Landlady makes history as first woman appointed to Colyton Chamber of Feoffees

A local landlady has made history, becoming the first woman to be appointed to the Colyton Chamber of Feoffees.

Lucy Dack, landlady at The Kingfisher in Colyton, was appointed at the chamber's monthly meeting last night (Tuesday).

Appointed alongside fellow new member Ryan Smith, Lucy becomes the first female member since the historic chamber was first created in 1546.

They replace Dr Mick Askew and Tony Hibberd, who have both retired.

Andrew Parr, outgoing chairman of the Colyton Chamber of Feoffees, welcomed both new members.

He said: "The Feoffees are very pleased to welcome Lucy Dack and Ryan Smith to the Chamber. Both are well known members of the Colyton community and will bring a great deal of local knowledge and expertise to the Feoffees."

Lucy said: "I am honoured and delighted to be asked to become the first lady Feoffee."

Ryan, who is a builder and locally born and bred, commented: "I am really honoured to become a Feoffee and will look to do my best for the community."

[H2]What are the Feoffees?[H2]

The Colyton Chamber of Feoffees was established in January 1546 after King Henry VIII granted a Royal Charter which remains a prized possession of the Feoffees to this day.

In 1539 King Henry had executed his cousin, Henry Courtenay, Marquis of Exeter, for treason and seized his estates. Some years later local worthies went to the King and petitioned him to buy back some of the estates.

The King agreed, subject to the receipts from these lands being used henceforth for "good, godly and commendable purposes" on behalf of the local community.

The chamber was given a number of responsibilities including running local markets and organising a 'court of pie poudre' (literally 'dusty feet') – a form of on the spot justice.

For hundreds of years, until the municipal reforms of the second half of the 19th century, the Chamber of Feoffees provided effective local public administration in Colyton parish, instigated public services and delivered charitable acts.

One of its first acts was the creation of Colyton Grammar School in 1546.

Over the centuries it has introduced an early water supply to the town, established a fire brigade and street lighting.

Throughout its history the Chamber made donations to the needy of the parish for the purchase of food, fuel, blankets and seed potatoes. Today, there is an increasing emphasis on making donations to young people to facilitate academic and career enhancing pursuits.

The Chamber appointed its first female bailiff – an administrative role similar to a clerk – in 2013 but Lucy Dack is the chamber's first female member.