Manor Profile
Westhampnett, West Sussex· Box and Stockbridge Hundred· 1230 – 1765
Also known as: La Potte, Potte, Hamptonet and Potte
Pott was a sub-manor within Westhampnett held as a fractional fee of the St John lords of Halnaker. John de St George owned the mill of Potte c.1230. The St George family were the largest taxpayers in the vill by 1296. William de St George died in 1316 holding as 1/4 fee.
The manor passed through marriage to the Tauk (or Tawke) family. Robert Tauk died seised in 1400. Thomas Tauk held as 1/4 fee of Sir Thomas Poynings, Lord St John. William Tawke died on the last day of 1505 holding manors of Westhampnett and Pott; his heirs were daughters Joan (aged 3) and Anne (aged 2).
Joan married Richard Ryman of Apuldram; they transferred their moiety to Anne and Thomas Devenish in 1529. William Devenish combined it with the Paynel manor (purchased from Lumley). Through the Walrond, Cawley, and Williams families, it was purchased by the Duke of Richmond.
No separate Domesday entry. Part of the Westhampnett 9-hide assessment under Earl Roger.
| # | Name | From | To | Acquired | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | John de St George | 1230 | Owned mill of Potte. | ||
| 2 | William de St George | 1316 | Held as 1/4 fee of John de St John. Largest taxpayer in vill (1296). | ||
| 3 | William de St George (son) | 1316 | 1334 | Held 2/3 messuage, dovecot, lands. | |
| 4 | Robert Tauk | 1400 | Son of Isabel (possibly wife of William Tauk). | ||
| 5 | Thomas Tauk | Held as 1/4 fee of Sir Thomas Poynings, Lord St John. | |||
| 6 | William Tawke | 1505 | Died last day of 1505. Heirs: daughters Joan (3) and Anne (2). | ||
| 7 | William Devenish and Cicely | 1567 | 1584 | combined with Paynel manor purchase | |
| 8 | Duke of Richmond(Duke of Richmond) | purchase from Sir William Peare Williams | Last recorded lord. |
The Tauk/Tawke family arms appear on the hoodmould of the north doorway of Westhampnett church: a Tau cross and the letter R conjoined, in chief three roundels.
VCH Closing Statement
“Bought from Sir William Peare Williams by the Duke of Richmond.”
VCH Sussex, Vol. 4, pp. 175-180
VCH Sussex, Vol. 4
pp. 175-180
