Chain of Ownership and Division This parcel is the north half of Ravensworth (Parcel 1.0), which Henry Fitzhugh (Captain) inherited following the death of William Fitzhugh (the Immigrant) in 1701. His father’s will instructed that the landgrant be divided equally … Continue reading →
Chain of Ownership and Division William Fitzhugh (the Immigrant) cited as his initial claim to this land a deed of sale “dated 22 August 1685 and acknowledged in Stafford Court the 19th September next following.”1 Apparently, the Proprietors of the … Continue reading →
At his death in 1783, Henry Fitzhugh (Colonel)’s will provided that his half-share of Ravensworth (Parcel 1.1) be divided among his five youngest sons: Nicholas (age 19), Richard (age 18), Mordecai (age 16), Battaile (age 12) and Giles (age 10). … Continue reading →
The north and south parts of Ravensworth evolved along different paths, starting with the second partition. The north was immediately divided into several parcels, and the new owners would soon subdivide further to sell parts both within and outside the … Continue reading →
First Partition Changes When William Fitzhugh (the Immigrant) died in 1701, his will divided Ravensworth equally between his two oldest sons.1 Parcel 1.1 – Henry Fitzhugh (Captain) received the north half Parcel 1.2 – William Fitzhugh, Jr. received the south … Continue reading →
Northern Neck Grant – Sometime before 1685, John Matthews and unnamed partners purchased a landgrant of 21,996 acres from the proprietors of the Northern Neck Grant. Parcel 1.0 – In 1685, William Fitzhugh (the Immigrant) bought the 21,996-acre landgrant that … Continue reading →
Geologic history – A brief look below the land’s surface and at the forces that created it. Ravensworth plantation (24,112 acres, 37.7 square miles) was carved into smaller and smaller parcels through several generations of ownership due to inheritance, sale … Continue reading →