Gravel Pits Farm, the Gravel Pits and 2000 year leases
If “Billy” Graham Burchell needs any more evidence that I am not making things up things about Gravel Pits Farm: In 1598, John Dynham provided his Piddington tenants with leases for 2000 years, based on money rents at 6s. 8d. a yardland. The leases laid down rights of pasture; stated that the tenants had rights to the wood on their land, save for the oak, ash, and crabtrees growing in two coppices; and gave them permission to dig and carry away gravel from Gravel Pits Coppice. Source: History of the Bullingdon Hundred. I believe the copse may have been on the edge of Piddington Wood. A late 19th century map shows some evidence of earth works in that location. An expeditionary team of archaeologists is standing by. Many of the older houses in Piddington will see John Dynham’s name and refer to property owners being granted a 2000-year lease. This is mentioned in many early indentures. |