A copyholder dies, leaving a son and a daughter by one venter, and a son by another venter ; the premises being in lease for years by licence ; the eldest son dies before admittance; held that the daughter should inherit, not the son. Held also, lst, That though a copyholder has, in judgmerit of law, but an estate at will, yet custom has so established his estate that it is descendible, and his heirs shall inherit, and so his estate is not merely ad voluntatem domini, but ad voluntatem domini secundum consuetulinem manerii. 2nd. That since custom has created such inheritance, the descent shall be directed according to the rules of the common law, as in the case of uses: but it does not partake of the collateral qualities of descent of other inheritances; not being assets, nor subject to dower or curtesy, without a special custom, nor tolling entry by descent cast. 3rd. That the heir before admittance may enter, and take the profits; and there may be a possessio fratris, and his surrender is good, but without prejudice to the lord’s fine.
The Lord may enter on his copyholder for non-performance of his services : but if he ousts him without a cause, the tenant may have trespass.
AIienation by a copyholder is a disseisin of the lord, and a forfeiture of his estate.
A copyholder cannot have a writ of false judgment on an erroneous judgment against him, but may sue to the lord by petition.
A surrender may be on condition reserving rent.
Grants by copy by bishops bind their successors, and the King, when the temporalties are in his hands, and the grantee may have aid of the King.
The admittance of a particular tenant is the admittance of the remainder-man, but without prejudice to the lord’s fine.
An admittance to a copyhold may be pleaded as a grant.
A copyhold in fee is but a particular estate.
Citations:
[1581] EngR 13, (1581) 4 Co Rep 21, (1581) 76 ER 911
Links:
Jurisdiction:
England and Wales
Land, Wills and Probate
Updated: 12 April 2022; Ref: scu.429391