Like Papworth, Dedswell may be derived from the holding of Walter or Herbert recorded in the Domesday Book in 1086, but the matter is uncertain.
[3] The 27th lord of the manor was Lieutenant Colonel John Walter Molyneux-Child who acquired it by inheritance in 1984 with the neighbouring Manor of Papworth from the trustees of the 6th Earl of Onslow (died 1971), and in succession to the 7th Earl of Onslow (died 2011) who relinquished the titles in that year.
Molyneux-Child exercised his right as lord of the manor to appoint manorial officials such as ale tasters and hangmen which he combined with fund-raising for charity.
[6] The Dedswell manor house was built in the mid-fifteenth century with later additions and is a grade II listed building with Historic England.
[7] It borders the Clandon Stream and was subdivided after a large Victorian farmhouse was built nearby.