| ASHWELL 5268 2398.
Borough 1086 (BF, p. 124; Darby, p. 365). 1334 Subsidy £149.84. K Edw the
Confessor granted the manor to the A of Westminster by 1086 (B. Harvey,
Westminster Abbey and its Estates in the Middle Ages (Oxford, 1977),
p. 346). See also VCH Hertfordshire, iii, p. 200. |
|
M |
(Prescriptive: borough) Sat; recorded 1211, held by A of
Westminster. Nova Oblata: A of Westminster paid 10m. for the
Sat market to be returned to Sun (PR, 13 John, p. 122). In 1287,
the A of Westminster successfully claimed that St Edw [the Confessor] former
king of England, had granted his predecessors the manor with the market
(QW, p. 288). |
|
| In 1575, a Mon market was granted by Qu Eliz to the bp of London
(VCH Hertfordshire, iii, p. 200). |
| AYOT ST LAWRENCE 5194 2169. 1334 Subsidy
£33.17. See also VCH Hertfordshire, iii, p. 61. |
|
M |
(Prescriptive) recorded 20 May 1506, held by John More, William
Greville and William Fairfax (CAD, i, B280). One third of an unspecified
number of markets were granted to them, along with one third of the manor. |
|
F |
(Charter) vfm, Lawrence (10 Aug); gr 14 Sept 1257, by K Hen
III to William de Aete. To be held at the manor (CChR, 1226–57,
p. 474). On 19 Aug 1375, a fair on the feast of Laurence was recorded, held
by Richard de Pembrugge, kn, recently deceased (CIPM, xiv, no. 191).
On 20 May 1506, one third of an unspecified number of fairs were granted
to John More, William Greville and William Fairfax, along with one third
of the manor (CAD, i, B280). Fair recorded in 1617 (VCH Hertfordshire,
iii, p. 61). |
| BALDOCK 5243 2339. Borough 1138x85
(BF, p. 124). 1334 Subsidy £132.58. The borough was established by the Knights
Templars, who were granted land in the manor in the mid-twelfth century.
At the dissolution of the Templars in 1309, their lands fell to the Crown.
By 1335, the manor had been granted to the Knights Hospitallers. In 1550,
Baldock was described as a market town, but much decayed (VCH Hertfordshire,
iii, pp. 66–68). It is possible that Baldock was the villa de Novo
Burgo where the brothers of the Knights of the Temple had a Wed market
in 1215 (RCh, p. 207). Market town c.1600 (Everitt, p. 474).
Fair 1587, 25 Jul; 21 Sept (Harrison, pp. 395–6). See also VCH Hertfordshire,
iii, pp. 66–8. |
|
M |
(Grant: other) gr 1154x85, by K Hen II to Knights Templars.
Market (forum) recorded in 1185. Between 6 Jul and 31 Dec 1189, K
Ric I confirmed to the Templars the market granted to them by his father
K Hen II. The day of the market was not given (B.A. Lees, ed., Records
of the Templars in England in the Twelfth Century: the inquest of 1185 with
illustrative charters and documents (London, 1935), pp. 66, 141). On
16 Jul 1199, K John confirmed the market to the Templars; the day of the
market was not given (RCh, p. 3a). |
|
M |
(Charter) Fri; gr 15 Mar 1492, by K Hen VII to John Kendale,
P of the Hospitallers and the brethren. To be held on their ground (CPR,
1485–94, p. 375). This is probably the same market as above. Day of
the market changed to Sat in 1566 (VCH Hertfordshire, iii, p. 68). |
|
F |
(Charter) f+4, Matthew the Apostle (21 Sept); nundine
gr 16 Jul 1199, by K John to St Mary and the knightly brothers of the Temple
of Solomon. To be held in the vill (RCh, p. 2b). Fair granted by
K Hen III to the brethren of the Temple on 10 Feb 1227 (CChR, 1226–57,
p. 5). Fair held by the Master of the Knights Templar recorded in 1278,
held by a charter of K Hen III (QW, p. 281). On 15 Mar 1492, K Hen
VII granted John Kendale, P of the Hospitallers and the brethren, a fair
on vfm Matthew to be held on their ground (CPR, 1485–94, p.
375). Fair on the f of Matthew granted to Thomas Revett in 1566 (VCH
Hertfordshire, iii, p. 67). |
|
F |
(Letter Close) vf, Bartholomew (24 Aug); feria gr
23 Apr 1226, by K Hen III to leprous brothers of St Mary Magdalene of Baldock.
To be held at their hospital without Baldock until the king came of age
(RLC, ii, p. 107). There is no further evidence for the fair (VCH
Hertfordshire, iii, p. 68). |
|
F |
(Letter Patent) vfm, James (25 Jul); gr 15 Mar 1492, by K
Hen VII to John Kendale, P of the Hospital of St John of Jerusalem in England
and the brethren there (CPR, 1485–94, p. 375). Fair on the f
of James granted to Thomas Revett in 1566 (VCH Hertfordshire, iii,
p. 67). |
| BENINGTON 5297 2236. 1334 Subsidy £84.92.
See also VCH Hertfordshire, iii, p. 75. |
|
M |
(Charter) Wed; gr 26 Nov 1304, by K Edw I to John de Bensted.
To be held at the manor (CChR, 1300–26, p. 48). On 5 Feb 1380,
K Ric II confirmed the 1304 grant to Edward Berstede, the new tenant of
the manor (CPR, 1377–81, p. 428). |
|
F |
(Charter) vfm, Peter and Paul (29 Jun); gr 26 Nov 1304, by
K Edw I to John de Benstede. To be held at the manor (CChR, 1300–26,
p. 48). On 5 Feb 1380, K Ric II confirmed the 1304 grant to Edward Berstede,
the new tenant of the manor (CPR, 1377–81, p. 428). |
|
On 25 Nov 1531, K Hen VIII confirmed a market, the day of which
was not given, and a fair, the date of which was not given, to William Saperwyke,
the original charter gr by K Edw I on 26 Nov 1304 being lost (L and P
Henry VIII, v, p. 559 (29)). |
| BERKHAMSTED 4996 2076. Borough 1086
(BF, p. 124). 1334 Subsidy £154.89. Market town c.1600 (Everitt,
p. 474). See also VCH Hertfordshire, ii, p. 173. |
|
M |
(Prescriptive: borough) Sun; recorded 8 May 1218, mercatum.
Sh of Hertfordshire ordered to make it known that the day of market changed
from Sun to Mon, 8 May 1218 (RLC, i, p. 361). Sh of Bedfordshire
and Buckinghamshire ordered to make the change known, 25 May 1218 (RLC,
i, p. 362b) A market, the day of which was not noted, was mentioned in 1221
(RLC, i, p. 451). |
|
F |
(Charter) f+7, Invention of the Cross (3 May); gr 11 Mar
1245, by K Hen III to R[ichard] earl of Cornwall. To be held at the manor
(CChR, 1226–57, p. 281). Mandate to the sh of Hertfordshire
to proclaim the fair and cause it to be held, 11 Mar 1245 (CR, 1242–7,
p. 292). In 1616, it was stated the the fair had formerly been held, but
had fallen into disuse (VCH Hertfordshire, ii, p. 173). |
|
| VCH states that there was also a fair on feast of James
(25 Jul) but provides no further evidence (VCH Hertfordshire, ii,
p. 173). |
| BISHOP’S STORTFORD 5486 2213.
Borough 1306x36 (BF, p. 125). 1334 Subsidy £96.24. Market town c.1600
(Everitt, p. 474). Fair 1587, Ascension day; Thurs after Trinity Sun; 8
Oct (Harrison, pp. 393–4, 396). See also VCH Hertfordshire,
iii, pp. 292, 296–7. |
|
M |
(Prescriptive: borough) recorded 1346, held by bp of London
(VCH Hertfordshire, iii, pp. 292, 296). An unspecified number of
markets were recorded as part of the manor in 1437–8. |
|
F |
(Prescriptive) feria recorded 1187, held by bp of
London (PR, 33 Hen II, p. 29). Fair recorded in 1188 (PR,
34 Hen II, p. 11) An unspecified number of fairs were recorded as part of
the manor in 1437–8 (VCH Hertfordshire, iii, p. 296). |
| BRAUGHING 5396 2252. 1334 Subsidy £80.39.
See also VCH Hertfordshire, iii, p. 308. |
|
M |
(Prescriptive) recorded 1147–8, forum, when K
Steph confirmed his gift to the Ca of Holy Trinity London [Holy Trinity
priory, Aldgate, London] of land to which the market pertained (Regesta,
iii, no. 511). A similar charter granted by Qu Matilda also mentioned the
market (Regesta, iii, no. 512). Robert, bp of London, confirmed the
grant, presumably on the same date (F. Neininger ed., English Episcopal
Acta 15, London 1076–1187, British Academy (Oxford, 1999) no. 53).
In 1147x54, K Steph granted his protection to those going to the market
held by the Ca of Holy Trinity London (Regesta, iii, no. 514). |
| BUCKLAND 5355 2334. 1334 Subsidy £38.67.
See also VCH Hertfordshire, iv, p. 43. |
|
M |
(Charter) Tues; gr 17 Jun 1258, by K Hen III to Philip de
Boclaunde (CChR, 1257–1300, p. 12). The thirteenth- century
market was ‘largely speculative and ephemeral’ (M. Bailey, ‘A
tale of two towns: Buntingford and Standon in the later Middle Ages’,
Journal of Medieval History, 19 (1993), p. 361). |
|
F |
(Charter) vfm, Simon and Jude (28 Oct); gr 17 Jun 1258, by
K Hen III to Philip de Boclaunde (CChR, 1257–1300, p. 12). |
| BUNTINGFORD 5363 2293. Buntingford
was a small hamlet in the thirteenth century, but began to develop urban
functions in the early fourteenth century. By 1360, it had overtaken nearby
Chipping, Hertfordshire (q.v.). The development of Buntingford
is also linked to the decline of Standon, Hertfordshire (q.v.) (M. Bailey, ‘A tale
of two towns: Buntingford and Standon in the later Middle Ages’, Journal
of Medieval History, 19 (1993), pp. 359–62). Market town c.1600
(Everitt, p. 474). Fair 1587, 17 Oct (Harrison, p. 396). See also M. Bailey,
‘A tale of two towns: Buntingford and Standon in the later Middle Ages’,
Journal of Medieval History, 19 (1993), pp. 351–71; VCH Hertfordshire,
iv, pp. 43, 78. |
|
M |
(Prescriptive) Fri; recorded 20 Apr 1360, held by Elizabeth
de Burgo, [the king’s] kinswoman. On 20 Apr 1360, in lieu of the market
at Chipping, Hertfordshire (q.v.), K Edw III granted
Elizabeth de Burgo a Fri market at Buntingford ‘in the king’s
streets in the town’. Elizabeth paid ½m. to the king for
the grant of this (and the fair below) and was to pay a further 6d.
annually to the king, via the sh of Hertfordshire. The grant was made after
an inquisition ad quod damnum taken by the eschaetor in Hertfordshire
found that the market was not to the damage of the king or any other (CChR,
1341–1417, p. 166). When Elizabeth died later in 1360, her inheritance
passed to Lionel, duke of Clarence, who held the market at nearby Standon,
Hertfordshire (q.v.). Clarence suggested to the King that the market
in the town of Buntingford, which was without the demesne of the inheritance,
was harmful to his fair at Standon. On 6 Jul 1367, K Edw III therefore revoked
the market. However, twelve days later, on 18 Jul 1367, the ‘lords
and tenants’ of Buntingford proved that Elizabeth de Burgh had transferred
control of the market to them, from her manor of Pope’s Hall. Therefore,
on 18 Jul 1367, K Edw III granted to the lords and tenants of Buntingford
a market on Sat in lieu, to be held in the king’s streets (CChR,
1341–1417, p. 209). In 1385, it was stated that the [rent from the]
market had been granted to John Rukke, deceased, by the late king [K Edw
II]. On 13 Oct 1385, the rent from the market was granted by K Ric II to
Thomas Stoute, groom of the butlery, for life. This was vacated, but granted
again on 26 Nov 1385. On 22 Feb 1387, the letters patent granting the market
to Thomas Stoute were revoked on the petition of John Rok and other lords
and tenants of Buntingford, to whom the market was restored (M. Bailey,
‘A tale of two towns: Buntingford and Standon in the later Middle Ages’,
Journal of Medieval History, 19 (1993), pp. 351–71; CPR,
1385–9, pp. 22, 39, 285). |
|
F |
(Charter) fm, Invention of the Cross (3 May); gr 20 Apr 1360,
by K Edw III to Elizabeth de Burgo [the king’s] kinsman (CChR,
1341–1417, p. 166). The grant was made after an inquisition ad quod
damnum taken by the escheator in Hertfordshire found that it was not
to the damage of the king or any other. Elizabeth paid ½m. to
the king for the grant (and for the market above) and was to pay a further
6d. annually to the king, via the sh of Hertfordshire. When Elizabeth
died in 1360, her inheritance passed to Lionel, duke of Clarence, who suggested
to K Edw III that the fair in the town of Buntingford, which was without
the demesne of the inheritance, was harmful to him. On 6 Jul 1367, K Edw
III therefore revoked the fair. However, on 18 Jul 1367, K Edw III granted
to the ‘lords and tenants’ of Buntingford a fair on fm Peter and
Paul (29 Jun) in lieu, to be held in the king’s streets (CChR,
1341–1417, p. 209; M. Bailey, ‘A tale of two towns: Buntingford
and Standon in the later Middle Ages’, Journal of Medieval History,
19 (1993), pp. 359–62). In 1385, it was stated that the fair had been
granted to John Rukke, deceased, by the late king. On 13 Oct 1385, the fair
was granted to Thomas Stoute, groom of the butlery, for life. This was vacated,
but granted again on 26 Nov 1385. On 22 Feb 1387, the letters patent granting
the fair to Thomas Stoute were revoked on the petition of John Rok and other
lords and tenants of Buntingford, to whom the fair was restored (CPR,
1385–9, pp. 22, 39, 285). |
|
| In 1385, the market and fair were extended at 13s. 4d.
per annum (CPR, 1385–9, p. 22). |
| BUSHEY 5130 1952. 1334 Subsidy £64.27.
Geoffrey de Mandeville was granted the manor by K Wil I. His heirs, who
later became earls of Essex, retained the overlordship of the manor until
the mid fourteenth century. The Jarpenville family held the manor from the
Mandevilles from the late twelfth century (VCH Hertfordshire, ii,
p. 181). See also VCH Hertfordshire, ii, p. 183. |
|
M |
(Charter) Thurs; mercatum, gr 1141, by Matilda, lady
of the English, to Geoffrey de Mandeville [earl of Essex] (Regesta,
iii, no. 274). |
|
M |
(Charter) Thurs; gr 13 Feb 1270, by K Hen III to David de
Charpenvill. To be held at the manor (CChR, 1257–1300, p. 134).
On 28 Nov 1280, K Edw I confirmed the market to David de Jarpenville, noting
the ‘liberties and free customs he has hithero not fully used’
(CPR, 1272–81, p. 416). |
|
F |
(Charter) vfm, James (25 Jul); feria gr 1141, by Matilda,
lady of the English, to Geoffrey de Mandeville [earl of Essex] (Regesta,
iii, no. 274). |
|
F |
(Charter) vfm, James (25 Jul); gr 13 Feb 1270, by K Hen III
to David Charpenvill. To be held at the manor (CChR, 1257–1300,
p. 134). On 28 Nov 1280, K Edw I confirmed the fair to David de Jarpenville,
noting the ‘liberties and free customs he has hithero not fully used’
(CPR, 1272–81, p. 416). |
|
| Rather than there being two Thurs markets and two fairs on the
feast of James, it is likely that the 1270 grant reflects a change in tenure
of the manor. |
| BYGRAVE 5267 2362. 1334 Subsidy £42.66.
The Somery family held an interest in Bygrave until 1383, when Alexander
de Walden and his wife Elizabeth de Sumery sold the manor to John Thornbury.
He was succeeded by his son, Philip Thornbury in 1428 (VCH Hertfordshire,
iii, p. 214). See also VCH Hertfordshire, iii, p. 215. |
|
M |
(Charter) Mon; gr 20 Oct 1256, by K Hen III to Adam de Sumery;
conf 12 Jun 1435 by K Hen VI to Philip Thurnbury, kn (CPR, 1429–36,
p. 461). To be held at the manor. |
|
F |
(Charter) vfm, Margaret (20 Jul); gr 20 Oct 1256, by K Hen
III to Adam de Sumery; conf 12 Jun 1435 by K Hen VI to Philip Thornbury,
kn (CPR, 1429–36, p. 461). To be held at the manor. |
| CHESHUNT 5359 2022. 1334 Subsidy £159.
In 1086, ten merchants paid 10s. of the customs (Darby, p. 369).
On the death of Peter of Savoy, earl of Richmond in 1268, the earldom passed
to the dukes of Brittany. John, duke of Brittany and earl of Richmond died
in Apr 1341. On 20 Sept 1342, K Edw III created his son, John of Gaunt,
earl of Richmond (GEC, x, pp. 805–9, 818–20). See also VCH
Hertfordshire, iii, p. 446. |
|
M |
(Charter) Mon; gr 4 Mar 1245, by K Hen III to Peter of Savoy.
To be held at the manor (CChR, 1226–57, p. 281). Market granted
by K Edw III to John, duke of Brittany and earl of Richmond on 28 Dec 1335
(CChR, 1327–41, p. 350). Market granted by K Edw III to John
of Gaunt, earl of Richmond, the king’s son on 11 Jul 1344 (CChR,
1341–1417, p. 32). |
|
F |
(Charter) vfm, Assumption of Mary (15 Aug); gr 4 Mar 1245,
by K Hen III to Peter of Savoy. To be held at the manor (CChR, 1226–57,
p. 281). See below. |
|
F |
(Prescriptive) vfm, Nativity of Mary (8 Sept); recorded 24
May 1257, held by Peter of Savoy. On 24 May 1257, K Hen III granted Peter
of Savoy a fair on m+3 Exaltation of Holy Cross (14 Sept), to be held in
lieu of the fair on vfm Nativity of Mary. The fair was to be held at the
manor (CChR, 1226–57, p. 469). It is possible that the word
‘Nativity’ is a scribal error for the word ‘Assumption’,
in which case the fair granted in 1257 would have been to replace that granted
in 1245. |
| CHIPPING 5356 2320. Market held at
the manor of Pope’s Hall. See also M. Bailey, ‘A tale of two towns:
Buntingford and Standon in the later Middle Ages’, Journal of Medieval
History, 19 (1993), pp. 351–71; VCH Hertfordshire, iv, p.
43. |
|
M |
(Charter) Fri; gr 23 Sept 1252, by K Hen III to Bertram de
Crioll. To be held at the manor (CChR, 1226–57, p. 404). Tolls
of the market were farmed at 16s. per year in 1322, when it was held
at the ‘New Cheping’. In the mid fourteenth century, the market
lost trade to Buntingford, Hertfordshire (q.v.). In 1360, Elizabeth de
Burgo was holding the market called the ‘Neuchepyng’ on a Fri
in a vacant place (placea), which was of her inheritance. Elizabeth
was granted a market at Buntingford in lieu (CChR, 1341–1417,
p. 166; M. Bailey, ‘A tale of two towns: Buntingford and Standon in
the later Middle Ages’, Journal of Medieval History, 19 (1993),
p. 361; VCH Hertfordshire, iv, p. 43). |
|
F |
(Charter) vfm, Gregory (12 Mar); gr 23 Sept 1252, by K Hen
III to Bertram de Crioll (CChR, 1226–57, p. 404). To be held
at the manor. |
| CODICOTE 5219 2188. 1334 Subsidy £65.28.
See also VCH Hertfordshire, ii, p. 345. |
|
M |
(Prescriptive) Fri; recorded 1262, held by A of St Albans.
In 1262, jurors before the justices in eyre stated that the current A of
St Albans had raised a market since the last eyre and had held it for the
past ten years (VCH Hertfordshire, ii, p. 345). The eyre had last
visited Hertfordshire in 1255 (D. Crook, Records of the General Eyre
(1982) p. 216). This market was probably formally recognised in 1268, see
below. |
|
M |
(Charter) Fri; gr 9 Oct 1268, by K Hen III to A and C of
St Albans. To be held at the manor (CChR, 1257–1300, p. 112).
Market held by A of St Albans recorded in 1278 (QW, p. 280). |
|
F |
(Charter) vf+2, James (25 Jul); gr 21 Jul 1272, by K Hen
III to A and M of St Albans. To be held at the manor (CChR, 1257–1300,
p. 183). Fair held by A of St Albans recorded in 1278 (QW, p. 280). |
| CORNEY BURY 5359 2307. See also VCH
Hertfordshire, iv, p. 116. |
|
M |
(Charter) Tues; gr 4 Apr 1253, by K Hen III to P and C of
Holy Trinity, London. To be held at the manor (CChR, 1226–57,
p. 427). The thirteenth century market was ‘largely speculative and
ephemeral’ (M. Bailey, ‘A tale of two towns: Buntingford and Standon
in the later Middle Ages’, Journal of Medieval History, 19 (1993),
p. 361). |
|
F |
(Charter) vf+6, Bartholomew (24 Aug); gr 4 Apr 1253, by K
Hen III to P and C of Holy Trinity, London (CChR, 1226–57, p.
427). To be held at the manor. |
| HATFIELD 5235 2088. 1334 Subsidy £199.69.
Market town c.1600 (Everitt, p. 474). See also VCH Hertfordshire,
iii, p. 99. |
|
M |
(Letter Close) Thurs; mercatum, gr 16 May 1226, by
K Hen III to G. bp of Ely (RLC, ii, p. 112b). To be held at the manor
until the king came of age. |
|
M |
(Charter) Tues; gr 14 Nov 1318, by K Edw II to John, bp of
Ely, the chancellor (CChR, 1300–26, p. 393). To be held at the
manor. |
|
M |
(Charter) Wed, gr 19 Nov 1466, by K Edw IV to William, bp
of Ely. To be held at the manor (CChR, 1427–1516, p. 214). According
to VCH, before 1538 the day of the market at Hatfield had reverted
back to Thurs (VCH Hertfordshire, iii, p. 99). |
|
F |
(Letter Close) vf+2, John the Baptist (24 Jun); feria
gr 16 May 1226, by K Hen III to G. bp of Ely (RLC, ii, p. 112b).
To be held at the manor until the king came of age. |
|
F |
(Charter) vf+2, Etheldreda the virgin (23 Jun); gr 14 Nov
1318, by K Edw II to John, bp of Ely, the chancellor. To be held at the
manor (CChR, 1300–26, p. 393). On 19 Nov 1466, K Edw IV granted
William, bp of Ely a fair on vfm Etheldreda the virgin to be held at the
manor (CChR, 1427–1516, p. 214). |
| HERTFORD 5324 2126. Borough 912 (BF,
p. 125). Mint 924–1100. 1334 Subsidy £56.82. Borough built by K Edw
the elder. County town in 1011. Borough in Domesday Book. The seven burgesses
recorded in Domesday Book at Stanstead Abbotts, Hertfordshire
(q.v.) might have been burgesses of Hertford (BF, p. 125; Darby,
p. 365). Market town c.1600 (Everitt, p. 474). Fair 1587, 21 Oct;
28 Oct; 6 Nov [Wetshod fair] (Harrison, p. 396). See also VCH Hertfordshire,
iii, p. 500. |
|
M |
(Prescriptive: borough, mint) recorded 1199x1216 (VCH Hertfordshire,
iii, p. 500). In 1224, the market at Hertford was being damaged by that
at Ware, Hertfordshire (q.v.); the Ware market was therefore
closed (CRR, xi, no. 1434). Market days were Wed and Fri in the thirteenth
and part of the fourteenth centuries (VCH Hertfordshire, iii, p.
500). On 10 Feb 1368, the sh of Hertfordshire was ordered to proclaim that
the market day was to change from Wed to Thurs and was thereafter to be
held by the king’s son, John, duke of Lancaster (CCR, 1364–8,
p. 460). On 27 May 1383, John, duke of Lancaster gained an exemplification
of this order from K Ric II (CPR, 1381–5, p. 274). In 1397–8,
it was stated that ‘merchants forsake [the market] for others on every
side’. In 1438–9, K Hen VI’s annual income from the market
was 10s. 6d. By the end of the fifteenth century, the market
produced very little income. The Thurs market was still held in the reign
of Qu Eliz I. From the reign of Qu Eliz I onwards the market was held on
Sat (VCH Hertfordshire, iii, p. 500). |
|
F |
(Letter Close) Sun before the f of Simon and Jude until the
Sun following (28 Oct); feria gr 15 May 1226, by K Hen III to his
men of Hertford. To be held until the king came of age (RLC, ii,
p. 111b). Fair granted by K Hen III to the men of Hertford on 19 May 1226
(RLC, ii, p. 114). According to VCH, despite the limitation
that the fair was only to be held until the king came of age, it continued
throughout the thirteenth and fourteenth centuries. It was in decline in
the fifteenth century: the income from the fair fell to 6s. 8d.
in 1437–8 (VCH Hertfordshire, iii, p. 500). |
|
F |
(Prescriptive) recorded 1331, held by burgesses of Hertford
(VCH Hertfordshire, iii, pp. 500–1). Fair continued until the
end of the fifteenth century. |
|
F |
(Prescriptive) recorded last quarter of the fourteenth century,
held by master of the hospital of the Holy Trinity (VCH Hertfordshire,
iii, pp. 500–1). The fair made no profits in 1437–8. |
| HITCHIN 5185 2292. Borough 1268 (BF,
p. 125). 1334 Subsidy £119.25. Market town c.1600 (Everitt, p. 474).
Fair 1587, Tues in Easter week (Harrison, p. 393). See also VCH Hertfordshire,
iii, p. 6. |
|
M |
(Prescriptive: borough) No further information for the market.
|
|
F |
(Grant: other) vf, Andrew (30 Nov); feria, gr 12 Nov 1221,
by K Hen III to Hugh de Balliol. To be held until the king came of age.
Hugh gave one palfrey (C 60/16 m. 9). |
|
F |
(Charter) vfm, Decollation of John the Baptist (29 Aug);
gr 20 Mar 1318, by K Edw II to Robert Kendale (CChR, 1300–26,
p. 379). To be held at the manor. |
|
F |
(Letter Patent) Wed in Easter Week (Easter dep); gr 7 Jun
1475, by K Edw IV to guild of St Mary, Hitchin. To be held in the town (CPR,
1467–77, p. 542). Fair continued into the sixteenth century, but had
been abandoned by the eighteenth century (VCH Hertfordshire, iii,
p. 7). |
|
F |
(Letter Patent) vfm, Trans of Edw the Confessor (13 Oct); gr 7 Jun
1475, by K Edw IV to guild of St Mary, Hitchin. To be held in the town (CPR,
1467–77, p. 542). Fair continued into the sixteenth century, but had
been abandoned by the eighteenth century (VCH Hertfordshire, iii,
p. 7). |
| HODDESDON 5373 2090. 1334 Subsidy £69.72.
Market town c.1600 (Everitt, p. 474). See also VCH Hertfordshire,
iii, p. 435. |
|
M |
(Charter) Thurs; gr 21 Jan 1253, by K Hen III to Richard
de Boxe (CChR, 1226–57, p. 416). Market confirmed to Henry,
earl of Essex in Jun 1535 (L and P Henry VIII, viii, no 962 (6)). |
|
F |
(Charter) vfm, Martin (11 Nov); gr 21 Jan 1253, by K Hen
III to Richard de Boxe (CChR, 1226–57, p. 416). In 1533, Henry,
earl of Essex petitioned for a licence to change the date of the fair, the
feast of which was not given (L and P Henry VIII, vi, no. 611). In
Jun 1535, a fair on vfm Trans of Martin (4 Jul) instead of on vfm Martin
(11 Nov) as the fair was formerly held, was confirmed to Henry, earl of
Essex and Mary his wife (L and P Henry VII, viiii no. 962 (6)). |
| KING’S LANGLEY 5074 2024. The
proclamation of a market in 1290 is presumably associated with the establishment
of King’s Langley as a royal residence (H.M. Colvin ed., The History
of the King’s Works, ii (London, 1963), pp. 970–3). See also
VCH Hertfordshire, ii, p. 237 . |
|
M |
(Letter Close) Thurs; gr 12 Feb 1290, by K Edw I (CCR,
1288–96, p. 69). To be held at the king’s manor. Mandate to the
sh of Hertford to proclaim the market in the county court. |
|
M |
(Letter Close) Thurs; gr 26 Nov 1347, by K Edw III (CCR,
1346–9, p. 417). The sh of Hertford was ordered to proclaim the market
as it ‘had been discontinued by carelessness and negligence for some
time past’ to the king’s detriment. |
|
F |
(Letter Close) Tues, Wed and Thurs in Whit week (Easter dep);
gr 12 Feb 1290, by K Edw I (CCR, 1288–96, p. 69). To be held
at the king’s manor. Mandate to the sh of Hertford to proclaim the
fair in the county court. |
|
F |
(Prescriptive) Midsummer day (24 Jun); recorded 26 Nov 1347,
held by K Edw III (CCR, 1346–9, p. 417). The sh of Hertford
was ordered to proclaim the fair as it ‘had been discontinued by carelessness
and negligence for some time past’ to the king’s detriment. |
| PUCKERIDGE 5385 2233. See also VCH
Hertfordshire, iii, p. 352. |
|
M |
(Charter) Thurs; gr 6 Sept 1314, by K Edw II to William le
Baud and Isabel his wife and his heirs (CChR, 1300–26, p. 242).
To be held at the manor. |
|
M |
(Charter) Sat; gr 3 Jun 1327, by K Edw III to William le
Baud (CChR, 1327–41, p. 35). To be held at the manor. |
|
F |
(Charter) vfm, Decollation of John the Baptist (29 Aug);
gr 6 Sept 1314, by K Edw II to William le Baud and Isabel his wife and his
heirs (CChR, 1300–26, p. 242). To be held at the manor. |
|
F |
(Charter) vf, Peter and Paul (29 Jun); gr 3 Jun 1327, by
K Edw III to William le Baud (CChR, 1327–41, p. 35). To be held
at the manor. |
| ROYSTON 5358 2407. 1334 Subsidy £18.69.
Also known as Cruce Roes. Market town c.1600 (Everitt, p. 474). Fair
1587, Ash Wed; Wed in Whit week; Sun after the 3rd Jul [the editor of Harrison
considers this to be an error for the 19th Jul]; 13 Oct (Harrison, pp. 393–4,
396). See also VCH Hertfordshire, iii, p. 254. |
|
M |
(Charter) fourth day of each week; forum, gr 1189,
by K Ric I to monastery of St Thomas the Martyr at Cruce Roes (Monasticon,
vi, part i, p. 405). On 16 Feb 1272, K Hen III granted the market to the
monastery of St Thomas the Martyr at Cruce Roes (CChR, 1257–1300,
p. 180). In 1278, the P and C of Cruce Roes successfully claimed a market
on the fourth day of the week by charters of K Ric I and K Hen III (QW,
p. 283). In May 1537, shortly after the dissolution of the priory, a Wed
market was leased to Richard Cromwell for twenty-one years (L and P Henry
VIII, xiii (i), p. 584). |
|
F |
(Charter) week of Pentecost (Easter dep); gr 1189, by K Ric
I to monastery of St Thomas the Martyr at Cruce Roes (Monasticon,
vi, part i, p. 405). The 1189 grant included all the customs of the fairs
of the Ca of Dunstable, Bedfordshire (q.v.).
On 16 Feb 1272, K Hen III granted the fair to the monastery of St Thomas
the Martyr at Cruce Roes (CChR, 1257–1300, p. 180). In 1278,
the P and C of Cruce Roes successfully claimed a fair for the whole week
of Pentecost by charters of K Ric I and K Hen III (QW, p. 283). In
May 1537, shortly after the dissolution of the priory, the fair was leased
to Richard Cromwell for twenty-one years (L and P Henry VIII, xiii
(i), p. 584). Whitsun fair was held in 1888, but had fallen into disuse
before 1912 (VCH Hertfordshire, iii, p. 254). |
|
F |
(Charter) vf, Trans of Nicholas (9 May); feria gr
2 Jan 1213, by K John to brothers of the hospital of St Nicholas of Cruce
Roes (RCh, p. 189b). On 17 Mar 1236, K Hen III granted the brethren
of the hospital of St Nicholas, Royston that the fair be extended from vf
to vfm Trans of Nicholas (CChR, 1226–57, p. 218). The hospital
ceased to exist before 1359; the fair probably also fell into disuse (VCH
Hertfordshire, iii, p. 254). |
|
F |
(Charter) vf, Trans of Thomas the Martyr (7 Jul); gr 3 Apr
1242, by K Hen III to P of the ch of St Thomas the Martyr, Royston (CChR,
1226–57, p. 268). Mandate to the sh of Hertford to read the charter
and cause the fair to be held, 16 May 1242 (CR, 1237–42, p.
441). Fair held by the P of Royston recorded in 1278 (QW, p. 283).
In May 1537, shortly after the dissolution of the priory, the fair was leased
to Richard Cromwell for twenty-one years (L and P Henry VIII, xiii
(i), p. 584). Fair survived into the twentieth century (VCH Hertfordshire,
iii, p. 254). |
|
| Fair, the feast of which was not given, mentioned in 1230 and
1289 (CRR, xiv, no. 135; CCR, 1288–96, p. 21). In 1291,
the markets and fairs were valued at £9 13s. 4d. The market
and fairs were frequently disturbed during the thirteenth and fourteenth
centuries (VCH Hertfordshire, iii, p. 254). |
| ST ALBANS 5146 2073. Borough 1086 (BF,
p. 125). 1334 Subsidy £265.44. Important pre-Roman and Roman centre. From
the eighth century there was an abbey nearby which was the focus of later
commercial activity. Market town c.1600 (Everitt, p. 474). Fair 1587,
23 Jun (Harrison, p. 394). See also VCH Hertfordshire, ii, p. 482. |
|
M |
(Prescriptive: borough) recorded c.950, held by abbey
of St Albans. The abbey chronicle states that A Wulsin VI (c.950)
created the town, laying out the market place to the north east of the abbey
(Beresford, p. 326; VCH Hertfordshire, ii, p. 470). On 13 Nov 1198,
K Ric I conceeded and confirmed the market to the ch of St Albans and M.
On 20 Jul 1301, K Edw I inspected and confirmed this charter (CChR
1300–26, p. 17). From at least 1287, the A of St Albans held markets
on Wed and Sat. The Sat market continued into the twentieth century; the
Wed market was abandoned in the early nineteenth century, but subsequently
revived (VCH Hertfordshire, ii, p. 482). |
|
F |
(Grant: other) 8 days before the feast, Nativity of John
the Baptist (24 Jun); feria gr 1105, by K Hen I to God and St Alban
(Regesta, ii, 690). On 20 Jul 1301, K Edw I granted the fair to the
A and C of St Albans (CChR, 1300–26, p. 20). This fair was probably
succeeded by that on vfm Alban (22Jun) which K Edw VI granted to the mayor
and burgesses of St Albans in the charter of incorporation on 12 May 1553.
The Alban fair was still active in 1753 (CPR, Edward VI, v, p. 33;
VCH Hertfordshire, ii, p. 482). The suggestion by VCH that
the fair of St Alban was prescriptive in origin is not convincing. |
|
| Fairs lasting three days on Annunciation (25 Mar) and Michaelmas
(29 Sept) were also granted in the charter of 1553. These fairs were still
active in 1753 (VCH Hertfordshire, ii, pp. 481–2).
|
| SAWBRIDGEWORTH 5480 2146. 1334 Subsidy
£142.41. There were several manors at Sawbridgeworth. The Say family held
the principal manor of Sawbridgeworth from the twelfth to the late fifteenth
century. Shingehall manor was held by the Leventhorp family in the fifteenth
century (VCH Hertfordshire, iii, pp. 335, 339–40). Market town
c.1600 (Everitt, p. 474). See also VCH Hertfordshire, iii,
p. 335. |
|
M |
(Letter Close) Sat; mercatum, gr 20 Oct 1222, by K
Hen III to Geoffrey de Say. To be held at the manor until the king came
of age (RLC, i, p. 514). On 26 Jan 1223, the sh of Essex was ordered
to prohibit the market (the day of which was not given) as it was alleged
to be damaging to that at Hatfield Broad Oak,
Essex (q.v.) (RLC, i, p. 531). On 6 Apr 1223, the day of the
market held by Geoffrey de Say was changed from Sat to Fri, until the king
came of age (RLC, i, p. 541b). |
|
M |
(Charter) Fri; gr 22 Nov 1306, by K Edw I to Geoffrey de
Say (CChR, 1300–26, p. 73). To be held at the manor. |
|
M |
(Charter) Wed, gr 13 Feb 1448, by K Hen VI to John Leventhorp,
esquire. To be held at the town (CChR, 1427–1516, p. 98). In
Oct 1517, K Hen VIII confirmed the Wed market to Thomas, son and heir of
John Leventhorp (L and P Henry VIII, ii (2), no. 3730). |
|
F |
(Charter) vf, Nativity of Mary (8 Sept); gr 22 Nov 1306,
by K Edw I to Geoffrey de Say (CChR, 1300–26, p. 73). To be
held at the manor. |
|
F |
(Charter) 1+f+1, George the Martyr (23 Apr); gr 13 Feb 1448,
by K Hen VI to John Leventhorp, esquire. To be held at the town (CChR,
1427–1516, p. 98). In Oct 1517, K Hen VIII confirmed the fair to Thomas,
son and heir of John Leventhorp (L and P Henry VIII, ii (2), no.
3730). |
|
F |
(Charter) 1+f+1, Denis (9 Oct); gr 13 Feb 1448, by K Hen
VI to John Leventhorp, esquire. To be held at the town (CChR, 1427–1516,
p. 98). In Oct 1517, K Hen VIII confirmed the fair to Thomas, son and heir
of John Leventhorp (L and P Henry VIII, ii (2), no. 3730). |
| SHENLEY 5190 2005. 1334 Subsidy £80.37.
See also VCH Hertfordshire, ii, p. 265. |
|
M |
(Charter) Mon; gr 15 May 1268, by K Hen III to Adam de Stretton,
king’s clerk. To be held at the manor (CChR, 1257–1300,
p. 98). There is no further evidence for the market (VCH Hertfordshire,
ii, p. 265). |
|
F |
(Charter) vfm, Botolph (17 Jun); gr 15 May 1268, by K Hen
III to Adam de Stretton, king’s clerk. To be held at the manor (CChR,
1257–1300, p. 98). There is no further evidence for the fair (VCH
Hertfordshire, ii, p. 265). |
| STANDON 5396 2223. Borough early thirteenth
century (M. Bailey, ‘A tale of two towns: Buntingford and Standon in
the later Middle Ages’, Journal of Medieval History, 19 (1993),
p. 366). 1334 Subsidy £145.25. Although the earliest date provided for the
borough by Beresford and Finberg is 1262, it was probably established by
the Clare family, earls of Gloucester, in the early thirteenth century.
The decline of Standon in the fourteenth century is linked to the development
of nearby Buntingford, Hertfordshire (q.v.) (M. Bailey, ‘A tale
of two towns: Buntingford and Standon in the later Middle Ages’, Journal
of Medieval History, 19 (1993), pp. 351–71; BF, p. 125). Market
town c.1600 (Everitt, p. 474). See also M. Bailey, ‘A tale of
two towns: Buntingford and Standon in the later Middle Ages’, Journal
of Medieval History, 19 (1993), pp. 351–71; VCH Hertfordshire,
iii, p. 348. |
|
M |
(Prescriptive: borough) recorded early thirteenth century,
held by earl of Gloucester (VCH Hertfordshire, iii, p. 348). In 1278,
the earl of Gloucester claimed a market, but could not show by what warrant
he held it (QW, p. 278). Market continued to function through the
thirteenth century. In 1343, a property in the market place was derelict
(M. Bailey, ‘A tale of two towns: Buntingford and Standon in the later
Middle Ages’, Journal of Medieval History, 19 (1993), p. 366). |
|
M |
(Charter) Fri; gr 6 Jul 1367, by K Edw III to Lionel, duke
of Clarence (CChR, 1341–1417, p. 209). This market was granted
in lieu of the market and fair at Buntingford, Hertfordshire (q.v.). In return for the charter,
Lionel had to pay the king 6d. annually at Michaelmas (CChR,
1341–1417, p. 209). |
|
F |
(Prescriptive) recorded thirteenth century (M. Bailey, ‘A
tale of two towns: Buntingford and Standon in the later Middle Ages’,
Journal of Medieval History, 19 (1993), p. 366). A fair was recorded
on 6 Jul 1367, held by Lionel, duke of Clarence on his demesne; the feast
was not given. |
|
F |
(Charter) vfm, Peter’s Chains (1 Aug); gr 6 Jul 1367,
by K Edw III to Lionel, duke of Clarence (CChR, 1341–1417, p.
209). Fair granted in lieu of the market and fair at Buntingford, Hertfordshire (q.v.). In return for the charter,
Lionel had to pay the king 6d. annually at Michaelmas. |
|
| It is possible that the grant of a market and fair to Lionel,
duke of Clarence was a legitimisation of the existing prescriptive market
and fair, rather than the creation of a second market and fair. |
| STANSTEAD ST MARGARETS 5381 2115.
See also VCH Hertfordshire, iii, p. 473 . |
|
M |
(Charter) Thurs; gr 9 Jun 1281, by K Edw I to John de Luvetot.
To be held at the manor (CChR, 1257–1300, p. 252). VCH
provides no further information for the market (VCH Hertfordshire,
iii, p. 473). |
|
F |
(Charter) vfm+6, Nativity of John the Baptist (24 Jun); gr
9 Jun 1281, by K Edw I to John de Luvetot. To be held at the manor (CChR,
1257–1300, p. 252). VCH provides no further information for
the fair (VCH Hertfordshire, iii, p. 473). |
| STEVENAGE 5241 2262. 1334 Subsidy £89.55.
Market town c.1600 (Everitt, p. 474). See also VCH Hertfordshire,
iii, p. 142. |
|
M |
(Letter Close) Fri; mercatum, gr 7 Jun 1223, by K
Hen III to A of Westminster (RLC, i, p. 551). To be held at the manor
until the king came of age. Notice to the sh of Hertfordshire. |
|
M |
(Charter) Mon; gr 5 Jan 1281, by K Edw I to A and C of Westminster.
To be held at the manor (CChR, 1257–1300, p. 252). On 8 Feb
1448, K Hen VI confirmed the grant of the market to the A and C of Westminster
(CPR, 1446–52, p. 124). The day of the market was changed to
Fri in the seventeenth century (VCH Hertfordshire, iii, p. 142). |
|
F |
(Charter) vfm, John the Baptist (24 Jun); gr 5 Jun 1281,
by K Edw I to A and C of Westminster. To be held at the manor (CChR,
1257–1300, p. 252). On 8 Feb 1448, K Hen VI confirmed the grant of
the fair to the A and C of Westminster (CPR, 1446–52, p. 124). |
| TRING 4924 2114. 1334 Subsidy £127.58.
Market town c.1600 (Everitt, p. 474). See also VCH Hertfordshire,
ii, p. 283. |
|
M |
(Charter) Tues; gr 1 Sept 1315, by K Edw II to A and C of
Faversham (CChR, 1300–26, p. 284). To be held at the manor. |
|
F |
(Charter) vf+8, Peter and Paul (29 Jun); gr 1 Sept 1315,
by K Edw II to A and C of Faversham (CChR, 1300–26, p. 284).
To be held at the manor. |
|
| K Charles II granted a Tues market; a fair was held on St Peter’s
day in 1650 (VCH Hertfordshire, ii, p. 281). |
| WARE 5357 2145. Borough 1204 (BF, p.
126). 1334 Subsidy £193.03. Market town c.1600 (Everitt, p. 474).
See also VCH Hertfordshire, iii, p. 385. |
|
M |
(Charter) Tues; mercatum, gr 24 Jul 1199, by K John
to Robert, earl of Leicester (RCh, p. 5b). On 10 Mar 1207, the sh
of Hertfordshire was informed that K John had granted Petronilla, countess
of Leicester, the market of Ware for her life, just as Robert, earl of Leicester,
her son, had held it (RLP, i, p. 69b). In 1224, the market was closed
as it was detrimental to that at Hertford, Hertfordshire
(q.v.) (CRR, xi, no. 1434). Ware nevertheless appears to have
continued as an active market, at least in supplying grain to London (B.M.S.
Campbell, J.A. Galloway, D. Keene and M. Murphy, A Medieval Capital and
its Grain Supply: agrarian production and distribution in the London region
c. 1300 (London, 1993), p. 46). |
|
F |
(Charter) vf+3, Nativity of Mary (8 Sept); feria gr
24 Aug 1254, by K Hen III to Robert de Quency (Roles Gascons, 1242–54,
no. 3988; CPR, 1247–58, p. 324). To be held at the manor. |
| WATFORD 5112 1968. Borough 1290 (BF,
p. 126). 1334 Subsidy £101.48. It is possible that the market was originally
granted by K Hen I (VCH Hertfordshire, ii, p. 451). Market town c.1600
(Everitt, p. 474). See also VCH Hertfordshire, ii, p. 451. |
|
M |
(Prescriptive: borough) recorded 1154x89, forum, held
by ch of St Albans and the M. K Hen II confirmed a market (the day of which
was not given) to the ch of St Albans and the M (Monasticon, ii,
p. 228). K Ric I conceded and confirmed the market at Watford to the ch
and M (CChR, 1300–26, p. 17). In 1207, the men of Watford paid
40s. to have a Sun market, as they were accustomed to have (PR,
9 John, p. 101). On 20 Jul 1301, K Edw I inspected and confirmed the charter
of K Ric I (CChR, 1300–26, p. 17). Market recorded in the sixteenth
and seventeenth centuries (VCH Hertfordshire, ii, p. 451). |
|
F |
(Charter) m+2, Trinity Sun (Easter dep); gr 1 Nov 1335, by
K Edw III to A and C of St Albans, the lords of Watford. To be held at the
town (CChR, 1327–41, p. 350). Fair recorded in the sixteenth
and seventeenth centuries (VCH Hertfordshire, ii, p. 451). |
|
F |
(Charter) fm, Decollation of John the ‘Evangelist’
(29 Aug); gr 1 Nov 1335, by K Edw III to A and C of St Albans, the lords
of Watford. To be held at the town (CChR, 1327–41, p. 350).
Fair recorded in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries (VCH Hertfordshire,
ii, p. 451). The feast of the Decollation of John the Evangelist is not
known; presumably this was a scribal error for the Decollation of John the
Baptist. |