Pubs, Manors and Other Estates

Sometimes land or buildings are part of a greater whole, or the way that they are used requires them to obtain permission from someone.  If so, there may be specific local records that tell you more about it.

Pubs have required a licence for centuries.  Until 1872, the county or borough magistrates were obliged to issue a licence; from 1872 the local magistrates or petty sessions court did the same.

Manors and manorial courts existed from the middle ages to 1925.  The Lord of the Manor would admit property holders into his jurisdiction, and note any changes in tenancy.  As well as the court records (in Latin until 1733), the Lord might survey his manor from time to time, or produce rentals of all those people occupying properties within the manor.

The manor was a particular type of estate, but there are many more that might have created records: other private estates, local authority smallholdings, or old community buildings such as hospitals, churches or schools long closed and now converted to a residential dwelling.

If you are interested in any of these properties in Berkshire, contact us for details of what we might have.