Spelthorne Hundred: Introduction

TOPOGRAPHY

Spelthorne (Spelethorne, xi cent.) Hundred was already formed at the time of the Domesday Survey, (fn. 1) and contained, as it has since contained, the following parishes:-

Littleton is the only place that is not mentioned in the Domesday Survey; it was included, however, in Laleham. (fn. 2)

The hundred has always been held by the Crown, but the jurisdiction of the king's sheriff was largely curtailed until the Dissolution by the extensive franchise of the Abbot and Convent of Westminster. The principal manor held by Westminster was that of Staines, of which Ashford, Laleham, Halliford, Shepperton, Teddington, and Yeveney were appurtenant manors or members. (fn. 3) In the reign of Edward I, the Abbot of Westminster claimed the right to hold pleas of the Crown, view of frankpledge, the amendment of assize of bread and ale, and all pleas which the king's sheriff had in the county except appeals and outlawries, and to have market, fair, and toll, in Staines and its members. (fn. 4) The abbot based his claim on a charter of Henry III granting sac and soke, toll and theam, infangenthef and utfangenthef, and other privileges to the monastery, which charter had, he said, been inspected and confirmed by Edward I. (fn. 5)

After the Dissolution, view of frankpledge was held in these parishes by the respective lords of the manors. It was held also in Teddington by the lord of the manor. (fn. 6) Hanworth lay within the liberty of the honour of Wallingford, and was attached to the view of frankpledge held for that honour at Uxbridge. (fn. 7) Stanwell and East Bedfont were included in the honour of Windsor. The Prior of Holy Trinity, Hounslow, had view of frankpledge in Littleton until the Dissolution. (fn. 8) In 1540, Ashford, Feltham, Laleham, Hanworth, Teddington, and Sunbury, were annexed to the honour of Hampton Court. (fn. 9)