Define: Lordship Of The Manor

The lordship of the manor historically referred to the legal ownership and governance of a particular area of land, known as a manor, during feudal times in England and other European countries. The lord of the manor, often a noble or landowner, held considerable power and authority over the lands and inhabitants within the manorial jurisdiction. The lordship of the manor included rights such as collecting rents, administering justice, and overseeing agricultural production. While the feudal system has largely disappeared, some remnants of the lordship of the manor still exist today, such as in the form of manorial rights or titles that may confer certain privileges or responsibilities upon the lord.

The lord of a Manor is the person who has the right to the enjoyment of the incorporeal (non-tangible) rights associated with the manor. These rights may be bought and sold independently of the land of the manor. Manorial rights are occasionally valuable but are now mostly notional. For example, the lord may have the right to claim tithes for the use of the manorial waste (an example is the right to charge utility companies for erecting poles and masts on grass verges).

For a discussion of the use of ‘lord of the manor’ as a vanity title, see the titles game.

This site contains general legal information but does not constitute professional legal advice for your particular situation. Persuing this glossary does not create an attorney-client or legal adviser relationship. If you have specific questions, please consult a qualified attorney licensed in your jurisdiction.

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