A Rare 17th Century English Land Indenture – Signed 1652
SOUTHAMPTON, United Kingdom
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Dimensions
Wear Condition
Good
Material
Paper
Style
Antique
Product Details
Description
An original 17th-century land indenture, meticulously hand-scribed on genuine vellum. Dated April 9th, 1652—a pivotal year during the Interregnum—this legal document offers a tangible connection to the rural history of Hampshire, England.
This indenture documents a "feoffment," a formal conveyance of property, between Robert Mason, a yeoman of Speltham, and Richard Huntmill. The document transfers ownership of a "messuage" (a historic dwelling house), along with its gardens and appurtenances, confirming the transfer of land and property rights between the parties in the mid-17th century. The document features the characteristic "indented" top edge—a jagged cut made to ensure that the two original copies of the contract could be matched to prove authenticity. Despite being over 370 years old, the vellum remains in remarkable condition, showcasing the elegant Secretary hand script common to the era. The document is complete with an original endorsement (memorandum) on the reverse, detailing the "seisin"—the formal, physical delivery of the property—witnessed by four individuals, whose names remain legible today: William Barkdale, Hen: Ketle, Stephen Roach, and Thomas Camfield. The location is "Speltham" which was not a town or parish itself, but a locality within the village of Hambledon in Hampshire, England. The name persists today primarily as Speltham Down and Speltham Hill. The village of Hambledon is a historic settlement in the Winchester district of Hampshire. It features many 17th-century structures, and the area surrounding Speltham Hill has long been associated with rural agricultural land and historic milling. Historic records show references to a "Speltham windmill" in Hambledon as far back as the 18th century, reinforcing its long-standing status as a landmark location.
A really unique item of interest to collectors of historical documents and social history artifacts, to genealogists & historians as a primary source for those researching the Mason or Huntmill families, or the rural history of the Speltham and Hambledon area or for interior designers looking for something unique, an impressive historical statement piece for a library, office, or historic home.
Here are two extracts from the text transcribed below to give a better flavour of the content:
"This Indenture made the Nynth day of Aprill in the Yeare of our Lord God One Thousand Six Hundred Fifty and Two Between Robert Mason of Speltham in the Parish of Speltham in the Countie of ... Yeoman of the one part And Richard Huntmill of the other part WITNESSETH that the said Robert Mason for and in consideration of his just and true sume of One and Thirtie poundes of Good and Lawfull money of England to him in hand by the said Richard Huntmill well and truly payed... hath graunted bargained sold aliened enfeoffed and confirmed..."
Memorandum (Endorsement on reverse):
"Memorandum the day and yeare within written quiett and peaceable possession and seisin of the premises within graunted was taken and delivered by the within named Robert Mason onto the within named Richard Huntmill To hold onto the said Richard Huntmill his heires and assignes according to the purport effect and true meaning of the deed within written in the presence of William Barkdale, Hen: Ketle, Stephen Roach, Thomas Camfield."
The document measures 46.5 x 35.6cm (18" x 14"), the seal tag is 18cm (7")long. The document will be supplied folded along the original crease lines.
Wear Condition
Good
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Based on 1 review
Wear conditions
Excellent
Shows little to no signs of wear and tear.
Good
May show slight traces of use in keeping with age. Most vintage and antique items fit into this condition.
Average
Likely to show signs of some light scratching and ageing but still remains in a fair condition.
Apparent Wear and Tear
Visible signs of previous use including scratches, chips or stains.
Please refer to condition report, images or make a seller enquiry for additional information.
Cancellations and Returns
Last updated: 12/02/2026
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