Dispute between the tenants of the manor and the Fortescues, 1603-1611

 

After Sir John Fortescue bought the Manor of Winslow from the Crown in 1599, he had the map of 1599 drawn up and held a court of survey in 1600 to assess his new holdings. He appears to have imposed much heavier fines when tenants transferred their lands and holdings at the manor court, leading to a lengthy dispute. The following document from 1603 is a letter of attorney about this, in which the tenants appoint a group of seven to negotiate for them.

Centre for Bucks Studies, D/BASM/84/12

[Cover:] Letters of attorney to settle disputes with the Lord of the Manor of Winslow about Fines, Dec. 1603

To all (Christ)ian people to whom these p(re)sents shall or maye come. All wee whose names markes and seales are hereunder written sealed & subscribed, send greetinge. Whereas dyverse questions have latelye been moved betwene the Right honorable Sir John Fortescue Knight Chauncellor of the Duchye of Lancaster and one of his Ma(jesty)s moste honorable pryvie Councell and we w(i)th others the Tenaunts of his Mannor of Wynslowe and the members thereof in the countye of Buck’ for and concernynge the levyinge ratinge and taxac(i)on of Fynes uppon death and surrender of diverse Copiholds and Customary Tenaunts of his honors said Manor of Wynslowe and the said members (Namelye) Shipton Grenborowe and Lyttle Horwood. Wherby it is to be feared that sundrye stryfes and controversies are lykelye to aryse betwene us and his honor (yf the same be not tymely bye other wyse prevented) For that as we take yt, most parte of the said Fynes whiche he demandeth doe farr excede all former ancient p(re)sidents and recordes, yet beinge verye desirous to enioye his honors wanted favor, thoughe to o(ur) greate costs and charge, thereby to purchase our peace and to reduce all Fynes hereafter uppon soche lyke dyinge seized or surrender to soche a Rate for ev(er)ye howse and aker of grownd w(i)thin the saide manor, As shall better satysfye us and all our posteryties, by some mutuall agreement and conclusion betwixt us his honors tenants and hym self. Whereof there is some good hope, uppon a late moc(i)on made unto hym to that purpose For that yt pleased his honor to order that some of us his said Tenannts shoulde in the name of the reste repayre unto hym to make knowen our saide desires and to consulte of some good cawse for the effectinge therof for soche considerac(i)ons as shoulde be propounded and myghte happilye uppon the said mocion be agreed uppon  wherefore wee whose names markes and seales are hereunder sealed and subscribed, Uppon due deliberac(i)on and considerac(i)on amongest our selfes for that purpose have earnestlye desyred our wellbeloved neighbores and fryndes Peter Fyge of Wynslowe aforesaid gentleman, Rob(er)te Williatt of Lyttle Horwood gentleman, Henrye Wendover of Wynslowe gentleman, Benedict Holland of Grenborowe yoman, Thomas Graunt al(ia)s Myller of Shipton yoman, John Illynge the elder of Lyttle Horwood yoman and Rob(er)te Stevens of Grenborowe yoman amongest others, Being  also all copiholders of the said Manor and thereby interessed in our common cawse For us and in our names as for them selfes, to consulte with the said Sir John Fortescue in and about the p(re)misses, And to conclude agree determyne and compounde in soche wyse as they shall thinke meete with the said Sir John his heires and assignes, for money or otherwise, For and aboute soche a rate of Fynes to be paide for our customarye howses Lands and tenements holden of his honor as of the said mannor and members uppon soche dyinge seized or surrenders respectyvelye, As to them shalbe thought meete and most convenyente for the better establyshinge of peace and settinge of a conformable cowrse in that behalfe to us and our posteryties.

To whiche ende and purpose wee doe herebye also awthorize depute and appointe them the said Peter Fyge, Rob(er)te Williott, Henrye Wendover, Benedict Holland, Thomas Graunt al(ia)s Myller, John Illynge and Rob(er)te Stevens and everye of them to consulte and compounde w(i)th the said Sir John accordinglye, Gevynge and grauntinge unto them and ev(er)ye of them our full power and absolute awthorytie to doe and deale in the p(re)misses as to them shalbe thought most meete and expediente, promysinge and undertakinge hereby faythfullye unto the said Peter Fyge, Rob(er)te Williott, Henrye Wendover, Benedict Holland, Thomas Graunt al(ia)s Myller, John Illynge and Rob(er)te Stevens and ev(er)ye of them to paye and p(er)forme unto them whatsoever in that behalfe they or anye of them shall promyse or undertake to paye or p(er)forme unto hym the said Sir John for us or anye of us respectyvely thereabouts. In considerac(i)on wherof and to the intente wee shoulde be aswell in lawe as conscience bownde hereunto. And the more to put the said Peter Fyge, Rob(er)te Williott, Henrye Wendover, Benedict Holland, Thomas Graunt al(ia)s Myller, John Illynge and Rob(er)te Stevens and ev(er)ye of them out of doubte of p(er)formance of the same wee have hereunto mutuallye sette our names markes and seales the sevententh daye of December in the yere of the raigne of our sov(er)aigne Lord James by the grace of God of England Fraunce and Irelande Kinge defender of the faythe &c the firste and of Scotland the seaven and thirtieth

[In the document, sig(ill)u(m) + genitive of the Latin Christian name is used for those who made their marks, while the others signed in English.  Numerous seals are affixed to the document.]

[mark] Johis Williott [mark] Johis Grace sen’ [mark] Tho Cepenyrst [mark] Tho Pitkyn [mark] Johis Pytkyn [mark] Ric Cowper [signed] Georg Adams [mark] Willi Hobs [mark] Tho Curtis

[signed] Roob[?] Mascall [mark] Robti Hawkyns [mark] Radi Barton [mark] Robti Adams [mark] Willi Meade [mark] Johis Illynge jun’ [mark] Thome Barber [mark] Francisci Varney

[mark] Tho Rutland [mark] Tho Mountague [mark] Tho Fynell [mark] Johis Boton [mark] Willi Stevens [mark] Johis Shelton [mark] Tho Robynson [mark] Tho Coxe [signed] William Lowndes

[mark] Ric’ Shelton [mark] Thome Hogson [mark] Ric’ Stutsberye [signed] William Sponer [signed] Will’  Edmunds deput [mark] Tho Overynge [mark] Thome Graunte [mark] Willi Tomlyn [signed] Nicolas Overing

[mark] Seth Mason [signed] John Stutsbery [signed] William Ellot[?] [signed] Hughe[?] Stusberry [signed] Frauncis Brinsell [mark] Johis Chynnall [mark] Johis Kyrbye [mark] Tho Kyrbye George Ellat [mark] Willi Stevens sen’

[mark] Robti Raynde [signed] Francis[?] Clements [mark] Ric’ Worrall [mark] Thome Goodspeede [mark] Ric’ Stevens [signed] Stutsbery Thomas [mark] Henr’ Stevens [mark] Willi Kinerton[?]

[deletion] Ben’ Grace [signed] Thomas Hobsom [mark] Thome Adams [mark] Willi Varney [mark] Ric’ C[?]oylson [mark] Johis Glenister [mark] Johis Brasehed

[mark] Henrici Jeffes [mark] Ric’ Mayle [mark] Mathei Myller [mark] Edw’i Gilberd [mark]  Johis Grace [mark] Robti Norman [signed] Nicolas Masell[?] [mark] Willi Ashwell

[mark] Johis Hawkyns [mark] Johis Taylor

In 1607, a case reached the Star Chamber which concerned a dispute between the Fortescues and tenants in Little Horwood about their rights in the woods there. Thomas, 15th Lord Grey of Wilton, was the owner of Whaddon Chase and the manor of Whaddon but was sent to the Tower of London in 1603 and had his property confiscated.

National Archives, STAC 8/146/19

[summary] Bill of complaint of Sir John Fortescue, Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, one of your Maj’s privie counsell.
He is seised of the manor of Winslowe, including Youngs Woods, Over & Neither Rowden, Elbery Copice within the Abbotts Woods.  They have always been enclosed and kept severally with hedge & ditch without anyone’s right of common or right to timber, on pain of forfeiture of copyhold by reason of strip or waste.

Upon change of tenant by death, cession or alienation, every copyholder pays heriot: “if he have the lands of one onely tenaunte then but one herriott but if he shall have the lands of diveres tenaunts then diverse herriotts”.  He shall not reserve parte in his hands unaliened. 
Yet Robert Williott Robert Lownes Henry Wendover John Jackson Thomas Overinge John Shirton William Spooner alias Lunte Thomas Robinson Thomas Bowden Thomas Graunte alias Miller Thomas Elliott Richard Staunton Robert Stevens John Grant Benett Hollande Thomas Montague Richard Grace Thomas Ruttland John Williott John Illinge George Adams John Haukins & Thomas Curtis copyhold or customary tenants having confederated themselves together with the rest of the customary tenants, at a court of survey on 21 July 1600 before the steward & commissioners did “willfully malitiously falsely & corruptly & unlawfully” make a presentment on their oaths that any tenant might commit waste in his copyhold houses or cut timber trees, pull down or remove copyhold houses without licence of the lord.  And that if any copyholder acquires lands or tenements before held by several tenants that he should hold as one copyhold with one herriott.  And that if he continues tenant of any part there is no herriott due.  They made certain leys in Greeneborough called the Cowpasture and other places, being the lord’s soil and part of his waste, be the inheritance of the freeholders & customary tenants.

Robert Williott, Robert Lownes and the others combined to collect sums of money to make a common purse, and vowed themselves each to other to keep JF “beinge aged” in a continual suit,  “all which they have soe done plotted & practised since the last generall pardon \that gave pardon in case of [illegible]/”

Roberte Williott accompanied with one John Williott of Little Horwood yeoman, Rooke Mascall of Little Horwood yeoman and John Barton of Little Horwood yeoman and persons unknown to the number of 20 at least “in most ryotous riotous warlick unlawfull manner assembled themselves together” at Over Rowden on 28 January last.  They found the woods enclosed and being armed “with swords daggers longe piked staves holberds forrest bills & other bills mattocks spades shovells axes sawes and diveres other weapons” broke into the wood through the hedge into Over Rowden, and “in a stronge & riotous & violent manner” cut down the hedge and fence and ditch.  JF’s servants made up the hedge and ditch.  The same riotous persons did again assemble being weaponed and armed on 19 [sic] January, the morning after, and on 29 January did “hew & cutt in peces the remnaunts of the same hedge and cast downe the said ditch which had been so repayred but the day before”. JF asks for all the name people to be sub-poenaed to appear before the court.

[full text] Interrogatories to be ministred unto Robert Williott Rook Mascall John Williott John Barton & others def(endant)s in the bill of Complaint exhibited agay(n)st the(m) by the Right Honorable S(i)r John Fortescue Knight Complai(nan)t.

1.            Imprimis whether doe you knowe the Manno(r) of Winslowe with the Rights members and appurtena(u)ncs thereof in the Countie of Bucks: how many of them and of how longe space and upon what occasion or grownde have you soe knowen the same and who is the now Lorde hereof and likewise have ben by all the tyme of your remembrance and how have he and they entreated both you and the rest of the Tena(n)ts thereby all ye same.

2.            Item whether doth the alterac(i)on or the Chaunge of a Costamary Ten(a)nt of the said Mannor by death or Alienac(i)on alter or Chaunge [his] Rents Customes or services of the said Manno(r) to encrease or diminish them or make them in other plyght then they were at the tyme of the said death or Alienac(i)on saye allsoe the truth of your knowledge therin and how you doe knowe the same.

3.            Item are not you you(r) selfe a Copyeholder or Customarie Ten(a)nt by Copye of Court Rolle at the Will of the Lorde accordinge to the Custome of the said Manno(r) of and in sundry Lands & tenem(en)ts or hereditam(en)ts Customary parcell or helde of the said Mannor What be the p(ar)ticulars thereof and of what estate and by what Rents Customes & servics & of how longe tyme you have ben the said Customary Ten(an)t thereof saye the truth of you(r) knowledge therein.

4.            Item whether are not all and ev(er)y the Copyehold or Customary Lands tenem(en)ts or hereditam(en)ts of the said Mannor herriotable \and/ ought accordinge to the Custome of the said Manno(r) to paye herriott upon the Chaunge of ev(er)y Ten(a)nt eyther by death or alienac(ion) to your knowledge as you have Credably hearde.

5.            Item what Ten(a)nt & Ten(a)nts Customary of y(e) said Manno(r) have you knowne by all the tyme of your remembrance to have Committed anie voluntary stryppe or waste in all or anie of their houses Lands Tenem(en)ts or hereditam(en)ts Customary ho(u)lden of the said Manno(r) and ye same presented at anie Court houlden and kept in & for the same Manno(r) and \not/ punished by seazure or otherwise declare allso ye truth of your knowledge therein and how you did knowe the same.

6.            Item whether have you not seene & credebly hearde both by Copye of Court Rolle lieger[sic] books and other wrytings remayninge in yo[ur] owne Custodye or in the hands Custody or possession of other the Ten(a)nts of the said Mannor wh(i)ch doe declare & testefy that yf a Ten(a)nt have the Lande Customarie of div(er)s Ten(a)nts then to paye div(er)s herriotts upon the Chaunge of ye Ten(a)nt as aforesaid saye allsoe the truth of your knowledge therin and when or in what Lords tyme the said Custome beganne first to be broken.

7.            Item whether doe you knowe Certen Leas in Greanburowe Called or knowne by the name of the Cowpasture what quantities of Acres doth it Conteyne by estimac(i)on in the wholle and whether is the same freehold or Customarie & who be the p(ar)ticuler owners thereof and of what estate declare allsoe the truth of your knowledge therein and how you doe knowe the same.

8.            Item what persone or persons have you knowne w(i)thin your Remembrance to purchase p(ar)t of a Copyhold estate p(ar)cell of the said Mannor that have not rendred or ought to have yelden to the Lord a p(ro)portionable or Rateable Rent and herriott Customes & servics as the parte unaliened and other Customarie estats of the said Manno(r) have and ought to have done declare their p(ar)ticulare names and when and where(e) they did the same to the uttermoste of your Remembrance.

9.            Item whether is not the presentm(en)t now shewen unto you at your examinac(i)on whereunto your name together w(i)the the names & marks of sundry other ye Customary Ten(a)nts named in the said Bill of Compl(ai)nt ben subscribed the very p(re)sentment it self me(n)c(i)o(n)ed allso in the said Bill of Complaint to be gyven upp when it was upon your Corporall oathes whoe were then ye principall plotters & Contrivors thereof or Carried the most swaye in it and upon what occasion or grounde saye allso ye truth of ye knowledge therein & how you doe k(n)owe the same.

10.         Item whether did not you and ye rest of you(r) Companions then sworne upon you(r) makinge and gyvinge upp of your sayd p(re)sentm(en)t as aforesaid before or since make oathes and vowes one to an other of you or enter into bond Cov(en)ant promisse or agreem(en)t eache unto other to make a Comon parse amongest yee and to supplie it as often as occasion should requier w(i)th new supplies of money and to testefy one for another or otherwise to subborne some to yeld testimony therin for the supporte and strengtheninge of your pretended Customes Contyened in the sayed presentm(en)t who were the first or Cheif moovers or plotters of the same devise or Course and wherein and howe hath the same ben since executed or put in ure and by whome declare allsoe the truth of yo(ur) knowledge therin or as you have credebly hearde.

11.         Item what heaths or grounds doe you knowe within the said Manno(r) Called or knowne by the name of the Lords Wasts and in what hands or occupac(i)on and upon what tytle or grounde and under what Rents Customes or services doe they or anie parte of them or [how?] and how longe have they soe donne saye allsoe the truth of your knowledge therein and how you soe know the same.

12.         Item whether doe you knowe a certayne woode in or neare the said Mannor Called or knowne by the name of the Abbots Wood and what severall the p[art?]es and by what p(ar)ticulare names knowne and who be the owners or proprieto(r)s there of and in what occupac(i)on or possession doth it and thay remayne how manie Acres doth the said Woode Conteyne by estimac(i)on in the whole and how much thereof lyes open and how much enclosed declare allsoe the truth of your knowledge therin and how you doe knowe the same and how longe and upon what occasion or ground you have soe knowne the same.

13.         Item whether hath not the Lorde Graye or his officers (t)he greatest p(ar)t of ye said woode called Abbotts wood in his or their custody and whether doth not soe much therof as is in his or their hands lye open and not enclosed and whether hath it not from tyme to [tyme?] ben p(er)mitted to the owners or Farmers thereof at sutch tyme as they meant to make anie fall[yng ---] therof to enclose the same before, the better to preserve it from the bill or [?]surte of Chattell w(i)thout impeachment or Cont[roversy?]  saye allsoe the truth of your knowledge therein and how you doe knowe the same

14.         Item whether doe you know ye severall Copies called or knowne by the severall names of younge wood the Rowdens & Ellberrye Cop[pes] or eyther or anie of them & how much in qualety soe they or anie of them  [in] Com(m)on estimac(i)on Conteyne who is the owner of the[m] & how many of the[m] have you knowne enclosed in your tyme & by whome & [whether?] did not you accompanyed with Peter Willatt John Williatt Rook Mascall John Barton & sundry others or some of the(m) & [which? ] & to what number & who p(re)sent & who in sight come unto the Copie Called the over Rouden being one of the said copies Called ye over Rouden on or about the eyght & tw[entieth] daye of Januarie last past & then & there violently & by [---]nge hand Cutt & Cast downe ye hedge dytch & enclosure thereof By whose devise direction & meanes was the same done and performed What tyme of ye daye or night was it done What [---] instruments & toolles had you  and they about them at the doinge thereof & whether after the same enclosure was made up agayne did not you and they or some of you accompaned and […..]oned as before the next daye or next night following doe the lyke by whose advise direction and meanes was it soe done whoe present at it and in sight and help [---] say all soe the truth of your knowledge therin and how you doe know the same

Deposition of Rook(e) Mascall

Rooke Mascall of Little Horwood w(i)thin the Countye of Buck husbandman sworne and exam(in)ed

To the First Interr(ogatory] he saiethe that he doth know the Mannor of Winslowe w(i)th the rightes members and app(ur)tenances thereof w(i)thin the Countie of Buck and hath known the same for the space of tenne yeares past or thereabouts and \saithe that/ the Compl(ainan)t is now Lord thereof and that the said Compl(ainan)t since he became Owner of the said Manno(r) hath well used and entreated the tenantes of the said Mannor for anie thinge that this def(endan)t doth knowe or have heard to the contrarie

To the 2 Interr(ogatory) he saiethe he cannott depose of his owne knowledge

To the 3 Interr(ogatory) he saiethe that he this dep(onan)t is a coppieholder of Inheritance within the said mannor of and in one Cottage holden of the said Mannor for the w(hi)ch he payethe twoe shillinges Four pence rente by the yeare. And this dep(onant) hath bene \tenante/ so seysed of the said \Cottage/ for the space of vij Eight or Nine yeares nowe past or there abouts doinge such customes \within the s(ai)d mannor/ and services as to him app(er)teynethe And more saiethe not to this Interr(ogatory)

To the 4th Interr(ogatory) he saiethe he cannott certainly depose either of his owne knowledge or by credible heare say

To the vth  Interr(ogatory) he saiethe he cannott certainly depose of his owne knowledge.

To the 6th Interr(ogatory) he saiethe that he hath not seene or crediblie hearde either by coppies of C(our)te Rolle or Le Lieger bookes or other writinges [p.2] remayninge either in his owne custodye or in the hands Custodie or possession of anie other the tenantes of the said Mannor w(hi)ch doe declare or testifye that if a tenante take the lands Customarie of diverse tenantes then to pay div(er)se herriotts uppon the change of the tenante as in this Interrogatory is supposed And further to this Interr(ogatory) he cannot \c(er)tainly/ depose

To the 7th Interr(ogatory) he saithe he doth not knowe the said Leyes in Greaneborowe menc(i)oned in this Interr(ogatory) nor can c(er)tainly depose to anie of the rest of the contentes of this Interr(ogatory)

To the 8th Interr(ogatory) he saiethe he cannott c(er)tainly depose of his owne knowledge.

To the ny(n)th Interr(ogatory) he sayth hee cannott c(er)tainly depose for he sayth that he nor none of them that in the said pre sentment in this Interr(ogatory) menc(i)oned

To the xth Interr(ogatory) he sayth thatt this dep(onant) for his owne parte dyd not anye of the matter of offence in this Interr(ogatory) menc(i)oned neyther doth this dep(onant) knowe that  anye of the reste of the defendents dyd at anye tyme make oathes and vowes one to Another or enter into bonde Covenant a promise or agreement eache unto other to make a common parse amongest them and to supplie yt as often as occas(i)on shall require w(i)th newe supplies of money or to testifie one for another  \or otherwise/ to subborne some to yeelde
[p.3] testimonie therein for the supporte and strengtheninge of the customes conteyned in the said presentment Neither can this dep(onent) further \certainly/ depose to this Interr(ogatory)

To the xjth Interr(ogatory) he saiethe he doth nott knowe anie heathes or grounds w(i)thin the said Mannor called or kn(o)wen by the name of the lords Wastes Nor can further certainlie depose to this Interr(ogatory)

To the xijth Interr(ogatory) he saiethe he doth knowe a c(er)taine wood in or neere the said Mannor called or kn(o)wen by the name of the Abbotts Wood And Butt howe manie acres the said wood doth conteyne \by estimacion/ in the whole this dep(onent) saiethe he cannott c(er)tainly depose Butt saiethe that w(i)thin that p(ar)te of the said wood w(hi)ch is nowe in the hands of the said Compl(a)inant there be three sev(er)all Coppices and a F(o)urthe now in hande besides the same beinge \called/ ye had called and knowne by the name of over the Rowdens nether the other nether of w(hi)ch said Coppices the said Compl(a)inant is owner and is in possession thereof And further saiethe that if the said Fourthe copse \now in hande be fully and wholy/ inclosed likewise then will noe p(ar)te of the said wood in the possession of the said Compl(ainan)t lye open and uninclosed to the said tenants to this dep(on)ents knowledge.

To the xiijth Interr(ogatory) he saiethe that the lord Gray or his offic(er)s have the greatest p(ar)te of the said wood called Abbotts wood in his or their custodie And that so much thereof as is in his or their hands doe lye open and uninclosed savinge only one Copps w(hi)ch was inclosed about twoe or three yeares nowe past and further saithe that it hath beene from tyme to tyme as he hath hearde \bene/ inclosed to the owners or Farmers of that p(ar)te \of the wood/ w(hi)ch is in the \custodye/ and of the \s(ai)d/ lord Gray or his officers att such [p.4] tyme as such owners or Farmers meante to make Fall of anie p(ar)te thereof to inclose the same before the better to preserve yt from the bitt or hurte of Cattle w(i)thout ympeachment or controlle And more saieth nott to this Interrogatory

To the xiiijth Interr(ogatory) he saieth he doth knowe the Fower the severall coppices \before/ mencioned in this Interr w(hi)ch in this deponents estimac(i)on doe conteyne some twoe hundred acres or there abouts And saieth yt he this Compl(a)inant is owner thereof And further saithe yt he this depon(ent) did nott in his tyme knowe the same to be inclosed or coppised by anie boddy other then \by/ the said Compl(ainant) who did cause the same to be inclosed within Fower or Fyve yeares nowe past And further this dep(onent) saieth that uppon or about the xxviijth day of Januarie last past about twoe or three of the clocke in the afternoone he this dep(onent) and Rob(er)te Willett repayred unto the hedge diche and inclosure of the said Fowrthe or last copps nowe in hande to be inclosed And then and there att the usuall place where they were wonte to putt in their Cattle did make a gappe in the hedge and diche of the said inclosure to thentent to putt their cattle in the same in thereat to take common of pasture there And he saiethe that the said Robert Willett and this dep(onent) did come to the s(ai)d Copps and \there/ make the said gappe as aforesaide of their owne heads and accorde w(i)thout the advice direcion or meanes of annie other and w(i)thout havinge anie other p(er)son or p(er)sons in their \companie/ viewe or sight. And w(i)thout savinge anie this dep(onent) had att that tyme about him only a spade and noe other weapon [p.5] toole or instrument And that Spade this dep(onent) used in the wallinge up the said gappe before menc(i)oned And saiethe that the saide Rob(er)te Williott had then a sawyer by his side and a Bill in his hande w(i)th w(hi)ch said Bill the said Williott did \the tyme aforesaid/ cutt downe some of the hedge where in the place where the said gappe was made And this he saiethe was all the cutting and castinge downe of the said hedge diche or inclosure that this dep(onent) was att, privvie, or consenting unto. And further or more to this Interr(ogatory) saiethe he cannott c(er)tainly depose.

 [signed] Rook Mascall

Deposition of Robert Willett (Williott)

[Latin] Examination taken 22 Feb 4 James [1607] on the interrogatories of the most noble Sir John Fortescue, plaintiff

[English] Rob(er)t Williott of Little Horwood w(i)thin the Countye of Buck yeoman sworne etc.

To the First Interr(ogatory) he saiethe he knowethe the mannor of Winslowe w(i)th the rights members and appurtenances thereoff in the County of Buck And hath knowen the same since his childehoode being borne there And saiethe that the right ho(nourable) Sir John Fortescue K(nigh)t Compl(ainant) is the nowe lord thereof havinge purchased the same of her late Ma(jest)ie some fewe yeares paste And saiethe that the said Compl(ainant) hath \well/ entreated this dep(onent) and the rest of the said Tenants there savinge he saiethe that he the s(ai)d pl(aint)iff hath a little rased their Fynes of their Coppieholders.

To the 2 he saiethe that the alterac(io)n or \the/ chaunge of a customarie tenante of the said Mannor by deathe or alienac(i)on alter doth nott alter or change the rent customes or services of the said Mannor to increase or diminishe them or make them in other plight then they were att the tyme of such deathe or alienac(i)on for anie thinge this depon(ent) ever knewe understode or hearde to the contrarie.

To the 3 Interr(ogatory) he saieth that he this dep(onen)t saiethe [sic] he is a coppieholder or customarie tenante by coppie of C(our)te Rolle att the will of the lord accordinge to the custome of the s(ai)d mannor of and in one messuage and twoe yarde landes thereunto belonginge and \of certaine/ other acres of arrable and ley grounds the c(er)taine number whereof he \doth nott/ remember [p.2] all being Customarie and holden of the saide Mannor. And this dep(onent) saithe that he is seised of the said messuage lands and premisses to him and his heires accordinge to the custome of the said Mannor yeldinge and payinge therefore \the/ yearlie rente which he doth nott nowe remember of Twentye \Twelve/ Shillinges or nere thereabouts and doinge such customes and services as are accustomed. And this dep(onent) saiethe that he hath bene a customarie tenante of the said messuage lands and premisses for the space of twenty yeares past or thereabouts.

To the 4th Interr(ogatory) he saiethe that all and ev(e)rie the Coppieholds or customarie lands tenants or hed hereditam(en)ts of the said Mannor are heriottable and ought to accordinge accordinge to the custome of the said Mannor to pay heriott uppon the change of ev(er)ie tenante either by deathe or alienac(i)on

To the vth Interr(ogatory) he saiethe that he this deponent beinge a customarie tenante of the s(ai)d Mannor did about Eight yeares nowe past voluntarilie pull downe a house standinge uppon his \s(ai)d/ customarie lande \holden of the s(ai)d Mannor/ and erected the same uppon his Free lande And the same he saithe was nott presented att anie C(ou)rte holden and kept in and for the said Mannor, neither was this deponent punished for the same by seysure or otherwise Neither doth he thinke that he ought to have bene punished for the same yf the same had bene presented att the said C(our)te. Neither did this dep(onent) ever knowe anie presentm(en)t made att anie Courte of the said Mannor for the comittings [p.3] of anie such voluntarie strippe or wast as in this Interrogatory is menc(i)oned. Neither doth he thincke that yf anie such wast were or shoulde be presented the same shoulde or ought by the custome of the said Mannor to be punished by seysure or otherwise.

To the 6th Interr(ogatory)  he saiethe that he hath nott seene nor crediblie hearde either by anie coppies of courte Rolle, leyger \Lieger/ bookes, or anie other writinges remayninge either in his owne custodie or in the hands custodye or possess(i)on of anie other the tenantes of the said Mannor w(hi)ch doe declare or testifye that yf a tenante hath the lands customarie of d(i)v(ers)e tenantes then to pay d(i)v(ers)e herriotts uppon the change of the tenants as aforesaid Butt this depon(en)t doth take and holde the custome of the said Mannor to bee and likewise hath crediblie hearde the custome of the said Mannor to bee that if a tenante have the lands customarie of d(i)v(ers)e tenantes then to pay but one herriott uppon the change of the tenante And for his owne p(ar)te he saiethe he never hearde of anie customes within the said Mannor to the contrarie

To the 7th Interr(ogatory) he saiethe he doth knowe c(er)taine leyes in Greaneborrowe called or kno(w)en by the name of the Cowe pasture but what quantitie of acres the same doth conteyne by estimac(i)on in the whole or whether the same is Freeholde or Customarie, or who be the p(ar)ticuler owners thereof or of what estate this dep(onen)t saiethe he doth not c(er)tainlie kn(o)we of his owne kn(o)wledge Butt doth
take the same leyes to be of right belonginge to the Inhabitants of Greaneborrowe as well coppieholds as Freeholds And further to this Interr(ogatory) he cannott c(ert)ainly depose.

[p.4] To the 8th Interr(ogatory) he saiethe he hath well known that w(i)thin the tyme of this dep(onen)ts remembrance Mr Fidge did purchase p(ar)te of a Coppieholde estate p(ar)cell of the said Mannor and paid \a proporcionable or rateable/ rent and did the customes and services accordinglie but did not he hath nott knowen anie p(er)son or p(er)sons to purchase p(ar)te of a coppieholde estate p(ar)cell of the s(ai)d Mannor that hathe nott rendered as ought to have yeelded unto the lord a proporc(i)onable or rateable rent and herriott customes and services as the p(ar)te unaliened And other customarie estates of the said Mannor might so have done one Mr Fidge this dep(onen)t John Illinge and others whome he nowe remembrethe nott did purchase p(ar)te of sev(er)all coppiholde estates p(ar)cells of the said Mannor that and yett did nott render anie herryott for the same untill their deathes.  Butt did render and ought to yeelde to the lord therefore a proporcionable rente and to doe and p(er)forme customes and services as the p(ar)tes unaliened and other customarie estates of the said mannor ought to have done. And further to this Interr(ogatory) he cannott c(er)tainly depose.

To the 9th Interr(ogatory) he saiethe that the p(re)sentment now shewed unto him att the tyme of this his examinac(i)on and whereas his name together w(i)th the names and markes of sundrie other  the customarie tenants named in the said Bill of complainte bene subscribed is the verie p(re)sentment ytt self mencioned allso in the said Bill of Complainte to be given upp upon their oathes And he saiethe that none of them carried more sway in the said presentment then the rest but were all alike as he thinckethes and that their were [p.5] \more/ principall plotters and \or/ contrivers then the rest of the said presentment then the rest.

To the xth Interr(ogatory) he saiethe that this dep(onent) and the rest sworne to the said presentment as aforesaid or anie of them to this dep(onen)ts knowledge did nott att anie tyme make oathes and vowes one to another of them or enter his bonde covenant promise or agreement eche unto other to make a common purse amongest them and to supplie yt as often as occas(i)on shoulde require w(i)th newe supplies of money or to testifye one for another or to subborne some to yeelde testimonie therein for the supporte and strentheninge of their customes conteyned in the said p(re)sentment Neither hath anie such matters bene executed or putt in ure as in this Interr(ogatory) are supposed that ever this deponent knewe or hearde of.

To the xjth Interrogatory he saieth he doth nott knowe anie heathes or grounds w(i)thin the saide Mannor called \or knowen by the name of/ the lords wastes And further nor can \further/ c(er)tainly depose to this Interr(ogatory).

To the xijth Interr(ogatory) he saiethe he doth knowe a c(er)taine wood in or neere the said Mannor call[ed] the Abbotts wood or knowne by the name of the Abbotts wood but howe manie acres the saide wood doth conteyne by estimac(i)on in the whole this dep(onen)t saiethe he cannott c(er)tainlie depose And further saiethe that \Foure/ three several copces the said nowe compl(ainant) did w(i)thin three yeares nowe laste past to him \cause to be made/ three sev(er)all copces w(i)thin the said Wood the one of them called the over Rodrige Rowden \the other/ nether Rowden and the thirde Elberie Copps. And allso saiethe that the said Compl(ainan)t is nowe in hande w(i)th the makinge \inclosinge/^ of a 4th Copps w(i)thin the said wood [p.6] where \and that he/ this dep(onen)t and John Williott att one tyme And this dep(onen)t and Rooke Mascall att another tyme did make gappes in the nere fence or inclosure of the said last menc(i)oned Copps for the puttinge in of their cattle to take Com(m)on of pasture there. Sayinge further that if the said \fourthe/ last menc(i)oned Copps shoulde bee enclosed then shoulde this dep(onen)t and all the rest of the Inhabitants of \Litle/ Horwood be utterlie excluded from havinge of anie com(m)on in anie p(ar)te of the Abbots wood \nowe/ belonginge unto the said pl(ain)tiff and \be/ driven only to take com(m)on for their Cattle in that p(ar)te of the said wood called the Abbots wood w(hi)ch belongethe the lord Gray \or his officers have in custodye/ And further to this Interr(ogatory) saiethe he cannott c(er)tainly depose.

To the xiijth Interr(ogatory) he saiethe that the lord Gray or his offic(er)s hath the greatest p(ar)te of the s(ai)d wood called the Abbots wood in his or their custodie And saiethe that so much thereof as is in his or their custody doth lye open and uninclosed savinge that there is one coppy about Four or Five yeares nowe past there was one Copps wh(i)ch that p(ar)te of the said wood inclosed by the offic(er)s of the said lord Gray. And further saieth that from tyme to tyme it hath bene p(er)mitted to owners or Farm(er)s of that p(ar)te of the said wood called Abbots wood w(hi)ch is in the custodie of the said lord Gray or his offic(er)s att such tymes as they \the s(ai)d owners or Farmers/ meant to make anie fall of anie p(ar)t thereof to inclose the same before, the better to p(re)serve yt from the bitt or hurte of Cattle w(i)thout ympeachm(en)t or controlle and Butt saiethe it was nev(er) p(er)mitted \to his knowledge/ that all that p(ar)te of the said wood called Abbotts wood in the custody of the said lord Gray [p.7] or his offic(er)s shoulde be incopsed or inclosed but allwayes a good p(ar)te thereof lay open for the cattle of the said Inhabitants of Little Horwood to take com(m)on of pasture there.

To the xiiijth Interrogatory he saiethe he doth knowe the sev(er)all  coppices called or knowen by the sev(er)all names of Younge woods the Rowdens and Elberie Coppices which in his estimac(i)on menc(i)oned in this Interr(ogatory) w(hi)ch in his estimac(i)on doe conteyne the quantitie of twoe hundred acres or thereabouts And saiethe that the said Compl(ainant) is owner of the same And that he \this depon(ent)/nev(er) knewe the same coppices or anie of them to be enclosed in his tyme by anie but only by the said Compl(ainant) and that w(i)thin Fower or Five yeares nowe last past. And further this dep(onent) saiethe that about the xxvijth day of Januarie last past he this dep(onent) and John Williott att one tyme, and this dep(onent) and Rooke Mascall att another tyme came to the said Copps called the over Rowden And att the several tymes did cutt and cast downe \some p(ar)te of/ the hedge ditche and enclosure thereof for the puttinge in of their cattle to take com(m)on of pasture there And saiethe that the same was done att the first tyme \about Tenne of the clocke/ in the forenoone, and att the other tyme in the afternoon about three of the clocke in the afternoone And att the First of the said tymes John Barton came by them w(i)th a burden of strawe to foder his mothers cattle in a close beyonde the said Coppies. And saiethe that att the \said/ tymes of cuttinge and castinge downe of p(ar)te of the said hedge dich and enclosure \as/ aforesaid they had nott anie weapons \with/ or about them or either of them but a Bill and a Spade wherew(i)th they did cut and cast downe p(ar)te of the \s(ai)d/ hedge dich and enclosure aforesaid And saiethe that the First Tyme of such cuttinge and castinge downe of the said hedge, diche and enclosure was on or about the xxviijth day of Januarie last past And that the other tyme of the cuttinge and castinge downe was thereof was the day then nexte followinge as he thinketh havinge noe other weapons nor anie other companie then such as this dep(onent) hath before shewed savinge this deponent saithe this he nowe remembrethe that he this dep(onent) had att the said Latter tyme \of the cuttinge or castinge downe of the s(ai)d hedge/ a sawyer by his syde And this deponent saiethe the  further saiethe that the said hedge diche and enclosure was cutt and cast downe by this dep(onent) and the p(er)sons aforesaid att the tymes afores(ai)d of their owne means and accorde and not by the advice meanes or direc(i)on of anie other And further saiethe that none were present or in syght when the same was done but such as this dep(onent) hath before named And more saiethe nott to this Interr(ogatory).

[signed] Robert Willett

Deposition of John Williott

John Willyott of Lyttle Horwood in the Countie of Buck Yeoman sworne etc.

To the first Interr(ogatory) he saieth he knoweth the Mannor of Wynslowe w(i)th the rights members and appurtena(nces) thereof in the Countie of Buck. And that he hath knowen the same during all the tyme of his remembrance beinge borne w(i)thin the same mannor. And he saiethe he the right ho(nourable) S(i)r John Fortescue Knight the C(om)pl(ainant) is nowe lord thereof who hathe us(e)d this dep(onent) and the reste of the tenants there very well ever synce he was lord thereof untill now of late that he began to take awaye their Com(m)ons from them \& to/ rayse their fynes, & to demande herryotts contrarye to the custome there used.

To the second Interr(ogatory) he saieth he cannot c(er)tenlye depose.

To the 3 Interr(ogatory) he saieth that he is a Copiholder or customarye Tenante by coppie of C(our)te Rolle at the will of the Lord according to the custome of the said Mannor of and in one howse & three yard lande custom(ary) p(ar)cells or [sic] holden of the said mannor & payes \therefore/ the yerely rent of xxxviijs & \does &/ p(er)forms such customes and servyces as are accustomed And he saiethe that he hath bene tenante of the s(ai)d howse and three yarde lande for the space of twentye yeares paste or thereaboutes

To the iiijth Interr(ogatory) he refuseth to plead [?] alleging that he is not bounde (as he thinketh) to make any answer thereunto in this [illegible].

To the 6 Interr(ogatory) he saythe that he hath nott seene nor \hath/ credibly heard \either/ by coppie of C(ourt)e Roll leiger bookes or any other wrytinges remayning eyther in his owne  custodye or in the hands custodye or possession of other the tenants of the said mannor w(hi)ch doe declare or testifye that if a Tenant have the lands customarye of dyv(erse) tenants then to paye dyv(erse) herryotts uppon the change of the Tenante as in this Interr(ogatory) is supposed.

To the 7 Interr(ogatory) he sayth he doth nott knowe certen leyes in Greanb[urrowe] \supposed to be/ called or knowen by the name of the Cowpasture nor what quantetye of acres the same do conteyne nor \knoweth/ whether the same be freeholde or customarye nor can further certenly depose to this Interrogatory.

To the 8 Interr(ogatory) he sayth that he is an old man he cannot depose.

To the 9th Interr(ogatory) he sayth that the p(re)sentment now showed and given at the tyme of this \his/ exam(inac)ion shewed unto him is the \very/ p(re)sentment which is mencioned in the Complainants bill to be gyven up uppon their corporalle othes. And he sayth that none \of them/ were more pryncipal plotters or contryvers thereof nor carryed more swaye therein then others but were all doers therein And more sayth nott to this Interr(ogatory).

To the xth Interr(ogatory) he sayth that this dep(onent) and the reste of his fellowes then sworne uppon their markes and gyving up of their said presentment dyd nott at any tyme before or synce make othes or vowes one to another of them or enter into bonds covenants promise or agreement eache unto other to make a com(m)on purse amongest them and to supply it as often as occasion should require w(i)th newe supplyes of money & to testifye one for another or otherwise to subborne anye to yeelde testymoney therein for the supporte and strengething of their customes conteyned in the said presentm(en)t as is supposed Neyther dyd this dep(onent) nor \to his knowledge/ anye body ever make a plott \execute or putt in ure/ anye such devise or course.

To the xith Interr(ogatory) he sayth he hath not knowne anye heathes or grounds w(i)thin the s(ai)d Mannor called or known by the name of the Lords wastes

To the xijth Interr(ogatory) he sayth he knowethe a certen wood in or neere the said mannor called or knowen by the name of the Abbotts wood but howe manye acres the same wood doth conteyne this dep(onent) doth nott knowe And this dep(onent) sayth that he the s(ai)d \nowe/ dep(onent) dyd w(i)thin  three yeares nowe laste paste cause to be made three several copes within the said wood the one of them called the Over Rowden the other Nether Rowden, the third Elberie & the other Young wood hill. And this dep(onent) sayth that this dep(onent) John Wyllyott at one tyme & the said Rob(erte) Wyllyott and Rooke Mascall att another tyme dyd make[?] \a/ gappe in the nere Fence or inclosure called Rowden for the putinge in of their Cattle to take com(m)on of pasture there And he sayth further that no p(ar)te of the s(ai)d wood called Abbots wood w(hi)ch is in the possession of the s(ai)d Sir John C(om)pl(ainant) dothe lye op(en) and more or further sayth not to the Interr(ogatory).

To the 13 Interr(ogatory) he sayth that the lord Graye or his Officers \hath/ the greatest p(ar)te of the said wood called Abbots wood in his or their custody & that so much thereof as is in his or their hands doth lye open & nott inclosed savinge about fyve yeares nowe paste there was one Cops w(i)thin p(ar)te of the same wood enclosed by the Officers or dealers of the s(aid) L(ord) Graye And further this dep(onent) sayth that from tyme to tyme it hath ben permytted to the owners or Fermers thereof at suche tyme as they ment meante to make any fall of any p(ar)te thereof to enclose the same before, the better to preserve yt from the bytt or hurte of Cattle w(i)thout impeachment or Comptrolle

To the 14th Interr(ogatory) he sayth he doth knowe the sev(er)alle Copics called or knowen by the sev(er)alle names of Younge wood, Rowdens and Elberye Copces menc(i)oned in this Interrog(atory) w(hi)ch s(ai)d Copics in this deponents estymac(i)on doe conteyne the quantetye of twoe hundred acres & more & that the s(ai)d now Compl(ainant) is Owner thereof And the dep(onent) \hath knowen/ in his tyme make [    ] of them \dyd in her late Ma(jes)t(y’s) tyme knowethe Over Rowdens/ to be Copced before the Court[?] one after another \by her Ma(jes)t(y’s) Officers/ long before the s(ai)d C(om)pl(ainan)t was owner of the s(ai)d mannor. And further the dep(onent) sayth that in Januarye laste paste, the certen daye of the moneth the dep(onent) not re(mem)ber the s(ai)d Rob(ert) Willyott & this dep(onent) at one tyme abowt ten of the clocke in the forenoone & \as the dep(onent herd/ the s(ai)d Rob(ert) Wyllyott & Rooke Mascall abowt 3 of the clock in the after noone of another daye in the same monthe \the daye followinge/ came to the sayd Copce called the over Rowden & att these sev(erall) tymes by three at one tyme & twoe at the other tyme dyd cutt and cast downe some p(ar)tes of the hedge or enclosure thereof for the putting in of their cattle to take Comon of pasture there And sayth that when these Rob(ert) Wyllyott & the dep(onent) were castinge downe the s(ai)d hedge or enclosure as afores(ai)d John Barton in this Interr(ogatory) named came by them w(ith) a bottle of hay for his mothers cattle in a close beyonde the s(ai)d Copcs & made not any \stay or tarriance with/ the s(ai)d Rob(er)t Wyllyott & this dep(onent) Neyther had the s(ai)d Barton at that tyme any wep(on)s about him unless yt were a lyttle staff or cudgell to carry the s(ai)d bottle of hay \uppon/ neyther had the dep(onent) at that tyme any other wep(on)s \only/ a spade wherewith he dyd cast downe p(ar)te of the s(ai)d enclosure as a fence [as] he saithe that the s(ai)d Rob(ert) Wyllyott had then a lyttle hande bill in his hand wherewith he dyd cutt downe some of the Ethers of the hedge. And sayth that the s(ai)d hedge or enclosure was Cutt & pulled up by him & the s(ai)d other p(ar)tyes \before menc(io)ned/ at the s(ai)d s(ever)all  tymes aforesaid by the advice of learned Councell \none other/ was in view when the same was done to the dep(onents) knowledge \but only/ the parties named before it.

A full list of tenants was drawn up in 1610. An agreement was eventually drawn up in 1611, followed by further disputes and then a final agreement in 1613.

Bucks RO, D/BASM/84/15

This 3-page document dated 25 November 1613 records a judgment in Chancery about a case brought by the tenants of the manor of Winslow led by Peter Fige against the lord of the manor Sir Francis Fortescue (son of Sir John Fortescue who died in 1607) and his son and heir John.  Its main interest is the list of tenants from Winslow, Shipton, Little Horwood and Granborough who joined in the complaint.  The full document can be read in PDF format.  A summary follows below. The agreement was binding on future lords of the manor, and in 1619 the manor was sold to George Villiers, Marquis (later Duke) of Buckingham.

Complainants:  the copyhold or customary tenants Peter Fige, William Edmondes, Henrie Wyndover and Roberte Williat Gentlemen, Benedict Holland, Roberte Stevens, Nicholas Brynsoll, Thomas Coxe, William Graunte, Thomas Graunte the elder, Thomas Graunte the younger, Walter Graunte thelder, Richarde Hayle, Edward Hogson, Thomas Hogson, Richarde Hogson, Steven Jackson, Peter Jackson, Elizabeth Illing, Thomas Kirbye, Walter Kerbie, William Lowndes, Roberte Maynwaring Clerke, Nicholas Michell, Richarde Miller, William Norman, Roberte Norman, Thomas Norman, Thomas Overing, Nicholas Overing, John Paxton, John Robinson, Richarde Shelton, John Shelton, William Sponer alias Lunt, Robert Snowe, Richarde Stuchburie, Thomas Stuchburie, William Tomlyne, Roberte Travell[?], Henrie Wallis, Peter Wardner, John Chinall, Thomas Asten, William Bancks, Johane Banckes, William Brashed, Edmonde Brawne, Thomas Barrowe, Thomas Bachiler, Richarde Barbor, John Emerton, William Giles, Thomas Jackson, Thomas Hide, Seath Mason, George Miller, Nicholas Norman, Thomas Parker, John Stuchburie the elder, John Stuchbury the younger, John Taylor, Thomas Smithe, Henrie Chaundler, James Coxe, Johane Nashe, Elizabeth Williams, Raphe Uddyne, Hughe Seyton, William Mynnell, Thomas Bowden, Robert Burte, John Glenister, Roberte Glenister, William Glenister, John Graunte, George Elliott, Mathewe Miller, Katherine Snowe, Richarde Snowe, Anthonye Tomlyne, William Greene, Robert Jaye, Thomas Sylverside, John Bowden, Thomas Bowden, Richarde Capenhurste, William Emerton, Richard Grace thelder, Richarde Grace the younger, Thomas Grace, Benedicte Grace, John Grace, Thomas Goodspeede, Benedicte Hollande the younger, Thomas Hollande, Thomas Mountague, John Pitkyne, Thomas Pitkyne, Roberte Rayner, John Rutlande, Richarde Stevens, William Stevens the elder, William Stevens the younger, Henrie Stevens, John Stevens the elder, John Stevens the younger, Richarde Worrall, John Worrall, Richard Bennett, Thomas Hopson, Margerie Osborne, William Porter, Reynolde Marshall, John Fuller, George Addams, Thomas Addams, Robert Addams, John Addams, Richarde Barton, Thomas Carter, Henrie Curtis, Richard Cowper, Henrie Fennell, William Hobbes, John Hawkyns, Roberte Hawkins, William Illinge, Richarde Johnson, Thomas Lewesley, Richarde Muncke, Roberte Nashe, Anthonie Okeley, John Aldam, Richarde Showler, William Sturdwick, Will(ia)m Verney, Roberte Allen, Henrie Warde, John Warde, John Williatt, Henrie Jeffes, Richarde Wilson, Henrie Mullens, Raphe Moores, Richard Maresfeilde, William Rishbrooke, William Meade, Rooke Maskall, Walter Graunte the younger, John Illinge and Thomas Illinge.

The tenants had paid £1000 to Sir Francis for a composition to settle the dispute, leading to an indenture dated 9 February 1611 between Peter Fige, William Edmonds, Henry Wendover, Benedict Holland, Robert Stevens and Robert Williatt (five of whom were the original negotiatiors) and the Fortescues.  A schedule of holdings was attached to it.

By this agreement any holding of 30 acres was to be treated as a yardland if it has not been so previously, and any holding of 15 acres as a half-yardland.  Any former demesne land was not to be treated as copyhold.  The fixed fine for surrendering or dying seised of a yardland with messuage or cottage was to be £3, and 30s for a half-yardland.  For any messuage or cottage with 2 acres of land or less: 5s.  For any other land: 2s per acre.  The agreement was to be confirmed by Sir Francis’ other sons (Gilbert, William, Adrian and Robert) when they came of age, and by his brother Sir William.

A tripartite indenture was then made on 6 June 1613 between (i) Sir Francis Fortescue and John Fortescue, (ii) the six complainants, (iii) Timothy Cartwright of Washbourne (Lower Slaughter), Gloucs and Francis Curson of Salden.  Evidently as a precursor to this, James I granted to the Fortescues the right to alienate the manor to Cartwright and Curson (1 April 1613). The Fortescues agreed to reimburse to Cartwright and Curson the complainants’ legal expenses from the Court of Common Pleas.  An entail was broken, and the manor would be held in fee simple by John Fortescue after Sir Francis’s death.  There was to be an Act of Parliament to confirm the arrangements.

The complainants said that Sir Francis then failed to keep to the agreement, which was in effect restated.  Sir Francis and the complainants agreed that “by way of composition for the ascertaining of the said fines” each yardland with or without a messuage or cottage should pay £10, each half-yardland £5, each messuage or cottage with less than 2 acres 10s, and all other land 6s 8d per acre. Sir Francis acknowledged that he had received at least £1,000 from the tenants. After that, any new tenant on admission would pay £3 for a yardland with or without a messuage or cottage, 30s for a half-yardland, 5s for a messuage or cottage with less than 2 acres, and 2s per acre for other land.  Sir Francis agreed a parchment schedule with details of customary tenants and fines payable.

The King issued letters patent to confirm this at the request of Peter Fige, dated 30 November 1613.