Aelfric held Middleton as a manor before the Conquest, with two
carucates of land, six acres of meadow and one church with 15 acres. In 1086 it
was held by William de Warenne in demesne, and to it have been added five free
men and half a priest holding 55½ acres and two acres of meadow. A
second manor was held by Munulf before the Conquest, and by Roger Bigod from
Earl Hugh in 1086. This consisted of eighty acres with two acres of meadow. A
third large holding was in the hands of two free men before the Conquest, and
was held by Gilbert Blund from Robert Malet in 1086. Listed under the holdings
of Count Alan in 1086 were 12 acres held by a free man before the Conquest.
Leofric the deacon held three acres, and a free woman called Aelfgifu held 16
acres, both listed under Roger Bigod in 1086. The church of St Mary, Middleton
was granted to the Premonstratensians of Leiston by Roger de Glanville,
confirmed by Roger Bigod. The gift was confirmed by Pope Honorius III in 1224.
It was still held by Leiston Abbey in 1535.
Benefice of Middleton cum Fordley and Theberton with
Eastbridge.