The Feudal Barony of Ashby

The Barony of Ashby is an ancient incorporeal hereditament. Its rich history dates back centuries, and it holds a significant place in the annals of time. 

The Barony of Ashby was acquired by Dr. Travis K Svensson by Deed of Conveyance in 2001. 

The heir apparent for this incorporeal hereditament is HSH, The Much Honored, Laird Val Svensson of Ranfurly Castle, 3rd Earl of Louth and Count of Montferrand, Baron of Ashby and Aberuthven - the Younger.

 

History of the Feudal Barony of Ashby

The Ancient Feudal Barony of Ashby (Lincolnshire)

(by: Dr. Erik de Sergiana, Ph.D.)

The Baronies of Ashby and Toynton were once ROYAL DOMAINS. At the time the Domesday Book was compiled, they were held directly by the King.

During the years 1115-1118 Gilbert de Neville held the lands in mesne and in 1162 and 1166, he appears as a tenant in mesne. In 1162 King Henry II granted the baronies to Gilbert de Neville, who died between 1166-1169, for which he had paid one knights fee to the King for his lands.

Gilbert was succeeded by his son and heir, Geoffrey, who died in Michelmas 1193. He was succeeded by Henry de Neville, who died without issue in 1227, leaving his sister Isabel as heir. Prior to his death, Henry was charged £100 to have seizen of the lands in Ashby and Toynton while he paid £20 for the lands he held in mesne. In 1227, 200 marks were paid by the husband of Isabel, heiress of the estate, is evidence sufficient for considering Ashby a barony which paid direct tribute to the King. The Neville family also inherited, at the start of the 13th Century, lands held again as tenants in chief, directly from the Crown and thus the estate is definitely a Barony.

Upon Isabel's inheritance the Baronies of Ashby and Toynton were separated. Isabel died between 1248 and 1254. She had married firstly Robert Fitz Maldred of Raby and Brancepath, Co. Durham, and he died sometime between 1242 and 1248. Secondly she married Gilbert de Brakenberg. Isabel was succeeded in the Baronial title by her grandson, Robert de Neville, who died in 1282. He was succeeded by his grandson Ranulph, who came of age in 1283 and died in 1331.

Ranulph had married Eupheme, the daughter of Robert Fitz Roger of Whalton, who was son of Robert Fitz Robert de Neville by Mary, who was daughter and co-heir of Ralph Fitz Randolph of Middleham, Yorkshire.

Thus, the Barony stayed by intermarriage within the same family. It paid two knights fees to the King, making it a relatively small barony and it fell into disuse as a minor title until the last owner from the family sold it to an investment bank in 1984 for their feudal investment portfolio, from whom the present owners derive their ownership.