Sir John de Radynden 1247-1350

[billinbrighton]

I am researching Sir John de Radynden who was born in Radynden Manor (Brighton) in 1247. I have only been able to find one reference work "The Manor of Radynden" by Charles Thomas-Stanford in 1921 but can find out little about this important Sussex figure of the 13th century. Any help about Sir John or possible other references would be appreciated.
Bill

[Roy G]

I was one of a few who conducted a discussion on the "My Brighton & Hove" website over Radynden when we were interested in The Prince of Wales Dairy.  You may like to eves-drop the messages section and the 'Places' section of that same website. 

My colleague Andy wrote:
I have never found any explicit reference that would indicate the exact whereabouts of the manor, but in 1441 it was recorded as consisting of the house, a dovecote, 132 acres of arable land and 300 acres of pasture. The last change of ownership was in 1794, when it was sold to William Stanford. It is somewhat pointed that Dunvan, Horsfield and Parry make no reference to this manor, implying that it had ceased to exist by 1800...

Andy & I then went on to discuss things further off list, and tried to establish exactly where the boundaries of that estate once were, (Lovers Walk being one of them).  Andy was a key factor in the discussion with many facts to his fingertips, so you may find dropping him a line via 'My Brighton Messages' could prove invaluable.

What I also find so fascinating is that after 600 years, the descendents of the doves from the former dovecote still cluster on just one of the nearby roofs.  Take a look sometime.    Roy G

[billinbrighton]

Thanks for the information Roy G and I will certainly check out the website. I have written a short article on this subject - about 800 words - mainly based on the only 1921 reference I have found. I will try to attach to this post but if unsuccessful I can send it to you and Andy for your comments.
Bill

[Roy G]

In general terms, I think you may find something in the local history books written by Sue & John Farrant, and the editions of Sussex Archeological Collections.  I believe the latter has copies of who lived in the locality and paid Poll Tax in the 1290s and 1332. 

Although neither of us have any positive proof, a study of maps in Andy's possession, led us to believe the most probable site for the former Manor House was on the level platform now beneath Stanford Road School, which became the Railway yard and Pullman workshop.  Get a 'Time Team' to start digging!!   Roy G