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Frequently asked questions
Here you can find the most frequently asked questions answered by Stephen Johnson* MA
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1. How did Manors originate?
English manors originated in the 9th and 10th centuries as landed estates for the Anglo-Saxon elite and religious institutions. After the Norman invasion of 1066 the Norman conquerors formalised their existence. Technically all manors belonged to the King and were granted to his subordinates.
2. Can I buy a Lordship of the Manor?
Manors are considered property under English law as incorporeal hereditaments - property without physical being. Because they are property they can be bought and sold as such. This practice has been common since the Medieval period.
3. How do I know I've bought the real thing?
Manors purchased in the same way as any other property via conveyance. The purchaser and vendor will sign a conveyance agreed between their respective solicitors and the buyer will receive documents showing how the previous owner came to be in possession of the title. The buyer’s solicitor must be satisfied with the paperwork before completion and the title itself is conveyed to the purchaser. The purchaser will buy the title as freehold NOT merely the sellers ‘right’ to the title. If this is what is offered then the seller should always seek legal advice.
4. Can I leave it in my will or sell it again
Like any property titles can be left in a will to a specific person or persons. The title is assumed to pass with the residue of the estate if not specifically named so one might wish to make special provision in a will. This can be easily arranged by a solicitor. Since manors are property they can also be sold. If one inherits a manor and wishes to sell then they must make sure that they have received probate or letter of administration before selling. Again this can be arranged or checked by a solicitor. Always store your documentation in a safe place in case you do decide to sell at a future date.
5. Can I use the title publicly?
Use of the a title is entirely at the discretion of the holder but it can be used publicly. The correct style would be “John Smith, Lord of X, or Jane Smith, Lady of X”. The title can be added to a passport or credit cards.
*Stephen Johnson is head of Historical and Manorial Rights Research:
tel: +44 (0)1782-613503
email: virgate2015@gmail.com
English manors originated in the 9th and 10th centuries as landed estates for the Anglo-Saxon elite and religious institutions. After the Norman invasion of 1066 the Norman conquerors formalised their existence. Technically all manors belonged to the King and were granted to his subordinates.
2. Can I buy a Lordship of the Manor?
Manors are considered property under English law as incorporeal hereditaments - property without physical being. Because they are property they can be bought and sold as such. This practice has been common since the Medieval period.
3. How do I know I've bought the real thing?
Manors purchased in the same way as any other property via conveyance. The purchaser and vendor will sign a conveyance agreed between their respective solicitors and the buyer will receive documents showing how the previous owner came to be in possession of the title. The buyer’s solicitor must be satisfied with the paperwork before completion and the title itself is conveyed to the purchaser. The purchaser will buy the title as freehold NOT merely the sellers ‘right’ to the title. If this is what is offered then the seller should always seek legal advice.
4. Can I leave it in my will or sell it again
Like any property titles can be left in a will to a specific person or persons. The title is assumed to pass with the residue of the estate if not specifically named so one might wish to make special provision in a will. This can be easily arranged by a solicitor. Since manors are property they can also be sold. If one inherits a manor and wishes to sell then they must make sure that they have received probate or letter of administration before selling. Again this can be arranged or checked by a solicitor. Always store your documentation in a safe place in case you do decide to sell at a future date.
5. Can I use the title publicly?
Use of the a title is entirely at the discretion of the holder but it can be used publicly. The correct style would be “John Smith, Lord of X, or Jane Smith, Lady of X”. The title can be added to a passport or credit cards.
*Stephen Johnson is head of Historical and Manorial Rights Research:
tel: +44 (0)1782-613503
email: virgate2015@gmail.com
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