This page is compiled by the Library Service to provide complete coverage of historical sources. It is not intened to replace the more detailed information available from the Devon Record Office

Manorial records form a specialist field. The court leet and view of frankpledge elected the constable and hayward, dealt with the enforcement of laws and customs. The court baron dealt with changes of copyhold, property damage and the open field system. The general administration was in the hands of a steward. By the late 17th century vestries had taken over much business formerly dealt with by the manor. Types of records include accounts (or compoti), court rolls and custumals or extents. The records of many manors are to be found in local record offices, often as part of larger estate collections or as part of the records of bodies such as the Diocese of Exeter. Records have become scattered over the centuries and a national register is maintained by the Manorial Documents Register, part of the National Archives. The register can now be consulted on the Internet.

Later estate records normally include surveys, rentals, maps, household accounts and legal documents relating to estates, such as inventories, marriage settlements, wills and other probate records. Title deeds an leases form a large part of estate records. Among the larger estates in DRO are Bedford (1258M), Fortescue (1262M), Rolle (96M), Peter (123M), Courtenay (1508M), Drake (346M), Kennaway (961M) and the Diocese of Exeter. NDRO holds the estates of Chichester (50/11. 1308, 1478), Pine-Coffin (63/4) and the Bideford Bridge Trust (4274, B68, BBT). Because of the complex ownership of estates, many Devon estate records are held outside the county. The National Register of Archives at the Royal Commission on Historical Manuscripts will have entries for many of these.

Estate sale catalogues are important sources of information on estates. These printed and frequently illustrated items, often with detailed maps, do not always form part of the estate records but may form part of the collections of solicitors or estate agents or may be individually acquired. Libraries have some examples of these but there are extensive collection in DRO (especially 62/9 and 547B). They are currently being indexed by the Devon Gardens Trust.

Further reading:

Alcock, N.W. Old title deeds (1986)

Alcock, N.W. "An east Devon manor in the later middle ages" in Transactions of the Devonshire Association 102 (1970) 141-187; 105 (1973) 141-190. A study of the records of Bishop's Clyst.

Dibben, A.A. Title deeds (Historical Association Helps for students of history, 1968)

Finberg, H.P.R. Tavistock Abbey: a study in the social and economic history of Devon (2nd ed 1969).