Manorial records

From 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.

FENTON’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.

This 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.

This 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.

his is a transcribed copy of the Subsidy Roll talken of Penkhull in 1327.

This Subsidy was granted by the First Parliament of King Edward III. to meet the expenses of the Scotch War. The Statute has been lost, but the King’s Commission, dated 23rd November, 1 Edward III., recites that the Earls, Barons, Knights, Citizens and Burgesses of the Kingdom, had granted to him a twentieth part of all moveable goods for the defence of the Kingdom against the Scots.

The Collectors and Taxers for co. Stafford were John de Acton and Richard de Hampton. The Commission directs them to summon before them the most loyal and best men of each vill, from which they were to elect four, or six, or more if they thought it desirable, by whom the assessment could be best accomplished. These were to be sworn to fully and loyally make inquiry into the goods possessed by every man of the vill on Michaelmas Day, 1 Edward III.

The Hearth Tax records give a unique account of both the names of residents of any set place, but also of how many hearths (fireplaces) the property held which is used as a guide both to status and wealth.
I was fortunate enough to make contact with a National Archive searcher, who once worked there during and after the war. With luck she knew where other records were and transcribed them for me.
This means in addition to the one of 1666, published in the Staffordshire Historical Archives on this spreadsheet a further two dates are added.
This record indicates over the period in a number of cases names, frequently first name changed indicating that the previous record the one listed had died. These three entries can be used in many ways by the historian to assist in creating a profile of the village and or families.

This six page article is a complete interpretation of the Domesday Record for the Manor of Penkhull in 1086 placing it into todays understanding. It also contains a summery of words used at that time along with the meaning.