Feet of Fines
Centrally recorded land conveyances, 1485-1625
Fines, or final concords, were originally (from the late 12th century) a procedure in the king's courts for enrolling agreements, following disputes between two or more parties. Land conveyances in the medieval period suffered from not having a central registry to record conveyances and help prevent fraud. By the late 13th century a work-around was developed by lawyers of turning the conveyance into a fictitious legal dispute between the parties. This resulted in a copy of the final agreement, or concord, between the purchaser, known as the querent or plaintiff, and the seller, known as the deforciant, being filed with the records of the king's court and open to public inspection. This final agreement was normally written out three times on a single sheet of parchment - two copies side by side and one copy across the bottom of the sheet, then cut into three parts, using indented or wavy lines. The purchaser kept one copy, the seller the other and the final copy - 'the foot of the fine'- was kept by the court as a central record of the conveyance. It was a means of having title registered to guard against subsequent fraud or forgery as copies if this three piece jig-saw would only fit together if genuine.
The Feet of Fines records, held in TNA, are under references CP 25/1 for conveyances before 1509, and CP 25/2 for conveyances 1509-1833. They are arranged by year and law term. There were four legal terms per year:
- Michaelmas term - from October to December
- Hilary term - from January to April
- Easter term - from April to May, and
- Trinity term - from June to July.
There is no central index for the Feet of Fines records, but fortunately for Yorkshire the Fines for 1172-1377 have been published by the Yorkshire Archaeological Society and others. There then follows a gap from 1378-1484, but this period is currently being worked on and the abstracts so far can be found on the SOME NOTES ON MEDIEVAL ENGLISH GENEALOGY website.
The Fines for all of the Tudor period have been published by the Yorkshire Archaeological Society in their Record Series as volumes, 2, 5, 7 and 8, as well as the early Stuart period, up to and including the reign of James I in volumes 53 and 58. This total period spans 1485-1625, and the returns for land conveyances in Bubwith and its hamlets have been extracted below.
Key for using the tables
Plaintiffs: the purchaser(s)
Deforciants: the seller(s)
Year-L: the Year plus the legal term, i.e M=Michaelmas; H=Hilary; E=Easter; and T=Trinity.
Feet of Fines of the Tudor period. Part 1.
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Plaintiffs
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Deforciants
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Nature and Situation of the Property
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Year-L
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John Sayuell, knt, and Richard Atkerode
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William Watson, heir and next of kin of Thomas Hiperon
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Messuage with lands in Folkerthorpe, Bubwith and Aughton, which Margaret Hiperon, widow of John Hiperon, holds during her life, by the demise of henry and John Sotehill
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1493-T
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Thomas Johnson
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Alexander Knyght and Cecilia his wife
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Messuage with lands in Bubwith
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1532-M
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Peter Batell and John Welfed
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George Vavasour and Ann his wife
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10 messuages with lands in Wyllytoft, Bubwith, Harlethropp, Balkhome and Langrake
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1534-M
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James Stangeways knt
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William Poulett knt, Lord St. John, Elizabeth his wife, and John Poulett his son and heir
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Manors of Brighton and Humanby and 80 messuages with lands in the same [and several other places, and various other manors and rights]
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1540-E
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William Skrymsher
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John Knyght, gent, son and heir of Alexander Knyght
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Messuage with lands in Bubwith
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1540/1-H
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John Pek
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John Aske and Elena his wife
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2 messuages with lands in Bubwyth and Wylytoste, which, after the death of John and Elena, remain to Christopher Ivetson and Margaret his wife, and their lawful issue, and failing such, after their deaths, to the right heirs of Margaret.
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1547-M
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Andrew Vavasour
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Arthur Darcy, knt, and Mary his wife
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Manor of Gunby and lands in Gunby and Bryghton
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1553-T
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John Bellowe esq.
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Christopher Bilburghe als. Bylbroke, gent
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2 messuages with lands in Wresill, Brighton, and Wallyngfen
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1555/6-H
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William Rokeby, son and heir of Ralph Rokeby, late serjeant-at-law
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John Bellowe esq, and Ursula his wife
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2 messuages and 3 cottages with lands in Wressyll, Brighton, and Wallyngfen.
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1558-M
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William Byrnard esq.
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Henry Johnson esq.
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Messuage with lands in Bubwith
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1564-E
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John Vavasor and Thomas Dowman
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Thomas Hopkynson and Margaret his wife, Robert Swanne and Alice his wife, William Barden and Ann his wife, and Robert Rychardson and Elena his wife
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2 messuages and 6 cottages with lands in Willytoft, Ellerton, and Bubwith
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1566-E
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Leonard Babthorpe, esq, and Edward Grymston
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Peter Vavasour esq.
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Manor of Spladington, and 40 messuages, 20 cottages, and a windmill, with lands in Spaldington, Willitofte, Bubwyth, Bryghton, and South Cave. To be held to the said Peter and his lawful male issue, and failing such, on his death, to the lawful male issue of Peter Vavasour knt, deceased, the grandfather of the aforesaid Peter, and failing such, to the lawful heirs of the aforesaid Peter vavasour esq.
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1567-T
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Richard Knolles
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Robert Blancherd and Ann his wife
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Messuage and a cottage with lands in Bubwith
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1567-T
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William Barker
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Richard Knolles and Ann his wife
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Cottage with lands in Bubwith
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1568-T
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Feet of Fines of the Tudor period. Part 2.
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John Hyndesley
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Christopher Jewetson
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Messuage with lands in Harlethorpe
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1572-M
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Thomas Maye and George Wymbyshe
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Thomas Margetson
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The moiety of 5 messuages and 3 cottages with lands in Fokerthorpe, to be held to Thomas Margetson during his life, and, after his death, to Thomasin his wife, and after her death to their lawful issue, and failing such, to the lawful heirs of Thomas.
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1576-E
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Hugh Bethell and John Wright, gents
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David Gyttyns, citizen and vyntner of London, and Alice his wife.
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The moiety of a messuage with lands in Fockkerthorpe
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1578-T
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Ann Aske, widow, and Robert Gunby
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Peter Vavisor and Christopher Kettlepeny and Elena his wife
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2 messuages with lands in Harlethorpe
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1579/0-H
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John Malorye, son and heir of William Malorye knt, Thomas Lassells esq, William Inglebye de Brantingham esq, Marmaduke Constable de Clyffe esq, John Inglebye de Aycome Grange esq, Robert Sothbye, gent, Richard Longley gent, and Robert Doweman gent, brother of Thomas Doweman esq.
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The same Thomas Doweman esq, and Elizabeth his wife.
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Manors of Badesworth, Gunbye, Wetherley, Pocklington, and Waplyington, and 30 messuages and 10 cottages with lands in the same, and in Skelbroke and Bolton.
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1580-E
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The Queen
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William Cecill knt, Lord Burghley, Treasurer to the Queen of England, Walter Mildmaye knt, and Robert Constable
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Manors of Flamborough, and Holme on Spaldingmoor, and 200 cottages and 4 mills with lands in the same and in Bubwith, Gribthorpe [and other places]
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1582-M
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Feet of Fines of the Tudor period. Part 3.
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John Acroyde, William Huthome, and William Halley als. Hawley
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George Vavasor, gent
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Messuage and a cottage with land in Bubwith.
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1583-M
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The Queen
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Robert Constable esq, Robert Constable gent, his son and heir, and Francis Constable gent.
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Manors of Flamborough, and Holme on Spaldingmoor, and 200 cottages and 4 mills with lands in the same and in Bubwith, Gribthorpe [and other places]
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1585-M
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Thomas Hodgeson and Christopher Sowden
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John Aykeroyd
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2 messuages with lands in Folkerthorpe and Haworth
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1586-E
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Thomas, Lord Howard, Henry, Lord Barkley, Henry Knevett knt, Thomas Knevett esq, Thomas Preston esq, and John Penruddock esq.
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William, Lord Howard, and Elizabeth his wife
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Castle of Hynderskelfe and [many manors and messuages and lands] in Spaldington [and many other places]
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1586/7-H
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Robert Brudenell gent
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Thomas Margetson gent and Thomasine his wife
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Messuage with lands in Fokerthorpe
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1587-E
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Matthew Hutton and Thos. Hewetson
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Christopher Jewetson
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2 messuages and 2 cottages with lands in Bubwith
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1587-E
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Thomas Jackson
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Robert Constable sen esq, Robert Constable jun gent, and Ann his wife, and Francis Constable gent
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4 messuages with lands in Bubwithe and Laythome
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1587-T
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John Aykroyde
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Robert Richardson and Ann his wife, William Richardson, John Richardson, and Robert Tasker and Ann his wife
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Messuage with lands in Bubwith and Aughton
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1588-E
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John Chapman gent, and Thomas Awdley
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Thomas Margetson and Thomasine his wife and Thomas Johnson and Katherine his wife
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Messuage with lands in Fockerthorpe and Boughbie
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1590/1-H
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John Raby
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Miles Eskricke and William Escricke
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Messuage with lands in Harlethrop and Aughton
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1592-M
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Christopher Hodgeson and Christopher Sowden
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Alexander Dawson and Elizabeth his wife and Arnold Dawson
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2 messuages and 2 cottages with lands in Holme in Spaldyingmore, Spaldyngton, Spaldynghome, and South Holme
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Feet of Fines of the Tudor period. Part 4.
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William Thomlynson, Edmund Casse, and George Maltus
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Thomas Margetson, gent
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Messuage with lands in Fockerthorpe and Boughby
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1597-T
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Francis Clyfford esq, and Marmaduke Grymston esq.
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Thomas Margetson, gent
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Messuage with lands in Fockerthorpe and Boughby
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1597-M
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William Rokeby gent
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Christopher Hodgeson gent, and Isabel his wife
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2 messuages and 2 cottages with lands in Holme in Spaldingmore, Spaldington, and Spaldinghome
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1601-T
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Yorkshire Fines for the Stuart period. Volume 1.
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Wm Hildyard esq, Thos Scudamor esq, Rich Hodgson esq, and Thos Snawsell gent
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John Aske esq
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Manor of Awghton and 10 messuages, windmill, lands, rents and view of frankpledge in Awghton, Spaldington, Foggerthorpe, Ellerton and South Duffield.
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1603/4-H
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Rich Smyth gent, and Augustine Hall gent
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Rich Townley esq and Jane his wife.
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12 messuages and lands in Bubwith, Haddlethorpe, Barleby and Osgodby. Warranty against John Townley esq father of the said Richard Townley and his heirs and against Mary Townley mother of the said Richard and her heirs.
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1605-T
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Constancius Waddington gent.
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Ellis Johnson
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4 messuages in the City of York and 5 messuages, 3 cottages and lands in Fockerthorpe.
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1607-M
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Anne countess of Arundell, Lord Wm Howard and Eliz his wife, Edward Carill knt, John Holland esq, John Cornwallis esq, and Robert Cansfield esq
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Fras. Dacre, one of the sons of Wm late Lord Dacre of Graystock and Gisland.
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Castle of Hynderskelfe and [many manors and messuages and lands] in Spaldington [and many other places]
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1607-M
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Humph Birletson and Wm Rusholme
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Wm Kirbie and Isabel his wife and John Hodgson and Anne his wife
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Lands in Bubwith
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1608-E
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Edward Carill knt, John Holland esq, John Cornwallis esq, and Robert Cansfield esq
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Lord Wm Howard and Eliz his wife, and Philip Howard knt
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Castle of Hynderskelfe and [many manors and messuages and lands] in Spaldington [and many other places]
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1608-M
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Robert Westebye
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Timothy Hutton knt and Elizabeth his wife
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Messuage, 2 cottages and lands in Bubwith. Warranty against the heirs of Matthew Hutton late archbishop of York, deceased, and against Thos Hewetson gent, and his heirs and against all others claiming through the said Timothy and Eliz, Matthew and Thos and their heirs.
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1611-T
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Henry Aikeroyd gent
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Robert Tasker and Eliz his wife
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Messuage and lands in Bubwyth
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1612-E
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Miliol Smythe
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Thos Raye and Phillipa his wife
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Messuage and lands in Bubwithe
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1612-T
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John Thomlinson sen, and John Thomlinson jun.
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Roger Boswell gent and Alice his wife
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Messuage and lands in Holme in Spaldingmore and Bubwithe
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1613-E
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Yorkshire Fines for the Stuart period. Volume 2.
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Henry Aykeroyd and George Esckrick | Henry, Earl of Northumberland | Cottage and lands in Breighton | |
Wm Watter esq. | Dorothy Hughes, widow, Margt Hughes, and Frances Hughes | Four messuages and lands in Fockerthorpe and Boughbye alias Bubwith | 1615-E |
Francis Earl of Cumberland, Henry Earl of Southampton, Robert earl of Essex, Wm Lord Burghley, Robert Lord Riche, Henry Lord Danvers, Augustin----, Wm ----, Henry Slyngesby knt, Wm Slyngesby knt, Richard Hutton sergeant-at-law, Francis Moore, sergeant-at-law, John Carville esq., Thos Heriett, gent | Henry Earl of Northumberland | Manors of Wressill, Newseham, Brind, Gribthorpe, etc. | 1615-E |
George Dalston knt and John Dudley esq | Lord Wm Howard and Eliz his wife | Castle of Hynderskelfe and messuages and land in Cottinwith, Spaldington, Ellerton | 1615-T |
George Atkinson | Richard Barker and Thos Barker | Two messuages and land in Bubwith and Pocklington | 1619-M |
Roland Water esq | Thomas Candler and Eliz his wife | Two messuages and land in Fockerthorpe | 1619-M |
Abm. Sunderland esq and Abm. Sowden gent | Rich. Townley esq, Rich. Townley gent, and Rich. Smyth gent | 9 messuages, 8 cottages, and lands in Bubwith, Harlethorpe and Aughton. Warranty against heirs of John Townley esq., dec., father of the said Rich., and against Frances Townley, late wife of Alex. Radcliffe, dec., and her heirs | 1621-E |
Thos. Dawney, knt, Goodrick, Dalston, Dudley |
Lord Wm. Howard and Eliz. his wife, and Wm. Howard |
Castle of Hynderskelfe and messuages, cottages, mills and land in Cottingwith, Spaldington, Ellerton, etc. |
1621/2-H |
Henry Acroyd, gent |
Henry Earl of Northumberland |
Messuage, cottage and lands in Breighton | 1614-E |
Henry Acroyd, gent |
Thos. Barker and Eliz. his wife, John Raby and Eliz his wife, and Robert Aske |
Messuage and lands in Harlethorpe and Bubwith. |
1622-E |
Henry Acroyd, gent |
Geo. Vavasour, gent and Joyce his wife, and Geo. Escricke |
Messuage and lands in Bubwith |
1622-E |
Henry Aickroyd, gent |
Roland Watter and Ann his wife |
Messuage and lands in Folkerthorpe. Warranty against Wm. Watter, father of sd Roland and his heirs and against heirs of Robert Heughes, dec., Thos. Heughes, Margaret Heughes, Frances Heughes, Dorothy Heughes and their heirs |
1622-E |
Roland Watter, gent |
Thos. Candler and Eliz his wife |
2 messuages and lands in Folkerthorpe | 1619-M |
Roland Watter, gent |
Thos. Candler and Eliz his wife |
4 messuages and lands in Folkerthorpe |
1623-E |
Roland Watter, gent |
Thos. Heughes, gent |
4 messuages and lands in Folkerthorpe |
1623-M |