Draft:Freeholders of Newbiggin-by-the-Sea

The Freeholders of Newbiggin-by-the-Sea are the lords of the manor of Newbiggin-by-the-Sea, an ancient port town in Northumberland, England. They were granted the freehold of the manorial lordship following a charter in 1235 by King Henry III.

History

The origins of the unique freeholder system in Newbiggin-by-the-Sea, Northumberland can be traced back to 1235. In this year, King Henry III of England was seeking to build a naval fleet to project English power abroad but lacked funding from his baronage in the aftermath of Magna Carta.

Newbiggin-by-the-Sea was an important port town with a growing merchant community at this time. To avoid imposing new taxes, Henry III negotiated an agreement with the leading freemen and merchants of Newbiggin where they would privately finance and construct warships for the royal fleet.

In return for undertaking this costly venture, the freemen were granted the lordship of the manor of Newbiggin-by-the-Sea in perpetuity. This established them jointly as the "Freeholders of Newbiggin-by-the-Sea," a unique legal status. As freeholders, they held autonomous authority over local governance of the town and collection of feudal dues, free from obligations to a lord of the manor.

This innovative compact created Northumberland's only freeholder community in the 13th century. It allowed the crown to strengthen its navy while respecting the economic liberties established by Magna Carta. The freeholder system remained in place in Newbiggin-by-the-Sea for centuries and shaped the independent character of the town.

Modern status

The Freehold of Newbiggin-by-the-Sea is a unique form of land ownership that has been maintained for centuries and still endures to this day. Unlike a traditional manor where a single lord would hold ownership, the Freehold is divided into 77 equal portions known as "stints." Additionally, there are "half stints" which represent half a portion.

Each stint carries certain rights with it, such as exemption from port tolls and grazing rights. Ownership of a stint was highly coveted as it allowed local landowners a say in administrating the surrounding lands. Day to day management was handled by bailiffs appointed by the Freeholders. Through maintaining active involvement, the Freeholders were unusually successful in preserving the integrity of their lands.

To this day, the Freeholders jointly administer approximately 185 acres of coastal lands and foreshore from which each stint holder derives an annual income of around £100. Notable lease agreements include one with Newbiggin Golf Club, located on Freehold property, where traditional ceremonies are held.

Each year on the third week of May, the Freeholders gather to conduct the ancient ceremony of beating the bounds. This procession reinforces the boundaries of the Freehold estate and lasts approximately two hours.

A newer Freeholder may also undergo an initiation ritual known as "Dunting the Freeholder" on the eighth fairway of the golf course. This ceremony makes use of the "Dunting Stone" which historically marked an important boundary point before being recently replaced after acts of vandalism.

On rare occasions, stints do come up for sale through local auction houses like Pattinson. Recent recorded sales include a full stint in 2019 for £13,000 and a half stint in 2017 for £6,000.

The Freeholders rights are legally protected, with ownership documented with the Land Registry. Agreements also govern mineral rights below the Freehold lands. Through ceremonies and traditions, the unique system of communal land ownership at Newbiggin-by-the-Sea continues into the modern era.

External links

• Printes papers re. Freeholders of Newbiggin-By-The-Sea, 1883-86. Includes accounts - The National Archives
• The Trustees of the Freeholders of Newbiggin-by-the-Sea to the County Council,... - The National Archives