Feet of Fines

Centrally recorded land conveyances, 1485-1625

Fines, or final concords, were originally (from the late 12th century) a procedure in the king's courts for enrolling agreements, following disputes between two or more parties. Land conveyances in the medieval period suffered from not having a central registry to record conveyances and help prevent fraud. By the late 13th century a work-around was developed by lawyers of turning the conveyance into a fictitious legal dispute between the parties. This resulted in a copy of the final agreement, or concord, between the purchaser, known as the querent or plaintiff, and the seller, known as the deforciant, being filed with the records of the king's court and open to public inspection. This final agreement was normally written out three times on a single sheet of parchment - two copies side by side and one copy across the bottom of the sheet, then cut into three parts, using indented or wavy lines. The purchaser kept one copy, the seller the other and the final copy - 'the foot of the fine'- was kept by the court as a central record of the conveyance. It was a means of having title registered to guard against subsequent fraud or forgery as copies if this three piece jig-saw would only fit together if genuine.

The Feet of Fines records, held in TNA, are under references CP 25/1 for conveyances before 1509, and CP 25/2 for conveyances 1509-1833. They are arranged by year and law term. There were four legal terms per year:

  • Michaelmas term - from October to December
  • Hilary term - from January to April
  • Easter term - from April to May, and
  • Trinity term - from June to July.

There is no central index for the Feet of Fines records, but fortunately for Yorkshire the Fines for 1172-1377 have been published by the Yorkshire Archaeological Society and others. There then follows a gap from 1378-1484, but this period is currently being worked on and the abstracts so far can be found on the SOME NOTES ON MEDIEVAL ENGLISH GENEALOGY website.

The Fines for all of the Tudor period have been published by the Yorkshire Archaeological Society in their Record Series as volumes, 2, 5, 7 and 8, as well as the early Stuart period, up to and including the reign of James I in volumes 53 and 58. This total period spans 1485-1625, and the returns for land conveyances in Bubwith and its hamlets have been extracted below.

Key for using the tables

Plaintiffs: the purchaser(s)
Deforciants: the seller(s)
Year-L: the Year plus the legal term, i.e M=Michaelmas; H=Hilary; E=Easter; and T=Trinity.


Feet of Fines of the Tudor period. Part 1.
Plaintiffs
Deforciants
Nature and Situation of the Property
Year-L
John Sayuell, knt, and Richard Atkerode
William Watson, heir and next of kin of Thomas Hiperon
Messuage with lands in Folkerthorpe, Bubwith and Aughton, which Margaret Hiperon, widow of John Hiperon, holds during her life, by the demise of henry and John Sotehill
1493-T
Thomas Johnson
Alexander Knyght and Cecilia his wife
Messuage with lands in Bubwith
1532-M
Peter Batell and John Welfed
George Vavasour and Ann his wife
10 messuages with lands in Wyllytoft, Bubwith, Harlethropp, Balkhome and Langrake
1534-M
James Stangeways knt
William Poulett knt, Lord St. John, Elizabeth his wife, and John Poulett his son and heir
Manors of Brighton and Humanby and 80 messuages with lands in the same [and several other places, and various other manors and rights]
1540-E
William Skrymsher
John Knyght, gent, son and heir of Alexander Knyght
Messuage with lands in Bubwith
1540/1-H
John Pek
John Aske and Elena his wife
2 messuages with lands in Bubwyth and Wylytoste, which, after the death of John and Elena, remain to Christopher Ivetson and Margaret his wife, and their lawful issue, and failing such, after their deaths, to the right heirs of Margaret.
1547-M
Andrew Vavasour
Arthur Darcy, knt, and Mary his wife
Manor of Gunby and lands in Gunby and Bryghton
1553-T
John Bellowe esq.
Christopher Bilburghe als. Bylbroke, gent
2 messuages with lands in Wresill, Brighton, and Wallyngfen
1555/6-H
William Rokeby, son and heir of Ralph Rokeby, late serjeant-at-law
John Bellowe esq, and Ursula his wife
2 messuages and 3 cottages with lands in Wressyll, Brighton, and Wallyngfen.
1558-M
William Byrnard esq.
Henry Johnson esq.
Messuage with lands in Bubwith
1564-E
John Vavasor and Thomas Dowman
Thomas Hopkynson and Margaret his wife, Robert Swanne and Alice his wife, William Barden and Ann his wife, and Robert Rychardson and Elena his wife
2 messuages and 6 cottages with lands in Willytoft, Ellerton, and Bubwith
1566-E
Leonard Babthorpe, esq, and Edward Grymston
Peter Vavasour esq.
Manor of Spladington, and 40 messuages, 20 cottages, and a windmill, with lands in Spaldington, Willitofte, Bubwyth, Bryghton, and South Cave. To be held to the said Peter and his lawful male issue, and failing such, on his death, to the lawful male issue of Peter Vavasour knt, deceased, the grandfather of the aforesaid Peter, and failing such, to the lawful heirs of the aforesaid Peter vavasour esq.
1567-T
Richard Knolles
Robert Blancherd and Ann his wife
Messuage and a cottage with lands in Bubwith
1567-T
William Barker
Richard Knolles and Ann his wife
Cottage with lands in Bubwith
1568-T

Feet of Fines of the Tudor period. Part 2.
John Hyndesley
Christopher Jewetson
Messuage with lands in Harlethorpe
1572-M
Thomas Maye and George Wymbyshe
Thomas Margetson
The moiety of 5 messuages and 3 cottages with lands in Fokerthorpe, to be held to Thomas Margetson during his life, and, after his death, to Thomasin his wife, and after her death to their lawful issue, and failing such, to the lawful heirs of Thomas.
1576-E
Hugh Bethell and John Wright, gents
David Gyttyns, citizen and vyntner of London, and Alice his wife.
The moiety of a messuage with lands in Fockkerthorpe
1578-T
Ann Aske, widow, and Robert Gunby
Peter Vavisor and Christopher Kettlepeny and Elena his wife
2 messuages with lands in Harlethorpe
1579/0-H
John Malorye, son and heir of William Malorye knt, Thomas Lassells esq, William Inglebye de Brantingham esq, Marmaduke Constable de Clyffe esq, John Inglebye de Aycome Grange esq, Robert Sothbye, gent, Richard Longley gent, and Robert Doweman gent, brother of Thomas Doweman esq.
The same Thomas Doweman esq, and Elizabeth his wife.
Manors of Badesworth, Gunbye, Wetherley, Pocklington, and Waplyington, and 30 messuages and 10 cottages with lands in the same, and in Skelbroke and Bolton.
1580-E
The Queen
William Cecill knt, Lord Burghley, Treasurer to the Queen of England, Walter Mildmaye knt, and Robert Constable
Manors of Flamborough, and Holme on Spaldingmoor, and 200 cottages and 4 mills with lands in the same and in Bubwith, Gribthorpe [and other places]
1582-M

Feet of Fines of the Tudor period. Part 3.
John Acroyde, William Huthome, and William Halley als. Hawley
George Vavasor, gent
Messuage and a cottage with land in Bubwith.
1583-M
The Queen
Robert Constable esq, Robert Constable gent, his son and heir, and Francis Constable gent.
Manors of Flamborough, and Holme on Spaldingmoor, and 200 cottages and 4 mills with lands in the same and in Bubwith, Gribthorpe [and other places]
1585-M
Thomas Hodgeson and Christopher Sowden
John Aykeroyd
2 messuages with lands in Folkerthorpe and Haworth
1586-E
Thomas, Lord Howard, Henry, Lord Barkley, Henry Knevett knt, Thomas Knevett esq, Thomas Preston esq, and John Penruddock esq.
William, Lord Howard, and Elizabeth his wife
Castle of Hynderskelfe and [many manors and messuages and lands] in Spaldington [and many other places]
1586/7-H
Robert Brudenell gent
Thomas Margetson gent and Thomasine his wife
Messuage with lands in Fokerthorpe
1587-E
Matthew Hutton and Thos. Hewetson
Christopher Jewetson
2 messuages and 2 cottages with lands in Bubwith
1587-E
Thomas Jackson
Robert Constable sen esq, Robert Constable jun gent, and Ann his wife, and Francis Constable gent
4 messuages with lands in Bubwithe and Laythome
1587-T
John Aykroyde
Robert Richardson and Ann his wife, William Richardson, John Richardson, and Robert Tasker and Ann his wife
Messuage with lands in Bubwith and Aughton
1588-E
John Chapman gent, and Thomas Awdley
Thomas Margetson and Thomasine his wife and Thomas Johnson and Katherine his wife
Messuage with lands in Fockerthorpe and Boughbie
1590/1-H
John Raby
Miles Eskricke and William Escricke
Messuage with lands in Harlethrop and Aughton
1592-M
Christopher Hodgeson and Christopher Sowden
Alexander Dawson and Elizabeth his wife and Arnold Dawson
2 messuages and 2 cottages with lands in Holme in Spaldyingmore, Spaldyngton, Spaldynghome, and South Holme


Feet of Fines of the Tudor period. Part 4.
William Thomlynson, Edmund Casse, and George Maltus
Thomas Margetson, gent
Messuage with lands in Fockerthorpe and Boughby
1597-T
Francis Clyfford esq, and Marmaduke Grymston esq.
Thomas Margetson, gent
Messuage with lands in Fockerthorpe and Boughby
1597-M
William Rokeby gent
Christopher Hodgeson gent, and Isabel his wife
2 messuages and 2 cottages with lands in Holme in Spaldingmore, Spaldington, and Spaldinghome
1601-T

Yorkshire Fines for the Stuart period. Volume 1.
Wm Hildyard esq, Thos Scudamor esq, Rich Hodgson esq, and Thos Snawsell gent
John Aske esq
Manor of Awghton and 10 messuages, windmill, lands, rents and view of frankpledge in Awghton, Spaldington, Foggerthorpe, Ellerton and South Duffield.
1603/4-H
Rich Smyth gent, and Augustine Hall gent
Rich Townley esq and Jane his wife.
12 messuages and lands in Bubwith, Haddlethorpe, Barleby and Osgodby. Warranty against John Townley esq father of the said Richard Townley and his heirs and against Mary Townley mother of the said Richard and her heirs.
1605-T
Constancius Waddington gent.
Ellis Johnson
4 messuages in the City of York and 5 messuages, 3 cottages and lands in Fockerthorpe.
1607-M
Anne countess of Arundell, Lord Wm Howard and Eliz his wife, Edward Carill knt, John Holland esq, John Cornwallis esq, and Robert Cansfield esq
Fras. Dacre, one of the sons of Wm late Lord Dacre of Graystock and Gisland.
Castle of Hynderskelfe and [many manors and messuages and lands] in Spaldington [and many other places]
1607-M
Humph Birletson and Wm Rusholme
Wm Kirbie and Isabel his wife and John Hodgson and Anne his wife
Lands in Bubwith
1608-E
Edward Carill knt, John Holland esq, John Cornwallis esq, and Robert Cansfield esq
Lord Wm Howard and Eliz his wife, and Philip Howard knt
Castle of Hynderskelfe and [many manors and messuages and lands] in Spaldington [and many other places]
1608-M
Robert Westebye
Timothy Hutton knt and Elizabeth his wife
Messuage, 2 cottages and lands in Bubwith. Warranty against the heirs of Matthew Hutton late archbishop of York, deceased, and against Thos Hewetson gent, and his heirs and against all others claiming through the said Timothy and Eliz, Matthew and Thos and their heirs.
1611-T
Henry Aikeroyd gent
Robert Tasker and Eliz his wife
Messuage and lands in Bubwyth
1612-E
Miliol Smythe
Thos Raye and Phillipa his wife
Messuage and lands in Bubwithe
1612-T
John Thomlinson sen, and John Thomlinson jun.
Roger Boswell gent and Alice his wife
Messuage and lands in Holme in Spaldingmore and Bubwithe
1613-E

Yorkshire Fines for the Stuart period. Volume 2.
Henry Aykeroyd and George Esckrick Henry, Earl of Northumberland Cottage and lands in Breighton
Wm Watter esq. Dorothy Hughes, widow, Margt Hughes, and Frances Hughes Four messuages and lands in Fockerthorpe and Boughbye alias Bubwith 1615-E
Francis Earl of Cumberland, Henry Earl of Southampton, Robert earl of Essex, Wm Lord Burghley, Robert Lord Riche, Henry Lord Danvers, Augustin----, Wm ----, Henry Slyngesby knt, Wm Slyngesby knt, Richard Hutton sergeant-at-law, Francis Moore, sergeant-at-law, John Carville esq., Thos Heriett, gent Henry Earl of Northumberland Manors of Wressill, Newseham, Brind, Gribthorpe, etc. 1615-E
George Dalston knt and John Dudley esq Lord Wm Howard and Eliz his wife Castle of Hynderskelfe and messuages and land in Cottinwith, Spaldington, Ellerton 1615-T
George Atkinson Richard Barker and Thos Barker Two messuages and land in Bubwith and Pocklington 1619-M
Roland Water esq Thomas Candler and Eliz his wife Two messuages and land in Fockerthorpe 1619-M
Abm. Sunderland esq and Abm. Sowden gent Rich. Townley esq, Rich. Townley gent, and Rich. Smyth gent 9 messuages, 8 cottages, and lands in Bubwith, Harlethorpe and Aughton. Warranty against heirs of John Townley esq., dec., father of the said Rich., and against Frances Townley, late wife of Alex. Radcliffe, dec., and her heirs 1621-E
Thos. Dawney, knt, Goodrick, Dalston, Dudley
Lord Wm. Howard and Eliz. his wife, and Wm. Howard
Castle of Hynderskelfe and messuages, cottages, mills and land in Cottingwith, Spaldington, Ellerton, etc.
1621/2-H
Henry Acroyd, gent
Henry Earl of Northumberland
Messuage, cottage and lands in Breighton 1614-E
Henry Acroyd, gent
Thos. Barker and Eliz. his wife, John Raby and Eliz his wife, and Robert Aske
Messuage and lands in Harlethorpe and Bubwith.
1622-E
Henry Acroyd, gent
Geo. Vavasour, gent and Joyce his wife, and Geo. Escricke
Messuage and lands in Bubwith
1622-E
Henry Aickroyd, gent
Roland Watter and Ann his wife
Messuage and lands in Folkerthorpe. Warranty against Wm. Watter, father of sd Roland and his heirs and against heirs of Robert Heughes, dec., Thos. Heughes, Margaret Heughes, Frances Heughes, Dorothy Heughes and their heirs
1622-E
Roland Watter, gent
Thos. Candler and Eliz his wife
2 messuages and lands in Folkerthorpe 1619-M
Roland Watter, gent
Thos. Candler and Eliz his wife
4 messuages and lands in Folkerthorpe
1623-E
Roland Watter, gent
Thos. Heughes, gent
4 messuages and lands in Folkerthorpe
1623-M