Some people in Tideswell have recently received form B133 from the Land Registry. This is an application to enter a unilateral notice and is usually lodged on the title of the property by someone other than the registered proprietor. In this case by the Duke of Devonshire.
Howard Crowe has researched the issue, and his summary is on the Village Voice website at villagevoicetideswell.org.uk. His view, supported by the Parish Council, is to register an objection to the application.
…and a letter on the subject.
What a right Royal Waste of Time Thank you to all who contacted us having also received a unilateral notice stating that the Duke of Devonshire wanted to claim rights over their property or land. In total we were made aware of 10 people who also received a similar notice. Apparently the Duke is Lord of the Manor of Tideswell and so these rights are otherwise referred to as his manorian rights.
We did apply for the notice to be cancelled. A few days later we received a pile of papers from the Duke’s solicitors objecting to our application which included a copy of part of our deeds. Apparently these manorian rights were sold to the Duke by a previous owner of our house for £8 and 9 shillings on the 21st May 1926! In conclusion we don’t think we have any rights to uphold the Duke’s unilateral notice so the manorian rights of mining or holding markets or sporting events may soon be evident at our house in Tideswell anytime soon!
Rob and Andrea Mitson
In contrast to the Duke of Devonshire’s claim, villagers might be interested to hear that the Parochial Church Council of St John’s voted to waive the potential “Chancel Tax” that could have legally required some householders to contribute to upkeep of the church buildings.
It would be interesting to hear The Duke’s comments on the matter.