House ownership - The Fox High Street

The table below gives details about who owned and occupied the house. The sources for information vary; the records pre 1800 are mainly manor court rolls. Every time a property changed hands, even between family members, the transaction had to be recorded at the manorial court. The names of those who surrendered and those who were admitted and the entry fines they paid were written in the rolls of parchment by the clerk. An entry fine was paid to the lord of the manor and the new owner was given a written copy of the transaction, hence the term copyhold.

All records were in abbreviated medieval latin until 1752 except for a short period during the commonwealth between 1650 and 1660.Freehold property is rarely mentioned but can sometimes be found in the manor rentals. It is difficult to trace the history of a house as addresses are never given ad therefore the only way is to use the owners name or very occasionally the name of the house.

Post 1800 there are many more sources of information although actual addresses are not used until mid 20th century. One method of identifying a house in the records is by the description of the land that went with it or the annual rent paid to the lord of the manor which often didn’t change over a hundred years.

The table is arranged over five columns. The first gives the year of the record and the second is the source document sometimes with a reference number. The next two columns record the transfer of ownership and the occupier of the property. Click on the names to link to the people database. Sometimes there is no link to the database so go to the people page on the top navigation bar and simply type in the name you are searching for. The search function returns all documents where the name searched for appears in that document. Click on a name match to view the document in which that name appears. When viewing a record that contains other names, it is possible to perform a new search on that name by clicking on the name link.

The last column shows information about the property and any comments.

date source owner/buyer occupier comment
1587

 

Richard Frauncis transferred ownership to  John Pearles

 

John Bradewell

 

10/2/1587  quit claim. £7.  –  richard frauncis of ticknall, derby, armiger to john pearles of hitchin, yeoman. 2 cottages & 9a. of pasture & meadow, sold by william frauncis, father of richard frauncis.

 

1587

 

John Pearles to John Chapman John Bradewell

 

1/8/1587  bargain & sale. £44.  –  1. john pearles of hitchin, butcher. 2. john chapman, snr., of hitchin, yeoman & john chapman, jns., son & heir of john chapman, snr. 2 cottages (in occupation of john bradwell), 9a. ofmeadow & pasture in pirton & holwell, beds. (mortgage noted & assigned, £20 to be paid by purchasers to geo.horsey, esq., in colman street, london.

 

1587

 

John Pearles to John Chapman J0hn Bradewell

 

3/8/1587  feoffment.  –  john pearles of hitchin, butcher, to john chapman of hitchin, snr., yeoman, & john chapman, jnr., son & heir of john chapman, snr. 2 cottages & 9a. of meadow & pasture in pirton & holwell, bed, ie. 2a. in alton bottom, 2.5a. lately enclosed adjoining, 3a. in whitfield, 1a. next greneloe hill. abuttals given.

 

1587

 

John Pearles to John Chapman John Bradewell

 

1/8/1587  bond in £80.  –  john pearles of hitchin, butcher, to john chapman, snr. of hitchin,yeoman for performance of covenants in indenture of same date.

 

1587

 

John Pearles to Thomas Docwra John Bradwell

 

12/5/1587  counterpart mortgage by demise for 40 years. £20.  –  1. john pearles of hitchin, butcher. 2. thomas docwra of digswell, esq. 2 cottages (in occupation of john bradwell) 9a. of meadow & pasture. abuttals given. field names.

 

1601 Rental/ HALS

 

John Bradewell

 

house he lives in called col

 

1612 John Bradewell

 

John dies and his daughter is the wife of William Pryor
1639 Manor of Pirton Doddingselles Court book/HALS William Pryor transferred ownership to Mary Pryor Messuage. 1 ac of close adjoining Mary Pryor is William Pryors wife. The house is left split between Mary, the wife and Thomas the son for 1 half and William the other half. After his wife’s death their 2 sons William and Thomas have half of the land and house each have half of the property each.
1639 Manor of Pirton Doddingselles Court book/HALS Thomas Pryor transferred ownership to William Pryor Messuage.  1 acre of close adjoining Thomas immediately surrenders to  William on condition that William pays Rhoda his mother £3 a year
1639 Manor of Pirton Doddingselles Court book/HALS William Pryor transferred ownership to William Pryor Messuage.
1642 Tax to  relieve British army in Ireland Widow Prior    living in Pirton
1653 Manor of Pirton Doddingselles Court book/HALS John Brocket transferred ownership to William Pryor Land By The House And Ground Of Widow Pryor, Wm Pryor Her Son On The West Side, The Land Of John Brockett On The East Abutting Upon Town Lane On South. 1ac
1653 Manor of Pirton Doddingselles Court book/HALS Widow Pryor House. Near House Of John Brocket And On Town Lane
1663 Manor of Pirton Doddingselles Court book/HALS Mary Prior
1663 Manor of Pirton Doddingselles Court book/HALS William Prior
1670 Rental/ HALS William Pryor
1670 Rental/ HALS William Pryor
1687 Manor of Pirton Doddingselles Court book/HALS William Pryor transferred ownership to Jane Greene William Pryor Messuage. with a 1 acre pightle adjoining William Pryor surrendered house to Jane Shenley his intended wife but he died. The house is left to William Pyror the son and Jane who has now married Alexander Greene
1694 Manor of Pirton Doddingselles Court book/HALS Jane Greene transferred ownership to John Pryor Joan Woodell Colemans.  with a 1 acre pightle adjoining jane green widow of Wm Pryor & Alexander Greene is dead & house passes to son of Wm Pryor
1697 Manor of Pirton Doddingselles Court book/HALS John Pryor transferred ownership to Joan Woodell Colemans.  with a 1 acre pightle adjoining and barn 0
1706 Manor of Pirton Doddingselles Court book/HALS Widow Woodall transferred ownership to Sarah Campkin   1706 – 1721 Woodall
1713 Deeds/HALS John Hammond transferred ownership to Peter Goldsmith Messuage.  1 half ac close adjoining pightle of Tom Ansell on south close of widow Kitchener on North goldsmith carpenter
1722 Poll Books/HALS Peter Goldsmith    Peter Goldsmith Of Pirton Herts
1727 Poll Books/HALS Peter Goldsmith    Peter Goldsmith Of Pirton Herts
1733 Rental/ HALS Peter Goldsmith
1733 Rental/ HALS Peter Goldsmith
1734 Poll Books/HALS Peter Goldsmith    Peter Goldsmith Of Pirton Herts
1753 Land tax/HALS Peter Goldsmith
1754 Poll Books/HALS Peter Goldsmith    Peter Goldsmith Of Pirton Herts
1780 Land tax/HALS Francis Burges Francis Burges
1781 Land tax/HALS Francis Burges Francis Burges
1782 Land tax/HALS Francis Burges Francis Burges
1784 Poll Books/HALS Francis Burgess    Francis Burgess Of Pirton Herts
1784 Land tax/HALS Francis Burges Francis Burges
1785 Land tax/HALS Francis Burges Francis Burges
1786 Land tax/HALS Francis Burges Francis Burges
1787 Land tax/HALS Francis Burges Francis Burges
1788 Land tax/HALS Francis Burges Francis Burges
1789 Land tax/HALS Francis Burges Francis Burges
1790 Land tax/HALS Francis Burges Francis Burges
1791 Land tax/HALS Francis Burges Francis Burges
1792 Land tax/HALS Francis Burges Francis Burges
1793 Land tax/HALS Francis Burges Francis Burges
1794 Land tax/HALS Francis Burges Francis Burges
1795 Land tax/HALS Francis Burges Francis Burges
1796 Land tax/HALS Francis Burges Francis Burges
1797 Land tax/HALS Francis Burgess Francis Burges
1798 Land tax/HALS Francis Burges Francis Burges
1799 Land tax/HALS Francis Burges Francis Burges
1800 Land tax/HALS Francis Burges Francis Burges
1801 Land tax/HALS Francis Burges Francis Burges
1802 Land tax/HALS Francis Burges Francis Burges
1803 Land tax/HALS Francis Burges Francis Burges
1804 Land tax/HALS Francis Burgess Francis Burgess
1805 Land tax/HALS Francis Burgess Francis Burgess
1809 Manor of Pirton Doddingselles Court book/HALS Francis Burgess Alice Stausley Church End Cottage in Pirton, occ Alice Stausley. 1a adj called Colemans, 3r, on west of same, 2 half acre in Hambridge field in Clay Mill Way, 4 pieces arable in Windmill field. Also 1a. pasture called Hatch furlong close, ½a arable in Hambridge field in Peason Hill.
1809 Manor of Pirton Doddingselles Court book/HALS Francis Burgess transferred ownership to John Mott Alice Stausley Cottage.  1 acre adjoining called Colemans 0
1811 pre enclosure plan/Hofton John Kingsley John Hipgrave    Fox pub
1818 Enclosure award/HALS John Kingsley House and garden  2 rood 3 perch William Prior 1644
1823 Delme Radcliffe collection / HALS John Kingsley Cottage Adjoining Estate Of John And Elizabeth Conquest And John Collyson John and Mary Kingsley nee Furrian cottage, and a close of pasture [rent 2s6d] also 3ac.3roods in common fields.
1832 pigot – trade directory/HALS James Davies  Fox Ph  retailers of beer
1839 Manor of Pirton Doddingselles Court book/HALS John Kingsley transferred ownership to Charles Kingsley Cottage.   father to son Charles who auctions property
1839  Land sale/HALS Charles Kingsley transferred ownership to William Lucas John Kingsley A Respectable and Convenient Dwelling House Situate On The Right Of The Road Leading Through Pirton To The Rectory Farm bought for  £420 . A pleasant Garden in front enclosed with pallisade fence.  A large Garden at the back, well planted with fruit trees and an excellent Orchard well planted.  A Well with good water, also a Close of excellent Pasture adjoining. Farm Yard containing a 3 – bayed Barn, small Barn adjoining, and a good Cart Hovel.  Good stable for 4 horses, Wood Barn and Hen-house. Sitting room, Parlour, Kitchen, Washhouse and Bake-house with an oven capable of baking six bushels. 3 Chambers and a Granary over the wash-house. Bricked and tiled 2acre 2rood 35peck
1841 Census 1841 John Davies  Near Little Green.  John  Davies – The Fox age 50
1851 Census 1851 James Furr    James  Furr – Carrier & Licenced victualer age 27
1855 Kelly – trade directory/HALS James Furr  Fox Ph   retailers of beer
1861 Census 1861 James Furr    James  Furr – Carrier & poulterer age 38
1863 Rates/HALS Mary Ann Kingsley James Furr Land.  2 acre 2 rood 21 perch rateable value £5 0s 0d
1863 Rates/HALS  Lucas James Furr Public house.  2 acre 2 rood 22 perch rateable value £16 0s 0d
1863 Rates/HALS  Lucas James Furr Land.  5 acre  rateable value £8 6s 3d
1864 Cassey – trade directory/HALS John Parkins  Fox Ph.   beer retailer
1869 Register of electors/HALS William Males House and land. occupier   Near Church
1871 Register of electors/HALS William Males House and land. occupier   Near Church
1871 Census 1871 William Males    William  Males – Carpenter & publican age 31
1872 Register of electors/HALS William Males House and land. occupier   Near Church
1873 Register of electors/HALS William Males House and land. occupier   Near Church
1874 Register of electors/HALS William Males House and land. occupier   Near Church
1874 Licensees/HALS William Males The  Fox Pirton 27 Aug 1872 – 25 Aug 1874
1875 Register of electors/HALS William Males House and land. occupier   Near Church
1876 Register of electors/HALS William Males House and land. occupier   Near Church
1877 Register of electors/HALS William Males House and land. occupier   Near Church
1877 School admission register/HALS William Males    Laura  Males born 29/6/1869 enrolled 1877
1877 Sanitation report/HALS Messrs Lucas William Males Fox   with yard & garden. Well, drainage-into road drain. 4 inmates sharing 3 living rooms, 3 sleeping rooms and Privy
1878 Register of electors/HALS William Males House and land. occupier   Near Church
1878 Kelly – trade directory/HALS William Males    beer retailer & carpenter
1878 Kelly – trade directory/HALS William MaleS  Fox Ph.   Males jun beer retailer & carpenter
1879 Register of electors/HALS George Males Land. occupier   Near Little Green
1879 Register of electors/HALS William Males House and land. occupier   Near Church
1879 School admission register/HALS William Males    Katie Males born 22/8/1875 enrolled 7/7/1879
1880 Register of electors/HALS George Males Land. occupier   Near Little Green
1880 Register of electors/HALS William Males House and land. occupier   Near Church
1880 School admission register/HALS Rachel Males    Emma  Males born 7/3/1873 enrolled 1880 Last school – Infant Department,
1880 Licensees/HALS William Males The  Fox Pirton 24 Aug 1880
1881 Register of electors/HALS George Males land occupier.   Near Little Green
1881 Register of electors/HALS William Males House and land. occupier   Near Church
1881 Census 1881 William Males    William  Males – Carpenter & publican age 40
1882 Register of electors/HALS William Males House and land. occupier   Near Church
1883 Register of electors/HALS William Males House and land. occupier   Near Church
1883 School admission register/HALS William Males    Kate  Males enrolled 1883
1884 Register of electors/HALS William Males house and. land occupier   Near Church
1884 School admission register/HALS William Males    James Males born 8/11/1882 enrolled 12/5/1884
1885 Register of electors/HALS William Males House and land.occupier   Near Church
1885 Licensees/HALS William Males The  Fox Pirton 25 Aug 1885
1886 Kelly – trade directory/HALS William Males The  Fox Little Green  beer retailer & carpenter
1887 School admission register/HALS Charles Gardiner  Fox  Katie Gardiner born 4/7/1882 enrolled  1887/88
1887 Licensees/HALS William Males The  Fox Pirton 23 Aug 1887
1888 Licensees/HALS William Males The  Fox Pirton 21 Aug 1888
1889 Licensees/HALS William Males The  Fox Pirton 20 Aug 1889
1890 School admission register/HALS William Males    James  Males born 8/11/1882 enrolled 1890
1890 Kelly – trade directory/HALS William Males The  Fox Little Green  carpenter
1890 Licensees/HALS William Males The  Fox Pirton 26 Aug 1890
1891 Census 1891 William Males  The Fox.  William  Males – Carpenter & Publican age 49
1891 Licensees/HALS William Males The  Fox Pirton 25 Aug 1891
1893 Licensees/HALS William Males The  Fox Pirton 29 Aug 1893
1893 Licensees/HALS William Males The  Fox Pirton 23 Aug 1893
1894 Licensees/HALS William Males The  Fox Pirton 28 Aug 1894
1895 Kelly – trade directory/HALS James Thomas The  Fox Little Green  beer retailer
1895 Kelly – trade directory/HALS William Males    Carpenter.
1895 Licensees/HALS William Males The  Fox Pirton 27 Aug 1895
1898 Kelly – trade directory/HALS James Thomas The  Fox Little Green  beer retailer
1898 Kelly – trade directory/HALS William Males    Carpenter.
1901 Census 1901 James Thomas  The Fox Inn  James  Thomas – Carpenter & joiner age 60
1901 Census 1901 William Males  Burge End Nr  William  Males – Carpenter & joiner age 58
1902 Kelly – trade directory/HALS James Thomas The  Fox   beer retailer
1909 Register of electors/HALS James Thomas The  Fox
1910 Register of electors/HALS James Thomas The  Fox
1910 Rates/HALS William Lucas James Thomas Public house, the fox inn The Fox Inn 2 rood 18 perch gross value £22 0s rateable value £17 10s
1910 Rates/HALS William Lucas James Thomas land The Fox Inn 2 acre   rood 22 perch gross value £4 15s rateable value £4 10s
1911 Census 1911 Hubert Walker  Little Green. 5 rooms 4 in household Hubert John Walker Egg Dealer – age 45
1911 Census 1911 Rosetta Walker  Little Green. 5 rooms 4 in household Rosetta  Walker  – age 34
1911 Census 1911 Rita Walker  Little Green. 5 rooms 4 in household Rita Rose Walker  – age 7
1911 Census 1911 Dorothy Walker  Little Green. 5 rooms 4 in household Dorothy May Walker  – age 5
1911 Census 1911 Hubert Southall  Fox Inn. 8 rooms 2 in household Hubert Charles Southall Publican – age 40
1911 Census 1911 Margaret Southall  Fox Inn. 8 rooms 2 in household Margaret  Southall Assisting in the business – age 29
1912 Register of electors/HALS Charles Herbert Southall  dwelling house  The Fox Inn
1912 School admission register/HALS Hubert J Walker    May  Walker born 9/2/1906 enrolled 1912 Last school – Infants School,
1912 Kelly – trade directory/HALS Hubert John Walker  Fox Ph   beer retailer
1913 Register of electors/HALS Hubert John Walker  Dwelling house.  The Fox Inn
1914 Register of electors/HALS Hubert John Walker  Dwelling house  The Fox Inn
1915 Register of electors/HALS Hubert John Walker The  Fox
1922 School admission register/HALS Hubert Walker  Pirton  Alfred  James Walker born 15/3/1913 enrolled 1922 Last school – Pirton Junior,
1926 Kelly – trade directory/HALS Hubert John Walker The  Fox Little Green  beer retailer
1927 School admission register/HALS Hubert Walker  The Fox Inn  Ronald Jack Walker born 15/9/1922 enrolled 1927 Last school – None,
1929 Kelly – trade directory/HALS Hubert John Walker Fox Ph    beer dealer
1933 School admission register/HALS Harry Cook  The Fox Inn.  Derek Edmund Cook enrolled 1933
1935 Original rates/Hofton J W Ltd. Green Harry Cook Public hse & premises   gross value 24 rateable value 17
1935 Kelly – trade directory/HALS Harry Cook The  Fox Little Green  beer retailer
1937 Kelly – trade directory/HALS Harry Cook The  Fox Little Green  beer retailer
1939 National Registration Identity Cards/National Archives Harry Cook  The Fox Inn. married   DOB 8/9/1901 Licencee & general farm hand Age 38
1939 National Registration Identity Cards/National Archives Dorothy Cook   Married.   DOB 9/2/1906 Unpaid domestic duties Age 33
1939 National Registration Identity Cards/National Archives Donald Walker   Single.   DOB 15/9/1922 apprentice carpenter Age 17

 

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