KK619-847

Manorial Documents

1393-1900

From: 1393 To: 1900

Manorial records The collection is substantially the same as existed n 1870 (KK944), when detailed extracts were made for legal purposes; but the book of extracts made for Sir Christopher Hoddesdon (KK725) covers 16th century rolls not now extant. The rolls at St George's Chapel, Windsor may fill the gaps (covering 1498-1634, MF Bond 'the Archives of St George's Chapel, Windsor Castle', SLA Bulletin no 12 p9). From 1393 the presentments in views of frankpledge cover, besides Leighton Buzzard and its hamlets, manors in Bowbrickhill, Simpson-wth Calcutt and Radnage, Bucks, though by the late 15th century it was normal for the tenants of the latter to pay a fine in lieu of suit. Courts at Stewkley are enrolled in the Leighton Buzzard rolls in 1479, 1481, 1490, 1494, 1500 and 1501, and at Studham in 1481 and 1491. The principal court was Trumming Day, held on Thursday in Whitsun Week [called 'Tromyngday' in 1394, 'Trumyngday' from 1466; perhaps derived from AS 'trymming' = a strengthening, protection). Courts were held at least once a month in the late 14th century (e.g. 14 courts in 1396); 5 courts per annum were usual in the later 15th century; 3-4 in the mid 16th century; usually 2-3 per annum after 1672, though sometimes more frequently, e.g. 5 courts in 1689. courts were held at the Moot Hall in the 16th century (KK319) and in the early 19th century (KK880-883). The importance of the Leighton court is shown in the number of pleas heard (32 in October 1393). Records of the judicial business of the court survive up to th early 18th century, but were not enrolled after the medieval period. Records of actions survive for 1655-69 and 1692-1702 (KK722-724), but are of little interest. Two deeds relating to a grant of land to a clerk of the chamber of Alice Duchess of Suffolk are enrolled in KK622 and 2 deeds in 1655 (KK632). Admissions in the form of common recoveries appear from 1651 onwards (KK630 m2.d) and a number of lengthy extracts from wills occur in 18th century rolls. Accounts, rentals and terriers: Two medieval records of this type survive. An apportionment of land in Eggington ('Ekedon', of P N Beds 121) to John Hoget, c.1300 (KK624 m4) is of interest since it was made by John Jardcrue (?) steward of the Duchy of Lancaster (not listed in Somerville, 'Duchy of Lancaster'). A 16th century copy of the rental of 1457 (KK771) is of little historical value. The accounts of Edmund Bolsworth, bailiff of Leighton Buzzard, 1611-1614 (KK726-770) with the woodwards' accounts of the same period, give a detailed picture of the estate in the first years of Sir Thomas Leigh's tenancy. They include accounts of the repair of Leighton Mills in 1614 (KK734). Profits of wood sales were extensive, totalling £93 in 1612 (KK731). The only continuous series of this class of record are the rentals of quit rents, 1621-1777 (KK775-785), most of which give details of property held. A detailed survey of the estate was made for the Rev. Thomas Leigh in 1806, which includes descriptions of farm buildings and suggestions for improvement. (KK786-789).

sub-fonds