Warden Manor

The arms of Warden Abbey

Volume III of The Victoria County History for Bedfordshire, published in 1912 gives histories of all the manors in Old Warden. This manor had its origin in a grant by Walter Espec, Lord of the Manor of Old Warden|, to Warden Abbey| of Ravenesholt Wood. This grant was confirmed by King Stephen (1135-1154) in 1135 and by kings including Henry II (1154-1189), Richard I (1189-1199) and Henry III (1216-1271).

In 1205 Wiscard Ledet and Margery, his wife, gave land and a pasture in Old Warden to the abbey and in 1252 the right of free warren in Ravenesholt Woods was granted. This gave the abbey the right to have and kill specified game (not just rabbits) in the effected area. When Old Warden Manor was acquired by the abbey in 1341 and Bowels Manor| in 1346 this manor became indistinguishable from them.