at Michaelmas. And the homage say that the said bank has not been (made) so that the said water flowing there runs into the land of the said John Bramshott, to the loss of the said John Paulet, successor to the said Thomas as Lord of Ludshott. Therefore etc. [ie writ is to issue]. [Place names hard to read; item probably refers to Waggoners Wells stream, main boundary between the manors].

35/1. No persons attached [for fieldwork offences?] at this Court.

Affeerers: ? and ?John Farlee.

13. LUDSHUT. COURT HELD... rest illegible – about 1465.

35 foot and top 36 illegible. right margin of 36 torn off.

36/2. Thomas Benifold and John … have allowed their houses to become ruinous; ordered to repair them adequately before … Said John fined 20d. John Hobbes failed to reap the Lord’s corn in autumn for 3 days with one man … on the Lord’s land at Corneford moor [= heath], without permission [presumably two offences but MS torn so can’t be sure].

36/3. John Hownesham of Bramshott grazed his animals … on common land, to the loss of the Lord and his tenants aforesaid. fined 6d. The same John, Robert … and John Hawkin grazed down. trampled and consumed …, fined 6d. each.  … and John Hownesham, tenants of the Manor of Bramshott ought to make their ?hedges …  John Br…, Thomas Andrew, tenants of Ludshott manor the hedge aforesaid ….

37/1. All and singular the tenants are ordered not to go onto … to collect the fuel called ?heather (furze) before the Feast of St James the Apostle [July 25], on pain of a fine of 10d.

37/2. G… received from the Lord one cottage with garden, … to hold for his life according to the custom of the manor, at a rent of 16(d. ) and court service. He gives the Lord a fine of one capon. swears homage and is admitted tenant.

37/3. John Hobbes has cut trees on the Lord’s ground called (the) Moor without permission, fined 4d. Also John Bignoll senior has cut (wood) to the Lord’s loss, so is in mercy [in margin, ‘A… Birches, fined l0d.’].

Affeerers: Wm. Bele and Richard ….

14. LUDSHUT. COURT HELD ON 18 JULY … EDWARD IV (pre-1472) .

38/1. Five lines illegible except for ‘Benyfoid’, ‘??Fairley’ (Farlee?), ‘Withes’ & ‘Stedes’. (Then someone has cut &/or removed) a certain oak on the Lord’s land at ?Howslade to the Lord’s loss … and Thomas Manncer of Hedley felled … young oaks in the Lord’s woodland and carried away the timber. To be prosecuted by writ.

38/2. Michael Young who held as a free tenant in fee simple [same phrase as in 33/4] one messuage with garden and 8 acres land with appurtenances, plus 30 acres of (pasture) and woods with appurtenances called Gentills (cp.34/1), all held from the Lord by homage and rent, viz. for the said messuage, garden and 8 acres 2s., and for the said 30 acres pasture and woodland (one red rose), to be paid annually at the Feast of St. John Baptist, has died. The Lord receives as heriot one ox value 10s. (The aforesaid messuage), 8 acres, (plus the 30 acres) pasture and woodland falls to Thomas, aged 12, as son and heir of the aforesaid (Michael), for a rent of 2s. and a red rose. (Bailiff) is ordered to distrain for the said rent and for fealty to be rendered. ‘Michael’ perhaps error for ‘Richard’, see 34/1, 39/1.

No attachments of harvesters [i.e. no prosecution for failure to turn out for customary free work on Lord’s land] at this Court.

Affeerers: Wm. Bele and John Fairlee.

15. LUDSHUT. COURT HELD 23 OCTOBER 12 EDWARD IV (1472).

39. Essoins. None.

39/1. Thomas Young, son and heir of Richard Young [Richard is ‘Michael’ in 38/2], who held in fee simple [same phrase as in 33/4] one messuage with garden and 8 acres with appurtenances, plus 30 acres pasture and woodland called Gentills, by gift and enfeoffment from Lord Thomas Poynings de St John to Peter Young of Passefeild in the parish of Bramshott and to his heirs and assigns, all held from the Lord of the Manor by virtue of the said enfeoffment and by fealty and rent, viz. for the said messuage, garden and 8 acres 2s., and for the said 30 acres of land, pasture and woodland one red rose, to be paid annually at the Feast of the Nativity of St John Baptist, and by services, rents and demands as set out in the deed produced in Court – a deed made by the said Thomas Poynings at Warnford on the Monday nearest to the Feast of St Mary Magdalen, 4 Richard II (1380) – (has died). So the Lord gets no heriot from the said fee … Thomasina, sister and heir of the said Thomas Young, (inherits) the said messuage etc. The Lord is due a relief of 2s. and a red rose. To distrain the heir for fealty [and the relief?]. See 47/2.

39/2. Joan Benefold, Richard Andrew, John Fawley, & William Komber for Stedes, have still not repaired their ruinous houses, as ordered at divers previous Courts. To be distrained to repair and amend their houses adequately before next (Court), on pain of fines of 12d. each.

39/3. The homage say that Joan Benifold (seized) 6 pigs in her personal pasture which had harmed a breeding ewe of the said Joan in the said pasture, so that it aborted the lamb which it was carrying, to Joan’s loss; Joan shut up the said pigs in the Lord’s pound because of the said offence; thereupon John Hownesham of Bramshott broke open the pound and took and drove away his pigs without permission [there was bad blood between the families? See 31/2 and 41/2]. A writ to be sought.

William Bele (also) caught the said pigs in his pasture doing damage and shut them up in the Lord’s pound; the said John Hownesham broke open the pound and removed his pigs without permission. A writ to be sought.

40/1. Richard Hawkin of Bramshott [cp.41/3] with his pigs trampled and consumed the oats of John Cover, the Lord’s ‘farmer’ [see note to 41/3] at ?Wollensland and the watfeild [Warfeild meant?] over the past 4 years – and did the same in the Brech with his draught animals and pigs, so is in mercy – (fined) 3s. 4d.

40/2. William Komber who ?holds the sub-tenancy of 1 cottage called Stedes is to (repair it?) without delay, on pain of being evicted from the cottage.

40/3. A stranger, name unknown, has felled an oak in the Lord’s wood called Wakeneshill … and carried it away. The homage is ordered to enquire for the offender’s name before the next Court, on pain of a fine of 3s. 4d.

Affeerers: Wm Dele and Jn. Cover.

16. LUDSHUT. COURT HELD ON FEBRUARY 15th, 13 EDWARD IV (1474).

Essoins. Nil.

41/1. Joan and Thomasina, daughters and heirs of Peter Young, free tenant, fail to appear, so are in mercy [see 39/1 & 47/2].

Thomas Benifold, Richard Andrew, John Farley and William Komber for Stedes have not amended or repaired the houses for which they hold tenancies, as ordered at divers previous Courts, so are in mercy. Ordered to repair and amend them adequately before next Court, on pain of fine of 20d. each [cp.39/2, 40/2]. John Cover allows his house called ?Hounds [Howslades?] and his barn called Doffelds to be ruinous; to repair said buildings adequately before next Court, on pain of a fine of 2s.

41/2. Juliana wife of John Hownesham of Bramshott has fished in the private water of the Lord [of Ludshott] and his tenants and taken fish, viz. trout and eels, and rushes, and carried them away illegally. The said Juliana also assaulted (or, insulted – word can mean either) Joan Benifold and took a spade out of Joan’s hand and struck the said Joan, illegally, so is in mercy (marginal note not clear – ? to distrain for 12d. fine). Cp. 39/3.

41/3. Whereas the tenants of Bramshott ought to make a certain gate (here = barrier?) between Nicholas Hawkin and the Rector there, in order to protect [the crops of] both the said tenants and also the ‘farmer’ and tenants of the Lord of Ludshott, the said tenants of Bramshott have not made the said gate, to the grave loss of the Lord and his tenants. A writ to be taken out against them. (J. M. K. comments: farmer’, firmarius = someone who held land by common law lease or demise, not by an ordinary manorial tenancy. On some of its manors the Queen’s College Oxford regularly leased the demesne land to a firmarius, leaving the non-demesne land in the hands of the tenants; the Lord of Ludshott was presumably leasing some of his demesne in this way. See end of 36/3, also 40/1) .

41/4. William at Heath and Joan his wife come to Court and accept from the Lord 1 messuage with garden adjoining and half a virgate of land with appurtenances lately held by Thomas Benifold – the said William and Joan his wife and Thomas their son to have and to hold for the term of their lives and of whichever of them shall live the longest, according to the custom of the manor, by giving to the Lord a fine of 6s. 8d., of which 20d. is remitted to cover the cost of repairs to the said messuage. He swears fealty and is admitted to the tenancy.

Affeerers: John Bugenell [aka Bicknell etc.) and Wm. Komber.

17. LUDSHUT. COURT HELD THERE ON 7th MARCH 8 HENRY VII (1493)

Essoins. None.

42/penult. The Prior of Selborne (fined 3d.), Richard Dele (2d.) & John Komber (2d.) are in default [for not attending Court. Selborne Priory had been suppressed in 1459 and its lands etc used to endow Magdalen College Oxford; the Rolls don’t recognise this till 1538, see 59F]. Further, the said John Komber has not repaired his house, (?as he says) for lack of timber; ordered to mend it before next Court – the ‘farmer’ to (deliver?) timber.

42/foot. John Sexton comes and receives from the Lord 1 messuage and 1 virgate of land, formerly in the tenancy of John Farley, to have and to hold – he, Anne his wife and John his son – paying an annual rent of 13d. He gives the Lord a fine of 6s.8d., swears fealty and is admitted tenant. [the usual tenancy for three lives, as 41/4 above; see end 44/1].

18. LUDSHUT. COURT HELD THERE 9th MARCH, 10 HENRY VII (1495).

Essoins. None.

43/foot. The Prior of Selborne (fined 3d.) and Richard Bele (3d.) are in default [have not attended Court]. The barn of John Komber is in decay and … fence; he is ordered to mend … [Illegible; various tenants are ordered to repair their houses. Some names are Richard Andrew, John Sexton [cp.42/foot and 44/11, Richard Bignoll].

Affeerers: Andrew Fish, Thomas ?Williams.

19. LUDSHUT. COURT HELD THERE 20TH MARCH, 13 HENRY VII (1498).

(Right margin torn off).

Essoins. None.

44/1. The tenants of the Prior of Selborne are in default [haven’t attended Court?], firstly Bickenell, holding …, 6d; one called Creswell, holding land lately Bele’s, 2d; one holding land lately Wullate’s, ?now Young’s, 2d.; … Andrew, holding by military service; so are all guilty [in margin, fines 10d].

(ibid.) John Howes who held the land previously [held by …] has died but what comes to the Lord [as heriot] is not known; Edith Howes is ordered to produce her deed at the next Court. John Komber’s barn not yet repaired, so he forfeits to the Lord 20d and is ordered to repair it before next Court on pain of a fine. Richard Holoway [is a sub-tenant of] John Komber without the Lord’s permission, so he gives 3d for the Lord’s consent to the sub-tenancy. John Sexton has not repaired his house, so forfeits the amount previously laid down but is given till next Court to repair it, on pain of a fine of 6s.8d. And because he did not stay on his holding he ought to pay the fine laid down at the previous Court, but is forgiven this, on his finding guarantors, Andrew Fish and Thomas Andrew, that he will stay on his holding.

Affeerers: Andrew Fish, Thomas Williams.

20. LUDSHUT. COURT HELD THERE 28th APRIL, 15 HENRY VIII (1523).

Essoins. None.

45/1. Homage sworn: Robert Bicknell, John Andrew, John Heath, Thomas Benefold, John Fish, John Grevatt.

45/2. (Right margin torn to top of 46). They say on their oath that the following are in default [haven’t attended Court]: Prior of Selborne [fined] 3d, heirs of [Robert White, 50/3], Bishop of Chichester 3d, Richard Norton 3d, heirs of Thomas Young free tenant, 3d, Figg tenant at the Lord’s pleasure [3d]. (Total in margin, 18d).

45/3. Andrew Fish who held as free tenant one messuage & one virgate – formerly held by Peter Wydenhall, then by Richard Wydenhall, then by Thomas Komber – has died. One ox comes to Lord as heriot, value 15s. [John Fish – see 50/6] is nearest heir and … Bailiff to distrain for relief of 5s.

46/2. The same Andrew [Fish] at his death held by copyhold one tenement with certain lands and pasture called Collis, at a rent of 4s. a year, and another piece of land and pasture called Stedes, annual rent 3s. heriot to the Lord 2 oxen. Whereupon he [sc. John Fish, the heir] pays for one ox 15s. Bailiff told to distrain [for the value of the other ox]. Whereupon [John Fish] shows a copy [of a Court roll or deed] made by William Paulet [a previous Lord] by which William Komber was excused from one heriot. But not Andrew Fish. But of his grace the Lord excuses him from the second heriot.

46/3. Thomas Andrew has died. He held from the Lord in copyhold [tabulated in translation]:–

1 cottage, 1 ferlingland, ‘Wastells’                                                                                 3s.4d. annual rent

1 cottage ‘Woodland’                                                                                                   18d.

1 cottage, garden & 8 acres, ‘Chesters’                                                                        6s.8d.

1 cottage & its land (cotsetland of land), ‘Woodes’, former tenant Robert Lentts         2s.

1 cottage and 2 piddles of land, ‘Sparage”, former tenant William Newman                    16d.

1 cottage with enclosed pasture next to it, former tenant Agnes Duffilde; deceased living in it by military service 3s.

By ancient custom for any parcel of land the lord gets a heriot but as a concession the Lord limits the heriot in this instance to two, viz. two oxen, value 30s., paid to the Lord’s hand. [Cp.46/4 and 63/4].

Joan Andrew, widow and relict of the said Thomas, is the next [heir? tenant?], as long as she remains alone and chaste. The homage say that the same Thomas held as free tenant at his death one tenement and half a virgate called Blanchards, annual rent [blank in MS], so a heriot comes to the Lord of [blank], and that John Andrew is his son and heir and of age. The Lord therefore gets a relief.

46/4. John Andrewes [John Andrew 2 lines above & 52/2] who holds one cottage and a piece of land once held by Roger Stupe, by right of the wife of the said Roger, by annual rent of 3d and 2 lbs of cummin, has transferred the said cottage and land to William Robson, to have and to hold to him and his heirs in perpetuity. By virtue of this transfer John must give the Lord 3s. [error for 3d?] and 2 lbs cummin. Subsequently the said William Robson being in full and peaceful possession transferred the said cottage and land to the Lord Robert Sherborne Bishop of Chichester; by virtue of this transfer a relief of 3d and 2 lbs cummin is due to the Lord [of Ludshott]. Bailiff to distrain for these services.

47/1. Oliver Bele, free tenant of a tenement, certain land and pasture, once held by John Bele, later by William Davye, annual rent 6d, has transferred the said tenement with its appurtenances to Richard Norton Esquire and his heirs in perpetuity. Relief to the Lord, 6d. Bailiff to distrain for it.

47/2. Joan Dalman, sister and heir of Thomas Young, has died. She held, with her sister Thomasina Plongger [39/1], formerly wife of John Plongger, 1 messuage with garden and 8 acres land, called Youngs, now in [sub-]tenancy of Henry Hownesham by annual rent of 2s. – and also 30 acres of pasture & woodland with appurtenances called Gentills now in [sub-]tenancy of Thomas Figg, annual rent 4s.4d. Heriot for the Lord, one ox value 30s. [Could ‘Plongger’ be steward’s version of local surname ‘Furlonger’?]. The homage does not know whether John Dalman, husband of the said Joan, or John Dalman the younger, their son, ought to be granted the said holding and appurtenances. Inquiry to be made into the holding, bailiff to distrain for the services due.

47/3. Walter Gore – who held a tenement and certain land previously held by Roger at Stupe, then by Robert Gore, then by Roger Gore father of the said Walter, for annual rent of 10s and 1 lb pepper and suit of court – has alienated all the said [holding] to Richard Drake and his heirs in perpetuity. Relief of 10s and 1 lb pepper due to Lord.

47/4. Later the said Richard Drake being in full and peaceful possession transferred the aforesaid to a certain Robert White of Farnham. Relief of 10s and 1 lb pepper due to the Lord. Later the same Robert White died in possession. One ox value 20s due to Lord as heriot, and 10s and 1 lb pepper as relief. Bailiff to distrain for all these dues.

48/1. Thomas More of Chalton free tenant of a tenement, purpresture and certain land formerly held by William Brokes, later by John atte Wullis, and called Wullers, annual rent 7s.6d, has transferred the said tenement and appurtenances to Robert White of Farnham. Relief of 7s.6d due to Lord. Robert White died in possession [cp. end of 47/3]. A heriot of (blank) is due to the Lord. Robert White [the younger] is his son and heir, of full age; a relief of 7s.6d due to Lord. Bailiff to distrain for these dues and for fealty from whomever is the tenant.

48/2. William Rapeson has ‘loaded’ his pigs onto the Lord’s common land where he has no right of common, fined 4d.

48/3. The customary tenants have failed to repair their tenements with timber, plastering with straw, walls and hedges. Ordered to repair them adequately before Michaelmas, on pain of 40d fine for each one who fails.

49/1. John Andrewes, a ‘farmer’ tenant of the Lord, has felled certain trees called ‘birches’ and made charcoal of the wood, to the loss of the Lord. He also felled 27 oaks and 3 ash-trees in the Frith, to the Lord’s loss [marginal note of ?fine illegible].

49/2. All ‘farm tenants [see note to 41/3] are told that felling oaks, ash, birch or other trees without the Lord’s approval is forbidden, on pain of a fine of 6s.8d per tree –

49/3. – and that none of them are to do any other damage [in the woodland] by cutting branches or underwood belonging to the Lord without permission, fine 40d. –

49/4. – and that none of them are to sell timber, underwood, heather or bracken or allow anyone to carry away any wood without the Lord’s permission and agreement, fine 6s.8d a time –

49/5. – and that they must stop taking the Lord’s underwood or dead trees to their own houses without the Lord’s permission, fine 6s.8d.

Fines assessed by the homage.

21. LUDSHET. COURT HELD THERE 9th NOVEMBER, 16 HENRY VIII (1524)

Essoins [blank].

50/2. Homage sworn:– Robert Bicknell, John Andrewe, John Heath, Thomas Benifold, John Fish, John Grevett.

50/3. Prior of Selborne (fined 3d), heirs of Robert White 3d, Bishop of Chichester 3d and Richard Norton 3d, are free suitors (i.e. free tenants) and are in default.

50/4. Thomasina Plongger has died; she held from the Lord with Joan Dalman 1 messuage with garden and virgate of land called Youngs, now tenanted by Richard Hownesham, annual rent 2s. Heriot to the Lord a horse value 20s. John Plongger her son is the heir and of age. Relief to the Lord 12d. [Cp. 39/1. 47/2, 92/3].

John Langford has carried away … in the Lord’s woods.

50/5. A servant of Edward ?Packham has felled 3 oaks in Ludshott Wood and carried off the timber. Writ to be taken out.

50/6. John Fish has demised his holdings called Colles and Stedes, which he held by copyhold, to John Laws for more than a year and a day and therefore forfeits them [sc. because he didn’t seek permission and no relief was paid – see end of item]. John Andrew has similarly demised his holding named Chesters, without the Lord’s permission and therefore forfeits it. The said John Andrew has demised other holdings called Old Lands and Shepperdes to Thomas Figg for more than a year and a day and therefore forfeits his holdings. He was pardoned and given licence to demise – see 74/5, also 56/2 and 64/1.

Fines assessed by the homage.

22. LUDSHET. COURT HELD THERE 4th MAY, 18 HENRY VIII (1526).

Essoins [blank].

51. Homage sworn:– Robert Bicknell, John Andrew, John Heath, Thomas Benivold, John Fish, John Grevet.

51/3. Prior of Selborne, Bishop of Chichester, Richard Norton and Thomas Figg, free suitors [i.e. free tenants who nevertheless owe ‘suit of court’], are in default & so in mercy. All fined 3d.

John Grevet has cut ?7 oaks without permission and is in mercy.

51/4 [=52/1, torn and stained]. All tenants are ordered to repair their tenements [adequately?] before next Court.

52/2 [right margin missing]. Bailiff is ordered to distrain on Bishop of Chichester for 3d and 2 lbs cummin for the holding once held by Roger Stupe, later by John Andrew, who transferred it to William Robson, who transferred it [to the Bishop of Chichester]. Relief of 3d and 2 lbs cummin due to the Lord … the said Roger. Cp.46/4, 62H.

52/foot [torn]. To this Court comes Joan Andrew, widow and lately wife of Thomas Andrew [and claims that?] she should pay nothing for heriot and relief – because, she says, the said Thomas in his lifetime demised his holding called Blanchards in fee to Richard Paulet, John Hersey, Thomas …, … Bicknell, Robert Boxholde & Richard Berksher, to the service and use of the said Thomas Andrew and his heirs in perpetuity, given on the 3rd June in the ?10th regnal year of Henry VIII [1518?; Richard Paulet does not appear in the list of Lords – various other Paulets were Lord 1462–1571]. … [But because he indeed?] transferred [the holding] a heriot is due to the Lord. Bailiff ordered to distrain for it – and further ordered to distrain for the rent of the holding called Blanchards and all its appurtenances.  J.M.K. comments that Joan’s claim “is very interesting; it amounts to a claim that ‘equitable uses’ could be set up within a manor to deprive the Lord of the dues he ought to get on the death of a tenant. The device was certainly used by freeholders to get out of services owed to the Lord on an estate held by military tenure, eg wardship, relief etc, but there isn’t any real study of its use to deprive a manorial lord of heriots etc. Here the Court did not have to answer the question, because –apparently – on this Manor heriot was due whenever a tenant made an alienation”.

Affeerers: John Heath, Thomas Benivold.

23. LUDSHET. COURT HELD 9th DECEMBER, 21 HENRY VIII (1529).

Essoins. None.

53. Homage sworn:– Robert Bicknell, John Andrew, John Heath, John Fish, John Gervat [Grevet], Thomas Benivold.

53/2. Richard Norton esquire, Prior of Selborne, Bishop of Chichester and Robert White are free suitors [see 51/3] but have failed to attend Court. Fined 3d each.

53/3. [This & next 2 paras. Torn]. William Rapson has built a new house [or entirely rebuilt his house] at Whirtside [Whiteside? White spelt ‘Whirt’ at 54/2] and the same William has felled one oak and … at Whirtside common. without the Lord’s permission. A writ to be taken out. … to know whether the said house …

53/4. William Couper pastured [his pigs?] on the Lord’s common at and so is in mercy. Ordered not to do it again on pain of fine of 12d.

54/1. All tenants are ordered [to complete] all repairs before the Feast of … on pain of fines of 6s.8d.

Fines assessed by the homage.

24. LUDSHET. COURT HELD 10th NOVEMBER, 22 HENRY VIII (1530).

Essoins. None.

Homage sworn:– Robert Bicknell, John Heath, John Fish, John Andrew, John Grevat.

54/3. Richard Norton esquire, Robert Whirt [sc. White], Bishop of Chichester, Prior of Selborne, free suitors, have failed to attend.

54/4. John Graciott [Grayshott?] set fire to the Lord’s wood, to the number of 2 oaks, at Hawdene. Writ to be taken out.

54/5. William Couper has dug the Lord’s earth called clay and carried it out of the Lord’s land without permission. Ordered not to do it again, on pain of fine of 6s.8d.

55/2. John Lucye ordered to repair adequately the hedges towards the Fereth [les F. = the usual ‘le Frith’?] before Lady Day next [25 March], on pain of fine of 3s.4d.

55/3. All [tenants] ordered to repair adequately the way called Longfludde before Pentecost, on pain of a fine of 40d for each defaulter.

55/4. Thomas Benivold, who held from the Lord by copyhold one messuage with garden and half a virgate of land with appurtenances has died. Heriot one ox value 16s. delivered to the Lord. Margaret, his wife, is the next [tenant] while she remains unmarried and chaste. [See 56/5].

25. LUDSHET. COURT HELD 24th APRIL, 23 HENRY VIII (1531).

Essoins. None.

Homage sworn:– Robert Bicknell, John Heath, John Andrew, John Fish.

55/foot. Richard Norton esquire, Robert White, Bishop of Chichester, Prior of Selborne, free suitors, have failed to attend. Fined 2d each.

56/2. John Andrew ordered to repair and mend adequately what is ruinous at Chesters before next [Court], on pain of a fine of 6s.8d.

56/3. All tenants to mend and repair adequately their tenements before All Saints Day next, on pain of a fine of 3s.td for each defaulter.

56/4. John Grevet senior who held by copyhold one tenement with certain lands and pasture, previously held by Richard Passevent, by annual rent of 13s., has transferred the said tenement and lands to John Benivold. The same John Benivold has passed them to John Grevet the younger. John Grevet senior therefore forfeits the tenancy.

56/5 & 57. Margaret, relict of Thomas Benivold, comes and surrenders to the Lord for the use of John Benivold [her son?] one messuage with the rest of the land once held by John Bicknell, on condition that while she remains unmarried and chaste she shall have common and pasture for 2 cows, 20 pigs, and sheep, viz. 10 sheep and 10 breeding ewes – and that the said John Benivold shall sow for the said Margaret one acre of ?wheat and 2 acres of oats each year, the said Margaret finding the seed on each occasion. Whereupon the said John comes and receives from the Lord the said messuage and land, to hold for himself and Elizabeth his wife and [blank] their son and to whichever of them shall live longer, according to the custom of the manor, by paying rent and giving service as previously owed and of right and custom. And in order to have the holding the said John gives the Lord a fine of 20s., does fealty and is admitted to the tenancy.

Affeerers: the homage.

26. LUDSHET. COURT OF WILLIAM PAULET, KNIGHT, HELD THERE ON 24th MAY, 29 HENRY VIII (1537).

Essoins. None.

57 foot. Bishop of Chichester (2d cond. ), Prior of Selborne (2d. cond. ), Peter Norton (2d), and John White (2d), free suitors, are in default. [Cond. for condonat’, forgiven, not exacted].

57 foot. Richard Norton, esquire, who held as free tenant one messuage with certain lands from the Lord at an annual rent of 6d has granted his holding to the said Peter Norton [see previous item], hence the said Peter must pay the Lord a relief of 6d.

Robert White, who held freely from the Lord a tenement and certain land, annual rent 18s., has died. Heriot to the Lord one horse, value 40s. John White is the nearest heir and is of age, so the said John owes the Lord a relief of 18s.8d. Bailiff to distrain for these by next Court.

58/top. Thomas Figg, who held freely a certain tenement and land, annual rent a red rose, has died. Heriot one cow, value 16s.8d. William Figs is his nearest heir and is of age. He, the Court being in session, showed his evidence and discharged the said heriot and relief [i.e. proved he did not have to pay them; no payment recorded in margin]; then in full Court he did fealty and was admitted tenant.

John Fish has allowed his barn to fall into ruin and so is in mercy (12d). Ordered to rebuild it before St Laurence’s day next [10 August] on pain of fine of 20s.

John Grevet has not made his fences, so his neighbours are suffering damage, so he is in mercy (12d); ordered to make them adequately before Christmas, on pain of fine of 3s.4d.

All tenants are ordered that each of them is to repair the tenements he holds at all points and to make up his fences adequately before the said Feast [i.e. Christmas), on pain of a fine of 6s.8d for each defaulter.

Affeerers: John Fish, John Atheth [= at the Heath], sworn.

27. LUDSHET. COURT HELD 6TH FEBRUARY, 29 HENRY VIII (1538).

Essoins. None.

58. Homage sworn: John Fish, John Andrew, John Athethe (=at the Heath), John Bicknell, John Grevet, John Benivold.

59. Bishop of Chichester (2d), Prior of Selborne (2d), Peter Norton (2d), John White, free suitors, have not come to Court and so are in mercy.

The homage declares that all things ordered under pain of a fine at the last Court have been adequately carried out. ?Nicholas Benivold has done damage in the Lord’s Sibois [for sous-bois, i.e. underwood, but ‘wood’ is meant] by cutting 2 oaks without permission, so is in mercy [no fine shown].

59/3. It is agreed between Margaret Benivold and John her son that henceforth [they will live] in unanimity and concord, on pain of loss of tenancy for whoever is in default [sc. of this agreement]. See 56/5.

59/4. The homage say they were wrong at the last Court in saying a heriot was due on the death of Robert White [57/foot] as John White is still alive and did fealty for the tenancy in his father’s lifetime. NB. MS has ‘Whirt’ twice here.

Affeerers: the Homage.

28. LUDSHET. COURT HELD 8TH OCTOBER, 30 HENRY VIII (1538).

59F. Essoins. Peter Norton essoined by Robert Tribe, John White by John Fish, President of Magdalen College Oxford by Robert Bicknell [Selborne Priory was suppressed by William of Waynflete, Bishop of Winchester, in 1459 and its land, incl. ‘Priors’ in Ludshott, given to Magdalen, founded by him 1458; after 79 years Ludshott takes notice of the change].

Homage sworn: William Figg, John Andrew, John Fish, Robert Bicknell, John Grevatt, John Athethe, John Benivold.

60/1. The roof of John Grevatt’s tenement is deficient. Ordered to put it in good order before Easter, on pain of a fine of 3s.4d.

60/2. Robert Hownesham and Robert Boxfold, tenants of Lord de La Ware [Lord of Manor of Oakhanger, which included all Conford except the N. corner] ‘usurp’ the Lord’s common between Whitside [Whiteside] and ‘Cornefarde’. Ordered to do so no more, on pain of a fine of 20s. Marginal note, ‘Trespass in Cornevord’.

60/foot. William Robson claims some common land of the Lord [at Conford, see 61/4] as his own personal land. Ordered not to loose or lead any kind of beast on the common from now on, and not to take away anything growing there, until he has shown evidence, according to the custom of this manor, from which his rights, if any, can be seen, on pain of a fine of 20s.

Affeerers: the Homage.

29. LUDSHET. COURT HELD 20TH JANUARY, 31 HENRY VIII (1540).

61. Essoins – None

Homage sworn: William Figg, John Andrew, John Fish, John Hethe [previously ‘At Hethe’ – how long have his neighbours been calling him ‘John Hethe’?], Robert Bicknell, John Benifold.

The President of Magdalen College Oxford [word used here and at next Court is custos, ‘Warden’; correct title is ‘President’, as used at 63; title used at first mention, 59 above, is illegible], John White, Peter Norton, free suitors, do not attend and are in mercy. [‘cond’., ‘forgiven’ written over each name; no fine marked. Cp. 57F].

61/3. All tenants ordered to ?repair their tenements at all points before next Court, on pain of a fine of 3s.4d for each defaulter.

61/4. William Robson is ordered not to pasture any kind of beast (on the Lord’s common?) or remove anything growing there … without permission … Cornevord … (?on pain of a fine of) every time he takes it. Cp. 60/foot.

Affeerer: ?

30. LUDSHET. MANOR COURT HELD THERE 19TH OCTOBER, 34 HENRY VIII (1542).

62. Essoins – None.

President of Magdalen College Oxford (2d), John White (2d), & the Dean and Canons of Chichester [Cathedral] are in default [haven’t attended Court]. And John Benifold (4d) … against John Andrewes who …. In margin, ‘Fines 10d.’ Bishop Shirburn gave considerable landed property to his Cathedral at Chichester about this time, incl. Warlands in Ludshott (see refs. in Main Farms Index) and the Hart Inn in Liphook Square. Cp. 52/2.

62/3. John Fish is ordered to repair his house at the ‘groundsills’ [the horizontal beams which formed the ground-level section of a timber house; they decayed fairly quickly if placed straight on the earth, as they often were, without a bed of stone under them] before the Nativity of St John the Baptist [24 June], on pain of a fine of 20d. The Woodward is ordered to assign to the said John Fish one oak bon’ et apt’ for felling, for the repair of his house. Cp.65/2.

Affeerers: the whole sworn Homage.

31. LUDSHET. MANOR COURT HELD THERE 5TH APRIL, 35 HENRY VIII (1544).

62/foot. Essoins. John White essoined by Robert Fish.

63/1. The homage there sworn, viz. John Andrews and his companions, present that the Dean and Canons of Chichester, the President of the College of St Mary Magdalen Oxford (2d) and William Figg (2d), free tenants, have failed to attend and are in mercy. John Benivold (4.d) and Robert Bignoll (2d) are copyhold tenants and have failed to attend, etc.

63/2. John Hethe who held 1 messuage and its appurtenances named Chamberlayns has died. Heriot 1 ox value 19s. Joan Hethe comes and claims to hold the messuage with its appurtenances by virtue of the same copy [of the entry in the Court roll] seen and shown in open Court [today], dated 7 November 11 Henry VIII [1519 – not in existing Rolls, which jump from 1498 to 1523]. So she is admitted to the tenancy and does fealty and … according to the custom of the manor. Cp.65/1.

63/3. John Grevet who held one messuage and appurtenances once Farlis [i.e. once held by Farlee family] has died. Heriot to the Lord 1 cow value 10s. Joan Grevet comes and claims to have and to hold this messuage and appurtenances by virtue of the same copy [of the entry in the Court roll] seen and shown in open Court [today] , dated 20 October 3 Henry VIII [1511 – see note to previous item]. So she is admitted to the tenancy and does fealty to the Lord.

63/4. Joan Andrews has died. She held 3 cottages with appurtenances, one called Wastells, another Shepherds, the third Whitehide [sic]. Heriot to the Lord 6s.8d in coin, as (it is) copyhold land. John Andrews comes into this Court and receives the said 3 cottages for himself, Joan his wife and John his first-born son, for their lives and for whichever of them shall live longest, at the Lord’s pleasure, according to the custom of the manor, paying an annual rent to the Lord and his heirs, for Wastells 3d, for Shepherds 3d and for Whiteshide alias Old Lands situate at Whiteshide ?6d, (with) all other customs & services previously owed [for these holdings] and rightfully due. For the estates and entry into the tenancy he gives the Lord a fine of 36s.8d, does fealty and is admitted to the tenancy.

64/1. Further they say that the said Joan Andrewes held from the Lord a messuage with garden and 20 acres of land with appurtenances called Chesters. She has died – heriot to the Lord 1 cow value 15s. To the same Court comes John Andrewes and receives from the Lord the messuage, garden and 20 acres of land aforesaid, with appurtenances, to be held by him, his wife Joan and his first-born son John for the term of their 3 lives and of the one who shall live longest, at the Lord’s pleasure, according to the custom of the manor, rendering an annual rent and services previously due by right custom. For the estate and entry into the tenancy he gives the Lord a fine of 20s., does fealty and is admitted to the tenancy: See 56/21 69/2 & 3.

65/1 [badly torn and stained]. Joan Hethe, widow, comes and surrenders to the Lord a messuage with appurtenances named Chamberlayns. Heriot to the Lord, in cash, 6s.8d. The said Joan Hethe [then] receives the said messuage & appurtenances from the Lord for herself and her son Thomas Heth [sic] for the term of their 2 lives and for the life of the survivor, at the Lord’s pleasure, according to the custom of the manor, rendering an annual rent of 18s. and services previously due and according to right custom. For the estate and entry into the tenancy he gives the Lord a fine of 20s., does fealty and is admitted to the tenancy. (See 63/2, 89/2).

65/2. Joan Grevet is ordered to repair the ‘groundsills’ (see note at 62/3) and roof of her messuage before Michaelmas, on pain of a fine of 3s.4d. if she ‘transgresses’. John Fish, woodward, is ordered to allocate to the said Joan timber for 2 groundsills.

Affeerers: the Homage.

32. LUDSHOT. COURT HELD 11 JUNE, 36 HENRY VIII (1544).

65 foot. Essoined. Dean and Chapter of Chichester [Cathedral].

66/1. The Homage, viz. John Fish and his companions, sworn, declare that John White, priest and Warden of the New College, Winchester [ie. Winchester College founded 1382!], has transferred to John White of London, merchant [later Lord Mayor of London, 88F], certain lands called Gores and Wulvers which he held from the Lord of this Manor by deed as a free tenant. Bailiff to distrain the said John White to be here at the next Court to do fealty.

66/2. Thomas Figg of Headley has transferred to John Fish of the parish of Bramshott certain lands called Gentills, Parsfeilds and Goldlands which he held by deed as a free tenant of the Lord of this Manor. The said John Fish does fealty. Heriot to the Lord, one cow value 18s.

66/3. William Robson has fished the Lord’s water from Beales to Hobb’s Bridge without permission, so is in mercy. He is present and puts himself on the Lord’s grace. The Lord pardons him this time as an act of grace. He is ordered not to do so again, on pain of a fine of 3s.4d each time.

33. LUDSHOT. COURT HELD 29 DECEMBER, 38 HENRY VIII (1546).

66/4. Essoined. John White, John Athethe, Joan Grevatt.

The Homage, viz. John Fish and his companions, sworn, declare that the Dean and Canons of Chichester (2d) and the President of Magdalen College Oxford (2d) are free suitors and have defaulted on their attendance, so are in the Court’s mercy [and fined] as marked over each name.

John Andrewes has demised his holding Shepherds for a term of 3 years and his holding Wastells for 13 years, all which holdings he holds by copy of the Court from the Lord of this Manor. By the said demise he has forfeited his tenancy of these holdings, according to the custom of the manor. Bailiff to seize the said holdings into the hands of the Lord until etc. [i.e. until the claim is investigated; see 68/1].

67/1. Joan Grevatt’s house is in disrepair in walls and roof. Ordered to repair the defects before St John Baptist’s day on pain of a fine of 6s.8d. The bridge called Hobbes is broken. The whole tithing ordered to repair it, on pain of a fine of 20d a head.

Affeerers: the Homage.

34. LUDSHOT. COURT HELD 3 JANUARY, 1 EDWARD VI (1548)

(Torn and stained),

Essoins. None.

67/2. Dean and Canons of Chichester (2d), President of Magdalen College Oxford (2d), John Whyte (2d), Peter Norton (2d) & John Andrewes (2d), free tenants, have not attended Court, so are in mercy. John Fish, John … & (Joan) Grevatt, copyhold tenants, have not attended, So are in mercy. [Last names probably marked ‘2d’; in margin, against whole item. ‘Fined 2d’].

67/3. The barn of John Benivold (is ruinous?) in its groundsills [see 62/3]. He has a day to mend it before the Feast of (the Nativity of) St John Baptist, on pain of a fine of … Further (John?) Fish, woodward, is ordered to deliver (to him one oak suitable for the repairs?). [‘He has a day’ etc, i.e. judgment is postponed, so that he can return and show that he has done the repairs].

67/4. John Andrewes (is ordered to repair and fence?) his estate and enclosures before Candlemas [2 Feb], on pain of a fine of …

68/1. [In English in the original. In margin, ‘Exonerare claus’ a ?toto herioto’; claim in fact fails]. Memorandum that, whereas John Andrewes claimed [cp. end of 66/4 above] one close called Little Merveld [= Merryfield?] cont 5 acres to be parcell of his Freehold, upon a Survey made by the Right Worshipfull Mr George Paulet Esquire mense Septembr Anno predicto (and) the evidence of the sayd John Andrewes exactly seen it did appeare that the sayd John Andrewes had the full content of his Freehold cont within his sayd evidence besides [ie without including] this sayd close and soe the sayd close to be no parcell thereof. Wherefore the sayd John Andrewes was discharged of any farder medling thereof and the same ?to lye unto the Farme [i.e. to be reckoned as ‘farm-leased’ from the Lord – see note, 41/3] according as it was afore accustomed to do. Which survey was taken in the presence of the whole homage the moneth and yeare above written [Sept. 1547; passage written in English so that this contentious decision could be read over to and confirmed by the homage? George Paulet was probably the Steward holding the Court for his father or relative?].

Affeered by the Homage.

35. LUDSHOTT. COURT HELD 10 JANUARY, 2 EDWARD VI (1549).

Essoins. None.

69. The Homage, viz. John Fish and companions, sworn, say that the President of Magdalen College Oxford, John White, Dean and Canons of Chichester and Norton are free tenants, have not attended and are in mercy [no fines marked].

69/2. [Stained] John Andrewes who held of the Lord … has died. John Andrewes is his son and of age (17 years?), so a relief of (a red rose?) is due to the Lord. The said John Andrewes at his death also held of the Lord by customary tenure one messuage (with garden) adjacent and 20 acres of land (and pasture?) with appurtenances called Chesters. Heriot, one cow value 20s. Joan (his wife?) … by reason of the same copy seen and produced in open Court dated 5 April (33) Henry VIII [1544] …. So Joan is admitted to the tenancy. [See 63/4, 64/1,66/4, 68/1 and 70/1, 70/3].

70/1. [Next 16 lines torn and stained]. The said John Andrewes at his death [also] held from the Lord one cottage with appurtenances called Whiteshide. (No) heriot because it is not heriotable, The said Joan Andrewes … illegally … here in open Court (seen and shown?) …

36. LUDSHATE. COURT HELD ….

70/2. The Homage, viz. John (Fish and companions?) sworn say that … (who holds) Warlands, Peter Norton…, the President of Magdalen College Oxford … called Blanchers, John (Figg?) … Gouldlands and Parsfeild … (are) in default and so in mercy.

70/3. (Joan Andrews?) … appurtenances called Chesters … has died, hence a heriot to the Lord of ?one cow value … And a tenement held at the Lord’s pleasure of 2 acres, a cottage … whence no heriot comes to the Lord. Concerning which proclamation (John?) Andrewes (her son) comes and claims to hold the said tenement named Chesters with its appurtenances (and the?) cottage with its appurtenances by force of the same copy dated 5 April 35 Henry VIII [see 69/2 and 73/4 etc], shown in presence of the Court and (is accepted?) and does fealty and is admitted to the tenancy. [In margin. ‘Chesters et Blands’ – sc. Blanchards – ‘Shepherds et Wastells’].

70/4. John Andrews is given a day for the next Court to produce whatever writings he has to show the correct rent for Blanchards [Margin. in Latin: ‘Order to produce a deed’].

71/1. ‘Mercy is given’ to John Morris, Joan Grevatt widow, Oliver Inwood, Thomas Colpas and Joan Atheth, to make their fences against Berryfeild and the woods called the Frith wood, the Breach, Worsland wood, Sparage, Little Merifeild and Leyfeild before Hocktide [Easter Mon. & Tue.], on pain of a fine of 6s.8d each. [The last 3 names are not woods].

71/2. It appears from the Court Roll of 28 April 15 Henry VIII [1523 – see 46/4 above] that Robert Sherborne Bishop of Chichester purchased for himself and his heirs one cottage and certain lands once held by Robert Stupe by right of his wife and later by John Andrewe and his wife, previously wife of the said Robert Robson [sic. Should read Robert Stupe; the Andrews transferred to William Robson, Robson to the Bishop – see 46/4; copyist has perhaps jumped a line]. Relief due to the Lord of 3d and two lbs. cummin which have not been paid, so distraint [is ordered … The Bishop gave this land to the Dean and Chapter about 1542, see 62H].

71/3. All tenants are ordered that they must not in future fish or claim for their houses common of fishing or any other rights in the Lord’s waters in his manor of Ludshott, on pain of a fine of 12d, for each defendant each time.

71/4. Tenants of this Manor must not in future make any gates on (to) the ‘farm’ [leased] land called Berifeild without the farmer’s permission, on pain of a fine of 20s. [for ‘farm’, ‘farmer’, see note at 41/3].

37. LUDSHET. COURT HELD 14 MAY 1 & 5 PHILIP & MARY (1555)

71F. Homage sworn: Robert Bicknell, John Benifold, John Andrewes, John Fish.

72/1. The President of Magdalen College Oxon., Dean of Chichester (2d), John White of London, Grocer [sic] (2d), and Peter Norton, free tenants, are in default.

72/2. Joan at Hethe, who held 1 messuage with appurtenances called Chamberlins according to the custom of the manor, has died. Heriot to the Lord one ox value 13s.4d. Thomas at Heathe [Heather at 89/2], her son and nearest kin by copy, is present and is admitted to the tenancy.

72/3. John Benifold is ordered to put in good repair the fence between Robert Bicknoll’s land and his own before Pentecost, on pain of a fine of 5s.

72/4. Permission is given to John Andrewes to admit Henry Hownesham as sub-tenant in Oldland, until the next Court held here.

38. LUDSHET. COURT HELD … 2 & 6 PHILIP & MARY (1555/6).

73/1, Essoins. John White of London. Grocer, essoined by Thomas Colpas, … essoined by Robert ?Bicknell.

73/2. The homage sworn say by John Fish that the President of Magdalen College Oxon (2d) and Dean of Chichester (2d), free tenants, are in default and so in mercy. In 73/2 & 73/4 John Fish appears to be present; 73/3 says he is absent. Was name entered at 73/1 out of routine? – see Homage entries at 66/4 and 69 – and Fish only brought in at 73/4?

73/3. John Fish and John Andrewes; free tenants, fail to attend this day as due for their free holdings. They are given a fresh day to appear, at the next Court held here.

73/4. John Andrewe who holds by copy of the Court one messuage with appurtenances called Chesters has ‘farm-let’ the said messuage and attached land to a certain James Morer and after his death to his widow for 3 years without permission. He therefore forfeits his tenancy there but by the Steward’s discretion the offence is, for divers reasons, reduced to a ‘transgression’ – for which he gives the Lord a relief of 6s.8d. See 70/3, 74/3 & 4. Manor Courts were held by the Lord’s Steward, not by the Lord; tenants are increasingly treating their holdings as their own to dispose of; the Steward is driving home the lesson that sooner or later fees will have to be paid to the manor. The matter has come up because ‘Andrewe’ now wants to farm-let it to someone different? see 74/3.

73/5. A tenant of John Pescod of Newton [Newton Valence; Pescod was Lord of Oakhanger; all but the N. tip of Conford was part of Oakhanger Manor], living in the parish of Bramshott [ie. in Conford], claims pasture rights for cattle [vaccaria] on the Lord’s common waste at Cornewood [ie. the Ludshott part of Conford] where he never before had any ?title [to pasture]. The tenants of this manor are therefore ordered to drive any cattle of the said [Oakhanger] tenant found there in future to the Lord’s pound and keep them there.

74/2. The Headley tenants of the Bishop of Winchester similarly claim 20 acres of the Lord’s common and woodland called Lightwood near Gentills. The Lord’s woodward is ordered to keep watch diligently on the said tenants and see that no tree is felled and nothing carried away unless beforehand (the tenant concerned has obtained permission?).

74/3. Permission is given to John Andrews to farm-let his holding named Chesters with appurtenances [cp.73/4] to John Annsell for the term of 12 years beginning at Michaelmas last past, paying [the Lord] 12d a year for permission, each Michaelmas during the said term. See 77/3.

74/4. The same John Andrew holds by copy of the Court according to the custom of the manor a toft of one cottage with appurtenances named Oldlands and seeks the Lord’ permission to farm-let the cottage and appurtenances to Henry Hownesham for the full term of the next 12 years and while the said John lives so long [i.e. for 12 years or till John’s death, whichever happens first]. The request is granted via the Steward, for an annual fine of 12d paid to the use of the Lord at Michaelmas throughout the said term. Scribe has written ‘at the Feast of St John Michael Archangel’!

74/5. John Fish produced the licence to demise a sub-tenancy in his holding with appurtenances named Colles and Stedes, written and sealed by the Lord – by which licence the said John holds, annually paying 1d at Michaelmas, as recognition of the Lord’s rights; for the last 20 years he has not paid this penny but now by order of the Steward pays it to the Bailiff, with one penny for this year. Cp.50/6.

75/1. A penalty of 20d is imposed on John Benifold for making [i.e. if he does not make] fences between his land and Robert Bicknoll’s land called Woodlands before Candlemas next [2 Feb.]

Affeerers: Robert Bicknoll, Thomas Heath.

39. LUDSHET. COURT HELD 8 OCTOBER, 2 & 4 PHILIP & MARY (1556).

First 4 items much torn and stained.

76/1. … (the President of Corpus) Christi (College), Oxford, essoined by Robert ?Bicknell … [Corpus Christi should probably read Magdalen – or had Corpus briefly taken over the holding ? ‘Corpus’ again at 78/3, after which references revert to ‘Magdalen’].

76/2. John Fish and John Andrewes (have failed to attend?), given a new day to appear …

76/3. The homage say on oath that the Dean (of Chichester Cathedral and … owe suit of Court for their land in this manor, (have not attended) and so are in mercy. (Marginal note, ‘fined 3d [each]’).

76/4. John Benivold (has not repaired his fences) at Woodlands as ordered [see 75/1]. He appears and is pardoned the fine of ls.8d (on condition that he mends) his fences before the next Feast of the Annunciation to the Blessed Virgin Mary [25 March].

76/5. The barn of Robert Bicknell has two groundsills of the kitchen in disrepair [barn is being used as a cook-house?], the barn of John Benivold and that of John Andrew have defective roofs; the tenement of Joan Grevatt has timber, walls and roof in disrepair. They are ordered to repair the said buildings well and sufficiently before St John Baptist’s day next, on pain of a fine of 6s.8d for each defaulter. See 86/2, 86/2.

76/6. Richard Hownesham ‘at hill’ in the tithing of Okehanger and parish of Bramshott [ie. he lived in S. Conford area] illegally and without permission cut the ‘verne’ on Cornevorde moor, a parcel of this manor, and carried it away, to the ‘disheritance’ of the Lord. A writ to be taken out. ‘Verne’= ‘varn’ (fern), the local name, still heard to-day, for bracken, cut for animal bedding etc. MS reads ‘lez verne’; the Rolls regularly use Norman le, lez (pl.), to represent ‘the’ in English names (Latin having no definite article).

76/7. John Fish, woodward of the Lord, is ordered to allocate and deliver to Robert Bicknell, John Awnsell and Joan Grevatt, widow, timber to repair the defects of their buildings – from their holdings, if he can find it there; if not, from the Lord’s wood called Lightwood.

77/3. Since John Andrewe by permission of the Court has demised his tenement called Chesters to John Annsell and his enclosure called Oldland to Henry Hownesham for a term of 20 years if the said John Andrewe lives so long, the said John Annsell and Henry Hownesham go bail for [undertake to pay] the heriot on [the estate of] the said John Andrewe should he die during the said term so that the heriot is paid to the Lord out of the beasts pasturing on the said holdings. See 74/3, 78/2, 81/4, 83/2.

Fines assessed by the Homage.

40. LUDSHET. COURT HELD 26 NOVEMBER, 4 & 5 PHILIP & MARY (1557).

Essoins. John White of London, alderman, essoined by Thomas Copas [Colpas], tenant … Bicknell, customary tenant, essoined by Edmund his son.

78/2. John Annsell (2s.) and Henry Hownesham (2s.) must pay rent to the Lord for their holdings for the term of this year and last year. That is, each of them 12d each year, for the tenancies they have taken on from John Andrew, by permission of the Court, as written above (77/3).

78/3. The homage sworn say by John Benivold that Peter Norton (3d), gentleman, owes suit of Court for his messuage and land named Beales, the Dean of Chichester (3d) for Woodlands, the President of Corpus Christi College Oxford for Priors Land and John Fish for his lands called Parsfeild, Gowlands [= Goldland, see 66/7] & Gentills, and are in default & so in mercy.

78/4. John Andrewes, free tenant of a holding and land in Ludshot called Blanchards, by annual rent of a red rose, has alienated the same since last Court to Robert Tribe. A relief of a red rose is due to the Lord, for which and for fealty the Bailiff is to distrain [Robert] to the next Court.

[A very bad patch follows, much torn and stained].

79/5. Robert Boxall of Bramshott has cut some of the vegetation called ‘verne’ in (Cornevorde) [see 76/6] … illegally and carried it away … Roger R … [‘Cornevorde’, Conford. given in marginal note].

79/6. (Various persons?) must repair … well & sufficiently before the next Feast of … on pain of a fine of ….

79 foot/80. (Refers to broken ?fences and cattle).

80/2. Peter Norton of Bramshott [see 78/3] and John Valor (have allowed their fences) as far as [ie. alongside?] Downe water to fall into great disrepair …. Therefore they are ordered to (repair) the said fences adequately before the Feast of … on pain of a fine of 6s.8d for each defaulter. [‘Downe water’ prob. = the Waggoners Wells stream].

80/3. Edmund Bicknell comes and receives from the Lord the reversion of one messuage with appurtenances named Woodlands now held by Robert his father, to have for himself. Joan his wife and Henry their son for the term of their 3 lives and for the life of whichever lives longest, according to the custom of the manor – unless it should happen that the holding returns earlier to the Lord’s hands by death, surrender or forfeiture by Robert – by rent & services as owed previously & due by custom, and for such a tenancy he gives the Lord a fine of 53s.4d. But his fealty is postponed until etc. [sic – ie, until his father dies]. [Robert is still the tenant, see 97/2; Edmund has been promised the succession to the tenancy. For the ‘unless …’ formula cp. 126/2]

Fines assessed by the homage.

41. LUDSHOT. COURT HELD 21 MAY, 4 & 5 PHILIP & MARY (1558).

Essoins. None.

81/2. The homage by Robert Bicknell say that the Dean of Chichester, Peter Norton, John White of London, grocer, John Fish and the President of Magdalen College Oxford owe suit of Court and are in default. Bailiff to distrain to next Court.

81/3. Robert Tribe, free tenant of a messuage and land called Blanchards, appears at Court for his land and has a day to appear at the next Court [cp. 78/4].

81/4. John Annsell (12d) and Henry Hounsom (12d) acknowledge that they owe these sums to the Lord as a fine for the permission granted to John Andrewes [to sub-let to them, see 77/3]. ‘Fined’ as written over their names.

81/5. John Benivold (2d) and John Annsell (2d), customary tenants, are in default [haven’t come to Court], so are in mercy [ie are fined.as shown].

81/6. The penalties set at the last Court on all offenders were well observed [ie people paid up or did as ordered] except for the fine of 3s.4d to be paid by Oliver Inwood for not making up his fences next to the common land called ‘the Reden hedge’ (in English in the original – ‘reeden’ = new clearing] as ordered at the last Court [presumably in an illegible bit on sheet 79 or 80]. He is now ordered to mend the said fences so as to keep his neighbours indemnified, by Michaelmas next, on pain of a fine of 6s.8d. [ie he must mend his fences and indemnify his neighbours for any crop damage etc caused by his failure to mend them].

82/2. Robert Luckin has felled certain oaks in Crooked Wood without permission. Bailiff to warn him to attend next Court to show by what right he did so and to give satisfaction to the Lord for his offence.

42. LUDSHET. COURT HELD 21 NOVEMBER, 2 ELIZABETH (1559).

82/3. Homage sworn say by John Fish that Peter Norton (4d), John White of London, grocer (4d), President of Magdalen College Oxford (4d) and Dean of Chichester (4d) are free suitors & in default and so in mercy.

83/1 (opening torn). (?John/Joan ?Grevatt has died holding a messuage, land and appurtenances). James Grevatt comes and receives from the Lord the said messuage, land and appurtenances, to have for himself, his wife and John his son for the term of their 3 lives and for the life of whichever of them lives longest, according to the custom of the manor. giving due rent and services as previously etc., and he gives the Lord to enter on the estate a fine of £13.6s.8d, does fealty and is admitted to the tenancy.

83/2. John Andrews surrenders his estate of a cottage with its appurtenances named Oldlands into the hands of John Fish and John Benivold for the needs and use of Henry Hounsom [ie in trust for H.H.], for certain money paid into the hands of the same John Andrews, according to the custom of the manor. So he forfeits his estate [tenancy] and none of the said toft and its appurtenances remains in the hands of the Lord.

Fines assessed by the Homage.

43. LUDSHET. COURT HELD 6 MARCH, 4 ELIZABETH (1561).

83 foot. Essoins. Dean of Chichester by John Fish, John White of London, grocer, by Henry Hownesham, Peter Norton by Robert ?Tribe, President of Magdalen College Oxford by Robert Bignoll.

84/1. John Fish and Robert Bignoll appeared for their free tenancies and a day is given them to appear at the next Court.

84/2. John Benifould who held from the Lord by copy of the Court a messuage called Bignolles and half a virgate of land with appurtenances in the Tithing of Ludshott has died since the last Court –heriot to the Lord one young ox value 16s.8d. Elizabeth relict of the said John will enjoy [sc. possession of the estate] for the term of her life by copy given to her husband on 24 April 22 Henry VIII (1531 – but ref. is to 56/5 above, which Court is clearly dated in MS as 23 Henry VIII, ie 1532). She is present in Court, does fealty and is admitted into the said tenancy.

84/3. John Annsell has felled a small oak on his land, ‘fineable’ at 2d. They say that he throws himself on the mercy of the Court, so he is pardoned on this occasion, on the basis that he doesn’t repeat the offence.

84/4. Richard Hownesham, Stephen Boxall, Richard Tanner, Henry Sime, Robert Morer and Henry Mose entered on the Lord’s common of Corneford and dug earth [probably clay] there without permission and illegally carried it away last autumn, to the loss of the Lord. Wherefore they were indicted at the next session at Winchester and paid fines to our Lady the Queen. For their offence against the Lord they are being sued in the Queen’s Court [ie to recover damages] but this prosecution was dropped by the Lord on this occasion, their friends having interceded for them [MS has amisis for amicis!]

84/5. The fences of William Holloway, Thomas Edsall and William Annsell between the Forest of Wulmer and Kingsmead [see Index Place Names] are in disrepair. They are ordered to make [up] the said fences and scour out their [blank in MS. – ‘ditches’ is meant] before Pentecost next, on pain of a fine of 12d for each defaulter. See 85/4.

44. LUDSHET. COURT HELD 26 AUGUST [blank] ELIZABETH (1561?).

Essoins. None.

85/2. John Fish and Robert Tribe appear for their free lands and a day is given them to appear at the next Court.

85/3. Peter Norton, John White of London, grocer, the President of Magdalen College Oxford and the Dean of Chichester (are free tenants) of the manor, so are in mercy (as they haven’t appeared or been essoined). Bailiff to distrain them to appear at next Court.

85/4. William Holloway has not made up his fences between the Forest of Wulmer and Kingsmead. Fined 12d as laid down at last Court [84/5].

Rest of 85 stained & creased.

85/5. [Blank] Alborne (4d) and Thomas Philip (4d) (?entered with) their beasts (on land) of this manor in Kingsmead and carried away … (to the loss of?) the ‘farmer-tenant(s)’ there [see note at 41/3] …

85/6 (Fences and ditches not maintained – to be repaired and scoured out before the Feast of ?St Peter, on pain of a fine of ?20d each defaulter).

45. LUDSHET. COURT HELD 6 OCTOBER, 4 ELIZABETH (1562).

Essoins. None.

86/1. The homage sworn say by John Fish that the Dean of Chichester, Peter Norton, John White of London, merchant, and the President of Magdalen College Oxford, free tenants of this manor, have failed to attend. Bailiff to distrain to next Court.

86/2. Richard Pinck (12d), the widow of William Holloway (12d), William Annsell (12d), Thomas Edsall (12d) and Joan Love widow (12d) have not scoured out the gates of their ditches between the Forest of Wulmer & the meadow called Kingsmead as ordered at the last Court. They therefore forfeit [must pay] the fines as above. They are at fault and are ordered again to scour out their said ditches before Easter next, on pain of a fine of 2s. per defaulter.

86/3. The barn of John Andrewes [needs] one sill-beam (the lowest horizontal beam). The woodward is ordered to deliver the said beam to the said John – who is ordered to lay the beam in position and repair the said barn at all points before next Court, on pain of a fine of 3s.4d for each portion of the building [not repaired?].

87/1. Edmund Bicknoll, the Lord’s woodward, says that he delivered (to …?) this year for staking peach trees 9 small oaks called fleters, for enlarging the pound 2 oaks and to Thomas Hether, customary tenant, 3 small oaks for repairing his kitchen. Dr Morgan, Institute of Agricultural History, Reading University, confirms that young standard oaks were used to stake peach trees & that such stakes were called fleters.

46. LUDSHET. COURT HELD 6 APRIL, 6 ELIZABETH (1564).

87/3. Essoins. Dean of Chichester, President of Magdalen College Oxford and John White of London, merchant, knight, are essoined.

87/4. On 5 October in the 5th regnal year of our Lady the Queen, into the presence of Richard Knight, Steward of the said Manor, came John Andrew who held by copy of the Court a tenement and half a virgate of land with apurtenances named Chesters in the Tithing of Ludshott and surrendered the said tenement and land with appurtenances into the Lord’s hands, to the benefit and use of Henry Hownesham. Heriot to the Lord one cow value 16s. By reason of this surrender Henry Hownesham comes to this Court and seeks to be admitted to the said tenement and land with appurtenances, and it is granted to him by the Steward, to him and to his son William for the term of their lives and for the life of the survivor, according to the custom of the Manor, by paying rent and services as previously due and customary, and to have the tenancy he gives the Lord [illegible – marginal note looks like £4], does fealty and is admitted to the said tenancy. Richard Knight, here Steward, became Lord of Ludshott 1571 [Doc. 52]; presumably a relative of the Knights who bought Chawton House 1571 and Chawton Manor 1578; Ludshott Court language becomes more legalistic from this point.

88/1. (Remaining 11 lines of this Court illegible – end appears to refer to Elizabeth Benivold and the woodward’s being instructed to help her with timber for the repair of her house).

47. LUDSHET. COURT HELD 18 OCTOBER, 6 ELIZABETH (1564)

88F. Henry Hownesom with the whole homage sworn states in their name that John White, now Mayor of the City of London (4d), the Dean of Chichester (4d) and the President of Magdalen College Oxford, free tenants, have failed to attend & so are in mercy. The Beadle of the Grocers’ Company writes that John White was made Free of the Company 1535; was Alderman and Sheriff 1556, Master 1560, Lord Mayor 1563 – and knighted that year? [see 90/2]. Probably buried in Aldershot 1573. In 1556 the Company voted him £30 towards ‘the payntiynge, furnyshynge & prepayryng of hys house where he shall kepe his Sheryfhaltye’.

89/1. Peter Norton, gentleman, John Fish and John Tribe, free tenants, ought to appear this day for their free holdings. Given a day to appear at the next Court.

89/2. They say that Thomas Hether who held by copy of the Court 1 messuage & 1 virgate of land called Chamberleynes in the Tithing of Ludshott has died since last Court – heriot one young ox value 20s. Joan relict of the said Thomas ought to enjoy and be allowed the tenancy for the term of her life if she lives chaste. So, being present in Court, she does fealty and is admitted to the tenancy. The same day the same Joan comes into Court and surrenders the said messuage and virgate of land with appurtenances into the Lord’s hands, to be regranted to her for the term of her life according to the custom of the manor, by giving rent and services as previously owed and due by custom, for which regrant of the estate she gives the Lord a fine of £8, does fealty and is admitted to the tenancy – surety [for payment] Henry Homson [Hownesom]. [See 92/3).

89/3. Robert Tribe who held from the Lord as a free tenant one tenement & 6 crofts of land in the said tithing [of Ludshott] by annual rent of one red rose, as mentioned at the last Court, has died – heriot one ox. John Tribe is his son and nearest heir and should pay a relief. Bailiff ordered to distrain to next Court for the relief, heriot and other services [fealty] due to the Lord.

89/4. Robert Vallower (4d) [Vallower = later surname Valor?], tenant of John Fish in Headley, has illegally reaped the rye growing on a parcel ‘of land at Thornehill [in Ludshott], by the hand of James Grevatt [ie James did it for him] and carried it away without permission, to one ploughland’s worth. Questioned, he throws himself on the mercy of the Court, so is fined as marked. [But see 92/1].

48. LUDSHET. COURT HELD 22 SEPTEMBER, 7 ELIZABETH (1565).

90/2. Essoins. John White, knight, Dean of Chichester and President of Magdalen College Oxford are excused from common suit.

90/3. John Fish and John Tribe appear at this Court for their free holdings and are given a day to appear at the next Court.

90/4. Whereas according to the roll of the Court held here on the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross of our Lord 3 Henry V [14 Sep 1415 – see 14/13 above] it appears that William Newman held half a virgate of land in Ludshott by an annual rent of 1 lb of cummin, and 1 purpresture of land at an annual rent of 2d – lands which now are (and are thought to be) in the free tenure of John Tribe, without his paying anything for them – it is ordered by the Court that the said John shall bring [his] copy to the next Court, (to see) if indeed the holdings have been exonerated from the said rents or whether they are still due to be paid to the Lord.

The Court now compares seven other entries in the 1415 rent-roll with the position in 1565.

90/5. It appears also by the said roll that Robert Gore held 1 messuage & 1 virgate of land by annual rent of 10s and 1 lb pepper, and John at Well held half a virgate of land by rent of 7s and one purpresture by rent of 6d [marginal note totals rents at 17s.6d], which holdings John White of London, knight, now holds as a free tenant [these were always ‘free holdings’ – ref. is to 13/5 and 14/16 – is suggestion perhaps that White is not paying enough?].

90/6. [This item & next torn and stained]. And [it appears too] that Peter Young held half a virgate of land called Gentills – (now held by) John Fish by rent of one red rose, and also one messuage and one ferlingland by rent of 2s. [Cp. 14/4].

90/7. And that Peter Young similarly held a virgate of land. – (now held by the Dean) and Chapter of Chichester – by rent of 4d and 2 lbs cummin. [Cp. 14/11 – where rent is apparently just 1 lb cummin].

91/1. And that the Prior of Selborne held (half a) virgate of land, now held by Magdalen College Oxford, for a rent of 2s. [Cp.14/19].

91/2. And that Thomas Komber held 1 messuage and 1 virgate of land, rent 15s.; now (John?) Fish holds by deed. [Cp.14/7].

91/3. And that John Baylie [Beele at 1415, see 14/9 above – common surname here] held 1 messuage & 1 virgate of land for rent of 6d, now Peter Norton holds by deed.

91/4. And that Robert Wydenhall [see 16/6] held a croft of land called Goldenlands by copy of the Court, paying an annual rent of 5s, which croft John Fish claims as a free holding. The said John is ordered by the Court to bring his deed to the next Court for corroboration of his status or [if he can’t] to return the said croft to the Lord’s hands as he ought. See 93/3.

91/5. And by a deed of John Bonvile esquire made at Ludshott on the Feast of All Saints 30 Henry VI [1 Nov 1451] it appears that the same John [Bonvile], Lord of Ludshott in the parish of Bramshott in the County of Southampton gave to John Andrew of Ludshott for his good services all a croft with an old cottage adjacent with its appurtenances near the Pinfold [Pound] containing ?1 acre of land, to be held by him and his heirs and assigns freely, in quiet, well and peacefully, by right of inheritance for ever, from the Chief Lords of the fee [ie the tenants-in-chief, who held from the Crown], giving rent and services as previously due, paying for it annually to the said John [Bonvile] and his heirs and assigns 8d. quarterly in equal portions according to the previous custom, rendering all services, customs, heriots, reliefs, acts and requests, with a warranty clause [see note near end of 24/2] – all which John Tribe now holds freely by gift and grant in fee made by John Andrew in his lifetime, without paying anything [to the Lord] for it. He [John Tribe] is ordered to produce his deed at the next Court to show [if he can] that he does not owe a ‘relief’ [entrance premium] and services for the holding. [Sequel at 93/4 is badly torn]. John Bonvile succeeded his grandfather Sir Thomas Poynings as Lord of Chawton & Ludshott 1429 [VCH ‘Chawton’ p.496].

92/1. The homage say that the piece of land at Cornevord [Conford] which at the last Court they assumed to be part of the Lord’s waste [see 89/4] belongs by common knowledge to a holding called Youngs – and that the tenants of the same holding called Youngs were fully accustomed to reap the rye there and take it for their own use until it was prohibited at the last Court. Nevertheless on consideration the Court decides not to suspend the said penalty [4d!] further until John Fish has shown the status of his holding better, on pain of a fine of 3s.4d. [See 93/3, 95/4 & 97/5].

92/2. Permission is given to James Grevatt to remove the old house on his holding used as a stable and put it at the end of his barn … before next Court. Cp.97/3.

92/3. Joan the relict of Thomas Hether who at a previous Court [89/2] received the messuage and land previously held by her husband Thomas deceased, for the term of her life according to the custom of the manor, has joined herself in marriage, with the permission of [the Lord?] to a certain William Copas [‘Colpas’ in 17c], who in open Court together with the said Joan now his wife is admitted tenant – surety Henry Hounsom.

The Bailiff is ordered to distrain [for services etc., see 93/5] the heirs of Joan Dalman and Thomasina Plonefett [copyist has misread; name is “Plongger’, see 50/4] for one acre of meadow in Kingsmead [and] a parcel of messuage and land in Parsfeild, now tenanted and occupied by John Fish, by grant and enfeoffment of William Figg.

49. LUDSHOT. COURT HELD 25 OCTOBER, 8 ELIZABETH (1566).

92F. Essoins. Peter Norton, gentleman, essoined.

93/1. John Fish and John Tribe, free tenants who owe suit of Court, appear today for their free tenancies and are given a day to appear again at the next Court.

93/2. The Dean of Chichester (4d), John White knight of London, merchant (4d) and the President of Magdalen College Oxford, free tenants, are in default and so in mercy.

93/3. John Fish, as ordered at the last Court [91/4], brings a deed to this Court to corroborate that he holds the croft called Goldenlands as a free tenant – a croft once held by Robert Wydenall – the tenour of which follows in these words [part ragged and stained]: “Be it known to all men [copyist has patuit universi for pateat universis] that I Richard Conford (Rector) of the Church of Brambleshot, my heirs and assigns hereby remit, relax and quitclaim to Peter Widinall, his heirs and assigns all rights and claims which I had or in any way henceforth could have in that land called Goldenlands, so that neither I the said Richard, nor my heirs and assigns, nor anyone else in my name shall at any time ever be able to press any claim of right or lay any claim over all (ie any) of the said lands of Goldenlands. In token of which etc. Given in the 32nd year of the reign of Edward III (1358)”. Thereupon … to the next Court. [In margin, ‘Showing deed of free tenancy which Robert Wydenall held by copy of the Court’]. Richard Conford was Rector 1358–67.

93/4 [torn and stained]. (Mentions ‘John Tribe paying an annual rent of 8d for his cottage and adjacent croft’ and the deed of John Bonvile esquire [91/5], taken note of at the last Court and ?now lengthily considered – decided to ‘respite’ the claim to ‘exonerate’ the holding for further consideration at next Court; mention of a virgate of land and a purpresture once held by ‘the same Newman’). In margin, ‘Rent omitted; case respited again’. See 94/3?

93/5. Bailiff is ordered to distrain the heirs of Joan Dalman for all services due to the Lord for 1 acre of meadow lying in the common meadow called Kingsmead [and] a parcel of land held in Parsfeild now in the free tenure and occupancy of John Fish, by grant and feoffment from William Figg, deceased. See end 92/3, 95/2, 98/l, 107/3.

Fines assessed by the Homage

50. LUDSHOT. COURT HELD 6 OCTOBER ? ELIZABETH (between 1566–70)

94/1. John Fish, free tenant, appears & has a day to appear at next Court.

94/2. The homage sworn declare by Henry Hounsom the default of the President of Magdalen College Oxford (4d), John White knight of London, grocer (4d), Peter Norton (4d) and the Dean of Chichester (4d), free tenants, so they are in mercy.

94/3 [damaged]. Richard Tribe, who held in free tenancy 1 cottage and croft of one acre by annual rent of 8d and half a virgate of land with appurtenances by annual rent of 1 lb cummin and one purpresture of land once held by Newman (and …) by annual rent of 2d, has died since last Court. By his death there comes to the Lord for the cottage … but for the said half-virgate of land with appurtenances one ox value 26s.8d. John Tribe is his son and nearest heir and owes to the Lord for the said half-virgate of land and … 1 lb cummin … and for the purpresture …. Bailiff ordered to distrain (for Lord’s dues) by next Court.

95/1 [heavily stained]. (Seems to mention Bernard … of Headley, Robert ?Luckin, entry into some ?field at Hawden, illegal reaping, a cart-load of something belonging to the Lord carried away, two Johns tenants of the Bishop of Winchester [ie Headley men] who deny something, Bernard to be sued by writ).

95/2. Ordered that the heirs of Joan Dalman be distrained (to give satisfaction?) to the Lord for many faults [see 98/1, 107/3].

95/3. The tenants of Kingsley are ordered to make their (fences) well and sufficiently on Kingsmead and to keep their neighbours free from loss from (cattle straying and) anything else, on pain of a fine of 3s.4d for each defaulter. [See 97/6].

95/4. John Fish comes as ordered at the last Court [93/3] (and produces a deed about) Goldenlands, written as follows: “Know all persons present & future that I (John) Komber of Lymington have given and granted and by this my present deed (do give and grant to Richard) Figg, Thomas Figg and John Figg sons of the said Richard, of Stanford [Standford], their heirs and assigns, one parcel of land called Goldlands [sic] with all its appurtenances, lying in the Lordship of Ludshott (at?) Parsfeild and in the parish of Bramshott in the County of Southampton, to have and to hold the said parcel of land Goldlands with all its appurtenances belonging [spectan’] to the said Richard Figg, Thomas Figg and John Figg, their heirs and assigns in perpetuity, Giving for it to the Lord (rents and) services as previously due and of customary right, And verily I the said John Komber and all our heirs will warrant and defend in perpetuity against all people the said parcel of land with all its appurtenances to the said Richard Figg, Thomas Figg and John Figg, their heirs and assigns. In witness of which thing, to this my present deed I have affixed my seal. Witnesses: William Gill, Thomas Willyham, John Putt, …, Richard Asselat and others. Given at Bramshott 14 November ?15 Edward IV [?1465]. [Remaining 6 lines stained – but John Fish was apparently “not able to show by what right and title the said John Komber” transferred “the said croft” – and not “able to show what is his [Fish’s?] status in the said croft by deed corroborating”. Matter adjourned to next Court. See 97/5].

51. LUDSHET. COURT HELD 19 MARCH, 13 ELIZABETH (1571).

96. Essoins. None.

Henry Hounsom in the name of the whole homage declares the default of the President of Magdalen College Oxford, John White of London, grocer and alderman [‘essoined’ added over his name] and the Dean of Chichester, free tenants, who have failed to attend Court as they should.

96/3. Peter Norton, gentleman, and John Fish appear for court service and are given a day to attend next Court.

97/1. John Tribe [94/3] is under age, viz. 11 years; he is excused until he shall come of age. Joan Tribe has received the land of the said John to hold for the term of her life, by gift of John her son (according) to the last wish of the said John’s father. She is in Court, makes her suit of Court for the said land and is given a day to appear again next Court.

97/2. Robert Bignoll who held by copy of the Court roll one tenement with appurtenances called Woodlands in the Tithing of Ludshott has died since last Court. Heriot to the Lord, one cow value 10s. Edmund Bignoll, present in Court, ought to hold the said tenement with appurtenances called Woodlands for the term of his life, by copy of the Court dated 26 Nov 4 and 5 Philip & Mary [1557 – see 80/3], by virtue of which he does fealty and is admitted to the said holding.

97/3. A cow-shed on the holding of Edward Bicknoll [Edmund 80/3 – not clear at 97/2 – or is Edward a different member of the family?] near the Lord’s road in the heath is in great disrepair & nearly ruinous; having well repaired several buildings on his holding he will not be able to ‘support’ this one. Permission is given to the same Edward to take a sheep-shed from its place and put it where he can on the end of his barn, without danger of forfeiting his tenancy – by permission granted by the Steward. [Cp. 92/2 & see 107/6].

97/4. The shed on the end of Elizabeth Benivold’s sheep-shed is in disrepair as regards timber. The Bailiff is to see that it is repaired before next Court, on pain of a fine of 3s.4d.

97/5. John Fish has still not brought a deed to prove his free tenancy of Goldenland ‘usurped’ from the Lord [ie wrongly claimed as ‘free’, not copyhold. See 95/4 and earlier]. Bailiff to distrain the holding into the Lord’s hands before next Court.

97/6. The tenants at Kingsley have not made and maintained fences – so their cattle have grazed on the meadow there after the closing of the meadow [reading prati for copyist’s porti; ‘gate’ would be ‘parte’, any way], contrary to ancient custom and in spite of the instructions given at the last Court [95/3; the meadow would have been opened for pasture after hay-harvest and closed when the grass started to grow in early spring]. They and each of them are ordered to make up the said fences well and adequately before Palm Sunday next, on pain of a fine of 3s.4d for each defaulter. When made, they are to be maintained well and adequately from time to time, on pain of a fine of 10s. for each delinquent.

98/1. Joan Dalman (4d), free tenant of 1 acre of meadow in Kingsmead and a parcel (of?) Gentills in the tithing of Ludshot is in default this day [for not coming]. Bailiff ordered to distrain her to next Court for several defaults and services owed to the Lord. [Cp. 95/2. The Fish family are free tenants of Gentills at 74/2 and 101/4].

98/2. Edmund Fish comes and gives to the Lord £13.6s.8d as fine for admission to one cottage with garden adjacent and 8 acres of land in 4 closes and their appurtenances called Coles – and to one cottage and 3 acres of land with appurtenances called Stedes – now held by John Fish his father, to be held by him and Edmund his son for the term of their lives and the life of the survivor, according to the custom of the manor, giving rent and services as previously due and sanctioned by custom, until it shall return to the Lord’s hands by death, surrender or forfeiture by the said John the present tenant, and so he is admitted to the tenancy in reversion – but his fealty is postponed until etc. John’s tenancy is replaced by a tenancy for 3 lives, those of John, son and grandson; the son provides the huge ‘fine’ for the new tenancy but fealty is postponed until after his father’s death. Cp. rent roll below and 104 foot.

52. LUDSHET. FIRST COURT OF RICHARD KNIGHT, GENTLEMAN, HELD 16 DECEMBER, 14 ELIZABETH QUEEN OF ENGLAND (1571).

For Richard Knight see note to 87/4.

99/1. John White, knight, of London, grocer and Alderman, [essoined] by Thomas Colpas his bailiff, for his free tenements and lands called Stupes and At Wulles; Peter Norton in person for his free lands called Beales, James Grevatt, Edmund Bicknoll, Elizabeth Benevold widow, Henry Hownscham William Colpas, Edmund Fish the elder, customary tenants; Joan Tribe widow and Edmund Fish the younger, free tenants – ‘attorn’ to their [new] Lord, each one by paying his ‘pence’ [ie formally acknowledge that they are his tenants, by paying a small sum].

The rent roll which follows is written at length for each tenant; see tabulated version. Repeated with detail of fields &c. at 110/1 to 112/3.

Customary: Tenants.

99/3. Henry Hownesham did fealty to the Lord and acknowledged that he held of the Lord according to the custom of the manor one tenement and half a virgate of land with appurtenances called Chesters contained in 7 separate enclosures, with a certain grove, arable land, pasture & woods, by a rent of 7s., payable in equal portions at the Feasts of the Annunciation to the Blessed Virgin Mary and St Michael Archangel.

99/4. Elizabeth Benevold widow did fealty to the Lord and acknowledged that she held of the Lord according to the custom of the manor one tenement and half a virgate of land called Bignolls contained in 8 separate enclosures, with a grove of 3 acres, 32 acres of arable land, pasture & woods, by a rent of 7s. payable in equal portions at the said term-days [i.e. at the Annunciation & Michaelmas].

100/1. Edmund Bicknoll did fealty to the Lord and acknowledged that he held of the Lord according to the custom of the manor one tenement and half a virgate of land called Woodhouse [aka Woodlands] contained in 5 separate enclosures, with a grove of 2 acres, 20 acres of arable land, pasture & woods, by a rent of 6s. payable in equal portions at the said term-days. Family have held Woodhouse since early 1400s [see 7/6].

100/2. William Colpas did fealty to the Lord and acknowledged that he held of the Lord according to the custom of the manor one tenement and a virgate of land called Chamblyns contained in 8 separate enclosures, with a grove of 1 acre, and also ‘certain lands called the Mores [Moors] in the Lord’s heathland’, 60 acres, by a rent of [blank] payable in equal portions at the said term-days.

100/3. James Grevatt did fealty to the Lord and acknowledged that he held of the Lord according to the custom of the manor one tenement & a virgate of land in Parsfeild contained in 12 separate enclosures, 55 acres of arable land, pasture & woods, by a rent of 13s. payable in equal portions at the said term-days.

100/4. Edmund Fish senior did fealty to the Lord and acknowledged that he held of the Lord according to the custom of the manor one tenement and toft with half a virgate of land called Cooles & Steedes [Coles & Stedes previously] contained in 7 separate enclosures, 20 acres of arable land, pasture & woods, by a rent of 7s.6d payable in equal portions at the said term-days. [98/2 gives 8 + 3 acres].

101/1. Edmund Fish junior holds certain customary lands in Parsfeild aforesaid at the Lord’s pleasure called Goldenlands, contained in 40 acres, which he claims to hold as a free tenant, but because it appears otherwise in the Roll of the Court held in Ludshott aforesaid on the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross 3 Henry V [ie 14 Sept 1415, see 16/6], it is not so admitted and he is placed among customary tenants [as holding] by a rent of 6s. payable in equal portions at the said term-days.

101/2. The same Edmund Fish junior did fealty to the Lord and acknowledged that he held of the Lord according to the custom of the manor three tenements and a virgate of land called Aylmansland contained in 12 separate enclosures, 60 acres of arable land. pasture & woods, by a rent of 15s. payable in equal portions at the said term-days.

101/3. He also acknowledged that he held a tenement and half a virgate of land called Parsefeild contained in ?3 separate enclosures, 12 acres of arable land, pasture & woods. by a rent of (3s.) payable in equal portions at the said term-days –

101/4 – And, as a free tenant of the Lord of the manor, certain land at Gentills contained in 60 acres of woodland, by 1 red rose at St John Baptist’s day & suit of Court.

102/1. John White, knight, of London, grocer & Alderman, by Thomas Colpas his Bailiff and tenement [sic] does fealty and acknowledges that he holds as a free tenant one tenement and a virgate of land called Goores [Gores – but Stupes at 99/1] contained in 9 separate enclosures, 40 acres of arable, pasture & woodland, by suit of court and rent of 10s. payable in equal portions at the said term-days and at the Feast of St Michael the Archangel 1 lb. pepper.

102/2. The same, as free tenant, for a cottage and half a virgate of land called At Wulles, contained in 6 separate enclosures, 20 acres of arable, pasture and woodland, by suit of court and rent of 7s.6d payable in equal portions at the said term-days.

102/3. Peter Norton, gentleman, does fealty and acknowledges that he holds as a free tenant a tenement and a virgate of land called Beeles, by suit of court and rent of 6d payable in equal portions at the said term-days.

102/4. Joan Tribe, free tenant [rest & all 103 illegible].

53. COURT HELD. … [illegible]

Items 104/foot to 105/3 in this Document deal with John Fish’s death and Edmund Fish’s claim to inherit. But at 100/4 to 101/4 above Edmund Fish is already in possession, as if Doc.53 should come before Doc.52. Yet Doc.54 follows 53 on the same parchment. Did the 17c copyist get 52 and 53 out of order?

104/penult. Item. The homage, Henry Hownesham ?James Grevatt, … Edmund Fish senior, C…, sworn, say on oath that the President of Magdalen College Oxford (4d), the Dean of Chichester (4d) and John White knight, of London, merchant and Alderman, free tenants, owe suit of Court and are in default; each of them is in mercy. And that [ blank] Dalman who holds freely at Kingsmead by suit of Court is in default & so in mercy. [In margin, ‘mercy (ie fines) 12d.’].

104/foot. John Fish, who held by copy of the Court 1 cottage with garden and 8 acres of land with appurtenances in Parsfeild called Coles, and another cottage with 3 acres and its appurtenances called Steades in Parsfeild, has died since last Court. Heriot to the Lord, 2 cows, value 40s. The said cottages and lands remain in the Lord’s hands, so proclamation was made for anyone who wishes to fine for them. Edmund Fish claimed them by reason of the grant made by the Steward at the last Court [see 98/2] although (John) Fish his father did not give his approval. A ‘fine’ having been assessed for him and his son Thomas to have the holdings for the term of their lives and the life of the survivor, he [Edmund] does fealty to the Lord and is admitted to the said tenancy.

105/2. The same John Fish at the day of his death also held freely the tenement & land called Aylmansland, by annual rent of 15s., and a tenement and certain land in Parsfeild by annual rent of 3s, and other land called Gentills by annual rent of one red rose. Hence a heriot to the Lord of one young ox and 2 heifers appraised at 36s.8d. Edmund Fish the younger is his son and nearest heir [and] of full age and ?19s. is therefore owed to the Lord as a relief. He being present in Court seeks admission [to the holdings], does fealty and is admitted to the tenancy. But Edmund Fish already holds these tenancies at 101/2–4. See note to previous item.

105/3. The same John on the day of his death [also] held certain land called Goldenland, whether as a free tenant or at the Lord’s pleasure the homage are unsure [see 101/1!]. So Edmund Fish his son must be distrained (to show) by what title or right his father held … [In margin, ‘Order for the title of Goldland to be shown, by ?distraint or seizin’].

105/4. [Right side of this and next item torn and stained]. The homage say that a certain boundary stone … [illegible].

105/5. And for the true boundaries of the Manor of Ludshott aforesaid [the description is in English, first line being illegible] “… the Channel goeth to Graciot. [Grayshott] corner, ?distance neare half a mile … along the hedge shoting North west to Farnham way ?distance of a mile and soe along upon the Bank on the North side … the nether end of the Banks downe to the Bottom beneath … along the Bottom being almost a mile and soe from ?Lightwoods ?way Bottom to Gentills way halfe a mile and soe down to Goldlands ?bank a quarter of a mile and soe to Warlands pill’ two Furlongs … thence to Westland Corn(er) iii quarters of a mile and soe to the m… Oke standing by little Wodd [Wood] besides Thornehill a furlong, from thence over the marsh downe to Broad Bridge otherwise called Blackwater Bridge halfe a mile, And soe along the water unto Corneford a mile, And from the nether end of Corneford along the [blank] way to Beeles land, down ?to the water iii quarters of a mile and soe all along by the water to Coupers bridge a quarter of a mile, and from thence along the water to Wakeners wells? one mile and an halfe.”

Total of this Court £4.16s.8d (Heriott 76s.8d; Relief 19s; Fines 12d)

54. LUDSHETT. COURT HELD 28 MARCH, 14 ELIZABETH (1572).

107/1. Essoins. The President of Magdalen College Oxford, Dean of Chichester and John White knight, of London, grocer and Alderman, free tenants, owe suit of court to-day [have neither come nor been essoined].

107/2. Henry Hownesham with his neighbours, customary tenants of this Manor, sworn say that [blank] Dalman (4d) who holds freely 1 acre of meadow in Kingsmead previously Youngs [93 foot], now occupied by Edmund Fish the younger, owes suit to this Court, defaults & so is in mercy. Bailiff to distrain him to next Court for several defaults.

107/3. John Sommer, a Headley tenant of the Bishop of Winchester, entered the Lord’s wood called Ludshot Wood near Warlands Well about St Luke’s day [18 Oct.] AD 1570 and there to the ‘disinheritance’ of the Lord & his heirs illicitly felled 2 small oaks and illegally carried the timber away, value 12d. They say he throws himself on the Lord’s grace, on which he is ordered to pay the value of the said timber for his offence, 12d – surety John Newman.

107/4. Richard Bicknoll (10s.) of Kingsley, husbandman, contrary to long- standing rules, illegally broke the lock and staple of the hedge of the meadow of Kingsmead, to the injury of his neighbours who hold land there under lease and the ‘disinheritance’ of the Lord – to whom regulating the use of the same meadow [ordo ejusdem prati] belongs according to long-standing custom, and so is in mercy as above.

107/5. The cookhouse of James Grevatt is in a very bad state. Ordered to repair it adequately before next Court, on pain of a fine of 6s.8d. The cookhouse, le kitchen, was often separate from the main house, because of the fire risk. Cp.110/4.

107/6. Edmund Bicknoll has not built his shed as he was ordered to do before the last Court [97/3]. Ordered to rebuild it before the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross [14 Sept.] on pain of a fine of 6s.8d.

108/2. The fences and ditches of Kingsmead meadow are in need of making up and scouring out, to the prejudice of the whole meadow. All tenants of the same meadow are ordered to construct and clear out their fences and ditches well & adequately before the Feast called Hocktide [Easter Mon & Tue], on pain of a fine of 10s. for each defendant.

A new parchment begins here, Queen’s no. Z23/14, heavily stained at the top. Apparently the same Court; the ‘timber’ fine of 107/3 appears in the list of takings at the end. Turns quite soon into a detailed tenancy and field list.

109/1. … of the whole meadow there … ?acres adjacent to the free holding of John White of London, grocer & Alderman, known as Goores and Wulls [102/1 & 2], one acre adjacent to the holding previously Youngs in Parsfeild, and is occupied by Dalman, free tenant, and half an acre of meadow next to the customary holding of James Grevatt in Parsfeild aforesaid.

109/2. Appeared this day and did suit of Court:– Peter Norton, gentleman, for his free holding called Beeles; Edmund Fish the younger for his free lands and tenements called Aylmanslan, Gentills & Youngs; and Joan Tribe for her free land called Newmans. A new day is given them to appear next Court.

109/3. Permission is given to Edmund Fish junior [junior or senior? – see note to 98/2, also 112/2] to demise his ‘fineable’ lands and tenements in Parsfeild in the Tithing of Ludshott called Cooles and Stedes to Richard Glazier for the next 20 years following and fully completed, if the same Edmund and Thomas his son live so long. For which permission the said Edmund gives the Lord a fine of 10s – and, for the annual approval, 4d, to be paid at the two most usual term-days of the year.

109/4. Since to this day it appears that Edmund Fish junior can in no way establish the free status of his lands called Goldlands the Bailiff is ordered to take them into the Lord’s hands before next Court [?to oblige Edmund to accept them as copyhold or give them up]

109/5. And since at the Court held on 28 April 15 Henry VIII [1523] on the death of Thomas Andrew [46/3] it appeared that at his death the said Thomas held from the Lord by copy of the Court inter alia one cottage with enclosures [and] attached pasture-land, once held by Agnes Duffeild, later by John Andrew, then by Agnes for her [son] Peter, according to the custom of the manor, and now in the occupation of Joan Tribe widow as her free tenement – therefore the Court orders the said cottage to be seized into the Lord’s hands before the next Court [presumably to make her take it on copyhold tenure –see next item].

110/1. And by a survey [supervisione] of the Manor it appears that Joan Tribe widow holds one tenement with an apple-orchard, garden and barn, and a small enclosure adjoining, called Duffeilds, containing by estimation 3 rods of land, which ought to be seized into the Lord’s hand by customary tenure, because Thomas Andrew held it by copy of the Court as in the previous item, by paying 8d, previously 2s.4d – in decay at the time of Thomas Andrew’s death. ie. she must take it as copyhold,

All items from now to 112/3 begin in the original with “And that …”, ie. the facts given all “appear from the survey” like 110/1.

110/2. And that the same Joan [Tribe] holds freely as is supposed one enclosure of land called Brodefeild [ie Broadfield] containing by estimation 4 acres, one enclosure called Stoniefeild lying on the north side of Brodefeild containing by estimation 3 acres, one enclosure called Widowes-croft on the north side of Parages [elsewhere Sparage] containing by estimation 3 acres, 2 enclosures called the Reedens containing by estimation 4 acres, in all 14 acres, by a rent of 1lb cummin.

110/3. And that Edmund Bicknoll holds by copy of the Court one tenement [‘Woodhouse, Conford’ in margin], one barn, garden and apple-orchard, containing by estimation a quarter of an acre, one enclosure called the Croft containing by estimation 2½ acres, Homefeilds containing by estimation 4 acres, Sallyfeilds [there were sallows there?] containing by estimation 4 acres, Northfeild containing by estimation 3 acres, Overfeild containing by estimation 5 acres, and 1 grove containing by estimation 3 acres woodland, in all 21½ acres and 1 rod, by annual rent of 6s.

Items to 112/3 are all set out in the original as 110/2 and 110/3 but tabulated here for the reader’s convenience. All acreages ‘estimated’. Fields etc specifically noted as ‘enclosures’ marked E.

110/4. Bignolls. Tenant, Elizabeth Benifold, widow. Rent 7s.

Tenement, detached kitchen, barn, garden, apple-orchard, small parcels of land est. at 3 rods. Also enclosures as follows:

E

Little Stoneyfeild

2½ acres

Longfeild

3½ acres

E

Deanefeild

Great Stonyfeild

4

E

Homefeild

Waterfeild

4

E

Birchfeild

3

East feild

4

Bigg Stonyfeild

3

1 grove of woodland

5

In all, 33 acres 3 rods.

111/1. Chesters. Tenant, Henry Hownsham. Copyhold. Rent 7s.

Tenement, barn, garden, apple-orchard, adjacent enclosures est. at 1 rod. Also –

Bottom field

1 acre

Great Bromefeild

3 acres

Hill field

?

Little Bromefeild

2

Landfeild

3

Longfeild

2

Wulmerland Close

2 [assarted from Wolmer Forest ?]

Pookfeild

4

1 grove of woodland

?acres

In all, 23 acres 1 rod.

111/2 and esp. 111/3 are creased, torn and stained.

111/2. Chamberlaynds. Tenant, William Colpas. Copyhold. Rent 14s.

Tenement, apple-orchard, garden, … watery [land] … Also –

E

Hethfeild

23 acres

Homefeild

6 acres

 

Hookfeild

?

?Pangfeild

?

 

Littlefeild

3

Highefeild

?

 

Berryfeild

5

   

 

1 ‘moor’ [heath] called Little More [Moor], containing 1 acre wood & ?underwood.

 

1 small … called the ?Per …

In all, 58 acres.

111/3. (In Parsfeild). Tenant, James Grevatt. Rent, ?13s.

Tenement with detached kitchen, … … 3 acres, 1 enclosure [called] the … feild … part lying … 1 enclosure, the ?Home feild … Parsfeild Lane, viz. Northward, 1 enclosure called ?Moor … 1 enclosure near Beryfeild [see 111/2] containing 4 acres … Birchfeild [crossed out] containing 6½ acres of ‘separate’ [ie scattered?] oaks extending [to?] … [and?] stretching thence westwards called the Longfeild containing ?5 acres … of the same, 1 enclosure called ?Blyfelld containing 3 acres
1 encl. ?adjacent called Great Hillfeild, 4 acres
1 encl. called the Lambes’ Lease with oaks on N. & S., 5 acres
1 encl. called Stepe Hatch field, 3 acres
1 encl. called Little Hillfeild with a par rock nr. Stepe Lane. 4 a.
1 moor called Kingsmead lying in the Lord’s ‘portion’ there

In all, 59 acres.

112/1. And [blank] Dalman holds in free tenancy 1 acre of meadow in Kingsmead near the Lord’s portion of meadow there, [and?] a parcel now occupied by Edmund Fish junior in Parsfeild called Youngs, without paying rent and ?suit of Court. [Usually Fish is said to hold it, see 109/2 &c].

112/2. Stedes. Tenant, Richard Glasier by demise from Edmund Fish sen. Rent ?s.

1 tenement with garden, orchard, curtilage, ½ acre.
1 tenement, Stedes land 1 acre
1 enclosure, the Rackfeild 2½

and Coles, rent 4s.

A barn of 3 ?bays [or 3 aisles] in an enclosure of 6 acres
1 enclosure facing east, 2 acres
1 enclosure called Grevatts, 3 acres.

In all, 16 acres.

112/3. Goldenlands, 10 encl. Tenant, Edmund Fish junior. Rent 5s.

1 encl. next Warlands 6 acres
1 encl. lying next to Headley land 7
1 encl. next to it 4
Next 1 encl. 4
Next an encl. to the east 4
Next an encl. to the S. 3
An enclosure next to it 2
An enclosure 4
An encl. called Blyclose ?
An encl. next Warland 5

In all, ? acres.

Assessors: the Homage.

Takings: Annual Recognitions, 4d; Fines for entry, 10s; Charges for woodland offences, 16d; Fines for offences, 12d. …

55. …ET. COURT HELD 8 OCTOBER ??15 ELIZABETH (1573??).

Stained and torn.

113/1. Peter Norton for his tenement and lands called Beeles and Edmund Fish for his tenement and lands called Aylmansland, Youngs and Gentills are essoined for this day.

113/2. The homage – Henry Hownesham, Edmund Fish the elder, James Grevatt,. William Colpas, Edmund Bicknoll and Roger Benevold – charged and sworn on the rules of the Court, state that the President (4d) of Magdalen College Oxon., for a cottage and half a virgate of land called Priors, and the Dean of Chichester (4d) for a cottage and land called Warlands, owe suit of court to-day [and are not represented], so each is in mercy.

113/3. Thomas Allin (sc. Allen) (10s.) and John Morar (10s.) did not make up their fences or scour out their ditches at Kingsmead before the feast called Hocktide [2nd Tuesday after Easter] as ordered at last Court – and still have not made them or scoured them, so that the tenants in the said meadow sustained loss. Each of them is thus at fault, as it appears. Ordered to clean out the said ditches and make their fences before next Hocktide, on pain of a fine of 13s.4d each.

113/4.. William Feilder of Week [??=Wyck, ie S. Bramshott Common – more likely the one near East Worldham, JOS] with two associates broke the gate of Kingsmead meadow, entered as a trespasser, contrary to the peace of our Lady the Queen, and riotously broke the bounds of the said meadow, to the Lord’s loss and the loss of the tenants of the said meadow. So he is in mercy.

113/5. James Grevatt and Edmund Bicknoll are ordered to repair a defective cookhouse and a shed [respectively] before next Court.

Sheet 114 is very badly stained and torn.

114/1. The homage say that on examination … came to an oak growing on William Colpas’s land last year and is still there … and the said William Colpas … (2s.6d?).

114/2. (Refers to an enclosure of John … and a stream running from Wakeners ?Wells).

114/3–4. Illegible.

114/5. References to an enquiry into pannage [pasturing of pigs on manorial waste and the Lord’s fees for it]. The bailiff is ordered to enquire diligently how many pigs and piglets … and of one year of age and over each customary tenant (owns?) … Who later comes and says that [tabulated here for clarity]:–

George Pitt (1d) has (one pig) of one year or over.
Joan Tribe (3d) widow has 2 of one year or over & 2 younger.
Roger Benifold (9d) 8 pigs of one year or over & 2 younger.
Eliz.Benifold (2d) widow, 2 of one year or over.
Edmund Bicknoll .(2d) has 2 of the same age (sc. as above).
William Colpas (10d) ?10 of the same age or over.
James Grevatt (11d) 11 of the same age.
Richard Glasier (6d) 4 yearling pigs and 2 younger.
John Parnell (2d), 2 yearlings.

And by the said Record it is specified that for each pig of one year or over a tenant ought to pay 1d a year to the Lord – and for every pig under one year ?as they are taxed in the above list. The Bailiff is ordered to collect this tax and answer for it to the Lord in his accounts at the next [annual] Audit.

115. Affeerers: Edmund Fish the elder, James Grevatt, sworn.

115/3. Total takings at this Court: £6.14.10 – Heriot: £3 paid; Reliefs: 17s.6d and 1lb pepper; Strays (presumably animals straying & doing damage) 2s.6d; Perquisites of the Court [=miscell. takings] 31s.; Pannage [pig-tax]: 3s.10d.

[All these takings were no doubt recorded in the illegible sections of this Court. Figures are quite clear – total should be £5.14.10].

56. LUDSHOT. Court due to be held there in February 16 ELlZABETH

– at the instance of the homage the winter sitting was deferred and adjourned to the fifth day of May 17 ELIZABETH as is contained in the next part of this sheet. [Elizabeth’s ‘regnal’ years were reckoned to start on 17 November why did Ludshott think a change took place between February & May?].

57. LUDSHETT. COURT HELD THERE 5 MAY, 17 ELIZABETH (1575).

116. Essoins – none.

116/1. Edmund Fish the younger. for his holdings called Aylmansland, & Joan Tribe for her holding called Newmans owe suit of court to this day, are present and appear and have a day to appear at the next Court.

116/2. The homage sworn say by Henry Hownesham that the President of Magdalen College Oxon. (4d) for his free holding called Priors Land, the Dean of Chichester (4d) for his free holding Warlands, Robert White (4d) esquire for his free holdings called Stedes and Wulles, Peter Norton (4d) for his free holding called Beales, and [blank] Dalman (4d) for one acre of meadow at Kingsmead formerly Youngs are free tenants owing suit of Court, are in default to-day and so each of them is in mercy.

116/3. The Bailiff is ordered to distrain [blank] Dalman to the next Court to reply to the Lord for several defaults and for his fealty and ?services to the Lord.

117/1. And [the homage say] that rents are due to the Lord for pannage of their pigs since last Michaelmas [29 Sept 1574] as follows:–

William Colpas for …
Edmund Fish the elder for 5: 5d.
James Grevatt for 5, 5d and one … 6d.
Edmund Bicknoll for one: 1d
Roger Benevold for 7: 7d.

[In margin, Pannage 2s. 2d’].

117/2. The tenement of Henry Hownesham, customary tenant of Chesters, needs repair to three groundsills. Ordered to repair it well and adequately before next Court, on pain of a fine of 3s.4d.

Affeerers: Edmund Fish the elder, William Colpas.

Total takings: 3s.10d (Pannage 2s.2d, Amercements ?20d).

118/1. N.B. Pannage of pigs for this the 17th year of our Lady the Queen. The Court should make an assessment as to pannage for the said year.

58. LUDSHOTT. COURT HELD TUESDAY 2 OCTOBER, 18 ELIZABETH (1576)

118/2. Essoins. [blank].

118/3. Henry Hownesham, James Grevatt, Edmund Fish the elder, Edmund Bicknoll, Roger Benefold, William Colpas, sworn, say that the President of Magdalen College Oxon. (4d) for his free holding called Priors Land, the Dean of Chichester (4d) for his free holding called Warlands, Robert White (4d) esquire for his free lands called Wulles and Stupes, and Peter Norton (4d) for his free holding called Beales owe suit to this Court and are in default, so each of them is in mercy.

118/4. John Dalman (4d) who holds freely one acre of meadow in Kingsmead and a parcel of half a virgate called Gentills once held by Peter Youngs owes suit to this Court, is in default and so is in mercy. Bailiff ordered to distrain him to the next Court, to answer to the Lord for several defaults.

118/5. Tenants of Thomas Pescod [Lord of Oakhanger] living in the parish of Bramshott [& therefore in the Conford section of Oakhanger] illegally placed certain posts on the Lord’s land at Corneford [‘Cornevord’ in the margin] while the Court was actually sitting; the tenants of the Lord [of Ludshott] pulled them up and carried them away. They are instructed to do so always, when they see any posts there and to watch and diligently enquire for the name of the placer of the posts and report him to the next Court.

119/1. Robert Calkin cut [reaped] rye in the Lord’s possession [manor] at Cornevord without permission and illegally removed it to the Lord’s loss, so is in mercy as above [margin has ‘Fine for trespass in Cornevorde’].

119/2. Henry Hownesham has not repaired his customary tenement of Chesters as ordered at the last Court, so he forfeits 3s.4d – which the Lord of his grace excuses. Ordered to repair it properly before next Court, on pain of a fine of 5s. Cp.117/2 – & 119/5!

119/3. They owe the Lord for pannage of pigs due at the Michaelmas Day next following the last Court held here, as follows:–

James Grevatt for 3 young ones l½d.
Richard Glazier for 3 young ones l½d.
Roger Benifold for 4 old ones 4d.
William Colpas for 4 old ones 4d.

Total 11d., paid into Court

119/4. And they owe for pannage for the current year:

James Grevatt for 3 old pigs 3d.
Richard Glazier for 2 old and 1 young 2½d
Roger Benifold for 6 old ones 6d
William Colpas for ?8 old ones ?8d )
Edmund Bicknoll for 1 young one ½d

Total 20d, paid in open Court

119/5. This day permission is given to Henry Hownesham to demise his tenement with ?1 virgate in the Tithing [of Ludshott] called Chesters for a term of six years, to whichever tenant shall seem good to him, so long as it is a really honest man …, for which permission he gives the Lord a ‘fine’ of 5s.

119/6. They report that an oak has been felled at Wakeners Well since last Court and a section of it, 6 feet long or more, has been carried away but the homage do not know who did it. The rest of the oak is still there. Order given for it to be sold before next Court, the money to go to the Lord, the bailiff to answer to the Lord for the cash.

120/1. Certain person unknown have stolen three dead [oaks – MS has tria apm – clearly oaks are meant] at Wakeners Well and one at Hawden, felling 4 oaks counting the dead ones. He [the Bailiff] is ordered to investigate before the next Court and report then anything he can find out. Meanwhile he is to sell the said 4 oaks at the best price offered, money to go to the Lord, and pay in the proceeds at the next Court. [The ‘thieves’ cut down the oaks but didn’t remove them]

120/2. Since the last Court 3 oaks which were cut down in Hawden have been sold for 3s., which is paid into Court.

Affeerers: the Homage.

Total takings at this Court: 12s.3d

(Licence to sub-let 5s; Timber 3s; Pannage 2s 2d; Amercements 20d)

[Correct total 11s. 10d. ?]

59. LUDSHET. COURT HELD 11 OCTOBER, 19 ELIZABETH (1577).

[New parchment begins here, Queen’s No. Z. 23/15].

121. Essoins. (Blank).

121/1. Edmund Fish the younger for his holdings called Aylmansland, Youngs and Gentills & Joan Tribe for her holding called Newmans, who owe suit of court in person, to-day appear and have a day again to appear at the next.

121/2. The homage, sworn, say through Henry Hownesham that the President of Magdalen College Oxon. (excused) for his free holding called Priors Land, the Dean of Chichester (excused for his free holding called Warlands and Robert Whirt [sic, White is meant] esquire (excused) for his free lands called Wollers [sic – Wulles is meant] and Stupes owe suit of Court and are in default, so each of them is in mercy as [marked] over their heads [‘excused’ is written over their names in the original].

121/3. John Dalman, who holds freely one acre of meadow in Kingsmead and a parcel of half a virgate of land called Gentills once held by Peter Young, owes suit of court to-day and is in default and so in mercy. Bailiff ordered again as at last Court to distrain him to the next Court to do fealty and pay the other services due. [Margin seems to read, ‘fine paid’].

122/1. Peter Norton gentleman, who holds freely one tenement and lands called Beales by annual rent of 6d has, since the last Court, alienated the said tenement and lands to Robert Yalden for ?5 years – heriot to the Lady 1 cow. And the said Robert Yalden owes a relief of 6d. Bailiff to distrain to the next Court for the heriot, relief and other services due to the Lady. [Richard Knight – see heading above 99/1 – has died; his widow Alice is now Lady of the Manor – see heading of next Court below].

122/2. Henry Hownsham, customary tenant of a tenement called Chesters, has not repaired it as ordered at the last Court, so incurs a fine of 5s. He is again ordered to repair it before the next Court, on pain of 6 fine of 10s.

122/3. The oaks at Wakeners Well and Hawden (mentioned) at last Court are still there. Edmund Bignall [the woodward] is ordered again to sell them before the next Court and pay to the Lady.

122/4. Certain branches, about 2 cart-loads in estimation, have been sold by Edmund Bignall for 8d.

122/5. The Lady is owed pannage for their pigs as follows: James Grevatt for 3 old ones 3d, Richard Glasier for one old and 2 young 2d, Roger Benefold for 4 old 4d, William Colpas for 4 old and 4 young 6d.

60. LUDSHETT. COURT OF ALICE KNIGHT, WIDOW, HELD THERE 22nd APRIL, 21 ELIZABETH (1579).

123/1. Essoins. Doctor Humfrey, President of Magdalen College Oxon, by Edmund Fish, Robert White by Roger Colpas.

123/2. Henry Hownsham, James Grevatt, Edmund Fish the elder, Edmund Bignall, Roger Benifold, William Colpas, sworn, say that Robert Yalden who holds freely a tenement and 1 virgate containing by estimation 50 acres called Beeles by a rent of 6d a year and suit of court has alienated the said tenement and virgate to Richard Shore – by which alienation a heriot of 1 mare comes to the Lady and from the said Richard Shore a relief of 6d. [see 123/6].

123/3. The tenement of Edmund Fish is very ruinous and in decay. Ordered to repair it before Michaelmas next on pain of a fine of 10s.

123/4. The tenement of James Grevatt is very ruinous and in decay. Ordered to repair it before Michaelmas next on pain of a fine of 10s.

123/5. Since Edmund Fish has not to this day produced a deed proving that he holds Goldenlands freely (though he has long ‘usurped’ it) as he was ordered at divers Courts or as prescribed in the Lady’s Records, the Bailiff is ordered to seize the said holding into the Lady’s hands before the next Court.

123/6. To this Court comes Richard Shore [see 123/2 and 125/4] and agrees that he holds freely a tenement and 1 virgate containing by estimation 50 acres called Beeles by suit of court and an annual rent [amount omitted] paid in equal portions at the two ‘terms’ of the year, viz. at the Feast of the Blessed Virgin Mary [sc. the Annunciation] and at Michaelmas, and does fealty to the Lady and is admitted to the said tenancy.

124/1. The inhabitants of Kingsley and Hedley do not make or maintain their fences in Kingsmead, or clear out their ditches next to the said meadow, so that their cattle graze there after the closing [of the meadow], contrary to long-standing custom. Each of them is ordered to make up the said fences and ditches well and sufficiently before the (illegible) day of May next, on pain of a fine of 10s. for each defaulter.

Assessors: None, because there was nothing to assess.

61. LUDSHOTT. COURT OF ALICE KNIGHT, WIDOW, HELD THERE 21st MARCH [illegible – about 1580].

124/3. Essoins. Doctor Humfrey (4d), President of Magdalen College Oxon, essoined by Edmund Bignall, The Dean of Chichester (4d) is essoined by Roger Colpas & Edmund Fish senior, Robert White by Roger Colpas, Richard Shore by Henry Hownesham. [Fines presumably entered in error? Did the essoiners arrive late?].

125/1. Henry Hownsham, Richard Whyte, Edmund Fish sen., Edmund Bignall and William Colpas sworn declare that James Grevatt – who held from the Lady by copy of the Court and who at the end of his life (transferred) one messuage and one virgate of land with appurtenances in Pasfield [sic] to his wife Agnes and to his daughter Joan and to whichever of them shall live the longer, according to the custom of the manor – has died since last Court. By his death a heriot comes to the Lady of one ox appraised at [blank], delivered to the Steward of the Lady. They say that the said Joan is now the wife of Richard Chitty and ought to (have) the tenancy [see 126/1].

125/2. Thomas Fish, Robert Hownesham, Thomas Colpas & Robert Boxall take their breeding ewes in summertime to pasture on the Lady’s common, to the great prejudice of the other tenants. So they are ordered not to do it any more, on pain of a fine of 10s apiece.

125/3. Edmund Fish the younger for his holdings called Aylmansland, Youngs and Gentills, and Joan Tribe for her holding called Newmans, owe suit of Court this day; they appeared in person, did suit of Court and have a day to appear again at the next Court.

125/4. The homage further say that Richard Shorie [sic – read Shore, see 123/6] holds freely a certain parcel of land called Beales by annual rent of 6d and that Edmund Boxall who is under age holds freely another parcel called Benetts and for it pays no rent. The Court is not clear whether Beales and Benetts were granted together, for the one said rent of 6d; therefore it seems to the Steward that the matter should be deferred to the next Court for more mature consideration.

126/1. To this Court comes Joan Chetie [=Chitty], daughter of the said James Grevatt [see 125/1] and of Agnes wife of the deceased, in person and in open Court shows her copy and asks to be admitted to the said messuage and virgate of land with their appurtenances in Pasfeild aforesaid. On examination of her copy with the record and with the approval of the Steward she is admitted tenant and does fealty. For the ‘fine’ £3.13.4.

126/2. To this Court comes Richard Heath and receives from the Lady a tenement of one messuage and one virgate of land called Chamberlands in the Tithing of Ludshott with appurtenances now in the occupation of Joan Colpas wife of William Colpas and mother of the said Richard, to have and to hold during the life of the said Richard Heath for the term of his life according to the custom of the manor, by giving rent and service as owed previously and of customary right, until it shall come to the hands of the Lady by death, surrender or forfeiture. And he is admitted tenant on reversion [ie. he is to get it at his mother’s death] but his fealty is postponed as long as and until etc. [sic]. And he will give the Lady his best beast as a heriot at the time of death [his or his mother’s?].

Affeerers – None, since nothing to assess.

62. LUDSHOTT. MANOR COURT HELD 22 APRIL in the 27th year of the reign of ELIZABETH [1585] by the grace of God of England, France and Ireland Queen, Defender of the Faith – held by Anthony Danley, Steward there (of) John Stockman, gentleman, farm-renting the said Manor from our Lady the Queen at that date.

The Knight family, who owned the manor, were being heavily fined as recusants, ie. Catholics who refused to attend Church of England services; the Crown was renting out the manor, setting off the rents received against the amount owed by the Knights. From 1581 fines were increased to £20 p.m. See also Docs. 63–64. The Hampshire ‘Recusant Rolls’ are not too clear but suggest that Ludshott was rented out to John Stockman for £9 p.a. 1584–93 and to others for 1594–95; property at Godsfield & Swarraton was rented out from 1584 and at Ludshott, Hinton Daubnay & Odiham from 1591 (when Alice Knight and her son Robert were living at Itchen Abbas – £20 was levied on their goods 1593–94). Constance Knight, Robert’s wife, was fined £160 in 1595/6. The leases were sometimes held by sympathetic friends; were the Tichbornes friends of the Knights? see heading of Docs. 64 & 66.

127/2–4. Henry Humfrey. President of Magdalen College Oxon., essoined by Edmund Bignall, Dean and Chapter of the Cathedral Church of Chichester by Edmund Fish junior, Robert White esquire by Roger Colpas.

127/5. The homage here, viz. Henry Hownesham, Richard Chitty, Edmund Fish senior, Edmund Bignall and William Colpas come and say that all is well.

127/6. All free suitors (of Court) of this Manor and all customary tenants – to whomever of them the duty and right appertains – are ordered to make fences between their lands and the land of the farm-tenant of this Manor [ie. John Stockman above], and to make or repair adequately the fences in all individual [enclosures] before next Christmas, on pain of a fine of 13s. for each delinquent.

127/7–8. Elizabeth Benefold widow makes a complaint against Roger Benefold on a matter of debt. The Homage say on oath that the said Roger Benefold owes the said Elizabeth 20s and her incidental expenses and costs laid out over her case of 4d. Taking into account these her expenses and costs the Court considers that the said Elizabeth should recover against the said Roger the total of the said debt, viz. 20s. plus the said losses formally assessed by the said homage as 16d plus 4d, which is adjudged by the Court as its assessment for her expenses and costs laid out over her case in this matter. Judgment to be executed against the said Roger accordingly. [See 129/foot].

128/1. (Torn and faded). To this Court Robert Hownesham comes and accepts from the Lord … of one messuage and a virgate of land with their appurtenances in Ludshott, previously held by Richard … by right of Joan his wife, the daughter of ?John Benevold deceased, to have and to hold to the said Robert Hownesham, to the end of his life, at the Lord’s pleasure, according to the custom of the manor, by giving a rent of 13s yearly plus the customs, aids and services (previously due) by customary right, (or until) it returns to the Lord’s hands by death, surrender or forfeiture. The said Robert is admitted tenant in reversion and his fealty is postponed until etc. [sic]. And he gives the Lord to have the tenancy a fine of £20.

63. LUDSHOTT. COURT HELD 3 OCTOBER

[in some year between 1585 & 1588; right edge of parchment torn & stained; full preamble as for previous Court, ie. John Stockman is renting the Manor from the Crown – as Doc. 62] .

129. Essoins. Laurence Humfrey, President of Magdalen Coll. Oxon., by Edmund Bignall, Dean and Chapter of the Cathedral Church of Chichester by (Edmund) Fish junior, Robert White esquire by Roger Colpas.

129/foot. The Homage present that Elizabeth Benevold widow [127/7] who held of the Lord by Roll of Court one messuage called Bicknolls and half a virgate with appurtenances in the Tithing of Ludshott has died since last Court. Heriot to the Lord one ox value 40s delivered into the stock of the Lord.

130/1. To this Court comes Roger Benevold and receives from the Lord in farm by the hand of the Steward one messuage called Bicknolls and half a virgate with appurtenances in the Tithing of Ludshott lately held by Elizabeth Benevolde, to have and to hold to the said Roger, Agnes his wife and John his son for the term of their lives and for the life of whichever of them shall live longest, at the Lord’s pleasure, according to the custom of the manor, by rent, works and services as previously owed and customary. He gives the Lord as a fine to enter on the tenancy £20, is admitted tenant and does fealty to the Lord.

64. LUDSHOTT. COURT HELD 16 APRIL, 31 ELIZABETH (1589)

Held by Nicholas Tichborne, Steward of John Stockman, gentleman, farm-tenant of the said manor from our said Lady the Queen [see note to 62; the ‘Lord’ is now Robert Knight, see 133/1; Queen’s full titles given as in 62]

130/3–131/2. Essoins. President of Magdalen Coll.Oxon. (2d) by Edmund Bicknoll, Dean and Chapter of the Cathedral Church of Chichester by Edmund Fish, Robert White by Roger Colpas.

131/3. William Colpas, Roger Benefolde, Thomas Fish, Henry Hownsham and Edmund Bicknoll, sworn, say that Richard Shorie [125/4] who held freely by service of suit one tenement and one virgate has died. Heriot to the Lord one cow value 33s.4d, paid to the Lord via the Bailiff – and for relief 6d –and that Agnes Shorie is his daughter and nearest heir and aged 22, who being in Court seeks to be admitted tenant and does fealty.

131/4. Edmund Fish who held by copy of Court one tenement and half a virgate has died since last Court. Heriot to the Lord one cow value 30s, which the said ‘farm-tenant’ has paid to the Bailiff [the farm-tenant is Stockman – he has paid, as a loan to the family??]. Thomas Fish is the deceased’s son and nearest by copy [ie by manor custom], who being in Court seeks to be admitted tenant and does fealty.

131/5. Joan Tribe widow who held for her life one cottage and 18 acres has similarly died – when a heriot comes to the Lord, according to the homage. But Richard Sim, to whom Joan gave all her goods and beasts, says that no heriot has been paid since the tenancy was terminable at her death [ie. an entirely new tenancy would start with her son; on some manors this did mean no heriot was due]. The matter is adjourned for consideration by the Lord. The heriot remains meanwhile in the hands of Robert Hownesham. John Tribe is the nearest heir, who being in Court does fealty and is admitted tenant.

132/1. Edmund Fish has alienated to his kinsman John Fish one tenement, with curtilage and garden, lying in Parsfeild, with its appurtenances, to be held by the same John Fish and his heirs in perpetuity – heriot to the Lord one cow value 33s.8d. which is paid into Court, and for a relief 2s. John Fish, being present in Court, does fealty and is admitted tenant.

132/2. A day is given to all tenants till next Court, to inquire and to inform about the (?tenants) of the Bishop of Winchester holding in Headley who illegally entered on the Lord’s land called Lightwood and cut down oaks. to the ‘disinheritance’ of the Lord. [See 132/4].

132/3. To this Court comes William Colpas who holds one tenement and one virgate of land by copy, by right of his wife Joan, and seeks permission to demise one chamber on the south side of the said tenement and certain land, for the keeping of 20 sheep and one cow, to Richard Hether, son of the said Joan, for the term of 6 years – on condition that the said Richard permits the said William to (take back?) the said chamber and land for keeping of 20 sheep and 1 cow after the said term has elapsed, if the said William lives till then. Permission is given and for the permission he gives the Lord 2s. which is paid into Court.

132/4. The homage have a day till next Court, to inquire and inform on which of them have illegally entered and cut down certain oaks [blank] (on) the land and woodland of the Lord called Light wood. [See 132/2].

133/1. [Torn at upper right edge]. The said homage state on oath that the stream and flow of water … Ludshott flowing from the bridge (called) Cowpers Bridge [ie Coopers Bridge] to the holding of a customary tenant of [name illegible] by divine permission Bishop of Winchester, past and through the mill called the Hammer [ie. Passfield iron mill, later a paper-mill, in 1991 Auriol Plastics] belonging to Henry Champion, gentleman, lying and being in the (manor) of Ludshott aforesaid, is a stream and flow of water belonging to Robert Knight, gentleman, Lord of this Manor. And that the same river and flow of water, with all fishings, liberties, privileges, prerogatives and commodities of the said stream from the said bridge called Cowpers Bridge to the further fence and boundaries of a certain land of this manor called West land, lying next to the holding of the said customary tenant of the Bishop of Winchester called Bishopshold, properly pertain & belong to the said Robert Knight by right of his said manor. And that the said Henry Champion diverts the common flow of the said stream from the bridge there where it used to flow, viz. between the bridge there called Hobs bridge and the said mill called the Hammer, without permission, to the loss of the Lord of this manor and to the flooding of the King’s road there, so he is in mercy. Champion had leased a close and watercourse from Edmund & Peter Fish, ‘to erect an iron mill’.

133/2. The homage say that the meadow of John Hooke gentleman called ?Prylemead lying in Kingsley next to the Forest of our Lady Queen called Alice Holt is not parcel of this manor and is not held of this manor, to their knowledge.

133/3. A fine is imposed on Richard Glasier and John Heath, 5s. on each of them, to make their fences next to the meadow called Kingsmead before the 1st May next [ie on pain of a fine of 5s each if they don’t].

133/4. Richard Mellersh and John Vallor have a fine, each of them of 5s., to make their fences and clean out their ditches next to the Lord’s holding called …, before the 1st May next. [As note to previous item].

134/1. A fine of 5s is imposed on John Tribe, to make his fences and clean his ditches next to the Lord’s holding called Warrfeilds and the land called Parage and Widows Croft, before the said 1st May next. [Cp.133/4].

134/2. ?Edmund Boxall holds freely for himself and his heirs a parcel of land called Bennetts. The said ?Edmund here in Court seeks a day to show that no heriot is due to the Lord from the death of Stephen Boxall his father deceased. And unless he shows a deed ‘exonerating’ [sc. his holding] the Bailiff is instructed to seize a heriot.

134/3. Permission is granted to William Colpas and Joan his wife to demise their tenement and virgate of customary land called Chamberlaines at fixed rent to whomever they please for the life of the said Joan and they give the Lord for permission 5s.

134/4. Permission is given to William Hownsham to demise his tenement and half-virgate of customary land called Chesters in the Tithing of Ludshott at fixed rent to whomever he pleases for the term of 3 years. He gives the Lord, to have this permission, nothing.

Affeerers: the Homage.

65. LUDSHOTT. COURT BARON OF ROBERT KNIGHT, GENTLEMAN, HELD THERE ON THURSDAY 15th DECEMBER, 40 ELIZABETH (1597).

135. Essoins – none.

135/1. The homage, viz. Edmund Bignall, Roger Benefold & William Hownesham, sworn, say that Robert White (6d paid), Peter Fish (essoined), the Dean and Chapter of the Cathedral Church of Chichester, Richard Mellersh (4d paid), the President, Fellows and Scholars of Magdalen Coll. Oxon and Richard Boxall (4d) are free tenants, owe suit of court and are in default, so that each of them is fined as written over their names.

135/2. Peter Fish who held for himself and his heirs the (wood?) called Gentles with its appurtenances by rent of one red rose a year has since the last court and outside the court alienated and sold all and singular the aforesaid with appurtenances to John Hooke, gentleman [Lord of Bramshott & Chiltley] and his heirs in perpetuity, whence there comes to the Lord his best beast and as relief one red rose. The Bailiff is ordered to seize the said beast and John Hooke seeks a day until next Court to do fealty and to show whether the property should be relieved of the said heriot and this [the day &c] is granted to him [See 141/3 & 141/5].

136/1. Thomas Fish is a customary tenant of this manor and is in default, and so is fined 6d.

136/2. Since at the last Court ?Edmund Boxall was presented to be a free tenant of this manor, for himself and his heirs, of a parcel of land called Bennetts and given a day to this Court to show that the said property did not have to pay a heriot at the death of Stephen Boxall, his father deceased [134/2], the said ?Edmund comes and gives the Lord for the said heriot one cow value 30s. because he could show nothing to relieve the property of heriot. Cp.141/1.

136/3. Ordered that no tenant of this manor shall fish in the Lord’s waters or willingly permit others to fish there, on pain of a fine of 12d each time.

136/4. William Bennett of Bensted [Binsted] has broken and opened the gate called Kingsmead Gate contrary to the prescribed penalty, so is fined ….

136/5. John Tribe is ordered to well and adequately make his fences & clear out his ditches between his lands and the Lord’s before the Feast of Purification [2 Feb] on pain of a fine of 10s.

136/6. [Rest of this side stained and creased]. Ordered that no tenant henceforward shall set fire to any … on pain of a fine of …

137/1. [Three lines illegible].

137/2. Ordered that no one henceforward …

138. [Blackened and creased – several lines illegible; perhaps a new Court begins here].

138/1.…  Thomas Fish (is granted the reversion of a certain holding?) by paying a rent of … immediately after death, surrender or forfeiture (of/by the existing tenant?) … the said tenancy and is admitted tenant … but fealty is postponed etc. [See 139/2].

138/2. At this Court the Lord demised and let at farm [ie by a ‘modern’ lease at fixed rent, not by a customary lease] to Robert … from the Lord’s waste lying near the house of the said Robert at ??Blanchards, to be occupied by the said Robert and his assigns from the Feast of … to the end and term of [blank!] years next following and fully completed, paying and handing over as annual rent (for the said holding?) ?12d at the said periods of the year, viz. at the Feast of the Annunciation and at Michaelmas in equal portions and doing suit of the Court of this manor in such tenour as applies.

139/1. To this Court comes John White and receives from the Lord one messuage and of land with appurtenances, situate lying and being at Steepe Hatche, to have and to hold to the said John for the term of his life & seisin is given him – to hold by the rod [ie by grant of the Steward], from the Lord at the Lord’s pleasure according to the custom of the manor, by annual rent for it of 6d, suit of court and other payments, aids & services owed and of customary right. He gives nothing for a fine, by concession of the Lord, and is admitted tenant and does fealty &c.

139/2. To this Court comes Symon Wheler and gives the Lord £10 for the reversion of a toft with garden adjoining and a half-virgate of land called Coles and Stedes, in 7 separate enclosures, 20 acres of arable land, pasture and wood now in tenure of Thomas Fish, to have and to hold for the said Symon for the term of his life according to the custom of the manor by paying 13s.4d annual rent and by other payments and services as previously owed and of customary right, [sc. the tenancy to commence] immediately after the death, surrender or forfeiture of or by the said Thomas Fish now holding the premises. And so he is admitted to the tenancy in reversion, fealty being postponed until &c. [sc. until he actually enters on it]. Cp.141/2.

66. LUDSHOTT. COURT BARON OF JEREMY TICHBORNE ESQUIRE held there by William Blackwell esquire Steward on 5 APRIL, 44 ELIZABETH (1602).

For Tichborne see note to Doc.62.

140. Essoins. A certain number, the names (of those essoined) being entered elsewhere in the Memoranda of this Court (ie in next para.?).

140/1. Homage. William Colpas, John White and Richard Hownsham, sworn, who declare on oath that the President, Fellows & Scholars (essoined) of Magdalen Coll. Oxon., the Dean and Chapter (essoined) of the Cathedral Church of Chichester, the heir(s) of Robert White esquire (essoined), John Hooke gentleman (essoined), Roger Benifold (essoined), Peter Fish (4d), John Tribe (4d), Richard Mellersh (4d), [blank] Boxall widow & John … (4d), are free tenants, owe suit of Court and are in default, so each of them a day [sc. is given a day to attend next time]. And that Ed. Bignall, Thomas Fish ( ... ) & [blank] Fish widow are customary tenants owing suit of Court today and are in default, whence each of them is given a day &c.

140/2. Robert White esquire has died since the last Court, heriot to the Lord 2 oxen; the Bailiff is ordered to seize them for the Lord’s benefit. They say further that Helen a daughter of the said Robert White holds this same tenancy by partition [of the deceased’s estate] agreed between herself and her sister.

140/3. William Hownsham has died since last Court, heriot to the Lord one ox. The Bailiff is instructed to take the ox and the said holding into the Lord’s hands because the said William Hownsham was the last of the three to whom the said lands were granted for the term of their lives and for the life of the longest survivor of the three.

141/1. Robert Boxall who held of the Lord one parcel of land named Bennetts Hill has died since last Court, heriot to the Lord one cow. Henry Boxall son of the said Robert holds the same lands in perpetuity for himself and his heirs, by gift of his father. The bailiff is instructed to take possession of the said cow.

141/2. Edmund Fish who held of the manor certain customary lands called Colles and Steedes has died since last Court, [heriot] to the Lord two animals, of which – as far as they know – only one cow has been (delivered?), wherefore the Bailiff is instructed to seize the other. Cp. 139/2.

141/3. Edmund Fish since last Court alienated to his son Peter Fish certain lands held from the manor commonly called Gentills, Allmans Land and Pasfeilds [sic] – three heriots due to the Lord. The Bailiff is ordered to seize his best three animals as heriots – heriots paid. Cp. 135/2, 141/5.

141/4. The same Peter Fish since the last Court has alienated to John Fernden certain lands freely held of this manor named Pasfeilds, whence a heriot to the Lord of one cow, delivered to the Lord’s herd.

141/5. The same Peter Fish has since last Court has alienated to John Hooke gentleman [Lord of Bramshott & Chiltley] certain lands freely held of the manor commonly called Gentills, heriot to the Lord of his best beast – delivered to the Lord’s herd. [See 135/2, 141/3].

142/1. Richard Mellersh has since last Court alienated certain lands freely held of the manor to one of his sons, but to which of them the homage knows not. A day is given to the homage to find out before next Court on what terms and to whom the said Robert has alienated the lands.

14.2/2. Further the homage sworn say that whereas the Lord has enclosed part of his demesne lands called Wassells redding [redding presumably = ‘Reedens’, common field name usually explained as ‘(newly) cleared land’] and planted in the hedges certain grafts and [and what? omission by copyist?] a great part of the said hedges has been rooted up and destroyed. A day is given to the homage to enquire before next Court which person or persons did this. [The enclosure was unpopular?].

143/1. They say that the wood commonly called Lightwood belongs to the Lord of this manor of Ludshott, because they are aware that the Lord of this manor cuts and fells trees in the said wood. And also because they understand from testimony given by a certain Edmund Bignoll aged 80 and above, one of the tenants of this manor, that the warden or supervisor of the Lord’s woods of this manor [ie the woodward] took & carried away certain trees (which had been cut) in the said wood by a tenant of the Bishop of Winchester [ie a Headley man] and gave the timber from the said trees for repairing the houses of tenants of this manor.

143/2. At this Court the Lord grants to Robert Lipescomb and Joan his wife and John their son one cottage, one garden and 2 acres of land, be it more or less, situate lying and being at Thornehill, to have and to hold the said cottage and all premises with their appurtenances to the said Robert, Joan and John for the term of 60 years next following from the date of this Court, if the said Robert, Joan and John, or one of them shall live so long – giving for it yearly to the Lord of this manor and his heirs ten shillings, at Michaelmas and at the Annunciation in equal parts, and one capon at Michaelmas, annually paid, and as heriot at the death of any of them ten shillings.

143/3. To this Court comes Richard Hownsham and surrenders a tenement and half a virgate of land called Chesters, but with the intent that the Lord shall be pleased to grant the said tenement and all the said premises to him the said Richard Hownsham, Alice his wife and Henry Hownsham son of Henry Hownsham father of the said Richard, for their lives and the life of whichever of them shall live longest. The Lord via the Steward grants to the same Richard, Alice and Henry the said tenement and all the premises with their appurtenances, to have and to hold for the term of their lives and the life of whichever of them shall live longest, according to the custom of the manor, paying yearly 7 shillings and such works and services as previously due therefor and of customary right, and the said Richard does fealty and is admitted tenant thereof, the fealty of Alice and Henry being postponed until etc.

144/1. Permission is given to Richard Hownsham to farm-let his tenement named Chesters to whichever person seems suitable to him for a term of 12 years next following, counting from the Feast of the Annunciation last past.

144/2. It is presented by William Blackwell and the Chief Steward that Roger Benifold of Bramshott in the County of Southampton yeoman, Agnes his wife and John Benifold their son surrendered into the hands of the Lord of this manor on the 10th day of July 43 Elizabeth [1601], by their hands [ie. by a signed deed?] outside the Court, in presence of Edmund Bignoll, William Colpas, Thomas Ferrnden and Adam Carus, all that messuage or tenement called Bignolls and all houses, barns, stables and buildings adjacent and appertaining, and all gardens, orchards and curtilages pertaining to the said tenement, and all meadows, pastures, picles [small plots of land], lands arable, woods or underwood occupied with the same Tenement as present or proximate or in any other way used and held by copy of the Roll of this Court with the said tenement, with all and singular their appurtenances, yet on the condition that if the said Roger, Agnes and John or any of them, came or shall have come after this to the Lord or Lords of this manor or to his or their Steward for the time being, or to any two or any number of’ them, and offered 12 pence to the use of the Lord or Lords, and signified that they, the said Roger, Agnes and John or anyone of them thereafter wished to occupy the said messuage, tenement and all premises by copy of the roll of this Court, in the same manner as they or any of them held and occupied it before the said 10th day of July, then and thereafter the present surrender, and each clause and article contained in the surrender, shall be considered empty, void and of no effect; as if the present surrender had never taken place. [JMK comments: ‘This does not seem to be a mortgage or bond but a temporary surrender to the Lord, on condition that the Lord will grant it back on payment of a purely nominal sum. It is not possible without more evidence to know the purpose: perhaps the tenants were going to be involved in trouble with a third party and didn’t want to run the risk of their assets being seized or distrained upon’].

Assessments by the whole Homage.

Total Takings at this Court [blank]

67. LUDSHOTT. COURT BARON OF RICHARD KNIGHT, Gentleman, HELD THERE ON 18th DECEMBER IN THE SECOND YEAR OF THE REIGN OF JAMES, BY GOD’S GRACE KING OF ENGLAND, FRANCE AND IRELAND – AND IN THE 38th YEAR OF HIS REIGN AS KING OF SCOTLAND (1604) .

146. Essoins. None.

146/1. The homage [‘sworn’ marked over each name], Roger Benifold, William Colpas, Richard Hownsham & Thomas Fish say on oath that the President, Fellows and Scholars of Magdalen Coll. Oxon., the Dean and Chapter of the Cathedral Church of Chichester, Richard ?White, [illegible], Peter Fish, Margaret Boxall widow, John Fernden and [illegible] Chitty widow are tenants of the manor and owe suit to this Court [illegible], so are pardoned on this occasion.

14-6/foot. [Right end of parchment torn]. Edmund Bignoll who held by copy of the Roll of this Court (a tenement named) Woodhouse has died since last Court – heriot to the Lord of one cow. (The homage say that?) Joan Bicknoll relict of the said Edmund (is next heir) to the said tenement according to the Court roll. They say further that ?the said Joan … after the death of the said Edmund …

(Sheet 147 is badly torn and stained).

147/1. Joan Colpas who held by grant of the Steward the tenement called Chamberlains (jointly with?) her son William Colpas has died since last Court, heriot to the Lord one cow delivered to the Lord’s herd. To this Court comes the said William Colpas and agrees that he holds this tenement from the Lord for the term of his life, does fealty and is admitted tenant. [See 147/4].

147/2. Richard Mellersh who held freely certain lands called Beales has alienated them since last Court to Henry (Streater), hence a heriot to the Lord of one cow. Bailiff is ordered (to seize) the said cow. Bailiff further ordered to distrain the said Henry to the next Court to do fealty to the Lord for the premises. See 152/1.

147/3. John Tribe, who held freely certain lands called Newmans, has alienated them since last Court to Thomas Colpas – heriot to the Lord one cow value 20s., paid into the Lord’s hands. Bailiff is ordered to distrain the said Thomas to be present at the next Court to do fealty.

147/4. William Colpas tenant of one customary holding comes and surrenders (to the Lord) via the Steward one messuage and one virgate of land called Chamberlains with its appurtenances lying and being in the Tithing of Ludshott (with the intent?) that the Lord shall grant all and singular (the said premises) with their appurtenances to the said William Colpas, Agnes his wife and Edmund their son, to hold for their lives and for the life of whichever of them lives longest. Heriot to the Lord as set out later …. Later the said William Colpas comes and seeks to be admitted to the premises with their appurtenances, in the form and intention of surrender of the said tenement through the Lord’s Steward, so that … for the said William Colpas, Agnes his wife and Edmund their son to have and to hold the said messuage and the said virgate of land called Chamberlains with all appurtenances, for their lives and the life of whichever shall live longest, at the Lord’s pleasure, according to the custom of the manor, giving rent and services as previously due and of customary right. The said William does fealty to the Lord and is admitted to the tenancy and he gives the Lord for (relief?) and heriot by agreement with the Lord for this occasion £45. The fealty of the said (Joan and) Edmund is postponed until etc.

148/1. Permission is given to William Colpas, Agnes his wife and Edmund their son to farm-let to Roger Benifold and John Benifold his son, a barn and half an acre and 2 enclosures of land called Benifolds (near? next to?) Lightfeild containing by estimation 12 acres be it more or less, from the Feast of the Annunciation [March 25] next occurring after this Court for a term of ten years following and fully completed.

148/2. At this Court the Lord granted out of his hands by his Steward to Symon Chace, Anne his wife and Richard their son a cottage with 1 acre of land lying and being on the Lord’s waste near water [ie the river? but land near the river would not be part of the waste], for the said Symon, Anne his wife and Richard their son to have and to hold for their lives and the life of whichever shall live longest, giving an annual rent of [blank], suit of Court and all other works and services as customary for the Lord’s tenants – and so he is admitted to the tenancy and does fealty to the Lord. But the fealty of the said Agnes and Richard is postponed until etc. And they receive seisin by the rod [ie from the Steward].

149/1. The Steward reports that John White, outside the Court and since last Court, has surrendered into the hands of the Lord’s Steward one messuage and one rod of customary land with appurtenances, with the intention that the Lord will be pleased to grant all the same with their appurtenances to him the said John White and to William his son, for their lives and the life of whichever shall live longest, according to the custom of the manor. So to this Court comes John White and William his son and seek to be admitted to the premises in form and intention of surrendering the same. To whom the Lord by the Steward grants them by the rod, to have and to hold the said messuage and rod of land with their appurtenances, to him the said John for his life for an annual rent of 6d and after the death of the said John to remain to him the said William for the term of his life, by an annual rent of 2s and one capon, paid annually at Michaelmas, and payable as a heriot after the death of each of them 3s.4d. And so they do fealty and are admitted to the tenancy by the rod.

Total takings at this Court – [blank]

Assessment by the whole homage.

68. LUDSHOTT. COURT BARON OF RICHARD KNIGHT. GENT., HELD ON SATURDAY 28 MARCH 5th and 40th regnal year of JAMES [1607] HELD BY THOMAS LOVEDAY, GENT., STEWARD.

Original has full royal style as for previous Court.

150/1. Essoins. Bishop of Chichester, Magdalen Coll. Oxon., Richard Tichborne knight, essoined as a condition of their tenancies held from the Lord.

150/2. John Hooke gentleman, Peter Fish, Margaret Boxall widow, Henry Streeter, Thomas Colpas, John Varndell [=Ferndell? – ‘fern’ still called ‘varn’ by old farm-workers here] and Roger Benifold are free tenants owing suit of Court and now appear.

151/1. Homage of customary tenants – Richard Hownsham, Peter Fish, Margaret Boxall widow, Thomas Clarke, Thomas Fish, Robert Lipescomb, William White and Symon Chace [‘sworn’ over each name].

151/2. They say on oath that William Colpas – who held by copy of the roll for his life, at the Lord’s pleasure, according to the custom of the manor, one tenement and a virgate of land adjacent, with appurtenances, called Chamberlens, contained in 8 separate enclosures, and one grove by estimation 21½ acres (which wood or grove is now changed into arable land) and certain other lands called the Mores [Moors, ie probably heathland], containing in all by estimation 60 acres of land, by annual rent of 14s – has died since last Court. Heriot to the Lord one cow, which has been delivered to the Lord’s herd. And that Ann, the wife of Richard Tribe, is the relict of the said William Colpas deceased and nearest in copy of the roll of this Court, by reason of which she is now in peaceful possession of the premises and seeks to be admitted to the premises. The Lord by his Steward grants this and seisin is given by the rod; she is admitted to the tenancy on payment of one penny and does fealty.

151/3. John White, who held by copy of the roll for life one messuage and one rod of land with their appurtenances called Steep hatch, by giving annually 2s and 2 capons at Michaelmas, has passed away since last Court. Heriot to the Lord, by the agreement made for this occasion, 3s.4d paid into the Lord’s hands. John White is nearest [heir] by copy and in peaceful possession of the premises and seeks to be admitted to the premises, to whom the lord by his Steward grants this. Hence [he receives] seisin by the rod. does fealty and is admitted tenant, paying 1d. [The heir should be William? – see 149/1 – ‘John’ repeated in error?].

152/1. Henry Streater does fealty and agrees that he holds freely from the Manor a tenement and one virgate of land called Beales for a term of two years, by suit of Court and annual rent of 6d and acknowledges the Lord by payment of 1d. [attorn’. tr. ‘acknowledge’, usually marks recognition of a new Lord; here it is recognition by a new tenant – see 147/2].

152/2. Thomas Colpas does fealty and agrees that he holds freely from the Manor half a virgate previously held by John Tribe and before that [by] Newmans, by suit of Court and annual rent at Michaelmas of 1lb of cummin, and also one piece of purpresture by annual rent of 2d at Michaelmas aforesaid, and acknowledges the Lord by payment of 1d. [As note to 152/1].

152/3. Joan Bignoll widow – who holds for life one tenement with appurtenances called Woodlands, previously held by Edmund Bignoll her husband and before that by Robert Bignoll, by annual rent of 6d and other services due and of customary right – comes and in full Court surrenders to the Lord by his Steward the said Tenement with appurtenances. Heriot to the Lord one cow which is delivered into the hands of the Lord. Then Henry Colpas comes and accepts from the Lord this Tenement with appurtenances called Woodlands lately in the tenure of the said Joan Bignoll, To whom [sc. Henry C.] the Lord by his Steward aforesaid grants it by the rod, to have and to hold the said Tenement with all and singular its appurtenances, to the said Henry Colpas, Margaret his wife and Henry their son, for their lives and the life of whichever shall live longest, at the Lord’s pleasure. according to the custom of the manor, by giving annually to the Lord and his heirs 6d and all other works & services as previously due and of customary right and he gives the Lord as a fine to have such an estate £40 sterling of money of England so does fealty to the Lord and is admitted to the tenancy, paying 1d. The fealty of Margaret and Henry their son is postponed until etc. See next item.

153/1. The Lord grants permission to Henry Colpas to farm-let half his customary tenement in Ludshott to Joan Bignoll widow [who has just surrendered it – see above] for and during the natural life of the said Joan Bignoll, on condition that the rents, works and services due from time to time shall be performed by the said Henry Colpas – and the said Henry Colpas, to have such permission, gives 20 measures of oats delivered to the Lord’s hands [sounds like a family arrangement – was Joan Bignoll his mother by previous marriage/mother-in-law or aunt?].

153/2. The homage say on oath that the little bridge called Chamberlens leading from Parsfeild to the forest of our Lord the King called Wolmer is in disrepair and that its repair and maintenance is the duty of Michael Tribe who holds land on both sides of the said small bridge. He is therefore ordered to repair the said small bridge called Chamberlens adequately before next Court, on pain of a fine of 3s.4d [ref. is prob. to bridge across R. Wey at Waterside, not to bridge in Passfield Lane – see note to 153/2 under ‘Chamberlayns’ in Main Farms Index].

153/3. The house of Thomas Fish is in disrepair and ruinous in its thatch covering. He is ordered to repair it adequately before next Court on pain of a fine of 2s.

153/4. Henry Streater, free tenant of this manor, ?near his free field called Heathfeilds, against old custom to which the memory of man runneth not to the contrary and against all law and right [‘jus et fas’!] (has entered on a piece of?) the King’s highway [public road], and closed and barred it with ditches and fences, to the great and severe loss of the Lord of this manor and all subjects of our Lord the King. He is therefore ordered to make up the King’s highway fully, well and adequately to its previous state before next Court, ie. as it was before the said Henry bought the said field and before he ‘suffocated’ and destroyed the King’s highway in and leading through it, on pain of a fine of 10s.

154/1. Further they declare – except for Thomas Fish who says beforehand that he was in his right – that the said Thomas Fish who holds from the Lord as a customary tenant, at the pleasure of the Lord, according to the custom of the manor, a cottage with garden adjoining and [from this point several inches of the right side of the page is missing] … with appurtenances in Parsfeild called Coles and one other cottage with … in Parsfeild called Steedes for the term of his life by paying … has forfeited all his estate and interest … the said annual rent which … at the Feast (of St Michael Archangel) last past and at the Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary … in open Court by the Steward … and all other premises into the Lord’s hands before next (Court).

154/2. Memorandum – that the aforesaid Thomas Fish … to do fealty to the Lord for his lands and customary tenement ….

154/3. Item they say that …

154/4. Affeerers: ?Richard Hownsham, Thomas Tribe.

Total takings: £? 3s.4d.

(Down to the middle of 155/4 the right half of the sheet is missing).

69. LUDSHOTT. COURT BARON OF RICHARD KNIGHT gentleman HELD BY THOMAS LOVEDEN, STEWARD on … October ?7/42 JAMES [1609].

155/1. Essoins. Bishop of Chichester by Henry Streeter, Magdalen College Oxon. by … … by Thomas Clarke, Richard Tichbourne knight by …, … Benefold essoined by John Benefold his son.

155/2. John Hooke gentleman, Peter Fish, Henry Streeter … & John Varndell are free tenants, owe suit of Court and …

155/3. Homage: Richard Hownsham, Thomas Fish, William Tribe, William White, Robert Lipescombe, Symon Chace – all sworn

155/4. They say on oath that Joan Chitty widow who held of the Lord by copy of the roll for her life, according to the custom of the manor, (a messuage) or tenement and a virgate of land with appurtenances in Parsfeild by annual rent of … and services as previously owed and of customary right has died since last Court, heriot to the Lord of her best animal which is delivered to the Lord’s herd. And that … Hownsham who held the reversion of the said messuage or tenement and virgate of land with appurtenances in Parsfeild since the death of Joan Chitty has also died since last Court. Wherefore the premises remain in the hands of the Lord and proclamation is made [sc. for any heir to claim the tenancy].

156/1. They say that Peter Fish has alienated and sold one parcel of land, freely held from this manor, on which the Hammer is built – by reason of which alienation a heriot of his best beast comes to the Lord, which the Bailiff is ordered to seize before next Court. [Reference is to the water-driven Hammer on the site now occupied by Auriol Plastics; he had sold it to John Hooke, Lord of Bramshott & Chiltley – see 171/4].

156/2. Roger Benifold has encroached on the Lord’s waste, sc. against the west end of his barn he has built a certain house, anglicé [ie. in the English form] a skilling [dialect word for lean-to or outshut], without the Lord’s permission, and so is in ‘mercy’ for 5s. Ordered to demolish it and destroy the foundations, and clear the site before next Court, on pain of a fine of 20s. [The next item, 156/3, records this judgment again. Scribe forgot to cross out the first effort?].

156/3. Roger Benifold has encroached on the Lord’s waste; against the west end of his barn on the Lord’s waste he has built a certain house, anglicé a skilling [lean-to or outshut], without the Lord’s permission, and so is in ‘mercy’ for 5s. Ordered to clear the site and destroy the foundations before next Court, on pain of a fine of 20s.

156/4. Peter Fish, Thomas Colpas and Henry ?Carus have dug stones in the Lord’s waste at the place called Hobbs Bridge without permission, so each is in mercy [Fine 4d. in margin].

156/5. Henry Streeter senior still closes and bars the King’s highway [see 153/4] at the place called Heathfeilds with fence and ditch, as [sc. although] he was ordered at last Court to open the King’s highway aforesaid by this Court, on pain of forfeiting 10s to the Lord. The Bailiff is ordered to distrain for the money. And further the said Henry Streeter is ordered to free the said highway before next Court, on pain of forfeiting 20s. to the Lord for the offence.

157/1. The pigs of John Lipescombe and of Robert Varndell dug and rooted in the Lord’s waste, not being ‘yoked’ and their snouts not being ringed, so each of the owners is fined 4d. And all and every of the Manor tenants is ordered to ring and yoke his pigs before pasturing them on the Lord’s waste, on pain of a fine of 2d per pig per week [if they fail. Jugulati, yoked’ – tying’ pigs in pairs would hinder rooting? or is ref. to something round a pig’s neck which would allow him to feed but discourage him from digging into the ground with his snout?]

157/2. To this Court comes Henry Streeter junior and receives from the Lord, by delivery of Thomas Loveden gentleman the Steward, one messuage or tenement and one virgate of land in Parsfeild with all and singular their appurtenances. previously in the tenure of Joan Chitty, widow [see 155/4] – to whom [sc. Henry Streeter] the Lord by the aforesaid Steward grants seisin by the rod, to Have and to Hold the said Tenement and said virgate of land with all and singular their appurtenances to the said Henry Streeter junior, Catherine Cockerell spinster and Joan Streeter mother of the said Henry to the term of their lives and of whichever of them shall live longest, at the Lord’s pleasure according to the custom of the manor, paying yearly to the Lord and his heirs 13s., at the two usual terms in the year and rendering all other works, accustomed aids and services as previously due and of customary right. And he gives the Lord to have the tenancy £200 of lawful money of England, does fealty to the Lord and is admitted to the tenancy, the fealty of the said Catherine and Joan being postponed until etc. Reserved to the Lord however and excluded from this demise or grant is one acre of meadow in Kingsmead lying in the Lord’s piece there, appraised [‘prisata’=prized? or error for ‘privata’=‘kept private’] by the Lord and not granted by these presents.

157/3. Henry Streater in Court seeks (the Lord’s permission to farm-let all) and singular his customary lands and tenements situate lying and being in Parsfeild in the said demesne to whichever person or persons seem good to the same Henry Streater junior, for the term of his natural life. To whom Henry Streeter junior, the Lord formally gave as he asked, for which grant £10 is paid as a ‘fine’ into the hands of the Lord in Court.

158. (In English in the original). Memorandum that it is fully agreed viz. between the Lord of this Manor and the sayd Henry Streater That it shalbe lawfull for the sayd Henry Streater att any tyme within six yeares next ensuing this Court to alter or exchange the last life named in the said Copie [157/2], viz. to cast out Joane Streater and instead thereof to nominate and putt in what life he shall think good, himselfe giveing unto the Lord £4 att the tyme of thexchange. And the Lord for his parte promiseth and it is plainly agreed that within six monethes next after such notice given of exchange unto the Lord by the sayd Henry the Lord shall call a Court and grant a good and perfect copie unto such party nominated as aforesaid.

Assessors: Richard Hownsham, Michael Tribe.

Takings at this Court: £210.16s.8d.

70. (New Court – date line wholly lost, but some year between 1609 & 1617. Richard Knight is still Lord, see 159/4, near end; John Clarke is the Steward holding the Court, 159/4, line 3).

Start of parchment No. Z23 (20).

159. Homage. Henry Streaer, Richard …, Henry Colpas, Symon Chace – all sworn

159/2. Who say on oath that Robert … (?6d), (Peter?) Fish (?6d), John Varndell (6d) and Roger Benefold (6d) are (free tenants) of the manor and owe suit to this Court [and have not attended]. They are therefore fined as written over each name.

159/3. Thomas Fish who held by copy for his life certain lands called Coles and Stedes has died since last Court. Heriot to the Lord two cows which have been delivered to the Lord’s herd.

159/4. To this Court come Thomas Randall and Elizabeth Fletcher alias Newton [Randall’s daughter, 166/3] and receive from the Lord’s hands by the hand of John Clarke esquire, Steward, one messuage or tenement and certain lands called Coles & Stedes adjacent containing by estimation 20 acres of land more or less with all and singular their appurtenances. To whom [singular] the Lord by his Steward grants this tenancy by the rod, to have and to hold the said messuage or tenement and lands with all and singular their appurtenances to Thomas Randall and Elizabeth for the term of their lives and of whichever shall live the longer, at the Lord’s pleasure, according to the custom of the manor, Giving annually to the Lord and his heirs 7s. for the land called Coles and for Stedes 3s, at the usual points of the year, And by rendering also all other works, customary aids and services previously due and of customary right. And he gives to the Lord for the said tenancy a fine of £85 [in margin, ‘fin 85 li’]. And the said Thomas Randall did fealty and was admitted tenant but the fealty of Elizabeth [sc. was postponed] until etc. And further the Lord of this manor for his heirs and assigns agrees with the said Thomas Randall and Elizabeth Fletcher alias Newton, by and in consideration and recompense of the said fine as follows, viz. (rest in English in original) That it shalbe maybe lawfull to and for the sayd Thomas Randall and Elizabeth Fletcher alias Newton or the survivor of them att any tyme within five yeares after this Court to nominate any other person to be admitted unto the aforesayd Copyhold, and that he the sayd Richard Knight [the Lord of the Manor] upon three moneth’s warning given him in writeing of the nameing of anyone person soe to be admitted as aforesayd shall procure and cause a Court to be kept within his sayd mannor of Ludshott and shall then and there admit the sayd person soe to be nominated as aforesayd for and during his naturall life after the decease of the sayd Thomas Randall and Elizabeth Fletcher alias Newton.

160/1. Robert Lipescombe who held by copy for his life one cottage, one yardland and 2 acres of land be it more or less lying and being at Thornehill has died since last Court, heriot to the lord 3s.4d.

160/2. The Lord, by his Steward, grants to Henry Streater for the sum of £5 paid to the Lord Permission to fell all and singular the trees, wood and underwood now growing on his customary holding in Parsfeild, And also to root out all and singular the radices, anglicé ‘stemmes’ and roots [Latin ‘radices’ = ‘roots’], of old Trees heretofore cutt downe, soe as he cutt them downe and root them upp within 9 yeares next after this Court, yf he and his wife shall so long live, other wise one yeare after their decease [original was in English from ‘anglicéonwards – same applies to next three items].

161/1. The Lord, by his Steward, grants to Henry Colpas for the sum of £… paid to the Lord Permission to fell all and singular the trees, wood and underwood now growing on his customary holding called Woodhouse, And also to root out all and singular the radices, anglicé ‘stemmes’ and roots [Latin ‘radices’ = ‘roots’], of old Trees heretofore cutt downe, soe as he cutt them downe and root them upp within 9 yeares next after this Court, provided that he doe not meddle with wood with the grove in the grove [repeated in error?] which is within this Copyhold [ie Woodhouse].

161/2. The Lord, by his Steward, grants to ?Michael Tribe for the sum of £9.9s paid to the Lord Permission to fell all and singular the trees, wood and underwood now growing on his customary lands called Chamberlens, And also to root out all and singular the radices, anglicé ‘stemmes’ and roots [Latin ‘radices’ = ‘roots’], of old Trees heretofore cutt downe, soe as he cutt them downe and root them upp within six Monethes after this Court, yf Agnes his wife shall so long live, Except and alwayes reserved unto the sayd Richard Knight [the Lord] and his heires and assigns all the B Trees [perhaps ‘Boundary Trees’] upon the Banke from Henry Streater’s hedge to Sir Richard Tichborne’s hedge and alsoe two young oaks adjoyneing to the orchard.

162/I. The Lord, by his Steward, grants to Richard Hownsham for the sum of £8 paid to the Lord Permission to fell all and singular the trees, wood and underwood now growing on his customary land called Chesters, And also to root out all and singular the radices, anglicé ‘stemmes’ and roots [Latin ‘radices’ = ‘roots’], of old Trees heretofore cutt downe, soe as he cutt them downe and root them upp within 8 ?yeares next after this Court, Provide alwayes that hee cutt downe the … within one yeare after this Court, And alsoe all such Alders as … at Waterside and not afterwards to meddle with them.

All assessments by the Homage.

Total takings at this Court – [ blank].

71. [Badly torn and stained]. COURT HELD c.1623 [ref. James’s 56th year as King of Scotland – & something about Commisionar’ and sealing in Court].

163. Essoins. President of Magdalen Coll. Oxon. essoined by George …, the Dean of Chichester by Henry Streater, Roger Benifold by …

(Homage) Henry Streater jun., William White, Thomas, Symon Chace, Michael Tribe, Roger Heyward – all sworn

163/foot. They declare on oath that Peter Fish, Robert …, John Varnden, Robert Boxall and Thomas Colpas are free tenants, owe suit to this Court and have not appeared. Fined 6d each.

164/1. Henry Streater senior who held freely from the Lord one tenement called Beels has alienated it since last Court with its appurtenances to Henry Streater his son. Heriot to the Lord £3.?s.6d and for a ‘relief’ 6d paid to the Lord.

164/2. The homage say that they have heard that Peter Fish has alienated certain lands, a parcel of his tenement called Aylmans, to a certain Giles Chitty, and the said Giles has alienated the said lands to a certain Robert Palmer; they say that hence a heriot and a relief come to the Lord. But because they don’t know for certain a day is given them to enquire before next Court.

164/3. Henry Colpas who held from the Lord a tenement with appurtenances called Woodhouse for his life, according to the custom of the manor, has died since last Court. Heriot to the Lord …

164/4. Henry Hooke [Lord of Bramshott & Chiltley] has made 2 new pools near Wakeners Well, whence [ie by so doing] he has flooded part of the waste of this Manor and part of the waste of his own manor [the Waggoners Wells stream was and is the boundary between Ludshott & Bramshott manors], to the loss of the Lord of this manor and his tenants. Fixing a penalty is postponed until after discussion with the Lord.

164/5. … Hownsham has enclosed a parcel of the waste of this manor at Thornehill on which he has built his house. A penalty is postponed because he says that he did it with the Lord’s permission. He does not appear and a day is given etc.

165/1. They say that great damage and harm has been caused by burning and cutting of the Lord’s heathland and trees, but they are completely ignorant as to what person or persons did it.

165/2. Symon Chace cut down and carried off one young oak from the Lord’s waste but he is pardoned as it was with the Lord’s permission, so he says.

165/3. Thomas Clarke, contrary to long-standing custom, diverted part of the stream called Wakeners Well Streame, to the harm of the Lord and his tenants. Fined 4d.

165/4. Henry Hooke accipitravit, anglicé ‘did hawke’, inside this demesne [ie he practised falconry – accipiter is Latin for a hawk]. Pardoned because it was with the Lord’s permission.

165/5. Peter Fish accipitravit, anglicé ‘did hawke’ [see previous item], inside this demesne without the Lord’s permission. Fined 3s.4d.

165/6. Henry Streater junior and … fished in this demesne, but are pardoned because it was with the Lord’s permission.

165/7. Henry Streater … in this demesne but is pardoned, as it was with the Lord’s permission.

165/8. Thomas Fish, Robert Tribe, … and Henry Hooke esquire fished in the demesne without permission from the Lord. Pardoned at the instance of the said Henry Hooke.

166/2. Richard Hownsham seeks from the Lord permission to demise his customary holding called Chesters with all appurtenances in this Manor to Henry Hownsham from the Feast of the Annunciation [25 March] next following, for and during a period of 6 years. The Lord grants this to Richard Hownsham in the said form, for a fine of 25s previously paid into the hands of the Lord.

166/3. [Part blackened and torn]. The Lord grants to Elizabeth Randall daughter of Thomas Randall [cp. 159/4] the reversion of one messuage or tenement and certain lands called Coles and Steedes adjoining to the same containing by estimation (twenty) acres of land be it more or less with all and singular its appurtenances which the said Thomas Randall and Elizabeth [illegible] held for the term of their lives and for the life of whichever of them lived longer, at the Lord’s pleasure, according to the custom of the manor. [Seven virtually illegible lines follow. One seems to make out phrases like: ‘For his life according to the custom of the manor’ … ‘by the death of (Thomas?)’ … ‘and she is admitted to the tenancy but his fealty is postponed until etc’ … ‘in the Court Roll’. Parchment Z23(20) ends and Z23(22) begins during the illegible section. If this sequence, advocated by the Hampshire Record Office, is correct, Elizabeth has apparently applied for the new tenancy to run for her life and the life of another (her husband? her son?)].

167/1. Joan Lipescombe widow and John her son come and surrender into the Lord’s hands a Cottage, garden and two acres of land be it more or less at Thornehill [cp.160/1] which they held for a term of … years should the said Joan and John or either of them live so long, Giving an annual rent of 10s. to the Lord of this Manor at Michaelmas and one capon at Christmas, with a heriot of ?10s. due at the death of each of them …. And thereupon Joan Tribe widow and Thomas her son come to Court (?and seek from the Lord the said tenancy). To whom the Lord by his Steward (grants a tenancy of the said) Cottage and other premises aforesaid, for the term of their lives and whichever of them shall live longer, according to the custom of the manor, giving an annual rent to the Lord of 10s. at the Feasts of St Michael Archangel and [‘the Annunciation to’ omitted] the Blessed Virgin Mary in equal portions and of one capon at Christmas annually, and at the death of each of them 10s. [as a heriot] to the Lord. And (she gives a fine) of £4 to the Lord to have the estate on these terms and is admitted tenant.

168. Assessments by the Homage

Total takings at this Court £11. 16. 8: Fines £5. 10. 0.; Heriots £5. 19. 6.[?]; Relief 6d. ?; Amercements 6. 2d.

Parchment Z.23(23) follows, with some 150 lines of continuous writing [badly faded] with no breaks or paragraphs, in a different, rather clumsy hand. Apparently rough notes of a case against Robert Deane who is fined 10s.; as far as can be made out it doesn’t relate to a case heard at Ludshott.


Paragraphs in the 71 (Latin) Rolls translated up to this point have been given reference nos. based on the PAGES of the photocopies from which the translation was made (so that researchers can easily refer to the relevant photocopy) finishing at 168. To maintain a clear reference system each DOCUMENT from now on has been treated as if it were another sheet of the photocopies. Thus 169/8, For instance, refers to paragraph 8 of the First Court roll below. One needs occasionally to refer to particular documents; for this purpose they have been given a second no., running from 72 onwards and shown in brackets after the first one.

Documents 169–177, when the Wall Family held the manor, were still written in Latin (see note on ref. nos.); text printed here is taken from HRO. IM36/4, which contains a translation of these Rolls, apparently made about 1825. Documents from 178 are in English in the original (for HRO ref. nos. see Source of Manuscripts).

169 (72). LUDSHOTT. The first Court of Andrew Wall Esq. of this said Manor there held the 2nd day of Oct. in the 16th Year of the Reign of our Lord Charles by the Grace of God of England Scotland Ireland and France, King Defender of the Faith &c. [2 Oct 1640].

169/1. Essoigns. At this Court – None.

169/2. To this Court came Robert Hudson and freely acknowledged himself to hold of the Lord of this Manor one Parcel of Land called Hamerfield [sic] containing by estimation ten acres of Land with the appurtenances in Ludshott aforesaid adjoining to the Lake of Henry Hooke Esq. called the Hammer Pond which he [Hudson] lately purchased to himself and his heirs of one John Fisher as parcel of his Tenement called Almans And he did his fealty to the Lord and thereof attorned to the Lord &c. [‘attorn’, to acknowledge a new Lord, ie acknowledge that you’ held’ from him].

169/3. To this Court came Henry Streater Son and Heir of Henry Streater deceased and freely acknowledged himself to hold of the Lord of this Manor one Messuage and one Yardland called Beales with the appurtenances in Ludshott aforesaid by fealty and the rent of sixpence a year and other services And he did fealty to the Lord and thereof attorned to the Lord &c.

169/4. To this Court came John Benifold and freely acknowledged himself to hold of the Lord of this Manor one Messuage and one Yardland called Bicknolds with the appurtenances in Ludshott aforesaid by fealty and the rent of six shillings a year payable at the Feasts of the Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary and St Michael the Archangel by equal portions And he did fealty to the Lord and thereof attorned to the Lord &c.

169/5. To this Court came William Colpas and freely acknowledged himself to hold of the Lord of this Manor one Messuage and an Half Yard of land called Bicknolds with the appurtenances in Ludshott by fealty and the rent of ten pence a year at the Feasts aforesaid and one pound of Cummin And he did fealty to the Lord and thereof attorned to the Lord &c.

169/6. To this Court came John Fernden and acknowledged himself to hold of the Lord of this Manor one Messuage and one Parcel of Land with the appurtenances called Parfield [sic] by fealty and the rent of two shillings a year payable at the Feasts aforesaid and other Services And he did fealty to the Lord and thereof attorned to the Lord &c.

169/7. The Homage there Nicholas Tribe, Henry Hownsham, Thomas Randyll, John Cobb, Henry Colpas – all sworn

169/8. For that Robert Hudson (10d), Henry Streater (10d), John Fernden (10d) and William Colpas (10d) being free tenants of this Manor and present here in Court have refused and each of them hath severally refused to be of the Homage aforesaid (altho’ every of them hath been required by the Steward). Therefore each of them is in Mercy as appears by the Sums set over their Names by the Steward.

169/9. Whereas John Cob and Johanna his wife lately called Johanna Tribe widow have and hold in right of the said Johanna for the term of the Life of the said Johanna by copy of Court Roll at the will of the Lord according to the custom of the said manor one Cottage and one Parcel of Land containing by estimation two acres more or less lying at Thornhill in Ludshott aforesaid The Reversion thereof belonging to the Lord of the said Manor and his Heirs the Lord by his Steward hath granted to the said Richard Cob and one Richd Tribe now of the age of three years or thereabouts Son of William Tribe the son of the said Johanna The Reversion of the said Tenement with the appurts And also one other Parcel of Land on the North part of the said Tenement containing in the whole with the aforesaid Parcel of Land above mentioned Four Acres with the appurts To have and to hold the same to the said John Cob and Richd Tribe for the term of their lives and of either of them longer living successively by Copy of Court Roll at the will of the Lord. according to the custom of the manor immediately after the Decease of the said Johanna by the Rent of 10s a year payable at the Feasts of the Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary and St Michael the Archangel by equal portions and two capons at the Feast of the Nativity of our Lord yearly And after the Death or Surrender of the Premises [presumably = the aforesaid tenants] or either of them in the name of an Heriot 10s and other Services therefor due and of Right accustomed And the said John and Richard give to the Lord for a Fine for such their Estate to be thereof held Twenty four pounds And thereupon they are admitted tenants thereof.

169/10. Whereas Joanna Streater Widow enjoys and holds for the term of her life by copy of Court Roll at the will of the Lord according to the custom of the manor one Messuage or Tenement and one Yard Land in Parfield with all and singular their appurts late in the Tenure of Henry Streater deceased her late Husband and formerly in the tenure of Joanna Chitty Widow the Reversion whereof belongeth to the said Lord and his Heirs Now to this court came the sd Joanna Streater and surrenders into the hands of the Lord the aforesaid Messuage and other the premises with the appurts To the Use and Behoof of the said Lord and his Heirs That the Lord may do therewith at his Will &c. And for this Surrender the said Lord hath given to the said Joanna £160. [ie the Lord has paid Joanna to surrender her lease].

169/11. Presentments of the Homage, to wit:

The said Homage on their Oaths present that the Dean (12d) and Chapter of the Cathedral Church of Chichester, the President (12d) and Fellows of the College of St Mary Magdalene in Oxford, Henry Hooke Esq. (12d), Laurence Hide Esq. (12d) Committee or Guardian of the Estate and person of [blank] Hide his son, John Fishe, Robert Boxall (12d), Margaret Hayward Widow, William White (excused) and Simon Chase (excused) are Tenants of this Manor

169/12. Also they present that Robert Boxall who freely held of the Lord one parcel of Land containing by estimation one acre with the appurts lying at Cowpois otherwise Bennetts Hill near the Lands of Henry Streater called Beales by the Rent of 2s a year and other Services died seized thereof since the last Court whereby there came to the then Lord of the said Manor to wit Robert Knight gentleman for an Heriot one Ox of the value of £3 seized by Henry Streater to the Use of the said Lord And that Robert Boxall is his Son and nearer Heir being of the Age at the time of the Death of his said Father of six years or thereabouts Therefore the Bailiff is commanded to distrain on the said Robert for his Fealty.

169/13. Also they present that Henry Streater hath turn’d the Water Course of the Lord at a certain place called Cooper’s Bridge and dug upon the waste the Soil of the Lord there and the course of the same Water runs thro a Ditch or new Water course so by him dug to the free land of the said Henry called Beales Therefore he is in mercy 12d. And the same Henry is commanded to restore and turn the Course of the same Water into its said ancient Course and to remove all other Nuisance before the Feast of Easter on pain of 10s. [Ref. is perhaps to construction of the carrier bringing the water of Cooper’s Bridge stream to the Wey via ‘Bramshott Meadows’].

169/14. Also they present that Henry Streater (12d) hath obstructed the Lord’s River in the Lands of the same Henry near Cowper’s Bridge So that by such Obstruction the Water of the said River overflows the Lord’s Waste near Cowper’s Bridge Therefore he is [in] Mercy &c. And the same Henry is commanded to abate the said Nuisance before the Feast of Easter on pain of 10s. [153/4 & 156/5 are perhaps relevant].

169/15. Also they present that Roger Benifold who freely held of ye Lord one Messuage with one Yard Land called Benifolds with the appurts in Ludshott by Fealty and a Rent of 7s a year and other Services died seized thereof Whereby there came to the Lord for an Heriot one Swine of the value of 13s.4d seized to the Use of the then Lord to wit Richard Knight Gent. and for a relief 7s paid to the Lord. But afterwards Agnes Benifold was seized of the aforesaid Tenements and died seized thereof Whereby there came to the Lord for an Heriot Nothing because she had no live animal but 7s are now paid to the Lord for a Relief And that upon the death of the said Agnes John Benefield [sic] is seized of the Tenements aforesaid.

169/16. And afterwards to wit on the Day and year aforesaid (the Court sitting) the said Court was adjourned by the Steward until the 9th Day of December next coming at the Hour of Nine in the forenoon of the same Day.

At which Day [9 Dec 1640] here before the same Steward the Court was held by the said Adjournment.

170/1. Proceedings at the following Courts are recorded in the original in the same lengthy and ‘unpunctuated’ style as the last Court above. They have usually been condensed here, mainly by omitting some of the standard phrases (‘They present that’, ‘Whereby there came to the Lord for an Heriot’, ‘at the will of the Lord according to the custom of the Manor’, ‘with the appurts’, etc).

170/2. Henry Streater who freely held a messuage and yardland called Beales by copy of Court Roll, rent 6d a year, has died, heriot one gelding value £6 seized for the Lord and sold by Nicholas Withers, relief of 6d paid. Henry Streater is his son and heir, being at the time of his Father’s decease 22 years of age and upward.

170/3. The said Henry Streater died also holding by copy of Court Roll a messuage and yardland in Parfield. But whether two heriots or one ‘happened’ to the Lord they are ignorant [but see 170/4]. But Johanna Streater ought to hold and enjoy the said premises for her life by copy of Court Roll and after her the person named in that Copy. But the said Johanna surrendered the tenements to the Lord before the adjournment [see 169/10].

170/4. Also they present in these English words following “That the aforesaid messuage and Yard Land in Parfield whereof the said Henry Streater dyed seized as aforesaid are reputed to be two several tenements And the Tenants thereof have served the office of Tythingman for two several Tenements.” Therefore it is to be considered by the Lord. [See 171/5? A ‘Tithingman’ by this period was a sort of unpaid village constable; the job, like other village posts, was taken in turn by the occupiers of various properties].

170/5. Daniel Avery has diverted the Lord’s water-course near the Lord’s Lake called Wakener’s Well pond. Ordered to turn it back into its ‘antient course’ by Easter, on pain of a fine of 10s.

170/6. George Hawnsham [sic] has erected a cottage and enclosed land on the Lord’s waste at Thorn [half a line blank? sc. Thornhill], so is in mercy [‘Mercy, 12d.’ in margin]. Therefore any further process here is respited.

170/7. John Lamperde has erected a cottage and enclosed land containing by estimation one acre on the Lord’s waste near Broadbridge, otherwise Blackwater, so is in mercy. Lord to consider as above.

170/8. George Bicknold (4d) has diverted the Lord’s water-course near Wakener’s Well pond. Ordered to turn it back into its ‘antient course’ by Easter, on pain of a fine of 10s.

170/9. John Fernden who freely held a messuage and parcel of land called Parfield, estimated at 12 acres, has died, heriot (for want of a live animal) a brass pot value 12s., seized for the use of the Lord and so sold by Peter Fernden – and a relief of 2s. also paid to the Lord.

170/10. The said John Fernden is reported to have bequeathed the same Tenement to his cousin John Fernden and his Heirs – John Fernden the cousin affirms this to be true.

170/11. John Booker has erected a cottage and enclosed land containing by estimation 6 perches [180 sq yds] at the Hammerhatch [ie close to the sluice-gates at ‘Bramshott Hammer’, then managed by the Hooke family – site now Auriol Plastics]. So he is in mercy. 12d. ‘But the Lord is to be advised thereof’ (and may not exact the money).

170/12. The Steward, for the Lord, grants to Edmund Cleer and his son Henry a messuage and parcel of land in Parfield – late in tenure of Henry Streater deceased and ‘heretofore’ in tenure of Johanna Chitty widow, it came into Lord’s hands when Henry Streater’s widow, also a Johanna, surrendered it [for £160 – see 169/10]. Grant is for the lives of Edmund and Henry Cleer, copyhold, by yearly rent of 13s. “and other services” as accustomed – excepting always one acre of meadow ground in Kings Mead within a parcel of Meadow Ground of the Lord there, reserved out of this grant to the Lord and his heirs. Edmund gives as a fine to have the tenancy £400, receives seisin by the rod and does fealty. Henry’s fealty is respited until &c. [See next item].

170/13. Memorandum. The Lord agrees that if Edmund surrenders the tenancy [see 170/12] and asks for it to be regranted for one, two or three lives, as nominated by Edmund, he will hold a Court within one month & make this grant. No further fine will be payable; Edmund must make the request by October 1st. [See 171/3].

Affeerers: Nicholas Tribe & [blank] Howsham [sic], sworn.

171 (74). LUDSHOTT. COURT OF ANDREW WALL ESQ. HELD 28th SEPTEMBER, 17 CHARLES (1640) BY EDMUND FANCHIN. GENT., STEWARD.

171/1. Essoigns. [Blank].

The Homage sworn: Nicholas Tribe, Thomas Randall, Henry Hownsham, John Cob, Henry Colpas.

171/2. Robert Boxall in person acknowledges that he holds of the Lord one parcel of Land estimated at one acre near Cowper’s Hill near Henry Streater’s Lands called Beales by yearly rent and other services. Fealty respited because Robert is not yet 21.

171/3. Robert Cleer and son Henry appear & surrender into the Lord’s hands a messuage and yardland in Parfield (late in tenure of Henry Streater and heretofore in that of Johanna Chitty) – to the intent that the Lord shall, under an agreement made at the last Court [see 110/13], regrant it to the said Henry, Beatrice his wife and Albert Cleer the younger son of the said Edward Cleer. The Lord does so regrant it as requested for the three lives specified, by copy of the Court Roll, &c, by yearly rent of 13s. & other services &c. – excepting always [as previously agreed] one acre of meadow ground in Kings Mead within a parcel of Meadow Ground of the Lord there. ‘And for a heriot nothing, because such was the agreement at the last Court’. And they are admitted to the tenancy and Henry does fealty; fealty of Beatrice and Albert respited until &c. [Someone – copyist? – has made a muddle here; Edmund Cleer and son Henry, not Robert & Henry, were mentioned in 170/12 & 13and Edward Cleer is a new name. Read Edmund in place of both Robert & Edward?].

171/4. Henry Hooke Esq. [Lord of Bramshott & Chiltley] who freely held of the Lord two cottages, a blacksmith’s shop called the Hammer, one Lake [ie the mill pond] and three acres of Land with the appurts and also one [blank] of Land called Gentills has died. John Hooke Esq. his son is the heir and over 21. Bailiff is instructed to distrain the said John Hooke for his fealty and his relief.

171/5. ‘It is witnessed here in Court that the Lord of this Manor hath seized by the Bailiff two heriots to wit two Oxen of the price of £12 for the two heriots for the several tenements aforesaid’. [Ref is to 170/3–4?]

171/6. They present that the Dean and Chapter of Chichester Cathedral (12d), the President and Fellows of Magdalen Coll. Oxon (12d), John Hooke (6d), Lawrence Hyde (6d) Committee or Guardian of [blank] Hyde his son, John Fishe, Wm. Colpas, Robert Hudson, Simon Chase, Wm. White [all marked 6d] are tenants and owe suit of Court ‘and have this day made Default’.

Affeered by Nicholas Tribe & Thomas Hownsham, sworn.

172 (75). LUDSHOTT. COURT OF ANDREW WALL ESQ. HELD 29th & 30TH DECEMBER, 17 CHARLES (1642) BEFORE EDMUND FANCHIN, GENT., STEWARD THERE.

172/1. Essoigns [nil]. Of the Homage: Nicholas Tribe, Thos. Randall, Henry Hownsham, Robert Hudson, John Fernden, Henry Cleer, John Cob, sworn.

172/2. They present that the Dean and Chapter (12d) of Chichester Cathedral, President & Fellows (12d) of Magdalen Coll. Oxford, Henry Hooke Esq. (12d), Lawrence Hyde Esq., John Fishe (12d), Thomas Boxall, Henry Streater, Simon Chase, Wm. White, the Heirs of Wm. Colpas (all 6d each), John Benifold are Tenants of the said Manor and owe Suit to this Court, Therefore everyone of them is in Mercy as appears over their respective Names.

172/3. And afterwards the Court was adjourned by the Steward until the 30th December at the Hour of nine. On which day the Court was held before the said Steward.

172/4. To this Court came John Cob and Johanna his wife /the said Johanna being examined separately and alone by the said Steward/ and surrendered one cottage and one parcel of land containing by estimation 4 acres situate at Thornhill in Ludshott aforesaid to the Use and Behoof of the Lord. See 169/9 & 172/5.

172/5. The Lord granted by his own Hands to John Cob now aged 46, Richard Tribe 4 and Wm. Tribe 1½ years a cottage and one parcel of land containing by estimation 4 acres situate at Thornhill in Ludshott aforesaid, to have and to hold for their three lives, by copy of Court Roll by the yearly rent of 11s. payable at the Annunciation and at Michaelmas by equal portions, an heriot when the same shall happen [ie fall due at a death]. The said John gives for a fine to have his estate £60. They are admitted tenants and do fealty. See 172/6.

172/6. Licence is granted to the said John Cob to farm-let all and singular the premises [those mentioned in 172/5] to any honest and fit undertenant he chooses, from the day of this Court for 21 years, if he shall live so long, and moreover licence is granted to the said Richard and William to farm-let from the day of the death of John Cob ‘to the end and term of 21 years’, if one or both live so long. And the said John, Richard and William give the Lord for a fine for such Licence £40.

173 (76). LUDSHOTT. COURT BARON OF ANDREW WALL ESQ. HELD THERE 25th MARCH IN THE YEAR OF OUR LORD 1651 before Edward Fanchin, gent., Steward there.

[It is all but two years since Charles I’s execution; the Commonwealth is in full swing and documents are dated by years Anno Domini, as to-day].

173/1. Essoigns. Of the Homage: Thomas Randall, Henry Cleer, Henry Hownsham, John Cob, sworn.

173/2. Margaret Colpas widow who held one Tenement called Woodlands with Henry Colpas her husband now deceased and Henry Colpas her son now also dec’d, by Copy of Court Roll made at a Court held 28th March, 5 James [1607 – ref is to 152/3 above] by yearly rent of 6s. comes and surrenders the tenancy, with the Intent that the lord should regrant it to her the said Margaret and Johanna wife of Thomas Colpas, the only son of the said Margaret, and Henry Colpas, only son of the said Thomas, now aged about 1½, for the term of their lives &c. ‘Heriot to the Lord as hereafter appears with the Fine’. And the Lord by his Steward grants the tenancy to the said Margaret, Johanna and Henry, for the term of their three lives, at a yearly rent of 6s, an heriot when it shall happen, and other services &c. They give for a heriot as for a fine £110 and are admitted tenants. The fealty of the said Margaret is respited until &c.

173/3. Henry Hownsham comes and surrrenders a messuage and half a yardland called Chesters, to the intent that the Lord shall regrant the tenancy – ‘except one parcel of meadow land by estimation 2 acres now inclosed and divided into two closes with all Water Courses as well newly made and dug as otherwise running to the said parcel of meadow ground’ – to him Henry Hownsham and Henry Hownsham his only son now aged about 21 years, for their two lives, by copy of Court Roll. And the Lord by his Steward grants the tenancy to the said Henry Hownsham the father and Henry Hownsham the son, for the term of their two lives, at a yearly rent of 7s, an heriot when it shall happen, and other services &c. He gives for a heriot as for a fine £5 and they are admitted tenants. Henry the father does fealty, the fealty of Henry the son is respited until &c. ‘And be it remembered that the aforesaid Fine was by so much less by Agreement in Regard the said parcel of Meadow Ground and Water Courses was Excepted’.

173/4. The Lord granted by his own hands to John Lamborne and Elizabeth his wife one cottage and parcel of land estimated at 4 acres, lately part of the Lord’s Waste at Thornehill, now in the tenure of the same John, to hold for their two lives, by copy of the Roll at the rent of 2s. a year, payable at the Annunciation and Michaelmas by equal portions.

174 (77). LUDSHOTT. COURT BARON OF SUSANNA WALL LADY OF THE SAID MANOR ON WEDNESDAY 23rd SEPTEMBER, 20 CHARLES II (1668) &c before Richard Symes, gent., Steward there.

174/1. The Names of the Free Tenants [in two columns in original]

The Dean and Chapter of the Cathedral Church of Chichester, the President of St Mary Magdalene College in Oxford, John Hooke Esq., the Heirs of Anthony Fishe, the Heirs of Sir John Low Knt., John Benningfield, Richd Bristow in Right of his Wife, Elizabeth Streeter Widow, Richard Tribe, Robert Hodson [sic], Robert Boxold.

174/2. The Names of the Tenants by Copy [in two columns in original]

Henry Cleare, Henry Hownsham, Elizabeth Randall Widow, Wm. Tribe, John Lamperd, John Hownsham, Daniel Avery.

174/3. Of the Homage there to wit Robert Hodson, Henry Cleare, Henry Hownsham, Richd Tribe, John Lamperd, John Hownsham, sworn.

174/4. Who say on their oath that Richard Bristow (4d) in right of his wife, John Hooke Esq. (12d), Dean and Chapter Chichester Cathedral (12d), President of Magdalen College Oxford (12d), Elizabeth Streeter Widow (12d) are tenants of this Manor and owe suit of Court but have made default on this day, therefore they are in mercy as appears over their names.

174/5. Anthony Fish who freely held a messuage & certain lands called Almans by yearly rent of 15s and suit of Court &c And certain lands called Golden Lands containing by estimation 45 acres by yearly rent of 5s. &c has died. Nothing came to the Lady for Heriot because he had no live Good. John Fish aged 12 or therabouts is his son and next heir – on whom the Bailiff is instructed to distrain for reliefs. His fealty is respited until he shall arrive at full age.

174/6. John Lowe Kt. who freely held a messuage & one yardland with the appurts containing in 9 several closes 45 acres of pasture and woodland by yearly rent of 10s and one pound of pepper, suit of Court &c And half a yardland called At Wulls containing in 6 several closes 20 acres of pasture and woodland by yearly rent of 1s.6d has died. Whereby two heriots happened to the Lady which the Bailiff is instructed to seize. [Blank] Lowe aged 4 or therabouts is his son and next heir – on whom the Bailiff is instructed to distrain for reliefs. His fealty is respited until he shall arrive at full age.

174/7. John Lander who freely held one messuage and half a yardland, by estimation 19 acres, called Newmans, by rent of 5d. a year, 2 lbs. of cummin, suit of Court and other Services has since last Court alienated the said lands to Richard Tribe, who present in Court acknowledges that he holds the Premises from the Lady of this Manor by the rents and services aforesaid and hath done fealty.

174/8. Richard Tribe who held by copy of the Roll a cottage and parcel of land containing by estimation 4 acres lying at Thornhill and also one other parcel of land called Oldlands by yearly rent of 11s. and two capons, suit of Court and other services, has died. Heriot to the Lady one ox price 60s. so sold by Wm. Tribe the father of the said Richard. (They say that) William Tribe brother of the said Richard was admitted to the premises at a Court held on 29th December, 17 Charles I [see 172/5 above]. William Tribe present in Court acknowledges that he holds by copy of the Roll by the rent and services aforesaid and does fealty.

174/9. John Hooke Esq. hath stopped the water at Hobbs bridge within this Manor, by reason whereof the Water hath there overflowed upon the Highway and parcel of the Waste of this Manor containing by estimation 6 roods [1½ acres]. Therefore a pain of 5s. is set upon him and a further pain of 12d for every week this said John Hooke keep the said Water stopp’d there.

174/10. Elizabeth Streater Widow turn’d the water from its antient course at Cowper’s Bridge. A pain of 10s. is set on her and a pain of 20s. they also impose that she direct the Water there into its antient Course before the first day of October next coming and no more to divert the Water there from its antient Course under pain of forfeiting every time the said 20s.

174/11. Thomas Hownsham hath continued an Incroachment upon the Lady’s Waste of this Manor containing by estimation 6 Roods [1½ acres]. Therefore they set a fine on him of 12d. And a pain of 12d. that he lay open the said Incroachment before the Feast of the Nativity of our Lord next coming.

174/12. Elizabeth Randall widow, who holds by copy of the Roll a tenement and certain lands called Coles by rent of 3s.6d a year, suit of court and other services – and also a tenement and certain lands called Steedes by rent of 3s.6d a year, suit of court and other services – comes and agrees with the Lady to pay £4 on St Luke’s day next coming for two heriots to become due to the Lady after the death of the said Elizabeth for the tenements aforesaid – which the Lady agrees to accept in full satisfaction for the said Heriots [a very modern way of making provision in your lifetime against future ‘Inheritance Tax’!].

Affeerers, to wit Robert Hodson, Henry Cleare, Richard Tribe, sworn.

[In margin at foot, ‘Exd by Rico Symes Steward there’].

175 (78). LUDSHOTT. A RENTAL of the said Manor renewed at a Court there held on Wednesday 23rd September, 20 CHARLES II [1668] Same date as preceding Court minutes.

175/1. FREE TENANTS FIRST.

                                                                                                                           s. d.

[Blank] Lowe esq. for a messuage and 1 yardland called Gores                            10.0 and 1lb. pepper

The same for half a yardland called Attwells                                                         7.6

John Hooke Esq. for Gentiles                                                                              1 red rose.

Dean and Chapter of Chichester for Warlands                                                     3d and 2 lbs cummin.

President of Magdalen College Oxford for 30 acres of land called Priors              2.0

John Fish for Almers                                                                                            15.0

The same for Golden Lands                                                                                 5.0

John Benningfield for Bignolds                                                                             7.0

Richard Bristow in right of his wife for [blank]                                                      2.0

Richard Tribe for Newmans                                                                                 5d and 2 lbs cummin.

Elizabeth Streater widow for Beales                                                                     0.6

Robert Hodson for Hammerfields, parcel of the Tenement called Almers              [blank]

Robert Boxold for Beales [but cp Streater just above]                                          2.0

175/2. COPYHOLD TENANTS.

Henry Cleare for a messuage & yardland in Parsfield                                            13.0

Henry Hownsham for Chesters                                                                            7.0

Eliz.Randall widow for Coles                                                                               3.6

The same for Steeds                                                                                            3.6

Richard Tribe in right of his wife for Woodlands                                                   6.0

Wm Tribe for a cottage and 4 acres of land at Thornhill for Lands called Oldlands
                                                                                                                           15s and 2 capons.

John Lamperd for a cottage and Lands near Broadbridge alias Blackwater           2s and two capons.

John Hownsham for cottage and parcel of land at Thornhill                                   1s and 1 capon

Daniel Avery for a cottage and lands adjoining                                                     0.6

176 (79). LUDSHOTT. COURT BARON OF ANDREW WALL ESQ. HELD THERE WEDNESDAY 16th APRIL, 36 CHARLES II (1684) before Richard White, gent., Steward there

Was this Andrew Wall is the son of the Andrew Wall of Courts 169–173?.

176/1. The Names of the Free tenants. [all 3 lists in 2 cols. in original].

Dean and Chapter of Chichester Cathedral, President of Magdalen College Oxford, Robert Boxald, Henry Streater, John Cleer, Nathl. Carter, Richard Brewster, Nicholas Bunch, George Newman, John Benifold, Henry Colpas, Nicholas Mills, Thomas Hill & Edward Stempe.

176/2. The Names of the Copyhold Tenants. John Pacy, Wm. Tribe, Richard Tribe, Henry Hownsham.

176/3. Essoigns to wit – None this Day.

Of the Homage there to wit – John Claere [sic], sworn, John Pacey, Wm. Tribe, Richard Tribe, Henry Hownsham, Nathl. Carter, Richard Brewster, Richard Mills, Thos. Hill, Edward Stempe, sworn.

176/4. Who say that the Dean and Chapter of Chichester Cathedral, the President of Magdalen College Oxford, Henry Streater and George Newman are tenants of this Manor and owe suit of Court and have made default this day. Therefore they and every of them are in mercy &c (4d over each name).

176/5. John Hooke Esq. who freely held certain Lands called Gentills containing by estimation [blank] acres by rent of one red rose and the Mills called the Hammer Mills with two messuages and the lands thereto belonging containing by estimation twelve acres by the rent of [blank] and suit of Court and other services hath since the last Court alienated the Lands aforesaid to Henry Streater upon whom the Bailiff is ordered to distrain for his Fealty and Reliefs (two Heriots). Streater turned the Hammer Mills’ into a Paper Mill, probably straightaway, certainly by 1690 – which use endured, with machinery updated from time to time, until 1924; Auriol Plastics were there in 1991. Four men were granted a permit “to travel and gather rags in and about this county [Hampshire] being employed by the Company belonging to the paper mills at Bramshott (Passfield) for the use of the said mills” – first mention of papermaking in the area? [Alan Crocker]

176/6. Henry Cleare who held by copy of Court Roll certain Lands of thisManor has died, heriot to the Lord his best live good, seized by the Bailiff – which said Lands remain as in the Hands of the Lord.

176/7. Henry Streater hath turn’d the Water from its antient Course at Cooper’s Bridge. Therefore they set a pain of 10s. upon him and they set a Fine of 20s. on him that he turn the Water there back into its antient Course before the 1st day of October next ensuing.

176/8. Henry Streater hath also stopp’d the Water at Hobbsbridge whereby the Water there hath overflowed the King’s Highway and a part of the Waste of this Manor containing by estimation 6 roods [1½ acres]. Therefore they set a pain of 5s. on him and also a further pain of 12d. for every Week he shall keep the said Water stopp’d.

176/9. Affeerers: Jn.Clere, Jn. Pacy, Wm. Tribe.

Ex’d by Richard White, gent., Steward there.

177 (80). LUDSHOTT. A RENTAL OF THIS MANOR RENEWED AT A COURT HELD ON WEDNESDAY 16th APRIL, 36 CHARLES II (1684) ie. on the same day as the Court recorded above (No.176).

For previous rental held on 23 Sept 1668 see 175 above. Changes are marked with an # in the list below.

177/1. FREE TENM’TS FIRST.

                                                                                                                           s. d.

[Blank] Lowe esq. for a messuage and 1 yardland called Gores                            10.0 and 1 lb.pepper

The same for half a yard land called Attwells                                                        7.6

# Henry Streater for Gentils                                                                                 1 red rose.

Dean and Chapter of Chichester for Warlands                                                     3d and 2 lbs cummin.

President of Magdalen College Oxford for 30 acres of land called Priors              2.0

# [blank] Fish for Almers [sic]                                                                             15.0

The same for Golden Lands                                                                                 5.0

# John Bennifold for Bignals                                                                                 7.0

Richard Bristow in right of his wife for [blank]                                                      2.0

# Of him for Newmans                                                                                        5d and 2 lbs cummin.

Elizabeth Streater widow for Beales                                                                     0.6

Robert Hodson for Hammerfields, parcel of the Tenement called Almans              [blank]

# Robert Boxall for Beales [but cp Streater just above]                                    2.0

[NB Boxall here, Boxold in 175/1, confirming that they are just variants of one family name].

177/2. COPYHOLD TENANTS.

# [Blank] Pacy widow for Coles                                                                          3.6

The same for Steeds                                                                                            3.6

# Wm. Tribe for a cottage and 4 acres at Thornhill                                               11s & 2 capons

Henry Hownsham for Chesters                                                                            7.0

Richard Tribe in Right of his Wife for Woodlands                                                 6.0

The tenancies listed at 175/2 under Cleare, Lamperd, John Hownsham and Avery have disappeared – or been omitted by copyist; Coles/Steeds has changed hands; Wm. Tribe’s rent has fallen from 15s. to 11s. – copyists’s error?

178 (81). LUDSHOTT. THE COURT BARON OF SIR HENRY PAULETT ST. JOHN, Knight, Lord of the Manor aforesaid there held on Monday the ninth Day of June in the Year of our Lord 1766 And in the sixth Year of the reign of his Majesty King George the third over Great Britain and so forth. Before William Russell, Gentleman, Steward there.

Bailiff John Girdler.

178/1. Names of the Free Tenants.

The Dean and Chapter of the Cathedral Church of Chichester
The President of St Mary Magdalen College in Oxford
Nicholas Kent Esquire. Appeared
George Pitt Esquire
Henry Streater Gill Esquire
Nicholas Bunch. Appeared
John Tuesley Appeared
Thomas Goff
John Cannor [usually Canner] Appeared

178/2. Names of the Leasehold & Customary Tenants.

Abraham Newman, Henry Pimm, Thomas Levett, Richard Trimmer, John Hewitt, George Eedes, William Studwick, [should be Stru–], Thomas Lipscomb

178/3. Homage.

Nicholas Bunch – Foreman sworn.

John Tuesley, John Hewitt, John Cannor, Wm. Studwicke [sic], Thos. Levett, Henry Pimm, Abraham Newman, Richard Trimmer, George Eedes, Thos. Lipscomb, sworn.

178/4. They say on their oaths that the President of Magdalen College Oxford, Henry Streater Gill Esq., George Pitt Esq., and Thomas Gaff gentleman are tenants and owe suit of Court and have made default this day. Wherefore they amerce them One Shilling each.

178/5. They present all and every the Leasehold and Customary Tenants who have made default in their Appearance this day and amerce them Four pence each.

178/6. They present the death of Robert Boxall yeoman one of the freehold tenants of this manor by the yearly rent of two shillings since the last Court, heriot and relief to the Lord for Lands called Beales and that the said Lands have been since alienated by the Trustees of his last Will and Testament to Henry Streater Gill Esquire. Bailiff ordered to distrain for his fealty.

178/1. They present that John Cover labourer hath lately taken in and inclosed from the Common or Waste of the said Manor a piece of Land containing about One Acre and so Order that he forthwith throw up the same [sc. to Common] under pain of 40 shillings. Notice being given him thereof by the Bailiff.

178/8. They present that George Belton hath also taken in and inclosed from the Common or Waste of the said Manor a piece of Land containing about One Acre and so Order that he forthwith throw the ~ again to Common under pain of 40 shillings Notice being given him thereof by the Bailiff .

178/9. They present that Thomas Levett has erected a Hogstye on the Common near his House And so Order that the same be removed within One Month under pain of Five Shillings.

178/10. They present that Abraham Newman one of the Leasehold Tenants of the Manor has taken in and inclosed a piece of Land from the Common containing about Fifteen Roods [nearly 4 acres] and so Order that the same be forthwith thrown back to Common within One Month, under pain of 40s.

178/11. They present that John Cannor labourer hath taken in and inclosed a piece of Land to his Garden part of the said Common containing about Seven Roods [1¾ acres] And so Order that the same be forthwith thrown back to Common within one Month under pain of Forty Shillings.

LUDSHOTT to wit A RENTAL of the said Manor renewed at a Court held on [same date as previous items from 178].

178/12. Free Tenants.                                                                                       s. d.

Dean and Chapter Chichester Cathedral for Warlands                                          3d and 2 lbs cummin.

Nicholas Kent Esq. for 30 a. called Pryors heretofore of Magdalen Coll. Oxford [still shown as the occupiers at 178/1!]            2.0

George Pitt Esq., Messuage & Yardland called Gores                                          10s & 1 lb pepper

Ditto for half a yardland called Attwells                                                                7.6

Henry Streater Gill Esq. for Gentiles                                                                     A red rose

Ditto for Lands heretofore of Elizabeth Streater widow called Beales                    0.6d

Ditto for other Lands late Robert Boxall’s called Beales                                       2.0

John Benninfold for Bignolds                                                                                7.0

Thomas Goffe Gentleman for his farm & Lands heretofore called Almers              15.0

Ditto for other Lands                                                                                           5.0

Ditto for his little Farm heretofore part of a Tenement called Almers                      2.0

John Tuesley for a tenement heretofore called Newmans                                      5d & 2 lbs cummin

179 (82). MANOR OF LUDSHOTT. COURT BARON OF SIR THOMAS MILLER BARONET Lord of the said Manor held at the Manor House in Ludshott aforesaid the 21st November 1792 before Thomas Clement, gentleman, Steward there.

179/1. Homage. John Newman, sworn, William Stillwell, David Belton, James Lemon, Henry Lemon, John Swetman, Thomas Small, John Eade, John Cover, Richard Trimmer, William Andrew, sworn.

179/2. The Homage do present that no person has a right to cut turf on Parcefield Common

179/3. Also the Homage do present that no person has a right to pick up and carry away the Dung dropped by cattle on the Commons of this Manor.

179/4. Also they present that no person do turn pigs into the commons of this Manor unringed under the penalty of one Shillings for every Pig that shall be found on the said Commons so unringed as aforesaid, and the Hayward of the Manor shall be at Liberty to impound such Pigs so unringed until the said Penalty is paid. Cp.157/1.

179/5. Also they present William Stilwell to the office of Hayward of this Manor.

179/6. Also they present that there is no highway for any carriage on the Road leading from Bramshott Church towards Farnham up Ludshott Hill [ie. Woolmer Lane] adjoining to Ludshott Hanger and passing by Ludshott Barn.

(Sgd.) Thos. Clement, Steward.

A ‘Court of Survey’, at which a list of tenants and their holdings was prepared, was held on the same date, before the same Steward. See Document 185.

180 (83). MANOR OF LUDSHOTT. COURT BARON OF SIR THOMAS MILLER BARONET Lord of the said Manor held at the Manor House in Ludshott aforesaid the 21st December 1795 before Thomas Clement, gentleman, Steward there.

180/1. The Names of the Free Tenants

Nathaniel Kent, Dean & Chapter of Chichester, Henry Gill, John Strudwick, Mrs Bennifold, William Stilwell, Richard Trimmer, John Eade, William Burgess.

180/2. Leasehold Tenants

John Newman, John Levett, Robert Lemon, James Lemon, John Chandler, David Belton, John Swetman, Thomas Small.

180/3. Homage

Richard Trimmer, sworn, James Lemon, John Newman, John Cover, John Scott, John Swetman, David Belton, sworn.

180/4. The Homage do present that no person has a right to cut turf on Parcefield Common.

180/5. The Homage do present that no person has a right to pick up and carry away the Dung dropped by cattle on the Commons of this Manor.

180/6. Also they present that no person do turn pigs into the Commons of this Manor unringed under the penalty of one Shilling for every Pig that shall be found on the said Commons so unringed as aforesaid and the Hayward of the Manor shall be at liberty to impound such pigs so unringed until the said penalty is paid.

180/7. They present William Strudwick to the office of Hayward of this Manor.

180/8. They present that the road leading from Bramshott Church towards Farnham up Ludshott Hill adjoining to Ludshott Hanger and pass1ng by Ludshott Barn [ie Woolmer Lane] is not a Lawful Road for Carriages.

180/9. They present that Thomas Silvester hath encroached about thirty rods of Land [900 sq. yds or 3/12ths of an acre] on Ludshott Common and do order that the Bank and Fence be thrown down. [See 182/15].

180/10. They present that Nathaniel Kent Esquire, Henry Gill Esquire and the Dean and Chapter of Chichester, William Burgess and William Stilwell are Tenants of this Manor and owe Suit and Service at this Court but made default therefore they are in Mercy &c.

180/11. They present that Nicholas Kent Esquire [of Downlands] who held freely of the Lord thirty acres of Land called Pryors by the Rent of Two Shillings died since last Court seized of the said premises and that Nathaniel Kent Esquire is his next Heir, and in open Court the Lord claimed to be intitled to a Heriot of the Best Beast of the said Nicholas Kent and to One Years Quit Rent as a Relief.

180/12. They present that John Bennifold who held freely of the Lord a Messuage and certain Lands called Bignolds by the Rent of Seven Shillings died since last Court seized of the said premises and that Mrs Bennifold his Widow is now in possession of the said premises and in open Court the Lord claimed to be intitled to a Heriot of the best live Animal of the said John Bennifold and Seven Shillings as a Relief.

180/13. They present that William Stilwell, Richard Trimmer and William Andrews have respectively dug Turf [ie peat] and Earth on Parcefield Common Which they have no Right to do and we do amerce them one Shilling each.

(Sgd.) Thos. Clement, Steward.

181 (84). MANOR OF LUDSHOTT. COURT BARON OF SIR THOMAS MILLER BARONET Lord of the said Manor held at the Manor House in Ludshott aforesaid the 9th November 1807 before Thomas Clement, gentleman, Steward there.

181/1. The Names of the Free Tenants

Nathaniel Kent, Dean & Chapter of Chichester, Henry S. Gill, Esquire, John Strudwick, Mrs Bennifold, John Newman, Richard Trimmer, John Cover.

181/2. Leasehold Tenants

John Newman, John Levett, William Moss, David Belton, Robert Lemon, Thomas Lemon, John Swetman, James Tilbury

181/3. Homage

Richard Trimmer, John Lovett, John Newman, Robert Lemon, William Moss, John Swetman, sworn.

181/4–8. [Exactly as 180/4–8 above].

181/9. They present that Nathaniel Kent Esquire, Henry Gill Esquire and the Dean and Chapter of Chichester are Tenants of this Manor and owe Suit and Service at this Court but made default therefore they are in Mercy &c.

181/10. They present that divers persons have lately cut Bushes on Parcefield Common which no one has a right to do.

181/11. They present that some person or persons unknown have several times set fire to the Heath and Furze on Ludshott common which is contrary to Law.

181/12. They present that John Gamblin hath dug Turf [ie peat] and Earth on Parcefield Common which he hath no Right to do and we do amerce him one Shilling for the said offence.

(Sgd.) Thomas Clement, Steward.

182 (85). MANOR OF LUDSHOTT. COURT BARON OF SIR THOMAS MILLER BARONET Lord of the said Manor held at the Manor House in Ludshott aforesaid the 1st November 1811 before Thomas Clement, gentleman, Steward there.

182/1. The Names of the Free Tenants

Benjamin Kent, Esquire, John Strudwick, HS Gill, Esquire, John Newman, Mrs Bennifold widow, John Cover, Richard Trimmer, William Burgess, Dean & Chapter of Chichester

182/2. Leasehold Tenants

John Newman, Robert Lemon, Thomas Lemon, William Moss, George Belton, John Swetman, James Tilbury.

182/3. Homage

Richard Trimmer, John Swetman, William Hallaway, John Stacey, William Strudwick, Robert Lemon, William Moss, George Heath, John Newman, Richard Trimmer Junr., George Belton, sworn.

182/4–8. As items 4–8 of 180 and 181 above.

182/9. As 181/9 but gives full name [‘Henry Streater Gill’].

182/10. As 181/10.

182/11. As 181/11.

182/12. They present that several persons have lately cut and carried away Heath out of this Manor, which they have no right to do.

182/13. They present that a Cottage and about one Acre of land lately held by John Levett adjoining Old Lands on Parcefield Common are now fallen into the Hands of the Lord of this Manor by the Death of John Baker.

182/14. They present the Death of John Cover a Freeholder of this Manor and that John Cover his Son is eldest Son and Heir at Law.

182/15. They present that Thomas Silvester hath incroached about thirty rods of Land [900 sq. yds or 3/12ths of an acre] on Ludshott Common and built a Cottage thereon and do order that the Bank, Fences and Buildings be thrown down and open to Common again. [This encroachment – without the cottage – already reported in 1795, see 180/9 above; still exists in 1827, see 183/13].

182/16. They present that several persons in the parish of Headley have lately cut and carried away Furze from this Manor at a Place called Hollywater Marsh near Osgoods House which they have no right to do.

182/17. They present that William Small hath lately incroached about forty rods of Ground [¼ acre] adjoining James Tilbury’s Garden at Conford, and that John Belton hath also incroached about fifteen rods [c455 sq. yds.] of Ground at Conford, and that David Belton hath incroached about 28 rods of Ground [c850 sq. yds.] at Conford, and we order that the Banks and Fences be thrown down. [Clear from later maps that Wm. Small at least managed to keep his incroachment permanently].

(Sgd. ) Thos. Clement. Steward.

183 (86). MANOR OF LUDSHOTT. COURT BARON OF SIR JAMES MACDONALD BARONET Lord of the said Manor held at the Manor House in Ludshott aforesaid the 10th October 1827 before James White Clement, gentleman, Steward there.

183/1 The Names of the Free Tenants

Nicholas Darlington Kent, John Chalcraft, Dean & Chapter of Chichester, Ann Gamblin, William Warren, John Cover [in single column in original].

183/2 Leasehold Tenants

John Bartholomew, William Moss, George Buss, George Belton, John Sweatman, James Tilbury [in single column in original].

(Only 2 of the 8 ‘free tenant’ families of the 1811 Court are represented in 1827 and only 3 of the 7 ‘leaseholders’).

183/3 Homage

John Chalcraft, William Warren, John Bartholomew, William Moss, George Buss, George Belton, John Sweatman, James Tilbury, sworn [2 cols. In original].

183/4–12. 183/4–6, 8 and 10–11 repeat items with those nos. in Courts 181 & 182, item 183/12 repeats 182/12. For 183/7 and 9 see below.

183/7. They present Daniel Draper to the Office of Hayward of this Manor.

183/9. They present that Henry Frankland and Nicholas Darlington Esquires are severally Tenants of this Manor and severally owe Suit and service at this Court but severally made default, therefore they are in mercy &c. [Frankland not mentioned in list of tenant s above].

183/13. They present that Thomas Silvester hath encroached about 30 Rods of Land on Ludshott Common and built a Cottage thereon and has since alienated the same to Daniel Frost who is since dead and do order that the Banks Fences and Buildings be thrown down and open to Common [cp. 180/9].

183/14. They present that William Warren [‘Bramshott Paper Mill’, on present Auriol Plastics site] has lately made an encroachment on the Lord’s waste at Parcefield Common on which parts of his Pigsty and Turf House [ie peat store] are standing and we do order the same to be thrown open to Common.

183/15. They present that Daniel Matthews has encroached on the Lords Waste at Holywater [sic] by erecting a Pigsty there [cp.184/9] and that William Small has lately enclosed seven or eight rods [212–244 sq. yds] of the said Waste on Parcefield Common adjoining to William Moss’s garden and we order that the Banks and fences be removed and the same thrown open to Common.

183/16. They present that several persons in the parish of Headley have lately cut and carried away Furze from this Manor at a Place called Hollywater near Osgoods House which they have no right to do. [As 182/16].

183/17. They present that William Small hath lately incroached about forty rods of Ground [¼ acre] adjoining James Tilbury’s Garden at Conford, and that John Belton hath also incroached about fifteen rods [c.55 sq. yds.) of Ground at Conford, and we order that the Banks and Fences be thrown down. [Clear from later maps that Wm. Small at least managed to keep his incroachment permanently].

(Sgd.) James White Clement, Steward.

184 (87). MANOR Of LUDSHOTT. COURT BARON OF THE TRUSTEES OF SIR ARCHIBALD KEPPEL MACDONALD BARONET Lord of the said Manor held at the Manor House in Ludshott aforesaid the 16th December 1833 before Daniel Lister, Gentleman, Steward there.

[Sir A.K. Macdonald succeeded his father 1832, aged 12].

184/1 The Names of the Free Tenants

Thomas Butler Esquire, John Chalcraft, The Trustees of John Ellis, Dean & Chapter of Chichester, William Warren, James Cover [in single column in original].

181/2 Leasehold Tenants

John Bartholomew, William Moss, George Buss, George Belton, John Sweetman [in single column in original].

184/3 Homage

Thomas Butler Esquire, John Chalcraft, James Cover, John Bartholomew, William Moss, George Belton, George Buss, William Warren [2 cols. in original].

184/4. The Homage do present that several persons have turned Pigs into the Common of this Manor unringed which is contrary to the custom of this Manor to do [cp. 179/4 & similar entries in 180–183].

184/5. They present William Moss to the Office of Hayward of this Manor.

184/6. They present that William Warren is a Tenant of this Manor and owes suit and service at this Court. But has made default therefore he is in mercy &c. [but see 184/11].

184/7. They present that John Sweatman is a Tenant of this Manor and owes Suit and service but is prevented from attending by illness and therefore is for this Court excused.

184/8. They present that William Small hath lately encroached about 27 rods (c¼ acre) of Ground adjoining George Belton’s Garden at Conford and that James Small hath also encroached about 12 rods of ground near the garden in the occupation of James Tilbury at Conford and we order that the Banks and fences be thrown down. Cp. 183/17.

184/9. They present that the encroachment by Daniel Matthews which was presented at the last Court has not been taken away and we order that the Banks and fences be removed and the same thrown open to the Common. [Cp. 183/15].

184/10. They present that William Moss has encroached on the Lord’s waste at Conford by erecting a Cart Shed there and we order that the same be taken down and the ground on which it is erected be thrown open to Common.

184/11. They present that William Warren afterwards attended this Court [corrects 184/6].

184/12. They present that Sir James Macdonald Baronet the late Lord of this Manor enclosed and planted about 70 acres of the land of this Manor near Waggoners Wells.

(Sgd.) Daniel Lister, Steward.


This is the last roll of Ludshott Manor Court which we know of, except for a brief newspaper report of one held by Mrs Lyndon in 1923. The remaining ‘official’ manor records are mainly rent lists:–

(i) lists of quit rents due for ten years between 1791 and 1895 (Docs 185-206); and

(ii) lists of ‘small rents’ etc. for various years between 1832 and 1838 (Docs 209-212).


Note issued in Headley, 27th September 1898 – “Manor of Bishops Sutton – Notice is hereby given that a Court Baron of the Lords of this Manor will be holden
for the said Manor at the Anchor Inn Ropley on Tuesday the 11th day of October 1898 at 12 o’clock when and where all Persons owing suit and service to the
Lords of the said manor and all Constables, Tithingmen and other Persons concerned are required to attend”


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