The hunting areas of Tonbridge

: their creation, use and breakup, c.1250-c.1700

Abstract

Much recent research on hunting areas has concentrated on certain periods, for example the Middle Ages, or on specific aspects of their ownership. Moreover, the focus has tended to be on enclosed deer parks and hunting chases have been less researched. This study adopts a wider, in-depth approach and examines the chases and deer parks that made up the hunting areas of Tonbridge over a long period from 1250 to 1700. Although it acknowledges the role of hunting, it shows the importance of other activities in the hunting areas. It examines the income streams generated from activities, such as woodland pasture and iron manufacture, within a manorial context thereby giving a more balanced picture and showing that both the parks and chases contributed significantly to the manorial economy. The iron industry was particularly important in the second half of the sixteenth century but its long-term ecological impact on the hunting areas was devastating and hastened their demise.

Up until the end of the sixteenth century the manorial lords came from the upper echelons of the aristocracy, but their successors were wealthy men of a lower social rank. Under their ownership the hunting areas were disparked, which proved to be a long and drawn-out process influenced by the decline of traditional seigneurial relationships and the growing importance of local yeomen and businessmen. Even in the sixteenth century others had come to play a part in the operation of the hunting areas and the study shows the influence that sub-lessees could have and the potential conflicts of interest between them and their landlords. The study concludes with nine case studies that examine the diversity of the men, their methods and aspirations, who eventually bought or rented the hunting areas against the background of the new ideology of improvement.

Date of Award	2025
Original language	English
Awarding Institution	Canterbury Christ Church University