Description:One of the earliest documents relating to Leek in the Sutherland Papers is a deed made before 1232 between Ralph Earl of Chester and a man who was being granted land in Wall Grange in return for his military service as a foot soldier.
Ralph Earl of Chester was the most important man in the north west of England. The earls of Chester defended against the Welsh princes, who were still independent of England.
Holding land in return for military service was the principle of the feudal system at this time. However, this tradition was becoming militarily ineffective. Grants were made to churches and monasteries that would not fight themselves and grants of small parcels of land meant that tenants would have to group together to pay to hire the foot soldier that they owed.
As time went on, a King who wanted an effective army had to pay and recruit one.
A transcription of the document featured above features below:
“To all sons of holy mother church, present and future examining or hearing this present charter Ralph Earl of Chester, greeting.
Be it known to all of us [that] I , for the soul of earl Hugh my father and for the safety of my soul and my ancestors and descendants have remised andand forever quitclaimed on my behalf and on behalf of my successors to God and Blessed Mary and the house of Trentham and the monks there serving God in pure and perpetual alms the service of one foot man who should serve me in the army for his land at Wal And so that my grant and quitcalim forever firmly remain strong I have confirmedthem by this present writing and by my seal
Witnesse to this Philip de Orrebi, now Justiciar of Chester, Roger de Monte Alto, now my sword bearer, Henry de Aldidel’, Peter my clerk, Hugh and Tom’er and Henry Dispensar’ Walter de Damvill, Alfred de Suleni Warin de Vernon W de Venabul’ Ham’ de Masci, Norm Panter Richard Phit Robert de Coudray Rob de Hardredeshul Robert de Say Robert de Damvill Hugh and Balfrid de Duct Joscelin de Hellesb’ Richard De Kingesl’ and many others.”