II 



The Demesne. 1270 — 1307, 



37 



At least part of the grain was carried there, and it is very likely that 

 the cheese, butter, poultry, and eggs were also sold at the Norwich 

 market, though they may have been taken to the nearer markets of 

 Stratton, Aslacton, or those of other of the neighbouring villages^ 



To complete the account of the various sources from which the 

 lord's income was derived, it is necessary to add to the description 

 of the demesne land and stock an account of the payments made to 

 him as lord of the soil and feudal superior. Of these payments the 

 most important were the fixed money rents paid by both bond and 

 free tenants^, usually at the terms of St Andrew, Easter, and 

 Michaelmas ; amercements and fines known as * perquisites of 

 court ' ; money paid in lieu of labour dues ; and the yearly tax 

 imposed upon the bondmen. Minor payments were chevage, foldage, 

 and market tolls. The following tables give the value of the different 

 sources of income and the expenses incurred in carrying on the 

 estate. 



Receipts. ^ Expenses. 



^ In the early years of the 14th century there were weekly markets at 5 out of the 19 vills 

 situated in Depwade hundred : viz. Tacolneston, Aslacton, Hempnall, Stratton, and Fritton. 

 Annual or semi-annual fairs were also held at these places. Blomefield, History of Norfolk, 

 V. 166, 177, 184, 188, 190, 310. 



'^ According to an Inquisition-post-mortem of 54 Hen. III. (File 38, No. 17), the fixed 

 rents of the free tenants were worth £6. 19^. and the fixed rents of the customary tenants £^ 

 exclusive of the £\. \os. from ' the homage called Hadesco.' Like most of the values assigned 

 by the inquisition, these fall short of the truth, but the actual proportions paid by free and by 

 customary tenants are very likely maintained. 



