'Pays-reel or pays-legal'? Contrasting patterns of land tenure and social structure in eastern Norfolk and western Berkshire, 1450-1600

Combining detailed studies of two contrasting regions, eastern Norfolk and western Berkshire, this article examines regional differences in land tenur e and social structure in the period 1450-1600. Comparing manorial records with tax returns and probate records, it questions whether the patterns of landholding int he two regions were really as different as the manorial rec ords alone would suggest. The use of non-manorial records also allows the r elationship between manorial administration, land tenure, the land market, and social structure to be explored in some detail, touching on issues such as the cost of customary land, engrossment, sub-tenures and landlessness.