The Island & Royal Manor of Portland Court Leet

Contact Gerry Hinde (Crown Local Agent & Bailiff)

gerryhinde@portlandcourtleet.co.uk

The Island & Royal Manor of Portland Court Leet can trace its origins back "tempus ex mente" (time out of mind - generally considered to be 1086) and it has a long association with the Crown Estate, the Royal Manor having belonged to the Crown since then. Although the day to day functions of the Court Leet have evolved over time, its administrative structure comprised of 24 Jury members has changed very little and many of its ancient traditions, such as the Annual Court Meeting and the Septennial Beating of the Bounds are still upheld.

Much of the Crown's Portland Estate is Registered Common land at Portland Bill, Chesil Beach and Church Ope Cove, most of which has protected SSSI status. The Court Leet's role is to administer, maintain and protect the natural environment of the Commons for the benefit and enjoyment of the Commoners and the residents of Portland.

The Court Leet's income is derived entirely from the Commons and represents the Commoners' traditional share from the Crown's Portland Estate. A large proportion of this income is used for the maintenance of the Commons, including grass-cutting, litter-picking, beach-cleaning,footpath, track and habitat maintenance, eradication of invasive species and maintenance of the public toilets at Church Ope Cove. To achieve this the Court Leet uses local contractors, the Dorset Council Ranger Service and also works in conjunction with local volunteers, the Dorset Wildlife Trust and Portland Conservation Forum.

Each year, the Court Leet supports many local independent organisations and groups through traditional Disbursements granted at the Annual Court Meeting in November. These donations benefit various sectors of the Portland community as well as sports, arts and culture, health and well-being, local heritage and the Island's natural environment.