an excellent article – showing how they managed to keep their Land in the family.

ht tp://www.isle-of
man.com/genealogy/messageboard/manx_archive_2.pl?pro=search;pmd=sread;srchid=50922U5Nmy72oGvGExJ1314224998;spage=1;sanc=534842;sbid=12;md=read;id=534842#m_534842 (close gap ht tp)

Extracts from this article – show how George Looney managed to buy back - Gobneskeate

‘‘ the original medieval law said that a purchased quarterland could be left by will, and it remained a "chattel" and could be left by will until it passed three descents. Once the three descents had taken place, it became "realty" or "heirship" and no owner could affect its ownership by will.’’

‘‘ Landowners were, however, aware of various methods for getting round the law. The most simple was the "sale and re-sale" where you sold all your property to a trusted friend for "valuable consideration" and a few (preferably years) later, if you survived, you bought it back for a bit more.’’

Averil