KNIGHTBRIDGE (Anthony, c.1611-1689, of Writtle, Essex, and of Gray's Inn, Lawyer)

Fine bold signature on fragment of a manorial record, in Latin with transcription, examined by Knightbridge as "senescallus" (steward), vellum, 2 sides 3½" x 7¾", no place, one entry is dated March of 27 Charles II, trimmed on three sides, inner margin with stitch holes discoloured with some loss of text

The fragment records the leasing by the Lords of the Manor, through their steward, of several properties, including a "vineyard and messuage (dwelling)", and other property recently occupied by John Bird, some of it to a "William and Mary", and some to Elizabeth Finch who swears her fealty to the lord of the manor. The second side refers to property forfeited to the manor and to which Richard Harrey was admitted.
Knightbridge, eldest son of John, attorney of Chelmsford, was "apprenticed to one of the Secondaries in London" (Clerks who dealt with the issue and receipt of writs, Visitation of Essex, 1634), and was a trustee of Edward VI's Grammar School, Chelmsford, when Parliament sent its Charity Commissioners there on 20th May 1646 (VCH of Essex, ii: 512). His youngest brother John founded the professorship at Cambridge. The surname is associated with Essex and is apparently rare elsewhere.

Item Date:  1675

Stock No:  51734      £225

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