100 Years Ago
Domesday Book
The history of the parish can be traced back to the Domesday Book entry of 1086 which mentions Herefordingberie. “Stronghold of the people of Hertford”. Old English -inga-a- burh (dative byrig).
“Ralph himself holds Herefordingberie. It is assessed at 5 hides. There is land for 10 ploughs. In demesne are 3 hides and 1 virgate, and there are 2 ploughs, and there can be a third. There 5 villans with 1 Frenchman and 6 bordars have 5 ploughs, and there can be 2 more. There are 11 cottars and 4 slaves, and 2 mills rendering 6s, meadow for 3 ploughs, pasture for the livestock of the vill and woodland for 200 pigs. From woodland pasture, 7s. In all it is worth £8; when received, £6; TRE £10. Alwine, a thegn of Earl Harold, held this manor and could sell.”
Other mentions in the Domesday book include:
“In Panshanger [Blachemene] Geoffrey of Runeville holds 1 hide from Geoffrey [de Bec]. There is land for 2 ploughs. In demesne 1; another possible. There is 1 villager and 2 smallholders. Meadow for 2 ploughs; pasture for the livestock; woodland for 40 pigs. The value of this land is and was 15s; TRE [before 1066] 40s. Two thanes of King Edward’s held this land; they could sell.”
“In Epcombs [Thepecampe] a priest holds ∏ hide, of the King’s alms. There is land for 1 plough; it is there, with 2 slaves. Meadow for 1 plough; 1 mill at 12d. The value of this land is and was 15s; TRE [before 1066] 20s. He held it himself TRE and still holds it, in alms.”
“In Roxford [Rochesforde] the priest Guy holds ∏ hide from Geoffrey [de Bec]. There is land for 1∏ ploughs. In demesne 1; ∏ possible. There are 3 smallholders. 1 mill at 5s; meadow for 1 plough; pasture for the livestock; woodland for 50 pigs. In total, the value is and was 15s; TRE [before 1066] 20s. Godwin, a thane of King Edward’s, held this land; he could sell.”
There are several historical websites of local interest:
Website | Description |
British History Online | British History Online is the digital library containing some of the core printed primary and secondary sources for the medieval and modern history of the British Isles. Created by the Institute of Historical Research and the History of Parliament Trust, we aim to support academic and personal users around the world in their learning, teaching and research. |
English Heritage PastScape | The information on PastScape is derived from the National Monuments Record database which holds records on the architectural and archaeological heritage of England. The National Monuments Record is the public archive of English Heritage. |
Hertfordshire County Council | History and information on the Panshanger Estate and area. |