1729 North Molton Devon Carew Bampfylde Stoneman House Lease Indenture For Sale

1729 North Molton Devon Carew Bampfylde Stoneman House Lease Indenture
DescriptionAn original 1729 vellum parchment indenture dated 10th January 1729 (in the third year of the reign of King George II), detailing the counterpart lease for 99 years (determinable upon life) in reversion of a dwelling house and garden plot situated in the Borough of North Molton, Devon. The legal instrument records the transaction between The Honourable Sir William Carew of Antony in the County of Cornwall, Baronet, and John Worth of Worth in the County of Devon, Esquire (surviving acting trustees of Sir Richard Warwick Bampfylde, Baronet, infant son and heir of Sir Coplestone Warwick Bampfylde, Baronet, deceased) of the one part, and John Stoneman of South Molton in the County of Devon, husbandman, of the other part.
Crucial historical particulars visible within the manuscript include:

• Parties & Trustees: Recites the marriage settlement of Sir Coplestone Warwick Bampfylde dated 2nd May 1716, empowering trustees Sir William Carew, John Worth, Sir Hugh Acland, Bart., and William Shippen, Esq., to grant leases.
  
• Consideration & Chancery Order: Granted in consideration of the sum of £6 6s (six pounds and six shillings) paid to Richard Culme, Gentleman, receiver appointed by the Court of Chancery in pursuance of a decree dated 10th August 1728.
  
• Property Description: All that dwelling house and garden, and little plot of ground thereto belonging with appurtenances, being the west or westernmost house of the houses formerly in the possession of Katherine Sage, situate, lying, and being within the Borough of North Molton in the County of Devon.
  
• Term & Lives: Granted for a term of four score and nineteen (99) years if the said John Stoneman shall happen so long to live, to commence in reversion immediately upon and after the deaths of John Stoneman and Elizabeth Stoneman (father and mother of the lessee).
  
• Rent & Reservations: Yielding and paying yearly 6s 8d (six shillings and eight pence) across the four traditional quarter feast days (Feast of St Michael the Archangel, Birth of Our Lord God, Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary, and Nativity of St John the Baptist), alongside customary tenant duties and suits.
  
• Physical Seals & Endorsements: Retains an intact, deeply impressed red wax armorial/crested seal affixed on parchment fold, signed alongside by John Stoneman. Docketed on the reverse as a counterpart lease, with contemporary attestation witnessed by Abraham Thorne and Arthur Whiterow. Authenticated to the left margin with a royal coat of arms heading flourish, attached blue embossed revenue stamp with silver cypher strip, and stamped duty markings.
  

Background InformationDuring the early 18th century, the historic manor and borough of North Molton was dominated by the extensive estate holdings of the prominent Bampfylde family of Poltimore and North Molton, later elevated to the Barony of Poltimore. Because Sir Richard Warwick Bampfylde was an infant upon inheriting the estates following the death of his father Sir Coplestone Warwick Bampfylde, the administration of leases fell under court-directed Chancery supervision and a network of aristocratic trustees, including the MP and Jacobite sympathiser Sir William Carew of Antony. Leases for 99 years determinable upon three named lives were a quintessential fixture of West Country land tenure during this era, allowing local yeoman and husbandman families like the Stonemans to secure ancestral residential tenure across successive generations.
Condition ReportSingle skin of antique animal vellum parchment measuring approximately 57 cm wide by 40 cm high. Features a small natural perforation towards the top centre, consistent with an original natural follicle fault in the prepared animal skin. Displays typical antique fold lines, minor surface dust-toning, and natural edge unevenness characteristic of early 18th-century deeds. The calligraphic header flourish, armorial crest, and legal iron gall manuscript text remain sharp, bold, and entirely legible throughout. Completed with a bright, crisp blue revenue cypher strip and a well-preserved, intact red wax seal. See Photos for Condition.
Shipping InformationWill be packaged flat inside a rigid, board-backed envelope to guarantee it arrives safely without bending.
This description has been prepared with the assistance of AI. Please rely on the photos to judge condition and details before offerding, as errors can occur. I’m happy to answer any questions if needed.