strange words

[Suffolkgal]

I'd say it was definitely 'backside'

[alpinecottage]

Thanks Jennifer, It would be really interesting to learn the meaning of the word in this context.
John

From the Universal Etymological Dictionary (1770 edition):  the backside is "the Hinder part of anything" and the back is "the place behind", so I would guess that in this context the backside is the land at the back of the house/s

By the way, that lease looks in fantastic condition for 250+ years old.  The seal arrangement must be to stop anyone adding or removing pages - how many pages does the lease have?

[john g dee]

The lease is on one piece of calfskin. It has a wavy top edge which indicates there were two parts. Probably a copy for each party. The two parts having their wavy edge matched for authenticity. The lease is for a thousand years, provided the annual rent was paid plus a grain of pepper. Why a grain of pepper? Just to complicate the issue or provide a legal loophole? I have contacted the local history group in Halling, Kent to see if they are interested in the content.
John

[JenB]

provided the annual rent was paid plus a grain of pepper.

This would be what we know as a 'peppercorn rent'. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peppercorn_(legal)