Reference
L18/Introduction
Title
The Leicestershire property, consisting mainly of the manor of
Burbage, and also of property in Leire, was of old standing as part
of the Grey estate (see Jeayes' catalogue). The manor-house was
usually let (18/95-103). There seems at one time to have been an
extensive park (see, for instance, 18/156-60). There were also a
water-mill and a malt-mill (Jeayes 939,946; 18/105-8, 131-2).
Round about 1600 the main interest centres in the Earl's efforts
over several years to bring about enclosure by a series of agreements.
Documents relating to this will be found in the separate section on
enclosure.
Another special factor affecting Burbage in the early 17th century
is produced by exceptional family arrangements. The 8th Earl's heir
was his distant cousin, Anthony Grey, who was rector of Burbage; Anthony
eventually succeeded to the title at a great age. For whatever reason
the Earl on several occasions sold parts of the Burbage property; and
Anthony or his son Henry, sometimes apparently acting through intermediaries (see, for instance, 18/70) bought them.
A few additions were made to the estate. Cottages were bought in
1602 and 1603 (18/1-6). The Earl's admission to the White House,
described as a capital messuage, copyhold of his own manor, may have
had something to do with the rearrangement consequent on enclosure
mentioned above. The chief addition was a capital mansion-house
bought of the Rev. J. Dyke, 1800.
A number of leases have been preserved, 1509-1905 (see 18/95-213).
See especially those for 1606 (18/112-35) and 1620 (136-51)
Production date
From: 1600 To: 1800
Level of description
item