Orton Manor Court
(managed by Manor of Orton CIC)
Orton Manor Court was founded in 1154 during the reign of Henry II and the first Lord of the Manor was Sir Gamel de Pennington (or Penitone – 1090-1170) He was from Pennington in Lancashire but also owned land at Muncaster in Cumbria; the Pennington family are still at Muncaster Castle to this day. An image of their family crest is on the front page of the website but, as with all things crests develop over the years and this version we believe is from the 16th Century.
The Manor of Orton covers the townships of Orton and Raisbeck and following on from the Pennington family it was divided between the Musgrave and Dacre families in 1277. The Dacre moiety remained in the family until it was bought by freeholders in 1615 for £1,840 5s 10 ½d and the Musgrave moiety was subdivided between the Blenkinsopps and Warcops until it was similarly acquired. By the early C17 these freeholders held the Manor Courts, which continue to this day with records stretching back to 1756. The jury of the Court consisted of 20 men who elected a life long steward, many of whom were publicans with the court frequently being held in the Fleece Inn, now the George Hotel. The main business of the Court continued to regulate farming practices especially, in pre- enclosure days, on the wastes and commons. The Court appointed Constables who were responsible for reporting repairs, dealing with blocked watercourses etc. Three quarries on the wastes were let by the Court with income usually being spent on improving or building bridges. In 1618, shortly after the Dacre moiety was bought, freeholders went on to purchase the rectory and what was known as the advowson – the power to control the appointment of clergy to All Saints Church rather than being appointed by the Bishop of Carlisle.
Manor Courts were the lowest court in the land and were an important source of justice for misdemeanors. Most ceased to function in the early 20th century. Orton is perhaps the last place with a functioning Manor Court…though they can no longer issue fines or punishments.