state Roger de Pilkington to have held lands in Sholgher (Sholver), in the nineteenth year of Edward the First, 1291, whilst the roll of the tenants of the earldom of Lancaster ( see Duchy Records ) informs us that Rogerus de Ashton held lands in Choller (Sholver), in 1311, which he let to Gilbert de Hulme. With respect to Crompton, the rent roll of the Earl of Lancaster for Salford hundred, deposited in the Tower of London, records Jordani de Crompton to have held lands there in the tenth year of Edward the Second, 1317, yielding a rent of 1s. 1d. It appears by the Charter Rolls that Roger de Pilkington also held lands in Crompton in 1291; and the roll of the tenants of the earldom of Lancaster comprises the names of Adam de Tetlaw, Ric' de Longley (Langley), and Johes de Chartham, (supposed to be Cheetham) as holders in fee of lands in the same township as early as 1311. So far as relates to Royton, the roll of the tenantry of the Earl of Lancaster states Ricardus de Byron to have possessed property there in 1311. It is evident from the records of the holders in fee under Thomas, Earl of Lancaster, that the chief part of Chadderton was held in demesne by that nobleman in 1311, and it is stated in the Testa de Neville, 1307-1327, that Elies de Penilbury held lands there in thanage of the king, owing perhaps to his acquisition of a grant of the manorial rights, forfeited by the Earl of Lancaster.

After this brief glance at the state of the landed property in the parish in the fourteenth century, it will not be out of place to notice the condition of the peasantry during the same period.

According to Dr. Keuden's MSS. the lord of a fee usually appropriated proportionate plots of lands (generally common) to the service of husbandmen, who were called socmanni, for which they paid rent in kind, by their rustic and servile labours, besides furnishing food for themselves and cattle. Holders of little dwelling-

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