Submanors

Submanors, also known as submanorial tenants, were a type of tenant in medieval England who held land from a manor lord, but in turn, they could sublet or assign their land to other tenants. This system allowed for a more flexible and dynamic use of land, as submanors could adapt to changing circumstances and needs. Submanors typically held land for a fixed term, after which they could renew their tenancy or pass the land on to another tenant. This system was particularly common in areas where the soil was not suitable for agriculture or where the land was too small to support a full-time tenant. Submanors often had to pay a rent to the manor lord, which could be in the form of money, goods, or labor. The relationship between submanors and manor lords was complex and varied, with some submanors enjoying a degree of autonomy and self-governance, while others were subject to strict controls and regulations. The submanor system was gradually replaced by the enclosure movement in the 18th century, which saw the consolidation of land ownership and the displacement of many submanors.