Welcome to the Historic Lordship of Wootton Parish, Bedfordshire

The Manorial Lordship of Wootton, also known as Bosoms, Wootton Parish, is a title rich in history and tradition. Dating back to the Anglo-Saxon period, this ancient manor was first held by Almer de Wootton, who owed service to Tosti, Earl of Northumbria, before passing to Albert de Lorraine after the Norman Conquest in 1066.

The estate changed hands several times over the centuries, each owner leaving their mark on the landscape and legacy of Wootton. In the 12th century, the manor passed to Simon de Beauchamp, Baron of Bedford, whose family would retain influence over the area for several generations. As the newly appointed Lord of the Manor of Wootton, Anthony James de Broise, it is my honour to uphold the legacy of this prestigious title.

The origins of the Manorial Lordship of Wootton date back to pre-Norman times, when the estate was held by Almer de Wootton. After the Norman Conquest in 1066, the manor was granted to Albert de Lorraine, a chaplain favored by both Edward the Confessor and William the Conqueror. In 1086, the manor was listed in the Domesday Book, marking its importance in the region.

Over the following centuries, Wootton passed through several noble families, including the Beauchamps, who were influential in Bedfordshire and beyond. By the 13th century, the estate had become a significant landholding, contributing to the local economy and governance.

Throughout the 12th and 13th centuries, the manor was held by the Beauchamp family, with Simon de Beauchamp serving as the Baron of Bedford and High Sheriff of Bedfordshire. Simon’s son William, however, would become embroiled in the turbulent politics of the time, joining the rebel barons against King John during the First Barons' War. Despite these challenges, the Beauchamp family continued to shape the history of Wootton for several more generations.

After the death of John de Beauchamp at the Battle of Evesham in 1265, the manor passed to his three sisters. Through various marriages, alliances, and legal settlements, the estate came under the ownership of other noble families, including the de Mowbrays and the Bosuns, who gave the manor its later name of "Bosoms."

In the 15th century, the manor of Wootton passed to the Bosun family, who renamed the estate to "Bosoms." William Bosun became a significant figure in local history, serving as a Justice of the Peace and expanding the estate. His descendants continued to hold the manor until it was eventually conveyed to other landowners.

The estate continued to evolve through the centuries, changing ownership multiple times. By the 17th and 18th centuries, it had come under the stewardship of several influential figures, contributing to the broader history of Bedfordshire.

In the centuries that followed, manorial rights were gradually curtailed, particularly after the Law of Property Act of 1925. However, the historic significance of titles like the Manorial Lordship of Wootton endured, passed down through generations or acquired through legal means. On June 30, 2022, the hereditary rights to the Manorial Lordship of Wootton were legally conveyed to me, Anthony James de Broise. Today, the title serves as a symbolic connection to England’s deep-rooted history and the generations of lords who shaped the landscape of Wootton.

The Manorial Lordship of Wootton stands as a reminder of the incredible history that shaped England's countryside and communities. It is more than a title—it is a connection to a lineage of lords who played a part in the country's development.