  75 years ago, was a very pretty quiet village, most of the houses were good and old-fashioned; there were several mansions, but very few shops. It was a favourite resort for Royalty, and has always been considered a very healthy neighbourhood. Some of the inhabitants lived to a very advanced age. The highway was measured in 1611; it was two miles and a quarter long. Mile stones were then erected. The parish was divided into different Manors, called Pembrokes, Bruces, Daubeneys, Mockings, and Dovecotes or Ducketts. Tottenham Manor was sold at auction, 10th April, 1805. Sir William Curtis, Baronet, purchased it for £11,000. There were then 38 copyhold tenants. A Court Leet was held every year at the Old Plough Inn, High-road, and anyone wishing to be admitted attended there for that purpose. This was discontinued about the year 1860, as there was not sufficient homage to summon. All business since then has been transacted at the office of the Steward of the Manor. I remember hearing my father say one of the homage (a very old gentleman, Mr. Philip Hunt), was late for the dinner. He explained he had nearly reached his destination when he thought his poor horse looked tired, so he took him home and afterwards walked there. There was a considerable amount of waste land at that time, and the turf was |
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