Manor Profile
Eastergate, West Sussex· Avisford Hundred· 1086 – 1993
Eastergate was held by Sees Abbey (Orne, France) of Earl Roger, who had granted it to them in free alms shortly before 1086. Twenty-eight tenants were recorded at Domesday. The demesne farm had 4 acres of meadow and woodland yielding five swine (VCH Sussex Vol. 5 pt 1, pp. 148-160).
In 1415 the manor transferred with other Sees estates to Syon Abbey (Middlesex). After the Dissolution the Crown retained it until 1560, when it was granted to Richard Baker and Sir Richard Sackville. In 1564-5 Sackville exchanged it with the Dean and Chapter of Chichester Cathedral (VCH Sussex Vol. 5 pt 1, pp. 148-160).
From the mid 16th century to the late 18th century the demesnes were leased to members of the Rose, Sheldon, and Dolben families. The successors in 1845 were two members of the Bine family (VCH Sussex Vol. 5 pt 1, pp. 148-160).
In 1860 the manor was made over to the Ecclesiastical Commissioners. In 1865 it was reallotted as part of the Chichester Cathedral endowment. The Church Commissioners held it through 1993. From 1899 land was sold to S. S. Marshall Ltd and 470 acres were leased to the West Barnham Estate company, which was wound up in 1930. The land sales did not affect the manorial lordship, which remained with the Church Commissioners (VCH Sussex Vol. 5 pt 1, pp. 148-160).
The advowson descended with the manor. The Crown exercised the patronage from 1348 to 1421 during the period of the French wars. George Benyon and Henry Blaxton presented in the later 16th century. William Cawley, the regicide, and Richard Boughton presented jointly in 1657. After 1860 the patronage remained with the Dean and Chapter. From 1985 the bishop presents jointly with the Dean and Chapter (VCH Sussex Vol. 5 pt 1, pp. 148-160).
Held by Sees Abbey (Orne, France) of Earl Roger, who had granted it to them in free alms shortly before 1086. Twenty-eight tenants were recorded. The demesne farm had 4 acres of meadow. Woodland yielding five swine.
| # | Name | From | To | Acquired | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sees Abbey (Orne, France) | 1086 | 1415 | grant in free alms from Earl Roger | Earl Roger granted Eastergate to Sees Abbey in free alms shortly before 1086. |
| 2 | Syon Abbey (Middlesex) | 1415 | 1539 | transfer of Sees Abbey English estates | Received Eastergate with other Sees estates in 1415. |
| 3 | The Crown | 1539 | 1560 | Dissolution of Syon Abbey | |
| 4 | Richard Baker and Sir Richard Sackville | 1560 | 1565 | Crown grant | Sackville exchanged the manor with the Dean and Chapter of Chichester Cathedral in 1564-5. |
| 5 | Dean and Chapter of Chichester Cathedral | 1565 | 1860 | exchange with Sir Richard Sackville | Demesnes leased to members of the Rose, Sheldon, and Dolben families from the mid 16th century. |
| 6 | Ecclesiastical Commissioners / Church Commissioners | 1860 | Ecclesiastical Commissioners Act | Made over to the Ecclesiastical Commissioners in 1860. Reallotted as part of the Chichester Cathedral endowment in 1865. The Church Commissioners held it through 1993. |
Sees Abbey (Orne)
Held in free alms. The abbey held Eastergate as a spiritual endowment from 1086 to 1415.
Source: VCH Sussex Vol. 5 pt 1, pp. 148-160
Sees Abbey (Orne, France)
abbey · held manor · 1086 – 1415
Earl Roger granted Eastergate to Sees Abbey in free alms shortly before 1086.
Syon Abbey (Middlesex)
abbey · held manor · 1415 – 1539
Transferred with other Sees estates in 1415.
Dean and Chapter of Chichester Cathedral
cathedral_chapter · held manor · 1565 – 1860
Sir Richard Sackville exchanged the manor with the Dean and Chapter in 1564-5.
Ecclesiastical Commissioners / Church Commissioners
commissioners · held manor · 1860
Made over to the Ecclesiastical Commissioners in 1860. Reallotted as part of Chichester Cathedral endowment in 1865. Church Commissioners held through 1993.
Manor Farmhouse survives as a substantial timber-framed building dating to the mid or late 16th century. It has a U-plan layout with close studding and ashlar blocks, possibly reused from earlier structures or the church. Painted beam decoration is preserved. Associated farm buildings include a 16th-century barn with diapered brickwork and a granary on staddle stones.
Parish of Eastergate. Includes manor descent, church, economic history.
VCH Closing Statement
“Made over to the Ecclesiastical Commissioners in 1860 and reallotted as part of the Chichester Cathedral endowment in 1865. The Church Commissioners held it through 1993.”
VCH Sussex, Vol. 5 pt 1, pp. 148-160
