Doddingtree facts for kids
Imagine a long time ago, when England was just getting started after the Norman Conquest. Back then, land was divided into special areas called "Hundreds." These weren't just random places; they were important parts of how the country was organized. One of these areas was known as the Doddingtree Hundred.
Contents
The Doddingtree Hundred: A Look Back
What Was a Hundred?
A "Hundred" was an old way of dividing land in England. It was a bit like a modern-day county or district. Each Hundred had its own court and was used for collecting taxes and keeping order. The name "Hundred" might have come from the idea that it was an area big enough to support 100 families or provide 100 soldiers.
How Doddingtree Came to Be
The Doddingtree Hundred was given to a man named Ralph Todeni in the year 1066. He was also known as Ralph de Toni. Ralph was a relative of the Duke of Normandy, who later became William the Conqueror.
William gave Ralph this land as a special thank you. Ralph had been a very important person during the Norman Conquest. He was the Standard bearer, meaning he carried the army's flag into battle. This was a huge honor!
Where Was Doddingtree?
The Doddingtree Hundred was mostly located in the western part of Worcestershire. Over time, its exact borders changed a little. For example, some areas like Dowles and Rochford joined Doddingtree later on. Dowles came from Shropshire in 1895, and Rochford joined from Herefordshire in 1832 and 1844.
Who Owned the Land?
In the early days of Doddingtree, many of the smaller areas within it, called Manors, were owned by religious groups. These were often churches or monasteries. Some of these Manors were even moved to different Hundreds over time.
The Two Parts of Doddingtree
The Doddingtree Hundred was so big that it was split into two main sections: an upper division and a lower division. Each division had many smaller Manors within it.
- Upper Division: This part included places like Acton Beauchamp, Abberley, Alfrick, Areley Kings, Clifton-upon-Teme, Eastham, Martley, Orleton, Shelsley Kings, Suckley, and Tenbury.
- Lower Division: This section contained Manors such as Astley, Bayton, Bewdley, Doddenham, Dowles, Mamble, Ribbesford, Great Witley, Rock, and Shrawley.
