Lord of the Manor

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The Lordship of the Manor of Haughley pre-dates the Norman Conquest. The Manor, in medieval times, was one of the most important in Britain. The Lord had the jurisdiction to try people for capital offences and there is a field in the Parish called "Gallows Field" and two parishioners were paid to provide a ladder for the gallows.

The Lord of the Manor has the sporting rights over five parishes, these having been granted to the Lord by Edward IV. This was a very important "perk" because, in those times, there could have been shortages of both meat and fish.

Amongst previous Lords of the Manor, there was:-

	Hugh de Montfort, who was granted the Manor by William the Conqueror in 1066;
	Henry II;
	Henry de Burgh, who was granted the right to hold a market in Haughley by Henry III;
	Richard, Earl of Cornwall, who was brother of King John;
	Isabella, Edward II's Queen;
	Mary Tudor;

to name but a few.

The present Lord, Jeffrey Bowden, lives at Haughley House, and takes an active role in the village, being on several committees, including the Parish Council. He also revived the custom of holding Manorial Courts, which take place in the Kings Arms Public House, where such Courts have been held since the 18th century. These are interesting, lively affairs.

Colin Hart, Steward to the Lord, arranges, among other duties, the Manorial Courts.

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