Medieval Documents

 Stockleigh near Crediton  in east Devon  was a Domesday holding of Ralph de la Pomeroy and

came to be known as Stockleigh Pomeroy  more here

These are 700 year old records from Devon Records held in a bundle marked Stockleigh Pomeroy. 

Written on fine vellum in neat & very small script ; 

all the more remarkable when one considers they were written by candlelight some 700 years ago, 

using a quill,  probably made from a goose feather, with ink made from lampblack or oak gall ! 

These vellum documents are in Latin , which I don't read -

 For me they are simply things of beauty and not a little awe.

~~~

One of them is a document made by Sir Henry Pomeroy,  in the 13th century.

 giving his cook, Nigel, the mill at Stockleigh Pomeroy for his lifetime

see below   the document  has a seal that might be an eagle.

STOCKLEIGH POMEROY, or SOUTH STOCKLEIGH, in the hundred of West Budleigh and in the deanery of Cadbury, lies about four miles from Crediton, and about eight from Tiverton

 The manor belonged, for many generations, to the ancient family of Pomeroy, as parcel of the barony of Berry.

It is said to have been forfeited by Sir Thomas Pomeroy, for killing a pursuivant at arms however this is a mere tradition, but it might have happened in the rebellion of 1549, for his share in which he was attainted.

The property latterly belonged to Sir John Davie, Bart., in whose family it was from before 167. if not at an earlier period. The bishop is patron of the rectory.

Batyn Mill still exists today. More here

These are the few archive documents which I photographed in February 2013 

Devon Record Office  3799M-0/ET/2/1a  1267 Valle

Contents: Deed of warranty

1. Gilbert prior of Merton and the convent of the same place

2. Sir Henry of 1a Pomeroy

Warranty against the Abbot and convent of Valle in Normandy of all lands and tenements which the Abbot and convent once held in 2.'s manor of Bery and which 2. now hold by grant from 1.

Date: St Vincent, martyr, 1267

Seal: virgin and child 'SIGM.ECCLESIE.SAN[CTE].[M]ARIE.DE.MERITONA'. obverse, the abbot standing with his hand raised in blessing

'TUNDI.LUCERNA.NO[N].[AU]GUSTINE.GUBERNA'.

~

Devon Record Office  3799M-0/ET/23/1  1213 Brundon

Contents: Grant for 9 years

1. Henry of Pomeroy son of Henry of Pomeroy and Alice of Vere

2. Reginald Beaupeil

Premises: all 1.'s land of Brudon

Consideration: 90 silver marks, being 10 marks for each year the said Henry of Pomeroy, Geoffrey of Pomeroy his brother, John the cleric, Reginald Beaupeil, and Richard his son have made on oath to faithfully keep this agreement

Witnesses for Henry of Pomeroy: William of Prahall, Elias Coffin, Oliver Malherb, Robert of Carnuo, Ralph of Fomicyn, Geoffrey Coffin, William of Pomeroy

Date: the feast of St Michael, 15 John  Seal: oval, a bird with outstretched wings, "SIGIL. REGINALDI. [ ]"

14th century

Devon Record Office  3799M-0/ET/12/2  1378 East Washourne

Contents: Grant

1. Sir John of la Pomeroy knt.

2. John Polkesfenne, tailor, of Dartmouth

Premises: all the trees or wood growing on a bank of the garden of 1. at Estwaschbourne, ( East Washbourne) which bank encloses the said garden on the north. 2. is to have the right of ingress and egress to cut down trees and take them away until the next feast of St Michael, and he is to leave some trees growing on the bank so that it is well and conveniently hedged

Date: Berry Pomeroy, Wednesday, the feast of the Conversion of St Paul the Apostle, 1 Richard II 1378

~

Devon Record Office  3799M-0/ET/19/1  1349 Sandridge & Paignton

Contents: Quit claim

1. Richard of (Pomeroy) Sandrigge, brother and heir of Henry of (Pomeroy) Sandrigge

2. Sir John of Grandisone, bishop of Exeter and Sir Otho of Grandisone knt., his brother

Premises: all 1.'s right to all the messuages, lands and tenements of Sandrigg in the manor of Paignton, which 2. hold by gift and feoffment of Thomas Hawardyn

Witnesses: Thomas of Corteney, Henry of Pamera (Pomeroy ) the younger, knts., Richard of Chusildene, Peter of Clyfford, Richard of Campo Arnulph, Nicholas of Kirkham, John of Christow

Date: Chudleigh, 20th April, 23 Edward III 

~

Devon Record Office  3799M-0/ET/19/1a  1362 Sandridge & Paignton

Contents: Deed of gift

1. John of Grandisson, bishop of Exeter

2. Sir Edmund of Arundell knt., and 1.'s dear niece Sibilla his wife

Premises: all 1.'s messuages, lands and tenements of Sandrigge in the manor of Peyngton together with the rents and services as much of the free tenants as of the others for the same tenements and lands, to be held by Edmund and Sibilla, and Sibilla's heirs

Witnesses: Sir John of Montacute and Sir Henry of 1a Pomeray the younger, knts., also Osbert Hamely, John of Clyfford, William Braibrok

Date: our manor of Chudleigh, 18th May, 36 Edward III (

Seal: the Virgin and Child with Sts Peter and Paul either side, underneath is the bishop with his mitre and crozier kneeling in prayer "TU FAVEAS ANNIS [?Patri tecc] VIRGO IOHANNIS"

(Bishops of Exeter had a palace at Chudleigh which occupies an east/west orientated site, and mainly falling within the modern boundaries of Palace Farm (c1695) in Rock Road, a little to the south of the town It is under the care of English Heritage .)

~

 Devon Record Office  3799M-0/ET/19/2  1371 Sandridge

Contents: Quit claim

1. John of Montacute, knt.

2. Thomas of 1a Pomeray

Premises: all 1.'s right in all the lands and tenements in Sandrugge, which 1. and 2. recently recovered jointly by a judgement in the king's court by a writ of right against Edmund of Arundell knt., and Sibilla his wife, by the name of one messuage, one carrucate and a half of land, and seven acres of meadow in Gabrielestoke and Paignton

Witnesses: Guy of Bryene, Henry of la Pomeray, William of Botreaux, John Daumarle, knts., Henry Percehay, John Cary, William Cary

Date: 1st May, 45 Edward III Seal: round, shield with three lozenges, a helm and a bird with outstretched wings, "[S.] IOHIS.DE.MONTEACUTO"

~

 Devon Record Office  3799M-0/ET/19/3  1371 Sandridge

Contents: Quit claim

1. Osmon of Arundell knt.

2. Nicholas of 1a Pomeray and Thomas of 1a Pomeray

Premises: 1.'s right to lands and tenements in Sandrugge in the parish of Gabrielstoke

Date: 4th May, 45 Edward III  Seal: shield with coat of arms

~

Devon Record Office  3799M-0/ET/19/4  1376 Wylle

Contents: Deed of gift

1. Roger Pole of Dartmouth

2. Thomas of 1a Pomeray

Premises: all 1.'s tenements and lands in Wylle and Aleborne in the parish of Stoke Gabriel - Well Farm & Aleborne

Witnesses: John of la Pomeray, John Daniel knts., William of la Pomeray, Nicholas of la Pomeray, Nicholas of Kyrham, William Greneway

Date: Wylle, Friday before the feast of St Michael the Archangel, 50 Edward III  Seal: round, four-footed winged creature, "XPRDIVESN"

The Pomeroys here are brothers some of the 5 brothers of Henry by his wife Johanna Moels

~

Devon Record Office  3799M-0/ET/19/5  1376 Wylle 

Contents: Power of attorney

1. Roger Pole of Dartmouth

2. Robert Irlond chaplain and John Gerneys to give seisin to:

3. John of la Pomeray

Premises: lands and tenements in Wille and Aleborn in the parish of Stoke Gabriel

Date: Dartmouth, Friday before the feast of St Michael the Archangel, 50 Edward III

Seal: same matrix as 3799M-0/ET/19/4

~ 

Devon Record Office  3799M-0/ET/19/6  1378 Wylle 

Contents: Quit claim

1. Constance, who was wife of Roger Pole of Dartmouth

2. Thomas of 1a Pomeray

Premises: all 1.'s right in lands and tenements in Wylle and Yealleborne, by reason of dower from Roger Pole, once 1.'s husband

Date: Dartmouth, Thursday after the Nativity of the BVM., 2 Richard II

Seal: round, six pointed star

15th Century

Devon Record Office  3799M-0/ET/19/7  1404 Sandridge

Contents: Deed of gift

1. Edward Pomeray

2. Robert Saundre vicar of the church of Stoke Gabriel and Thomas Cornwale chaplain

Premises: all 1.'s messuages, lands and tenements in Saundrygge, Wille, Teynghervy, Wellecombe, Wallys and Lake

Witnesses: Thomas Bevyle, Roger Ley and Roger Brendon

Date: 14 June, 5 Henry IV

Seal: small, rectangular, initial I

~

Devon Record Office  3799M-0/ET/19/8  1404 Sandridge

Contents: Deed of gift

1. Robert Saundre, vicar of the church of Stoke Gabriel, and Thomas Cornewale, chaplain

2. Edward Pomeray and Margaret his wife

Premises: all 1.'s messuages, lands and tenements in Sanndrygge, Wylle, Teynghervy, Wellecombe, Wallys and Lake, which 1. had by gift from Edward Pomeray, to be held by 2. and the legitimate heirs of their bodies

Witnesses: Edward Boson, John Wolhay, Thomas Bernhous, Richard Aysshe, John Bokkeyate

Date: Sanndrygge, Tuesday after the feast of the translation of St Thomas, 5 Henry IV  Seals: small, round, man's head; small, oval, crown and two initials

~ 

Devon Record Office  3799M-0/ET/19/9  1404 Sandridge

Contents: Power of attorney

1. Edward Pomeray and Margaret his wife

2. John Lussher and John Spryng

To take seisin from:

3. Robert Saundre vicar of the church of Stoke Gabriel and Thomas Cornwale, chaplain

Premises: messuages, lands and tenements in the towns of Sanndrygge, Wille, Teynghervy, Wellecombe, Wallis and Lake

Date: Sanndrygge, Tuesday after the feast of the translation of St Thomas, 5 Henry IV  Seals: same matrices as 3799M-0/ET/19/8

(Seisin (or seizin) is the legal possession of a feudal fiefdom (i.e., an estate in land). It was used in the form of "the son and heir of X has obtained seisin of his inheritance", and thus is effectively a term concerned with conveyancing in the feudal era. In the feudal age, the king alone "owned" all the land of England by his allodial right; all his subjects merely held tenures in fiefs, that is to say estates-in-land.)

~

Devon Record Office  3799M-0/ET/2/23  1404 Berry Pomeroy

( was this what they did when the knight went off to fight? put thier estates into the hands of other whom they trusted ? )

Contents: Manor and whole estate. Confirmation

1. Edward Pomeray

2. Johanne wife of John of la Pomeroy knt. ( de Merton)

Premises: all the manor of Berry Pomeroy with Worth, Weston, Boreton and Bruggeton Pomeroy

Warranty against the Abbot of Buckfast and his successors and Elias Penyls and his heirs

The confirmation is to be void if 2., after the death of John, enters in on any manors, lands or tenements belonging to John in Stockleigh Pomeroy, Brixham and Harberton,

 or if 2. grants or leases to anyone her estate in the manor of Berry Pomeroy with Worthy, Weston, Boreton and Bruggeton Pomeray

Witnesses: Richard Champernon knt., John Arundel knt., Walter Raynold, William Ferrers, Edmund Bosoun, Robert Scobehille, Philip Botterord

~

Devon Record Office  3799M-0/ET/2/11  1407  Boreton .in the manor of Berry POMEROY 

Contents: Bourton. Lease for 60 years

1. John of la Pomeray knt., and Johanna his wife

2. William Ryder and Johanna his wife

Premises: all that close of land at Boreton which John Mohoun held   Rent: 7/-

Witnesses: Edward of la Pomeray, John Cole, William Ferrers, Richard Aysshe, Robert Miderhille

Date: Biry Pomeray, 23rd September, 8 Henry IV  Seals: 1st seal, Virgin and Child, with inscription, 2nd seal, a heart, made by a signet ring

~

Devon Record Office  3799M-0/ET/2/31  1409 Berry Pomeroy

Contents: Park: Deed of grant for 40 years

1. John of la Pomeray knt. and Johanne his wife

2. John Parker and Ricarde his wife

Premises: one close of land in Byry Park which lies on the west boundary of Northtorp with one close of land called Lady Park with free ingress and egress to the same, and with a free way from Lady Park to the water of Byry Park for watering all his animals, which way is limited by the western boundary of the meadow called Brounysmede

Rent: 18/-

Witnesses: Richard Ayshe, William Rydere, Walter Hennebon, John Suddon, Thomas Glaas

Date: Berry Pomeroy, Monday after St Mathias the Apostle, 10 Henry IV Totnes

Devon Record Office  3799M-0/ET/2/10  c.1410

Contents: Bourton. Lease for 60 years

1. John of la Pomeray knt., and Johanna his wife

2. Walter Tracy of Bryggeton Pomeray

Premises: a piece of land at Foredon by Boreton lying between the land of the heirs of William Straa on the north and the highway leading from Bryggeton [Pomeroy] to Exeter on the east, the river Dart on the west and the land of William Wytte on the [south], with a certain river bank by the Dart belonging to the same piece of land, which [ ] Gyldene held from 1. at will

Rent: 2/-

Witnesses: Richard Aysshe, Walter H[ ], William Ryder, John Suddon, John Beaghe

Date: Biry Pomeray, [ ] after the feast of the Purification, [ ] Henry IV  Seal: armorial, no inscription~

 Devon Record Office  3799M-0/ET/2/15  1411 Lancombe

Contents:  Longcombe. Lease for 20 years

1. John of la Pomeray knt. and Johanna his wife

2. John Mayon

Premises: all the tenure in Lancombe which William [ ] held

Rent: 19/3d

John and his heirs and assigns are exempt from the office of reeve during the term

Witnesses: William Ryder, Walter [ ], John Suddon, John Parkere, John [ ]

Date: Byry Pomeroy, [ ] after the feast of St Martin, 13 Henry IV  Seal: device surrounded by inscription

~Date: Berry Pomeroy, Friday before the Annunciation, 5 Henry IV Seal: flower shape, 'ihs' in centre~   

Devon Record Office  3799M-0/ET/2/7  1411   Berry Pomeroy 

Contents: Afton. Lease for 60 years
1. John of la Pomeray knt. and Johanna his wife
2. John Boweton
Premises: all that cottage with curtilage adjacent in Affeton, with all that close of land containing three acres, which were both held by John SuddonRent: 4/2dWitnesses: William Ryder, Walter Hennebon, John Suddon, John Benet, Walter Boon

Date:  Byry Pomeray, Monday, the feast of St Clement the Martyr, 13 Henry IV  Seal: eight spoked wheel, no inscription

~

Devon Record Office  3799M-0/ET/2/24  1413 Berry Pomeroy  

Contents: Licence of alienation

Granted to Edward Pomeray esq. to convey the manor of Berry Pomeroy to John Assh, William Cloueneburgh vicar of Berry Pomeroy, and John Harry vicar of Stoke Gabriel,

who can then reconvey the manor to Edward and Margaret his wife and the heirs male of their bodies, with remainder to the right heirs of Edward

Date: 12th October, 12 Henry

~

Devon Record Office  3799M-0/ET/2/25  1413 Letters patent  

Contents: Manor and whole estate. Licence of alienation by letters patent granted to John of la Pomeroy knt., to convey the manor of Berry Pomeroy to Edward Liegh parson of the church of Haccombe,

David Hoghe vicar of Buckfastleigh, Robert Saundre vicar of Stoke Gabriel, who can then reconvey the manor to John and Johanne his wife and the heirs male of his body, and for default of issue, the manor is to be held by Edward Pomeroy esq., and the heirs male of his body, with remainder to the right heirs of John

Date: 12 September, 1 Henry

~

Devon Record Office  3799M-0/ET/2/26  1413 Berry Pomeroy

Contents: Manor and whole estate. Deed of gift

1. Edward Leigh parson of Haccombe, David Hoghe vicar of Buckfastleigh and Robert Saundre vicar of Stoke Gabriel

2. John of la Pomeray knt. and Johanne his wife

Premises: the manor of Berry Pomeroy, to be held by 2. and the heirs male of the body of John, and for default of heirs male by Edward Pomeray esq., and the heirs male of his body,

with remainder to the right heirs of John

Witnesses: Hugh Courtenay the elder, Thomas Carru( Carew) , Richard Champernon knts., John Hauley, John Fraunceys esqs.

Date: Berry Pomeroy, 8 October 1 Henry V  Seals: of 2., damaged

~

Devon Record Office  3799M-0/ET/23/8  1419 Stoperstone

Contents: Deed of gift

1. Edward of la Pomeray esq. and Margaret his wife

2. John Bevylle esq., John Aysshe of Lovenetorre, John Smert of Byketon, John Harry vicar of Stoke Gabriel, William Ryder of Totnes, Ralph Kyllyrian, Alan Bogullas and Richard Trenarrak

Premises: all 1.'s messuages, lands and tenements in Stoperstone in Devon

Witnesses: William Bykebury esq., John Prydeaux of Orcharton, John Prydeaux of Adeston, William Fortescu, John Fortescu

Date: Sandrygge, Monday before the Nativity of the BVM, 7 Henry V

~

Devon Record Office  3799M-0/ET/17/1  1451 Berkedon (Barkingdon) 

Contents: Deed of gift

1. Margaret of la Pomeray, widow

2. William Bourchier knt., lord Fitz Waryn, Henry of la Pomeray esq., Thomas Mannying clerk, Nicholas of la Pomeray esq., John Southcote and John Wode

Premises: 1.'s manor of Berkedon (Barkingdon) and all the messuages, lands, tenements, reversions, rents and services which 1. has in Berkedon, Sperkwyll, Berkedon Hoke, Aylescote and Southdon

Witnesses: Henry Crokke, John Brussheforde, Richard Tukker, Geoffrey Veale, Henry Southcote, Henry Noreys, Thomas Tassell

Date: Monday after the feast of St Michael the Archangel, 30 Henry VI

so Nicholas henry 2 of the 5 sons of Henry & Moels inthe 5 son entail were still livingwhen this was made in 1451

~

Date: 1 March, 38 Henry VI

Devon Record Office  3799M-0/ET/19/10  1449 Sandridge & Brixham

Contents: Deed of gift

1. Henry Pomeray esq.

2. Walter Ralegh, Nicholas Raddeford, William Hyngston and Richard Yarde

Premises: all 1.'s messuages, lands and tenements in Sanderygge, Tenghervy, Wille, Bryxham, Herberton, Stokepomeray and elsewhere in Devon and Cornwall

Witnesses: John Dynham and Philip Courtenay knts., John Holeway the elder, Nicholas Bukpond, Henry Norys

Date: Wylle, the feast of St Edmund the king, 28 Henry VI

~

Devon Record Office  3799M-0/ET/19/11  1449 Sandridge

Contents: Power of attorney

1. Henry Pomeray esq.

2. Henry Southcote and Thomas Harry to give seisin to:

3. Walter Raleigh, Nicholas Raddeford, William Hyngston, and Richard Yard

Premises: lands and tenements in Sanderygge, Tenghervy, Wylle, Bryxham, Harberton, Stokepomeray and elsewhere in Devon and Cornwall

Witnesses: John Dynham and Philip Courtenay knts., John Holeway the elder, Nicholas Bukpond, Henry Norys

~

Devon Record Office  3799M-0/ET/17/2  1460 Berkedon and Sparkwell

Contents: Bond

1. John Wynard

2. John Reymy and Henry Brokke

In 1,000 marks that 1. and Thomas Werthe and Isabel his wife will obey the judgement of Nicholas Hervy, John Orchard and Christopher Cooke on behalf of 1., Thomas and Isabel, and of John Denys, Thomas Dourisshe the younger and William Fouhell on behalf of Margaret of la Pomeray, as to the title to the manors of Berkedon and Sparkewyll and lands and tenements in Hooke in the parish of Ashreigney, also of manors, lands and tenements in Pengerseke, Pengelle and Methele in Cornwall provided that the arbitration is made before the next octave of the Nativity of St John the BaptistDate: the feast of St Edmund the king, 28 Henry VI

~~

Devon Record Office  3799M-0/ET/2/13  1463 Fleet Mill on the Dart

Contents: Fleet. Lease for 60 years

1. Henry of la Pomeray esq., lord of Byry

2. Nicholas Chepyn, Alianora his wife and John their son

Premises: 1.'s mill called Flute Mille in 1.'s manor of Byry with the water course to the said mill of Flute

Term: to begin from the feast of St Michael the Archangel

Rent: for the first five years 6/8d p.a. and afterwards 40/- p.a. for all services except suit of court twice a year at the courts leat at Byry

Witnesses: Henry Southcote, William Kymber, William Randell, Edward Helyer, John Suddon

Date: Byry, the feast of St David the bishop, 2 Edward IV  Seals: three; two initials, one ?armorial device