Dunham Massey

Who he is

Name

Hamon de Massey (the family used the name Hamon in every generation; which Hamon held on 1 January 1200 is not pinned)

Title

Baron of Dunham Massey

Since

Not pinned

Confidence

medium

Overlord

Ranulf III, earl of Chester

What it holds

• Dunham castle
• Bowdon, Altrincham, Hale, Sale, Ashton on Mersey, Timperley and neighbouring manors
• The castle of Ullerswood (site not identified)

How it was acquired

Hereditary since the Domesday baron Hamon de Massey.

Allies and rivals

Loyal to the earls; rebels with them in 1173-74.

How things stand that morning

Held under the earl.

Wealth

Farmland and the Mersey crossings; small.

Military

Dunham castle (motte and bailey).

Places of note

• Dunham castle: Caput

Where the sources disagree

Evidence: The family and its seat are certain; the numbering of the Hamons and their dates are disputed.

On the map: Rough block.

Primary sources for Chester

Chronicles, registers, sagas and inscriptions written in or near 1200 that cover this entry. Each has its own page with editions, translations and where to read it.

• The Charter Rolls of King John (1199 to 1216, at the royal chancery). The enrolled charters of John's first years, beginning with his accession in 1199: confirmations to towns, bishoprics and abbeys, grants of land and office, and the great grants to men like William Marshal and the king's new allies in Poitou. Read online
• The Great Rolls of the Pipe for 1199 and Michaelmas 1200 (1199 and 1200, at the Exchequer). The audited accounts of every sheriff and farmer for the Exchequer year ending Michaelmas 1200: county farms, the scutage of 1199, the carucage of 1200, debts of magnates and towns, wardships, and the fines offered to the new king.