Colyton Chamber of Feoffees
In 1546 there was a most significant and dramatic event which would lead to a settled and progressive life in Colyton. For many years the Colyton lands had been in the possession of the Courtenay family.
The then Lord of the Manor, Henry Courtenay, Marquis of Exeter fell foul of his cousin King Henry VIII. He was executed and all his lands confiscated to the crown.
A while later, shrewdly judging the moment when the King needed money for his wars and shipbuilding, a group of farmers and merchants got together the sum of 1000 marks.
With this they travelled to London and managed to negotiate the purchase of much of the seized estates from the King. This resulted in a deed of “feoffment” being signed on 6th January 1546.
The Colyton Chamber of Feoffees became the body charged with using the proceeds for “good, godly and commendable purposes”. The Chamber’s actions were recorded by a Bailiff and this role has continued ever since over the past six centuries.
The first development of note was the founding of Colyton Grammar School in 1546. The school was originally housed in the building shown left which later became a post office and is now a private dwelling named Church House. The Grammar School moved to its current site in Colyford during the 1920s.
For a detailed school history read ‘A History of Colyton Grammar School’ available to buy in the Heritage Centre or in our online shop.
In 1547 the Chamber appointed a Bailiff to administer its affairs and keep meticulous records of meetings and accounts. These continuous records remain in existence providing a record of over 450 years history in the parish. Read more about this extensive archive here
For a detailed account of the Feoffees read ‘The History of the Feoffees of Colyton 1546-2016’
You can also visit the Feoffees website here
