ESSEX FEET OF FINES

Almost all of the above is taken from 'FEET OF FINES FOR ESSEX' edited by R. E. G. KIRK. Published, in seven/nine plus index parts by The Essex Archeological Society at the museum in the castle in 1899. Printed by Wiles & Son, Trinity Printing Works, Trinity Street, Colchester in 1910.


INTRODUCTION

One of the ways of transferring land ownership from the 11th to the 17th century is referred to as feet of fines. In essence this required both parties to appear before a court and enter into a legal action that was concluded by a legally binding agreement. The agreement was drawn up three times on a sheet of paper with the top two entries taken by the parties involved and the bottom entry at the foot of the page held by the court. This procedure gave the agreement the name Feet of Fines. This method was especially popular with couples as it made legal challenges to a surviving wife's rights to inherit much more difficult that a normal legal agreement. The fact that a wife and husband appeared before a court to agree the transaction gave it much higher credence. A further advantage was that a record of the transaction was held by the court which also made forgery much less likely.

A Fine (Finis, or Finalis Concordia), so called from the words with which it begins, and also from its effect in putting a final end to all suits and contentions, was an amicable agreement or composition of a suit, whether real or fictitious, made between the parties with the consent of the judges, and enrolled among the records of the Court in which the suit was commenced .... Fines no doubt originated in actual suits for recovering the possession of lands and other hereditaments, the possession thus gained being found so sure and effectual that fictitious actions were soon introduced for the sake of obtaining the same security."  The earliest Fine now preserved in the Public Record Office is dated 1st December, 1182, and this happens to relate partly to Essex. From the 15th July, 1195, the King's Court began systematically to preserve a triplicate of every Final Concord made before the Justices. This important fact is derived from an endorsement on a Fine, quoted in the "History of English Law" From that date three copies of each Fine were made upon one piece of parchment, which was then cut into three portions. One copy, called the "Chirograph" or "Foot" of the Fine, was retained among the records of the Court, and the other two copies, called "Indentures" were delivered to the respective parties. The upper margin of the "Foot" is indented, and in the indentations are visible portions of the word "Cirographum" written in large capital letters wide apart, while the other corresponding portions of the same word would appear partly on the left side of one Indenture, partly on that of the other; but very few early Indentures are extant. One of the Essex Fines is indented on two sides.

The most important effects of a Fine were:

1. the barring of any claim by a stranger, unless the claim were "put in" within a year and a day
2. the barring of all claims by the issue-in-tail of the grantor immediately
3. the binding of "married women who were parties, so that they could claim no dower from the property thus settled

Although the Fines are mostly very brief and terse documents, written on small pieces of parchment, they contain sundry formal clauses, which are either abridged or omitted altogether in these abstracts, as will be explained in the following paragraphs.

Each Fine begins with the words, "This is the Final Concord," or "Agreement," as it is translated in modern Fines. Then it is stated that it was made in "the King's Court," usually held at Westminster "before" the King's Justices and others of the King's "Barons" or "faithful people" then and there present; but the word "Barons" fell into disuse at the beginning of John's reign.

The respective law-terms -  

Hilary term began 23rd or 24th January, and ended 12th or 13th February.

Easter term began some day between 8th April and 12th May, and ended some day between 4th May and 7th June.

Trinity term, until 1541, began some day between 27th May and 30th June, and ended some day between 17th June and 21st July. After 1541, it began five days and ended seven days earlier.

Michaelmas term, until 1641, began 9 or 10th October, and ended 28th or 29 November. After 1641, it began on 23rd or 24th October. After 1752, it began on 6th or 7th November.

After these formal preliminaries, the names of the parties are stated. The real or pretended litigants are usually distinguished as "plaintiff" (querens) and "deforciant" (deforcians); but in the early Fines they are described as "demandant" (pctcns) and "tenant" (lenens). In some few instances the latter party is termed "impedient" (impediens).

Next follow the parcels, introduced by the single word 'de' (concerning), setting forth in concise terms the land, tenement, rent, service, advowson, dower, marriage - settlement, debt, or whatever else may be the matter in dispute. Then the nature of the action, real or fictitious, is briefly mentioned. Generally in the early Fines it is said to be simply a "plea" (placitum), and this is not noticed in the abstract; but occasionally it is described as   "a grand assize", "a recognition" or "an assize"

The conveyances and quitclaims are usually made by one party, on behalf of "himself and his heirs" to the other party, "and to his heirs and assigns for ever;" but to avoid reiteration the words here quoted are omitted from the text, except in some few entries at the beginning. Where the grant was intended only for the life of the grantee, or for a term of years, the fact is duly noted.

In the case of conveyances, some service or rent was mostly reserved by the grantor, either a payment in money, or some nominal rent, such as a soar- sparrow hawk, a pair of gilt spurs, a pair of gloves, a pound of cummin, a rose, a gillyflower, &c.; it was payable to him by the grantee, a new sub-tenure being often thus created which had not previously existed; but the creation of new tenures was forbidden by the statute of Quia emp tores in 18 Edward I.

Fines are exclusively conveyances of manors and freeholds, as no Fine could pass between villains and bondmen, or customary tenants, whose lands afterwards became known as copyholds, though they and their lands might be comprised in conveyances made by their lords.

The service or rent thus reserved is usually expressed to be the equivalent "for all service, saving foreign service." This means that the grantor had held his freehold under the King or other "chief lord of the fee," on condition of rendering certain services, which the grantee undertakes to render in future, in addition to the service or rent newly created. Sometimes, however, the grantor still undertakes to perform such services, or part of them. The term "foreign service" implies either that it was due to an external lord, or that it was to be performed outside the township in which the property was situate.

Vol 1 = 1182 – 1272, Vol 2 = 1272 - 1326, Vol 3 = 1327 - 1422, Vol 4 = 1423 - 1547, Vol 5 = 1547 - 1580, Vol 6 = 1581 - 1603, Vol 7 =, Vol 8 =, Vol 9 =

LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS

Hil.	Hilary Term	pi	plaintiff, or plantiffs
Eas	Easter Term	def	deforciant, or deforciants
Trin	Trinity Term	recog	recognition
Mich	Michaelmas Term	d'a	d'ancestre
dem	demandant, or demandants	appurts	appurtenances
ten	tenant, or tenants	s.f.s.	saving 'foreign' service (forinsecum servicium)
		cons	consideration

FEET OF FINES FOR ESSEX

Due to the following information being taken from the internet where a copy of the book has been converted into a pdf format, there are a number of misspellings and omissions (RG).

King John. 1199-1200
Trin. Matilda de Oilli, dem. Robert Fitz Walter, ten. All the town of Meri with appurts. in Normandy. Ten. acknowledged it to be "the right and marriage" of dem., and quitclaimed to her and her heirs. Dem. quitclaimed to ten. all her dower of the gift of Walter Fitz Robert, father of ten., except Henham with appurts., which remains to her for life, and except the service of 5 knights, to wit, the service of one knight from Geoffrey de Essendun, of two knights from Geoffrey de Rocheford, and of two knights from William de Haveringefeld. Dem. gave to ten. 40 marks of silver. Reversion of Henham and services to ten.

King John 1214-1215
Trin. Sibilla who was the wife of [Roger] de Henham, dem. Roger, Abbot of Waleden, ten. A third part of 9 1/2[acres of land] and 1/2 acre of meadow with appurts. in Henham, which dem. claimed as dower of the gift of the said Roger, formerly her husband. Ten. granted to dem. 3 acres of the same [land; and also] 1/2 acre and a third part of 1/2 acre of land, "which he in the field towards Broom "; and one acre next to the house of Matthew Mantell; and 1/2 acre and a third part of 1/2 [acre of land with appurts.], which lie in the same field next the land of William le Heiward; and 1/2 acre and a third part of 1/2 acre of land with appurts., which lie in the field called Ho, next the land of William the Reeve : to hold for life, as dower. Dem. quitclaimed all right in the said 9 1/2 acres of land and 1/2 acre of meadow, and ten. gave her 3s. sterling.

King Henry III 1218-1219
Sunday after St. Andrew, at Chelmereford, before the Justices in Eyre. Geoffrey de Essendon, dem. Robert de Henham, ten. 60 acres of land with appurts. in Henham. Assize of mort d'a. Dem. quitclaimed to ten., who shall do homage to dem. for the said land, and render yearly 5s. Cons., one palfrey of the price of 3 marks.

King Henry III 1227-1228
Morrow of St. Martin, at Chelmerford. John Fitz Thomas, dem., by Robert de Henham. Reginald le Rumangur and Margaret his wife, ten. g acres of land with appurts. in Henham. Dem. granted to ten. and the heirs of Margaret, to hold of him by the yearly rent of 2s. sterling for all service and exaction, s.f.s. Cons., 10s. sterling.

King Henry III 1234-1235 date:Octave of Purification, at Chelmerford.
Thomas, Prior of Dunemawe, pi., by Brother Hugh de Stivenach. Reginald de Kersing and Margaret his wife, impedients. 16 acres of land with appurts. in Henham. Plea of warranty of charter. To hold to pi. and his church, doing service to the chief lord of that fee. PI. granted to Reginald one corrody (cunredum) of a canon, and to Margaret one corrody of a canon and another corrody of a servant, to be received every day of their lives, fully, in bread, ale, and "companage." And he further granted to Reginald 10s. payable yearly for his life at Dunemawe by the hands of pi. at the feast of St. John the Baptist; and after the death of Reginald, Margaret, if she survive, is to have 5s. every year at the same term, together with the corrody of a canon and [the corrody] of a servant.

King Henry III 1243-1244
Trin. John le Flemeng and Sara his wife, pi. Robert de Henham, impedient. 110 acres of land and 2 acres of meadow, 1 messuage, and 1 mill, with appurts. in Wymbisse. Plea of warranty of charter. PI. granted to impedient for life; to hold of pi. and the heirs of Sara, by the yearly rent of 1 lb. cummin at Easter, and doing all other services. Reversion to pi. and heirs of Sara. If Sara die without heir, reversion to impedient and his heirs, quit from the heirs of John. Endorsed: Bartholomew de la Dune, for himself, Matilda his wife, and Isabel, sister of the same Matilda, put in their claim.

King Henry III 1247-1248 (THIS CONCERNS HENHAM IN SUFFOLK)
Hil. in 3 weeks, at Chelmereford, before the Justices in Eyre. John de Wangeford and Margaret his wife, pi. Nicholas Saucheverel, impedient. One messuage, 86 acres of land, 5 1/2acres of wood, and 4 1/2 acres of meadow with appurts. in Essindone. Plea of warranty of charter. Impedient acknowledged the premises with appurts., as in demesnes, homages, services of free men, villenages, meadows, feedings, ditches, hedges, ways, paths, waters, fisheries, and all other things, to be the right of pi.; to hold to pi. and the heirs of both (utviusque) of them, of impedient, by the yearly rent of 1/2 lb. pepper at Easter, and 10s. sterling yearly, payable at Easter and Michaelmas, and 6s to a scutage of 40s. when it shall happen, for more more and for less less, for all service, custom, and exaction. And John granted to impedient 1 messuage and 1/2 carucate of land with appurts. in Henham and (sic) the parish of Wangeford, co. Suffolk, to wit, all the land with appurts. which John had in the said town on the day on which this agreement was made; to hold to impedient, for life, by the yearly rent of 1 pair of white gloves or 1d. at Easter, for all service, custom, and exaction, and doing all other services to the chief lords of that fee. Reversion to John and his heirs. Essex, Suffolk.

King Henry III 1249-1250
Hil. Richard de Polheye and Cristiana his wife, pi. John, son of Thomas de Henham, impedient. One messuage, 40 acres of land, and 1 1/2 acre of meadow with appurts. in Henham. Plea of warranty of charter. PI. and the heirs of the body of Cristiana to hold of impedient, doing therefor to the chief lords of that fee all services appertaining, and rendering yearly to impedient all his life 20s. sterling, for all service, custom, and exaction. PI. shall be quit from payment after impedient's decease. If Cristiana die without heir, after the death of both pi. the premises shall revert [to impedient] and his heirs.

King Henry III 1251-1252
Mich.* Matilda, who was the wife of Robert de Henham, dem. Matilda and Isabel, daughters of the said Robert, [ten.,] whom John le Flemeng and Sarra his wife vouched to warranty. A third part of 1 messuage, 1 mill, 2 acres of meadow, 2 acres of wood, and 100 acres of land in Wymbisse, which dem. claimed to be her reasonable dower out of Robert's free tenement in the same town. Dem. quitclaimed to ten. And John and Sarra, at the instance of ten., granted to dem. 30 acres of land with appurts. in the same town, whereof 1 acres lie in that field where John's windmill is situate, 8 acres in the field called Middelcroft, 7 1/2 acres in the croft which extends towards the house of Thomas le Keu, and 3 1/2 acres in the field called Preystes Croft. Dem. to hold, for life, of John and Sarra and the heirs of Sarra, by the yearly rent of 2s. 6d., for all service, custom, and exaction. Reversion to John and Sarra.

King Edward I 1273
Michaelmas. Gilbert Peche and Joan his wife, pi. John Peche, def. Manor of Plechenclen with appurts. PI. to hold, during their lives, of def., by the yearly rent of 1 rose at the Nativity of S. J. 13., for all service, custom and exaction. Reversion to def. and his heirs ; to hold of the chief lords of that fee by the services appertaining to that Manor.

Trinity. Gilbert Peche and Joan his wife, pi. John Peche, def. Manor of Plechedene with appurts., co. Essex, and the Manor of Swaffham with appurts., co. Cambridge. Plea of covenant. PI. and the heirs of Gilbert begotten of Joan to hold of def. and his heirs by the yearly rent of 1 chaplet (capell') of roses at the Nativity of S. J. B. for all service, custom and exaction, and doing all other services to the chief lords of those fees. If Gilbert die without such heir or if that heir die without heir de se, the premises shall revert to def. and his heirs ; to hold of the chief lords. And be it known that a Fine formerly made between def. and pi., concerning the said Manor of Plechedene with appurts. as to that clause (ai-ticuliim), pi. to hold of def., during their lives, and with reversion to def. after their decease, is by this Fine wholly annulled. Essex, Cambridge.

King Edward I 1280-1281
Trinity. Gilbert Fitz Robert, pi. Walter de Henham and Matilda his wife, impedients. 1 messuage, 24 acres of land, 1 acre of meadow, and 5s. 3d. of rent with appurts. in Clavering. Plea of warranty of charter. PI. to hold of impedients and the heirs of Matilda by the yearly rent of 1 rose at the Nativity of S. J. B. for all service, custom and exaction, and doing all other services to the chief lords of that fee. Cons., 100s, sterling.

Michaelmas. William de Mulesham, pi. Walter de Bybbesworthe, def. 10 marks of rent with appurts. in Bumstede. Plea of covenant. Def. acknowledged the right of pi., so that he may receive the said rent by the hands of Simon de Henham and his heirs from that tenement which Simon formerly held of def. in the same town, or by the hands of all other persons who shall hereafter hold it : pi. to hold of def. by the yearly rent of 1 clove of a gillyflower at the Nativity of the Lord for all service, custom and exaction, and doing all other services to the chief lords of that fee. Cons., 1 sore sparrowhawk. Simon was present, and acknowledged that he owed the said rent.

King Edward I 1298
Easter. Humphrey de Waleden, pi. William de Balliolo and Alice his wife, imp. 1 messuage, 10 acres of land and 1/2 acre of meadow in Henham and Plechedon. Plea of warranty of charter. Def. quitclaimed to pi. and his heirs. Cons., . . I. sterling.

King Edward I 1299 - 1300
Trinity. Simon de Henham and Lora his wife, pi. John son of John de Watevill, def. 3 messuages, 163 acres of land, 3 acres of wood, 11 acres of meadow, 10 acres of pasture and 8s. 8d. of rent in Stepel Bumstede. Plea of covenant PI. acknowledged the premises to be the right of def. as those which he has of his gift, and for this def granted the same to pi. and the heirs of Simon of the body of Lora, with remainder to the right heirs of ...

King Edward I 1304
Hilary. Robert de Chykeneye and Margaret his wife, pi. by Simon de Hedersete. Eustace le Taillur of Little Dunmowe, def. by Richard Scut, 1 messuage and 12 acres of land in Little Henham. Plea of covenant. PI. and the heirs of Robert of the body of Margaret to hold of the chief lords., with remainder to the right heirs of Robert.

King Edward I 1306-1307
Hilary. William de Henham, pi. John Boydin of Samford and Juliana his wife, def. 1 messuage, 6 1/2 acres of land, and 1 acre of wood in Bunstede ad Turrim. Plea of covenant. Def. quitclaimed from themselves and the heirs of John to pi. and his heirs. Cons., 10L. sterling.

King Edward II. 1311-1312 Hilary. William de Henham, clerk, and Alice his wife, pi. Stephen le Hosiere of Berkyngg and Vivian his wife, imp. 1 messuage, 25 acres of land and 1 acre 1 rood of meadow in Great Hallyngebery Plea of covenant (sic). PI. and the heirs of William to hold of the chief lords' Cons., 40L sterling.

King Edward II 1312-1322
Michaelmas. Simon de Henham and Lora his wife and John son of Simon de Henham and Margery his wife, pi. by Simon le Hunte in place of Margery. Ralph le Hunte of Lavenham, def. 3 messuages, 163 acres of land, 11 acres of meadow, 10 acres of pasture and 8s. 8d. rent in Stepelbumstede. Simon and Lora acknowledged the teaiements to be the right of def. as those which he has of their gift, and for this he granted them to pi. and the heirs of John to hold of the chief lords.

King Edward III 1350
Trinity. Walter Stacy.pl. John son of William Berdefeld of Henham, def. 1 messuage, 48 acres of land and 2 acres of meadow in Henham and Cheykeneye. PI. and his heirs to hold of the chief lords. Cons. 20 marks.

King Edward III 1352
Easter. John de Asshen and Richard de Abyton, parson of Pebenersh, pi. by Richard de Fifhyde. Peter de Henham and Isabel his wife, def. 1 messuage, 136 acres of land, 6 acres of meadow, 9 acres of pasture, 26 acres of wood and 6s. rent in Wytham and Hatfeld Peverel. PI. and the heirs of Richard to hold of the chief lords. Cons. 100 marks.

Easter. William Walle, chaplain, and John de Asshen, pi. by Richard de Fifhyde. Peter de Henham and Isabel his wife, def. 1 messuage, 32 acres of land, 1 acre of wood, 1 acre of pasture and 2s. rent in Wytham. PI. and the heirs of William to hold of the chief lords. Cons. 100 marks.

King Edward III 1358
Trinity. Thomas de Colynge, parson of Wymbish and Philip, vicar of Henham. pi. by William Colbayn in place of Philip. John de Dovere and Katherine his wife. def. 1 messuage, 120 acres of land, 3 acres of meadow and 6 acres of wood in Wymbish, Henham and Wydyton. Def. quitclaimed to pi. and the heirs of Thomas. Cons. 20 marks.

King Edward III 1368
Easter. Nicholas, vicar of Henham, and John Reveson of Henham, pi. Luke Prille of Bockyng and Isabel his wife, def. 6 acres of land in Henham. Def. quitclaimed to pi. and the heirs of Nicholas. Cons. 100s.

King Richard II 1379
Easter. John Parker of Wymbyssh, ' pulter,' the younger, pi. John Porter of Plecheden by Henham and 'Katharine his wife, def. 1 messuage, 20 acres of land and 1/2d. rent in Chikeneye and Depeden. Def. quitclaimed to pi. and his heirs. Cons. 20 marks.

King Richard II 1395
Quin. of St. J B. John de Cobeham, knight, John de Bello Monte, knight, John de Cobeham and Thomas Remys, pi. Walter Fitz Wauter, knight, def The castle of Egremond, a third part of the manor of Egremond, and the advowsons of the churches of Gosford and Distyngton, co. Cumberland, a third part of the manor of Thurstanton, co. Suffolk, and the manors of Reydon, Asshedon, Dunmowe and Henham and a third part of the advowson of the church of Asshedon, co. Essex. Def. quitclaimed to pi. and the heirs of Thomas. Cons 1.000L - Cumberland, Suffolk, Essex

King Henry IV 1408
Westminster, Two weeks from St John the Baptist, 8 Henry [IV] [8 July 1407]. And afterwards two weeks from Easter, 9 Henry [IV] [29 April 1408]. Parties: John Hynkelee and Margaret, his wife, querents, and William Geddyng and Mirabilla, his wife, deforciants. Property:
The manor of Plechesden in the county of Essex and 5 messuages, 11 tofts, 86 acres of land, 4 acres of meadow, 16 acres of pasture, 104 acres of wood, 6 pounds, 8 shillings, 5 pence and 1 halfpenny of rent and a moiety of 1 mill in Wrottyng, Bernardeston, Kedyngton, Hauerhill, Clare, Great Thrillowe and Little Thrillowe in the county of Suffolk.

William and Mirabilla have acknowledged the manor and tenements to be the right of Margaret, and have remised and quitclaimed them from themselves and the heirs of Mirabilla to John and Margaret and the heirs of Margaret for ever. John and Margaret have given them 200 marks of silver.

King Henry VI 1426
Michaelmas and Trinity. Henry, Bishop of Winchester, pl. Richard Baynard of Messyng, esquire, and Simon Sisterne, clerk, def. The manors of Wymbyssh and Sheryng, which Philippa, duchess of York, holds for life. Pl. and his heirs to hold the reversion of the King and his heirs, under the condition that if he and his assigns have and enjoy for his life the manor of Roydon, co. Essex, and a yearly rent of 20 marks from the manor of Henham, co. Essex, according to the form of a charter of the manor of Roydon and a writing of the rent sealed with the seal of Walter, now Lord Fitz Wauter and of Wodeham, and dated 13th July, I Henry VI., and are not disturbed by Walter or any of his heirs, then the manors of Wymbyssh and Sheryng after the decease of the duchess shall revert to def. and the heirs of Richard. Cons. 300 marks. This agreement was made by precept of the King.

King Henry VI 1430
Easter. John Basset, Nicholas Smyth, John Henham and John Fordham, pl. William Saxi and Ellen his wife, def. 8 acres of land and one acre of meadow in Great Chisshull. Def. quitclaimed to pl. and the heirs of John Basset. Cons. 10 marks.

King Henry VI 1439
Trinity. John Hokkeley, the elder, pl. William Byrley and Alice his wife and John Symond and Joan his wife, def. I messuage and 30 acres of land in Chikeney by Thaxsted. Def. quitclaimed to pl. and his heirs. Warranty against John, abbot of Walden, and his successors. Cons. 20 marks.

King Henry VI 1446
Michaelmas. John Leventhorpe, esquire, Robert Mirfyn the elder, esquire, and John Wolverston, pl. George Mirfyn, esquire, and Elizabeth his wife, def. I messuage, 50 acres of land, 3 1/2 acres of wood and 4s. 1d. rent in Manweden, Stansted Mountfitchet, Henham, Plecheden and Elsenham. Def. quitclaimed to pl. and the heirs of Robert. Cons. 100 marks.

King Henry VI 1453
Trinity. Henry Caldebek, Geoffrey Bladwell and Margaret his wife and Thomasia Caldbek, daughters of Henry, pl. Robert Boyton and Margery his wife, daughter and heir of Peter Tebaude, def. The manor of Plecheden. Def. quitclaimed to pl. and the heirs of Henry. Warranty against John, abbot, and the convent of Waltham and their successors. Cons. 100L

King Edward IV 1467
CP 25/1/294/74, Westminster. Two weeks from Easter, 7 Edward IV [12 April 1467]. Richard Illyngworth, knight, John Say, knight, and Thomas Ursewyk, querents, and John Dynham, esquire, and Elizabeth, who was the wife of John Ratteclyff de Fitz Wauter, esquire, deforciants. s of Hemnale and Dysse in the county of Norfolk and the manors of Shymplyng and Thurstonton in the county of Suffolk and the manors of Henham, Wymbussh, Lexden, Sheryng, Burneham, Asshedon, Parva Dunmowe, Wodeham Wauter and Roydon in the county of Essex. Plea of covenant. Agreement: John Dynham and Elizabeth have acknowledged the manors to be the right of Richard, John Say and Thomas, as those which Richard, John Say and Thomas have of their gift, to hold to Richard, John Say and Thomas and their heirs, of the lord king and his heirs for ever. Warranty by John Dynham and Elizabeth for themselves and the heirs of Elizabeth. For this: Richard, John Say and Thomas have granted to John Dynham and Elizabeth the manors and have rendered them to them in the same court, to hold to John Dynham and Elizabeth and the heirs of Elizabeth, of the lord king and his heirs for ever.
Note: This agreement was made by precept (the command) of the lord king.

King Henry VII 1500
Michaelmas. John Cutte, esquire, and George Brette, pl. Thamas Walter, 'gentilman', and Elizabeth his wife, def 4 messuages, 60 acres of land, 8 1/2 acres of meadow, 42 acres of pasture, 4 acres of wood, 19s. rent and a rent of 13 capons in Plecheden, Henham and Elsynham. Def. quitclaimed to pl. and the heirs of John. Cons. 100l. Proclamations.

King Henry VII 1505
Michaelmas. Richard, Bishop of Winchester, Giles Daubeney of Daubeney, knight, Charles Somerset of Herbert, knight, Thomas Lovell, knight, Richard Emson, knight, James Hobert, knight, Edmund Dudley, Humphrey Conyngesby, one of the king's sergeants at law, and Thomas Lucas, pl. Robert Ratclyfe of Fitz Water and Margaret Ratclyfe, widow, late the wife of John Ratclyfe of Fitz Water knight def. The manor of Roydon and 20 messuages, 1000 acres of land, 100 acres of meadow, 1000 acres of pasture, 30 acres of wood and 5L rent in Roydon. Def. quitclaimed to pl. and the heirs of the bishop, with warranty against John, abbot of Westminster, and his successors. And for this pl. granted the same to Robert and his heirs, to hold of the chief lords.

Michaelmas. The same parties. The manors of Sheryng, Dunmowe, Henham, Wymbysshe, Asshenden, Lexden, Wodeham Water and Burnham, and 60 messuages, 1000 acres of land, 100 acres of meadow, 1000 acres of pasture, 30 acres of wood and 5L rent in those places. Quitclaim and warranty as in above paragraph. Cons. 1000 marks.

King Henry VIII 1528
John Pylston, George Tomson, Anthony Yong, gentlemen, Nicholas Redewood, Andrew Clifton and Richard Jardfeld, pl. John Walter, gentleman, and Ellen his wife, def. 25 acres of land and 15 acres of pasture in Henham and Stansted Mountfychet. Def. quitclaimed to pl. and the heirs of John. Cons. 40L

King Henry VIII 1529
John Craknell and John Meycaunt, pl. John Walter, gentleman, and Ellen his wife, def. 40 acres of land, 3 acres of meadow, 12 acres of pasture and 2 acres of wood in Henham, Plegeden and Stansted Mountfichett. Def. quitclaimed to pl. and the heirs of John Craknell. Cons. 30L

King Henry VIII 1529
Easter. William Downam, Richard Reynold, John Nicoll and John Coote, pl. William Goodhewen and Robert Goodhewen, def. I messuage, 100 acres of land, 20 acres of meadow, 60 acres of pasture and 20 acres of wood in Chikney, Depden and Amberden. Def. quitclaimed to pl. and the heirs of Richard. Cons. 160L

King Henry VIII 1530
Easter. Richard Jardefeld and Nicholas Redewood, pl. John Wylbrome and Joan his wife and Walter Elkyn, def. I messuage, I garden, 8 acres of land and 6 acres of pasture in Henham. Def. quitclaimed to pl. and the heirs of Richard. Cons. 20L

King Henry VIII 1537
Michaelmas and Hilary. John Gille, 'gentleman', pl. William Chishull, esquire, and Elizabeth his wife, def. I messuage, 34 acres of land and 8 acres of pasture in Henham and Plichden. Def. quitclaimed to pl. and his heirs. Cons. 50 marks.

King Henry VIII 1537
Michaelmas. William Mounsloo, pl. John Stanes, son and heir of John Stanes of Henham, and Margaret Stanes, widow, late wife of the latter, def. 3 messuages, I garden and 16 acres of land in Henham. Def. quitclaimed to pl. and his heirs. Cons. 60L

King Henry VIII 1538 (THE BREAKING-UP OF THE MONASTRIES)
Easter. The King, pl. William More, clerk, commendatory of the monastery of St James, Walden, def. The monastery of Walden, the manors of Walden, Pounces, Matenys, Aylotts, Thunderley, Byrden and Mynchon, 100 messuages, 40 tofts, 40 cottages, 40 gardens, 6000 acres of land, 1000 acres of meadow, 3000 acres of pasture, 500 acres of wood 1000 acres of furze and heath and 100L rent in magna Walden, parva Walden, Lytell Bury, Newporte, Wenden, Hennam, Debden, Hynton, Sturmere, Northamstede, Pounces, Matenis, magna Chesterford, parva Chesterford, Aylotts, Thunderley, Byrden, Mynchon, magna Waltham, alta Ester, Arkesden, magna Chyssell, Lyndesell, and Ellesnam, the rectories, patronages and churches of Walden, magna Waltham, alta Ester, Arkesden, Chissell, Lyndesell and Ellesnam, and the advowsons of the vicarages of the churches of Walden, magna Waltham, alta Ester, Arkeseden, magna Chissell, Lyndesell and Ellesnam, co. Essex; the manor of Chipnam, 500 acres of land, 40 acres of meadow, 300 acres of pasture, 40 acres of wood, 60 acres of furze and heath and 10L rent in Chipnam, Marchford, Dodyng, Elme and Fynton, the rectory, patronage and church of Chipnam, and the advowson of the vicarage of the church of Chipnam, co. Cambridge; 4s. rent from the rectory of Aynowe, co. Northampton; the manor of Hadley, 10 messuages, 300 acres of land, 100 acres of meadow, 300 acres of pasture, 100 acres of wood and 10L rent in Hadley, Edelmeton, Enfield and South Mymmes, the rectories, patronages and churches of Edelmeton, Enfield and South Mymmes and the advowsons of the vicarages of these churches, co. Middlesex. the manor of Compton, 6 messuages, 10 tofts, 10 cottages, 10 gardens, 100 acres of land, 40 acres of meadow, 100 acres of pasture, 40 acres of wood, and 6L rent in Compton, and the rectory, patronage and church of Compton, co. Warwick; 13s. 4d. rent from the monastery of Shipton, co. Suffolk; 3 messuages, 20 tofts, 20 cottages, 20 curtilages, 20 gardens and 3L rent in London, co. London; 53s. 4d. rent from the rectory of Thorley, and the advowson of the church of Thorley, co. Hertford; and 20s rent from the rectory of Kyngeham, co. Oxford. Def. quitclaimed to pl and his heirs. Cons 2000L.

King Henry VIII 1538
Richard Stanes the elder and Richard Stanes the younger pl. William Towse and Isabel his wife, one of the daughters and heirs of John Pynstorpe, def. A moiety of 11 1/2 acres of land, 1 acre of wood and 4d. rent in Henham. Def. quitclaimed to pl. and the heirs of Richard the younger. Warranty as in 4. Cons 20 marks

King Henry VIII 1539
Easter. Thomas Towse, pl. Richard Stanes, def. 3 messuages and 13 acres of land in Henham. Def. quitclaimed to pl. and his heirs. Cons. 20L

King Henry VIII 1542
Michaelmas and Hilary. William, earl of Southampton, Antony Brown, knight, and Thomas Wriothesley, pl. William Parr, knight, lord Parr, and Anne his wife, daughter and heir of Henry, late earl of Essex and Ewe, lord Bourghcher and de Lovaynes, def. The manors of Abells in Halsted alias the manor of Halsted, Clavering, Luucas, Pytchers, Bourgchiers Hall in Lavers, parva Brokes alias parva Brokeshede, magna Brokeshede, Chikney, Eston ad turrim alias parva Eston, parva Fordham, Langford, Maldon, Nether Hall in Moreton, Patchyng Hall, Woodhall, le Hyde, Stansted, Stokhall, magna Totham, Ultyng, Hennyngham Sible, Greensted Hall, Brynge, Manhall and Bowlesgrove, 340 messuages, 200 cottages, 120 gardens, 8 water-mills, 7 dovecotes, 2000 acres of land, 600 acres of meadow, 3000 acres of pasture, 1000 acres of wood, 200 acres of furze and heath, 400 acres of marsh, 8000 acres of land covered with water, 2000 acres of common pasture, 70s. rent and a rent of 1 pair of gilt spurs, 1 ploughs hare, 3 lbs. of pepper, 1 hawk (nisi), 3 cocks, 2 hens, 10 capons, and three red roses, in Halsted, Gosfeld, Brayntre, Pebmershe, Colme (sic) Engayn, alba Colne, Alphamston, Twynsted, Hennye, Middleton, Bulmer, Toppesfeld, magna Mapulstede, parva Mapulstede, Foxherde, parva Fordham, Gesthorpe, High Laver, parva Laver, Matchyng, Grenested, magna Broskestede, Eston ad montem alias magna Eston, nova Sanford, Chikney, Halsted, Stisted, Patteswyke, Maschall, magna Dunmowe, parva Canfield, Brokeshede, Bromeley, magna Chesterford, parva Chesterford, Wykys, Barnston, Aldham, magna Tey, magna Fordham, Langford, Ultyng, Rewvenhall, Hatfield Peverell, Woodham Mortymer, High Bryge, Wykham, magna Malden, Netherhall in Morton, Bromefeld, Wrytell, Chelmesford, Chikney St James, Halsted, Stisted, Colne Comitis, Wodham Water, Parva Totham, magna Totham, alta Onger, Grenested, Standon, Chepyng Walden, Broke Walden, Lytle Bury and Assheden, the free warrens of Halsted, Bourgchers Hall in Lavers, magna Brokeshed, Claveryng, parva Fordham, Nether Hall in Morton, Patchyng Hall, Stanstede, Ultyng, Langford, Totham, Maldon, Brynge, Manhall and Bowlesgrove, the markets (nundinis) of Maldon, and the advowsons of the churches of Chikney, Eston, Langforde and Grensted. Def. quitclaimed to pl. and the heirs of the earl. And for this pl. granted the same to William Parr and his heirs to hold of the chief lords.

King Henry VIII 1544
Easter. Nicholas Collyn, pl. Richard Sampford and Joan his wife, def. 1 messuage, 100 acres of land, 20 acres of meadow, 60 acres of pasture and 20 acres of wood in Chikney, Depden, Hennam and Amberden. Def. quitclaimed to pl. and his heirs. Cons. 240L.

King Henry VIII 1545
Easter and Michaelmas. John Buk, pl. Leonard Styllyngham, gentleman, and Griselda his wife, def. 1 messuage, 1 garden and 10 acres of land in Henham. Def. quitclaimed to pl. and his heirs. Cons. 40L.

King Henry VIII 1545
Thomas Wriothesley, knight of the Garter, lord Wriothesley, and chancellor of England, William Stanford, esquire, and Thomas gawdy, gentleman, pl. Henry, earl of Sussex, def. Property in Norfolk and Suffolk; and the manors of Woodham Wauter, Ultyng and Woodham, and 200 messuages, 100 tofts, 200 gardens, 4 dovecotes, 1 water-mill, 1 fulling-mill, 1000 acres of land, 200 acres of meadow, 4000 acres of pasture, 300 acres of wood, 2000 acres of heath, 1000 acres of moor, 1000 acres of reed-bed, 1000 acres of marsh, 1000 acres of alder and 40L rent in Woodham Mortymer, Woodham Wauter, Woodham, Hasley, Purley, Maldon, Wykham, Heybryge, Beylygh, Ultyng, Hatfield Peverel, Badowe, Badowe parva, Rounsell, Danbury, Gypcrak, Hansfield and Woodham Fereys, and the manors of Henham, Wymbysshe and Fitzwauters, 100 messuages, 100 tofts, 2 mills, 2 dovecotes, 200 gardens, 2000 acres of land, 300 acres of meadow, 2000 acres of pasture, 300 acres of wood, 1000 acres of heath, 100 acres of moor, 100 acres of marsh, 100 acres of alder and 40L in Henham, Wymbysshe, Wedyngton, Debden, Chikney, Brockeshed, Elleesnam, Ugley, Walden, Roosse, Thonderley, Radwynter, Thaksted, Fitzwauters, Shenfield, Dodynghurst and Mountenessyng, and the advowsons of the churches of Henham and Wymbysshe, co. Essex. Def. quitclaimed to pl. and the heirs of Thomas Wriothesley. Cons. 4000L.

King Edward VI 1551
Michaelmas. John Richards alias Baker and his wife Lucy, pl. John Stanys and his wife Millicent, def. 4 messuages, 2 gardens, 2 orchards, 2 barns, 20 acres of arable land, 1 acre of meadow, 2 acres of pasture and 4 acres of wood in Henham. Def. quitclaimed to pl. and the heirs of John. Cons. £100.

Philip & Mary 1555
Hilary. William Humphrey, pl. George Gille, gentleman, and his wife Anne, def. 1 messuage, 50 acres of arable land, 8 acres of pasture, 3 acres of wood in Henham and Plegeden. Cons £60.

Philip & Mary 1556
Michaelmas. Henry Cocke, pl. John Woodley and his wife Anabella, def. 1 messuage, 1 garden, 1 orchard, 30 acres of arable land and 2 acres of pasture in Henham. Cons. £40.

Philip & Mary 1557
Easter. John Buck, pl. John Woodley and his wife Anabella, def. 10 acres of arable land, 1 acre of meadow, and 6 acres of pasture in Henham. Cons. £40.

Philip & Mary 1558
Hilary. John Clerke, pl. Henry Turnor, esquire, and his wife Anne, def. Manor of Plegeden alias Plechden and 12 messuages, 400 acres of arable land, 30 acres of meadow, 40 acres of pasture, 40 acres of wood, 30s. rent and a rent of 1 capon in Plegeden, Henham, Elsenham and Brokeshed. Cons. 400 marks.

Queen Elizabeth I 1560
Michaelmas. William Tooke, esquire, and John Kettell, gentleman, pl. William Barlee, def. Manor of Elsynham alias Elsingham and 40 messuages, 20 tofts, 2 water-mills, 2 dovecotes, 40 gardens, 600 acres of arable land, 100 acres of meadow, 100 acres of wood, 40 acres of moor, 60 acres of marsh and £6 rent in Elsynham alias Elsingham, Stansted, Henham and Broxsted. Def. quitclaimed to pl. and the heirs of William. And for this plk. granted the same to def. to hold of the chief lords for life without impeachment of waste, with remainder to Richard Barlee, esquire, and Anne Barlee, one of the daughters and heirs apparent of def. and the heirs of their bodies, the heirs of the body of Anne, and the rightheirs of def.

Queen Elizabeth I 1561
Michaelmas and Hilary. Thomas Havers, pl. Thomas Baltrop alias Baltrippe, and his wife Anne, def. 1 orchard, 10 acres of arable land and 1 acre of meadow in the hamlet of Pledgden in the parish of Henham. Cons. £40.

Queen Elizabeth I 1561
Easter. John Pole, junior, pl. Robert Pole and his wife Margery, def. 2 messuages, 2 gardens, 2 orchards, 50 acres of arable land, 4 acres of meadow, 10 acres of pasture and 12s. rent in Thaxstede and Henham. And for this pl. the same to def. and the heirs of Robert, to hold of the chief lords.

Queen Elizabeth I 1562
Hilary. Nicholas Dryver, pl. Anthony Alleyn and his wife Elizabeth, def. 3 messuages, 1 barn, 1 orchard, 12 acres of arable land and 8 acres of pasture in Henham. Cons. £60.


Queen Elizabeth I 1564
Hilary. William Petre, knight, Henry Tyrrell, knight, John Talbott, Thomas Lucas, Edmund Tyrrell, George Whyte, Thomas Nicolls and Thomas Bromley, esquire, pl. John Mordaunt, knight, lord Mordaunt, and his wife Dame Joan and Lewis Mordaunt, esquire, def. Manors of Westhorndon, Ameys, Gyngrauff, Craneham, Feldhouse, Nokehall, Great Bromefield and Typtofts and 200 messuages, 2 windmills, 40 gardens, 40 orchards, 4,000 acres of arable land, 500 acres of meadow, 2,000 acres of pasture, 300 acres of wood, 2,000 acres of furze and heath, 300 acres of moor, 200 acres of reedbed, 200 acres of marsh and £ 30 rent in Westhorndon, Esthorndon, Gyngrauff, Craneham, Chilterdiche alias Chilterndyche, Brentwood, Sowthwelde, Great Warley alias Warley Walletts, Little Warley, Dunton, Langedon, Hutton, Great Saling, Bulvan, Lyendon, Bartisden, Ravensden Crey, Great Burstede, Little Burstede, Alvley alias Alveley, Bishop's Wokyngdon, South Wokyngdon, Neverden, Debden, Wygforde, Wymbysshe, Radwynter, Hempstede, Thackstede, Parlecheden (Pledgedon - RG), Redeswell and Stifford, and the advowsons of the churches of Westhondon, Gyngrauff, Craneham and Neverden. Def. quitclaimed to pl. and the heirs of William. Cons. £1,600.

Queen Elizabeth I 1570
Hilary. Henry Collyn, pl. Thomas Taylour and his wife Joan, Thomas Warren and his wife Eleanor, John Willyams, John Chapman and John Jenyn alias Jenyngs, def. 1 messuage, 1 garden, 16 acres of arable land, 1 acre of meadow, 2 acres pasture and 2 acres wood in Chickney. Def. quitclaimed to pl. and the heirs, with warranty by Thomas and Joan of one moiety against themselves and the heirs of Joan and the heirs of Maud late the wife of John Clarck, by Thomas and Eleanor of the other moiety against themselves and the heirs of Eleanor and the heirs of the said Maud, and by John, John, and John of the whole against themselves and the heirs of John Willyams. Cons. 40L

Queen Elizabeth I 1570
Michaelmas. Robert Camme and John Broke, gentleman, pl. Thomas Hopkyns, gentleman, and his wife Elizabeth, Thomas Flowerdewe, gentleman, and his wife Anne, Mary Fanne and Susan Fanne ,def. 10 messuages, 200 acres of arable land, 20 acres of meadow, 40 acres of pasture and 20 acres of wood, in Thaxted, Broxhead, Tyltey, Chickney and Elsnam. Def. quitclaimed to pl. and the heirs of Robert. Cons. £400

Queen Elizabeth I 1573
Michaelmas. William Crosse, pl. Thomas Crawley, esquire, and his wife Margaret, def. The manor of Chawrethe alias Chawreyhall and 100 acres of arable land, 20 acres of meadow and 40L per annum in Chawreth alias Chawrey, Chyckney and Broxsted. And for this pl. granted the same to def. and the heirs of Thomas, to hold of the chief lords.

Queen Elizabeth I 1573
Trinity. Thomas Webbe and William Danyell, pl. Richard Barlee, esquire, and his wife Anne, def. The manor of Elsynham alias Elsenham and 40 messuages, 20 tofts, 2 water-mills, 2 dovecotes, 40 gardens, 600 acres of arable land,100 acres of meadow, 400 acres of pasture, 100 acres of wood, 40 acres of moor, and £6 rent in Elsynham alias Elsenham, Stanstede, Hennam and Brockstede. Def. quitclaimed to pl. and the heirs of Thomas. And for this pl. granted the same to def. and the heirs of Richard, to hold of the chief lords.

Queen Elizabeth I 1575
Michaelmas. John Boughtell, Thomas Sebroke, William Swallow, William Collyn, John Collyn, John Waylett, William Starlinge, Nicholas Adams, James Jarvys, John Jarvys, John Carter, Richard Emery, John Browne, Alice Fethergyll, Helen Fethergyll, and Margaret Prestlande, pl. John Broke and Ferdinand Broke, def. 10 messuages, 1 windmill, 200 acres of arable land, 20 acres of meadow, 40 acres of pasture and 20 acres of wood in Thaxsted, Broxheade, Chawreth, Tyltaye, Chyckenay and Elsenham. Def. quitclaimed to pl. and the heirs of John Boughtell. Cons. £400.

Queen Elizabeth I 1579
Easter. Thomas Crawle alias Crawley, pl. Thomas Meade, a justice of Common Pleas, def. A fourth part of the manors of Chawreth Hall, Manewdon Hall, Strathall alias Strethall, Croweley Berrye and Oldhall, and 300 acres of arable land, 20 acres of meadow, 40 acres of pasture, 20 acres of wood, £20 rent and common pasture for 1,000 sheep in Curringham, Fobbinge, Fange, Est Tylbery, West Tylbery, Manewden, Ugley, Farneham, Standsted Mountfychet, Chawreth, Chikney, Broxsted, Thaxsted, Strathall alias Strethall, Wymbisshe, Depden, Thunderlye, Great Chisshull, Great Wenden, Little Wenden, Great Chesterford, and Little Chesterford and a fourth part of the rectory of Elmedon, and of the advowson of the vicarage of the church of Strathall alias Strethall. Cons. £400.

Queen Elizabeth I 1583
Hilary. Henry Woode, pl. William Edes and his wife Margaret, def. 1 messuage in Henham. Cons £40.

Queen Elizabeth I 1588
Easter. Henry Maynard, esuire, pl. Thomas Howarde, 2nd son of Thomas, late duke of Norfolk, and his wife Katherine, def. Site of late monastery of Tilty, 40 messuages, 20 cottages, 20 tofts, 20 barns, 4 mills, 3 dovecotes, 40 gardens, 40 orchards, 800 acres of arable land, 30 acres of meadow, 500 acres of pasture, 300 acres of wood, 100 acres of furze and heath, 100 acres of moor, 100 acres of peat-moss or bog and £10 rent in Tilty, Chawreth, Pledgdon Green, Broxted, Woodham Walter and Mortimer and rectory of Tilty and all tithes and obligations in Tilty, Chawreth, Pledgdon Green and Broxted and view of frankpledge in Tilty. Warranty against William Howard, father of Thomas, and his heirs and the heirs of lord Awdley of Walden, lord Chancellor. Cons £580.

Queen Elizabeth I 1593
Easter. John Stocke and William Nightingale, gentlemen, pl. John Cutt, knight, def. 7 messuages, 7 gardens, 7 orchards, 160 acres of arable land, 18 acres of meadow, 40 acres of pasture and 1 acre of wood in Old Sampford, Henham, Thaxted and Broxted. Cons. 40 marks.

Queen Elizabeth I 1593
Easter. John Watts, pl. Clement Bucke, gentleman, and his wife Mary, def. 1 messuage, 1 dovecote, 2 gardens, 4 orchards, 120 acres of arable land, 20 acres of meadow, 40 acres of pasture and 10 acres of wood in Henham, Stansted Mountfitchet and Elsenham. Cons. £60.

Queen Elizabeth I 1594
Michaelmas. Edward Byrde, gentleman, pl. Charles Waldegrave, esquire, def. Manors of Mole Hall and Debden, 8 messuages, 1 garden, 280 acres of arable land, 40 acres of meadow, 100 acres of pasture, 60 acres of wood and £10 in rent in Debden, Newport, Amberden, Widdington, Chickney, Rickling and Henham. Cons. £440.

Queen Elizabeth I 1595
Michaelmas. Josia Fennynge and his wife Frances, pl. James Hibbert and his wife Mary and Joan Blockley alias Heydon, def. 1 messuage and 1 garden in Henham. Cons. £40.

Queen Elizabeth I 1595
Michaelmas. John Watts, citizen and alderman of London, pl. James Hibbert and his wife Mary and Joan Blockley, widow, def. 4 acres of arable land and 3 acres of pasture in Henham. Cons. £40.

Queen Elizabeth I 1598
Michaelmas. William Addam and Thomas Kirbye, gentlemen, pl. Clement Bucke and his wife Mary, def. 2 messuages, 2 gardens, 2 orchards, 80 acres of arable land, 13 acres of meadow and 20 acres of pasture in Debden, Widdington and Henham. Cons. £200

Queen Elizabeth I 1599
Trinity. Thomas Kempe, esquire, pl. John Cuttes, knight and his wife Margaret, def. Manor and borough of Thaxted and manors of Horham, Spencers Fee and Couldhams Fee, 10 messuages, 10 tofts, 20 gardens, 40 acres of arable land, 40 acres of meadow, 300 acres of pasture, 60 acres of wood and £114 rent in Thaxted, Henham, Chickney, Chawreth and Great Sampford. Cons. £600.

Queen Elizabeth I 1600
Michaelmas. Lewis Coefeild, junior, pl. Lewis Coefeild, senior, def 1 messuage, 1 barn, 1 garden, 1 orchard, 60 acres of arable land, 4 acres of meadow and 27 acres of pasture in Pledgdon and Henham. Cons. £200.