London, England, Gamekeepers' Licences, 1727-1839

Source Information

Ancestry.com. London, England, Gamekeepers' Licences, 1727-1839 [database on-line]. Lehi, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2016.
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About London, England, Gamekeepers' Licences, 1727-1839

This Collection

After an Act passed in 1710, Lords of Manors were required to appoint only one Gamekeeper who might kill game as their deputy. The names had to be registered with the Clerk of the Peace and are found within the records of the Middlesex Sessions, which were held by the Justices of the Peace. The Middlesex Sessions cover the area north of the River Thames, bordering the old City of London to the north, east and west. It excludes the City of London but includes the City of Westminster.

Gamekeepers were liable to a fine if they were caught killing game outside the Manor where they were employed. The licence held more powers than a normal licence to kill game and allowed game to be captured out of season for breeding purposes. At one time a keeper also had the power to apprehend trespassers and suspected poachers. From 1784, all those qualified by the ownership of property to kill game were also required to have licences. After 1831, game certificates were granted irrespective of property qualifications on payment of the appropriate fee.

The Records

Within these records, you may be able to find the following details:

  • Name
  • Residence
  • Licence location
  • Date