Demesne definition
In English feudal law, the term ‘demesne’ referred to a plot of land attached to a manor that was retained by the owner, or lord of the manor, for their own use (sometimes occupied by leasehold tenants) rather than being granted to freehold tenants. Demesnes were not necessarily contiguous to the manor house.
The word is derived from the Latin dominus, meaning lord or master of a household, and is a variant of the word domaine.
A royal demesne was the land held and managed by the Crown rather than being granted to feudal tenants. An ancient demesne was land held by the King at the time of the Domesday Book in 1066.
As leaseholder protections were strengthened, demesnes came simply to refer to the lord’s house and the surrounding lands.
The word ‘demesne’ has also taken on a wider meaning, referring to any sort of realm or domain, whether physical or not.
Copyhold was a form of tenure that involved land being held from a manor. Manors were freehold property, bought and sold between major landowners, while within the manors, smaller landholdings were copyhold. See Copyhold for more information.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
Featured articles and news
Gregor Harvie argues that AI is state-sanctioned theft of IP.
Heat pumps, vehicle chargers and heating appliances must be sold with smart functionality.
Experimental AI housing target help for councils
Experimental AI could help councils meet housing targets by digitising records.
New-style degrees set for reformed ARB accreditation
Following the ARB Tomorrow's Architects competency outcomes for Architects.
BSRIA Occupant Wellbeing survey BOW
Occupant satisfaction and wellbeing tool inc. physical environment, indoor facilities, functionality and accessibility.
Preserving, waterproofing and decorating buildings.
Many resources for visitors aswell as new features for members.
Using technology to empower communities
The Community data platform; capturing the DNA of a place and fostering participation, for better design.
Heat pump and wind turbine sound calculations for PDRs
MCS publish updated sound calculation standards for permitted development installations.
Homes England creates largest housing-led site in the North
Successful, 34 hectare land acquisition with the residential allocation now completed.
Scottish apprenticeship training proposals
General support although better accountability and transparency is sought.
The history of building regulations
A story of belated action in response to crisis.
Moisture, fire safety and emerging trends in living walls
How wet is your wall?
Current policy explained and newly published consultation by the UK and Welsh Governments.
British architecture 1919–39. Book review.
Conservation of listed prefabs in Moseley.
Energy industry calls for urgent reform.