iv] Z!^^ Demesne. 1400 — 1605. 59 



An account roll of 1604-5 shows that the net profits from the 

 manor in that year were ;^50. 



1604-5 



Receipts. 



' Fixed rents 



Farm of demesne meadow, woods, etc 



Courts i. ... ... 



Total 54 17 9I 



Expenses. 



Rents paid (Castleward) 



Steward and accountant 



Total 



Net profit 50 o 9I 



Our evidence, then, points to the conclusion that during the 

 period 1400- 1605 the net profits of the manor continued to decline. 



The rents were for the most part fixed in amount, and, with the 

 fall in the value of money in the sixteenth century, became less 

 valuable to the lord. With the extinction of serfdom, which was 

 complete in Forncett manor in the year 1575, a source of revenue 

 ceased. Tallage, and such payments as merchet, chevage, and fines 

 to administer the goods of deceased serfs, were no longer rendered. 

 The courts also were less profitable than in earlier times, and the 

 mill was no longer a source of income^ 



^ Escheators' Inquisition, 1406. Mill used to be let for 10s. Out of repair and worth 

 nothing. 



