Ancient Demesne

[L. Fr. auncien demeyne; L. Lat. antiquum dominicum, vetus patrimonium domini.] In English law. A species of copyhold tenure existing in certain manors which, though now perhaps granted out to private subjects, were actually in the hands of the crown in the time of Edward the Confessor, or William the Conqueror, and so appear to have been by Domesday Book, in which they were entered.

1 Steph. Com. 211. 2 Bl. Com. 99. 1 Crabb's Real Prop. 118, § 924. Hob. 188. 4 Inst. 269.

It seems to have been originally a species of villein socage; the tenants being the same with those who are described by Bracton as glebae ascripticii, (q. v.) Bract. fol.

209.

See Id. fol.

7.

It is called ancient demesne, as having been peculiar to the demesnes or manors of the crown, from a very early period, that is, at or before the conquest; (ante conquestum, in conquestu). Id. ibid.

See Demesne.