THE LEICESTERSHIRE SURVEY
(1124-29).
Asserting the importance of the Lindsey Survey, Mr Chester Waters observed that 'this is the sole record of its kind which deals with the interval between the completion of Domesday in 1086, and the compilation of the Pipe-Roll of 1129-30, and that no similar return of the landowners of any other county is known to exist' (p. 2). And, indeed, it would seem that the survey to which I now address myself has hitherto remained unknown. It is found in the form of a late transcript on an unidentified roll in the Public Record Office.[1]
Comprising the whole of Gosecote Wapentake, and in part those of Framland and Gartree, it retains for these divisions the Domesday name of Wapentake—they are now 'Hundreds'—while subdividing them into small 'Hundreds', of which the existence seems to have been hitherto unsuspected. Proceeding, like the I.C.C., 'Hundred' by 'Hundred', and Vill by Vill, it enables us, like that document, to reconstitute the aggregate assessments, and thus affords priceless evidence on 'the six-carucate unit'.[2] But apart from this, it is invested with no small importance from that 'great want of documentary evidence' for the reign of Henry I which Mr Hunter rightly lamented in his elaborate introduction to the first great roll of the Pipe (p. ii). It affords us new and trustworthy evidence on the many vicissitudes of the great fiefs, and enables us, while tracing the fortunes of their owners, to see how the first Henry provided for his novi homines, showering escheats and royal demesne on the trusty officials he had raised 'from the dust', as well as on his favourite nephew, Stephen, Count of Mortain.
The date of this survey is thus determined. The frequent mention of 'Rex D[avid]' places it subsequent to his accession to the throne in April 1124. On the other hand, the name of Ralf Basset (the justiciar) shows it to be anterior to his death; and he was dead before Mich., 1130 (Rot. Pip., 31 Hen. I). Moreover, it speaks more than once of Hugh de Leicester as 'Vicecomes', and Hugh's shrievalty seems from the Pipe-Roll to have terminated at Mich., 1129. We may therefore place this survey between the spring of 1124 and the autumn of 1129, with a likelihood of its having been compiled nearer the latter date.
Text of the Survey
... 'Comes Lerc[estri]æ vj. car.
H[undredum] de[3] Langeton'.—In eadem villa Comes Lerc[estriæ] xj. car. et j. virg. Ibidem Ric[ardus] Basset iii. car. et. j. virg. In thorp Eustaci[us] iij. car. et. iij. virg. In alia Langeton' Abbas de Burg' iiij. car. et iii. virg. Ibidem Henricus de pport j. car. In thurlington idem Henricus xij. car. In sscanketon' Comes Lerc[estriæ] x. car. Ansch' ij. car.[4]
H[undredum] de Chiburd'.—In eadem villa xii. car. de feodo Ansch'. In alia chiburd' Walt[erus] de Bell' campo xj. car., Ricardus Basset j. car. In bocton Comes Leicestriæ xij. car. In carleton' idem Comes x. car. Et Monachi Sancti Arnulphi v. virg. Et de ssoch' Regis iij. virg.[5]
H[undredum] de Knossinton.—In eadem villa ij. car. de Honore de Blida. Et Henricus de ferr' iij. car. et. iij. virg. In Osolinstona Rex D[avid] vij. car. In Picwell et in Lucerthorp de feudo Rogeri de Moubray xv. car. In Neubotel Robertus de ferr' j. car. et dim. In Burg' Marm' iij. car. In Balbegrave vj. car. iij. bov. minus de Soch[a] Regis. In Mardefeud iij. car. de eadem Soch[a]. In alia Mardefeud iij. car.[6]
Gosecote Wap'
H[undredum] de Lodinton[e], in Sceftinton[e] Norm[annus] de Verdun viij. car. et dim. Ricardus Bass[et] iij. car. et dim. In Gokebia Normannus de Verdun vj. car. In Adelacston[e] v. car. et j. virg. de feodo Regis David. Et de Soch[a] Regis iij. virg. In Ludinton[e] Ricardus Basset xii. car. In Thorp et in Twyford Ricardus de Roll[os] ix. car. j. bov. minus. Ibidem Henricus de ferr[ariis] ix. car. j. bov. minus. Et de Soch[a] Regis v. car. Ex hiis Grimbaldus tenet dim. car. et Rex D[avid] j. car. In Norton[e] x. bov. Walter de Bello campo vj. car. Et Roger de Moubray iiij. car. et iij. virg.[7]
H[undredum] de[8] Tilton.—In eadem villa ij. car. j. bov. minus de Soch[a] Regis. Ibidem Walt[erus] de Bello campo iij. car. Archiepiscopus[9] j. car. In Neuton[e] Walter de Bello campo iiij. car. Roger de Moubray viii. car. In Lousebia Rex David xij. car. In Watebergia Dominicum Regis iiij. car. In Hallested Normannus de Verdun iij. car. j. virg. minus.[10]
H[undredum] de bebia.—In eadem villa Abbas de Croyland xij. car. In Cahiham iiij. car. de Soch[a] Regis. Comes Lercestrie ij. car. In Hung'ton ix. car. In Siglebia ix. car. et. vj. bov. et dim. de[11] Comite Lercestriæ. Ibidem Comes Cestrie iij. car. Ibidem Ricardus Basset ij. car. Robertus de ferrer[iis] v. bov.[12]
H[undredum] de Barkbia.—In eadem villa v. car. de feodo de Belvar[o]. In Hamelton' et in thorp vi. car. de eodem feudo, et de feodo Comitis Lercestriæ j. car. et dim. In Thormedeston Canonici iij. car. In Crocheston[e] ij. car. et j. bov. et dim. de Soch[a] Regis. In Neubold[e] Robertus de ferer[iis] j. car. et dim. In Barnesby Rex iij. car. et dim. bov. Ibidem Comes Lercestriæ xiij. bov. In Gadesby [t]erra[13] Reg[is] viij. car. et dim. et dim. et dim. [sic] bov. Ibidem Episcopus Lincolniensis viij. bov. Comes Lercestriæ j. car. et dim. bov. Ricardus Basset dim. car. Rex D[avid] ij. car.[14]
H[undredum] de Essebia.—In eadem villa Rex David v. car. Ibidem Hugo de Lerc[estria] j. car. In Humberstay Roger de Ram[is] viij. car. Ibidem Walter de Mustere j. car. Rad[ulfus] de Martinwast iij. car. In Mardegrave Comes Lercestriæ xij. car. In thurmedeston idem Comes car. [sic.] Idem in Burstall ix. car. Idem in Anlepia vij. car. Idem in Anesting[e] vj. car.[15]
H[undredum] de Resebia.—In eadem villa Ricardus Basset v. car. Ibidem Comes Cestrie ij. car. et dim. Rex David iiij car. et dim. In Quenburg[o] xij. car. de feodo de Belvar[o]. In Siefton[e] Comes Lercestriæ xij. car. In Brokesbya Comes [sic] Cestrie v. car. Rex David j. car. quam Pip[er]d tenet. In Quenebia vj. car. de feodo de Belvar[o]. In thurketleston[e] de feodo Comitis viij. car. In Cropeston[e] iiij. car. In Rodeleia terra Regis v. car.[16]
H[undredum] de Magna Dalbia.—In eadem villa Episcopus Lincolniensis ix. car. et dim. Radulfus Basset j. car. et iij. bov. Ibidem Wil[elmus] Gam[erarius] j. car. In frisebia Comes Cestrie iij. car., et de Soch[a] Regis viij. car. In Rederbia Comes cestrie vi. car. In Asfordebia Comes Lercestriæ xiij. car. In Wartnadeby de Soch[a] Regis vi. car.[17]
Hundredum de Dalbia super Wald'.—In eadem villa ix. car. de feodo Edwardi de sar[esbiria], Comes Lercestrie iij. car. In Grimestona de Soch[a] Regis iij. car. j. bov. et dim. minus. Ricardus Basset iij. car. In Saxebia Comes Lercestrie v. car. et de Soch[a] Regis j. car. In Siwaldebia Comes Lercestrie vj. car. In Cosinton[e] Comes Cestrie vj. car. In Horton[e] Robertus de Jor' ij. car.[18]
H[undredum] de Turstanestona.—In eadem villa Thomas x. car. et iij. virg. Ibidem Roger de Moubray xiiij. bov. In Wileges ij. car. de eodem feudo. In Rachedal[e] vj. car. de eodem feudo. In Houbia vij. car. et j. virg. de feodo Thome. Ibidem de feodo Albemarl' iiij. car. et iij. virg.[19]
H[undredum] de tunga.—In eadem villa cum appendiciis xij. car. de feodo Roberti de ferr[ariis]. In Caggworth Comes Cestrie xv. car. In Wrdintona iij. car. secundum cartam Regis et s[uper] dictum[20] hominum hundredi xij. car.[21]
H[undredum] de[22] Luaeb'.—In eadem villa j. H[ida] et xiij. car. cum appendiciis. In cherlega vj. car. et dim. In Dixeleia et in Geroldon et in Thorp ix. car. In Hantirna est dim. H[ida].[23]
H[undredum] de Beltona.—In eadem villa Normannus de Verdon vj. car. In Overton[e] Ricardus Basset iiij. car. In Wrdinton[e] j. car. In alia Overton[e] Robertus de ferr[ariis] ij. car., ibidem Comes Cestrie j. car. In Stanton Robertus de ferr[ariis] ij. car. Ibidem Normannus de Verdon iij. car. In Dailescroft Philippus de Bello Campo Maresc[allus] j. car. In Doninton Comes Cestrie cum appendiciis xxij. car. et dim. In Witewic Comes Lercestrie j. car. et dim. Ibidem Robertus de ferr[ariis] j. car. et dim.[24]
H[undredum] de Dichesword.—In eadem villa Robertus de ferr[ariis] vj. car. et j. virg. Comes cestrie vj. car. Ibidem Comes iij. car. et dim. Normannus de Verdon j. car. et ij. bov. In Hanthirn[e] ix. car. In Widesers iij. car. Willelmi de Gresel[e]. Idem in Lintona j. car. In blakefordeb[ia] Comes Lercestriæ iij. car. In Culverteb[ia] ij. car. et Robertus de ferr[ariis] j. car. In Wodete Robertus de ferr[ariis] j. car. et dim. In Alton[e] Comes Lercestriæ j. car. et dim. Idem in Raveneston[e] j. virg. et dim. Ibidem Comes Cestrie iij. virg. et dim. Et Comes War' ij. car. In Suipestona Hugo vic[ecomes] ij. car.[25]
H[undredum] de Seyla.—In eadem villa Robertus de ferr[ariis] vij. car. In alia Seyla idem vj. car. Idem in Bocthorp j. car. Idem in appelbia j. car. et j. bov. Idem in Strecton j. car. et dim. Idem in Durantestorp ij. car. quas Walkelinus tenet. Idem in Swepeston[e] vj. car. In Neuton ij. car. In Actorp dim. car. In Chilteston Comes cestrie j. car. Idem in Alpelbia dim. car. In Assebia Comes Lercestriæ iij. car. In Pakinton Hugo Vicecomes v. car. Idem in Osgodesthorp dim. car. In scegla Henricus de Alben[eio] ij. car. que pertinent ad defencionem de Swepeston[e].[26]
H[undredum] de Shepesheved.—In eadem villa Comes [ ][27] et in wacthon[e] et in Lokinton et in Aminton ij. h[idas] et dim. et iiij. car. In Wacton[e] Normannus de Verdon ij. car. et ij. bov.[28]
Framelaund Wap'
H[undredum] de caleverton[e].—In eadem villa xij. car. de feodo Willelmi de Alben[eio]. In Someredebia Robertus de ferr[ariis] v. car. Ibidem Roger de Moubray vj. car. Ibidem Robertus Marm[ion] iij. car. et in Burg[o] iij. car. In Dalbia Robertus de ferr[ariis] v. car. et j. bov. de feodo tessun. Ibidem Roger de Moubray xv. bov. In Wittok Walt[erus] de bello campo j. car. et dim. In Gillethorp Roger de Moubray iij. car. Idem in Burg[o] j. car. In Neubold Robertus de ferr[ariis] j. car. et dim.[29]
H[undredum] de Estwell.—In eadem villa Robertus de ferr[ariis] ij. car. Ibidem Roger de Moubray vj. car. Robertus de insula iiij. car. In aitona idem Robertus iij. car. et ij. bov. Et de Belvero dim. car. et dim. bov. Ibidem Robertus de insula viij. car. et iij. bov. et dim. In Branteston[e] Episcopus Lincolniensis vij. car. et dim. Robertus de Insula iiij. car. et dim.[30]
H[undredum] de Melton[e].—In eadem villa Roger de Moubray xv. car. Idem in Burton[e] xj. car. et vij. bov. Et de Honore blide iij. car. Robertus de ferr[ariis] ix. bov. In Fredebia ix. car. et ij. bov. et dim.[31]
H[undredum] de Chirchebia.—In eadem villa Roger de Moubray xxiiij. car. Idem in chetlebia viiij. car. In Sixtenebia iiij. car. et dim. de eodem feudo. Ibidem Rex D[avid] iiij. car. et dim. In alebia ix. car. de feudo Rogeri. Ibidem Rex David iij. car.[32]
H[undredum] de Droctona.—In eadem villa Comes de Moretonio xij. car. In thorp Comes Lercestriæ xij. car. In brantingbia vj. car. de eodem feodo. In Ringolfestorp ij. car. et ij. bov. de eodem feodo. Robertus de ferrer[iis] j. car. et vj. bov. In Wyfordebia iiij. car. et dim. de blide. Roger de Moubray j. car. et dim. In chetelby et Holewell[e] ix. car. de feodo Basset. Episcopus Lincolniensis j. car.[33]
H[undredum] de Scaldeford.—In eadem villa Rex David xj. car. et dim. Ricardus Basset dim. car. In Goutebia Roger de Moubray vj. car. In Knipton Comes de Moriton[io] viij. car. et vi. bov., et Willelmus de Alben[eio] iij. car. et ij. bov.[34]
H[undredum] de[35] Waltham.—In eadem villa Comes Lercestriæ xvj. car. et dim. Alanus de creon ij. car. et dim. In Stonesbia idem Alanus viij. car. In Caston Robertus de ferr[ariis] ix. car.[36]
H[undredum] de Barcheston.—In eadem villa Willelmus de Alben[eio] xxiij. car. G. Camerarius j. car. In Saltebia et berthaldebia xx. car. de feodo Peuerelli. In Garthorp Willelmus Mesch[in] vij. car.[37]
H[undredum] de Sproxcheston[e].—In eadem villa Rex David viij. car. Alanus de Creon ij. car. Ibidem filius Gilberti ij. car. In Bucheminest[re] et in Seustern[e] ix. car. et dim. de feodo Episcopi Lincolniensis. Ibidem Robertus de ferer[iis] dim. car. Willelmus Mesch[in] v. car. In Sessebia Rex David iij. car. Robertus de ferrer[iis] iij. car.[38]
H[undredum] de Claxton[e].—In eadem villa xvi. car. et dim. et dim. bov. Ibidem Henricus Tuchet xj. car. j. bov. minus. In Houwes de feodo de Beluer vij. car. et dim.[39]
H[undredum] de Stapelford.—In eadem villa x. car. de feodo Roberti de ferrer[iis]. In Wymundeham et in thorp xxvij. car. et dim. de eodem feodo. Ricardus Basset iij. car. et dim.[40]
H[undredum] de Herdebia.—In eadem villa et in plungar xvij. car. de feodo Willelmi de Alben[eio]. Ibidem Ricardus Basset j. car. In Stacthirn Willelmus de Alben[eio] viij. car. et dim. Ibidem Roger de Moubray viij. car. Robertus de Insula j. car. et dim.[41]
H[undredum] de Botlesford.—In eadem villa et Moston et Normanton[e] Willelmus de Alben[eio] xxxij. car. Ibidem Agnes de Gaunt ij. car. In Moston[e] Robertus de Insula j. car. et dim.[42]
[H]undredum de crocstona.—In eadem villa Comes Maur[itonii] xxiiij. car. In Harestan idem Comes xij. car.'[43] ...
[FINIS.]
The work of identifying the places named in this survey is difficult, not only from the corruption of the text, but also from the fact that many of them are only obscure names, needing, for their perfect ascertainment, local knowledge. A careful study of the map will show that these Leicestershire 'Hundreds', unlike those to which we are accustomed in the hidated districts, were strangely intermingled among themselves. Another of their peculiarities is that just as we find the reconquered 'shires' named each after its capital town, so these 'Hundreds' were each named after one of their Vills instead of after some natural object—probably the meeting-place of the primitive moot[44] —as so often in the south of England.
It is important to observe that, except for this survey, we should not even have known of the existence of these 'Hundreds' in Leicestershire. And when we compare the entry on our roll—'Framelaund Wap'. Hundredum de Calevertone. In eadem villa xii. car.'—with that in the Derbyshire Domesday: 'Morelestan Wepentac. Salle Hundred. In Salle et Draicot et Opewelle ... xii. car.' (i. 273), it is scarcely possible to resist the conclusion that, in this passage relating to Sawley, divided only by a river from Leicestershire, we have a glimpse of the same system existing in Derbyshire also. That is to say, that Sawley was not a 'Hundred' of twelve carucates,[45] as has been suggested,[46] but was the caput of a 'Hundred' similar to those of Leicestershire. I believe, indeed, that in our survey we see the system on which these counties were surveyed in 1086. The original returns will have been drawn up Wapentake by Wapentake, and 'Hundred' by 'Hundred'. But when transcribed into Domesday Book the entries were arranged under Wapentakes alone, and the headings of the 'Hundreds' omitted. In the case of Sawley alone the heading slipped in, immediately preceding the entry of the Manor, as it must have done on the original return. It is thus that I account for the mention of 'leets' slipping into the Norfolk Domesday, in two cases, from the original return;[47] just as, in Cambridgeshire, the total assessments of Impington and Chatteris have slipped, from the original returns, into the Inq. Eliensis,[48] though duly omitted in Domesday Book.
One more point should be noticed. The somewhat mysterious entry of land belonging 'ad defensionem de Swepestone' is at once made clear when we compare it with that 'Defensio x. acrarum', to which I have appealed[49] in discussing 'Wara', and which, like the 'wered' of the Northamptonshire geld-roll,[50] refers to assessment for Danegeld.
We will now collate some of our 'Hundreds' with the relative entries in Domesday.
| Lodington Hundred | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| (1086) | (1124-29) | ||
| Skeffington | |||
| Rex | 12 | Norman de Verdon | 8½ |
| Richard Basset | 3½ | ||
| Tugby | |||
| Rex | 6 | Norman de Verdon | 6 |
| Allexton | |||
| Countess Judith | 6 | King David's fee | 5¼ |
| Rex | ¾ | ||
| Lodington | |||
| Robert de Buci | 12 | Richard Basset | 12 |
| Twyford | |||
| Rex | 4½ | Richard de Rullos | 8¾ |
| Thorpe Sackville | |||
| Henry de Ferrers | 8¾ | ||
| East Norton | |||
| [?Rex | 3] | [Richard Basset] | 1¼ |
| Robert dispensator | 4½ | Walter de Beauchamp | 6 |
| Geoffrey de la Guerche | 4½ | Roger de Mowbray | 4¾ |
| —— | —— | ||
| 12 | 12 | ||
| Tilton Hundred | |||
| Tilton | |||
| Rex | 2 | Rex | 1¾ |
| Robert Despencer | 3 | Walter de Beauchamp | 3 |
| Archbishop of York | 1 | Archbishop | 1 |
| —— | —— | ||
| 6 | 5¾ | ||
| Newton Burdet | |||
| Geoffrey de la Guerche | 6 | Walter de Beauchamp | 4 |
| Hubert serviens | ½ | Roger de Mowbray | 8 |
| Loseby | |||
| Countess Judith | 9 | King David | 12 |
| Whadborough | |||
| Rex | 3 | Rex | 4 |
| Halsted | |||
| Rex | 2¾ | Norman de Verdon | 2¾ |
| Beby Hundred | |||
| Beby | |||
| Crowland Abbey | 10½ | Crowland Abbey | 12 |
| Keyham | |||
| Rex | 4 | Rex | 4 |
| Hungerton | |||
| 9 | |||
| Sileby | |||
| Hugh de Grantmesnil | 8½ | Earl of Leicester | 913⁄16 |
| Earl of Chester | 3 | ||
| Rex | 3¼ | Richard Basset | 2 |
| Robert de Ferrers | 1¼ | ||
| Barkby Hundred | |||
| Barkby[51] | |||
| Robert de Todeni | 18 | 'Belvoir' | 5 |
| Hambleton | |||
| 'Belvoir' | 6 | ||
| Barkby Thorpe | |||
| Adeliza de Grentmesnil | 1½ | Earl of Leicester | 1½ |
| Thurmaston | |||
| Hugh de Grentmesnil | 10 | ||
| Hugh de Grentmesnil | 3½ | Canons [of St Mary de Castro, Leicester][52] | 3 |
| Croxton | |||
| Rex | 23⁄16 | ||
| Newbold Folvile | |||
| Henry de Ferrers | 1 | Robert de Ferrers | 1½ |
| Barnesby | |||
| Rex | 4⅝ | Rex | 31⁄16 |
| Earl of Leicester | 1⅝ | ||
| Gaddesby | |||
| Rex | 8⅜ | Rex | 89⁄16 |
| Rex | 1 | Bishop of Lincoln | 1 |
| Countess Judith | 2 | Earl of Leicester | 11⁄16 |
| Richard Basset | ½ | ||
| King David | 2 | ||
| Hundred of Ashby | |||
| Ashby Folvile | |||
| Countess Judith | 4[53] | King David | 5 |
| Countess Judith | 1½ | Hugh of Leicester | 1 |
| Humfrey camerarius | 1[54] | ||
| Humberston | |||
| Hugh de Grentmesnil? | Roger de Ramis | 8 | |
| Walter de Mustere | 1 | ||
| Ralf de Martinwast | 3 | ||
| Belgrave | |||
| Hugh de Grentmesnil | 7 | Earl of Leicester | 12 |
| Adeliza de Grentmesnil | 1 | ||
| Thurmaston | |||
| Earl of Leicester | [10] | ||
| Burstall | |||
| Hugh de Grentmesnil | 6 | Earl of Leicester | 9 |
| Wanlip | |||
| 'In manu Regis' | 4 | Earl of Leicester | 7 |
| Hugh de Grentmesnil | 2 | Earl of Leicester | 6[55] |
| Rearsby Hundred | |||
| Reresby | |||
| Robert de Buci | 1¾ | Richard Basset | 5 |
| Rex | 1⅞ | Earl of Chester | 2½ |
| Countess Judith | 2½ | King David | 4½ |
| Queneborough | |||
| Geoffrey de la Guerche | 9 | 'Belvoir' | 12 |
| Syston | |||
| Hugh de Grentmesnil | 9 | Earl of Leicester | 12 |
| Brooksby | |||
| Earl of Chester | 2 | Earl of Chester | 5 |
| Countess Judith | ¾ | King David | 1 |
| Quenby | |||
| Robert de Todeni | 2 | 'Belvoir' | 6 |
| Robert de Todeni (in South Croxton) | 4 | ||
| Thurcaston | |||
| Hugh de Grentmesnil | 9 | Earls [of Leicester] | 8 |
| Cropston | |||
| Rothley | |||
| Rex | 5 | Rex | 5 |
| Dalby Hundred | |||
| Great Dalby | |||
| Bishop of Lincoln | 8 | Bishop of Lincoln | 9½ |
| Robert de Buci | 1 | Ralf Basset | 1⅜ |
| Humfrey Cam. | 1 | William 'Gam' | 1 |
| Frisby | |||
| Rex (Barrow) | 1 | Earl of Chester | 4 |
| Rex | 8 | Rex | 8 |
| Retherby | |||
| Rex (Barrow) | 2¾ | Earl of Chester | 6 |
| Ashfordby | |||
| Rex (Rothley) | 12 | Earl of Leicester | 13 |
| Radulfus Framen | 3½ | ||
| Wartnaby | |||
| Rex | 6 | Rex | 6 |
| Hundred of Dalby on the Wolds | |||
| Dalby on the Wolds | |||
| Ralf fitz Hubert | 9 | Edward of Salisbury | 9 |
| Earl of Leicester | 3 | ||
| Grimston | |||
| Rex | 213⁄16 | Rex | 213⁄16 |
| Robert de Buci | 3 | Richard Basset | 3 |
| Saxelby | |||
| Rex | 1 | Rex | 1 |
| Earl of Leicester | 5 | ||
| Sileby | |||
| Hugh de Grentmesnil | 8½ | Earl of Leicester | 6 |
| Cossington | |||
| Earl of Chester | 6 | Earl of Chester | 6 |
| Hoton | |||
| Robert de Lorz | 4 | Robert de Jor' | 2 |
| Thrussington | |||
| Guy de Raimbercurt | 12 | Thomas | 10¼? |
| Guy de Raimbercurt | [18] | Roger de Mowbray | 1¾? |
| Wilges | |||
| Robert de Buci | 2 | Roger de Mowbray | 2 |
| Ragdale | |||
| Robert de Buci | 6 | Roger de Mowbray | 6 |
| Hoby | |||
| Thomas | 7¼ | ||
| Dru de Bevrere | 4¼ | 'Albemarle' | 4¾ |
| Hundred of Tong | |||
| Tong | |||
| Henry de Ferrers | 21½ | Robert de Ferrers | 12 |
| Kegworth | |||
| Earl of Chester | 15 | Earl of Chester | 15 |
| Worthington | |||
| Henry de Ferrers | 4 | 3 or 12 | |
In the case of this last Hundred our survey records a conflict of testimony and, in so doing, mentions incidentally (as would Domesday) the witness of the Hundred-court. Henry de Ferrers in the Domesday Survey, is credited with 21½ car. in 'Tunge cum omnibus appendiciis', and with four in 'Werditone' (i. 233). But here Tong, 'cum appendiciis', is reckoned at twelve car. only. There remained, therefore, to be accounted for a large balance of car., and these the men of the Hundred assigned to his Manor of Worthington. It is desirable to analyse some of the fiefs in our survey, and, by comparison with Domesday, to trace their descent or origin.
| Roger de Mowbray's fief | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| (1124-29) | (1086) | ||
| car | [Geoffrey de la Guerche] | ||
| Picwell and Lucerthorp | 15 | Pichewelle and Luvestorp | 14 |
| East Norton | 4¾ | East Norton | 4½ |
| Newton Burdet | 8 | Newton Burdet | 6 |
| Thrussington | 1¾ | ||
| [Robert de Buci] | |||
| Wileges | 2 | Wilges | 2 |
| Rachedale | 6 | Ragendele | 6 |
| [Geoffrey de la Guerche] | |||
| Somerby | 6 | Dalby | 4 |
| Dalby | 1⅞ | Dalby | 2½ |
| Gillethorp | 3 | Godtorp | 3½ |
| Burg | 1 | Burg | 1 |
| Eastwell | 6 | Eastwell | 6 |
| Melton | 15 | Melton | |
| Burton | 11⅞ | Burton | 11⅞ |
| [Fredebie | 95⁄16 | Fredebie | 10] |
| Chirchebia | 24 | Cherchebi (17 + 7) | 24 |
| Kettleby | 9(?) | Chettlebi | 8 |
| Sixtenebia | 4½ | Sistenebi (2½ + 2) | 4½ |
| Alebia | 9 | Alebia | 7¾ |
| Wyfordebia | 1½ | Wordebia | 1½ |
| Goutebi | 6 | Goutebi | 6 |
| Stacthirn | 8 | Stachetone | 8¼ |
| Anschitel's fief | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| car | car | ||||||||
| Scanketon' | 2 | Scantone | 2 | Robert de Veci. | |||||
| Chiburd | 12 | Chiborne | 12 | Robert de Veci. | |||||
| Edward of Salisbury's fief | |||||||||
| Dalby on the Wolds | 9 | Dalbi | 9 | Ralf fitz Hubert. | |||||
| William Meschin's fief | |||||||||
| Seustern | 5 | Seustern | 5 | William Lovet. | |||||
| Henry de Albini's fief | |||||||||
| Scegla | 2 | Sela | 2 | Nigel de Albini. | |||||
| Gilbert's son's fief | |||||||||
| Sproxcheston | 2 | Sprotone | 2 | Godfrey de Cambrai. | |||||
| William Chamberlain's fief | |||||||||
| Great Dalby | 1 | Dalby | 1 | Hunfridus Camerarius. | |||||
| Thomas's fief | |||||||||
| 18 | Thrussington | 18 | Guy de Raimbercurt. | |||||
| Count of Mortain's fief | |||||||||
| Broctone | 12 | Broctone | 12 | Rex. | |||||
| Knipton | 8¾ | Cnipeton | 8¾ | Rex. | |||||
| Croxton | 24 | Croxton | 24 | Rex. | |||||
| Harestan | 12 | Horstan | 12 | Rex. | |||||
| Alan de Craon's fief | |||||||||
| Stoneby | 8 | Stoneby | 8 | Guy de Craon. | |||||
| Waltham | 2½ | Waltham | 2½ | Guy de Craon. | |||||
| Sproxton | 3 | Sproxton | 2 | Guy de Craon. | |||||
| William de Albini's fief | |||||||||
| Cold Overton | 12 | Cold Overton | 12 | Dru de Bevrere. | |||||
| Knipton | 3¼ | Knipton | 3¼ | Robert de Todeni. | |||||
| Herdebi and Plungar | 17 | Herdeby | 17 | Robert de Todeni. | |||||
| Stacthirn | 8½ | Stacthirn | 9¾ | Robert de Todeni. | |||||
| Bottlesford | 32 | Bottlesford | 24(?) | Robert de Todeni. | |||||
| Henry Tuchet's fief | |||||||||
| Claxton | 10⅞ |
| 10½ | Robert Hostiarius. | |||||
| Robert Hostiarius | |||||||||
| Richard Basset's fief | |||||||||
| Langton | 3¼ | ||||||||
| Chiburd | 1 | ||||||||
| Skeffington | 3½ | Skeffington | 3½ | Rex. | |||||
| Lodington | 12 | Lodington | 12 | Robert de Buci. | |||||
| Sileby | 2 | Sileby | 2¼ | Rex. | |||||
| Gaddesby | ½ | ||||||||
| Reresby | 5 | Reresby | 1¾ | Robert de Buci. | |||||
| Grimstone | 3 | Grimstone | 3 | Robert de Buci. | |||||
| Overton | 4 | Overton | 4 | Robert de Buci. | |||||
| Kettleby and | 9 | Holwell |
| Robert de Buci. | |||||
| Holwell | Kettleby | ||||||||
| Goatby | 6 | Goatby | 6 | Robert de Buci. | |||||
| Scaldeford | Scaldeford | ½ | Robert de Buci. | ||||||
| Wymondham | 3½ | Wymondham | 3½ | Robert de Buci. | |||||
| and Thorpe | |||||||||
| Hardebi | 1 | Hertebi | 1 | Robert de Buci. | |||||
The fief of Richard Basset is that of a typical man, of one of those trusted officials who flourished under Henry I. We know not the fate of Robert de Buci, a Domesday baron in Leicestershire and Northants; but as two, at least, of his Leicestershire estates passed, we have seen, to Mowbray, it was, we may infer, forfeiture or escheat that brought his fief into the king's hands, and enabled him to divide it among his own favourites. We learn from the evidence to which I am coming that the eight carucates in Swinford and Walcote, and the two in little Ashby which Robert de Buci had held in 1086, were in the hands of Geoffrey Ridel ninety years later. We may then infer, though they are not included in the sphere of our survey, that they had been obtained, like the rest, by Basset temp. Hen. I.[56]
The elaborate fine made at Leicester, June 31, 1176,[57] has an important bearing on the Bassets' Leicestershire possessions. Not only does it specify the lands they held at Swinford (with Walcote), Ashby, and Fleckney, but it mentions their fee of Madeley, Staffordshire. Now the descent of this Staffordshire fee can be traced by charters on the same roll.[58] One of these (No. 12) is a confirmation, by Robert de Stafford, of Madeley to Geoffrey Ridel, to be held as his 'antecessores' had held it. This was Geoffrey, son of Richard Basset, by Maud Ridel, as is shown by the fact that the first witness to the charter is Hervey de Stretton, who held two knights' fees of Stafford in 1166,[59] and that another is Robert Bagot, who held a quarter of a fee,[60] while Geoffrey Ridel himself then held one, namely, Madeley.[61] But the enrolling scribe confused him with his (maternal) grandfather and namesake (d. 1120), and thus wrongly assigned this charter to the reign of Henry I, and threw the whole descent into utter confusion. The right clue is found in a charter of Robert 'de Toni' (i.e. de Stafford), 'conceding' Madeley to Robert 'de Busa' (alias 'de Busci'), 'per servitium unius militis'.[62] This fee, therefore, must have come to the Bassets with the rest of the Buci estates; and we thus learn that this must have been late in the reign of Henry I, for the names of the witnesses to this charter prove that it must be subsequent to 1122.[63]
As Robert de Buci was then in possession, it cannot have been, here at least, till later that Basset succeeded him.
Among the points to be observed in the descent of the above fiefs are Edward of Salisbury's succession to that of Ralf fitz Hubert,[64] the appearance of Henry de Albini, founder of the Cainho line, as successor to Nigel, and the portions of the great Belvoir fief, held in Domesday by Robert de Todeni, now owned by Robert de L'Isle and William de Albini 'Brito'. In the midst of great but vanished names, it is pleasant to meet with one, at least, still surviving in the male line: William de Gresley, holder of Linton (a Derbyshire hamlet close to Gresley), had succeeded, there and at 'Widesers', Nigel, a tenant of Henry de Ferrers in 1086 (D.B., i. 233b).[65] In this 'Nigel', therefore, it would seem, we have Nigel de Stafford, Lord of Drakelow (D.B., i. 278).
I will close with the names of those who had succeeded the Domesday tenants-in-chief.
| HEIRS | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Count of Meulan | Earl of Leicester | ||
| Earl Aubrey | (Escheat) | ||
| 'Countess' Godgifu | |||
| 'Countess' Ælfgifu | Earl of Chester (Donnington) | ||
| Earl of Chester | Earl of Chester | ||
| Hugh de Grentmesnil | Earl of Leicester | ||
| Henry de Ferrers | Robert de Ferrers | ||
| Robert de Todeni | William de Albini | ||
| Robert de Veci | [Anschitil] | ||
| Roger de Busli | [Honour of Blyth] | ||
 | Walter de Beauchamp | ||
| Robert Dispensator | Robert Marmion | ||
| Henry Tuchet (10⅞) | |||
| Robertus Hostiarius, (10½) | |||
| Ralf Mortimer | |||
| Ralf fitz Hubert | Edward of Salisbury | ||
| Guy de Raimbercurt | [Thomas] | ||
| Guy de Craon | Alan de Craon | ||
| William Peverel | Honour of Peverel | ||
| William Buenvaslet | Comes War'? | ||
| William Loveth | Will. Meschin | ||
| Geoffrey Alselin | |||
| Geoffrey de 'Wirce' | [Escheat] | ||
| Godfrey de Cambrai | the son of Gilbert | ||
| Gunfrid de Cioches | |||
| Humfrey Camerarius | Willelmus Camerarius | ||
| Drogo de Bevrere | Albemarle | ||
| Nigel de Albini | Henry de Albini | ||
| 'Countess' Judith | King David | ||
[1] Q.R., Misc. Bdle. 558, I.P.R., 8113; Knight's Fees, Com. Leic.
[3] MS. 'in'.
[4] Langton, Thorpe Langton, Tur Langton, Shangton.
[5] Kibworth, Burton Overy, Carlton Curlieu.
[6] Knossington, Owston, Picwell and Leesthorpe, Newbold, Burrow, Baggrave, Marefield.]
[7] Skeffington, Allexton, Thorpe and Twyford, East Norton.
[8] MS. 'in'.
[9] MS. 'Archid'.
[10] Tilton, Loseby, Whadborough, Halstead.
[11] Interlined.
[12] Beeby, Keyham, Hungerton, [? Sileby.]
[13] MS. injured here.
[14] Barkby, Hambleton, Thorpe, Thurmaston, South Croxton, Barsby, Gaddesby.
[15] Ashby, Humberstone, Belgrave, Thurmaston, Birstall, Wanlip, Ansty.
[16] Rearsby, Queensborough, Syston, Brooksby, Rothley, Thurcaston, Cropston.
[17] Great Dalby, Frisby, Rotherby, Asfordby, Wartnaby.
[18] Dalby on the Wolds, Grimston, Saxelby, Sileby, Cossington, Hoton.
[19] Thrussington, Ragdale, Hoby.
[20] MS. illegible.
[21] Tong, Kegworth, Worthington.
[22] MS. 'in'.
[23] Loughborough, Charley, Dishley, Garendon, Thorpe, Hathern.
[24] Belton, [? Coleorton, Worthington, Staunton Harold, Castle Donington, Whitwick.]
[25] Diseworth, Hathern, Linton (Derby), Blackfordby, Ravenstone, Snibston.
[26] Seal (Nether and Over), Bogthorpe, Appleby, Stretton on le Field, Donisthorpe, Swepston, Oakthorpe, Ashby, Pakington, Osgathorpe.
[27] Blank in MS.
[28] Sheepshed, Whatton, Lockington.
[29] Cold Overton, Somerby, Burrow, Dalby, Withcote, Newbold.
[30] Eastwell, Eaton, Branston.
[31] Melton Mowbray, Burton Lazars, Freeby.
[32] Kirby Bellars, Abkettleby, Sysonby.
[33] Nether Broughton, Thorpe, Brentingby, Wyfordby, Abkettleby, Holwell.
[34] Scalford, Goadby, Knipton.
[35] MS. 'in'.
[36] Waltham, Stonesby, Coston.
[37] Barkstone, Saltby, [? Bescoby, Garthorpe.]
[38] Sproxton, Seustern, Buckminster, Saxby.
[39] Clawson, Hose.
[40] Stapleford, Wymondham, Edmondthorpe.
[41] Harby, Plungar, Stathern.
[42] Bottesford, Muston, Normanton.
[43] Croxton, Harston.
[44] See the valuable list, for Dorset, in Mr Eyton's Key to Domesday, p. 143.
[45] The Lincolnshire 'Hundred'.
[46] Waters' Survey of Lindsey, p. 5; Eng. Hist. Rev., v. 100; supra, p. 73.
[47] Supra, p. 90.
[48] Ed. Hamilton, pp. 113, 116.
[49] Supra, p. 101.
[50] Supra, p. 127.
[51] Including Hambleton and Hungerton (6) in Domesday.
[52] By grant of Robert, Count of Meulan.
[53] In Newbold.
[54] In Barnsby.
[55] Given (as 24 virgates) to Leicester Abbey.
[56] See also supra, p. 130.
[57] Infra, p. 388.
[58] Sloane Cart., xxxi. 4.
[59] Liber Rubeus, Ed. Hall, p. 266.
[60] Ibid., p. 268.
[61] Ibid.
[62] Sloane, xxxi. 4, No. 10.
[63] They are 'Nigellus de Aubeni, Ran[ulfus Comes Cestrie, Galfridus Cancellarius, Simon decanus Lincolnie, Willelmus fil' Reg', Thomas de Sancto Johanne, Willelmus de Aubeny Brito, Unfridus de Bohun et alii.' The Dean's occurrence so late is worth noting.]
[64] Compare 'The Barons of Criche' (Academy, June 1885).
[65] That William was his son is proved by the Ferrers Carta (1166), which enters 'Willelmus filius Nigelli' as the tenant of four fees under Henry I, and as succeeded, in 1166, by his son Robert.