Duchy of Lancaster: Counterparts of Leases

DL 15

c1547-1875

This series consists mainly of the counterparts of leases issued under the seals of the Duchy of Lancaster and the County Palatine of Lancaster.

There are also some counterparts relating to Duchy property under the seals of the queens, Henrietta Maria and Catherine of Braganza.

There are often other documents attached to the counterparts in this series. These include deeds of surrender, bonds of obligation, and commissions.

There are some different documents too: for instance, privy seal warrants for leases; and a small bundle of miscellaneous drafts, particulars and originals of leases.

KNA

Not Public Record(s)

English and Latin

112 bundle(s)

Open unless otherwise stated

From 2021 Duchy of Lancaster

Topics

Crown lands and estates

Series is accruing

The counterpart of a lease is one part of a two part indenture, which was the normal form for leases in the Duchy of Lancaster and elsewhere. The lessee would sign and seal the counterpart, which was kept in the Duchy office, and the Duchy would seal the lease itself, which was given to the lessee.

The indenture was the final document in the long process of the production of a lease.