Bradfield Combust

Before the Conquest, the manor was probably owned by Ulfketel, ealdorman of East Anglia, who gave this part of his manor to the monks of St. Edmund, while reserving the lordship. The Domesday Book records the population of Bradefelda manor, including Bradfield St Clare and Bradfield St George. Bradefelda/fella existed before the Conquest. The book states that then (i.e. before the Conquest), as in 1066, there were fifteen villans and eighteen bordars; 'then' one slave, and in 1086 six slaves; and three free men. Over these men St. Edmund (the Abbey of Edmund the Martyr) had sake and soke with regard to every customary due. They were not allowed to sell their lands without the Abbot's…