JOHN NORDEN’S SURVEY OF THE CROWN LANDS OF THE MANOR OF BOVEY TRACEY c.1613-1614
Frances Billinge and Penny Martin May 2018
INTRODUCTION
John Norden’s work is fully described by Frank Kitchen in the Oxford Dictionary of National Biography, who explained why Norden conducted surveys of Crown lands in the early 1600s.1 Further information on Norden’s work was also given in Heather Lawrence’s article of 1985.2
The Crown needed to raise money and sovereigns had started to sell Crown lands in Devon from the middle of the 1500s.3 This was to be continued by James I who in 1612 granted John Norden surveyorship of the king’s lands in several counties including Devon in preparation for the sale of these lands.4
Norden was an experienced cartographer and surveyor and his surveys used a list of particular questions which needed to be answered. This list is fully described in his Surveyor’s Dialogue and we can see that the survey of Bovey Tracey follows this method. 5 Sometimes Norden would produce a map, but in some surveys his work was a manuscript description such as that of Northamptonshire where he described the parish with mileages between places and lists of the landholders.6 He undertook his survey of Bovey Tracey in 1614 and this was written-up in manuscript form in 1615.7 Unfortunately his survey of Bovey Tracey did not include a map. Frank Kitchen explained the methods which Norden used in his surveys as these varied depending on what was required.8 Norden called courts, examined records, physically inspected the ground, produced a register of holdings, tenants, values, obligations and other details.
Norden’s survey of Bovey Tracey covered all of the manor except Yarner and Ullacombe which had already been sold.9 The survey was a description of the holdings, their ownership, the name of each field and its size , the boundaries of the parish and the customs of the manor and the charter of the borough. It is an important resource for understanding the development of Bovey Tracey. Part of it was written in Latin and part in English.
The following is a translation of the Latin parts of the document (in italics) and a transcription of the English sections :-
THE SURVEY
THE SURVEY-Translation/Transcription
Page 1
County of Devon
Manor of Bovey Tracey
Names Of Men Having Been Sworn In
Peter Parr William Soper
Peter Perin John Breton
John Skirdon Thomas Staer
Thomas Pinsent John Wallener
John Pinsent Hugh Wallis
John Harris Richard Thorne
Thomas Sweete Nicholas Voysey
Robert Wootton
Walter Hart
William Spry
Firstly. They cannott express everie freeholders names landes rents and
Tenures within ye said Manor and Borough, their severalll deeds with the
Rentals will manifest the same, togeather with their reliefs rents and services unto which they
Referrd themselves. These freeholders pay on their deaths and Alienation ought to pay A
Relief and also doe suit at Twoe law days.
Page 2
Bovytracie
Margin note – Difference between the Barton copiholde which is Demesnes and the anncient custom- ayre
Concerning ye coppiholder Tennantes, they have shewed their severall copies savinge
some few and have also exhibited to this court the perticulers of their tenements and cont[ents]
of the same as neare as they can well estimate them; the Barten Land demised by copie
is not heriotable, The Tennants thereof doe suit at Two Lawe daies onely, and those which
have no widowes of late; the other customarie lande is all heriotable, hath widows
of late, and owe suit unto all ye courts of ye said Mannors, and owe suit unto ye anncient
Mills within this Mannor with their Griste.
Margin note – Leases of the Parkes markets and fayres
There is but one Tenant within this mannor which holdes by lease namelie Nicholas
Eveleigh esq, to whose deed wee referrd our selves Neither did wee knowe any other Tenmts
or tenures within or belonging to this Mannor of any other nature then suche as are above
mentioned, saving a Lease of ye Markett and faires which is is extant.
Margin note– Mills in fee farme
The demeasne or Barton land of this Mannor is all demised by Copie, saving the
Parke which Mr Everleigh holds by Lease which (as they are informed) hath also purcha
Margin note- The orchards fee fa 7s
sed in Fee farme of ye Anncient griest Mills, a Tynne mill or Blowing mills
and two peeces of land called ye thorchards conteyning about 6 Acres.
Wee know not anywhere erections upon ye Lords wast, nor any incrochmnts within
this lordship.
Margin note– Comons and Wastes
The Commons and common of pasture belonging to certaine of ye tennants of
this mannor and usuallie called Higher Downe about 400. Acres, Reedhill Reeda-
ford, Woodhill circa 300. acres, and Boviheathfield, about 250 Acres, wherein ye borough
hath also Common of pasture; as appeareth by their charter, Little Bovieheathfield
or Eastheathfield about. 100. acres; Wee have not knowne any Man within our
memories inclosed any part of ye said commons.
Margin note- I find intollerable spoyle of timber in this manor
There are not any Woods underwoods Coppics belonging to this Mannor savinge
s some smaller Groves or Polles of Trees and hedgerowes in severall mens tenmts’tenures
The oaks being Timber Trees which have beene Cutt downe since the beginning of his
Ma[jest]ys Raigne ( to goe no further) wee cannott justllie number nor estimate theire value
onelie suche as have beene felled have ( as farre as we knowe) been delivered by the
Reeves of ye said Mannor for ye time being unto ye tennants of ye said mannor
for theire necessarie uses about their tenements according to ye Custome, and by them
imploid or to bee imploied accordinglie, the parke onelie excepted.
Margin note- this custom of 3. lives in revercon is crepte in latelie by one Mr Sowthcote fermer of the manor who began it by graunting the like unto his children and allies when he left the manor, as the tenntes them selves confessed at the beginning of the survey, but now maine of them standinge in daunger in that poynte they strayne themselves to avow it a custome, though apparently it began in R. Eliz time; before Mr Sowthcote had the manor, it was nevere known as I will prove by about 300 anncient rolls.
The custome of ye mannor will beare. 3. lyves in possession and three in Revercon, both for Barton
& customarie land, besides widowes estates of ye customarie land which is heriotable.
Page 3
Bovytracie
Margin note- No custom works.
There is no Quarrie within this Mannor of Stone or other matter
We knowe no Workes due by the Customarie Tennants, saving ye repairinge of ye Mill
Leat and Headweare, which is still performed or Composition made for ye same with ye Owner of
the Mills.
Margin note- Customs dowbtful
The Perticuler Customs of this Mannor cannott convenientlie bee expressed by us in
Short time, that work requires more Consideration and better delib[er]aton.
There is no Tenement of this Mannor ruined or decayed to our Knowledge saving some
defects in Covering of Howses for wch the Court hath or will take order.
Margin note- Demises wtout lisence
Richard Stouckey Gent: and Maude Gilbert Widowe have lett their Tenements and
Thomas Potter part of his Tenement without Lycence, but in what manner Wee cannot
informe our selves.
We knowe no Tennant that hath plowed up any Meeres, Land Markes, or Baulkes, or
rooted up any hedge betweene his Free and Coppiholde or leased Lande, nor plowed any Aun-
cient Meadowe to the hurt of ye same, but some for ye bettering thereof.
Touching the sale made by the Contracts; Wee referre you to the viith Article, where wee
have expressed our Knowledge in that point.
Margin note- mills
The Auncient Custumarie Mills of this Mannor are purchased by Mr Eveleigh
in Fee ferme as above and are nowe in his occupaton; But wee understand there was A
Coppie thereof formerlie graunted to James Eveleigh and Thomas Eveleigh gent; and Wee
thinke them worth lxd per Annum.
Wee Knowe noe Rent or land concealed or deteyned from ye King within this Mannor
onelie John Wolcote helde certaine landes and Howses in the Boroughe with George
Beares Howse, and one Close with an Orcharde conteyning about Three Acres, One
Tenement in the tenure of Florence Pooke widowe conteyning about half an Acre, one Howse
One Tenement in the tenure of Henry Dayman conteyning about one Acre, one house
and one Garden in the tenure of Richard Wetherden, and one Howse and a Barne, with
Margin note- Rent denyed
a Garden and about half an Acre of land with in the tenure of Margarett Ellett Widowe
and one Meade called Sopers Meade conteyning about x Acres. For which Severall
Parcells of land and Howses, the Rents (which amounts to viiis per Annum) he denieth to pay.
Margin note- Leete
The King hath a Leete and Lawe day within this Mannor, viz- a viewe of Franckpledge
one for ye Mannor and another for ye Burrough.
Page 4 Bovytracie
Margin note -Market
There is a Markett on ye Tewsdaie Weekely and Two faires yearelie within ye
Burrough of Bovietracie graunted to one Leonell Battie deceased for xxi yeares which
Tearme is expired; The Revertion thereof as Wee are informed is graunted one Sameuele
Clerke for himself. But for ye more Certainetie Wee referre ourselves to the deede thereof.
Margin note-fayre
There is also one Auncient Faire yearelie kept within ye said Borough no where there
is not a Charter of Incorporaton to our Knowledge.
Margin note-free warren graunted by copie
The Lord of this Mannor hath a free Warren within ye same; The Conyes partridge
Pheasants and Fishing are graunted to Thomas Southcot Esqr; by copie of p[er]p[etuity]
Margin note-The Parke
the persnall Pearche within this Mannor is 17 foote.
Margin note- Recordes
The Records concerning this Mannor is (crossed out) for ye most parte are in ye Custodie
of the Steward Nicholas Eveleigh Esqr.
There is no Village belonging to this Mannor
Margin note-fees
The Reprises are Fees to the Steward and Bayliff of ye Mannor by Patent and
bi yearelie to ye Reeve of ye Mannor by Custome.
Margin note-Rectory impropriat vicaredge this parish £50 per annum
The Rectorie is impropriate to ye Kings Majestie and ye Fee ferme thereof solde to
Robert Davies Esqr as Wee are informed; The Viccaredge is in ye Kings Majesties
guift as Wee thinke and is worth about £50 per Annum.
Margin note- Situacon
This Mannor lyeth within ye parishes of Bouytracie and Hennick in the
Hundred of Teyngbridge and in ye Deaconarie of Tottnes.
Margin note-Offices of the Manor and Burrowe
His Highnes Officers Within this Manor are ye Steward Bayliff Reeve,
and for ye Burrough a Portreeve and a Bayliff For the Borough are Chosen at
the Lawe daies yearelie after Michaelmas the Portreeve and Bayliff by ye Burgers.
The Reeve for the Mannor doth his office by the turne yearelie.
Margin note- Nearest market townes
The next Markett Townes are Chudleigh distant about 3 Myles, Newton
Busshell about iiii Myles, Moorton Hampsteed about iiii Myles and Ashburton
about 6 Myles.
Margin note- sea
This Mannor is about x ii Myles distant from ye Sea.
Margin note -boundes of the mannor
The moates and boundes of ye Mannor of Bouytracie.
From Jewes Bridge Northwards to A Stone called Shorta Crosse lyinge in
Knighton Heathfield, thence to Woodland corner about half a Myle, thence Northwards to
Page 5
Bovytracie
to Hewishe cross and thence to Blackaler Yeate; about a Mille; Thence Northwards
to Holsford about iii quarters of A Myle; From thence Westward to Shorte Crosse
neare Bottor Yeate about iii Quarters of A Myle; Thence Westward to Furzley
Cross and thence to Bearea brooke about iii quarters of A Myle; Thence North-
wards to a tenement called Aller in the tenure of Thomas Potter, Thence to the
Bowdens Yeate about iii quarters of A Myle; Thence Northwards to Poole
Mill Cross and so to Poole Mill Bridge about half a Myle; Thence Westwards
to Aylisford gate, and thence to Middleton Park and so to Bullaton Howse aboute
3 quarters of a Myle; Thence Southward to Warme pitt Yeate and thence to Wol-
forde Bridge about A myle; From Wolford bridge Westwards to Drakeford bridge
and thence to Venymore about a Myle; Thence Southwards to Yearner Castle, thence
Westwards to / yearner well about a myle and so to / a Stone called ye Horseshooe thence to a place called ye pound about half
a Myle; Thence Southeast Lyneallie by a Home of Stones, and thence to ye Wester
Corner of Osmound Hoores Close called Three Corner Close parcell of ye Tenemente
called Owlacombe about a Myle; Thence Eastward to Whossell Well Crosse about
a Myle; Thence to Charla brooke about half a Myle; Thence Southwards by the
bounds of ye Burrough to Donacote Stone about 3 quarters of A Myle; Thence
Southwards lyneallie from Thrombridges about 3 Quarters of a Myle; From
Thromebridges Eastwards Lyneallie about x vii von foote, On the South East pt of
the Way [ crossed out] Kings highway leading from Plymouth to Exeter to Jewes bridge where wee
begann about three quarters of A myle.
There is one Tenement called Alisford parcell of ye Barton land of this Mannor
and nowe in the occupation of Jon. Burde which is not included within theis boundes.
The bounds of the Burrough of Bouytracie are also comprehended within ye Circuit.
Pages 6, 7, 8 blank.
Page 9
County of Devon
Manor of Bovey Tracey
Rent 12 shillings John Burd holds by [Acres Rods Perches]
Copy hold certain lands called
Ayliceford [Elsford] of the Barton viz one Small
meadow containing by estimation 0 1 0
Broome Parke by estimation 6 0 0
Middle Fursey Parke by estimation 4 0 0
Yonder Furse Parke by estimation 6 0 0
Four closes called Land Score by estimation 12 0 0
Leze down als[o] Portparke by estimation 6 0 0
Total 36 acres 1 rood
Mabilla Burde Josias and Thomas Bird in reversion
Rent 11 shillings 10 pence Margaret Battie widow
and Richard Battie son
hold by copy one tenement
Customary called Lower Crowndell
orchard garden and curtilage by estimation 0 3 0
Meadow called (blank) by estimation 2 2 0
Close called Lower Close by
estimation 1 2 0
Middle Close below part Venelles
by estimation 3 0 0
Page 10
Bovie Tracie
Outer Close part venelle
by estimation 1 2 0
Close called The Corner Close by
estimation 1 2 0
Close called The Dry Hill by
estimation 5 1 0
Close called The Clawe by estimation 6 0 0
one Close called The Millparke by
estimation 4 2 0
one Close called The West parke
by estimation 6 0 0
one Close called The West hill
by estimation 4 0 0
one Close called Little Parkes by
estimation 1 0 0
Copy which he holds under pretext of a Copy by
estimation 13 0 0
Total 50 acres 2 roods
Two Lives
Rent 10s 11d Robert Bennet
Margin note heriot
Holds by Copy one Tenement
Customary Three orchards Garden and
Curtelage in Hethercombe by estimation 0 3 0
One meadow called Bakehowse
meadowe by estimation 1 0 0
One Close called The Okey by
estimation 1 3 0
Newe Parke by estimation 1 2 0
Little Brockhall by estimation 1 2 0
Page 11
Bovie Tracie
Ley Close by estimation 1 2 0
Higher Mill Parke by estimation 2 0 0
The Close by estimation 3 0 0
Great Brockall by estimation 2 3 0
The Wood by estimation 2 0 0
The Rowle by estimation 1 0 0
Little Meade by estimation 1 0 0
The Cleyne by estimation 3 0 0
Great Meadowe by estimation 2 1 0
Lower Broome Close by estimation 2 0 0
Bakehowse Parke by estimation 1 0 0
The Downe by estimation 30 0 0
Total 58 acres 1 rood
Three Lyves
Rent 14s 8½d Joanna Cove holds by copy
one Tenement called Whitstone
Garden orchard curtilage by
estimation 1 0 0
One close called Sheepen p[ar]ke
by estimation 2 0 0
One close called Rownda
p[ar]ke by estimation 1 2 0
One close called Ffurse P[ar]ke
by estimation 5 0 0
Two closes called Ashwell Parke by
estimation 3 1 0
Four closes called Furlonged by
estimation 11 0 0
Two meadows below the tenement 2 0 0
Page 12
Bovie Tracie
Grattens by estimation 6 0 0
The Closes blackthorn [sloe] lands by
estimation 10 0 0
Held in Common called Fursley by
estimation 20 0 0
One Close called White-
more by estimation 6 0 0
One Close called Rode peece
by estimation 2 0 0
Total 68 acres 1 rood
Two Lives and a widowed estate
Rent 17s 6d The Same Joanna holds by
Copy one Tenement customarily
called Beere [with] an Orchard a Garden
a Curtelage and a meadow called Wheatrishe
Meade by estimation 1 3 0
Clay Parke by estimation 2 0 0
a Meadow called Langaparke by
estimation 1 2 0
Two meadows called Beere Meade
by estimation 2 2 0
Calves Parke by estimation 1 0 0
Broad a Parke by estimation 6 0 0
The Cleynes by estimation 10 0 0
Hill Parke by estimation 1 2 0
One piece called The Coddes
by estimation 1 0 0
Four Closes called Way Parkes
by estimation 12 0 0
Page 13
Bovie Tracie
One Close called Otterishes by
estimation 5 0 0
pasture [held] in common called Fursley
by estimation 10 0 0
Close Called The More by
estimation 2 0 0
Total 56 acres 1 rood
Three Lives and a Widow’s estate
Rent 20s 6d WILLIAM CHRISTOPHER holds
by Copy one Tenement
customary called Northcombe, two
orchards a Garden and Curtilage by estimation 2 2 0
Meadow called Greatmeade and a meadow
called Deare Parke by estimation 3 0 0
One Close called Moare Hay
by estimation 1 0 0
One Close called Cunney Parke
by estimation 5 0 0
One close called The Wyne
by estimation 4 0 0
One Close called The Moare
with The Rolle by estimation 1 0 0
One Close called behinde the
Barne by estimation 2 0 0
The Little Rolle by estimation 0 2 0
The Lower Parke by estimation 4 0 0
One Meadow called Tarland meade
by estimation 0 2 0
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Bovie Tracie
One Close called Tarland by
estimation 5 0 0
One Close called The Hille
by estimation 4 0 0
One Close called The Gratten
by per estimation 3 0 0
One Close called Underhawke
Moare by estimation 5 0 0
Longa Parke by estimation 3 2 0
One Close called The broade
Oake and The Leaze by estimation 8 0 0
The Downe by estimation 5 0 0
The Rack grounde by estimation 5 0 0
Total 71 acres d
Three Lives
Rent 11s 3d Robert Cunant holds
by Copy one Tenement in
Hethere Combe an orchard a garden and
a Curtelage by estimation 0 2 0
One Close called Scotta
Cliffe by estimation 2 2 0
Birch hill with a small piece of adjacent meadow by
estimation 2 0 0
Meadow called Aller Meade by
estimation 1 2 0
Meadow called Great Meade by
estimation 2 0 0
Meadow called Higher Meade by
estimation 1 0 0
Page 15
Bovie Tracie
Close called Higher Cleave by estimation 3 0 0
Broada Parke by estimation 4 0 0
Middle Parke by estimation 3 0 0
Three Closes called Brockhole
by estimation 6 0 0
The enclosed Downes by estimation 28 0 0
Total 53 acres d
Three Lives
Rent 10s 11d John Dreyton holds by
Copy one Tenement called
Hale, Garden Orchard and
Curtelage by estimation 0 3 0
Meadow called Eastmeade by estimation 1 2 0
Meadow called Long Meade
by estimation 0 3 0
One Close called Middle
Parke by estimation 6 0 0
One Close called South Hille
by estimation 3 0 0
One Close called Little Hille
by estimation 1 2 0
One Close called Northparke
by estimation 5 0 0
One Close called Little Bottom
by estimation 2 1 0
Page 16
Bovie Tracie
Two closes called Wester and Easter
Bottom by estimation 5 2 0
One close called Higher Parke
by estimation 6 2 0
One close called East Hille by
estimation 2 1 0
One close called The Common by
estimation 20 0 0
Total 60 acres D
For chaunge of one life. £10 that is John Drayton
Junior and Elizabeth his wife £5 this Audit and £5 at Michaelmas
1613
Rent £12 1s NICHOLAS EVELEY Knight
Holds a vineyard or wine enclosure
with a new House built above three
Orchards a garden a Curtelage with
one plantation or a Hop Yarde containing
in all by estimatoem 6 0 0
two Marshes called The sHootinge
Marshes by estimation 16 o 0
One Close adjoining the lower Gate
by estimation 1 0 0
Meadow called Long Meadowe by
estimation 3 0 0
Close called Inner and owter Shermans
Close by estimation 8 0 0
Part of a Close or Croft next to Higher
Gate by estimation 1 0 0
Close called Pond Moore by estimation 6 0 0
Page 17
Bovy Tracie
One Close called The Soaley
Moore by estimation 9 2 0
Meadow below the House by estimation 4 0 0
One Close called or Wheate Marshe Clapper Marsh
by per estsimation 9 2 0
Close called Lower Moare by
estimation 2 2 0
Close called Wheate Marshe
by estimation 3 2 0
One Close called Roade Close
by estimation 3 2 0
One Close called Higher Roade
Close by estimation 3 2 0
The Hill and Woodland by estimation 30 0 0
beyond the Stream
One Close called Higher P[ar]ke
15 Close by estimation 8 0 0
One Close called Furseclose
Close by estimation 4 0 0
One Close called Middle
Moare by estimation 4 0 0
One Close called Lower Moare
by estimation 6 0 0
One Close called Clam Close
by estimation 3 3 0
Close called Peterhill Close by
estimation 2 2 0
One Close called Lower Peter
Hill Close by estimation 2 2 0
Close called Wair Close by estimation 4 0 0
Page 18
Bovy Tracie
One Close next to The Wair
Close by estimation 4 0 0
Meadow which lies Across The Stream
by estimation 2 2 0
Total 144 acres d
The Same Nicholas holds
by Indenture giving Etc Issues
profits of the Market held in the Town
and Borough of of Bovietracye on Tuesday
and any seven Regular days Viiis
Annually which will be Held in place for a Term of 31
Years on the Feast of the Annunciation
Which will be the Year of Our Lord 1614
by Annual Rent
8s
Rent 10s 11d Joanna French Widow
holds by copy lasting the state of her widowhood
one Customary Tenement called
Hether Combe, two Orchards, two
Croft and two Meadows by estimation 5 3 0
Weston Parke by estimation 2 0 0
Arrishes a Hole by estimation 0 2 0
two Closes called Brownings by
estimation 5 0 0
The Gratton by estimation 3 2 0
James Durrowe by estimation 2 0 0
Higher Splotsford by estimation 2 0 0
Lower Splotsforde by estimation 2 0 0
Page 19
Bovy Tracie
Manna Cley by estimation 2 2 0
The Meere by estimation 0 2 0
Barley Parke by estimation 0 2 0
Hather Downe by estimation 40 0 0
Total note 66 acres 1 rood
Peter Frenche at the age of 46 yeares in Reversion
and John Frenche 50 yeares in Reversion
Rent 12s Matilda Gilbert holds
by copy One Tenement and
Land of the Barton, viz. one Tenement
in West Bovie, Orchard Curtelage
and Close called Smithe Hay with
a Barn above the building Containing in all
by estimation 1 0 0
Two Closes called Lower and Higher
Parke by estimation 4 0 0
One Close called Gole
Parke by estimation 2 0 0
Aller Parke by estimation 1 0 0
Middle Parke by estimation 1 2 0
Birchen Parke by estimation 2 0 0
The Moare by estimation 3 0 0
One Meadow called West a Bovie
Meadowe by estimation 4 0 0
George Hore, Susanna [his] wife
Total 43 acres 3 roods
Page 20
Bovie Tracie
Rent 9s 8d THOMAS HART holds by
Copy of the Barton, one Close
land and meadow called Sopers under towne
by estimation 8 0 0
John and William Hart 25 years
Total 8 acres
Rent 16s 7d ELIZABETH HEALE widow
lately Tappers holds by Copy one
Tenement in Little Bovie called
Two tenures and garden with
Four Closes and Croft adjoining
by estimation 4 0 0
One Close called Lower Aller
by estimation 1 3 0
Scottwaye by estimation 1 1 0
Meadowe over Bovie by estimation 3 0 0
Broome Parke by estimation 5 1 0
One Meadow called Higher Allers
by estimation 3 0 0
Middle Parke by estimation 6 0 0
Lower BroomE hill by estimation 6 1 0
Higher Broome Hill by estimation 3 0 0
Calven Parke by estimation 3 0 0
Small Parke by estimation 1 2 0
Ferne Parke by estimation 4 3 0
Gribble Parke by estimation 2 0 0
White Oke by estimation 2 2 0
Higher Furlong by estimation 2 2 0
James Evelerg gent 3 lives
Total 55 acres 3 roods
Page 21
Bovy Tracie
Rent 11s 3d John Harris holds by
Copy one Tenement by Custom
called Higher Cridford orchard garden
and Curtelage by estimation 0 3 0
One meadow called The Loer Containing
by estimation 1 0 0
One close called Ye Crocke
by estimation 0 2 0
Close called above ye Howse by
estimation 2 0 0
West Hay by estimation 1 2 0
Two closes called The Bovetownes by
estimation 3 3 0
East Townes by estimation 6 0 0
Ff lond a More by estimation 2 2 0
Birchen Hay by estimation 2 0 0
Little Rolle by estimation 0 2 0
The Aller Beare by estimation 1 0 0
Close called The Hill by estimation 1 2 0
Close called Melland by estimation 1 0 0
Higher Towne by estimation 16 0 0
Total 40 acres
ROBERT CONNANT 50 years in Revertion
Rent 13s 5d Walter Hart holds
by copy by right of his late wife Serridge
one Tenement orchard Garden and
Curtelage called Charle a Brook
by estimation 1 0 0
Great Ditche
Page 22
Bovy Tracie
Great Ditche Slade by estimation 7 0 0
Sunny Parke Moare by estimation 1 2 0
Sunny Parke by estimation 7 0 0
Broad Parke by estimation 10 0 0
Ferne Parke by estimation 3 0 0
Wale Meade by estimation 1 0 0
One Close called Broadneighe
by estimation 2 0 0
One Meadow called behinde the
Barne by estimation 2 0 0
The Gratton by estimation 3 0 0
Newe Parke by estimation 10 0 0
The Brake by estimation 6 0 0
The Moare by estimation 7 0 0
The Rix Plott by estimation 1 2 0
Calven a Parke by estimation
Two Lives
Total 62 acres rood
Rent 13s 10d Stenelta Moar widow
holds by Copy one Tenement
With Garden lying next to the Barn
Border with the barn of the Barton
and One Close of the Barton called
Furse Parke by estimation 3 0 0
Three meadow closes called Drake
Wille and The Little Close by estimation 3 0 0
Middle Close by estimation 1 0 0
Broad Closes by estimation 1 3 0
Long Mead two Closes by estimation 2 2 0
Willm Moore and Mary Caseley in Revertion
Total 11 acres
Page 23
Bovy Tracie
Rent 11s 4d Katherine Merdon
Holds by Copy one Tenement
Customary orchard Garden and Curtelage
called Lower Credford Containing by 0 2 0
estimation
One Meadow called Forse meadow
by estimation 2 2 0
Meadow called The Bowshoote by
estimation 0 3 0
One Close called The Allere 5 0 0
Barley Parke by estimation 1 2 0
Close called The Parke by estimation 1 2 0
One Close called Bove towne
by estimation 7 0 0
Broome Parke by estimation 3 0 0
Longa Downe by estimation 4 0 0
Out of The Common by estimation 20 0 0
Margin note 44 acres 3 roods
Two Lives viz. 55 and 25
Rent 30s 10d Johanna Merdon widow
Holds by Copy one Tenement
Called Hawkemore Orchard
Curtelage with Croft called The Letonnge
Containing by estimation 1 2 0
One Close called Easter Parke
Nearby the House by estimation 12 0 0
Adjacent Close called Balatour by
estimation 16 0 o
Close
Page 24
Bovy Tracie
One Close called Long Stick
by estimation 8 0 o
Fursen Hill by estimation 16 0 0
The Gratten by estimation 12 0 0
One Close called Powlemall
Parke by estimation 10 0 0
Chappelle Ley by estimation 16 0 0
Bove Hay by estimation 6 0 0
Close called Bowndes by estimation 10 0 0
Close called Catte ter by estimation 12 0 0
Close called Singe Moare by
estimation 7 0 0
Meadow called Potta Meade by
estimation 4 0 0
Bove Slade by estimation 6 0 0
Close called Heswell by estimation 2 0 0
Another Meadow called Potta Meade
by estimation 5 0 0
Another Close called Bove Slade by
estimation 4 0 0
One Close called Wester Parke
by estimation 4 0 0
Another Close called Wester Parke
by estimation 5 0 0
Meadow nearby by estimation 4 0 0
Widowes estate and two Lyves in possession and one in
Revertion viz: Thomas and John Merdon and Robert
Connant in Revertion to change. Mr Connantes life for the
life of Allexander her sonne and giveth at 3 payments
£40
Total 167 acres rood
Page 25
Bovie Tracie
Rent 10s 3d Richard Osbourne
Holds by copy by right of his Wife one
Tenement of the Barton called
Steekeweeke Garden Curtelaage
and Orchard by estimation 0 3 0
Two Closes called Pittlande by
estimation 6 2 0
Fearne Parke by estimation 2 0 0
One Close called Beare
Parke by estimation 2 1 0
Two Closes called The Downes by
estimation 7 0 0
One Close called above ye May
by estimation 3 0 0
Barley Parke by estimation 0 3 0
One Close called ye Rowle
by estimation 0 2 0
Broome Parke and the Moare by
estimation 1 0 0
The Watring Place Close by
estimation 1 0 0
Total 25 acres
3 Lyves. Richard and John Osbourne in Revertion
Rent 9s 4d John Pinsent holds by
Copy of the Barton one Tenement
called Combe Parke two Gardens
and Curtelage by estimation 0 2 0
One Meadow called The Moare now divided
once two by estimation 2 0 0
Page 26
Bovie Tracie
Hill Parke by estimation 1 3 0
.One Close once Two
by estimation 2 2 0
Little Close next to the Yate by
estimation 1 0 0
Total 7 acres 3 roods
2 lyves. John Pinsent 26 and John Berriman in revertion
Margin note forferture Memorand[um]that Pooke hath lett this for 20 yeares
by Lease without Lyncence and stocked up ye hedges
Rent 10s 3d Richard Potter Holds
By Copy one Custumary Tenement
called Steekeweeke Orchard Garden
and Curtelage by estimation 1 1 0
Two Meadows by estimation 1 2 0
Close called The Rowle by
estimation 0 2 0
One Close called The Moare
by estimation 2 0 0
Great Parke by estimation 3 0 0
Broome Parke by estimation 3 0 0
The Downe by estimation 6 0 0
Two Closes called Pitland by
estimation 4 0 0
Widowes estate & one Life
Robert Potter and Beniamyn Leache in revertion
Total 21 acres 1 rood
Page 27
Bovie Tracie
Rent 16s 7¼d John Pinsent holds
by Copy one Tenement
by Custom Orchard Garden
and Curtelage called Combe containing by
estimation 1 2 0
Meadow called Greate Meade by
estimation 3 2 0
Meadow called Aller Meade by
Estimation 1 2 0
The White Parke containing
By estimation 3 0 0
Higher White Parke containing
By estimation 3 0 0
The Hill by estimation 3 0 0
The Cleyffe by estimation 3 0 0
Casseldon by estimation 5 0 0
Lower Casseldon by estimation 5 0 0
by estimation 6 0 0
Broad a Parke by estimation 6 0 0
Ffurze Parke by estimation 4 0 0
Badge Moare uncultivated containing by
estimation 7 0 0
Broad a Parke Close Containing by
estimation
The Ffurther Downe uncultivated Containing by
estimation 20 0 0
Tellars Parke by estimation 3 0 0
Higher Tellars Parke containing by
by estimation by 4 0 0
Page 28
Bovie Tracie
Middle Parke Containing by
Estimation 3 1 0
Higher Parke Containing by
Estimation 4 0 0
Easter Parke by estimation 4 0 0
Ffludd a Parke by estimation 8 0 0
The Little Rolle by estimation 4 2 0
Total 90 acres 0 roods
Two lives in possession
Three lives in Revertion
Memorand[um] that Mr Robert Conant hath compounded
to exchaunge 3 Lyves for 3 Lyves in Revertion of Two Lives, and
is to [have) gyve at 3 payments xxx annually
Rent 13s Thomas Pinsent
[and] his wife and Geoffrey Christopher
hold by Copy one Tenement
Called Hatherley Orchard Garden
and Curtelage by estimation 1 1 0
Little Meadowe by estimation 1 0 0
One Meadow called Short Meadowe
by estimation 2 1 0
One Close Called Blackett
Ashe by estimation 1 0 0
One Close called Conny Parke
by estimation 2 0 0
Langa Lande by estimation 4 1 0
Page 29 Bovie Tracie
The Ball by estimation 1 1 0
Higher Downe by estimation 5 0 0
One Close called Ellicombe by
estimation 2 2 0
The Gratton by estimation 2 1 0
Bove Towne by estimation 5 0 0
One Close called Yonderley by
estimation 2 0 0
One Close called Fimerley by
estimation 4 0 0
One Close called Underdowne
by estimation 1 2 0
Total 35 acres
3 Lyves
Rent 19s 10 ½d Peter Perin holds by Copy
one Tenement called Fforde
Garden Orchard and curtelage by
estimation 1 0 0
Meadow called The Greate Meade
by estimation 4 0 0
Meadow called Stiller Meade containing
by estimation 2 0 0
One Close called The Ley
containing by estimation 3 1 0
One Close called Shorte a
Parke by estimation 4 0 0
One Close called Willand by estimation 6 0 0
Page 30
Bovy Tracie
Bovy Tracie
One Close called FFurze Cliff
by estimation 3 0 0
Close called Easter Cleyff by
estimation 5 0 0
One close called Lang Hay
by estimation 1 0 0
One Close called Little Parke
by estimation 1 1 0
One Close called The Moare
by estimation 1 0 0
One Close called Easter Marsh
by estimation 4 0 0
One Close called Higher Marsh
by estimation 4 0 0
One Close called Ketta meade
by estimation 4 0 0
One Close called Lower Marshe
by estimation 4 0 0
One Close called Blackamore
by estimation 2 1 0
One Close called Ffurlonge
by estimation 4 0 0
One Close called Gall Downe
by estimation 25 0 0
Three lyves
Total 76 acres rood Thomas [editor’s note-continues]
Page 31
Bovy Tracie
Rent 10s 5d Thomas Potter holds by
Copy one Tenement in Aller
Garden Orchard and Curtelage
by estimation 1 2 0
One Close called Cunny Parke
by estimation 4 0 0
One Close called The Moare
by estimation 2 0 0
One Close called The Downe
by estimation 4 0 0
One Close called The Hill from out of
the house placed opposite 2 0 0
Three Closes called Crownaford
by estimation 6 0 0
One Close called Middle p[ar]ke
by estimation 5 0 0
One Close called Langa Parke
by estimation 4 1 0
One Close called Meade wully
by estimation 2 1 0
One Meadow called……………..[editor’s note-left blank]
by estimation 2 3 0
One Close called Little Hill
by estimation 0 3 0
One Life
Total 24 acres rood
Page 32
Bovy Tracie
Rent 17s 6d Peter Parr holds by
Copy one Tenement Called
Warmhills, Three [pleasure] gardens and
Curtelage by estimation 2 2 0
Close called Shorta Parke by 4 0 0
estimation
Close Called Blackaller by
estimation 3 0 0
Middle Parke by estimation 1 0 0
One Close with the Pound Howse
Garden by estimation 1 0 0
One piece next to Greenhill
by estimation 0 0 6
Part Close called The Moare
by estimation 1 0 0
Shortland by estimation 3 0 0
The Downe by estimation 4 2 0
Close called The Cleyne containing
by estimation 3 0 0
Longe beare Knowle by estimate 2 2 0
Howle Hill by estimation 3 0 0
The Mill Peece by estimation 6 0 0
One Close called Mare p[ar]ke 3 0 0
Broome Parke by estimation 1 2 0
Mare Parke Meade by estimation 1 0 0
Long Meade by estimation 2 0 0
Total 43 acres
Christiana, Thomas Parr, and Joana Parr
Page 33
Bovie Tracie
Rent 40s Thomas Sowthcote
This being demeisnes the olde The Elder gentleman holds by Copy
site of the manor and held by copie of the Barton two Closes Land called The
was by the combination of the stewarde Orchards by estimation 6 0 0
and the ten[a]nte paste by the contractors
for mills under couler of an olde de-
cayed tynn mill not in charge and
since conveyd by the same contractors
to the stew[ard]. who again conveyde it to
another, and I having questioned the
same the former tenant by copie finding
there fraude will not stand good, pretends
to holde it again by copie it is worth
per annum £10 See fu? Sigulla
Total 6 acres
The Same Thomas holds by Another Copy
Three Closes of the Barton called Newe
Parke, Mowe Parke and Clapper Close
by estimation 17 2 0
Two Closes called Hethercombe Parke
by estimation 5 0 0
One pleasure garden in the Town of Bovie
not far from the Church now Converted
into Habitable Buildings 0 1 0
Total 22 acres 3 roods
3 Lyves
Rent 8s 8d Arthur Southcot Knight
holds by Copy of the Barton called
Undertowne Four Closes of land
Called Bucks Close with a meadow
by estimation 15 1 0
William and Thomas Southcote junior
Total 15 acres 1 rood
Rent 10s 3d William Soper and Gregory Wreyford
hold by Copy one Tenement called Warm
pit Garden orchard and Curtelage by
estimation 1-1-0
Page 34
Bovy Tracie
One meadow on the Western side
of the House by estimation 1 2 0
One Meadow called Barley Sheefe
by estimation 1 2 0
One Meadow called Cleiff meadow
by estimation 0 3 0
One Close called The Moare
by estimation 2 3 0
One Close called Wester Parke
by estimation 2 1 0
One Close called Lane Close
by estimation 3 0 0
One Close called The Gratton
by estimation 1 1 0
One Close called The Cleiff
by estimation 2 1 0
One Close called Higher Shartridge
by estimation 2 2 0
One Close called The Lower Shortridge
by estimation 2 3 0
One Close called Middle Close
by estimation 3 1 0
Two Closes called Lania Parkes by
estimation 6 0 0
Two Closes called Middle Parkes
by estimation 4 2 0
One Close called Semes mill
by estimation 1 0 0
Page 35
Bovy Tracie
One Close called Crowste
by estimation 0 3 3
One Close called Enapull by
estimation 2 1 0
Close called The Rowle by estimation 3 0 0
Two Closes called Little Parke by
and Beardell Parke by estimation 0 3 0
Total 43 acres 1 rood
Two Lyves
Rent 53s Thomas Sweete by right of his wife
holds by Copy of the Barton, one
Tenement existing of a Barn and
Curtelage by estimation 0 0 2
Two Closes of land The biberies
by estimation 8 0 0
Two Closes called Spiricks p[ar]ke
and Spiruxe meadowe by estimation 9 2 0
Bove town by estimation 5 2 0
Combe Parke and Combe Meade with
Gronett Arbor by estimation 10 3 0
Broade Parke by estimation 6 0 0
Two Closes called Ffurzes p[ar]kes
by estimation 5 1 0
One Close called Biberie
by estimation 4 0 0
Total 49 acres
2 Lyves
William Bartlett in Revertion
Page 36
Bovy Tracie
Rent 4s Thomas Steere holds by
Copy of the Barton Four
Closes of land called Little Salridge
low lying containing by estimation 6 0 0
Total 6 acres
2 Lyves
Marie wife and David son
Rent 16s 4d William Sprey holds by
Copy by right of his wife one Tenement
by Custom called Higher Crowndell orchard
Curtelage and Garden by estimation 6 0 0
Rayle Parke by estimation 5 0 0
Combe Parke by estimation 6 0 0
Newe Parke by estimation 3 0 0
Two Closes called Cole a Parke by
estimation 4 1 0
The Gratten by estimation 7 0 0
Butt Parke by estimation 3 0 0
Long Parke by estimation 6 0 0
Lombe Hay by estimation 4 0 0
The Little Meadow and the little Rowle
by estimation 2 2 0
A Fourth part of the Common Called
Fforley Common by estimation 10 0 0
Total 51 acres 3 roods
Two Lyves
Rent 34s John Skerdon holds one
Tenement pleasure garden, orchard curtelage called
Pola Brooke by estimation 1 0 0
Page 37
Bovy Tracie
Honie meade contains by estimation 2 0 0
Will Parke by estimation 2 0 0
Polle a Brooke Meade by
estimation 2 0 0
Buckmore by estimation 4 0 0
Two Closes called Innercombe
by estimation 4 0 0
Calves Parke by estimation 1 0 0
Easter Towne by estimation 4 0 0
Clapper Marshe by estimation 4 1 0
The Gratten by estimation 5 0 0
Little Marshe by estimation 2 0 0
The Golls by estimation 3 0 0
Goll Parke by estimation 4 1 0
Fferne a Parke by estimation 2 0 0
Longe Marshe by estimation 4 0 0
The Wood by estimation 6 0 0
Hill Parke by estimation 5 0 0
Ffursey Hill by estimation 19 0 0
The Hill by estimation 10 0 0
The Indowne by estimation 30 0 0
Held in Common
Two grist mills and one The Tann
Mill with Water Course
Margin note 112 acres and the mill besides
3 Lyves
Rent 14s 2d Andrea Shapeley holds one
Customary Tenementum called Dunley orchard
Garden and Curteladge by estimation 1 1 0
Page 38
Bovy Tracie
One adjacent Field Containing
by estimation 1 2 0
Great Parke by estimation 8 0 0
Little Parke by estimation 1 0 0
Crosse Parke by estimation 3 0 0
Long Parke by estimation 4 0 0
The Wood by estimation 2 1 0
Newe Parke by estimation 4 0 0
Cunny Parke by estimation 3 0 0
The Downe by estimation 4 0 0
Lower Downe by estimation 3 0 0
The Heathfield by estimation 17 5 0 0
Little Parke next to Longa Parke
by estimation 1 0 0
One other Close called Heathfield
by estimation 17 0 0
One Close called The Hill
by estimation 2 0 0
60 acres
3 Lyves
George Dunley and William Furse in Revertion
of Skapley
Rent 14s Richard Stuckey and
Bartholomew his brother
hold by Copy of the Barton one
Close called Saulridge Heyes
by estimation 4 0 0
Page 39
Bovy Tracie
The Way Close by estimation 5 0 0
The Ley Parke by estimation 4 0 0
Hill Parke by estimation 3 0 0
Long Close by estimation 2 0 0
Great Parke by estimation 4 2 0
Ffurse Parke by estimation 3 0 0
Fferna Parke by estimation 2 1 0
Sauldridge Downe by estimation 2 0 0
Communal pasture
Total 47 acres
2 Lyves
Margin note This was lately graunted by
copie in Queen Eliz[abeth’s reign] since Mr Sowthcote
beinge fermer of the manor.
Rent 20s Sir Thomas Southcot
holds by Copy Free Warren and
and [editor’s note -sic] the right to fish
and Rent Sir William Soper unknown land
Rent 20d Anna Serredge holds by
Copy One piece of Land of
The Barton called Chorlebrooke Moare
by estimation 16 0 0
3 Lyves
Rent 13s 10d The Same Woman holds by Copy One
Cottage, orchard, Garden and meadow
adjoining by estimation 2 0 0
Total 18 acres
3 Lyves
Page 40
Bovy Tracie
Rent 10s 2d Margaret Topley widow
Holds by Copy One Tenement
Called Colehowse by Custom Orchard
Curtelage and barn by estimation 0 2 0
One piece of land called Cole a ball by
estimation 20 0 0
One Meadow called …… [editor’s note space left blank] by
estimation 3 0 0
Four Closes above the Tenement
viz Broad a Parke, West Parke
and The Higher Grounde Containing by
estimation 12 0 0
Five other Closes called Longa
Parke, Barley Parke, and the little
Parke and two Moors by estimation 5 0 0
The Downe by estimation 12 0 0
Total 52 acres d
By Widowhood and 3 Lyves
Michael and Eliane in Revertion
Rent 40s William Veysey and
Maria His Wife hold by Copy of the
Barton called Scottwaye and Bove
Towne and one Close called
Lower Parke by estimation 3 0 0
Oke Parke by estimation 4 0 0
Kode Parke by estimation 3 0 0
Broade Parke by estimation 5 2 0
Higher Parke by estimation 2 0 0
Page 41
Bovie Tracie
Rix Parke by estimation 3 1 0
Ducken a Parke by estimation 4 1 0
Meadow called Scotway yate by
estimation 3 0 0
Longe Meadowe by estimation 5 2 0
Longe Marshe by estimation 9 0 0
Quene a Parke by estimation 4 0 0
Little Meade by estimation 1 3 0
Meadow called Crooke by estimation 3 0 0
Petherickes Parke by estimation 3 2 0
Pinsons Parke by estimation 5 0 0
Total 60 acres
5 Lyves
Memorandum that it is said that three of the Southcotes have the
Revertion after two Lives in possession
Arthure William and Sir Thomas Sowthcot Junior
contrarie to the Custume
Rent 5s John Valence
Holds by Copy one Tenement
By Custom called Crowde orchard garden
And Curtelage by estimation 0 2 0
One Meadow called Little Bovie
Meade by estimation 1 2 0
Dix Parke by estimation 1 2 0
Little Parke by estimation 1 2 0
Greate Parke by estimation 2 2 0
Calven a Parke by estimation 2 2 0
Middle Parke by estimation 1 2 0
North Parke by estimation 2 0 0
Combe Parke by estimation 1 2 0
Page 42
Bovie Tracie
The Somer Close by estimation 2 2 0
Total 17 acres d
2 Lyves
John and Maria his sister
Rent 27s 2¼d Nicholas Veysey holds
by Copy one Tenement
Custumary called Luscombe orchard
Garden and Curtelage by estimation 1 0 0
One Close called Dunley by
estimation 12 0 0
Higher Downe by estimation 10 0 0
Middle Downe by estimatiion 7 0 0
Little Parke by estimation 8 0 0
Great Ellake by estimation 18 0 0
Wester Ellake by estimation 6 0 0
Two Closes called Hille containing
by estimation 6 1 0
Bark a Downe by estimation 6 2 0
One Close called Under Crede-
ford by estimation 5 2 0
Ivy Parke by estimation 5 0 0
Broome Parke by estimation 3 0 0
Luscombe 1 2 0
Longa Brooke meade and Barley
Parke by estimation 1 2 0
Long meade by estimation 3 0 0
Rudge Meade by estimation 3 0 0
Total 86 acres 3 roods
Margin note 2 Lyves in beeing Revertion conceded Osmund Hore, Robert Conant and John Serredge.
Page 43
Bovie Tracie
Rent 6s 8d William Wallyn by right of his wife
[and] Elizabeth his wife they hold of the Barton by
Copy one Tenement in the Countryside
by estimation 0 0 6
Five closes called The More
Hayes by estimation 9 2 0
Total 9 acres rood 6 perches
4 lyves
Elizabeth Wallen, Richard Leer John Leer and
Joan Drayton – contrarie to custume
Rent 6s 8d Robert Wotton
Margaret and Maria
His wife and daughter hold by Copy one
clausum called Fferland containing
by estimation 3 0 0
Middle Parke 3 0 0
Longa Parke 3 0 0
Easter Parke 1 2 0
Barley Parke 1 0 0
Two Closes called Okebeere by
estimation 4 0 0
Ffurse Close by estimation 3 0 0
One Close in the Eastern part
of The Lane by estimation 1 2 0
Three Corner Close per estimation 0 1 0
Total 20 acres 1 rood
3 Lyves
Hugo
Page 44
Bovie Tracie
Rent for the tenement 24s 2d for the copy 6d Hugo Wallies Holds
by Copy one Tenement and
Barton Land called Ffive wiches
Orchard Garden and Curtelage by
estimation 1 0 0
One meadow by estimation 3 0 0
Meadowe Parke by estimation 3 0 0
Barton Parke by estimation 1 0 0
The Moarke by estimation 2 2 0
Dotslade by estimation 3 0 0
South Parke by estimation 6 0 0
Little Errish by estimation 1 0 0
Two Closes called Langa Parke by
estimation 7 0 0
Lombe Parke by estimation 3 0 0
Middle Parke by estimation 2 0 0
Little Parke by estimation 1 0 0
Three Closes called Great Parkes
by estimation 8 2 0
Close called The Hayes by estimation 4 0 0
Rock Parke by estimation 6 0 0
Total 52 acres
Common above Woodhill and Reddhille
3 Lyves
Rent 20s 6d Thomas Southcott Gent
Holds by Copy one Tenement
Called Westford Orchard Garden and
Curtelage by estimation 0 3 0
Page 45
Bovie Tracie
One Meadowe called Wellockes
Meade by estimation 3 2 0
Two Closes called North Parkes
by estimation 3 2 0
One Close called The Moare by
estimation 3 0 0
One Close called The Ley and The
Heathfield Parke by estimation 6 0 0
One Close called The Errishe
by estimation 3 2 0
Close called The Parke by
estimation 2 2 0
Three small Closes called The Poundes
by estimation 1 0 0
Curtelage and orchard by estimation 1 0 0
Barley Parke by estimation 1 0 0
Great Parke by estimation 5 1 0
Close next to Heathfield Yate by
estimation 2 0 0
The Underleete and Thorny lands by
estimation 3 0 0
Longa Parke with Alnet by
estimation 3 0 0
Round a Marshe by estimation 3 0 0
Little Parke by estimation 0 2 0
Lower Meadowe by estimation 2 3 0
Alnet by estimation 1 0 0
Higher Meade by estimation 3 0 0
Page 46
Bovie Tracie
Colten a Parke by estimation 1 0 0
Close called Rye Land by estimation 6 0 0
Total 54 acres 3 roods
Common pasture in The Heathfield
You ask whether it is in the hands of the Chief man because it is conceded
against custom
for the time period of 8 lives
3 Lives
Rent 22s 8d John Wills and
his son Michael and Hele-
-na his wife the said Michael holds by
Copy of the Barton a Tenement
Called Little Deere a Parke orchard
Garden and curtilage Containing by
estimation 0 3 0
One Close next to the Cemetery
by estimation 1 3 0
Close called Pery Parke by
estimation 2 0 0
Hill Parke by estimation 3 0 0
Lower and Higher Furse Parke Containing
by estimation 7 0 0
The Gratton by estimation 4 0 0
Long Parke by estimation 3 0 0
Hill Parke by estimation 3 0 0
Higher Bove Town Containing
by estimation 2 0 0
Lower Bove Town Containing
by estimation 2 1 0
Page 47
Bovie Tracie
Bakehowse Parke by estimation 1 0 0
Little Parke by estimation 1 0 0
Total 30 acres 3 roods
3 Lives
Free Tenants of Bovie Tracie in the same place
George Townsend 2s
Christopher Pillip 12d
Sum 3s
Sum of the Customary Rents Contains
each year £38 5d
Sum of the free and Customary rents £38 3s 5d
It should be £47 6s ½d
fee farm of the park £12 5s
In total = £49
with the fee farm of the markets 6s 6d = 17s 1d
Rent of the Borough thereafter
The Number of Customary Acres 2326 acres ultimatley
The waste ground contains by estimation 1050 acres ultimately
Yarner Wood Yarner
downe and Owle a coombe
Farme by estimation 400 acres
Thus this Whole of the manor in land
of whichever kind = 3374 acres
Borough of Bovey Tracey
Page 48
Rental of Borough of Bovy Tracey: namely
Sir Thomas Sowthcote for the borough 10s 6 ½d
Thomas Gilbert gentleman 12s 6d
Matilda Gilbert widow 12d
John Hillman gentleman 27s 6d
Edward Harte gentleman 7s 4d
Thomas Hart 8s 8d
George Harte
}= viz
John Preston
Walter Furseland gentleman 2s
Laurence Voysie 4s 4d
John Wolcote 6d
The same John 6d
Robertus Parr 10s 8d
William Langworthye 2s 4d
William Hore 6s
John Wulcote 8s
Henry Tottye gentleman 7s
Thomas Hylman 7s 4d
Phillip Wescote 4s 6d
William Willyes 4s
William Oxenham 7s
Thomas Sturr 2s 9d
Richard Cabel gentleman 10s 10 ½d
William Bartlet 9s 8d
John Hawell 12d
The parish Landes 2s 6d
Nicholas Voysye 6s
John Leye 12d
William Oxenham of Roger Ceylye 7s 6d
William Par 7d
Page 49
Rental of the Borough of Bovy Tracie
Alueta More 6d
John Cottes 6d
Garretta Potter 3d
Thomas Mordon and Simon 12d
John Hore 7s
Henry Wheler John Drake and John Bickford 7d
Gregory Ffryer 8d
Marian Wallyn 12d
John Westlake 7s 6d
Arthur Pettesthrow 23d
John More of Wiltesh 12 ½ d
William Rowlande 1d
George Beare 7d
John Sture 12d
Richard Gyll 2s
William Sture 6d
Sum of Burghers’ Rents of Bovie Tracie £9 18s 5 ½d
it shoulde be £10
16 ½d. so wants 2s ½ 10 ½d
Page 50
Copy of the Charter of the Borough of Bovie Tracie
To All Those who are faithful to Christ written to which persons Henry of
Tracey greeting. Know that I have agreed on behalf of me and of all my heirs
to my Burghers of Bovie and to their heirs that they may have and hold their Burgages
in fee and to inherit for ever for themselves and for their heirs or to whomever they wish to give
to assign to buy or mortgage except to religious houses or a sanctuary or
to the Jews, by paying Rent on whichever Burgage yearly on the feastday of Saint Michael but to me with 12
Margin note Everie Burgage owght to pay 12 d rent pence, to me and to my heirs. They or their heirs or assigns according to
great and small, just as the agreement had been made for the Burghers remaining in the same place
I have also agreed that those Burghers remaining in the same place should be quit from toll from
1everything as merchants. The same thing I have agreed with the said Burghers that they should have common pasture for their horses
and for animals and all things over all of my Heathfield. Which extends
from the big bridge of Bovey as far as Bromleygh in the southern part of the Turbaria By paying Rent
for whatever horse 7d and for whatever animal 7d and for 5
of everything 7d to me and to my heirs. They and their heirs or assigns
to the aforementioned boundary. And that if it so happens that it has pleased me and my heirs
to cultivate the said Heathfield or to put to the burgage it is fine for us
And if [there is] any damage the said burghers and their heirs or assigns against
my profit I wish that they make that the damage is altered by legal forces
of the men in those parts. Moreover I wish that the said Burghers
host their burgages within the space of two years after they have accepted it
my forfeit. and of my heirs. I have agreed also that the said
burghers should be quit from feudal due of around some of the Burgage for 12
pence. And if it happens that the said Burghers in mercy
have fallen except by day or into their wells or into the hands of their pasture
they have thrown violent hands they should be quit from mercy for 6d
and as this my agreement I have placed
By the wordes of which Charter it doth appeare
that
Everye Burgage shoulde paye 12 pence a year rent certaine wheras
nowe they paye more and lesse in monie at their pleasure
and where they owght after the death and alienation of every burgager
to paye for everye burgage for reliefe 12 pence . I doe not thinke his
Highnes hath receyved in that kinde iis, since his having the Lande
and where there is graunted unto them commn of pasture upon —
Com[m]on
Page 51
Borough of Bovie Tracie
Com[m]on, for which they are to pay a rent namelie for everye
horse, and everye beaste a pennye and for 5 sheepe a penye
they now paye nothinge at all
and where also there is reformed power in the graunter
and his heires at his pleasure to plowe up the same Heathfield
or to buylde upon the same, being about 200 acres. It is to
be considered whether the same power be not in the Prince
if so he may make thereof £40 p[er] ann[um].
The Burgagers also by their charter owght to dwell upon
their burgages within two yeares of their entryes upon
forfecture of the same. And now all that holde their burgages
are forraygners, and dwell out of the towne some very remote
There is graunted by the charter nothinge but Burgages
onlie, which are the houses, yet now they holde among them
under couler of their burgages above 200 acres of Lande
besides their burgage gardens and yards; to which Landes
they have no apparent righte.
The tenantes of the manor have bene often amerced for
puttinge their cattle upon the Princes wast Land there
without licence, which nowe they totallie usurpe, not w[ith]standing
manie recorded to the contrarie.
Margin note] 14. H[enry] 6 Thomas White, John Sayre, Walter Credyforde John
Wetherdon and others give a fine to the lord for entry into the waste land
of the lord nearest of Saint Michael
The like g.E[lizabeth]. 4.
33. H[enry]. 6
Margin note 18. E[lizabeth] 4. 10 of the tenantes were amerced in severall sums for
doinge trespas with their cattle upon the Lordes waste
Margin note 11. H[enry]. 6. 8 tenn[an]tes were likewise amerced for the like
Margin note 14. H[enry]. 8. Thomas Hore, Tho[mas] Delfe, Simon More, Robert Leache and
Others gave to the lord king a fine to occupy the pasture £9 2d
Sowth Heathfeilde with their animals , amonge them xvs xd
The like 22.E[lizabeth].4. for easte Heathfield
Everye
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Bovie Tracie
Everye yeare untill the time of H[enry] 8 there comuns yelded
yearlie a rent; now utterlie dyscontynued
Note
Dyvers ten[an]tes holdinge by copie, take new estates, the tenant being in divers
possession doth not surrender, but takes a new copie to himselfe and others
whether copies thus graunted, a copie in being not surrendred, is to
be considered.
One Mr Thomas Sowthcote Senior gen[tleman] helde by copie certaine barton or
demesne Landes by theis wordes viz. Thomas Sowthcote Sen[ior] gentleman
held by Copy of the Barton two closes of land called The
Orchardes by per estimation 6 acres rent 40s
Margin note- see before Fo[lio] 59 the presentment. and Fo[lio] 75 for the entrie of his copie
This parte by the combination of Mr Eveley the then Stew[ard]
of the manor, and this Mr Sowthcote with Auditor Paddon
with and under couler of an abandoned tynn mill never in charge
with the contractors for mills in there wordes viz
Parcels of possessions called Richmond Landes
Margin note County of Devon A Farm of one mill stationed in the same place
called a Tynn Smyth with water course
belonging to it and the mill house
containing the same space and the stable adjacent
by estimation……….. feet in Longitude
and in Latitude ……….. feet. Two
Margin note- Parcels of the manor of Bovie Tracye closes of pasture called the the Orchardes 40s
containing by estimation 6 acres conceded to
George Sowthcote Thomas and Peter
sons of Thom[ase Sowthcote
to the end of their life successively by
Copy of the Court Roll given 22nd day
30 of March next in the reign of
Elizabeth. We Shall Pay yearly 40s
This particular was made without anie true grounde
insertinge the mill to be copie holde that was never in
charge
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Bovie Tracie
charge and so passe it under, the name of a copie wherin it
is not mentioned. And as parcell of the rente of 40s where
the 40s is the undder rente of the Lande. And the Lande the
verye site of the manor wherin the Kinge was abused in his
graunt and the Prince thus wrongfully to Loose his Lande
worthe £10 a year where the mill under couler wherof it
passeth not worth 2s a year.
—————————————————————————————————–
Penny Martin lives locally. She is a retired librarian and teaches a beginners’ Latin group for the Ashburton U3A. Penny led a short course on learning Latin at the U3A 2017 Summer School in Cirencester and has another one planned for the 2018 Summer School.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Grateful thanks to Dr John Booker for his tuition, and to both him and Dr David Stone for help with difficult parts of the palaeography/Latin translation.
REFERENCES
- Frank Kitchen 2008. John Norden . Oxford Dictionary of National Biography (Oxford)
- Heather Lawrence, 1985. John Norden and his Colleagues, Surveyors of Crown Lands in The Cartographic Journal 22, vol.I, pp.54-5.
- John Kew, 1967. The land Market in Devon 1536-1558. Unpublished Ph.D.thesis University of Exeter.; John E. Kew, 1967. Mortagages in Mid-Tudor Devonshire in Trans.Devon. Assoc.,Advmt Sci.vol.99, pp.165-179; John Kew, 1970. The Disposal of Crown Lands and the Devon Land Market, 1536-58 in Agricultural History Review xviii, 18, pt 1, pp.93-105.
- Calendar of State Papers Domestic Series James I, 1611-1618, p. 158. 26 November 1612, ed. Mary Anne Everrett Green, HMSO, 1967.
- John Norden, 1548-1625?, A Surveyor’s Dialogue, 4th edition, London, R. Montagu, 1738.
- John Norden, 1610 published 1720. Speculi Britanniae Pars Altera: or A Delineation of Northamptonshire, (London).
- London Metropolitan Archives.John Norden ; 1615-16 Survey of Devon manors CLA / 044/05/04.
- Frank Kitchen,1997. John Norden c. 1547-1625, Estate Surveyor, Topographer, County Mapmaker and Devotional Writer in Imago Mundi 49, pp. 43-61. Page 50 describes the background of Norden’s work and page 54 describes Norden’s methods.
- DHC 103M-0/T/21: Title Deed Gregory and Christyen Sprente [Sprint] of Collaton (Raleigh) to William Gorge and William Clerke 1578; explained in Frances Billinge 2017. The History of Yarner Bovey Tracey, reference 57, www.boveytraceyhistory.org
Updated 16 May 2018