ESTATES OF THE MORE AND MORE MOLYNEUX FAMILY OF LOSELEY PARK, IN SURREY AND ELSEWHERE: DEEDS AND PAPERS

  • This material is held at
  • Reference
      GB 176 LM/SECTIONA
  • Dates of Creation
      1279 - 1935
  • Language of Material
      English Latin
  • Physical Description
      1288 items

Scope and Content

The records broadly relate to the management and inheritance of estates. Not included in this section are title deeds associated with the estates, LM/334-LM/359 (Loseley and other estates), LM/847 (Daniel family estates in Norfolk); LM/1083 (Gresham estates in Lincolnshire, including Tetney; manor of Daniells, Gannock, Hertfordshire; and Middlesex); LM/1084 (Hendley family estates in Kent and Sussex, including Cuckfield deeds re Earl of Warenne); LM/1687 (Cornwallis family estates in Carmarthenshire); and LM/778 (Molyneux family estates in Lancashire). These are all listed in section G.

Records relating to family and estate matters frequently relate to several of the functions into which the list has been divided, whether through, for example, a volume being used to record a variety of information, or through re-use at a much later date (this is particularly the case with financial records). Where possible, all estate material is described in this section of the list, but is otherwise cross-referenced.

The following is a detailed summary of the contents:

LM/SECTIONA/1 SECTION A.1: FAMILY SETTLEMENTS AND RECORDS RELATING TO DESCENT OF THE LOSELEY ESTATE 1506-1885
The records in the following group relate principally to the More and More Molyneux family of Loseley. Further records of family inheritance are listed under family executorships and trusteeships below. For deeds of family settlement, see in particular section G.1. Correspondence in 6729 and LM/COR [database available] includes discussion of settlements and inheritance. These include papers relating to George More's marriage and his interest in his mother's estate, see 6729/7/56/2-10; and correspondence relating to Sir William More Bart's estates, see LM/COR/6/90 and LM/COR/9. George More's notes on William More's will, c.1603, are held at the Folger, ref. MS Lb.474 (microfilm available, Z/407, sec.3.2.4).

LM/SECTIONA/2 SECTION A.2: WHOLE ESTATE SURVEYS AND RENTALS 1534-1850
See also LM/306 below (section A.3.1.1) for a terrier of Christopher More's land included in a Godalming manor and hundred court roll; 6729/7/3 for a rental of Christopher More's lands in Surrey and Blackfriars, 1545 and 6729/7/50 for list of lands, 1549; 6729/7/4 for rental of William More's lands, post 1551; 6729/7/49 and 6729/7/56/2-11 for rental and statements of William More's estates, 1572-c.1579; LM/1327/6, section F.3, for copies of leases, patents, rentals and terriers, c.1580s-1600. Manorial rentals are listed with other manorial documents. A probate survey of Christopher More's lands, and particulars of William More's estates on his marriage, are held at the Folger, refs MS Lb.551 (see Z/407, sec. 1.2) and MS Lb.552 (Z/407, sec. 2.2.3).

LM/SECTIONA/3 SECTION A.3: MANORIAL AND HUNDRED RECORDS (1279)-1890

LM/SECTIONA/3/1 A.3.1: MANOR OF LOSELEY 1335-1805
Christopher More purchased the two moieties of the manor from Humphrey Sydney and John Westbrooke between 1506 and 1508. In 1530, he was granted a licence to empark and have free warren within 200a at Loseley (see History of Parliament: The House of Commons, 1509-1558). For note of rents, 1688, see LM/1458 A.3.3.2. For deeds and mortgages relating to the manor, see sections G.2.1.7 and G.3.1. For menu for the manor court dinner, 1781, see LM/826/84, section A.4.1.

LM/SECTIONA/3/1/1 A.3.1.1: Court records 1368-1781
LM/SECTIONA/3/1/2 A.3.1.2: Survey mid 17th cent
LM/SECTIONA/3/1/3 A.3.1.3: Title to the manor 1335-1543
See also section G.3.1 for title deeds.
LM/SECTIONA/3/1/4 A.3.1.4: Manorial administration 1664-1759
LM/SECTIONA/3/1/5 A.3.1.5: Peasmarsh c.1625-c.1805
The Peasmarsh was a large area of common held between several manors. For a brief discussion of the the Peasmarsh and inclosure of parts of it under the inclosures of the manors of Loseley and Polsted, and of the manor of Godalming, see P Gorton 'The Enclosure of the Pease Marsh', Surrey Historic Landscape Studies Newsletter no. 9 (1995). Further records relating to the Peasmarsh are listed with records of Godalming hundred and manor, section A.3.7, and in G.4.46.13.

LM/SECTIONA/3/2 A.3.2: MANOR OF COMPTON WESTBURY 1515-1890
Sir Christopher More obtained the manor of Compton Westbury in 1535 (for title deeds see section G.3.2). The manor was a tithing of the hundred of Godalming, so the records of view of frankpledge are to be found within the hundred records. See also LM/1087/6/box 1, section F.27 and LM/1087/29, section A.4.2, for receipts of rents, 16th and 18th cents.

LM/SECTIONA/3/2/1 A.3.2.1: Court records 1515-1890
LM/SECTIONA/3/2/2 A.3.2.2: Rentals 1682-1843
LM/SECTIONA/3/2/3 A.3.2.3: Accounts and extracts of fines 16th cent-1840
LM/SECTIONA/3/2/4 A.3.2.4: Title to the manor 1540s-early 19th cent

LM/SECTIONA/3/3 A.3.3: MANOR OF POLSTED c.1420-1781
The manor was purchased by William More in 1558. The manor was a tithing of the hundred of Godalming, so the view of frankpledge records appear within the hundred series. For deeds, see section G.3.3.

LM/SECTIONA/3/3/1 A.3.3.1: Court records 1558-1779
For extracts , 16th-17th cents, see LM/315/1-2 , A.3.1.1 above.
LM/SECTIONA/3/3/2 A.3.3.2: Rentals 1543-1688
LM/SECTIONA/3/3/3 A.3.3.3: Title to the manor c.1420-1562
LM/SECTIONA/3/3/4 A.3.3.4: Manorial administration 1734-1781

LM/SECTIONA/3/4 A.3.4: MANOR OF CATTESHALL (1279)-1738
The manor of Catteshall comprised land in the north east of the parish of Godalming and land in Chiddingfold. Although at one time held by the de Broc family who held Godalming Hundred, the manor had a separate descent between 1224, when Edelina de Broc's estate was divided between the five heirs of her husband, and 1565, when John Wintershall conveyed Catteshall to William More. The manor remained in the tenure of the family until 1836 when James More Molyneux sold the manor to George Marshall of Broadwater (see 1281/-). Catteshall manor does not consistently appear as a tithing in the main records of the Hundred courts. This is probably due to the convenience of keeping a separate record from which fines could be administered: Hamo de Gatton, lord of Catteshall, claimed the right to take the fines for views of frankpledge held at Catteshall by the lord of Godalming Hundred in c. 1279, and the VCH quotes an inquisition post mortem of 1292 which confirmed de Gatton's claim (Vol III, pp32-33). Court rolls for the manor itself include views after 1566 (LM/154). It is conceivable that separate records of views of frankpledge were not inherited by William More on his obtaining the manor, and that these have subsequently not survived. Records relating to the Wintershalls' tenure of the manor include minutes of the manor of Selhurst otherwise Wintershall which was also held of the family at that time. For rentals of the manor, 1651-1829, see records of the manor and hundred of Godalming, section A.3.7 below. For deeds of the manor see section G.3.4 and 5403/2/1; for records, 1840-1904, see 1218.

LM/SECTIONA/3/4/1 A.3.4.1: Court records 1360-1717
LM/SECTIONA/3/4/2 A.3.4.2: Rentals 1367-after 1726
Later Catteshall rentals appear with those of Godalming Hundred.
LM/SECTIONA/3/4/3 A.3.4.3: Court papers 1368-1738
LM/SECTIONA/3/4/4 A.3.4.4: Accounts and extracts of fines 1324-1699
LM/SECTIONA/3/4/5 A.3.4.5: Title to the manor (1279)-18th cent
For deeds, see section G.3.4.

LM/SECTIONA/3/5 A.3.5: MANOR OF TYTING, ST MARTHA'S LATE 16TH CENT
William More and Henry Weston acquired a 99 year lease on Tyting in Feb 1567 (VCH vol III, p.105). For deeds see section G.3.5; for 19th cent copy of 16th cent plan and list of lands and boundaries, 1572, see G85/2/2/2.

LM/SECTIONA/3/6 A.3.6: MANOR OF PICCARDS 1320-1777
The manor of Piccards derived from the manor of Artington, which was divided in the 13th century. Sir William More purchased portions of the manor from Pexall Brocas between 1586 and 1600 (VCH vol III, pp4, 9). For deeds see section G.3.6. For correspondence concerning the purchase, see LM/COR/3/- [database available].

LM/SECTIONA/3/6/1 A.3.6.1: Rental and survey c.1585-c.1600
LM/SECTIONA/3/6/2 A.3.6.2: Title to the manor 1429-17th cent
LM/SECTIONA/3/6/3 A.3.6.3: Appointment of officers 1752-1777
LM/SECTIONA/3/6/4 A.3.6.4: Peper Harow 1320
Provenance of this document is unclear, but it possibly relates to Piccards, with which Peper Harow was held until 1586. See title to the manor and hundred of Godalming for records of a dispute over rights to Royal Common, Peper Harow.

LM/SECTIONA/3/7 A.3.7: GODALMING HUNDRED AND MANOR c.1327-1866
The rare survival in Surrey of records of a hundred court which continued to function into the 18th century is probably attributable in the case of Godalming to its shared tenure and administration with the manor of Godalming. The jurisdictions of Godalming Hundred and the manor of Godalming appear to have been held as one from before 1221, when both were granted to the Bishop of Salisbury. Both were held by the Crown from c.1542 until they were granted to Sir George More in 1601. It is conceivable that Christopher or William More may have had responsibility for the hundred and manor earlier, during its tenure by the Crown, both having been involved in stewardship of the Crown manor of Witley (see LM/1327/4, section A.2, for notebook apparently belonging to Christopher, including references to Artington and Godalming Hundred; see also LM/210, section A.3.7.10). The jurisdictions of manor and hundred appear originally to have been largely coterminous, the right of view of frankpledge held by the hundred court not being exclusive within the hundredal division of Godalming: the manor of Hambledon disputed the hundred's right to view, see LM/706 and LM/350/35, section A.3.7.10; Witley, as a Crown manor, held its own view, as did Puttenham (see LM/862/1, section A.3.7.10, below for notes about tenants). Manors aside from the manor of Godalming which owed suit to the hundred court included Hurtmore, Farncombe, Polsted, Peper Harow and Loseley (see LM/219, section A.3.7.1), although Polsted, Farncombe and Loseley at least appear to have paid for exemption (see VCH vol III). In the 16th century, tithings represented at the main twice yearly hundred court were: Compton, Farncombe, Hurtmore, Binscombe, Peper Harow, Chiddingfold Magna, Chiddingfold Parva, Syttinghurst [Chiddingfold], 'High tithing de Eashing', Haslemere, Leybourne (otherwise Laborne), Shackleford, and Littleton (LM/219, section A.3.7.1). Separate views were held at Artington, Compton Eastbury and Westbury and Godalming Enton [the town tithing, itself occasionally referred to as a manor] once a year (see LM/569, section A.3.7.10, recital of the lord's rights within the hundred). After ownership and administrative changes in c.1625, separate series of views were produced for Artington (see LM/131-132, section A.3.7.3), Compton (LM/174-175, section A.3.7.4) and Haslemere (LM/290, section A.3.8.1). Two of the manors within the hundred, Artington and Haslemere (the borough part of the parish), shared descent with Godalming manor and hundred, being included in the grant to George More of 1601. The hundredal function was also exercised through the three weekly courts, which heard pleas of debt and trespass (from the evidence of the records here, until 1709). The More family, as lords of the hundred, also collected fines within the hundred on behalf of central government (Green Wax, de Banco and post fines), a function usually exercised by the sheriff. The terms 'hundred' and 'manor' are frequently used interchangeably in the records: only in certain sequences (principally the separation of the 3 weekly court minutes, 1583-1709) in the series have the functions been fully differentiated, but in these cases probably only for convenience of record-keeping. For estate management reasons, records in this group include some records of other manors held by the Mores, which were administered together: these are principally Catteshall and Compton Westbury. For records aside from court rolls relating to commoners' rights, tenancies and freehold title within the manors, see below under manorial administration; for rights disputed between manors, see under manorial title (section A.3.7.10). For title deeds and other records see section G.3.7. For other records relating to the manor of Godalming, 1357-1961, see Ac1363/11/-.

LM/SECTIONA/3/7/1 A.3.7.1: Court records c.1327-1866
LM/SECTIONA/3/7/2 A.3.7.2: Three weekly court papers 1552-1688
LM/SECTIONA/3/7/3 A.3.7.3: Tithing of Artington 1625-1706
LM/SECTIONA/3/7/4 A.3.7.4: Tithings of Compton Eastbury and Westbury 1591-1706
The tithings of Compton Eastbury and Compton Westbury were comprised in this separate view. A further tithing named Compton appears in the main Hundred view.
LM/SECTIONA/3/7/5 A.3.7.5: Artington and Compton tithings 1711-1842
LM/SECTIONA/3/7/6 A.3.7.6: Godalming manor, Catteshall manor and Artington: rentals and surveys 13th cent-1856
See also G70/68/4 for particular of leases of manorial land between 1582 and 1755.
LM/SECTIONA/3/7/7 A.3.7.7: Accounts and extracts of fines 1363-c.1840
LM/SECTIONA/3/7/8 A.3.7.8: Appointment of officers c.1547-1826
Reeves were appointed from those tenants who held 'reveland': this is often noted in rentals (see LM/219, section A.3.7.1).
LM/SECTIONA/3/7/9 A.3.7.9: Manorial and hundredal administration 1566-19th cent
LM/SECTIONA/3/7/10 A.3.7.10: Title to the hundred and manor of Godalming (1411)-1782
For deeds, see section G.3.7. For other records relating to rights of view of frankpledge said to be granted to the lord of the manor of Catteshall, see records of Catteshall, section A.3.4. Notes by George More on the manor finances and legal history are held at the Folger, ref MS Lb.689 (microfilm held, see Z/407).
LM/SECTIONA/3/7/11 A.3.7.11: Inclosure 1770-1803
See also manor of Loseley, section A.3.1.5, for records relating to Peasmarsh.
LM/SECTIONA/3/7/12 A.3.7.12: Revenue collection in Godalming Hundred c.1591-1802
LM/SECTIONA/3/7/13 A.3.7.13: Land tax collection c.1684-1819
LM/SECTIONA/3/7/14 A.3.7.14: Manor of Godalming Rectory 1375-1580
The manor of Godalming Rectory was held by the Deans of Salisbury from 1285. The provenance of records of this manor and of the manor of Westbrooke is not clear, but may relate to the jurisdictions of the manor and hundred of Godalming.
LM/SECTIONA/3/7/15 A.3.7.15: Manor of Westbrooke, Godalming 16th cent-1788

LM/SECTIONA/3/8 A.3.8: HASLEMERE MANOR AND BOROUGH 1625-1812
Tenure of the manor of Haslemere appears to have been held with that of the manor of Godalming, until Haslemere was separately sold in 1784. The manor so named was coterminous with the borough, while the rest of the parish was formed out of the manor of Godalming. It is probable that the separate records of Haslemere courts leet before c.1625 in the Godalming Hundred sequence relate to the borough tithing. The relationship of the manor to the parliamentary borough was a matter of some dispute: the More Molyneuxes claimed, with variable success, that qualification for the franchise derived only from properties which owed rent to the manor. Records relating solely to the parliamentary borough are listed separately, section D.3. This group includes records relating to the Haslemere tolls charity. The profits of the market tolls as granted by Elizabeth I in 1596 were to be applied for the relief of the poor of the borough by the bailiffs and others. A decree of 1662 interpreted this provision as placing responsibility for the tolls with the lord of the manor of Haslemere. The money was used by James Gresham to build almshouses in 1679, which he named the Toll House (see VCH vol III p.46). For further deeds and papers relating to title to the manor and its administration see sections G.3.8. See also section G.4.12. For other records of the manor, 1654-1953, see Ac1363/11/-.

LM/SECTIONA/3/8/1 A.3.8.1: Court records 1625-1779
LM/SECTIONA/3/8/2 A.3.8.2: Rentals 1667-1747
LM/SECTIONA/3/8/3 A.3.8.3: Extracts of fines 1668-1685
LM/SECTIONA/3/8/4 A.3.8.4: Manorial administration 17th cent-1777
LM/SECTIONA/3/8/5 A.3.8.5: Title to the manor 1722-1812
For deeds, see section G.3.8.
LM/SECTIONA/3/8/6 A.3.8.6: Appointment of officers 1726-1777
LM/SECTIONA/3/8/7 A.3.8.7: Haslemere Tolls Charity 1655-1767
See also 6729/3/132, LM/COR/6/62 and 64 and LM/COR/7/154 for letters relating to James Gresham and the charity administration.
LM/SECTIONA/3/8/8 A.3.8.8: Sale of Haslemere estate 1694-1785

LM/SECTIONA/3/9 A.3.9: MANORS OF PUTTENHAM PRIORY AND PUTTENHAM BURY 1708-1762
Thomas More Molyneux purchased the manors from James Oglethorpe in 1760: see LM/357/113/1-5, section G.3.10. For court records of the manors, 1503-1916, see G104/1-5, G21/40, G51/5/67 and G147/1-2.

LM/SECTIONA/3/10 A.3.10: MANOR OF HAMBLETON MAGNA, RUTLAND 1488-c.1505
The provenance of these records and their place in the archive is unclear. Sir Henry Ferrers gained the manor of Hambleton Magna in 1467/8, and it remained in the Ferrers family until it was granted to Sir John Harington of Exton Hall in 1601.

LM/SECTIONA/4 SECTION A.4: LOSELEY ESTATE AND OTHER FAMILY ESTATES: HOUSEHOLD AND ESTATE MANAGEMENT AND ACCOUNTS EARLY 16TH CENT-1935
Records in this group relate principally to the management of the Loseley estate and household, and of tenanted property, but the account group necessarily includes some records of non Surrey estates where volumes were used for several purposes. Records of particular interest listed here are those relating to the employment of domestic and other servants (eg LM/1087/2/18), and records of work on Loseley House and garden; Thomas Molyneux's plans for remodelling of the gardens, c.1704 include LM/1362, and there are many details of the furnishings, and domestic and culinary arrangements during the tenure of Jane More Molyneux (1777-1802). Some household inventories without clear provenance have been assigned to this group. Records of the acquisition of property (aside from deeds) are separately grouped under manorial and non-manorial: for title to Loseley House and demesne, see records of the manor of Loseley, A.3.1.3. Further inventories including room by room details of contents are listed with probate records in the family settlements group above, section A.1. Agreements for alterations to Loseley house, 1704-1713, including the staircase are held as LM/355/5 and LM/355/30 below, section A.4.1. See also G145/box 62/3 for a stray inventory of Sir Christopher More's plate written in his own hand (1536); 1630/- for agreement concerning erection of brass waterworks and watercourse, 1617; and LM/353/13/1, section G.2.2, for inventory of goods, fittings etc at Loseley, 1691; LM/353/13/1, section G.2.2, for lease of 1691 including details of fruit trees; LM/1087/1/7, section B.1.3, for estate accounts, 1685-1741, including record of crops, 1690; 1764/- for rental, 1850-1851; 1974/- for accounts of Jane More Molyneux's executors, 1801-1823; 885/- for accounts of James More Molyneux, 1818-1823; and 1285/- for estate papers and rental, c.1775-1825. The large quantity of boxes of bills and receipts relating to both personal and household and estate expenditure are listed with the personal family papers (section F.27). Further accounts, 1549-1650, are held at the Folger, refs MS Lb.35, MS Lb.184 and MS Lb.550 (microfilm held, see Z/407). A plan of Loseley, c.1601 is held at Sir John Soane's Museum, London (reference vol 101/39 & 40): see Z/355 for a photograph of this.

LM/SECTIONA/4/1 A.4.1: ESTATE AND HOUSEHOLD MANAGEMENT EARLY 16TH CENT-1935

LM/SECTIONA/4/2 A.4.2: HOUSEHOLD, ESTATE AND OTHER ACCOUNTS ?1537-1875
The large quantities of bills and receipts (running to thousands of items) which relate to both personal as well as estate and household affairs, have been placed with the personal family papers in Section F.27.

LM/SECTIONA/5 SECTION A.5: INDIVIDUAL PROPERTIES WITHIN THE LOSELEY ESTATE AND ELSEWHERE: RECORDS OF TITLE AND RENTAL (1321)-1857
Records in this group comprise rentals and documents other than title deeds relating to title to individual properties (not including manors) in the Loseley estate and elsewhere in Surrey, Sussex and Kent and also the site of Blackfriars, London, including probate records relating to vendors, plans, tenancy papers and legal case papers. The records are generally arranged in chronological order of acquisition of the properties, firstly in Surrey, then elsewhere. These records cannot be seen as presenting a comprehensive picture of the More Molyneux estates and should be used in conjunction with the deeds in section G as well as the surveys in A.1 above.

LM/SECTIONA/5/1 A.5.1: LAND IN ARTINGTON c.1506-c.1570
Christopher and William More acquired reversionary interests in land of the Marten family, including Graces [otherwise Scraces] in Littleton and 3 messuages and lands, called Ewynes and Byshopshagh or Bisshopestent in Artington. See also section G.4.1.

LM/SECTIONA/5/2 A.5.2: LAND IN MERSTHAM 1442-16TH CENT
Christopher More purchased land in Merstham in 1524 (see LM/345/33, section G.4.4.2). For deeds relating to the property see section G.4.4.

LM/SECTIONA/5/3 A.5.3: ANGEL INN, GUILDFORD 1527
See section G.4.6 for deeds including receipt relating to purchase by Christopher More.

LM/SECTIONA/5/4 A.5.4: BURY FIELDS, ST CATHERINE'S HILL AND OTHER LAND IN ST NICHOLAS, GUILDFORD 16TH CENT-1857
For deeds see also G.4.2.

LM/SECTIONA/5/5 A.5.5: THE FRIARY, GUILDFORD 1596
The Crown leased the friary to George More, who subsequently assigned his lease to George Austen of Guildford in 1606: see LM/349/21, section G.4.28. See 6729/2/17 for letter concerning removal of building material from the old kitchen and great room by More, 1606.

LM/SECTIONA/5/6 A.5.6: LAND IN THE MANOR OF SOUTH BILLINGHURST, DUNSFOLD AFTER 1534
For deeds, see section G.4.7.

LM/SECTIONA/5/7 A.5.7: OAKWOOD CHAPEL MID 16TH CENT
Wiliam More and Henry Polsted jointly purchased ex-chantry property at Oakwood in 1548. The confiscation of the chapel, the only place of worship for local inhabitants, resulted in an inquiry by the Court of Augmentations (see History of Parliament: The House of Commons, 1558-1603).

LM/SECTIONA/5/8 A.5.8: COMPTON PARISH PATRONAGE POST 1560-1789
Compton advowson was purchased by Sir Christopher More in 1535. For deeds, see sections G.3.2 and G.4.8. For legal opinion concerning simony case of 1619, see MS Lb.668 Z/407 sec.3.2.4.

LM/SECTIONA/5/9 A.5.9: FRENSHAM PONDS 1662-1680
VCH vol II pp608-9 cites a lease by the Bishop of Winchester to John Smith, who assigned his interest to Sir George and Sir Robert More by 1608. Earlier records relating to Frensham Ponds are listed with the records of the estates of the Bishop of Winchester, section B.2.4.5. See also LM/1087/29, section A.4.2, for 18th cent receipts relating to the ponds. Correspondence relating to fishing of the ponds, 1580-1685 may be found in LM/COR [database available].

LM/SECTIONA/5/10 A.5.10: LANDS AT POLSTED, COMPTON 1703-1830s
See also section G.4.1 for deeds relating to Polsted.

LM/SECTIONA/5/11 A.5.11: ORANGE COURT FARM, ST NICHOLAS, GUILDFORD 1735-1830s
Orange Court was purchased by Sir William More Molyneux in 1750. For deeds, see section G.4.24. For valuation, 1779, see LM/1657, section A.2.

LM/SECTIONA/5/12 A.5.12: BINSCOMBE FARM, GODALMING LATE 16TH CENT-1767
Thomas More Molyneux appears to have purchased Binscombe in 1768: see LM/379 below. For deeds see section G.4.46.

LM/SECTIONA/5/13 A.5.13: LOSELEY CHAPEL, ST NICHOLAS, GUILDFORD 1836-1855

LM/SECTIONA/5/14 A.5.14: RYVER PARK, TILLINGTON, SUSSEX 1527
Christopher More and Sir William Goryng purchased an interest in the reversion of the moiety of the park of Ryver in Tillington, Sussex on 30 Oct 1527: see LM/345/50, section G.5.2.

LM/SECTIONA/5/15 A.5.15: SITE OF BLACKFRIARS, LONDON (1321)-1599
Property on the site of the precinct of Blackfriars was acquired by the Mores from c.1540 (see LM/345/101, section G.5.4), but appears principally to have derived from William More's purchase of Sir Thomas Cawarden's estate following its sale under the terms of Cawarden's will in c.1560 (see LM/1327/5, section A.2, for recital of will, of which More was also executor; LM/348/7/1-2, section G.5.4, for quitclaim by William Cawarden, Sir Thomas' nephew and heir, 1560). The estate was charged with annuities by Cawarden's will, and was also subject to dower until the death of Elizabeth Cawarden. William More appears to have kept a house for his own use at Blackfriars (see LM/333 below), and his daughter Elizabeth's marriage to Richard Polsted took place there (see LM/2021, section F.3). For rentals relating to Blackfriars property, see 6729/7/3-4. See also 6729 and LM/COR [database available] for correspondence concerning tenancies and maintenance of the estate. Many further records of the Blackfriars estate are held at the Folger, including MS Lb.356-357, bargain and sale, 1596, by More to James Burbage of rooms later converted to become the Blackfriars Theatre; and records relating to the disputes concerning the supposed parish church of St Annes, etc. For microfilm see Z/407.

LM/SECTIONA/5/16 A.5.16: LONDON PROPERTY 1605-1778
For leases, see section G.5.15.

LM/SECTIONA/5/17 A.5.17: LAND IN TONBRIDGE, KENT 1615-1618
Sir George More purchased the reversion of lands in Tonbridge in 1615. See also LM/349/114/2, section G.5.12, and LM/COR/4/35.

LM/SECTIONA/5/18 A.5.18: EAST DEAN, SUSSEX 1613-1623
See also section G.5.8.

LM/SECTIONA/6 SECTION A.6: ESTATES OF FAMILIES RELATED TO THE MORES AND MORE MOLYNEUX BY MARRIAGE 1499-1782

LM/SECTIONA/6/1 A.6.1: ESTATES OF THE MUGGE FAMILY OF BUCKFASTLEIGH, DEVON 1499-16TH CENT
Sir Christopher More married Walter Mugge's daughter Margaret. See section G.6.1 for deeds relating to Mugge estates. Mugge (also known as Mudge) also appears to have held land in Guildford: see LM/1327/5, section A.2.

LM/SECTIONA/6/2 A.6.2: ESTATES OF THE FYNES OTHERWISE FIENNES FAMILY OF SUSSEX 1537-1538
Thomas Fynes otherwise Fiennes married Christopher More's daughter Margaret. See also section G.7.2.

LM/SECTIONA/6/3 A.6.3: ESTATES OF WILLIAM HENEAGE OF MILTON, SUSSEX 1518
William More's second wife Constance was the widow of William Heneage.

LM/SECTIONA/6/4 A.6.4: ESTATES OF HULL FAMILY OF HAMBLEDON 1563-1564
There are apparently two connections between the Mores and Hull family of Hambledon: John Hull married Joan More, niece of Christopher More; and Mary Scarlet, niece of the first Sir William More, married Giles Hull. See 6729/7/145 for rental of John Hull's estates, 1562. See also section G.6.2 for deeds relating to Hull estates.

LM/SECTIONA/6/5 A.6.5: ESTATES OF THE WINTERSHALL FAMILY OF BRAMLEY c.1586
Elizabeth, daughter of Christopher More, married John Wintershall otherwise Wintershull. They died without issue. See also manor of Catteshall, section A.3.4, for other estates of the family.

LM/SECTIONA/6/6 A.6.6: ESTATES OF THE POYNINGS FAMILY c.1580-c.1649
George More married Anne, the daughter of Sir Adrian Poynings of Burnegate, Dorset, as his first wife. She died in 1590. Through her the Mores gained a claim to the estates of Sir Adrian and also to those of the recusants Richard and Benedicta Guildford (see below section A.6.7). For deeds relating to Poynings and Guildford estates, see section G.7.4.

LM/SECTIONA/6/7 A.6.7: ESTATES OF THE GUILDFORD FAMILY OF KENARDINGTON, KENT, AND WLSEWHERE 1514-c.1621
Richard Guildford (d.1586) and Benedicta Guildford (d.1597) were recusants who died in exile without issue, after which their Kentish property of Kenardington manor and lands in Woodchurch, Snargate, Appledore and Warehorne was claimed by both Walter Moyle and Thomas Rogers. Robert Moyle, brother and heir of Walter, was granted the manor by letters patent of 9 Sep 1597. Sir Robert More claimed the lands as a cousin of Rogers; his claim derived from his mother Anne nee Poynings who was a cousin of Richard Guildford. John More was a son of Anne's sister Mary and Sir Edward More of Crabbet. For deeds relating to Guildford estates, see sections G.7.4.4 and G.7.4.5. See also 6729/11/82/1.

LM/SECTIONA/6/8 A.6.8: ESTATES OF THE MICHELL FAMILY OF SUSSEX c.1524-1592
Sir George More married as his second wife Constance, a daughter of John Michell of Stamerham (by Jun 1593: see LM/348/230, section G.5.9). For deeds relating to Michell estates, see section G.7.8.

LM/SECTIONA/6/9 A.6.9: ESTATES OF THE WOLLEY FAMILY IN SURREY AND ELSEWHERE 1578-1632
Sir Francis Wolley of Pyrford, who died in 1609 without legitimate issue (see 6729/3/184), was the only child of Sir George More's sister Elizabeth and her second husband, Sir John Wolley of Pyrford Place (d.1596). Sir Arthur Mainwaring was the son of Elizabeth's sister Anne. The Wolley property included the manors of Pyrford, Wisley, Burgham alias Burpham and Shagdon, the rectories of Wonersh and Thorpe and lands called Stoneham. For deeds relating to the Wolley estates, see section G.6.4; for opinion on Francis Wolley's claim to his mother's estates, see 6729/2/21 and 6729/7/123; a brief concerning claims to Thorpe rectory, c.1611, is held at the Folger, ref MS Lb.631 (for microfilm see Z/407 sec.3.2.4). See alsoLM/COR/3/476, letter concerning survey of parsonages, 1590.

LM/SECTIONA/6/9/1 A.6.9.1: General 1578-1610
LM/SECTIONA/6/9/2 A.6.9.2: Manor in Shalford, possibly Shalford Rectory 16th cent
The manor of Shalford Rectory was granted by Queen Elizabeth to John Wolley, who conveyed it to his brother in law George More in 1590; the manors of Shalford Clifford and Bradestan were properties of Anthony Browne, Viscount Montague. For deeds, see section G.4.21.
LM/SECTIONA/6/9/3 A.6.9.3: Manor of Burgham [Burpham], Worplesdon c.1609-c.1612
The manor was purchased by Sir John Wolley in 1592.
LM/SECTIONA/6/9/4 A.6.9.4: Thorpe 1595-c.1624
LM/SECTIONA/6/9/5 A.6.9.5: Manor of Wisley 1592-1597
The manor of Wisley was purchased by Sir John Wolley and Elizabeth Wolley in 1594.
LM/SECTIONA/6/9/6 A.6.9.6: Manor of Witley c.1605
See also section G.3.9 for deeds and further cross-references.
LM/SECTIONA/6/9/7 A.6.9.7: Pyrford Place and land in Woking and Byfleet c.1611
LM/SECTIONA/6/9/8 A.6.9.8: Backham Warren, Wendover, Buckinghamshire c.1624

LM/SECTIONA/6/10 A.6.10: ESTATES OF THE OGLANDER FAMILY OF THE ISLE OF WIGHT 1602
Frances, daughter of Sir George More (1590-1644), married Sir John Oglander of Nunwell in 1606. For deed, 1606, see section G.7.6. Records of Sir John Oglander are held at the Isle of Wight Record Office.

LM/SECTIONA/6/11 A.6.11: ESTATES OF THE ROUS FAMILY OF SUFFOLK 1632-1636
Elizabeth, wife of Sir Poynings More, was the widow of Christopher Rous of Henham, Suffolk.

LM/SECTIONA/6/12 A.6.12: ESTATES OF THE HENDLEY FAMILY OF CUCKFIELD, SUSSEX 1675
Sir William More, bart (1643-1684), married Mary Hendley, daughter of Sir Walter Hendley of Cuckfield in 1665. For deeds relating to Hendley estates, see section G.7.11; for papers relating to offices and commissions held by the Sir Thomas and Walter Hendley, 1637-c.1662, including the shrievalty of Kent and Sussex and to taxation in Cuckfield, 1650-1654, see sections B.1.7, B.1.12 and B.3.1; for account books of the Hendley family, 1617-1662, see LM/1087/1/8, LM/1087/1/10, LM/1087/2/5 and LM/1087/3/15, section A.4.2.

LM/SECTIONA/6/13 A.6.13: ESTATES OF THE CORNWALLIS AND MAUDE FAMILY 1753-1765
The Cornwallis family were related to the More Molyneux by the marriage of William More Molyneux to Cassandra Cornwallis of Abermarles, Carmarthen. For deeds relating to the Cornwallis estate, see LM/1687, section G.7.13; for accounts relating to the Abermarles estate, c.1730-1755, see LM/1087/1/10 and LM/1087/30, section A.4.2.

LM/SECTIONA/6/14 A.6.14: ESTATES OF THE WYATT FAMILY IN HORSTED KEYNES, SUSSEX, AND ELSEWHERE 17TH CENT-1773
Richard Wyatt of Cheam married Susanna More Molyneux, sister of Sir William More Molyneux, in c.1725. For estate and solicitor's business accounts of Richard Wyatt, see section A.4.2, including LM/1087/2/7 and 9 and LM/1087/29. For deeds relating to the Wyatt estates in Puttenham and Sussex, see section G.6.7.

LM/SECTIONA/6/15 A.6.15: ESTATES OF THE SHERARD FAMILY IN NOTTINGHAM AND ELSEWHERE 17TH CENT-19TH CENT
James More Molyneux (1723-1759) married Margaret Sherard in 1753. For deeds relating to Sherard estates in Leicestershire and Nottinghamshire, see section G.7.15.

LM/SECTIONA/6/15/1 A.6.15.1: General 1720-19th cent
LM/SECTIONA/6/15/2 A.6.15.2: Estates at Car Colston, Thoroton, Hawksworth and Screveton, Nottinghamshire 17th cent-1782
LM/SECTIONA/6/15/3 A.6.15.3: Sileby and Rotherby, Leicestershire 1732-1772
LM/SECTIONA/6/15/4 A.6.15.4: Mining interest in Cheshire 1720-1728

LM/SECTIONA/6/16 A.6.16: ESTATES OF THE GREEN FAMILY OF FINDON, SUSSEX 1786-1787
William Green married Emma Molyneux, daughter of Sir William More Molyneux in 1757. Their son William Molyneux Green died in 1784 without issue. See also LM/819/1-2, section A.1, and G85/1/1 for records relating to Emma Molyneux's marriage.

LM/SECTIONA/6/17 A.6.17: ESTATES OF THE GRESHAM FAMILY IN LINCOLNSHIRE AND ELSEWHERE 16TH CENT-17TH CENT
James Gresham (1616-1689) married Anne More (b.1620), daughter of Sir Robert More. Latterly they lived in Haslemere and James was responsible for the management of the Haslemere estate on behalf of the Loseley family. For Gresham family correspondence, see LM/COR/7-; for title deeds of Gresham estates, see LM section G.7.10.

Administrative / Biographical History

Christopher More had moved to Surrey from London by 1505 and married Margaret Mugge, daughter of a well-established Guildford family (otherwise Mudge). He had purchased both moieties of the manor of Loseley from Humphrey Sydney and John Westbrook by 1508, when the family moved into the manor house, (a smaller building than the present one, probably to the south of it). Further acquisitions during Christopher's lifetime included the manor of Compton Westbury (1535), St Catherine's Hill, and many properties in Artington and Compton (see surveys LM/1592 and LM/1647 below). Christopher More also purchased an estate at the Blackfriars in c.1540 (see LM/345/101).

His son William More expanded the estate with purchases including the manors of Polsted (1558) and Catteshall (1565), and the Blackfriars estate of Sir Thomas Cawarden (1560). In 1601 his son George was granted the vast manor and hundred of Godalming which, covered much of south west Surrey, and encompassed the manors of Artington and Haslemere.

In c.1563-1569, William More built a new house at Loseley on a more impressive scale than the medieval manor (see Folger ref MS Lb.550, account for building Loseley House, 1560-1569, and LM/2025 below, list of timber used in the rebuilding). A further west wing including a chapel was added by George More between c.1602 and 1605 (see LM/826/15 and LM/799 below; the wing fell into disrepair and was pulled down in 1826).

By the mid 17th century, during the tenure of Poynings More, the family began to encounter financial difficulties, and a lease of Loseley was apparently considered at that time (see LM/817 below, and LM/COR/5/-, letters of John Wight, steward, to Poynings More while More was living in Covent Garden). Disputes over the inheritance of Sir William More's estate (d.1684) appear to have led to the sale of some Guildford property (see inter alia LM/1296 below), and by the time Robert More's death in 1689 ended the male line, the estate was involved in debt, and probably in poor repair. The marriage of Margaret More, the co-heiress, to Thomas Molyneux of Lancashire (1689) brought new money to Loseley: the house was leased to Lord Torrington in February 1691 for 7 years (LM/352/13/1), but subsequently improvements and alterations were made to the house (the position of the front door, the staircase and probably the carved gallery) and the garden (see inter alia LM/1362 below for a garden design, c.1706).

Additions to the estate during the 18th century included the manors of Puttenham Priory and Puttenham Bury: however, following the death of Thomas More Molyneux in 1776, and the inheritance of his sisters Cassandra (d.1777) and Jane (d.1802) Loseley appears to have fallen into some disrepair and the demesne was once more leased (LM/358/110). Estates in other counties and the manor of Haslemere were sold during Jane's tenure.

During the 19th century the house appears to have been leased several times, while family members lived at St Catherine's Hill.

Further alterations designed by Henry Woodyer were made to Loseley House in 1874 (see LM/1373/8-11 below), and a nursery wing was added in 1877 (The Loseley Challenge op. cit.).

Owners of Loseley

Christopher More (d.1549), 1508-1549
William More (1520-1600), 1549-1600
George More (1553-1632), 1600-1632
Poynings More (1606-1649), 1632-1649
William More (1643-1684), 1649-1684
Nicholas More (1615-1684), 1684
Robert More (d.1689), 1684-1689
Margaret Molyneux (nee More, 1660-1704) and Thomas Molyneux (d.1719), 1689-1719
William More Molyneux (1690-1760), 1719-1760
Thomas More Molyneux (1724-1776), 1760-1776
Cassandra More Molyneux (1725-1777), 1776-1777
Jane More Molyneux (1729-1802), 1777-1802
James More Molyneux (1760-1823), 1802-1823
James More Molyneux (1805-1874), 1823-1874
William More Molyneux (1835-1907), 1874-1907
Gwendoline More Molyneux (c.1876-1946), 1907-1946
James Robert More-Molyneux (1920-2013)
Michael More-Molyneux

Arrangement

The records comprise: records relating to the descent of the family estates, including probate records and material relating to settlements; whole estate surveys and rentals; records relating to ownership of manors and the hundred court of Godalming, listed in order of acquisition; records of the management of the Loseley estate and other Surrey properties; records relating to individual properties; records relating to properties in Surrey and other counties with which the Mores and More Molyneuxes were involved through marriage.

Access Information

There are no access restrictions.

Acquisition Information

Deposited by Major James More-Molyneux of Loseley Park near Guildford in 1950 and by Mr and Mrs M More-Molyneux in October and December 1999.

Other Finding Aids

An item level description of the archive is available on the Surrey History Centre online catalogue