Medieval title up for grabs with sale of historic Gower Manor House

Ever fancied having your own medieval title of Lord of Lady of the Manor? Well, a very rare opportunity has arisen: the prestigious manorial title of the Lord and Lady of Horton.

The Manor House in Horton is now on the market and with it comes the legal right to the title which dates back to at least the early 1300s.

Fine & Country have the Manor House up for sale for £785,000, which includes the title and various other ancient rights.

“The Manor House is a very impressive property by itself but the fact that it comes with a title dating back to medieval times is a fantastic added extra,” said Emma Bolton, Branch Manager of Fine & Country in Mumbles.

“We have to stress that this is a genuine title and not one of those manufactured ones you can buy relatively cheaply on the internet.

“I’m sure there is going to be a lot of interest in this property because of the quirky nature of what is on offer here. This is, after all, an incredibly unique opportunity for the next owner of the beautiful Manor House to enjoy a title as well.”

Sea views from the Manor House in Horton
Sea views from the Manor House in Horton

And the manorial rights do not end with just a title. Also included in the sale are the maritime rights of wreck within the coastal boundaries of the Manor of Horton.

That means in legal terms that any wreck above low water mark, subject only to the Merchant Shipping (Registration etc) Act 1993 and the Merchant Shipping Act 1995. A wreck would include jetsam, flotsam, and anything that is derelict.

Swansea solicitor Edward Harris is an expert in medieval manorial rights which came to prominence during feudal times.

“In 40 years as a solicitor it is only the second manorial title like this that I have come across that comes with the sale of a property. This is something of a rarity,” admitted Edward.

“If say for instance David Jones takes the title he will be entitled to call himself David Jones, Lord of Horton, but unfortunately it would not entitle him to a place in the House of Lords and it is not a hereditary title.”

“This title would be worth something between £20,000-30,000 which is reflected in the total price of the property. You can buy some less impressive title for a few thousand pounds but this one, which is reflected in its price, has good history and good provenance.”

Apart from the title one of the big selling points of the Manor House, which is situated right in the middle of Horton, is its elevated position commanding beautiful views across the Bristol Channel.

The property itself consists of four bedrooms, two of them ensuite, a total of three bathrooms upstairs, while the ground floor comprises an entrance hallway featuring wooden flooring and open fireplace. There is also a light and open lounge dining room with the kitchen set off from the area.

Externally, the property offers a patio area with lawned gardens, mature trees and flowering shrub. There are various out buildings including a garage and there is driveway parking for approximately three cars.