Introduction

The 1808 'Survey of the Manors of Draycot Cerne and Sutton Benger' was commissioned by Miss Catherine Tylney Long, of Draycot Cerne. She had inherited the Estate in 1805 when she was aged 16, and was effectively 'Lord of the Manor'.

The Survey is similar in format to the 1839 Tithe Maps and Schedules, with locations on the map cross-referenced with a 'Reference Book' or schedule, listing all property and land, with names of tenants. This was the first detailed map of the two villages, showing the houses. However, the numbering system on the map is completely different from the one that would be used in the Tithe Survey in 1839; not also that the map has east at the top.

Note also that the map appears to have anomalies / errors, which suggest that it was not quite as accurate as the 1839 Survey would be.

The original documents are available in the Wiltshire and Swindon History Centre. Document 1001/5 (the map); document 2062/13 (the schedule).

The numbers in the column on the left equate to the numbers on the map; so John Lanfear had the 'old corner shop' on the corner of the High Street and Seagry Road - which was a 'smith's shop' in 1808.

Do you want to know more about your house, or your area of the village, in 1808? Are you interested in any of the history of Sutton Benger and Draycot Cerne? Please contact us at:

hello@bengertrails.co.uk