Define: Demesne Land Of The Crown

Demesne land of the Crown refers to land that is directly owned and controlled by the monarch or sovereign of a country. Historically, demesne land constituted a significant portion of the Crown’s landholdings and was used for various purposes, including personal income, supporting the royal household, and exercising royal authority. Demesne land was distinct from other types of land tenure, such as feudal estates or lands held by tenants-in-chief, as it was directly managed by the Crown without intermediaries. Over time, the significance and extent of demesne land have diminished, but some remnants of Crown demesne land still exist in various countries, often held as part of the national heritage or managed by government agencies for public use or conservation purposes.

Land belonging to the Crown by virtue of the fact that it has never been granted to anyone else, or has reverted to the Crown by Escheat. This land is neither Freehold nor Leasehold, but an entirely different kind of land ownership from that of private individuals. Conventionally, most of the foreshore is considered to be Crown demesne land. Under the Land Registration Act (2002) there is a scheme by which demesne land can be converted into freehold land, so that it can be registered. This is to allow the Crown to protect its land against adverse possession.

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This glossary post was last updated: 29th March 2024.