Unlock the story of English local life through ancient manor records.
This book explains how manorial documents illuminate everyday life, law, and landholding across generations. It presents key forms, terms, and sources in a clear, accessible way.
The text brings together original records and translations to show what life was like in the manor system. It places these documents in historical context and demonstrates how they can be used by researchers, students, and curious readers alike. Aimed at a general audience, it highlights how courts, fields, and rights connected villages, parishes, and noble houses.
- Easy explanations of terms and recurring phrases found in court rolls, extents, and custumals
- Examples of how manors were managed, including duties, rights, and daily work
- Illustrations of how to use primary sources for local history and genealogy
- Guidance on locating and reading key documents from various archives
Ideal for readers who enjoy local history, genealogy, and the study of how an ancient institution still echoes in modern life.