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Albert de Gresle was a non-resident lord of the manor of Manchester. Initially the Gresle family, who were Normans, lived elsewhere. Stewards represented them, and the manor continued to develop in their absence.
The first Gresle to actually live in Manchester was Robert de Gresle (1174–1230), and his presence is believed to have led to an influx of skilled workers. In the early 13th century, Manchester was not under the control of the Gresle family for a period of time. Robert Gresle was one of the barons who made King John sign Magna Carta. Gresle was excommunicated for his role in the rebellion and when King John later ignored the terms of Magna Carta, Gresle forfeited his lands. King John died in 1216 and the land was returned to Robert Gresle on behalf of King Henry III. Medieval Manchester was centered on the manor house and the church of St Mary mentioned in the Domesday Book. The castle in Manchester overlooked the rivers Irk and Irwell where the Chethams School of Music stands today. The Gresle family directly leased land to tenants and created burgage tenements for indirect rent.
The following is an abstract of the charter quoted in the note to the concord No. 29, page 162.
Albert Gresle, to all his friends, as well French as English, sendeth greeting. Know ye that I have given, and by this my charter confirmed to Roger Gresle, son of Horm, and his heirs, all my lands of Haistune, with all the appurtenances, and all the land called Osolue's Crouet, and all Hetune with all the appurtenances, and large liberties, easements, and free customs; to hold of me and my heirs, as the same Roger held of my father, and for the same service, to wit, for Haistun twenty shillings, or one sor sparrow-hawk, and for Hetune in like manner twenty shillings. Witnesses, Roger de Merci (Marsey, who died 1185), John de Ancotes, Ralph de Birun, Robert son of Seifrid, Robert son of Henry, Geoffrey Gresle, William de Merci (Marsey), and Bernard Gresle.
— Albert Gresle, Kuerden s MSS., Heralds' College, London, Vol. III., K. fol. 6 b.
[S.D. 1160–1182].