1883 Francis Pym Lord of the Manor Norton Common Hertfordshire Sporting Rights Lease

Description: An original 1883 Indenture of Lease, dated the 19th of July 1883, concerning manorial sporting rights in Hertfordshire. The lease is granted by Francis Pym Esq., of The Hasells, Sandy, Bedfordshire, in his capacity as Lord of the Manor of Norton. The document grants the rights of 'coursing shooting and sporting' over the seventy acres of Norton Common to Mr. James Smyth, a farmer of Norton Hall, for a term of seven years. This two-page document details the terms of the lease and retains its two original red seals.

Background Information: Francis Pym (1819-1887) was a prominent landowner and Conservative politician, serving as the Member of Parliament for Bedfordshire. His family seat was The Hasells, a notable country house in Sandy. This document is an excellent example of the exercise of manorial rights, a remnant of the feudal system. As Lord of the Manor of Norton, Pym owned the rights to hunt and shoot over lands like Norton Common, even if he didn't farm them directly. Leasing these 'sporting rights' to prosperous tenant farmers like James Smyth was a common practice, reflecting the rigid social structure and the importance of country sports in Victorian rural life.

Condition Report: See Photos for Condition

Shipping Information: Carefully packaged in a protective sleeve to ensure safe delivery. Shipped securely in a rigid mailer to prevent bending or damage during transit.