The Feoffees of the Long Bridge

The Feoffees of the Bridge were, and still are, a group of people responsible for the maintenance of the Long Bridge. When surplus money became available, land was purchased, in many areas of the country, chiefly in the South West. The land was rented out, sometimes for grazing and sometimes as in High Street, Mill Street and Bridgeland Street, for building purposes. There are no records left to show when the Bridge Trust first enfoeffed but it is believed that there were originally 24 men. By 1608 the number had been reduced to 4 namely William Davie, John Suzans, Alfred Stockombe and John Babbacombe, weak and aged men who had been enfoeffed as far back as 1565. These four, by ancient deeds, were legal owners of the Bridge lands, and as they refused to appoint additional members, were suspected of using Bridge funds for their own purposes. This resulted in the presentation of a petition to the Court of Chancery, for an enquiry. As a result of this enquiry a list of rules was drawn up, one of which stated that the number of foeffes should not be allowed to drop below 18; new members being appointed by the existing feoffees. In the reign of William and Mary the Bridge Feoffees made great progress in improving and developing their property. In February 1692 Samuel Leach was appointed to keep the books and accounts, at a salary of £4 per annum. A chest was ordered for the storage of these accounts, at a cost of £8. It still exists and stands in the Trustees room of the Bridge Hall.

From the Devonian Year Book 1933. Pearse Chope Collection