The Lost Manor of Wayley Green, Preston

 

Rediscovering a 'lost' manor & hamlet

by Philip J. Wray

Family Tree Magazine

 

At the time of the Domesday Welei was part of the Royal Manor of Hitchin and was occupied by eight villeins, five bordars, two cottars and four slaves.  However none of the most relevant books recorded where it was - or in some cases even mentioned it. Was it one of the missing deserted villages in Hertfordshire.

   Philip spotted a Wayley Green on Bryant's map and this turned up such interesting facts  as a newspaper article about Preston which reported "Local legend says that plague victims were buried in Wayley Close only a short distance away from Dead Woman's Lane." The article also shows the importance of ensuring ones discoveries are properly recorded.