New members are being sought for a panel which advises The Master of the Rolls on historical documents related to the manorial system and tithes.
Manorial documents relate to a type of land ownership known as copyhold, abolished in 1922. Tithing was the practice of giving one tenth of all agricultural produce annually to support the local church and clergy. After the Reformation much land passed from the Church to lay owners who inherited entitlement to receive tithes.
Records created as a result of these systems are invaluable for people researching their ancestors, maps or land ownership. Some are held by The National Archives, some by county record offices and some are in private hands.
The Master of the Rolls, Sir Geoffrey Vos, is seeking experts to act as advisers on the Manorial and Tithe Documents panel, which meets twice a year and also considers queries via email. Part of the role involves sharing information about good practice with university history departments, local history groups and county record societies.
Three posts are being advertised. One is a three-year appointment and the others two-year posts. Expenses will be covered. The deadline for applications is 1700 on Friday, 25 April 2025. Completed applications with a CV and supporting statement should be emailed to advisorycouncilsecretary@nationalarchives.gov.uk
More information about the roles and details on how to apply can be found here
