by another Patent bearing date 4 Nov. the dignity of Earl Rivers after the death of the said Vicount Colchester without issue male of his body he being then advanced to that degree of honor By which Elizabeth he had issue seven sons first Iohn his next successor in those Titles secondly Thomas who married Bridget daughter and coheir to William Witmore of Leighton in com Cestr. Esquire by Margaret his wife daughter of Sir Hugh and sister and heir to Sir George Beeston of Beeston in com Cestr. Knight widow of Sir Edward Somerset Knight fifth son to Edward late Earl of UUorcester thirdly Francis fourthly William fifthly Iames sixthly Richard and seventhly Charles As also six daughters Iane married to Iohn Marquis of UUinchester Dorothy to Charles Vicount Aâ—dover son and heir to Thomas Earl of Berkshire Elizabeth to Sir Iohn Thimelsby of Iâ—nham in com Linc. Knight Anne to Robert son and heir to Thomas Lord Bâ—ndnell afterwards Earl of Cardigan Catherinâ— a Nun at Dunkirke and Henrietta Maria to Raphe Sheldon of Beoley in com Wigora Esquire and departing this life at his house on Tower Hill in the City of London 20 Nov. An. 1635. 11 Car. 1. was honourably buryed with his Ancestors at Marfeild in Cheshire upon the sixteenth day of December next ensuing To whom succeeded Iohn his son and heir who by the death of the before specified Thomas Earl Rivers in An. 1639. enjoyed that title and by Catherine his first wife daughter of William Lord Morley and Mont Eagle had issue three sons Thomas Iohn and Richard as also five daughters Elizabeth wife of William Lord Petre Iane first married to George Lord Chandois next to Sir William Sidley of Aylesford in com Cantii Barronet and lastly to George Pitts of Stratfeild-Sey in com South Esquire Catheâ—ine to Charles Sidley brother to the same Sir William Mary to Henry Killegrew Groom of the Bed Chamber to his Royal Highness Iames Duke of Yorke and Frances who died young To his second wife he married Mary daughter of Thomas Ogle of South Diâ—â—ington in com Northumbr Esquire and by her had issue one only son called Peter This Earl died 10 Oct. An. 1654. and was buried at Maxfeild Whereupon Thomas his eldest son succeeded him in his Honours and married Elizabeth one of the natural daughters of Emanuel late Earl of Sunderland by whom he hath issue two sons viz. Thomas called Lord Colchester and Richard as also two daughters Elizabeth and Arabella Which Thomas Lord Colchester having married Charlot daughter of Charles late Earl of Derby hath issue by her one daughter called Charlot Cranfeild Earl of Middlesex 19 Iac. OF this County until the time of King Iames none were ever dignified with the Title of Earl but then Lionel Cranfeild a Merchant of London son to Thomas Cranfeild of the City of London Esquire who received the honor of Knighthood at Otelands 4 Iulii An. 1613 11 Iac. having for his great abilities been first made Master of the Requests 20 Nov. 14 Iac. Next Master of the Kings Great Wardrobe Then scil 15 Ian. 16 Iac. Master of the Wards Afterwards 15 Ian. 18 Iac. a Privy Councellor and upon the ninth of Iuly 19 Iac. advanced to the degree of a Baron this Realm by the title of Lord Cranfeild of Cranfeild in com Bedf. Also upon the thirteenth oâ— October following Lord Treasurer of England was by Letters Patents bearing date 16 Sept. An. 1622 20 Iac. created Earl of Middlesex but in the Parliament of 22 Iac. deprived of his office of Lord Treasurer fined at fifty thousand pounds and committed Prisoner to the Tower of London This Earl first married Elizabeth daughter of Richard Shepard a Merchant in London by whom he had issue three daughters Martha wedded to Sir Henry Carey Knight of the Bath afterwards Earl of Monmouth Elizabeth to Edmund Lord Sheffeild grandson and heir to Edmund Earl of Mulgrave and Mary who died unmarried And to his second wife Anne daughter to Iames Brett of Howby in com Leic. Esquire by Anne his wife sister to Mary Countess of Buckingham by whom he had issue four sons Iames Edward and Leonel who succeeded him in his honors Edward who departed this life unmarried and William who died young as also two daughters Frances wife of Richard now Earl of Dorset and Susan who died young And departing o this life upon the sixth of August An. 1645. being at that time 70 years of age 1 was buried in St. Michaels Chapel in the Abby Church at Westminster where there is a fair Monument erected to his memory with this Epitaph M. S. Leonelli domini Cranfeild Middlesexiae Comitis à Iacobo sagacissimo principe in Aulam acciti pro nativo ingenii vigors amplis tuâ—â— honoribus tùm muneribus munificentissimè decorati à supplicum libellis Rei Vestiariae Orphanorum tutelae praefectus à sanctioribus consiliis subiit novissimè totius Angliae Thesaurarii splendidissimam atque lubricam provinciam in quibus quà m sedulò navarit operam indicant tituli Equitis aurati Baronis de Cranfeild Middlefexiae demùm Comitis atque alii variè collati Hinc gliscente invidiâ urgentur adversae rerum procellae dum animosè movet lucentes quae innocentiae conscientiá fortè jactatus tantum non naufragiis enatavit sedatâ bieme figit anchoram in re lautâ sereno senectutis ocio respiravit expiravit Hîc depositus dum lassum prius jam luxatum corpus Nauclerus ille resuscitatum in fusiore navigio coelesti aeternitatis portu collocarit Obiit Augusti 6 Anno MDCXLV aetatis plus minus 70. Duas successivè conjuges accepit ex utrisque suscepit prolem Elizabetha prior peperit faeminas Elizabetham hodie Comitissam de Moulgrave Martham Comitissam de Monmouth Mariam quae ante nuptias diem obiit Ex Annâ relicta hodie Comitissâ de Middlesex communi tumulo modò Deus velit inhumandâ cujus apponitur effigies nati sunt Iacobus Honorum haeres Middlesexiae Comes Lionellus Edoardus superstites Alterius sexus Francisca domina Buckhurst Susanna ante octennium denata Infans Haec Iunii 25. 1647. To whom succeeded Iames his son and heir who married Anne the third daughter and coheir to Edward Earl of Bath which Iames having issue by her one sole daughter called Elizabeth wedded to Iohn Lord Brackley eldest son to Iohn now Earl of Bridgwater departed this life without any issue So that Lionel his Brother became his successor in his Honors and having married Rachel daughter to Francis Earl of Westmorland widow of Henry Earl of Bath died in October An. 1674. without issue whereupon he had Burial in the same Chapel of St. Michael at Westminster where his Father lyeth interred being the last Earl of Middlesex of this Family Finch Earl of Winchelsey 21 Iac. OF this Family which do
Liberties in â—organnon should be forfeited but because he had married Ioane the Kings Daughter by whom he had issue and that by vertue of an Entail c. he had estate but for Term of Life therein it was resolved That they should be forfeited to the King only for Term of this Earls life and that he should be remanded to prison paying to the E. of Hereford One hundred pounds damage And on the other side it was concluded That the Liberties of the Earl of Hereford should for his offence remain in the Kings hands as forfeited for ever and the said Earl of Hereford be remanded to prison But by reason the King and his Council did not deem the Earl of Herefords offence so great as was that of this Earl and because he had married the Queens Kinswoman the King was pleased at the Queens instance that the forfeiture should only extend to his life and that his Heirs might not be disherited Howbeit after this being both of them committed to prison this Earl paid to the King a fine of One thousand marks for an attonement and the Earl of Hereford as much From which time I have not seen more of him till his death which hapned in the Castle of Monmouth 7 Id. Dec. An. 1295. 24 Ed. 1. And that he was buried in the Church of Tewksbury on the left hand of his Father leaving issue by Ioane of Acres his Wife Gilbert his Son and Heir then five years of age and three Daughters Which Ioane surviving and being in Frank-Marriage Enfeoffed of all the Lands belonging to both his Earldoms soon matched her self to a plain Esquire called Ralph de Monthermer clandestinely without the King her Fathers knowleâ—ge whom afterwards she sent to her Father to receive the honor of Knighthood But when the King understood that she had much debased her self in marrying so meanly being highly incensed he caused all her Castles and Lands to be seised on and sent her Husband Monthermer to strait imprisonment in the Castle of Bristol Nevertheless at length through the mediation of that great Prelate Anthony Beke then Bishop of Durham a reconciliation was made After which she resided at Marlborough for a time and the year following in the Parliament begun at London in the Moneth of Iuly all her Lands c. were restored to her so likewise was her Husband being afterwards beloved of the King as his own Son and had Livery of all the Lands belonging to this great Earldom to hold by the service of fifty Knights Fees in the War of Flanders Whereupon also he had the title of Earl of Glocester This Ioane of Acres gave to the Canons in the Chapel of our Lady at Caversham in Com. Oxon. for the health of her Soul and the Soul of Gilbert de Clare sometime Earl of Gloucester and Hertford her Husband a certain piece of Land within the inclosures of that Lordship for enlarging the grounds which the King her Father had given them near the same Chapel and departing this life in Ann. 1307. 1 Ed. 2. was buried in the Church of the Friers-Augustines at Clare the King her Brother and most of the Nobility of England being at her Funeral And now before I proceed with my Story of these Earles I must take leave to say something of Thomas de Clare before mentioned Brother to this last Earl Gilbert This Thomas was in such esteem with that great Rebel Montfort and those other of the Barons who had thus vanquished King Henry the third in the Battle of Lewes that in April following they made him Governor of S. Briavell's Castle in Com. Glouc. But having done such good service in order to the Kings deliverance as hath been observed he was in 50 Henr. 3. made Constable of the Castle of Colchester In 51 Hen. 3. being signed with the Cross he went into the Holy Land and in Anno 1271 55 Hen. 3. brought four Saracens into England whom he had taken Prisoners in those Holy-Wars In 1 Edward 1. he was constituted Governor of the City of London In 14 Edward 1. he joined with Richard de Burgh Earl of Ulster in that solemn compact made betwixt them two on the one part and Patric Earl of Dunbar together with his three Sons Patric Iohn and Alexander Walter Stuard Earl of Menteth Alexander and Iohn his Sons Robert Brus Lords of Anandale together with Robert Brus Earl of Carryk and Bernard de Brus his Sons Iames Stuard of Scotland and Iohn his Brother Enegusius Son of Donewald and Alexander his Son that they would thenceforth adhere to and take part with one another upon all occasions against all persons whatsoever saving their allegiance to the King of England and their fidelity to him who should gain the Kingdom of Scotland by right of Blood from King Alexander then lately deceased Which Agreement bears date at â—urnebyrâ—e in Carryk on the Eve oâ— S. Matthew the Apostle Anno 1286. 14 Edw. 1. But the year next following he died 4 Non. Septemb. Anno 1287. 15 Ed. 1. and was buried at the Gray-Friers in Liâ—eric Leaving issue a Son called Gilbert who with many other received the sacred ceremonies of Knighthood in 34 Edw. â— when Edward the Kings Son was honored with that dignity I now come to Gilbert Son to the last Earl Gilbert and Ioane of Acres Though this Gilbert was in minority at the time of his Fathers death and in Ward to the King yet he made his address to the Lords in Parliament the next ensuing year for the possession of all his Lands Rents and Franchises lying in London according to the Custom of that City alledging them to be held in Socage Whereupon it being required that the Mayor and Aldermen should come before them and certifie the truth thereof they accordingly did so and affirmed it to be the custom in case the Heir were of such age as that he knew how to manage his Estate And it being likewise found that then he was about eighteen years of age and had discretion to govern himself and what he had it was resolved by that great Councel that he should have Livery of them as also of all Advowsons of Churches within the Precincts of of that City which had been seised into the Kings hands by reason of the death of Ioane Mother of him the said Gilbert wherein she had estate for term of life So likewise of all his Socage-Lands lying in the Towns of Gloucester Sandwich and St. Edmundsbury and wheresoever else in England And as to the Mannor of Wexcombe the Town of Bodwinde and Hundred of Kinardeston in Com. Wilts the Hundred of Chadelington in Com. Oxon. the Hundreds of Rishmore Haâ—elore Craneburne and Pymperne in Com. Dorset and the Mannor of Claret in Comitat. Essex which he also
Margery his Mother being then alive went on Pilgrimage to Rome whence she retâ—â—ned safe and dyed in England in 37 Edw. 3. This William was summoned to Parliament in 24 and 25 Edw. 3. and married Margaret Daughter of Raphe Lord Nevill but in 26 Edw. 3. taking a journey into the Holy Land he there died without any Issue leaving Thomas his Brother Heir to that great Inheritance then but fourteen years of age Unto this Margaret the Mannor of Thurmanbowe in Yorkshire was assigned for her maintenance who afterwards became Wife to Henry Lord Percy and died in 46 Edward 3. In 31 Edw. 3. this Thomas staying in Gascoigne in the King's service had Letters of Protection this being the year that the Black Prince returned from France after his victory at Poytiers where King Iohn of France was taken prisoner which makes it probable that this Thomas de Ros was personally in that service but he had not Livery of his Lauds till the year next following In that year he had also License to marry Beatrice the Widow of Maurice Fitz-Moris Earl of Desmond daughter to Raphe Earl of Staâ—ford who surviving him became the Wife of Sir Richard Burley Knight Which Lady Beatrice in 10 Hen. 4. founded a Chantry within the Cathedral Church of S. Paul in the City of London in the Chapel of S. Iohn Baptist near the North door of one Priest to celebrate Divine service there for the Souls of Sir Richard de Burley Knight her late Husband as also for the Souls of the Father and Mother of the same Sir Richard and of Richard de Pembruge And moreover for the Soul of Thomas de Ros his Parents and all the Faithful deceased and finally for the good estate of her self during this life and for the health of her Soul afterwards For the maintenance of which Priest she setled twelve Marks per Annum issuing out of certain Messuages and Shops in London and died not till 3 Hen. 5. But I return to William In 33 Edw. 3. he was again in Gascoigne in the King's service where he continued both that and the next year following And in 44 Edw. 3. went again to the Wars of France being then of the retinue to Iohn Duke of Lancaster and with him at the taking of Mountpaon So also in 44 45 and 46 Edw. 3. In which forty sixth year he was in that Fleet with the King designed for the Relief of Thovars which after nine weeks being at Sea and crossed with contrary winds returned back In 47 Edw. 3. he likewise attended the Duke of Lancaster into France who then sailed thither with a very great Army for the relieving of Thovares still besieged So also in 1 Ric. 2. This Thomas had summons to all the Parliaments from 36 Edw. 3. until 7 Ric. 2. inclusive and in that seventh year of Ric. 2. having an extraordinary devotion to go on Pilgrimage to Ierusalem for performance of his vow which he had long made for that purpose obtained License of the King so to do which License bears date the fourth of May. But being on his journey at his Mannor of Uffyngton he there departed this life upon the eighth of Iune next ensuing leaving Iohn his Son and Heir eighteen years of age and William Thomas and Robert his younger Sons as also two Daughters Elizabeth Wife of Thomas Son and Heir of Roger Lord Clifford and Margaret and was buried in the midst of the Quire of Rievault-Abbey in Yorkshire the Lands whereof he was then possessed being these viz. the Castle and Mannor of Belvoir the Mannors of Wollesthorpe Ussyngton with its members in Talyngton Deping and Casewyke as also the Mannors of Wragby Freston and Gousâ—â—l in Com. Linc. The Mannor of Helmestey extending it self into Pokelay Carleton Harum Boselam and Oswaldkirke Likewise the Mannors of Lynton Garton Howesham Turnham-hall Hosse in Holderness Seton Storthwayt Melburne Thornton in Craven and Bayldon in the County of York The Mannor of Adderley in Com. Salop. Stoke-Daubeney in Com. Northt Preston in Com. Buck. The Castle and Mannor of Chilâ—am with the Mannors of Hothâ—eld and Wulrington and the fourth part of the Mannor of Kingsdowne in Kent The Mannors of Wysette and Brende-Bradefeld in Suffolk The moity of the Mannors of Holt and Cleye juxta mare the moity of the Mannor of Cleye juxta Walsyngham with the Mannors of Hakeford Watton and Whitewell in Norfolk the moity of the Mannor of Blanch-Apleton in the City of London the Mannor of Tarent-Uilers in Com. Dorst the Mannor of Botelefford and moity of the Mannor of Plungarth in Com. Leic. the Mannor of Bokeland in Com. Hertf. Shigleford in Com. Essex Sutton upon Trent Screveton Warâ—op and Orston in Com. Nott. and Bourne in Com. Sussex This Iohn though then not twenty years of age was the year following retained to serve the King in his Wars and in 10 Ric. 2. making proof of his age and doing his Homage had Livery of his Lands In 11 Ric. 2. he went to Sea with Richard Earl of Arundell then Lord Admiral in that Naval-expedition wherein great spoil and mischief was done to the French especially in the Islands belonging to that Kingdom In 12 Ric. 2. he was joyned with Henry Earl of Northumberland and Raphe Lord Nevill in the Government of Carlisle and Wardenship of the West-marches of Scotland In 14 Ric. 2. he was one of the Commissioners amongst others as well in treating for Peace betwixt the King and his Adversaries of France and Scotland as for observing the Truce already made And was summoned to Parliament from the tenth to the seventeenth of King Richard the Second's Reign inclusive And as he was thus eminent for his Military Actions so was he no less for his Piety as is manifest by that his Pilgrimage which he made to Ierusalem in which he departed this life at Paphoâ— in the Isle of Cyprus by means of the ill air of that Country without any Issue 6 Aug. 17 Ric. 2. though he had to Wife Mary de Orebie Daughter of Henry de Perci and was buried in the Abbey of Rievaulx on the South-side of the Quire near the high Altar leaving Sir William de Ros Knight his Brother and Heir then twenty four years of age who doing his Homage had Livery of his Lands in February next following Which Mary his Wife daughter of ... by Ioane Daughter and Heir of Iohn de Oreby deceased the year next ensuing leaving Constantine de Clifton and Maude the Wife of Sir Raphe Cromwell Knight her Cousins and Heirs This William thus succeeding his Brother in that fair Inheritance was imployed by the King soon after
stood related to each other in Blood Of these Richard Comin had his Residence in Northumberland as it seems for it appears that in 22 H. 2. he was fined at C l. for neglecting to attend the Justices-Itinerant in that County And in 32 H. 2. Walter Comyn paid xxx s. for Scutage with the rest of the Barons who were not in the Expedition of Galweie in Ireland After this viz. in 4 H. 3. William Cumin was one of the Coheirs to Andrew Giffard for the Barony of Funtell in Com. Wiltes And in 17 H. 3. Isabell the Wife of David Comin became one of the Coheirs to Christian the Wife of William de Mandevill Earl of Essex Which David with other the Great Men of that time in 26 H. 3. receiv'd Summons from the King to fit himself with Horse and Arms and to attend him into Gascoine But from these I come to Alexander Comyn Earl of Beghan in Scotland This Alexander married Elizabeth one of the Daughters and Heirs to Roger de Quinci Earl of Winchester in 51 H. 3. and then had Livery of the Lands of her Inheritance In 3 E. 1. at the Request of Alexander King of Scotland who had married King Henry the Thirds Daughter he obtain'd Livery of the Inheritance of the said Elizabeth his Wife though she could not at that time come to the King in Person being great with Child To him succeeded Iohn his Son and Heir whom he enfeoffed of the Mannor of Wightwicke in Com. Leic. in 11. E. 2. and died in 18 E. 1. the said Iohn his Son being then xxx years of age Who thereupon doing his Homage had Livery of his Lands and in 20 E. 1. obtain'd Licence from King Edward to dig in those Mines within the Dominion of the Isle of Man called The Calf for Lead to cover eight Towers in his Castles of Criyelton and Galweâ— in Scotland Moreover in 21 E. 1. this Iâ—hn Earl of Boghan obtain'd the King's Charter for a Market every Week upon the Tuesday at his Mannor of Wightwick in Com. Leic. and a Fair yearly on the Eve Day and two Days after the Nativity of St. Iohn Baptist. In 22 E. 1. he had Summons to fit himself with Horse and Arms and to attend the King at Portsmouth on the first of September in order to his Expedition into France Furthermore in 34 E. 1. he serv'd King Edward in his Scottish Wars But having no Issue as it seems he enfeoffed his Brother William in two parts of the Mannor of Shepesheved in Com. Leic. as also in the Towns of Mekinfeld Whitenton Bochardeston and Newton Likewise in the moytie of Kocheby and Whirwick and Park of Bredon and in all the Demesns of the Mannor of Whytwick excepting the Site thereof all in that County Whereupon the King upon the death of the said Iohn took the Homage of the before-specified William But William being conscious that he had no just Title to them rendred them to the King in right of the two Nieces of him the said Iohn viz. Alice the Wife of Henry de Beaumont and Margaret her Sister Whereupon they the said Henry and Alice performing their Homages had Livery of the one Purparty of those Lands ¶ I now come to them of Badenagh Of these that which I find most memorable is That in 48 H. 3. Iohn Comyn of Badenagh was amongst others at the Siege of Northampton with King Henry where upon storming that Town divers of the Rebellious Barons were taken And that afterwards fighting valiantly for that King with a stout Band of Scots which he commanded in that fatal Battel of Lewes hapning soon after he was there with him taken Prisoner Moreover That in Anno 1268. 52 H. 3. by Mediation of the two Kings of England and Scotland he came to an Agreement with the Citizens of Yorke concerning the murther of some of his Servants Whereupon he had three hundred Pounds paid unto him in Money with promise that those Citizens should maintain two Priests to celebrate Divine Service for ever for the health of their Souls upon Duse-brigge in that City where the Murther was committed He was also one of the Competitors for the Crown of Scotland in An. 1291. 19 E. 1. viz. as Brother and Heir to William Son and Heir of Iohn Son and Heir to Richard Son and Heir to William Son and Heir to Hextild Daughter and Heir to Gâ—thrick Son and Heir to Dovenald sometime King of Scotland To him succeeded Iohn his Son and Heir who in 24 E. 1. joyning with the Earls of Boughan Menteth Strathern Lenox Roâ— Athol and Mar entred England with Five hundred Horse and Ten thousand Foot and besieg'd Carlisle but prevailing not drew off and returned into Scotland Whereupon Iohn Earl Warren and William de Beauchamp Earl of Warwick being sent after them with a great Power besieg'd the Castle of Donbar which by treachery the Scots had gained and forcing it to yield took him with five other Scotch Barons and sent them into England not to return till the Wars with France should have an end But the next ensuing year King Edward keeping his Christmass at Linlithcow in Scotland he submitted himself and was receiv'd to favour having his Lands also restor'd to the end he might serve in the Wars of Flanders This Iohn married Ioane one of the Sisters and Coheirs to Adomare de Valence Earl of Pembroke and having Issue by her one Son viz. Iohn and two Daughters viz. Ioane afterwards married to David de Strabolgy Earl of Atholl and Elizabeth to Richard Talbot and being invited to Dunfres by Robert Brus Earl of Carrick who bore himself high of his Kindred in Scotland expecting thereby to gain the Crown of that Realm came thither accordingly to the House of Gray-Friers Where meeting together Brus said unto him Take my Inheritance of Carryck and help me to be King of Scotland or let me have thine and I will help thee to be King Whereunto giving a Denial he was there murthered and with him Sir Roger Comyn his Brother by the procurement of Brus. To whom succeeded Iohn his and Heir Which Iohn died without Issue 19 E. 2. being then seised of the Mannor of Tyrsete in Tindale in Com. Northumbr leaving Ioane Wife of David de Strabolgi Earl of Athol then xxx years of age and Elizabeth her Sister xxvi years of age his Sisters and next Heirs Which Elizabeth afterwards became the Wife of Richard Talbot This Elizabeth being one of the Cousins and Heirs to Adomare de Valence Earl of Pembroke had as her Puâ—party in 18 E. 2. an Assignation of Castle-Goderich in the Marches of
in 46 E. 3. at which time he was retain'd by Indenture to serve the King in those Wars with xl Men at Arms himself being then a Banneret xv Knights xxxiv Esquires and Lx Archers This William in 5 R. 2. had a Resolution to found a Monastery of the Carthusian Order in Honour of St. Anne near to the City of Coventre but was by death prevented whereupon King Richard the Second accomplish'd that Work for on Wednesday the Feast of St. George the same year he departed this Life leaving Sir William la Zousche of Braunfeild Knight his Son and Heir then xl years of age as also a younger Son called Thomas who afterwards had the Mannors of Ightam and Eynesford in Com. Kanc. being then seised of the Castle and Mannor of Torneys with its Members viz. Lodeswalle and Hiwishe as also of the Mannor of Cornewâ—rthie in Com. Devon of the Mannors of Eygâ—reham and Eynesford in Com. Cantii of the Hundred of Calne with the Mannor of Calston and Mannor of Ambresbury called le Coâ—ynger in Com. Wiltes of the Mannor of Kingesw 〈◊〉 in Com. Suthampt. of the Mannor of Kilpesham in Com. Rotel Haryngworth Bulwyke Beâ—ghâ—y and Mannor called Souches-Mannor in Rothwell in Com. Northampt. of the Mannor of Ilkeston in Com. Derb. Zouches-Mannor in Docking in Com. Norff. Bluenlegh in Com. Suff. Mule Bracy in Com. Salop. Eyton with its Members viz. Henlawe Berston and Wymington Totenshe Houghton and Weston Inge in Com-Bedf Hamme in Com. Buck. Wythkall Lavnton and Lynthorpe in Com. Linc. Thorpe Ernauld with its Members viz. Brentyngby Busseby Thurneby and Houghton as also of the Mannor of Claybroke in Com. Leic. and likewise of the Mannor of Weston in Com. Warr. Elizabeth his Wife surviving who by her Testament bearing date upon the Feast-day of St. Ambrose Anno 1408. 9 H. 4. bequeath'd her Body to be buried in the Abby of Tewkesbury where the Corps of her Brothers lay Interred with xx l. to that House and gave to Edmund and Thomas her Sons all her Silver Vessel to be equally divided betwixt them Which William viz. Son and Heir to the last-mention'd William doing his Homage had Livery of his Lands and in 7 R. 2. was in the Wars of France This William was he who being accused by a Frier-Carmelite that he had scandalized Iohn of Gant Duke of Lancaster with evil Machinations against the King was brought before the Parliament though at that time very sick to answer the Charge but stoutly denying all he was at length acquitted And in 8 R. 2. was retain'd by Indenture to serve the King in his Scoâ—â—sh Wars for xl days the King resolving to go in 〈◊〉 thither But in 10 R. 2. being then called William Lord Zousche of Torneys residing there at that time as it seems obtain'd Licence from the King to make a Castle of his Mannor-house at Haringworth in Com. Northampt. Which Licence was afterwards confirm'd to Sir William la Zousche Knight his Cousin and Heir in 10 H. 6. In 12 R. 2. this William was banish'd the Court as one of the King 's Evil Counsellors by those Great Lords who then met in Arms at Haringey Park After which viz. in 15 R. 2. he was by some Inquisitions found to be next Heir to Iohn de Hastings Earl of Pembroke viz. Son of William Son of Eudo Father of William Son of Milisent Daughter and one of the Heirs to William de Cantilupe Brother of Nicholas Father of William Father of Nicholas Father of William Father of William who died without Issue And in 19 R. 2. upon the Saturday next preceding the Feast of St. Dunstan being the thirteenth of May departed this Life leaving William his Son and Heir xxii years of age Which William doing his Homage the year following had Livery of his Lands This William the same year viz. 20 R. 2. being in the Wars of France was of the Retinue of Edward Earl of Rutland and in 22 R. 2. went again to those Wars Moreover in 1 H. 4. in consideration of his good Services to that King he had a Grant of C l. per annum out of the Exchequer And in 3 H. 4. attended Blanch the King's Daughter to Celein where she was married to the Emperor's Son Furthermore in 7 H. 4. upon the death of Thomas la Zouche his Uncle who held the Mannors of Middle Claydon and Elesyngburgh in Com. Buck. for term of Life the Reversion appertaining to him he then came to the Possession of those Lordships And in 8 H. 4. was again in the Wars of France In 1 H. 5. being at that time Lieutenant of Calais he was one of the Embassadors sent to Cbarles King of France for the Observation of the Truce made by King Richard the Second and that King And having married Alice the Daughter and Heir of Sir Richard de St. Maur the younger Knight and of Mary his Wife as also Cousin and Heir of Ela the Wife of Sir Richard St. Maur the elder Knight Father of Richard the younger and made proof of her age had Livery of the Lands of her Inheritance doing his Fealty This William died 3 Nov. 3 H. 5. being then seised of the Mannor of Drey Docking in Com. Norff. Kilpham in Com. Rotel Haryngworth Bulwyke Braunfeild Houghton and Berughby in Com. Northampt. Ilkeston in Com. Derb. of the Castle of Greisele in Com. Nott. of the Castle of Totneys with the Borough and Mannor of Cornworthy in Com. Devon of the Mannors of Lavington Withâ—all and Kinthorpe in Com. Linc. Weston in-Arden and Folkeshull in Com. Warr. Claybroke and Thorpe Ernauld with its Members in Com. Leic. Colston with the Hundred of Calne in Com. Wiltes Meole Bracy in Com. Salop. Hergrobe Odâ—cumbe and the Borough of Briggewater in Com. Somerset Esulburgh Claydo Stoke Mandevile and Hamme in Com. Buck. as also of the Mannors of Thorâ—bury and Eyton in Com. Bedf. leaving William his Son and Heir xiii years of age whose Marriage was granted by the King to Raphe Earl of Westmorland but the Benefit of his Lands to Iohn Holand Earl of Huntendon to hold during his Minority As also Iohn a younger Son who married Elizabeth the Aunt and Heir to Henry Lord Grey of Codnovre from whom the Zouches of Codnobre did descend and two Daughters viz. Margaret the Wife of Sir Thomas Tresham Knight and Elizabeth Which William his Son and Heir upon the death of Elizabeth his Mother in 4 H. 6. doing his Fealty had Livery of all those Lands which she held in Dower and in 2 E. 4. being then above xxx years of age and bearing the Title of Lord Zouche and St. Maur having perform'd many special Services
Title of Lord Willoughby of Eresby whilst his Father lived and firmly adhering to the King from the first appearance of that Grand Insurrection commanded the Royal Regiment of His Majesties Guards And being near to his valiant father when he had that mortal wound for perservation of his person from the violence of the Soldiers in the heat of Battel voluntarily yielded himself to a Commander of Horse on the other side And not long after having his liberty by exchange faithfully served the same King in divers other Battels throughout the whole course of that Unhappy War and otherwise being one of the Gentlemen of His Royal Bedchamber and of His Privy-Council whereby he had his share in those sufferings which all the True-hearted Royallists cheerfully underwent during the long continuance of the late Woful Usurpation Moreover living to see the joyful Restauration of our present Sovereign King Charles the Second whose Royal Coronation was shortly afterwards solemnized he exhibited his Claime for the exercise of that great hereditary Office of Lord High Chamberlain of England and for the reception of such Fees and Benefits as his noble Ancestors had heretofore thereupon enjoy'd Which was allowed Being also elected into the Society of the most Noble Order of the Garter he was Install'd with others 16 Apr. An. 1661. 13 Car. 2. And on the day of His Majesties most happy and solemn Coronation at Westminster which was the 23 d of the same moneth of April then exercising the said Office of Lord High Chamberlain did receive those Fees and Benefits which were of right thereupon due This Earl married twice first Martha daughter of Sir William Cokain Knight Alderman of the City of London widow of Iohn Earl of Holderness and by her had issue five sons Robert Peregrine Richard Vere now one of the Barons of the Exchequer and Charles and three daughters Elizabeth married to Baptist Vicount Compden Bridget to Sir Thomas Oâ—burne Baronet now Earl of Danby and Lord High Treasurer of England and Catherine to Robert Dormer of Dorton in Com. Oxon. Esquire Secondly Bridget daughter and sole heir of Edward Wray Esquire Groome of the Bedchamber to King Iames third son to Sir William Wray of Gâ—entworth in Com. Linc. Knight and Baronet by Elizabeth his wife daughter and heir to Francis Lord Norris Earl of Berkshire By which Bridget he had issue three sons Iames now Lord Norris by descent from his Grandmother Edward and Henry and the Lady Mary a daughter And departing this life at the Lord Camdens House in Kensington 25 Iulii An. 1666. was buried at Edenham in the Vault with his Noble Father To whom succeeded Robert his son and heir who married thrice first Mary daughter and coheir to Iohn Massingberd a Merchant in London of the East-India Company descended of an antient and worshipful Family of that name in Com. Linc. by whom he had issue only one daughter named Arabâ—lla Secondly Elizabeth daughter of Thomas Lord Wharton by whom he hath issue five sons Robert Peregrine Phillip Norris and Albemarle Thirdly Elizabeth daughter and sole heir to Thomas late Earl of Downe in Ireland by whom he hath issue Elizabeth a daughter Sidney Earl of Leicester â— Iao. THis Family antiently seated at Cxaâ—leigh in Com. Surr. and Kyngesham in Com. Suss. do derive themselves linâ— ally from Sir William Sidney Knight who came out of Anjou with Henry the son of Maud the Empress afterwards King by the name of Henry the Second whose Chamberlain he then was made From which Sir William descended another William who in 3 H. 8. being then one of the Esquires of the King's House accompanyed Thomas Lord Darcie into Spain for the assistance of the Spaniard against the Moores and when other persons of quality received the dignity of Knighthood at the hands of King Ferdinand excused himself from partaking thereof In 4 H. 8. he was Captain of one of those ships which being then imployed against the French encountred them upon the Coast of Britany So likewise in 5 H. 8. at which time the English intended to have fallen upon them in the Haven of Brest but by a mischance hapning to one of their ships which fell on a Rock were prevented Before the end of which year being a Knight upon an Invasion of the North by the Scots he was one of the Chief Commanders of the English Army then victorious at Floddon-Field And in 6 H. 8. accompanied the Duke of Suffolk the Marquess Dorâ—et and sundry other honourable persons unto Paris there to make proof of their skill in Armes against the Dolphin of France and nine other select persons whom he had taken for his assistants at those solemn Justs there held in the moneth of November for all comers being Gentlemen of Name and Armes Whereupon they landed at Calais all in Green Coats and Hoods because they would not be known Which Justs were kept two dayes after the Coronation of Q. Mary wife to Lewes the Twelfth King of France and sister to King Henry the Eighth And in 12 H. 8 upon the going over of the King and Queen with great State into France at which time he met King Francis betwixt Guisnes and Ardes Justs being thereupon held for fourteen dayes he was one in the second Band of the English at those Martial Exercises He was also Chamberlain and Steward to K Henry the 8 th In 15 H. 8. he accompanyed the Duke of Suffolk then General of the English Forces into France at which time divers Castles and places of strength in those parts were won by the English And departs this life 11 Feb. 7 E. 6. being at that time 70 years of age left issue Henry his son and heir and four daughters Frances married to Thomas Earl of Sussex ... to Sir William Fitz-Williams Knight Mary to Sir William Dormer Kt and Lucie to Sir Iames Harington Kt. Which Henry in 3 E. 6. was Knighted by that King and sent Embassador into France being at that time but Two and twenty years of age and in 4 E. 6. constituted Chief Cup-bearer to the King for life In 2 3 Ph. M. he was made Vice-Treasurer and general Governor of all the King and Queens Revenues within the Realm of Ireland And in 4 5 Ph. M. Justice of Ireland in the absence of the Earl of Sussex then Lord Deputy In 2 Eliz. he was appointed Lord President of Wales and in 5 Eliz. sent into France to discover the certainty of that design which the Duke of Guise and his party were driving on against Q. Elizabeth as also to promote the peace of both Realmes But when he found them averse thereto return'd Then he was sent into Scotland to the Queen there for deferring the Conference which she desired with Queen Elizabeth until another year or
same consideration the like Grant of the Forestership of Thornwoods on the Southern part of Shirewoâ—â— in that County with the Fee of four pence a day for executing that Office Nevertheless no sooner did the Earl of Richmund land in this Realm though but with a very slender strength that that he with his six valiant Brothers viz. another Sir Everard then also of Tilton Iohn Digby of â—etilby Rouland Digby of Welby both in Leicestershire Lybeus Digby of Luffâ—am in com Rotel Thomas and Benjamin not forgetting the old Lancastrian Interest came in freely unto him and fought stoutly on his part at Bosworth-Field against King Richard where the Victory falling to that Earl being thenceforth King by the name of Henry the Seventh he advanced Iohn and Thomas to the dignity of Knighthood making the former also Knight-Marshal of His Houshold and the other one of the Gentlemen Huishers of His Chamber conferring on him the Bailywick of â—â—ney in com Buck. and Keepership of the Park there where he thenceforth made his residence But none of them had better advantages for their faithful services to that King than Simon for in the first year of his Râ—ign he obtained the Stewardship of certain Lordships in com Rutl. viz. Uppingham Preston Barouâ—hdon Esenden and Greteham and of all the Lands formerly belonging to George Duke of Clarence to hold for life as also the like Office and Receivership for the Mannor of Bâ—dale in com Ebor. And having in the second year of his Reign been a Commander in His Army at the Battel of Stoke had in consideration of his acceptable services a Grant of the Mannor of â—avysbâ—ry in the parish of Micham in com Surr. and to the heirs male of his body and the next ensuing year a Grant of the Office of Comptroller of the Petty-Customes in the Port of London as also of the Forestership of Thornwoods in Shirewood formerly conferred upon him by King Edward the 4 th and in 11 H. 7. of the Lordship of Coâ—eshill before-specified in special Tail being at that time Deputy to Iohn Earl of Oxford Constable of the Tower of London Which Lordship came to the Crown by the attainder of Sir Simon Montfort Knight for his adherence to Perkâ—n Warbeck After this in 12 H. 7. he had a Commission to exercise Marshal-Law in the Counties of Devon and Cornwall against divers Malefactors and having been Sheriff of the Counties of Warwick and Leicester in the first and ninth years of King Henry the Eighth by his Testament bearing date 22 Aug. 9 H 8. bequeathed his body to be buried in the Chancel of the parish Church of Coleshill under a fair Toâ—b there erected in his life time and departed this life 24 Febr. 12 H. 8. leaving issue by Alice his wife daughter and heir to Iohn Waleys of Est Raddon in com Devon Esquire Reginald Digby his son and heir as also a younger son called Thomas from whom the Digby's of Mansfeild Woodhouse in com Nott. are descended Which Reginald by Ann his wife daughter and coheir to Iohn Danvers of Cothorpe in com Oxon. Esquire had issue Iohn who took to wife Ann the daughter of Sir George Throkmorton of Coughton in com Warr. K t And he George who being at the siege of â—utphen in 28 Eliz. had there the honor of Knighthood conferred on him and by Abigail his wife daughter to Sir Arthur Heveningham of ... in com Norff. Knight left issue l three sons Robert Philip and this Iohn Which Robert being afterwards a Knight and taking to wife Lettice the Grandchild and heir female to Gerald Earl of Kildare in Ireland left issue Robert his son and heir created Lord Digby of Geashill in that Realm by K. Iames whose descendents do still enjoy that honor As to the advancement of this Iohâ— it was his own meer merits which brought it to pass For having first been a Fellow-Commoner in Magdalen-Colledge Oxon. and afterwards travelled into France and Italy whereby he became singularly qualified upon that designed Insurrection on Dunsmore Health in Warwickshire by those Unparallel'd Gunpowder-Conspirators about the beginning of November 3 Iac. in order to the surprisal of the Princess Elizabeth the King's daughter then residing at Combe in that County whereof the Lord Harington her Guardian had private intimation he was by that Lord dispatcht to the Court to acquaint His Majesty therewith Where his abilities and fidelity being amply discern'd by that prudent King he was admitted Gentlâ—man of the privy-chamber and one of His Majesties Carvers Also upon the sixteenth of March 4 Iac. Knighted at Whitehall And in the moneth of April An. 1611. 9 Iac. imployed Embassador into Spaine so likewise in October An. 1614. 12 Iac. Moreover 3 April An. 1616. 14 Iac. made Vice-Chamberlain of his Majesties Houshold and one of his Privy Council And the next ensuing year 15 Iac. being sent again into Spaine upon his return was advanced to the dignity of a Baron of this Realm 25 Nov. 16. Iac. by the title of Lord Digby of Shireburne in com Dors. After which scil An. 1620. 18 Iac. he was sent Embassador to the Arch Duke Albert and the next year following to Ferdinand the Emperor as also to the Duke of Bavaria Whence returning in October An. 1621. he was again scil in An. 1622. 20 Iac. employed Embassador extraordinary to the Spaniard touching a Marriage betwixt Prince Charles and the Lady Maria daughter to Philip the Third then King of that Realm and created Earl of Bristol 15 Sept. the same year He married Beatrice daughter to Charles Walcot of Walcot in com Salop. Esq widdow of Sir Iohn Dive of Bromham in com Bedf. Knight by whom he had issue two sons George born at Madrid in Spaine in the month of October An. 1612. and Iohn born in England in March An. 1617. who dyed in France unmarried As also two daughters Mary married to Sir Arthur Chichester now Lord Dunegal in Ireland and Abigal to George Freake â—ldest son of Iohn Freake of Shroughton in â—om Dors. Esquire And departing this life at Paris in France 16 Ian. An. 1653. was there buried in the common burial place of the Hugâ—enots in that City To whom succeed George his son and heir installed Knight of the Garter An. Apr. 1661 which George married Anne daughter to Francis late Earl of Bedford and by her had issue two sons viz. Iohn his son and heir who first married Alice the only child of Robert Bourne of Blake-Hall in the Parish of Bovenger in com Essex Esquire by whom he had no issue secondly Rachel daughter of Sir Hugh Windham Knight one of the Justices of the Court of Common-Pleas the name of his second son was Francis slain in that sharp Fight at Sea
his stead Unto which Instrument her Seal of Arms is affixed viz. Stafford and Basset quartered and that he dying in 2 Ed. 2. was buried in the Fryers Minors at Stafford leaving issue two Sons viz. Ralph his Son and Heir then nine years of age and Sir Richard Stafford Knight his younger Son who in 30 33 Ed. 3. was in the Wars of France So likewise in 34 Edw. 3. and in 35 Edw. 3. being made Seneschal of Gascoigne continued there the next ensuing year being then called Sir Richard Stafford of Clifton Knight which Lordship he then possessed by reason of his marriage with Maud the Daughter and Heir to Richard de Camvile of that place Which Sir Richard Stafford had issue Richard who in 36 Edw. 3. was in that expedition with his Father then made into Gascoigne and in 40 Edw. 3. went again to those Wars Moreover this Richard had Summons to Parliament amongst the Barons from 44 Edw. 3. until 4 Rich. 2. inclusive and then viz. upon the Thirteenth of August departed this life being seised of the Mannors of Childecote in Com. Derb. Norton in Hales in Com. Salop. Clifton Camvile Pipe and Bruggeford in Com. Staff The moity of the Mannor of Campeden and the Mannors of Aston under Egge Charingworth and Winton in Com. Gloc. As also of the Mannor of Sibbertoft in Com. North. leaving Edmund his Son and Heir then a Priest Thirty six years of age Which Edmund being afterwards Bishop of Exeter and Lord Keeper of the Great Seal of England Sir Thomas Stafford Knight his Brother came to possess the Estate who having issue Thomas that died without issue the Inheritance thereof descended to Catherine his Sister married to Sir Iohn Ardern Knight But I return to Ralph Son and Heir of Edmund This Ralph coming of full age in 17 Ed. 2. and then doing his homage had Livery of his Fathers Lands and the next ensuing year being made a Knight by Bathing and other Sacred Ceremonies had Robes with all other accoutrements as a Banneret allowed him out of the Kings Wardrobe for that solemnity After which he soon grew an active person in the Wars of that heroick Prince King Edward the Third For it appears that in 1 Edw. 3. he was in that expedition then made into Scotland and in 4 Edw. 3. one of those Lords who stoutly pursued that then potent Man Roger de Mortimer Earl of March and took him in the Castle of Nottingham Moreover in 8 9 Edw. 3. he was again in the Scotish Wars as also in 10 Edw. 3. Margaret his Wife being then with him So likewise in 11 Edw. 3. and in 13 Edw. 3. in that expedition then made into Flanders Furthermore in 14 Edw. 3. King Edward having entred the North parts of France with a powerful Army in order to the recovery of that Realm as his Hereditary Right and discerning how he was illuded by Iohn Stratford then Archbishop of Canterbury whom he trusted in his absence in not helping him to that supply of Money from England whereon he depended for support of these Wars so that he was then necessitated to return from that hopeful adventure without success he sent this Ralph Lord Stafford then Steward of his Houshold unto that Archbishop to offer him safe conduct in coming to him to the end he might understand what defence he could make for that his neglect In 15 Edw. 3. he was again in the Wars of Scotland and the same year obtained the Kings Charter for a Market every week upon the Tuesday at his Mannor of Madley under Lyme in Com. Staff as also two Fairs yearly the one on the Eve and Day of S. George the Martyr and two days following and the other on the Eve and Day of S. Leonard and two days after And likewise a weekly Market at his Mannor of Tisho in Com. War on the Wednesday with a Fair every year upon the Eve and Day of S. Peter ad Vincula commonly called Lammas as also view of Frank-Pledge and divers other Priviledges viz. For Tryal and Execution of Malefactors c. In 16 Edw. 3. being sent into Britanny with divers other eminent persons he had of his Retinue fifty Men at Arms and fifty Archers all on Horsback whereof himself and two other were then Bannerets sixteen Knights and thirty one Esquires having for his and their support in that service fifty seven Sacks of the Kings Wools. Moreover being then in the City of Uannes at that time besieged by the French he escaped by a Postern but afterwards was taken prisoner before Nants then besieged by the English and exchanged for the Lord Clysson In 17 Edw. 3. he was joyned with the Earls of Lancaster Glocester Warwick Northampton and others in another expedition for Scotland to raise that Siege which the Scots had laid to the Castle of Lough Mabar whereof the Earl of Northampton viz. William de Bohun had then the custody And shortly after this was imployed again with Henry de Lancaster Earl of Deâ—by and some other grave persons to the Court of Rome there to treat with the Pope not as a Judge but as a private Person and Friend touching the right of King Edward to the Crown of France He was likewise the principal person then sent in Commission with Sir William Trussel Knight and some others to the Governors and Burger-Masters of divers good Towns in Flanders to treat touching the well regulating of that Countrey as to the Staple of Wools and Sheep Skins as also to treat and conclude touching the Coynage of good Money Gold and Silver to be current as well in England as in Flanders and by another Commission impowred to treat with the Princes and others of Almaine touching a League of Friendship betwixt King Edward and them and to obtain their assistance to him upon occasion Moreover in 18 Edw. 3. being sent into Gascoigne with Henry of Lancaster Earl of Derby upon the assault of Bergerath by that Earl on the Land part this Ralph commanded the Fleet to attack it by Sea and was with him likewise at the siege of Auberoche In 19 Edw. 3. he had that great office of Seneschal of Aquitane conferred upon him and continuing thereupon in those parts command was given to the Sheriff of Glocestershire to send thither to him One hundred Bows and six hundred Arrows for the Kings service there In 20 Edw. 3. he went again into Gascoigne and being then in Aguillon when Iohn Son and Heir to Philip King of France came to besiege it he placed empty Wine Hogsheads upon that part of the Town which was not Walled putting Stones into them and though he was besieged
with a numerous Army he stoutly defended it against their whole power It is said by some of our Historians that upon King Edwards coming into France at that time with a puissant Army which occasioned the before specified Iohn to raise his siege and to march away in order to the conjunction of his Forces with the Army of Philip his Father this Ralph Lord Stafford â—allied out of Aguillon fell upon his Rear and cut off a great part thereof Moreover that being thus cleared from that siege he joyned his Forces with King Edwards and had an eminent command in the Van of the Army under the Black Prince in that famous Battle of Cressy which soon after ensued where the English obtained a glorious victory Likewise that after that victory being sent with Sir Reginald Cobham and three Heralds to view the slain they reported the number to be Eleven great Princes eighty Bannerets twelve hundred Knights and more than thirty thousand Common Soldiers And also that upon the render of Calais which hapned shortly after he was one of those who were then appointed to take possession of it for the King The next year following there being an accord made betwixt this Ralph and Margaret his Wife on the one part Sir Robert de Harley and Elizabeth his Wife on the second part and Sir Edward Cornwall on the third part as Cosins and Heirs to Peter the Son of Peter Corbet This Ralph claiming the Castle of Caus and other Lands as being descended from the eldest Aunt of the same Peter it being thereby concluded That he should thenceforth enjoy that Castle to him and his heirs he obtained Livery thereof doing his Fealty for the same And before the end of that year in farther consideration of his laudable services did also obtain another special Livery of all those Lands which Hugh de Audley Earl of Glocester then deceased held of the Inheritance of Margaret his Wife one of the Daughters and Heirs to Gilbert de Clare sometime Earl of Glocester which by the death of her the said Margaret did by descent belong to Margaret Wife to this Ralph as Daughter and Heir to them the said Hugh and Margaret his homage being respited in respect of his Military imployment For he was then sent again into France and had purveyance for himself his men and horses in the Counties of Sussex Surrey and Kent till he took shipping Sir Hugh Fitz-Simond Knight being at that time one of his Retinue as appears by an Indenture dated 16 Martii the same year whereby he covenanted to serve him in the Wars wheresoever he should have occasion with four Knights himself accounted and eight Esquires for the space of one whole year next ensuing Being thus again in France he was one of the Ambassadors sent to the Cardinals of Naples and Cleremont to treat of Peace betwixt King Edward and Philip de Valoys then assuming the title of King of France In 22 Edw. 3. which was the next ensuing year he obtained License to make Castles of his Mannor Houses at Stafford and Madeley as also a Grant from the King of 573 l. for his expences in his service beyond Sea And being then by Indenture retained to serve the King during his whole life with sixty Men at Arms had by reason thereof Six hundred marks per annum assigned unto him to be received out of the Ports of London and Boston Moreover having merited so well for his many and great services he was about this time elected to be one of the number of that honorable Society of the most Noble Order of the Garter then instituted by that martial and victorious Prince King Edward the Third Furthermore in 24. Edw. 3. he was joyned in Commission with the Bishop of Durham the Lord Percy and Lord Nevill to treat with the Nobles of Scotland at York for a firm and final Peace betwixt both Realms In which and all other his employments his deportment was such That the King in consideration thereof upon the fifth of March then next ensuing advanced him to the title of Earl of Stafford and for his better support of that dignity granted to him a thousand marks per annum in Fee until he should provide Lands of that value to settle on him and his heirs And being thus raised to these Honors and inriched with such large benefits he was shortly after viz. in 26 Edw. 3. constituted the Kings Lieutenant and Captain-General in his Dutchy of Aquitane with special Commission to treat with any persons of what Nation soever upon terms of Aid to the King and mutual assistance from him In which service viz. The Lieutenancy of Aquitaine he was then likewise retained by Indenture bearing date 3 Martii to continue with an hundred Men at Arms and an hundred Archers on Horsback of his own proper Retinue until Michaelmass next following And from that time forwards to have an additional number of One hundred Men at Arms more with good Captains and Two hundred Archers on Horsback provided at the Kings charge for the time of his stay there The King likewise indenting farther with him to send by way of more supply under the conduct of the Duke of Lancaster the Earls of Northampton Arundel Warwick or Huntingdon Three hundred Men at Arms and seven hundred Archers During the time of which stay there he constituted Sir Iames Pipe Knight then Seneschal of that Dutchy Governor of the Town and Castle of Blavy situate in the Enemies quarters And in regard of this his necessitated absence from England obtained a special Precept to the Judges of the Kings Bench that they should not in any of their Sessions within the County of Essex intermeddle with his Liberties For which expedition whilest he was preparing he had an Assignation of the Town of 〈◊〉 in Com. Middl. for the quartering of his Men and Horses Sixty Men with Lances being for that service then impressed out of his Lordships of Newport and Netherwent in the Marches of Wales In 27 Edw. 3. he attended Prince Edward in the company of the Earl of Warwick unto the City of Chester with a Military Power for the protecting of Sir Richard de Willoughby and Sir William de Shareshul Knights then sitting there as Justices Itinerant against the violence of the people whose Insurrection they feared And the same year had a special Dispensation from Pope Innocent the Sixth bearing date 15 Kal. Febr. That such Religious Persons as should be at his Table or in his House might eat Flesh. In 29 Edw. 3. he attended the King again into France whose purpose was to have given Battle to the King of France then at S. Omers had he not privily got away And in 33 Edw. 3. marching towards Reyns in Campaigne and quartered in
in the Church-Yard there To the Monks of Thorney in Com. Cantabr he made a confirmation of certain Lands in Luffewyk whereunto were Witnesses Walter Hervy and Baldwin his Sons as also Rohais his Daughter To the Monks of Lewes in Suffer he gave twenty shillings per annum Rent out of the Toll of Tonebruge for eight days preceding the Feast of S. Pancrace And in Anno 1111. 12 H. 1. gave to the Monks of Gloucester the Land and Church of S. Patern in Wales lying betwixt the Division of the Sea and two Waters and half of the great fishing there as also the Tithes of all things belonging to his Lordship and Castle of Penwedich By Adeliza Daughter to the Earl of Cleremont he had issue four Sons first Richard who succeeded him in his Lands and Honors secondly Gilbert thirdly Walter founder of the Abby of Tinterne in Wales who dyed without issue and Baldwyn of whom all I have seen is that he gave to the Monks of Bec in Normandy a Lordship called Pullet lying near Sap in that Dukedom as also certain Lands in Neoville with the Tithes of his Mills there and likewise the Church of Boise-Ranulph then calling himself Baldwinus de Clare filius Comitis Gisleberti Moreover that he gave to the Nunns of S. Amand at Roan the Church of Moles with the Tithes thereunto belonging And that he had three Sons William Robert and Richard He had also a Daughter called Margaret who was the Wife of ... Montfichet This Alice de Cleremont gave to the Knights Hospitallars the Preceptorie of Meâ—cheburne with the Churches there Likewise the Churches of 〈…〉 and 〈◊〉 as also certain Lands and Woods in Sharâ—ebroke I now come to Gilbert his second Son This Gilbert having ofâ—en made sute to King Henry the first to beâ—ow on him some Lands in Wales the King at length discerning the Welch to be unâ—uiet amongst themselves and that they hâ—d made great depredations upon each other about the tenth Year of his Reign sent â—or him and made him an offer of all the â—ands of Cadoganâ—ap Blethyn in case he could â—in them Of which joyfully accepting he raised all the power he could and landing iâ— Cardiganshire brought that whole Countrey in a short time to subjection where sooâ— after he built two Castles one towards North Wales upon the River Ystwith at the Sea-shore about a mile from 〈◊〉 and the other towards Dyver upon the River Teâ—vi at a place called Dyngerant where Roger de Montgomeri Earl of Shrewsbury had beforetime began to fortifie After this Scil. in ann 1113. 14 Hen. 1. at the intigation of some who thirsted after the â—ands of the Welch and upon complaint of divers Roberies and Spoiles committed by those people King Henry the first raised an Army threatning to destroy all 〈◊〉 Wales and 〈◊〉 Land and committed the Van thereof to the conduct of this Gilbert possessing therefore all 〈◊〉 went with the whole dominion of 〈◊〉 now 〈◊〉 and the one half of â—run in Wales and likewise all the Lands of Roger and Walter two of his Uncles who died without issue he was made Earl of 〈◊〉 by King Stephen in Ann. 1138. 3 Steph. Howbeit notwithstanding this Favor he broke out in rebellion against that King because he refused to let him have those Castles of Gilbert de Clare his Nephew then in Armes with the Earl of Chester on the behalf of Maude the Empresse This Earl Gilbert bestowed on the Knights Templars the Church of Weston in Comitat. Bedf. as also Lands of ten pounds per annum value within the precinct of that mannor whereon they built a Town called Baudac much inriched by several purchases as also divers priviledges obtained from the King all which were afterwards confirmed by William Marshall Earl of Pembroke his hereditary successor in his Lands and Honors But farther I cannot say of him than that he took to wife Elizabeth the Sister of Waler in Earl of Melâ—ent and departing this life in Anno 1148. 14 Steph. had sepulture in the Abby of Cynterne leaving issue Richard surnamed Strâ—ngbow his Son and Heir and Baldwin a younger Son who fighting stoutly on the part of King Stephen in the Battle of Lincoln 6 Steph. was there taken prisoner Which Richard was one of the Witnesses to that solemne accord made in anno 1153 18 Steph. betwixt the King and Henry Duke of Normandy whereby Henry was to succeed in the Dominion of this Realm after King Stephens decease and in anno 1170 16 Hen. 2. bearing then the title of Earl of Striguil by reason of his chief residence there though his Earldom was of Pembroke being stripped of his Paternal Inheritance by King Henry the second he invaded Ireland and won Waterford and Dublyn Soon after which scil 17 Hen. 2. the King then at Argentoigne in ... consulting with the Nobles about an Expedition into that Realm certain Messengers from this Earl being present offered from him those Cities of â—ublyn and Waterford and all the Castles which he there had after the death of Dermutius King of Dublyn whose Daughter and Heir he had married wherewith the King was so well pleased that he restored unto him all his Lands both in England and Normandy of which he had been so stripped and freely granted that he should fully enjoy all those in Ireland which he had with his Wife constituting him Constable viz. Governor of that Realm and thereupon passing thither subdued it wholly without any considerable resistance Another reports it thus that this Earl Richard Nephew to Hervy de Mont-Maurice having incurred King Henry's displeasure three years before in so great a measure as that he could not obtain any reconciliation nor enjoy what rightly was his own procured licence to be gone and taking with him some few Souldiers came into Ireland to his Uncle Hervy and finding it a Countrey spacious and fruitful but void of husbandry began to pillage those half naked and silly people Also by little and little gaining a considerable part of the land lying towards the Sea-coast at length he took Dublin the cheif City and by means thereof more infested all the rest of those parts which so irritated the Natives that they sent to the King of England for ayd against him promising Obedience in case he would protect them Richard therefore fearing that King Henry would take that he had thus got sent Agents to him with offer to hold it of him in case he might be permitted to enjoy it To conclude this Richard was constituted Justice of Ireland by King Henry the second and having founded the Priory of 〈◊〉 in the Province of Lemster for Knights
had by the gift of that King the Church of Christ Church in Com. Southampt which being Collegiate of Canons Secular he bestowed on a Priest of his called Peter de Oglandes with all the Liberties which Ranulph and Gilbert formerly Deans thereof did ever enjoy and gave him all the Prebends belonging thereto viz. The Town of Hurne the Lands of Gosâ—el Stamput Huburne Strode Dudecompe and the two Prestunes And in the Isle of Wight the Lands of Apse and Hamstead the Church of Hordull with the Chappel of Melnford the Church of Bolra with the Chappels of Brokehurst Holehurst and Soppele and the Prebend at Pidelton And to this he added of his bounty the Town of â—ingwerle in the same Isle of Wight with certain Lands in Southampton belonging to that Lordship Moreover being a person of very great Piety he gave to the Abby of 〈◊〉 in Normanâ—y the Mannor of 〈◊〉 in Dorsetshire with the Church which afterwards was made a Cell to that Monastery as also the Chappel of Beâ—ementone with the Tithes likewise the Mannor of Eâ—mouth in Devonshire with the Church Chappels and Tithes thereto belonging Furthermore with William called de Vernon his Son he gave thereunto all his Right in the Church of Reâ—vers with the Tithes and Tithes of the Mills of that Town And afterwards in his age growing more devout gave all his Lands of Brightley within the Honor of Okehampton An. 1133. 33 Hen. 1. to Found an Abby there of the Cistercian Order and in the first year of King Stephen placed twelve Monks therein Shortly after which he died viz. 2 Steph. An. 1137. and being there Interred was translated to Ford when those Monks were removed from Brightley thither In the History of the Foundation of which Abby viz. Ford it is said That this Richard de Redvers died without issue and left all his Inheritance to Adeliza his only Sister as also that she was thereupon called Adeliza Vicecomitissa and that from this Adeliza the Courtneys at length Barons of Okehampton and Earls of 〈◊〉 did descend But by other Authorities it appeareth that he had three Sons viz. Baldwin who succeeded him in his Honor William sirnamed de Vernon and Robert de S. Mariae Ecclesiâ and a Daughter called Hadewise de Rumara Countess of Lincoln which Hadewise gave to the Monks of Quarreâ—â— one yard Land lying in Pydeâ—â—on I come now to Baldwin his son This Baldwin upon the death of King Henry the First adhering to Maud the Empress was the first that appeared for her by fortifying his Castle at Exeter against King Stephen and likewise the Isle of Wight which was of his Inheritance for the better defending of which Castle he spent much treasure in making of certain Military Engines Whereupon the King raised an Army of English and Flemings wherewith he marched into Oevonshire and after a short Siege having taken that Castle seised upon the Isle of Wight with all other his Possessions and expelled him with his Wife and Children out of England It is said by some that the cause of this his Rebellion against King Stephen was for that the King refused to confer upon him some Honor which he desired yet afterwards he again enjoyed his Earldom of Devon but was commonly called Exoniensis Comes by reason of his dwelling in that City This Baldwin was Founder of the Abby of Brummore in Wilthshire and for the health of his Soul and the Soul of Adeliza his Wife as also for the Souls of Richard his Father Adeliza his Mother and of King Henry the First who bestowed that Land on his Father gave to the Monks of S. Peter of Elunâ— and of S. Martin de Champa in the Suburb of Paris his Land and Chappel of S. Iames with the Tithes thereto belonging situate without the Walls of Exeter as also the Church of Tiverton which Chappel of S. Iames thenceforth became a Cell to that Forein Monastery To the Monks of Plimpton he was likewiâ—e a Benefactor by the Grant of a Conduct for Water unto that Priory through the Gardens of his Tenants at Plimpton as also of the Lordship of Garston Moreover he was Founder of the Abby of Quarrera for Cistercian Monks in the Isle of Wight in An. 1122. 33 Hen. 1. As also of the Priory of Christ Churâ—h Twincham for Canons of S. Augustines Order which was before a Collegiate Church for Canons Secular By Lucia his Wife having issue three Sons Richard William and Henry he departed this life at Quarrera upon the second Nones of Iune An. 1155. 1 Hen. 2. And was there buried with Adeliza his Wife and Henry his Son who died in his youth Which Richard succeeding him in this Earldom held the Sheriffalty of Devon in 2 Hen. 2. And having in 7 Hen. 2. confirmed that Foundation and Endowment of the Priory of Twineham which had been made by himself and Earl Baldwin his Father died the year following viz. 8. Hen. 2. in the City of Maunt leaving issue by Dionysia his Wife Daughter of Reginald Earl of Cornwal two Sons Baldwin and Richard In 12 Hen. 2. upon the levying of that Aid for marrying the Kings Daughter then assessed there being no Certificate sent as from others of the Knights Fees which this last Earl Richard held by reason of his death so lately before It appears That upon the Collection of that Aid in 14 Hen. 2. Reginald Earl of Cornwal answered for them Fifty nine pound six shillings eight pence viz. a mark for each Fee they being in number Eighty nine I now come to Baldwin his eldest Son This Baldwin wedded ... the Daughter and Heir of Ralph de Dols in Berry but died without any issue by her Whereupon she was by King Richard the First in the first of his Reign given in marriage to Andrew de Chavenni To whom succeeded Richard his Brother and Heir who also departing this life without issue this Earldom resorted to William sirnamed de Vernun his Uncle so called because he had his education at that place Which William in 5 Rich. 1. upon the second Coronation of that King was one of the four Earls that carried the silken Canopy at that solemnity being then stiled Earl of the Isle of Wight And in 6 Rich. 1. upon levying the Scutage for that Kings Redemption paid fifteen pound accounting for forty five pounds more which he gave to the King upon his going out of England Moreover he gave two hundred twenty marks at that time to the King for obtaining his favor and restitution of his Lands upon the Kings return out of Almaine In 6 Ioh. he gave five hundred marks to be paid in two years to be repossessed of his
desire constituted Radolph the first Prior there Which Abby was so Founded with the consent of his two Sons Henry and Gilbert and richly endowed by him with Lands and Tithes Of this Edith I likewise find That with the consent of her said Husband she gave to the Monks of Thame in Com. Buck. a part of her Dowry in Weston lying near to a Wood of theirs To this last mentioned Robert succeeded Henry his eldest Son who was Constable to the King and Sheriff of Oxfordshire from the third to the sixth year of King Henry the Seconds Reign inclusive In 12 Hen. 2. upon Assessment of the Aid for marrying of the Kings Daughter this Henry certified the Knights Fees he then held to be in number thirty two and a third part De Veteri Feoffamento and one and an half with a twentieth part De Novo For which Fees De Veteri Feoffamento in 14 Hen. 2. he paid twenty one pounds eleven shillings one penny the rest viz. seventy one shillings for those De Novo being then in arrear In 6 Rich. 1. he again executed the Sheriffs Office for Oxfordshire for the one half of that year and then paid thirty two pounds six shillings eight pence for Scutage of his Knights Fees upon the Kings redemption He likewise continued Sheriff of that County for the two next succeeding years And in the 13 Ioh. answered thirty two pounds and half a mark for thirty two Fees and a third part upon collection of the Scutage of Scotland But in 17 Ioh. was one of the Barons who then contested with the King This Henry by the consent of Robert illegitimate Son to King Henry the Second commonly called Robert Consul whom he terms his Brother gave to the Canons of Oseney for the health of the Soul of King Henry the First and for the Soul of Robert d'Oiley his Father Gilbert his Brother and all his Ancestors certain Lands called Prestfield situate in Hoke-Norton antiently belonging to the Church there and confirmed to them two Hides of Land more lying within the same Lordship formerly bestowed on them by Robert his Father Moreover he gave unto them his Mannor of Weston with a Wood and Mill there as also a Meadow near the Mill towards Kerlinthon with three Crofts viz. Bencroft Grascroft and Hegcroft And having taken to Wife Maud the Daughter of Humphrey de Bohun with whom was given to him in Frank-marriage the Mannor of Bradenham in Com. Oxon. had issue by her Henry his Son and Heir and two Daughters Moreover having his chief Seat at Hoke-Norton the Head of his Barony was buried at Oseney under a flat Marble in the midst of the Presbytery Which Henry succeeding him and stiled in divers Charters Constabularius Regis confirmed to the Canons of Oseney a certain parcel of his Mannor of Shenston in Com. Staff called Stanhall which Hugh de Tiwe who held it and other Lands of him by Military service had formerly given them This last mentioned Henry dying without issue the Inheritance of his Lands divolved to his two Sisters whereof Margery the elder became the Wife of Henry Earl of Warwick Which Henry had issue by her Thomas Earl of Warwick who in 17 Hen. 3. upon the death of the before-specified Henry d'Oiley his Uncle paid an hundred pounds and two Palfreys as a releif of those Lands thereby descended to him Baynard AT the time of the General Survey Ralph Baynard possest divers fair Lordships in sundry Counties of England viz. Ulting Langfort Nortune Wudeham Curlay Donmau Wimbeis Borolditune Metcinges Magellan Pentelaw Burnham Badwou Haningfelt Adein Ramsey Michelstou Laleford Willebrock Wenden Henham Ascendun Pachesham Langheford and Toleshunt in Essex Of Kidetune Poslingeword Weltestreou Riendune Brantune Foxden Wankford Henham Upbestune Cratafield Scadenafell Stanfell and Simplingham in Suffolk Of Kerdestune Refham Scedgetune Crostwit Bertune Ristune Hamchale Boielund Hatestune Frietune Herdvick Ravenicham Sudwude Kirkeby Nortune Lerpstune Hals Hwatteaker Hadescou Thurvertune Plincham Bertune Sculdeham Carboystorp Tottenhell Wiggenham Buchetune Stoches Phordham Dereham Hekelwell Tilingtune Lun Stretune Bradeham Meretune Grestune Willeheth Titeshele Walnecham Wielurde Dikerhorp Scotagrave and Carlentou in Norfolk and of Alsieswich Horemede and Herdfordingbery in Hertfordshire After him Iuga Baynard his Widow I suppose having procured Mauricius Bishop of London to dedicate the Church of Dunmow in Essex unto the Blessed Virgin which Church I presume the built gave thereto half a Hide of Land To this Iuga succeeded Geffrey Baynard her Son and Heir Which Geffrey by the consent of Aâ—selme then Archbishop of Canterbury placed Canons in that Church of Dunmow and gave to the Abby of S. Maries in York the Church of Burton with these other Churches and Lands belonging to Burton viz. Arpham Foxhole and Butterwike together with the Tithes of Burton Unto him succeeded William Baynard who taking part with Helias Earl of Mayne Philip de Braose William Malet and other Conspirators against King Henry the First lost this his Barony the Head whereof was from his name called Baynards-Castle and situate below S. Pauls Cathedral near the River of Thames in the City of London Which upon this forfeiture was given by King Henry to Robert a younger Son of Richard Fitz-Gilbert Progenitor to the antient Earls of Clare from which Robert the Noble Family of the Fitz-Walter of whom I shall speak in due place did descend Dovor ABout the latter end of King William the Conquerors Reign Fulbert de Dovor was Lord of Chilham in Kent a place not a little famous first by reason that Cesar upon his second attempt upon Britain there encamped and secondly because the Lords thereof were antiently to maintain fifteen able Soldiers for the Guard of Dovor Castle whereof three to be upon duty every Moneth and so to continue for twenty weeks in the year This Fulbert died in the time of King Henry the First or beginning of King Stephens Reign For it appears that in 5 Steph. William Fitz-Richard a Cornishman gave fifty two pounds eleven shillings eight pence for the Marriage and Dowry of his Widow his Barony lying totally in Kent To him succeeded Hugh who executed the Office of Sheriff in that County for three parts of 7 Hen. 2. continuing likewise therein till the end of the thirteenth year of that Kings Reign And in 12 Hen. 2. upon Assessment of the Aid for marrying the Kings Daughter certified his Knights Fees to be eleven and an half De Veteri Feoffamento besides what he then had in his own Demesn For all which in 14 Hen. 2. he paid eleven pounds six shillings eight pence and one mark for one Knights Fee De Novo Feoffamento
Tichemershe Hinton juxta Brakele Hulls with the Mannor and Hundred of King's-Sutton in Com. North ton and Broughton in Com. Leic. leaving William his Son and Heir 17 years of age Which William in 4 Hen. 5. was by Indenture retained to serve the King with six men at Arms and eight Archers in his Wars of France and before the end of that year to serve him in his Fleet at Sea with two men at Arms himself accounted and four Archers Moreover in 9 Hen. 5. he was again in those Wars of France and in 1 Hen. 6. doing his Homage had Livery of the Lands of his Inheritance by descent both from Iohn Lord Lovell his Father and Maude the Daughter and Heir of Robert de Holand his Grandmother being then twenty four years of age This William was summoned to Parliament from 3 Henry 6. till 33 Henry 6. inclusive and having married Alice one of the Daughters of Sir Iohn Deincourt Knight Sister and Coheir to William Lord Deincourt Widow of Raphe Boteler Lord Sudley performing his Fealty in 2 Hen. 6. had Livery of the Lands of his Inheritance After which viz. in 8 Hen. 6. he was retained by Indenture to serve the King in his Wars of France with twenty nine men at Arms and eighty Archers and in 21 Hen. 6. procured License to deafforest his Woods called Minsterwoods in Com. Oxon. with two Fields thereto adjoyning and to impark them But in 24 Hen. 6. in consideration of his eminent services in Foreign parts as well in the time of King Henry the Fifth as this King as also by reason of his infirmity of body he obtained an especial exemption from coming to Parliament for the whole term of his life Howbeit in 28 Hen. 6. notwithstanding this special Priviledge he was made Constable of Walingford Castle and departed this world upon the 13 th of Iune 33 Hen. 6. leaving Iohn his Son and Heir twenty two years of age Alice his Wife still surviving who the very same year upon the death of Margaret her Sister Wife of Raphe Lord Cromwell without Issue was found to be her next Heir by which means divers fair Lordships and Lands descended to her whereof she had special Livery soon after The Lands whereof this William Lord Lovell died seised were these viz. the Mannors of Ketherhythe and Berâ—undsey in Com. Surr. Wolverhampton in Com. Staff Waltham Parva called Powers-mannor and Burnells in Berle in Com. Hertf. Kesyngdon-Basset in Com. Glouc. Wevilcate called Butlers-Court in Com. ... Mynster-Lovell Dokelyngton Norton-Bruyn and Cheleston in Com. Oxon. Denford in Com. Berks. Elcombe Blackgrove Mighenden Wigtetcote Sulthorpe Whythyll Uffecote Erdescote and Knoke in Com. Wilts The third part of the Chase of Charnewood in Com. Leic. The Mannors of Cranleye and Broughton-Lovell in Com. Buck. The Mannors of Holgate Clee-Saint Margaret Wolstanton Prestes-weston Ardulveston Bollylye Longfeld Uppington Wotton Onebury Welton Sutton Corston Abbeton Ewdon-Burneâ—l Benthall Millingchope Bushbury Longedon Condovere Astewall Hope-Bowdlers Wiggecote Chatwall Smethecote Chelton Acton-Keyner Tasseley Konton Ambâ—ston Pulleleye Kammeshurst Streford-Cantelope Acton-Burnell and Acton-Pigot in Com. Salop. the Borough of Brakele the Hundred of Sutton alias King's-Sutton the Mannors of Pokebroke Duston Tychemershe King's-Sutton and Halls in Com. Northt And of the Inheritance of Alice his Wife of the Mannors of Askeham and Drynghouse within the Liberty of the City of York and Mannor of Baynton in Com. Ebor. of the Mannors of â—â—gges Herdewyke Kotherfeld Somerton the moity of the Mannor of Fringford and fourth part of the Mannor of Stanlake in Com. Oxon. Of the Mannor of Ordton alias Ulverton in Salihull in Com. War Of the Mannors of Shovyndon Est-claydon Bold-claydon Woburne and Fryngford in Com. Buck. as also of the Mannor of 〈◊〉 in Com. Cantii And joyntly with the said Alice of the Castle and Mannor of Wardour and Mannors of Bridesâ—ursh Ubbedon and Wamburghe in Com. Wilts ¶ I now come to Iohn his Son and Heir This Iohn in 34 Hen. 6. then a Knight had Livery of his Lands his Homage being respited And in 38 Hen. 6. in consideration of his good services obtained a Patent from the King to be chief Forester of the Forest of Whichwode in Com. North â—â—â— But before the end of that year the Scene suddenly changed for upon the landing of the Dake of York and those of his party this Iohn Lord Lovell accompanying the Lord Scales and Hungerford to London in hope to gain the Citizens for King Henry failing therein were constrained to flee to the Tower for refuge Soon after which the Yorkists prevailed every where to the total ruine of King Henry and most of his Friends so that of this Iohn I have not afterwards seen any thing further memorable till his death which hapned 9 Ian. 4 Edw. 4. he being then seised of the Mannor of Yoxball in Com. Staff Denford and Pole in Com. Berks. Mynster-Loveil 〈◊〉 Paâ—ve Dukeâ—â—gton Norton-Bryne and the Mannor of Wybâ—scote called 〈◊〉 Court in Com. Oxon. Baynton called Deincourts-Mannor and Wald-Newton upon the Woulds in Com. Ebor. Of the Mannors of Halls Brackley King's-Sutton and Tichemersh in Com. North ton Of the Mannors of Holgore Clee â—S Margaret Wolstanton Prestes-Weston Bollyleye Longford Uppinton Pullileye Wotton Walton Sutton Corston Abeton Edon-â—urnell Beithall Millinchope Bushbury Longedon Cundovere Astwall Hope-Bowdeler Chatwall Smethecote Acton-Keigner Tasseley-Cantelope Acton-Burnell and Stretfeld in Com. Salop. as also of the moity of the Mannor of Askham-Bryan in the County of the City of York leaving Issue Francis his Son and Heir by Ioane his Wife Sister of William Viscount Beaumont his Son and Heir nine years of age Which Francis in 22 Edw. 4. went with Richard Duke of Gloucester then Lieutenant General of the English Army into Scotland and before the end of that year viz. upon the 4 th of Ianuary was advanced to the dignity of Viscount Lovell Moreover being a great Friend and Favourer of King Richard the Third in those his unjust and bloody practices whereby he attained the Crown he was advanced to the office of Lord Chamberlain of his Houshold And being thereupon made Constable of the Castle of Wâ—â—â—ngford had the custody of that Honour as also of the Honour of S. Waleries granted to him and was likewise constituted chief Butler of England And having thus twisted Interests with him adventured himself in Battel for him at Bosworthfield where that King being slain and his Army totally routed he made shift to escape with his life and thence fleeing to S. Iohns at Colchester in Essex took Sanctuary there for a while but deeming that no safe place privily got away to Sir Thomas Broughton's house in Lancashire and there lurked for some months and so into
after all those great Troubles and Sorrows he totally submitted to the King's Grace and Favour and delivered up his Casâ—les of Skenefrith Grossemunt and Bewcastle in Wales as also his Castle of Hethlegh with the Town and Park And that the King was thereupon pleased that he and Margaret his Wife should during their respective Lives and the Life of the Survivor of them enjoy all his other Lands whatsoever by whomsoever granted and to receive him into his full Grace and Favour Thus much as to his Secular Actings and Sufferings I now come to his Works of Piety To the Monks of Clyve in Somersetshire he gave certain Lands in Clyve Treglaston and Pothwell To the Canons of Bradsole in Kent the Church of Porteâ—â—ade To the Monks of Dore in Com. Heref. certain Lands called Linchoit which were made a Grange to that Abby and Pasturage for all manner of Cattel in his Territory of Grosmunt Likewise Paunage for their Hogs in the Forest of Grosmunt Estovers for Building at their Grange of Linchoit out of the same Forest and dead-wood for Fewel Moreover he gave unto them the Hermitage of Lanneir with the Ground thereto adjoyning and six Ox-gangs of Land in the before-specified Forest. He also founded the Hospital of our Lady at Dovor Furthermore he gave certain Houses situate betwixt the Abby of Westminster and the City of London to Laurence de St. Alban Rector of the Church of Atelbergh and Richard de Wokinden Rector of the Church of A ... lers to the intent that the Revenues of those Houses should be disposed of for the succour of the Holy Land as also for the health of his Soul and the Soul of Margaret his Wife Iohn his Son M. his Daughter and all his Forefathers and Successors Lastly in consideration of the Sum of Cxl Marks of Silver he purchased from the Monks of Westminster the Inheritance of certain Houses with a Court and Free-Chappel wherein to celebrate Divine Service for himself and his Family within the Liberties of Westminster paying yearly to them and their Successors a Wax Taper of three pound weight upon the Feast-day of St. Edward And founded the old Church of the Maeson Dieu in Dovor As to his Wives he first Wedded Ioane Daughter to William de Vernun Earl of Devon Widow of William de Briwer with whom he had in Marriage the whole Isle of Wibt and the Lordship of Christ-Church in Hantshire Secondly Beatrix Daughter to William de Warren of Wirmegay in Com. Nâ—rff Widow of Dodo Bardolf Thirdly Isabell Daughter and Coheir to William Earl of Gloucester Widow of Geffrey de Mandevill whom King Iohn had first repudiated And fourthly Margaret Daughter to William King of Scotland as before hath been observed Of his Issue all that I have seen is That he had two Sons Iohn and Hubert both by his last Wife as it seems For certain it is that Iohn succeeded him in that part of his Inheritance which remained and was by the said Margaret The Names of his Daughters were Margaret and Magot Whereof Margaret was so married to Richard de Clare Earl of Gloucester as hath been already observed Of his Death I find that it hapned at Banstede in Surrey 4 Id. Maii An. 1243. 27 H. 3. Whereupon his Corps was brought to Londoâ— and there honourably interred within the Church of the Friers-Preachers commonly called the Black-Friers then situate in Holburne on the back-side of Lincolns-Inne unto which Covent he had been a large Benefactor having amongst other things bestow'd on them his Palace at Westminster afterwards purchased by the Archbishop of Yorke and called White-Hall I come now to Iohn his Son This Iohn was girt with the Sword of Knighthood by King Henry the Third on Whitsunday in Anno 1229. 13 H. 3. In 26 H. 3. the year preceding his Father's death he was in that famous Battel of Xantoigne against the French where the English obtain'd a glorious Victory And in 27 H. 3. which was the year wherein his Father died doing his Homage had Livery of the Lands of his Inheritance but did not enjoy the Title of Earl of Kent In 44 H. 3. upon the death of Margaret his Mother he was found to be her next Heir But after this he â—ided with the Rebellious Barons being a Party to that Agreement made betwixt the King and them in 46 H. 3. And in 48 H. 3. was in the Battel of Lewes on their part as also the next ensuing year in the Battel of Evesham Whereupon his Lands were seised This Iohn gave the Mannor of Chalk to the Monks of Bermondsey and having married Hawyse the Daughter and Heir of William de Lanvaley left Issue Iohn his Son and Heir though when he died I find no mention A word or two now of Hubert his younger Brother In 10 E. 1. this Hubert came before the King and his Council at Chester upon Sunday next ensuing the Feast of St. Peter and Paul and oblig'd himself in the Sum of a thousand Pounds for his future Fidelity to the King and his Heirs From whom descended Thomas Burgh of Sterborough-Castle in Com. Surr. Lord of Gaynesborough in Com. Linc. who in 3 H. 7. was advanc'd to the Dignity of Lord Borough But I return to Iohn Son and Heir to the before-specified Iohn In 3 E. 1. this Iohn as Heir to Hawyse de Lanvalley had Livery of the Mannors of Kingston Wakerle Waokre Hallingburie and Lexenden which Iohn his Father held by the Courtesie of England as of the Inheritance of her the said Hawyse paying C l. for his Relief And departed this Life in 8 E. 1. being then seised of the said Mannor of Wakerle in Com. Northampt. held of the King in Capite together with the Barony of Lanvaley by the Service of one Knights Fee and an half leaving Issue three Daughters and Heirs viz. Hawyse the Wife of Robert de Greilly Dervorgild the Wife of Robert Fitz-Walter and Margerie a Nun at Chiksand in Com. Bedf. He likewise then died seised of the Mannor of Porteslade in Com. Suss. Lewes with the Advowson of the Church As also of the Mannors of Halwenesheye Alryngton Hallingbury Walkerne and Kingston in Com. Somerset Of which Mannors Robert de Grelle and Hawyse his Wife had the Mannors of Waoker Hallingbury and Lexenden and the said Robert Fitz-Walter and Dervorgill the Mannors of Wakerley Kingston and Porteslade Briwere THE first mention I find of this Name and Family is in 26 H. 2. upon a memorable occasion William Briwere the Son of Henry Briwere in consideration of xxxi Marks in Silver whereof ten were acquitted for his Service belonging to the Land and the rest paid in Money then purchasing from Hawise de Iâ—esham Raphe
there the next ensuing year under the command of that Earl After this viz. in 38 Edw. 3. Iohn Duke of Lancaster being in Spain with a powerful Army whereof he himself led the Vaward he made twelve Knights whereof Sir Ralph de Camois was one After which time I find no more of him But in 41 Edw. 3. I observe that the King granted a Charter of Free-warren unto Hugh de Camois in all his Demesne Lands at Estroâ—p Likeput Crambourne Weston Braybeof and Eling in Com. Southamp In 47 Edw. 3. there was likewife another Thomas de Camois Which Thomas obtained the Kings Charter for a Market every week upon the Saturday at his Mannor of Bradwater in Com. Suss. As also a Fair upon the Eve Day and Morrow after the Feast of St. Barnabas the Apostle And in 1 Ric. 2. served the King in his Fleet at Sea being then of the retinue with William Lord Latimer In 3 R. 2. this Thomas was in that Expedition then made into France and in 7 R. 2. being elected one of the Knights for the Shire of Surrey in the Parliament then held was specially discharged from that service by reason he was a Banneret in regard that Bannerets formerly had not been put upon thâ—t service Furthâ—rmore the same year in stead of the Market at Bradwater in Comit. Suss. formerly on the Saturday he obtained a new Charter for it to be kept on the Munday and in 9 Ric. 2. was again in the Wars of France Moreover in 10 Ric. 2. he was in that Expedition with Iohn Duke of Lancaster then King of Castile and Leon made into Spain As also in 11 Ric. 2. again in the Wars of France In which year he obtained a Grant for another Fair at Bradwater in Com. Suss. upon the Eve Day and Morrow after the Feast of St. Luke But being one of the favorites to King Richard the second upon the prevalency of those Nobles who pretended to rectifie what was amiss in the Government he was about that time removed from the Court. After which the Scene changing by the deposal of King Richard the second in 7 Hen. 4 he was constituted one of the Commissioners with Henry Bishop of Winchester and others to treat with the French Furthermore in 3 Hen. 5. he was again in France being then reteined by Indenture to serve the King there with two Knights twenty seven Men at Armes and sixty Archers for one quarter of that year and the next ensuing year again reteined to serve in those Wars This Thomas had summons to Parliament from 7 Ric. 2. till 8 Hen. 5. inclusive and died 28 Martii 9 Hen. 5. being then seized of the Castle of Porchestre with the Borough and of the Mannor of Wodeton in Com. Southamp Likewise of the Mannors of Bradwater Akkesborne Bercompe Tratton alias Tradington Fyning Fingl Dudeling and Deinford in Comitat. Suss. of the Mannors of Whalton called Camoys Mannor and Mannor of Great Milton called Camoys-Mannor in Com. Oxon. and of the Mannor of Stow-Bedon in Com. Norff. Leaving Hugh Camoys his Cousin and Heir viz. Son of Richard who died in his life time Son of the said Thomas and Elizabeth his Wife Daughter and Heir to William de Louches in whose right he held the Mannor of Whateley in Com. Oxon. Which Hugh dying likewise shortly after within age and without issue his two Sisters became his Heirs viz. Margaret the Wife of Ralph Rademilde and Alianore the Wife of Roger Lewkenore Which Ralph and Roger in 5 H. 6. their Homage being respited had livery of the Lands by inheritance thus descended to their Wives Of this Family without doubt was also Sir Roger de Camois Knight who in 22 Hen. 6. was taken Prisoner in the Wars of France and there deteined in great misery Whereupon Isabell his Wife had an Assignation of forty pounds per Annum for her life to be paid by the Mayor and Commonalty of the City of London l'Orti IN 6 Hen. 3. Henry de Ortrai which is the same with l'Orti or de Vrtiao having married Sabina the Daughter and Heir of Richard Revel a person of great note in the West viz. Sheriff of the Counties of Devon and Cornwall from 7 Ric. 1. till the end of that Kings reign and of Mabel his Wife Sister and Heir to Walter de Esselegh of 〈◊〉 in Com. Wiltes had livery of the Lands of the Inheritance of the said Sabina And in 21 H. 3. obtained License to impark his Woods at Curri in Comit. Somers so that they might be free for any Regard of the Kings Forests but in 26 he departed this life leaving Sabina surviving who doing her Homage had livery of those Lands lying in the Counties of Somerset and Dorset which were of her Inheritance by her Father And in 36 Hen. 3. upon the death of Mabel her Mother doing her Homage and giving security for the paiment of an hundred pounds for her Relief had livery of the Lands which by her death also descended to her To which Henry succeeded another Henry who in 14 E. 1. having been in that Expedition then made into Wales obtain'd the Kings precept for Scutage from all his Tenants by Military service And in the moneth of Iune 22 E. 1. amongst divers other eminent men of that time had summons to attend the King to advise touching the most important affairs of the Realm Whereupon within a few moneths after the King making an expedition into France he received command to fit himself with Horse and Arms and to be at Portsmouth upon the first day of September ready to sail with him into those parts After which ere long viz. in 25 E. 1. he was summoned to Parliament amongst the Barons of this Realm and in 32 E. 1. obtained license for a Market every week upon the Tuesday at Coclynton in Com. Somers with a Fair yearly on the Eve Day and Morrow after the Feast of All-Saints and seven days ensuing Also for a Market every week upon the Tuesday at Bradway in Com. Somers and for a Fair there yearly upon the Festival of St. Aldelme and eight days following with Free-warren in all his Demesn-lands at Curri-Revel and Stoketistre in the same County Likewise for a Market every week upon the Sunday at Asshele in Com. Wilts and a Fair there on the Eve Day and Morrow after the Feast of S. Iames the Apostle Moreover for a Fair once every year at Stambrigge in Com. Somers upon the Eve Day and Morrow after the Festival of S. Kenelm and for another every year at Westoure in that County upon the Eve Day and Morrow after the Feast of the Nativity of our Lady and
and one Acres of Demesn-lands in the Parish of St. Guthlake at East Deping Twenty Acres of Demesn-meadow in North Mede and Fourteen Acres in Fletegate-wang all which were part of the Dowrie of Lucia Widow of Edmund Earl of Kent then deceased Which Margaret Surviving him Married to Thomas Duke of Clarence This last mention'd Iohn Marquess Dorset by his Testament nuncupative bearing date 16 Martii An. 1409. 11 H. 4. being still Lord Chamberlain of England and Captain of Calais bequeathed all his Goods his Debts discharged to Henry his Brother Bishop of Winchester directing no place for his Burial and departed this life upon Palm-Sunday next ensuing being then seised of the Mannor of Enderby in Com. Leic. Of the Mannor of Glindourdy in Edernyon and Saworth in Kintelleghe in the Marches of Wales Of the Mannors of Orwell in Com. Cantabr Deping in Com. Linc. Oneston Eydon Makeseye Buckby Torpell and Moiety of the Mannor of Brampton Parva in Com. Northampt Sampford Peverel Aller Peverell with the Hundred of Halberton in Com. Devon And of the Mannors of Cory Rivel and Mertok with the Burrough of Langport and Hundreds of Abbedyk and Bulston in Com. Somerset leaving Henry his son and heir nine years of age and two other sons Iohn and Edmund of whom I shall speak particularly by and by As also two daughters Ioane Married to Iames the First King of Scotland and Margaret to Thomas Courtney Earl of Devonshire Which Henry being Christened 26 Octob. 3 H. 4. had a Grant from the King who then was his Godfather and to the heires-male of his Body of a Thousand Marks per annum payable out of the Exchequer until he should otherwise provide for him in Lands of the like yearly value And departing this life in his Minority upon the Festival of St. Catherine 6 H. 5. being then seised of the Mannor of Enderby in Com. Leic. Orwell in Com. Cantabr Oneston with the Moiety of the Mannor of Little Brampton in Com. Northampt. Mertok two parts of the Mannor of Corry Rivel with the Burrough of Langport and Hundreds of Abbedyk and Bulston in Com. Somerset and of the Castle and Lordship of Corff in Com. Dorset left Iohn his brother and heir Which Iohn was taken prisoner in 9 H. 5. in that unhappy adventure of passing a Marish near the Castle of Beaufort in France wherein Thomas Duke of Clarence lost his life and in 3 H. 6. arrived to his full age In 9 10 H. 6. this Iohn was again in the Wars of France So likewise in 12 H. 6. And in 15 H. 6. accompanied by divers Noble persons besieg'd Harflew both by Sea and Land which at length yielded In 18 H. 6. he was by Indenture retein'd to serve the King in those Wars with four Knights ninety five Men at Armes and Two thousand Archers And in 21 H. 6. was created Duke of Somerset and Earl of Rendale as also by that Title of Duke made Lieutenant and Captain-General of Aquitane Likewise of the whole Realme of France and Dutchy of Normandy and retein'd by Indenture as Lieutenant of Aquitane for one whole year to serve the King in those parts with four Barons eight Bannerets thirty Knights Seven hundred fifty eight Men at Armes and Fourteen hundred Archers And having Married Margaret the daughter of Sir Iohn Beauchamp of Bletâ—o Knight sister and heir to Iohn her Brother who surviving him became the Wife of Sir Leo de Welles Knight departed this life 27 Maii 22 H. 6. and was buried at Wimborne Minster in Com. Dorset being then seised of the Mannors of Byllingburgh in Com. Linc. Bedhampton in Com. Southampt Burton and Wyresdale in Com. Somerset two parts of the Towns of Gresmere Logaryg Langeden Casterton Kirkby in Kendale Hamelset Troutbeck with the reversion of two parts of the Mannors of Helsyngton Crosthwayte Horon Frothwayt and Syhkland Ketel in Com. Westmorl as also of the Mannor and Lordship of Bowes in Com. Ebor. leaving Margaret his sole daughter and heir three yeares of age Which Margaret afterwards became the Wife of Edmund of Hadham created Earl of Richmond by King Henry the Sixth as in due place I shall farther shew ¶ I now come to Edmund a younger brother to this last mention'd Iohn This Edmund in 7 H. 6. had License to travel beyond Sea And in 9 H. 6. by the Title of Earl of Mortein was constituted joynt Commander of those Forces then sent into France In 10 H. 6. the success of the English in France then declining it was thought requisite at least to preserve Normandy the Duke of Bedford therefore then Regent disposing of his Forces into three parts committed the one to this Edmund for the defence of the City of Roan Shortly after which upon the death of that Duke the French taking new courage a great alteration hapned in the state of Affaires there Neâ—ertheless the English not despairing made choice of this Edmund and Richard Duke of York for their Generals In 11 H. 6. he was constituted one of the Commissioners to Treat with the Scots at Handenstank or any other place for the composing of all differences touching such injuries as had been mutually done by the subjects of either Realme And in 12 H. 6. sent Embassador from the King to the General Council at Basill In 13 H. 6. he was retein'd to serve the King in his Wars of France for two yeares with three Knights three hundred ninety six Men at Armes and Fifteen hundred eighty two Archers And in 14 H. 6. in consideration of his special services was made Constable of the Castle of Aberustwith in Wales In 15 H. 6. he besieged 〈◊〉 and won it and in 17 H. 6. marcht over the Some toward Pickardy with Two thousand Men through Montrevil and besieg'd the Fort of Fullevill which after some assaults yeilded and then joyn'd with the Lord Talbot In 20 H. 6. for his good service in the relief of Calais besieg'd by the Duke of 〈◊〉 he was created Earl of Dorset 28 th Aug. And the same year accompanied the Duke of York in his enterprise upon Anjou and Maâ—â—e where they did much spoil taking also many prisoners Soon after which entring into the Marches of Britanny he took the Town of â—erch by assault then belonging to the Duke of Alanâ—on and burnt it Thence marcht to Pontroy where staying two Moneths he sent his men daily in Parties to destroy Aâ—â—ou and the Territories adjacent And when the Marshall of France came with Four thousand Men to resist his Incursions he slew an Hundred of them and took Seventy seven prisoners After this he took the Town of Beaumonâ— le viscont and mann'd the Forts on the Frontiers towards his Enemies
of Febr. next ensuing And in 2. E. 4. for the better support of his dignity obtained a Grant in Tail-General of the Mannors of Lynton Letheâ—ey Kirkleventon Tadcastre Poklyngton Scorburgh Nafferton Wandesford Hundmanby Semar and Thrustanby in Com. Ebor. as also of a certain Hostel in Kingston super Hull Likewise of the Mannor of Helagh in the County of the City of York and of all the Lands and Tenements lying in that City which did belong to Henry Earl of Northubmberland Likewise of the Castle and Mannor of Alnwike with its Members and of the Mannors of Benwyke Ruglee Hoghton Lessebury Aylmouth Tughall Biâ—ton Swynhowe â—ewham Chatton Elyngheham Newstede Lukre South-Charleton Christerton Birlyng Fowdon Langeley Biker near Newcastle upon Tine and of the Castle and Mannor of Ovyngham all in Com. Northumb. Moreover of all the Lands in Tyndale called Talbots-Lands also of the Mannors of Calceby Malberthorpe Thedithorpe and Thurthorpe in Com. Linc. of the Mannors of Foston in Com. Leic Iselham in Com. Cantabr Cratfeild in Com. Suff. and of a certain House in the Parish of St. Katherine-Colman London with another in the Parish of St. Ann juxta Aldersgate all which by the attainder of the before-specified Earl of Northumberland in the Parliament begun at Westminster 1. E. 4. came to the Crown After this viz. in 4. E. 4. he had a grant for life of the Mannors of Middelton and Merdene with the Hundred of Middeltone in Com. Cantii of the Mannor and Parke of Ashehurst in Com. Surr. as also of the Castle Town and Lordship of Briavels and Forest of Dene in Com. Gloc. Likewise of the Castle and Lordship of UUodeford and Mannor of UUroxâ—aâ—e in Com. Somerset in Tail-general late Iames Earl of UUiltshire's attainted of the Castle and Lordship of Chester and all the Lands and Royalties thereto belonging to hold during pleasure And of the Mannors of Stoke under Hampden Melton Faucomberge Stratton super le Vosse Faryngton Gorney Inglescombe Midsomer-Norton UUydecombe UUeltone Lavertone with the Moiety of the Mannors of West Harptre and Shipton-malet in Com. Somerset and Ryme in Com. Dorset to hold for life In 5. E. 4. he was constituted Lieutenant of Ireland for the terme of Twenty years And had likewise a Grant for life of a certain place in the parish of St. Andrew in the City of London called The Kings Wardrobe with all the Lands and Rents thereto belonging The like in 8. E. 4. of the Castle and Lordship of Ouenesburg in the Isle of Shepey in Kent But shortly after this viz. in 9. E. 4. Richard Nevill commonly called the stout Earl of Warwick harbouring in his heart much discontent towards King Edward for the reasons I have shewed in my discourse of his Family and discerning that this Duke of Clarence bore no great good will towards the King his Brother so managed the business that he allured him to his partie and the more firmly to knit him to his Interest offered him the Lady Isabell his elder daughter in Marriage with the one half of her Mother's Inheritance Whereupon accompanying him to Calais he there Swore upon the Sacrament to keep his Promise with him and accordingly Married her in the Church of Nostre Dame having obtain'd a Dispensation from Pope Paul the Third by reason that they stood allyed in the second and third and third and fourth degrees of Consanguinity as also in respect that the Mother of this Duke was Godmother to her Which Dispensation beares date a Rome Prid. Id. Martii An. 1468 8 E. 4. Hereupon likewise the better to secure their grand design and the more cordially to oblige this Duke there was another Marriage made in France viz. betwizt Prince Edward son to King Henry the Sixth and Anne the other daughter to the same geat Earl and an Agreement then concluded the King Henry should Reign again and after him Prince Edward and his heirs but in default of such Issue this George Duke of Clarence and his heirs Having therefore thus framed this seeming sure Combination the Earl of 〈◊〉 caused an Insurrection to be made in 〈◊〉 by Sir Robert Welles Knight son and heir to Richard Lord Welles Which proving ansuccessful all that party being utterly vanquisht by the Kings Forces accompanied by this Duke he hasted to Exeter purposing suddenly to got over into France in hope of aid from King Lewes and accordingly landing at Dâ—epe address'd himself to that King then lodging at his Castle of Ambois But during their stay in France a Damsel from England belonging to the Dutchess of Clarence as 't was said landed there with overture from King Edward of a Reconciliation with them and having private discourse with this Duke so wrought upon him that he promised upon his return to stand fair Of which Warwick having no knowledge after he had obtained some aid in those parts accompanied with this Duke took shippin at Harflew and landing at Dartmouth in Com. Devon Proclaimed King Henry Whereat King Edward grew so startled that with the Duke of Glocester his Brother and some few others he hasted into Flanders UUarwick therefore discerning his own strength and Interest to be such again accompanied with the Duke upon the 25 th of October fetcht King Henry out of the Tower and restored him to his Regal Authority and thereupon caused a Parliament to assemble in which so potent he was all Acts made by King Edward were utterly repeal'd and the Crowns of England and France entail'd on King Henry the Sixth and his issue male â— and for default thereof on this George Duke of Clarence and his heirs males It being then and there further declared that he should be next heir to his late Father Richard Duke of York and enjoy all his Lands as if he had been his eldest son at the time of his death Which being done he was associated with Warwick in the Government of the Realm But the scene shortly after altered For King Edward with some considerable forces from the Duke of Burgundy landing in Holdeâ—neâ—s 14 Martii An. 1471. 11 E. 4. marcht up into UUarwickshire Which for allarm'd that great Earl of UUarwick then staying at Coventre in expectation of this Dukes coming to him whith such Forces as he had raised about London as that discerning he made not haste he then began to suspect his fidelity as well he might for through the mediation of Margaret Dutchess of Burgundy their sister a perfect Reconciliation was privately made betwixt the King and him But for a while kept secret so that though after he had heard of his Brothers landing and advance towards London he got what Forces he could together being about Four thousâ—nd strong outwardly pretending that he would joyn with Warwick
next ensuing whereupon he had burial accordingly To whom succeeded Edward his Brother and Heir who married Frances Daughter to Sir Thomas Treshan of Liveden in Com. Northt Knight and by her had issue four Sons and two Daughters viz. William Stourton made Knight of the Bath at the Creation of Charles Prince of Wales in An. 1616. Thomas Francis and Edward His two Daughters were these Margaret married to Sir Thomas Sulyar of Wetherden in Com. Suff. Knight and Mary to Walter Norton of ... in the same County Esq And departing this life at Clerkenwell in the Suburbs of London 7 Maii 1632. 8 Car. 1. was buried at Stourton with his Ancestors Which Sir William so succeeding him married Frances Daughter to Sir Edward More of Odypham in Com. Sutht Knight and had issue r by her three Sons Edward William and Thomas a Monk as also two Daughters Mary married to Iohn Weld of Lulworth-Castle in Com. Dors. and Frances a Nun at Cambray Which Edward faithfully adhering to the late King Charles the first of Blessed Memory in those woful times of his late unhappy troubles departed this life in the Garrison of Bristol in Ianuary An. 1644. his Father then living leaving issue by Mary his Wife Daughter to Robert Lord Petre William his Son and Heir now living whom by Mary his Wife Daughter of Iohn Preston of Furnesse-Abby in Com. Lanc. Esq hath issue Widvile 26 H. 6. THE First mention I find of this Family is in 37 E. 3 Richard de Wydvill being then constituted Sheriff of Northampton-shire and Governour of the Castle there After which in 39 E. 3. he had the like trust and in 43 E. 3. was made Eschaetor for that County and Rutland Again in 44 E. 3. Sheriff of Northampton-shire as also Governour of the Castle at Northampton To this Richard succeeded Iohn de Wydevill Sheriff of the same Shire and Governour of the Castle in 4 R. 2. Likewise in 6 R. 2. Eschaetor for those Counties of Northampton and Rutland and in 9 R. 2. again Sheriff of Northampton-shire To whom succeeded another Richard which Richard in 7 H. 4. had the Shrivalty of the same County and Governourship of the Castle conferred upon him and in 8 H. 5. being then one of the Esquires for the Body to that Heroick King was constituted Seneschall of the Dutchy of Normandy and other the parts of France within that Kings obedience to superintend all the Captains and Lieutenants of the Cities fortifyed Towns and Castles within those Precincts In 3 H. 6. he was made Constable of the Tower of London and in 4 H. 6. Knighted by the King at Leicester upon Whitsunday the King himself having then received that Honour at the hands of his Uncle the Duke of Bedford In 5 H. 6. being Lieutenant of Calais to the Duke of Bedford governour of that Garrison he continued there for the better defence thereof In 7 H. 6. he was reteined by Indenture to serve the King in his Wars of France and Normandy for half a year with C Men at Arms and CCC Archers and in 14 H. 6. having then his residence for the most part in Northampton-shire and sometimes at Maydston in Kent was again in the Wars of France being of the Retinue with William Earl of Suffolk In 15 H. 6. having without licence married Iaquet de Luxembourgh Daughter to Peter Earl of St. Paul widow of Iohn Duke of Bedford he gave a thousand pounds fine for that transgression and for livery of those Castles Mannours and Lands which were of her Dowry and in 17 H. 6. was sent into Normandy with a thousand stout men for the better defence of those parts In 19 H. 6. being challenged by a Knight of Spain to perform certain feats of Arms in Smithfield they there met accordingly upon the xxvi of November but after the third stroke the King prohibited them to go on Before the end of which year he accompanied Richard Duke of York then Lieutenant-General and Governour of the Realm of France and Dutchy of Normandy into those parts and in 26 H. 6. in respect of his valour in Arms great integrity and acceptable services was advanced to the degree of a Baron of this Realm by the title of Lord Rivers as by the Kings Letters Patents bearing date at Westminster 29 Maii appeareth it being no name of any place but of an antient Family ☜ sometimes Earls of Devon And for his better support of that Honour had thereby granted to him and to the Heirs male of his Body in reversion after the death of William Burton one of the Grooms of the Kings Chamber the annual rent of xiv s. iv d. due to the Keeper of the Castle of Northampton As also all the Knightsâ—ees and services whatsoever belonging to the Honour of Chokes and likewise those of Bryans-fee Iohn de Bayeux fee Maundevill fee Lexington-fee or of the Baronies of Rivers and Ledet's fee with all Advowsons Eschaets Forfeitures and Liberties by reason of the Tenure of those Honours Baronies and Fees In 27 H. 6. in further consideration of his services in the wars of France and Dutchy of Normandy he obtained a grant in special tail of the Mannour of West â—â—urrek called West-Hall in Com. Essex in reversion after the death of Iaquet Dutchess of Bedford his Wife And about that time had a Charter for Free-Warren in all his demesn-lands within his Lordships of Grafton Patshull and Wyken in Com. Northt though they were within the precincts of the Forest In 28 H. 6. he was installed Knight of the most Noble Order of the Garter and in 29 H. 6. constituted Seneschal of Aquitaine with power to receive into the Kings obedience all Cities Towns and Forts therein which were then willing to yield thereto In 38 H. 6. being sent to Sandwich for the defence of that Port and those great Ships which lay at Anchor there against the power of Nevil Earl of Warwick who had raised new forces on the behalf of the Duke of York he was in the night time surprized in his Bed with Anthony his Son by certain persons sent from that Earl who carried him with those Ships to Calais But though he stood firm to King Henry the sixth against the house of York yet after King Edward the fourth had obtained the Crown and been captivated with the beauty of Elizabeth his Daughter Widow of Sir Iohn Grey so that he made her his Queen all his precedent Actings for the Lâ—ncastrian interest were forgot great Honours and Trusts being then conferred upon him by that King First viz. 4 Martii 6 E. 4. the office of Treasurer of his Exchequer and upon the 24 of May next ensuing the title of Earl Rivers Also the
your most perfidiously betraying this innocent young Gentleman into the hands of bloody Butchers to be destroy'd and murthered therefore all that love you whereof I am one cannot but infinitely grieve to see that your sometime great reputation should now be stained with such a perfidious blot Whereunto the Duke replied Hold thy peace my dear John there is no such danger at all for King Edward resolves to make him his Son in Law But to this he suddenly returned Believe me Most Illustrious Duke he is already very near death and if you permit him to be carryed one step out of your Dominion no Mortal Man can preserve him from it At which pathetical expressions the Duke being not a little troubled not at all suspecting that King Edward would deal thus forthwith dispatcht Peter Landose his chief Treasurer to St. Malos to bring this Earl back Who hasting thither detained the Embassadours with a long speech until his Servants had convey'd him to a Sanctuary in that City which could not be violated and thence conducted him with safety back again After which he continued secure in those parts during the whole time of King Edward's Reign But when King Richard had attain'd the Crown the like danger as before in short space befell him for Thomas Hutton being then sent Embassador into Britanny with money and good oratory obtain'd a promise from the Dâ—ke that he should be strictly restrain'd as King Edward had formerly desired High time indeed it was that King Richard should look to his own station for besides the general odium which that cruel murther acted upon his Brothers Sons had brought upon him from all good Men the Duke of Buckingham the chiefest instrument for raising him to that height growing not a little discontented so far disclosed himself to Iohn Morton Bishop of Ely then in the nature of a Prisoner with him at Brecknocke-castle in Wales as that they there projected the pulling him down by the bringing in of this Earlâ— and linking him in Marriage with Elizabeth the eldest Daughter to King Edward by which means those long divided interests of York and Lancaster which had been the occasion of such bloudshed and misery to this Realm might be knit together and all animosities betwixt the favourers of either side be happily quieted Which being thus auspiciously design'd Reginald Bray a trusty servant to the Lady Margaret Mother to this Earl then the Wife of Thomas Lord Stanley was sent for thither by the Bishop and thence imploy'd back to acquaint her therewith Whereupon by the help of one Lewis a Welchman who as a Physitian had recourse to them both unsuspected she imparted it to Queen Elizabeth the Widdow of King Edward Both of them therefore concurring therein they privately by the same Reginald communicated the business to such of the Nobility and others as were deemed well-wishers thereto resolving to imploy Christopher Vrswike the Lady Margarets Priest into Britanny there to impart the same to her Son But before Vrswike began his journey altering her mind she dispatch Hugh Conway thither upon that errand with a large sum of money Who declaring to him what was intended advised him to land in Wales where he should find ready aid on his behalf Whereupon discovering the whole to the Duke of Britanny notwithstanding all the sollicitation of King Richard by Hutton he promised him his aid Thus far from Polydore But our other Historians do somewhat vary from him herein and tell us that when King Richard first understood from his Embassador Hutton that the Duke of Britanny did not only refuse to keep this Earl as a prisoner but promised to supply him with Men Money and all necessaries for his landing here he rigg'd and sent out divers men of war to scoure the Seas betwixt this and that Coast. Nevertheless that this Earl having got together five thousand stout Briâ—ons and forty Ships well fitted set â—ail for England upon the 12 of October which by a violent Tempest happening that night were all dispersed and that about Noon the next day the Tempest ceasing that Ship wherein this Earl himself was approached the Haven of Poole in Dorsetshire where he found the Shore full of Souldiers to oppose his arrival Also that upon his putting forth a Boat to enquire the cause of their appearance in that warlike posture they answered as they were instructed with purpose to entrap him that they were thither sent by the Duke of Buckingham to receive him and to conduct him to his Camp he being with a mighty Army not far off so that joining their Forces they might fall upon King Richard Whereas in truth Buckingham was but a little before beheaded at Salisbury But that this Earl suspecting the fraud seeing none of his own Ships in view hoised fail and diverting his course landed in Normandy whence he sent Embassadors to Charles the 8. King of France with desire of safe-conduct back into Britanny through his Territories Which he readily granted and not only so but furnish'd him with a large sum of money to defray the expence of so long a journey Whereupon he â—archt by land thither sâ—nding his Ships to meet him there Into which parts he was no sooner comâ— but he had tidings that the Duke of Buckingham had lost his Head and that the Marquiss Dorset with other of the English Nobles who were his friends having been there to look him were return'd to Uannes Notwithstanding which iâ—l news of Buckingham's death despairing not at all in his purposed adventure he went to Rhemes and sent some of his servants to the Marquiss Dorset and those his friends then there to conduct them to him Being therefore thus happily met together again where they staid the Festival of our Saviours Nativity he went to the chief Church of that City and there taking a solemn Oath that soon after his attaining the Crown of this Realm he would marry the Lady Elizabeth Daughter to King Edward the 4. they all did Homage to him and swore Fealty as if he had been already Crowned King Vowing to adventure both Life and Fortune with him against King Richard All which he communicated to the Duke of Britanny desiring his aid with more Forces and to land him in his own Countrey whereunto most of the English Nobles were desirous he should come assuring him that what sums of money he had already borrowed of him or might do should be faithfully repaid whereupon the Duke promised to supply him King Richard therefore hearing of these preparations seised upon divers who were friends to this Earl and put them to death some at London and some at Exeter causing also a Sessions to be kept at Exeter wherein many others were indicted of High Treason and soon
and Lucie were thus married Katherine first to Sir Robert Vaughan of Lloydierd in Com. Montgom Knight afterwards to Sir Iames Palmer of Dorney Court in Com. Buck. Knight Chancellour of the Garter Father to Roger now Earl of Câ—stlemaine in Ireland and Lucie to William Abington of Hinlip in Com. Wigorn. Esq Of Percie his Son and Heir who succeeded him in his Honour it appears that in his Father's life time scil 16 Nov. 20 Iac. he was Created Baronet and Married Elizabeth Daughter of Six William Craven Knight Alderman of London Sister to William now Earl of Craven and departing this life 19 Ianuarii An. 1666. was buried at Welsh Poole leaving Issue William his only Son and Mary a Daughter Married to George Lord Talbot eldest Son to Iohn late Earl of Shrewsbury Which William in consideration of his eminent Loyalty to the King and other his special merits was by Letters Patents bearing date upon the fourth of April 26 Car. 2. advanced to the dignity of Earl of Powys and having taken to Wife the Lady Elizabeth Daughter to Edward late Marquess of Worcester hath Issue by her one Son called William and five Daughters Mary Married to Richard Son and Heir to Carrill Vicount Molineux Frances Anne Lucie and Winiâ—ride Lord Herbert of Chirbury 5 Car. 1. HAving in my discourse of the Earls of Pembroke of this Family taken notice of their Descent from Henry Fitz Herbert Chamberlain to King Henry the First I now come to Edward Herbert of Montgomerie-Castle great Grand-son to Sir Richard Herbert Knight second Son to Sir Richard Herbert of Colbroke in Com. Monmouth Knight and younger Brother to William the first Earl of Pembroke and with him beheaded at Northampton in 9 E. 4. that is to say Son and Heir to Richard Herbert of Montgomerie Esq and Magdalen his wife Daughter to Sir Richard Newport of High Ercall in Com. Salop. Knight Son of Edward Herbert Esq Son of Sir Richard Herbert Knight one of the Gentlemen-Ushers of the Privy-Chamber to King Henry the Eight and Constable of the Castle of Bergavenny second Son to Sir Richard Herbert of Colbroke before-specified This Edward having First been a Fellow-Commoner in University-Colledge Oxon. and afterwards betaking himself to Travel as also to certain military Exercises in Foreign parts for divers years whereby he became much accomplisht was made Knight of the Bath at the Coronation of King Iames and afterwards receiv'd to be of Council to that King for his military affairs and Embassador to Lewes the XIII King of France to mediate for the relief of the Protestants in that Realm then besieg'd in several places in which service he continued more than five years managing that Trust with such fidelity and prudence as that he was thereupon advanced to the Dignity of a Baron of the Realm of Ireland where he had a fair Estate by the name of Lord Herbert of Castle Island alias Castle of the Island of Kerry in those parts by Letters Patents bearing date 31 Dec. 22 Iac. And after this having likewise approved himself a most faithful Servant to King Charles the First aswell in Council as in Arms was by him Created a Baron of this Realm by the Title of Lord Herbert of Chirbury in Com. Salop. upon the seventh of May in the fifth year of his Reign This noble Lord was Author of that learned Philosophical Tract in Latine de Veritate Printed in an 1638. and since as I have heard translated into sundry Languages Also of these other De Causis Errorum de Religione Laici Edit Lond. 1645. De Expeditione in Ream Insulam Edit Lond. 1658. The Life and Reign of King Henry the Eight Edit Lond. 1649. And De Religione Gentilitium c. Edit Amstelodami an 1663. He Married Mary the Daughter and Heir to Sir William Herbert of St. Iulâ—ans in Com. Monmouth Knight descended from Sir George Herbert Knight third Son to William the first Earl of Pembroke of this Family and departing this Life at London upon the fifth of August an 1648. was buryed in the Church of St. Giles in the Fields in the suburbs of that City leaving Issue two Sons Richard who succeeded him in his Honours and Edward as also one Daughter called Beatrix who died unmarried Which Richard during his Father's Life time being a person of great Courage and Valour served his late Majesty King Charles the First as Captain of a Troop of Horse in that first Engagement against his rebellious Scottish Subjects and afterwards in England against the late Usurpers raising at his own charge a full Regiment of Foot and a Troop of Horse the numbers whereof by reason of Death and other disasters were at sundry times so diminished as that his frequent Recruits at length amounted to no less than to two thousand eight hundred men as I have been credibly inform'd which Regiments he upheld and continued until his Majesties Authority and Interest through the prevalency of his Adversaries was totally forced out of South-Wales never forsaking him though he had at last no more than thirty men left and of those divers hurt and maimed Amongst his particular services in that sad and calamitous time he was one of those who conducted the Queen upon her Arrival from Holland at Burlington in Yorkeshire to the King then at Oxford And did for the most part personally attend his Majesty who had an especial love for him and imploy'd him in divers weighty affairs well knowing him to be a person able to serve him aswel with his Pen as Sword By Mary his Wife Daughter to Iohn Earl of Bridgwater he had Issue four Sons Edward who succeeded him Iohn who died young Henry lately Captain of a Troop of Horse in the service of the French King under Sir Henry Iones Knight and now Captain of the like Troop in the Regiment of his Royal Highness the Duke of York and Thomas who died unmarried As also four Daughters Frances Married to William Brown Esq Florence to Richard Herbert now of Oâ—ley-Park in Com. Salop Esq Arabellâ— and Alice And departing this life 13 Maii an 1655. was buried in the Chancel of the Parish Church of Montgomerie in North-Wales Which Edward now Lord Herbert of Chirbury and Castle Island being no less ready to serve his Sovereign than his noble Father and Grandfather ever really did in an 1659. took the first and then most probable opportunity together with his valiant Brother Henry to manifest his true Loyalty unto his now Majesty King Charles the Second And accompanied by no small number of his Kindred and Friends resolv'd at that time to have risen in Shropshire but being there betray'd readily join'd with Sir George Booth now Lord De la mer in that appearance of the Cheshire men and others in order to the restoration of his Majesty Which attempt however well intended became altogether insuccessful But
who succeeded his Grandfather in his honor but died unmarried Whereupon William his Uncle being a Colonel for the late King Charles the First of blessed memory and slain in the Battel of Marsâ—on-moore in Com. Ebor. An. 1645. leaving issue by ... his wife daughter to Sir Thomas Denton of Hilsden in Com. Buck Knight only two daughters viz. Margaret married to Thomas Danby of Chorpe in Mashamshire in Com. Ebor. Esquire and Mary to William Palmes of 〈◊〉 in the same County Esquire the Title of Lord Eâ—â—e resorted to George Evre son of Horatio Evre by Debora his wife one of the daughters and coheirs to ... Bret of ... in Com. Cantii Which Horatio was son of Francis Evre second son to William Lord Evre by Margaret the daughter of Sir Robert Dimock before-mentioned But this George Lord Evre died a Baâ—tchelor in the moneth of October An 1672. leaving Raphe his brother and heir who now sciliâ—et An. 1674. enjoyeth the honor Sheffeild Earl of Mulgreve 1 E. 6. OF this Family whose antient Seat was at a Mannor-place in the Isle of Axholme in Com. Linc. called Hemmeswell near the Spittle Street whence they came to Butterwike in that County was Robert Sheffeild who in 2 H. 7. being one of the Commanders in King Henry the Seventhâ—s Army against Iohn Earl of Lincolne and his adherents in the Battel of Stoke near Newarke shared in the honor of that Victory then obtained This Robert having been Speaker of the House of Commons in Parliament was also Recorder of the City of London being then a Knight And by Helen his wife daughter and heir of Sir Iohn Delves Knight had issue â— Sir Robert Sheffeild of Butterwic Knight who married Margaret the daughter of Sir Iohn Zouch of Codnor Knight and by her had issue Edmund which Edmund upon the 16 th of February 1. E. 6. two dayes preceding that Kings Coronation was advanced to the dignity of a Baron of this Realm by the Title of Lord Sheffeild of Butterwike but upon that Insurrection by the Commons of Norfolk the next ensuing year being one of the Nobles which accompanyed the Marquess of Northampton for the suppressing thereof had the hard fate to lose his life in that good Service for his Horse falling into a Ditch at Norwich and he thereupon pulling off his Helmet to shew those Rebels who he was a Butcher slew him with a Club. By Anne his wife daughter to Iohn the Fifth of that name Earl of Oxford he left issue Iohn his son and heir and three daughters Frances married to ... Metham of ... in Com ... Eleanore to Denzil Holles second son to Sir William Holles of Houghton in Com. Nott. Knight and Elizabeth Which Iohn died in Ian. An. 1568. 11 Eliz. as may seem by the Probate of his Testament leaving issue by Douglass his wife daughter to William Lord Howard of Effyngham Edmund his son and heir and Elizabeth a daughter married to Thomas Earl of Ormund Which Edmund in 25 Eliz. was one of the English Lords that by the command of Q. Elizabeth attended the Duke of Anjoy who had stay'd three moneths in England as a Sutor to her unto Antwerp And in An. 1588. 31 Eliz. being in that notable Fight at Sea against the Spaniard then threatning an Invasion here which by the admirable conduct and courage of the English was utterly broke and dissipated in consideration of his valiant deportment in that memorable service was then Knighted by the Lord Admiral After this he was made Governor of Brill a chief Port of Zealand delivered unto Queen Elizabeth by the States of the Vnited Provinces as one of the Cautionary Towns in consideration of the Moneys lent to them in aid against the Spaniard and in 39 Eliz. surrendring his Trust there Sir Francis Vere succeeded him therein In that Queens time he was also made choice of for one of the Knights Companions of the most noble Order of the Garter and in 14 Iac. constituted President of the Council for the Northern parts of this Realm Furthermore upon the 7 th of February 1 Car. 1. he was created Earl of Mulgreve He married two wives Vrsula the daughter of Sir Robert Tirwhit of Ketilâ—y in Com. Linc. Knight by whom he had issue six sons viz. 1. Charles who died unmarried 2. Sir Iohn Sheffeild Kt. 3. Edmund 4. William drown'd in France 5. Philip. Which Sir Iohn Edmund and Philip were unhappily drown'd z in the pasâ—age at Whitgisâ—-Ferry over the River Humber in the moneth of December An. 1614. 14 Iac. in their father's life time And Sixthly George who broke his neck in a new Riding-house which his Father had made of an old Consecrated Chapel as I have heard He had likewise issue by her nine daughters First Magdalen married to Walter Walsh an Irishman Secondly Elizabeth first wedded to Sir Edward Swifft Knight and afterwards to Sir Iohn Bourchier Knight Thirdly Mary to Sir Ferdinando Fairfax Knight son and heir to Thomas Lord Fairfax of â—ameron in Scotland Fourthly Frances to Sir Philip Fairfax Knight brother to Ferdinando 5. Douglas 6. Triphena to George a younger son to Sir Richard Verney of Cumpton Murdak in Com. Warr. Knight As also Dorothy Vrsula and Anne His second wife was Mariana daughter to Sir William Erwin Knight by whom he had issue three sons Iames Thomas and Robert and two daughters Margaret and Sarah This Edmund Earl of Mulgreve died in October An. 1646. being then Fourscore years of age To whom succeeded Edmund his Grandson and heir viz. son of Sir Iohn Sheffeild Knight his second son before-mentioned by Grifild his wife daughter to Sir Edmund Anderson Knight sometime Chief Justice of the Court of Common-Pleas Which Edmund married Elizabeth daughter to Leonel Earl of Middlesex and died coming up towards London 21. Aug. An. 1658. leaving issue Iohn his son and heir now Earl of Mulgrave who was installed Knight of the most noble Order of the Garter upon the 29 th of May An. 1674. and is now one of the Gentlemen of the Royal Bedchamber to His Majesty King Charles the Second Rich Earl of Warwick 1 E. 6. OF this Family the first touching whom I have seen any considerable mention is Richard Rich an opulent Mercer in London who underwent the Office of Sheriff in that City in An. 1441. 20. H. 6. and Founded a certain Almeshouse at â—odsdoâ— in 〈◊〉 Which Richard departing this life in An. 1469. 9 E. 4 was buried in the Church of St. Laurence in the Iury with this Inscription on his Tomb-stone Respice quod opus est praesentis temporis aevum Omne quod est nihil est praeter amare Deum leaving issue Iohn who lieth interred in St. Thomas of Acres commonly called Mercer's Chapel and he Thomas
at his Fathers death and having married Anne the daughter to Robert Earl of Essex by her had issue Philip his son and heir and two daughters Mary married to ... Gower of ... in Com. Ebor. and Anne to VVilliam VVolrich of ... in Com. Sussex Esquire and died 14 Eliz the said Philip being at that time seventeen years of age Which Philip took to wife Frances daughter to Henry â—arl of Cumberland and by her had issue two sons viz. Sir George Wharton Knight of the Bath who married Anne daughter to Iohn Earl of Rutland and was slain in a Duel by Sir Iames Steward Knight upon the eighth of November An. 1609. leaving no issue And Sir Thomas VVharton Knight Which Sir Thomas took to wife Philadelphia the daughter to Robert Earl of Monmouth and having issue by her two sons Philip and Thomas died in his fathers life time viz. 17 Apr. 20 Iac. and was buried at Easby near Richmund in Yorkshire This Philip had likewise issue three daughters Margaret married to Edward Lord VVotton Eleanore to VVilliam Thwaytes of Long Marston in Com. Ebor. Esquire and Frances to Sir Richard Musgrave of Edenhale in Com. Cumbr. Knight of the Bath and Baronet And departing this life upon the Twenty sixth day of March An. 1625. was buried at Healey in the County of the City of York Leaving Philip his grandson viz. eldest son to Sir Thomas who died in his life time his successor in his honor Which Philip arrived to his full age in An. 1634. and married three wives Elizabeth daughter of Sir Rouland Wandesford of Pickhay in Com. Ebor. Knight Attorney of the Court of Wards by whom he had issue one only daughter called Elizabeth married to Robert then Lord VVilloughby of Eresby now Earl of Lindsey and Lord Great Chamberlain of England Secondly Iane the daughter and heir of Arthur Goodwyn of Upper Winchendon in Com. Buck. â—squire by whom he hath had issue two sons Thomas and Goodwyn and four daughters Anne married to VVilliam Carr a Scotchman only son to VVilliam Carr Groom of the Bedchamber to King Iames. Margaret to Major Dunch of Pusey in Com. Berk. Esquire Mary to VVilliam Thomas son and heir of Edmund Thomas of Wennoe in Com. Glamorgan Esquire and Philadelphia He thirdly married Anne daughter to the said VVilliam Carr Groom of the Bedchamber to King Iames widdow of Edmund Popham Esquire by whom he hath one son called VVilliam Which Thomas son and heir apparent to this Philip Lord VVharton hath married Anne one of the two daughters and coheirs to Sir Henry Lee of Dichley in Com. Oxon. Baronet Lord Paget 4 E. 6. THe first mention I find of any bearing this name who arriv'd to the dignity of Peerage is VVilliam Paget a person naturally endowed with excellent parts as may seem by his ascent from so low a condition to those high Preferments whereunto by sundry degrees he attained being son a to ... Paget one of the Serjeants at Mace in the City of London who was born near Wednsbury in Staffordshire of mean Parentage where 〈◊〉 were some of that generation till of late years remaining so that he might well say with the Poet Et quae non fecimus ipsi Vix ea nostra voco For in 23 H. 8. by reason of his great abilities he came to be one of the Clerks of the Signet And in 32 H. 8. Clerk of the Council As also Clerk of the Privy-Seale with the Fee of Thirty pounds per annum and soon after that Clerk of the Parliament for life In all which employments he deported himself with such sedulity and prudence as that in 33 H. 8. he was sent Embassador into France and upon his return from that honorable Negotiation made one of the principal Secretaries of State for so I find him in 35 H. 8. Moreover in 36 H. 8. being then a Knight he was constituted one of the Commissioners to Treat with Mathew Earl of Lenox touching the advancement of King Henry the Eighth's Interst in Scotland whereupon l that Earl was to marry the Lady Margaret Douglas King Henry's Neice And the same year attending that King in his Expedition to Boloin was associated with the Earl of Hertford and others to Treat with the Embassadors of France in order to a general accord betwixt both Realms In 37 H. 8. he obtained a grant to himself and Iohn Mason Esquire then Secretary to the King for the French Tongue and the survivor of them of the Office of Master of the Posts with the Fee of Sixty six pounds thirteen shillings four pence per an And in 38 H. 8 was one of the Commissioners which treated of and concluded a Peace with the French Shortly after which the King lying on his Death-bed he was constituted one of his Executors and appointed one of the Council to his successor King Edward the Sixth In the second year of whose Reign he obtained a grant in Fee of that House without Temple-Barr in the City of London then called Exeter-place formerly belonging to the Bishops of that See as also of a certain parcel of ground lying within the Garden of the Middle-Temple adjoyning thereto Which House he transformed into a new Fabrick for his own habitation and called it Paget-House But long it held not that name being from after-owners called next Leicester-House and at length Essex-House The next thing which I find memorable of him is that in 4 E. 6. he was sent Embassador to the Emperor Charles the Fifth to signifie how King Edward being on the one side distressed by the Scots and on the other by the French likewise miserably rent by intestine divisions at home necessity required speedy Succors from him else that he must submit to an inconvenient Peace with France And upon the Third of December the same year being then Knight of the most Noble Order of the Garter Comptroller of the Kings Houshold Chancellor of the Dutchy of Lancaster and called by Writ to the Parliment then sitting by the name of Lord Paget of Beaudsert in Com. Staff he took his place there amongst the rest of the Peers After which upon the 19 th of Ianuary next ensuing he had his solemn creation to that honor and within three dayes following was sent with the Earl of Bedford and Sir Iohn Mason again to treat of Peace with the French Notwithstanding all which great services such enemies he had that in 5 E. 6. upon the fall of the Duke of Somerset whose ruine was effected by the contrivance of Dudley Duke of Northumberland against whom the principal charge was that he had designed the Murther of some Noblemen at Pager-House this Lord was sent to the Tower and bereav'd of his Ensignes of the Garter But Money being not a little wanting at that time whereupon several persons
H. 8. continuing still Sergâ—ant at Arms he was constituted Steward of the Kings Lordship of Coly-Weston in that County This is doubtles the person of whom Sir Rob. Naunton in his Fragm Regalia speaks who being sent to the City as poor Gentlemen do their younger sons came to be a rich man on London-Bridge and purchased in Lincolnshire I now come to Richard his son This Richard in 22 H. 8. being groom of the Robes to that King obtained a Grant of the custody of UUarwick-Castle then in the Crown And in 32 H. 8. residing at Burghley near Stanford purchased the Priory of St. Michaels near that place commonly called UUyrthorp then newly dissolved and in the Crown by that stupendious dissolution of the Religious Houses at that time made In 34 H. 8. being then yeoman of the Wardrobe he was made Steward of the Kings Mannors of Nassyngton Yarwell and Upton in Com. North. for life and in 36 H. 8 purchased the Mannor of Esyngdon in Com. Rutl. then also in the Crown as parcel of the Earl of UUarwick's Lands In 37 H. 8. he surrendred his custody of UUarwick-Castle And having been Sheriff of Northampton-shire in 33 34 H. 8. departed this life shortly after whereupon he was buried in St. Martins Church in Stanford leaving issue by Iane his wife daughter and heir to William Heckinghton of Bourue in com Linc. Esquire William his son and heir and three daughters Margaret married to Roger Cave of Stanford in Com. North. Esquire Elizabeth to Robert Wingfeild of Upton Esquire and Anne to Thomas White of Tuxford in Com. Nott. Esquire Which William being a person of great learning singular judgment admirable moderation and comely gravity came to be the chiefest Statesman of the age wherein he lived unto whose prudence in Council much is attributed for the blessing then enjoyed by that prosperous and happy Government throughout the Reign of the long Queen Eliz. of famous memory The Birth of this William was at Burne in com Linc ... Sept. An. 1520. 12 H. 8. where he was also Christened and his education first at St. Iohns Colledge in Cambridge and next at Gravs-Inne where he studied the Laws But the original of his advancement in Court was by his being Master of the Requests to the Duke of Somerset Unkle and Protector to King Edward the sixth a Title before that time not known in this Realm through whose â—â—vor in 2 E. 6. he obtained a grant of the office of Custos Brevium in the Court of Common-Pleas and in 3 E. 6. was made Custos Rotulorum for Lincolnshire Shortly after which viz. in 5 E. 6. he was constituted one of the Principal Secretaries of State and of the Privy-Council and in 7 E. 6. Chancellor of the Garter with the fee of a hundred marks per annum in which perilous time wherein some prevailed for excluding the Lady Mary and Lady Elizabeth in the succession he opposed all he could though he subscribed with them For which respect notwithstanding his differing in Religion he found fair esteem from Queen Mary yet acted privately for the Lady Elizabeth by reason whereof upon the death of Queen Mary he was made choice of by Queen Elizabeth in the first year of her Reign for one of her Privy-Council and in the third constituted Master of the Wards As also sent with Doctor Nicholas Wotton Dean of Canterbury to Treat of Peace with the Scots And at length stood in such esteem with that Queen as that in 12 Eliz. divers of the Nobility stomacht at it but to colour their dislike made their complaints against him concerning that money which had been sent to the succor of the French Protestants which he easily answered and growing yet farther in her favor upon the 25 of February 13 Eliz. was advanced to the degree and dignity of a Baron of this Realm by the Title of Lord Burghley Shortly after which he was sent with Sir Walter Mildmay to the Queen of Scots then at Chatsworth in Com. Derb. to Treat with her in order to the composure to the troubles in Scotland and restoring her to her former estate as also for the safety of the young King her son and security of Queen Elizabeth And being found herein and in all other his deportments upright just and prudent upon the fifteenth of September in 14 Eliz. was constituted Lord Treasurer of England The next thing memorable of him is that in 15 Eliz. he was made choice of for one of the Peers upon tryal of the Duke of Norffolke And in 24 Eliz. one of the Commissioners authorised to Treat concerning the intended Marriage of Queen Eliz. with the Duke of Anjou But all that I have farther observed of him is that in 26 Eliz. he was installed Knight of the most Noble Order of the Garter and that being likewise Chancellor of the University of Cambridge by his Testament bearing date 1 Martii An. 1597. 40 Eliz. he bequeathed his body to be buried in comely sort as a Baron of Parliament in St. Martins Church at Stanford in Com. North in which Parish his house at Burleigh is scituate where he had made a burial place for his Grandfather Father and Mother as also for himself and others which might succeed but not above a thousand pounds to be bestowed on his Funeral whereof one hundred pounds in Charitable uses And departing this life at his house in the Strand in the subburbs of London then called Burleigh-house but since Exeter-house upon the fourth of August An. 1598. 40 Eliz. was buryed in that Church of St. Martin in Stanford with this Epitaph upon his Monument Deo opt maximo Memoriae sacrum Honoratissimus longè clarissimus D. Gulielmus Cecilius Baro de Burgleigh summus Angliae Thesaurarius Curiae pupillorum praefectus Georgiani ordinis eques auratus serenissimae Elizabethae Angliae c. Reginae à sanctioribus consiliis Academiae Cantabrigienfis Cancellarius sub hoc Tumulo secundum Christi adventum manet Qui ob eximias animi dotes primùm à secretis fult Edwardo sexto Angliae Regi deinde Reginae Elizabethae sub quâ in maximis gravissimis hujus Regni causis spectatus inpriâ—is probatus veram Religionem promovendo concilio aequitate constantia magnisque in Rempub. meritis honores consecutus summos cum naturae gloriae satis patriae autem parum vixisset placidè in Christo obdormivit Vxores habuit duas Mariam sororem Iohannis Cheeke equitis aurati e quâ genuit filium unicum Thomam nunc Baronem de Burghley Mildredam filiam Antonii Cooke equitis aurati quae illi peperit Robertum Cecilium equitem auratum Reginae Elizabethae à secretis Curiae Pupillorum praefectum Annam enuptam
of that Christian name who being a Divine was first Archdeacon of Totnes in com Devon next Dean of Bristol and chief Chanter in the Cathedral at Salisbury afterwards Dean of the Kings Chapel and Dean of Christ-Church in Oxford lastly Dean of Exeter and Windsore This Dean by Anne his wife Daughter of Sir Nicholas Harvey Knight had issue George who at the age of fourteen years became a Fellow Commoner in University-Colledge Oxon. But shortly after betook himself to military imployments being in that Voiage to Cadez in An. 1596. 38 Eliz. and afterwards serving in Ireland against the Rebels of that Kingdom was made President of Munster in 43 Eliz. where joining his Forces with the Earl of Thomond he took divers Castles and strong Holds in those parts viz. Logher Crome Glane Carigâ—oile Corgrag Ruthmore and Cahit and brought the titular Earl of Desmond one of the most active Rebels there to his Tryal He was likewise a Privy Councellor and Master of the Ordnance to the Queen in that Realm Also in 1 Iac. constituted Governor of the Isle of Garnsey and Castle of Cornet And having married Ioyce the sole daughter and heir to William Clopton of Clopton in com War Esquire was by Letters Patents bearing date 4 Iunii 3 Iac. advanced to the degree and dignity of a Baron by the title of Lord Carew of Clopton After that he was made Master of the Ordinance for life and in 14 Iac. sworn of the Privy Council Being also a person of great repute for his excellent parts he was upon the fifth of February 1 Car. 1. created Farl of Totnes Besides these his noble imployments 't is not a little observable that being a great lover of Antiquities he wrote an Historical Account of all those memorable passages which hapned in Ireland during the term of those three years that he continued there intituled Hibernia pacata printed at London in An. 1633. And that he made an ample Collection of many Chronological and choice observations as also of divers exact Maps relating to sundry parts of that Realm Some whereof are now in the publick Library at Oxford but most of them in the hands of Sir Robert Shirley of Stanton Harold in com Leic. Baronet bought of his Executors And departing this life without issue upon the twenty seventh of March An. 1629. 5 Car. 1. at the Savoy in the Strand in the Suburbs of London at that time near seventy four years of age was buried at Stratford upon Avon near Clopton before-mentioned leaving Ioyce his wife surviving Which Ioyce afterwards dyed at Twyckedham in com Mid. 14 Ian. 1636. 12 Car. 1. and was also buried at Stratford Thomas Lord Knivet of Escrick 5 Iac. THis Family of Knivet antiently seated in Norfolk at length came to possess Buckenham-Castle in that County by the marriage of an heir of Clifton to whom it descended through heirs Female from William de Albini which William built it as I have elsewhere shewed shortly after the Norman-Conquest A branch whereof was Iohn Knivet made Chancellor of England and Keeper of the great Seal in 46 E. 3. Likewise another Iohn who in 10 H. 4 by Alianore his Mother daughter to Raphe Lord Basset of Weldon in Com. North. came at length to possess a fair inheritance upon partition of Bassets Lands And Sir William Knivet Knight for the body to King Henry the Eighth Also Edmund Knivet of Ashwelthorpe in com Norff. Esquire Sergeant Porter to the King who married Ioane the daughter and heir to Iohn Bourchier Lord Berners And this Sir Thomas Knivet Knight one of the Gentlemen of the Privy-Chamber to King Iames who in An. 1605. 3 Iac. upon that obscure intimation given by a Letter directed to the Lord Montegle of the danger which was like to besal those who should come to the ensuing Parliament being then a Justice of Peace in Westminster was sent to make search in the Vaults and Cellers underneath the House of Lords and coming about midnight thither with some few in his company found a man standing without doors in boots whereupon entring the Vaults and turning over certain billets and fagots there laid under colour of winter-fewel for Mr. Thomas Percy who had hired a house near thereunto discovered thirty six barrels of Gun-powder the person in boots being Guido Faux Mr. Percie 's servant who should have put fire to the Trayn upon the first day of the Parliament After which upon the fourth of Iuly 5 Iac. being summoned to the Parliament then siting by the title of Lord Knivet of Escrick in com Ebor. it being the last day of that Session took his place accordingly amongst the rest of the Peers of this Realm And having married Elizabeth daughter of Sir Rouland Hayward Alderman of the City of London widdow of Richard Warren of ... in com Essex Esquire departed this life without issue at his house in Bingstreet Westminster 27 Apr. 1622. Whereupon he had Burial in the Church of Stanwell in com Mid. where there is a noble monument erected to his memory with an Epitaph which informs us that he was first of the Royal Bed-Chamber to Queen Eliz. and next of Council to Queen Anne wife of King Iames. Sir Gervase Clifton Knight Lord Clifton 6 Iac. THis Sir Gervase Clifton of Layton-Bromswould in com Hunt Knight being a branch of the antient Family of Clifton of Clifton in com Not. had the title of Lord Clifton by Writ of Summons to Parliament 9 Iulii 6 Iac. but of him I have not seen any thing farther memorable than his commitment to the Tower 30 Dec. 15 Iac. by reason he expressed that he was sorry he had not stabed Sir Francis Bacon Knight then Lord Keeper of the great Seal for decreeing a case in Chancery against him and that in October An. 1618. 16 Iac. he murthered himself leaving issue by Catherine his Wife sole daughter and heir to Sir Henry Darcie of Brimham in com Ebor. Knight son and heir to Sir Arthur Darcie Knight a younger son to Thomas Lord Darcie one sole daughter and heir called Catherine who became the wife of Esme Steward Lord d'Aubigny a place in the Dutchy of Avergne in France son to Iohn Lord d'Aubigny younger Brother to Mathew Earl of Lenox in Scotland Which Esme being afterwards Earl of March as also Duke of Richmund and Lenox as in due place I shall shew by the said Catherine his wife had issue divers Sons of whom there is no issue remaining excepting of Catherine the daughter of George Lord Aubignie the fourth of them sister and sole heir to Charles Duke of Richmund and Lenox her brother lately deceased Which Catherine now the wife of Henry Lord Obrien son and heir to Henry Earl of Themond in Ireland making her claym
Devonshire of that Family by whom he left no Issue surviving Secondly Anne the sole Daughter and Heir to Sir Anthony Everard of Langleis in Com. Essex Knight by whom he left Issue one only surviving Son named William who succeeded him in his Honours and five Daughters viz. Susan Iane Anne Elizabeth and Mary whereof the two eldest died unmarried and of the rest Anne became the Wife of Sir Henry Wrothe of Durance in Com. Midd. Knight Elizabeth of Iohn Wroth of Longhton in Com. Essex Esq and Mary of Sir Rapâ—e Bovey of Caxton in Com. Cantabr Knight and departing this life upon the eighteenth day of December an 1639. was buried in the Vault of the Parish-Church at Little Estanes before mention'd Which William so succeeding him is now Comptroller of his Majesties Houshold and married two Wives First Dorothy sole Daughter and Heir to Sir Robert Banaster of Passenham in Com. Northampton Knight by whom he hath Issue two Sons Banaster Maynard and William Which William hath married the Lady Elizabeth Grey Daughter to Henry late Earl of Kent Surviving Dorothy his first Wife he hath since wedded the Lady Margaret Murray youngest Daughter to Iames Earl of Dyzert in Scotland and by her hath Issue one Son called Henry and Elizabeth a Daughter Lord Coventrie 4 Car. 1. THat the study and practise of our Common-Law hath raised many Men to great Wealth and Honour there is demonstration sufficient from sundry examples in all ages Amongst which these of Thomas Coventrie the Father and Thomas his Son are not the least For of Thomas the Father whose Birth was in Worcestershire and descent from Iohn Covenâ—rie Mercer Son of William Coventrie of the City of Coventrie Sheriff of London with Robert Whitington in an 1416. 4 H. 5. and Lord Mayor or of that City in an 1425. 4 H. 6. as also one of the Executors of Richard Whitington founder of Whitington Colledge I find that being a member of that honourable Society of the Inner-Temple London he became so happy a proficient in his Studies there as that in 38 Eliz. he was chosen Reader of that House for the Autumn Lecture though at that time hindred in performing the task by reason of a great Plague which then raged in London so that he Read not till Lent next following And ascending still higher in esteem in respect of his eminent knowledge was elected to the state and degree of a Serjeant at Law upon that Call in Easter-Term 1 Iac. As also in 3 Iac. to be the Kings Seâ—jeant and in Hillary Term before the end of that year being constituted one of the Justices for the Court of Common-Pleas sate on that Bench till xv Martini 4 Iac. inclusive but died shortly after as it seems leaving Thomas his Son and Heir whom he had entred of that Inne of Court Which Thomas pursuing his Fathers steps in those laudable Sâ—udies was made choice of for the Autumn-Reader in 14 Iac. being then Recorder of London Also shortly after that the Kings Sollicitor And upon the 16. of March before the end of that year was Knighted at â—heobalds In 15 Iac. being one of the Senior Benchers of that House he underwent the office of Treasurer there and in 18 Iac. was made the Kings Attorney General Rising by these gradations in 1 Car. 1 Nov. he was advanced to â—hat eminent Office of Lord Keeper of the Great Seal of England and upon the tenth of April 4 Car. 1. dignified with the degree of a Baron of this Realm by the title of â—ord Coventrie of Ailesboroâ—gh in Com. Wigorn. Aftter which continuing in that Office with much Honour for the full term of fifteen years and upwards he departed this life at Durham-House in the Strand 14 Ian. an 1639. 15 Car. 1. and was buried in the Parish Church of Crome D'abitot in Com. Wigorn. leaving Issue by Sarah his first Wife Daughter to Edward Sebright of Blacksall in Com. Wigorn. Esq Thomas his Son and Heir and Elizabeth a Daughter married to Sir Iohn Hâ—re of Stow Bâ—rdolf in Com. Norfolk Knight And by Elizabeth his second Wife Daughter to Iohn Ardersey of Spursâ—ow in Com. Câ—ster Esq four Sons Iohn Francis Henry now one of his Majesties Principal Secreâ—aries of State and Sir William Coventrie Knight As also four Daughters Anne married to Sir William Savile of 〈◊〉 in Com. Ebor. Baronet Mary to Henry-Frederick â—hynne second Son to Sir Thomas Thynne of Loâ—g-Lete in Com. Wilts Knight Anne to Sir Anthâ—ny Ashley Cooper of Winburne St. Giles in Com. Dorset Baronet since advanced to the titles of Baron Ashley and Earl of Shaftsbuâ—y and Dorothy to Sir Iohn Pâ—ckington of Westwood in Com. Wigorn Baronet Which Thomas his Son and Heir succeeding him in his Honour married Mary Daughter to Sir William Crâ—ven Knight Lord Mayor of London in an 1611. 9 Iac. and departed this life ... Oct. an 1662. lâ—aving Issue two Sons Geoâ—ge and Thomas but no Daughter Which George now Lord Coventrie married Maâ—garâ—t Daughter to Iohn Earl of Thanâ—t and by her hath Issue Iohn his only Son and Margareâ— a Daughter Weston Earl of Portland 4 Car. 1. IN an 1619. 17 Iac. Sir Richard Weston Knight Son and Heir to Sir Hierome Weston of Roxwell in Com. Essex Knight Son of Richard Weston one of the Justices of the Court of Common-Pleas from the first to the fourteenth year of Queen Eliz. reign and descended from the ancient Family of Weston sometimes of Weston subtus Liziard in Com. Staff being a person of great abilities was sent Embassador with Sir Edward Conway into Bohemia to close up the breach betwixt the Emperour and the Elector Palatine and the next ensuing vear was himself imployed to Bruxells in Flanders there to treat with the Embassadors of the Emperour and King of Spain touching the restitution of the Palaâ—inate Soon after which he was made choice of to be Chancellor and under-Treasurer of the Exchequer Which Office he underwent with such Wisdom and Integrity that upon the twenty fifth of May 22 Iac. he had a Commission to execute the Office of Treasurer of the Exchequer during the Kings pleasure Which trust he performed so well as that upon the thirteenth of April 4 Car. 1. he was advanced to the dignity of a Baron of this Realm by the title of Lord Weston of Neyland and on the fifteenth of Iuly following constituted Lord Treasurer of England Also upon the ninth of April 6 Car. 1. elected Knight of the most noble Order of the Garter and on the 8 th of February next following made Captain of the Isle of Wight Lastly upon the 17 th of February 8 Car. 1. created Earl of Portland He married two Wives First Elizabeth Daughter to William Pinchion of Wriâ—â—le in Com. Essex Esq by whom he