For centuries the lives of our ancestors were controlled by the lord of the manor, because the manor was the only unit of local government until parishes were established. Manors continued to play an important role in our ancestors’ lives until their final demise in 1922.
Manorial records contain a wealth of information, and are an important resource for the history of our families. They provide a fascinating and impressive insight into the day-to-day life of everyone who lived in the manor irrespective of status.
Each manor was governed by its own set of rules and regulations known as the ‘custumal’, and they held courts to generally uphold the customs and transact all of the business, ensuring efficient management.
To do this the manor also had appointed and elected officials who undertook a variety of management roles that ensured its
