The Sokens

[2] The Domesday Book states that, in 1066, the manor was owned by the Dean and Chapter of St. Paul's in London, and was assessed at 27 hides.[3][4] The manor was held directly of the King, forming a peculiar jurisdiction or soke.[6] The Sokens formed a peculiar jurisdiction within the Church of England, with its own ecclesiastical court under the responsibility of a commissary appointed by the lord of the manor.In earlier years it would have included dealing with disciplinary offences such as adultery, fornication and drunkenness.In later years it was limited to more administrative matters such as the proving of wills and granting of marriage licences.
Masayoshi SokenThorpeWaltonTendringpromontoryDomesday BookChapterSt. Paul'sLondonAthelstanEdward VIThomas Darcy, Baron Darcy of Chichefourth earlRichard RigbypeculiarChurch of Englandecclesiastical courtArchdeacon of ColchesterProbateMatrimonial CausesManorialPigot's Directory