I have used property and court records in researching my ancestors during the seventeenth century. Some of my experience and findings with references are recorded in the IOM Family History Society Journal (1999-2008) . Two examples are: 'Findings in Chancery' (August 2000) and 'Neighbours in Law' (February 2004) A lot of time yields relatively little but the search is fun and a 'find' all the more satisfying for the effort involved. Good Luck - Michael Bridson.