Stokesley Manorial Lands Trust – A Gift to the Town
Held in trust for the people of Stokesley since 1919
The Stokesley Manorial Lands Trust is a registered charity (Charity Commission number 1023299), established by a Deed of Trust dated 19 July 1919 — a remarkable gift to the community that continues to benefit Stokesley residents to this day.
The Story Behind the Trust
When the Manorial Lands were gifted to Stokesley Parish (now Town) Council in 1919, they were entrusted to the community in perpetuity. The same year, Stokesley Town Hall was also gifted in trust — together representing one of the most significant acts of civic generosity in the town’s history.
The land at the heart of this trust includes The Plain and College Square — familiar, well-loved spaces that generations of Stokesley residents have enjoyed for over a century.
How the Trust Works
Members of the Town Council serve as Trustees of the charity as part of their duties as Town Councillors. The Town Clerk acts as Secretary and Treasurer to the Trust.
The Trustees work to:
- Generate income from activities taking place on the Manorial Lands in the town centre
- Use that income to support the Stokesley Town Hall Trust
- Maintain the Manorial Lands and any structures built upon them
- Promote charitable events and activities for the benefit of Stokesley residents
The Original Deed of Gift
We are proud to hold in our archives the original document outlining the Deed of Gift that transferred the Manorial Lands to the people of Stokesley. You can view it below — a fascinating piece of local history.
Manorial Land Map
The map below shows the extent of the Manorial Lands within Stokesley town centre:
- Red areas – Manorial Land managed by the Trust
- Red and blue areas – Manorial Land currently leased to North Yorkshire Council, who are responsible for maintenance and parking enforcement in these zones
View the Manorial Land Map → Take from existing site