Project Purley

The Local History Society for Purley on Thames

Absentee Landlords

In mediaeaval times it was quite unusual for the Lords of the Manor to actually live in Purley. Usually Purley was one of many holdings and the principal seat where they lived when they were not off fighting was far away.

By the 18th century the manors had largely been turned into residences for wealthy merchants who usually had several houses but resided for at least part of the year in each of them.

Particularly during the 18th century rectors also had several befices in their portfolio and were quite happy to provide a curate at a fraction of the income of the parish and sit back and enjoy their lives

All of these established a link between Purley and 'head office' and often with other landholdings that were part of the holding.






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