Catalogue description Exchequer: King's Remembrancer: Ordnance Decrees

This series consists of the enrolments of decrees of commissioners empowered by commissions under the great seal to survey, value and adjudicate on title and other matters concerning lands to be purchased by the Crown for improving fortifications and defence, or for the establishment of new premises for the use of the Ordnance.

The record of proceedings briefly recites the name and extent of each of the parcels of land to be purchased; the title and form of tenure of the claimant to compensation; the nature of his or her deeds; and the valuation placed by jurors in earlier inquisitions on the property. The commissioners' primary task was to validate claims to title and to determine the sums owed by the Crown to the title holder. In addition the commissioners adjudicated on discrepant claims, petitions for revaluation, or on easements, such as rights of way, to be provided after transfer to title to the Crown's trustees.

The enabling acts of parliament, which preceded the various commissions, specified that a record of the proceedings should be returned not only to the King's Remembrancer in the Exchequer but also to Clerk of the Crown in Chancery, where they are preserved as the record series C 182