Antiqua maneria facts for kids

The Antiqua maneria (which means "ancient manors") were 17 special old estates, or 'manors,' that belonged to the Earldom of Cornwall. You can also call them 'assessionable manors.'

In March 1337, these manors became part of the new Duchy of Cornwall. King Edward III created this Duchy to help his son, Edward, who was known as the Black Prince (1330–1376). These manors were called 'assessionable' because they were regularly leased out using special agreements called 'assession leases.'

These 17 manors were very different in size and importance. They had various types of tenants, which were people who lived on and worked the land.

What were the Antiqua Manors?

The 17 Antiqua manors were the original estates owned by the Earldom of Cornwall. They were very important for the region's history. When the Duchy of Cornwall was created, these manors became a key part of its wealth. This helped support the King's son, the Black Prince.

Life on the Manors

In the early 1300s, many different people lived and worked on these manors. They were known as 'customary tenants.' These tenants had different roles and rights:

• Conventionary tenants: These were people who had agreements to rent land.
• Villeins or Nativi: These tenants were tied to the land. They had to work for the lord of the manor. They usually couldn't leave without permission.
• Free tenants: These people had more freedom. They often paid rent for their land.
• Villeins by descent: These were villeins whose families had been tied to the land for generations.

The table below shows some of the manors and how many tenants of different types lived there in the early 1300s. The parishes listed are how they are known today.

Table of Customary Tenants (Early 1300s)

See also

• Royal charters applying to Cornwall