Note 534 — Chapter III · THE QUESTION OF TENANT RIGHT

E.g. Ormesby in Norfolk, where in 1516 thirty-one tenants holding “in farm" formed the whole landholding population (R.O. Rentals and Surveys, Gen. Ser., Portf. 22, No. 18). For a great rise in rents following a probable substitution of leases for customary tenures, see the case of Lewisham in Kent. On this manor in the reign of Henry VI. the rent of the tenants (tenure unspecified) was £8, 11s. 7d., 9 plougshares, and 6s. 2-1/2d. in the abbot’s hand (R.O. Rentals and Surveys, Gen. Ser., Roll 361). In 1621 it was £23, 1s. 6-1/2d. (R.O. Misc. Bks. Treas. of Receipt, vol. clxxiv., fol. 1–34). In the reign of James I. we have full details. The rent of the free tenants was £17, 12s. 10-1/2d.; that of the tenants at will 9d.; that of tenants “per dimissionem" (i.e. lease-holders) £72, 9s. 8-1/2d. (R.O. Misc. Bks. Aug. Off., vol. ccccxiv., f. 33–34). It is unfortunate that we are not told how the bulk of the tenants held at the two earlier dates. But is it unreasonable to say that they were probably customary tenants, and that the introduction of leases was followed by a great rise in rents?