The Hundred of Doddingtree was granted to Ralph Todeni, or Ralph de Toni, a relative of the Duke of Normandy, in 1066 by William the Conqueror as a reward for his services as Standard bearer during the Norman Conquest. [1] It consisted mainly of west Worcestershire. [2]
The early history of Doddingtree records that many of the Manors were owned by ecclesiastical authorities and some were moved into other Hundreds.[3]
According to the Victoria County History, with the exception of Dowles (transferred from Shropshire in 1895) and Rochford (transferred from Herefordshire in 1832 and 1844). [4]
The Hundred had two divisions. The upper division consisted of the Manors of Acton Beauchamp; Abberley; Alfrick; Areley Kings; Berrington; Bockleton; Clifton-upon-Teme; Cotheridge; Eastham; Edvin Loach; Hanley Child; Hanley William; Hillhampton Kyre Minor; Kyre Wyard; Martley; Lulsley; Orleton; Sapey Pritchard; Shelsley Kings; Shelsley Walsh; Stanford-on-Teme; Stockton-on-Teme; Suckley; Sutton and Tenbury.[5] The lower division consisted of the Manors of Abberley; Astley; Alton; Bayton; Bewdley; Doddenham; Dowles; Glasshampton; Mamble; Ribbesford; Great Witley; Rochford; Shelsley Beauchamp; Rock; Shrawley and Stockton.[6]