Catalogue description Exchequer: King's Remembrancer: Deeds relating to Chatham Fortifications

The deeds in this series are the evidences of title for land at Chatham and Harwich purchased by the Crown 'for the better fortifying Portsmouth, Chatham, and Harwich', according to the terms of the Fortifications Acts of 1708 and 1709. All the deeds save one, for Harwich, relate to the lands at Chatham. They include originals, copies and extracts of leases, wills, and other deeds showing title.

The primary value of the deeds is as evidence of title and of succession of tenure to property in and near Chatham. While a few deeds relate to freehold property, most show complex tenures comprising lease and sub-lease in lands and tenements ultimately belonging to the Dean and Chapter of Rochester, Brasenose College, Oxford, and the Butler family.

Many of the lessors practised a trade connected with the sea, including rope-maker, block maker, sail maker, and mariner. The succession of inter-related deeds provides some genealogical information for particular families. A few deeds also provide direct evidence for new buildings, both dwelling houses and commercial premises, which may have value for the local historian.

The lands and tenures to which the deeds of title in this series relate are named and valued in an inquisition and the precise topographical location of the properties are mapped in C 205/18

Other copies are in C 182/1

Other copies are in LRRO 5/27