man 21 1649 – 1659 (Commonwealth years)
£30.00Court records 1649 – 1659 Commonwealth period.
Sixty-four x A4 pages transcribed from original Latin documents into English.
man 20 1625 – 1649 Charles l (Beheaded)
£30.00Court record 1625 – 1649 Charles 1 (beheaded) eight-eight x A4 pages of original Latin documents transcribed into English
man 19 1603 – 1625 James I
£20.00Court records 1603 – 1625 James 1 sixty five x A4 pages transcribed from original Latin into English
man 18 1558 – 1603 Elizabeth I
£20.00Court records 1558 – 1603 Elizabeth seventy-two A4 pages franscribed from Latin to English.
man 26 1702 – 1714 – Queen Anne
£18.00Court record 1702 – 1714 Queen Anne twenty-one transcribed pages from twenty-one original documents
man 43 Fenton’s Law Book – on Copyhold tenants from early 16th century
£12.00FENTON’S LAW BOOK  Compiled largely in the early 17th Century,
The original purpose of the book was a draft for a legal textbook on copyhold tenure. The author has not been specifically identified, but there are clues to suggest that it was probably started soon after 1600. Subsequent owners of the book used it for a variety of purposes up to the middle of the 18th century, in particular:
A record of the service of the office of Reeve in the Manor of Newcastle. Contains also a record of the service of the office of Reeve in the Manor of Newcastle under Lyme from 1577 to 1752. Amongst the notes added by subsequent users of the book are contributors to parts of the Collections of Rates in the Manor of Newcastle under Lyme. The remainder of the book comprises other miscellaneous notes which include a few 17th century extracts from the records of the Manor of Newcastle under Lyme, and personal accounting notes by various contemporary owner of the book.
This book was discovered hidden in the archives at Stafford, almost by accident. It should be held along with all other manorial material in the National Archives. However, the contents over seventy-tree pages are truly a treasure-trove waiting to be studied and placed into contacts. Wonderful study for a Masters or Phd student or even a local group. This is a mid-blowing history book never before used or perhaps seen since its deposit at Stafford.
man 25 1604 – 1702 – William III
£12.00Court record 1604 – 1702 William lll
twenty-eight A4 pages of transcribed Latin into English
man 22 1660 – 1685 Charles II (Monarchy Restored)
£12.001660 – 1685 Charles II (Monarchy Restored) sixteen x A4 pages of Latin transcribed into English.
man 17 1558-1603 Elizabeth I
£10.00This archive of Elizabeth 1 extends over 77 pages of court records. It covers a wide area, Seabridge and Clayton, Penkhull and Boothen. Hanclurch Fenton and Botteslow. In addition there are a wide range of cases that appear in the courts: Assault, recording of deaths of copyholders, surrender and admission of lands for a large part of the records and many others cases are brought to the courts. A good account of what was happening at the time of Elizabeth 1st. and a good read and for study purposes.
man 37 Fenton’s Reeve Book and customs of the Manor 1576 – 1826
£10.00This Reeve book contains 57 pages of mainly legal rulings on the surrender and admittance of copyhold land belonging to the Lord of the Manor. Its and invaluable tool in identifying actual ownership especially for single women at the time and also where the inheritance lies.
It also identifies the jurisdiction and authority of manorial officers such as Reeve and Bailiff. Furthermore. it contains lists of the dates when each copyholder had to serve the office of Reeve on a rotation basis. But withing this document alongside the name of the Reeve it gives a valuable description of the land and importantly the previous tenant.
A great document for a serious study of feudal law of the time.
man 42 Courts throughout Reginal years
£6.00This extensive document containing twenty-seven pages was a huge project in extracting from the court rolls entries between the year 1414 and 1806.
The variety of court cases that appeared before the manorial courts – first at the castle at Newcastle and then at what is now the Greyhound Inn, Penkhull is fascinating and here just a few of the items covered as an example: Frankpledge Reports for each of the areas within the manor, names and details of the Open Fields within the former Manor of Penkhull, The Great Court entries, over-stocking the common, attempted murder, occupants of Shelton Mill, Village Stocks and the uses they were used for by law, The Commonwealth period and Maj. Gen Thomas Harrison and the rebel’s army and his home at Newcastle under Lyme, encroachment of cottages, the use of payne’s for fines for work not completed, Twyfords and the Greyhound in 1729.
This is not a complete list but illustrates just what is included and a perfect introduction for manorial studies for schools, colleges and universities.
man 36 Reeve’s Book 1676-1826
£6.00This transcribed copy of the Reeve book from 1676-1826 is a great asset to the researcher. It gives in detail the years of the Reeve in office and lists of all the 18 original homesteads listed in 1086 with a full description of the plot and the current tennent. From this record a full account of the occupant each year. From this document a complete profile of Penkhull may be achieved with the information given.
Ten x A4 pages long
man 44 Manorial Courts – how they were administered.
£5.00From the outset for those readers who are not familiar with the term Manorial Court, its functions, and responsibilities it is necessary to first refer to its function as not to confuse any reader with the functions of a Crown or Magistrates court. I know that even some local amateur historians have failed to grasp the basic difference and as ‘fools rush in’ they have gone into print only to prove just how little they know of the subject. The manor court was the lowest court of law in England, feudal law and governed those areas over which the lord of the manor had jurisdiction
These courts dealt with copyhold land transfers, managing the open fields, settling disputes between individuals and manorial offences. There was, in addition, a twice-yearly court leet, held after Michaelmas and after Easter, which all residents of the manor were obliged to attend. Business included a view of frankpledge, at which all men over the age of twelve were bound to appear and make their “pledge” to keep the king’s peace.
I hope that this fraction of what is found within the transactions is sufficient to stimulate interest and like myself have gained an invaluable knowledge of the area. A great subject to study.
man 31 1831-1837 William IV
£5.00The period of these manorial courts 1831-37 covers a period of huge interest to the historian as not only containing wills, but death also etc. it moves on in 13 pages to describe properties that can be identified clearly where they once stood or still do. It also lists occupations, maltster, shop keeper, manufacturer etc. What’s interesting are the number of buildings included, The Grove, Elm Tree House, the old Parish Workhouse a public house. But not only are they identified but also what was there previously and the owner making the surrender to the courts. I have on a few made notes for the purchasers benefit in identification. This document will provide much evidence that can help to create a picture of the village of Penkhull at that time. Good for school projects or individuals with a keen interest on the history of Penkhull and early rural development.