Copyholds meaning

Copyholds were a form of land tenure characterized by the tenant's holding of the land at the will of the lord.


Copyholds definitions

Word backwards sdlohypoc
Part of speech Copyholds is a noun.
Syllabic division cop-y-holds
Plural The plural of the word copyhold is copyholds.
Total letters 9
Vogais (1) o
Consonants (7) c,p,y,h,l,d,s

Understanding Copyholds

Copyhold was a form of land tenure in England that dates back to the medieval period. It was a type of customary tenure where land was held at the will of the lord of the manor. Copyholds were not freehold estates, but rather a form of leasehold that required the tenant to perform certain obligations in exchange for the use of the land.

The Process of Copyhold

When a person became a copyholder, they would be granted a copy of the entry in the manor court rolls, hence the term "copyhold." This document served as proof of their rights to the land. The copyholder would then pay an entry fine to the lord of the manor and agree to the terms set out for the tenancy.

Customs and Duties

One of the defining features of copyhold tenure was the customs and duties that the tenant was expected to adhere to. These could vary depending on the specific manor but often included obligations such as maintaining the land in good condition, paying rent to the lord of the manor, and seeking permission for certain activities like building on the land.

The Decline of Copyholds

Copyhold tenure began to decline in the 19th century as the laws governing land ownership in England evolved. The Copyhold Act of 1852 allowed copyholders to convert their holdings into freehold estates, providing them with more security and flexibility in how they could use the land.

Legacy of Copyholds

While copyhold tenure is no longer in use today, its legacy can still be seen in the landscape of England. Many properties that were once held as copyholds have since been converted to freehold or leasehold, but the history of these unique land tenures lingers on.


Copyholds Examples

  1. The copyholds of the land were granted to the tenant for a specific period of time.
  2. She inherited the copyholds of the estate from her grandfather.
  3. The copyholds were recorded in the manorial court rolls.
  4. The copyholds were subject to certain restrictions and obligations.
  5. He sought legal advice on the implications of holding copyholds.
  6. The copyholds were eventually converted to freehold tenure.
  7. Understanding the history of copyholds is important for property researchers.
  8. The ownership of copyholds could be transferred through inheritance.
  9. The manor had a large number of copyholds held by various tenants.
  10. The copyholds were a unique feature of the feudal land tenure system.


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  • Updated 04/07/2024 - 02:52:48