Documents
The oldest document held by CHAS is a deed dated 21st September 1369. It was reputedly found beneath the plaster in the gatehouse of West Bromwich Manor House during restoration work. The original document is in latin, but has been translated.
| “Know all men by these presents that I John Wilkys of Darlaston have granted and demised to Richard del Heth and Kjuliana his wife for their lives all the lands and tenements which I once held of the gift of the aforesaid Richard…of Darlaston to have and to hold all the aforesaid lands and tenements with all their appurtenances to the said Richard and Juliana their heirs and their assigns for the whole of their lives of me and my heirs paying as rent to me and my heirs on the feast of Saint Thomas the Apostle 12d. (twelve old pence) for all services and demands, saving foreign service of the Lord King. And I the aforesaid John and my heirs will guard and defend all thelands and tenements with all their aforesaid appurtenances to Richard, Juliana, their heirs and assigns and either of them against all people. In testimony of which I have placed my seal to these presents. With these witnesses: Richard le Harper, Thomas le Harper, Richard ate More, William Herlay, Robert de Pipe and others. Given at Darlaston on Friday the feast of Saint Matthew the Apostle in the 43rd year of Edward the Third since the conquest of England” |
