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To discover more please use the menu to find information on our History and Governance. We also have an Map showing locations and information about each plot of land. If you need to contact us please the contact page.
Manorial courts were a court in feudal law through which a Lord excercised jurisdiction over his tenants. The manorial court was presided over by a Steward, and it was from the court that various officials were appointed such as the Reeve, who acted as general overseer and the Hayward, who watched over the crops, and they brought offenders before the court. Tenants were punished and often forced to pay fines for their offences. The Manorial Court thus provided the Lord of the Manor with a source of income. Through the court, tenants also registered land transactions between themselves, when permitted, and surrendered or took up holdings under the Lord. Manorial courts declined during the 17th century and most were generally obsolete by the 18th Century, however Orton bucked that trend and has been managed consistently since 1154. The court no longer has judicial powers but it does hold and manage land around the parish of Orton. In 2023 Orton Manor Court became a Community Interest Company, which is incorporated with Companies House and is managed by three directors (Steward, Treasurer and Secretary) and a committee.