ABSTRACT
Land ownership has, over many centuries, brought opportunities to influence a wide range of economic, social and political aspects not directly related to the land itself. Some estates such as those of the church, the Crown and livery companies have existed since the Middle Ages with only limited changes in their land-holdings. Others have been created in a generation, due to the energy of one individual and special factors unlikely to be repeated in the foreseeable future. Urban estates have been shaped by the interaction of a number of relatively well-recorded historical pressures, though different interpretations can be placed upon the motives of the parties and the merits of the outcome at various decisive stages. Economic and social development, often represented through changes in case law and statute, have adjusted the balance of rights and duties between occupiers, owners and the general public, with serious financial consequences for the groups involved. Estate managers acting on behalf of each of the parties need to interpret the factors influencing urban property holdings in a comprehensive way, and relate these to the rationale of individual estates.
