Norfolk Documents: Gorleston (Suffolk)

© Transcription Copyright Linda Steward, August 2005.

Bacons Manor Court Appearance of Thomas DAWSON
of Gorleston, Suffolk - 1687

Bacons Manor
Court Baron 7th September 1687

The following persons are present at this court, and all reside here. Maria Barnes, Widow, Relict of Willi. Barnes deceased, and Thomas Marsden and Maria (Mary) his wife, and Galfridus (Godfrey or Geoffrey) Ward and Katherine his wife, their children and heirs. Maria Barnes and Katharine Ward having previously been examined, and have given their consent to the sale/transfer of Lands in this Manor, all Messuages thereon, and two Tenements now in the occupation of Willi. Alexander, and the orchards and gardens situated and existing in Gorleston, the boundaries of which abut Church Way, continue along Thomas Chamberlyn’s property which is at present occupied by John Tyers Junior, continues then along the edge of the Messuages now occupied by John Rising, next to John Bowler’s dwellinghouse and continuing along next to the “bitter stream” (Note: Possibly a stagnant pond, or cesspit?), past the unoccupied and dormant lands.

All of these were surrendered to Willi. Barnes and his wife by John Hale and Elizabeth his wife on 21st October 1650, and are now being transferred to Thomas Dawson Junior of Cromer in the County of Norfolk and Sara his wife, for their use.

(Note: Here follows the Ceremony - in this Court a symbolic handing over “By the Rod” - some manors had a symbolic clod of earth/bundle of straw etc.)

This Court admitting them as free and legal tenants By the Rod as is Customary in this Manor. Their Heirs and Assignees. Pledges given to Thomas Dawson and he in turn, giving his pledges to abide by the laws and customs of the Manor. Thomas Dawson has, by the Lord of the Manor’s Will to pay £12 per year plus his services as a juror to the Manor Court.

(In the margin: Mary Marsden Catherine Ward £3 T. Dawson £3 – Fines or final payments)

Thomas Dawson Junior has paid his monies, completed all the legal formalities, agreed to abide by the rules of the manor and made his declaration to all those present at this Court, is now formally admitted as a tenant of this Manor.

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