ãâã with all assurance That he would thenceforth approve himself faithful to him And accordingly That he might have the better credit did for a while give him such assistance that he raised the Siege which the Danes had made against the City of London and worsted them so in sundry places that they were constrained to retreat to their Ships and had not this treacherous Eadric hindered the pursuit at Eangelsford where they were routed the Victory there had been absolute Howbeit that opportunity thus lost and the Danes getting all their strength together the King with his whole power encountring them at Assandune in Essex might then have put a period to the dispute but that this perfidious Earl discerning that at the first onset he was like to have the better of the day most trayterously fled with all that part of the English Army whereof he had the conduct so that the remainder being exposed to the fury and cruelty of the Danes was utterly routed many of the English Nobility thereby losing their lives having never had the like loss in any Battle Nor was this wicked Eadric yet satisfied but to compleat his execrable design of destroying the King himself conspired his murther which he caused his Son to effect by a Knife stricken up into his Fundament when he went to ease nature And having thus done he presently went to the Queen who being ignorant of the matter took her two Sons Edward and Edmund and delivered them to Canute What expectations this ambitious Man then had of farther advancement and reward from Canute for all his most horrid and nefarious exploits is not hard to imagine but these being neither such so soon as looked for moved him to expostulate thereupon with Canute and at length to upbraid him with those his services which so exasperated Canute that he said Forasmuch as thou hast with thy own mouth acknowledged thy self guilty of murthering thy rightful King and Natural Lord thou hast judged thy self and thereupon causing him to be bound hand and foot commanded that he should be thrown into the Thames and drowned which was accordingly done fearing otherwise that himself might be destroyed some time or other by his wicked treacheries Others report that Canute said thus Because thou hast by this fact thought to please me I will advance thee higher than all the Noblemen of England and that thereupon he commanding his Head to be cut off set it upon a Pole on the highest Gate in London and his Body to be cast without the Walls of the City This perfidious Eadric had to Wife Edgythe Daughter of King Ethelred Son of King Edgar and by her that only Son who was the Murtherer of King Edmund Ironside as hath been already observed ¶ To him succeeded in this Earldom of Mercia Leofwine descended from Leofric Earl of Leicester or rather Chester in the time of King Ethelbald of which Leofwyne I find no other mention than that he was Earl of this Province of Mercia and that he left Issue these three Sons viz. Leofric who was afterwards also ãâã of Mercia Norman a powerful Friend and special Agent for the Monks of Crouland being the greatest of all the Military Officers belonging to Earl Eadric before-mentioned as also his Sheriffs and murthered with him in the year 1018. though faultless And Edwyne a witness d to the Charter of King Canute made to the Monks of Crouland in An. 1032. This Leofric was Earl of Chester in the time of King Ethelred and made Earl of Mercia by the title of Dux by King Canute for his Brother Normans sake who was undeservedly killed as hath been said being afterwards very much beloved by that King He is by some of our Historians called Earl of Hereford but that was I presume by reason of his residence at Hereford sometimes it having been usual in former times to call those persons Earls of such places whereat they did reside as is evident in those of Striguil Arundel Tutbury and others though they were Earls of certain Counties in or near whereunto those Castles where they lived then stood Upon the death of King Canute there being no little controversie amongst the great Men of the Land touching the Succession to the Crown this Noble Leofric with other principal persons on the North of Thames advanced Harold-Harfot Son to Canute unto the Throne And in the year 1041. there being an Insurrection at Worcester in respect of a General Tax imposed by King Hardi-Canute he together with Godwyne the West Saxon Earl and Siward Earl of Northumberland was sent to appease the same And upon the death of Hardi-Canute was one of the cheif that raised King Edward the Confessor at that time in Normandy to the Crown Moreover in the year 1051. upon the Rebellion of the same Earl Godwyne he with Earl Siward came with great Forces to the King then at Gloucester This Earl Leofric was a person of singular Piety About the beginning of King Edwards Reign he Founded a great Monastery at Coventry and then endowing it with no less than Twenty four fair Lordships so far inriched it with several Ornaments as that there was not to be found in any Religious House of England so much Gold Silver Jewels and precious Stones as in it Nay William of Malmsbury affirmeth That it was inriched and beautified with so much Gold and Silver that the Walls seemed too narrow to contain it insomuch as Robert de Limesie Bishop of Coventry for so he was then called though afterward Leichfield was added to the Title in the time of King William Rufus scraped from one Beam which supported the Shrines Five hundred Marks of Silver Nor was this all for it appears that Egelnoth Archbishop of Canterbury in his return from Rome at Pavia there purchased the Arm of the famous S. Augustine sometime Bishop of Hippo for which he gave no less than an Hundred Talents of Silver and one Talent of Gold and for the love which he bore to this Earl Leofric sent it to this Religious House which precious Relick was placed in a Silver Shrine One thing more very memorable Ailredus Rievallensis in his observations upon the life and miracles of King Edward the Confessor doth report viz. That this devout Leofric upon a time attending that pious King near the Altar in the Abbey Church of S. Peter at Westminster which he had Founded at the elevation of the Host beheld the Real Body of Christ standing on the Floor and with his right hand depicting the Sign of the Cross upon King Edward And that stepping towards the King to let him know what he had seen The King said Stand still Lâofrick stand still I see that which thou seeât Also that after Mass was ended he farther said My Lâofric I do conjure thee that so long as we live thââ dost not
was slaim Which Grant of Hetlege in Suffolk was confirmed by the same Lady Elflede his Wife After him Harold Son to Earl Godwyne was Earl of this County but upon the death of Earl Godwyne his Father the Earldom of the West Saxons being given to him he quitted this of Essex unto Algar Son to Leofric Earl of Chester of which Algar I purpose to speak under the title of the Earls of Mercia Earls of East Angles or Norfolk THe first Earl of this Province of whom I have seen any mention is Aethelstan who was then Half-Koning id est Semi-Rex and this was in the time of Aethelstan King of England Which Earl Aethelstan taking to Wife a certain Woman named Alfwen afterwards Nurse to King Edgar had by her four Sons viz. Ethelwold Alfwold Ethelsine and Ailwine This Earl Aethelstan in his later days devoting himself to a Religious life was shorn a Monk in the Abbey of Glastonbury in Somersetshire The name of his Wife was Alwen but whose Daughter is not exprest Foundress of the Nunnery of Chateriz in Cambridgshire Which Alwen gave Weston to the Monks of Ramsey but was buried at Chateriz To Aethelstan succeeded in this Earldom his eldest Son Ethelwold by some called Ethelwolfe in the time of King Edgar of whom there is this memorable Relation viz That King Edgar after the death of that fair Lady Elflede his Queen having heard how great same Alfrida Daughter to Ordgar Earl of Devon had for her beauty privately sent this Earl Ethelwolfe as his cheif Confident to see if she was such a one as general report had represented her to be Who accordingly took his journey to her Fathers House in those parts and finding her in all respects really to be no less than had been exprest of her he bethought himself how to delude the King and obtain her for his Wife and thereupon made his Addresses to Earl Ordgar her Father to that purpose Who being an aged and an infirm Man and discerning this Ethelwolfe to be a comely person and skilful in the exercise of Arms concluded That he might be a fit match for this his sole Daughter and Heir as being able to defend her Rights and thereupon gave his assent thereto upon condition That the King would assent Having thus far proceeded Ethelwolfe returns and tells the King That indeed she was a Lady of a beautiful Countenance but much deformed of Body whereupon the King being content to let her alone Ethelwolfe intreated his good will that he might have her himself by which means a fair accession of Lands and Riches might come to his own Estate and soon obtained his desire Whereupon within a short space after he took her to Wife and begetting upon her a Son prevailed with the King to be one of his Godfathers Having thus accomplished his desires first in the enjoyment of a Son and next in this Alliance to the King by that Spiritual Kinred he then revealed to his Wife the whole story how he had deluded the King who had so great a desire to have married heâ which much abated her after affections to him though she made no words thereof But at length it so hapned that the truth of this Earl Ethelwolfs actings in this business being fully made known at Court the King hasted speedily into Devonshire under colour of Hunting in those parts and returned not till he had seen this fair Lady with whose beauty he became so enamored that he caused a place of entertainment to be prepared for her and her Husband near the Wood wherein he was to hunt unto which he was no sooner returned from his sports but he saw her with his little God-son whom Ethelwolfe soon presented to him the King thereupon embracing her in his Arms and kissing her After which being enflamed with the love of her he had little rest his thoughts tending to nothing so much as the full enjoyment of her For the accomplishing therefore of that his desire he calls a Parliament within eight days following at Salisbury in which all his Nobles of the Land being met he proposed to their consideration the safe custody of Northumberland against the irruptions of the Danes Whereupon this Earl Ethelwolfe was resolved on for the custody of York and the parts adjacent But so the design was laid that he should never return back as it seems for passing through the Forest of Werwelle in Hantshire he was set upon by certain armed Men sent thither by the King to lie in wait for him and there barbarously murthered The news whereof was no sooner brought to the Court than that the King sent for that beautiful Lady and with great joy made her his wife the same day both of them wearing Crowns on their Heads But on the morrow morning Dunstan Archbishop of Canterbury afterwards better known by the name of Saint Dunstan came into the Kings Lodging Chamber and boldly asked him who that was that he had there in Bed with him and it being answered The Queen the good Archbishop plainly replied That it was against the Laws of God and Holy Church thus adulterously to lie with her whose Son he had been Godfather to in regard of their Spiritual Kinred After which time she never loved S. Dunstan yet he ceased not to admonish the King of that fault though to little purpose All that I have farther to say of this fair Alfrida is First That she bore unto King Edgar two Sons Edmund who died in his childhood and Ethelred commonly called the Vnready who at his Baptism pist in the Font whereupon this holy Man S. Dunstan prophecied That in him the Dominion of the English should have its period wherein he was not much wide as our Historians do tell And secondly That to expiate the murther of Earl Ethelwold her Husband she Founded a Monastery of Nuns at Werewelle beforementioned To this Earl Ethelwold so murthered as hath been said succeeded Ethelwine by some called Egelwine or Ailwine his youngest Brother in this Earldome which Ailwine was the pious Founder of that great Abbey of Ramsey in Huntingdonshire at the special instance of Oswald Archbishop of York whereunto he then gave Two hundred Hides of Land This is that pious Earl Ethelwine who when Elfare Earl of Mercia and divers other great Men upon the death of the good King Edgar being blinded with gifts would have turned out those Abbots and Monks out of the Monasteries which had been therein placed by that King stoutly stood up with his Brother Alfwold and Earl Brithnoth then Earl of ... and opposed the same in an open Synod affirming That they would never endure that the Monks should be expelled the Kingdom who were the Supporters of all Religion therein whereupon he was termed Dei Amicus This was also that famous Ailwine who had the title of Totius Angliae Aldermannus id
younger Son of the last mentioned Roberâ Mortimer This William vulgarly called William la Zouch of Mortimer for the Reasons before specified in 1 Edw. 3. then possessing the Mannor of Ashby de la Zouch in Com. Leic. had a Grant of the custody of the Lands of Glamorgan and Morgannoc with power to dispose of the Towns Castles and Lordships within those Territories as he should think most meet for the Kings advantage For which service he was to receive out of the Revenue of those Lands in time of peace two hundred marks with allowance for thirty Men at Arms to besiege the Castle of Kaersilly if it should not be then rendred And in 2 Edw. 3. was made Justice of all the Forests South of Trent as also Constable of the Tower of London In 4 Edw. 3. this William and Alianore his Wife one of the Daughters and Heirs to Gilbert de Clare sometime Earl of Glocester and Widow of Hugh le Despencer the younger were in Parliament restored to their Lands of Glamorgan and Morgannoc as also to the Mannors of Hanley in Com. Wigorn. and Temsbury in Com. Gloc. which were the Inheritance of her the said Alianore and had been extorted from her by Roger Mortimer Earl of March to be by him passed to the King in consideration of a thousand pounds But about this time having been a firm friend to Edmund of Woodstoke Earl of Kent Uncle to the King after the fall of that Earl was sought for by the Sheriff of Glocestershire and at length rendring himself to prison was by the Kings favor dismissed In 6 Edw. 3. with the same Alianore his Wife he accompanied the Lady Alianore the Kings Sister in her journey beyond Sea For which respect the King was pleased to accept of that debt of Three thousand six hundred sixty and six pounds thirteen shillings four pence due by him to the Exchequer to be paid by Five hundred marks per annum at Michaelmass and Easter by even portions And in 7 Edw. 3. having some difference with Hugh de Audley a great Baron-Marcher at that time he raised Forces in the Marches of Wales against the said Hugh which occasioned the King to send a special Precept to him for to desist therein In 9 Edw. 3. he was in that expedition then made into Scotland and about this time calling himself by the name of Zouch and Son of Robert de Mortimer sometime Lord of Ricards-Castle confirmed to the Canons of Haghnion in Com. Salop. the Grant of the Mill at Rochesford made to them formerly by Hugh de Say and Lucia his Wife Daughter of Walter de Clifford Son of Richard Son of Ponce his Predeceffors and the Ratification b thereof by Hugh de Mortimer his Grand-father And upon the first of March An. 1335. 10 Edw. 3. departing this life was buried in the midst of our Ladies Chappel at Theoksbury leaving issue by the before specified Alianore his second Wife a Son called Hugh the custody of whose Lands by reason of his minority were committed to Alan la Zouch of Mortimer Son to this last mentioned William by Alice de Toeny his first Wife Sister and Heir to Robert de Toeny and Widow of Guy de Beauchamp Earl of Warwick Which Alan then proving his age and performing his homage had Livery of the Lands of her Inheritance And in 14 Edw. 3. attended the King into Flanders In 15 Edw. 3. this Alan was in that expedition then made into Scotland as also in that into France in 16 Edw. 3. the King being likewise there in person at that time And in 18 Edw. 3. obtained a Charter for Free Warren in all his Demesn Lands at Ashby de la Zouch Swartcâiffe Braââthorpe and Daâcroât in Com. Leic. Swavesey Drotton and Fulburne in Com. Cantab. Trene Nortbourne and Chillington in Com. Suss. In 20 Edw. 3. he attended the King into France and was with him as it is like in that great Battle of Cressy where the English were victorious but shortly after that viz. the same year about the Feast of All-Saints he departed this life leaving Hugh his Son and Heir Fifteen years of age and Alianore his Wife surviving The Wardship of which Hugh was committed to Iohn de Beauchamp until he should be of full age Which hapned in 34 Ed. 3. when making proof thereof and doing his homage he had Livery of his Lands And in 47 Ed. 3. accompanied Iohn of Gant Duke of Lancaster in his expedition then made into Flanders being at that time a Knight But this is all I have seen of him other than that he had issue one Son called Hugh and Ioyce a Daughter who took to Husband Sir Iohn Botctourt of Weoley Castle in Com. Wigorn. Knight and by the death of her Brother Hugh without issue became his Heir Mortimer of Attilbergh THe first of these Mortimers that had to do in Norfolk for ought I have seen was Robert de Mortimer who in 17 Ioh. being in Arms against the King with the Rebellious Barons forfeited his Lands in Hecleveston in Com. Linc. which were thereupon given to Robert de Mortimer of Ricards Castle in Com. Heref. But hence I must make a great leap viz. unto 11 Edw. 1. finding nothing of his descendants till that time that William de Mortimer of Attilbergh in Com. Norf. obtained the Kings Charter for a Market at Stanford in that County every week upon the Tuesday and a Fair upon Whitson-Eve Whit-Sunday and the morrow following This William in 22 Edw. 1. upon the Kings going into Gaâcoigne received command to fit himself with Horse and Arms as the chief Men in England then did and to attend the King at Portsmouth upon the first of September to assist him against the French And in 25 Edw. 1. had Summons to Parliament amongst the Barons In which year being again in France with the Earl of Lincoln to relieve Bellagard at that time besieged by the Earl of Arras he was taken prisoner and carried to Paris where he died as it seems being then called William de Mortimer of Kingstone and seised of certain Lands in Herleveston in Com. Linc. and of the Mannor of Kingstone in Com. Cantabr As also of certain Lands in Attisbergh Sculton and Bernham in Com. Norf. leaving Constantine his Son and Heir sixteen years of age Which Constantine in 4 Edw. 2. was in that expedition then made into Scotland So likewise in 7 Edw. 2. and 8 Edw. 2. And in 13 Edw. 2. had Licenâe to make a Castle of his House at Scultoâ in Com. Norf. To the trust of this Constantine in 19 Edw. 2. upon the death of Thomas de
Robert de Willoughby her next Heir viz. Son of William Son of Alice Sister of Eliz. Mother of her the said Maude then twenty six years of age But I returne to Richard In 3 Hen. 5. this Richard was in that expedition then made into France but before the end of that year finding himself infirme he made his Testament viz. 6 Aug. ann 1415. by which he bequeathed his Body to be buried in the Conventual Church of the Priory at Colne in Essex where his Ancestors lay Interred and gave to Alice his Wife all his personal Estate to pay his Debts discharge his Funeral and to dispose for pious uses After which viz. in 4 Hen. 5. he became riteined to serve the King in person in his Warrs of France but died the same year on the morrow after S. Valentines day leaving issue by Alice his Wife one of the Daughters and Heirs of Sir Richard Sergeaux Knight two Sons Iohn and Robert Which Robert took to Wife Ioane the Widow of Nicholas Lord Carew Daughter to Sir Hugh Courtney of Hacham Knight and Heir to her Mother Philippa one of the Daughters and Heirs to Sir Warine Archdeacon Knight and had issue Iohn who married Alice Daughter and Heir to Walter Kilrington alias Colebroke by whome he had issue Iohn Vere who after the death of that Earl Iohn commonly called Little Iohn of Camps became Earl of Oxford as I shall shew anon which Alice Viz. Widow to this last mentioned Earl Richard having then for her Dower an assignation of the Mannors of Over-Hall and Nether-Hall in Lavenham the Mannor of Bumstede at the Tower called Gebons the Mannor of Fingerith Great-Canefeld and Dodinghurst with that Mannor of Bumstede called Countess-Meadow in Bumstede Helion in Com. Essex but afterwards taking to Husband Nicholas Thurley Esq without the K. licence her Dowry was seised and Thurley imprisoned in the Tower of London untill by a fine of one years value of that her Dowry he obtained a Pardon for the Transgression I Now come to Iohn Son and Heir to Earl Richard who was nine years of age at his Fathers death This Iohn succeeding in his Fathers Honors was amongst others made Knight by the King at Leicester on Whitsunday 4 H. 6. the King himself having then received that Honor at the hands of his Uncle the Duke of Bedford And in 7 H. 6 being then in Ward having married Elizabeth the Daughter of Sir Iohn Howard the younger Knight without Licence did for the Summe of two thousand pounds to be paid into the Exchequer obtain pardon for that Transgression Before the end of which year making proof of his age and doing his Homage he had Livery of his Lands In 13 Henr. 6. this Earl Iohn obtained Licence to travail towards the Holy-Land with twelve persons of his Company and to take with him an hundred pounds in Money and to receive five hundred Marks more by way of Exchange In 14 Hen. 6. he went into Piâardy for the relief of Calais and the same year performing his Homage had Livery of all those Lands which by the death of Margaret the Wife of Sir Iohn Howard Knight descended to Elizabeth her Daughter whom he had married In 17 Hen. 6. he was joyned in Commission with Iohn Duke of Norfolk and others to treat with Charles de Valoys or his Embassadors touching a perpetual peace betwixt this Realm and France And in 32 Hen. 6. together with the Earls of Salisbury Saâop Worcester Wilts and some other Lords undertook to keep the Seas for three years next following being allowed the Subsidies of Tunnage and Poundage then granted for that service But when King Edward the fourth attained the Crown the Lancastrean party whereof this Earl was one soon fell for that King in the first year of his Reign calling a Parliament upon the fourth of November wherein King Henry the sixth and all his Linage were disherited caused this Earl Iohn and Auberie his eldest Son together with the Dukes of Exeter and Somerset and many other to be attainted and at several times after beheaded them on Tower Hill The Inquisition taken in 3 Edw. 4. after this his Death saith that he died 26 Februar 1 Edw. 4. and that Iohn his Son and Heir was at the time of the taking thereof twenty years of age Of his issue which he had by Elizabeth his Wife before mentioned there were five Sons viz. Aubery who suffered death with him Iohn who succeeded him Sir George Sir Richard and Sir Thomas all Knights and three Daughters viz. Mary a Nunn at Berking in Esseâ Ioane married to Sir William Norres of Yatenden Knight and Elizabeth to William Son and Heir to Henry Bourchier Earl of Essex In 3 and 4 Edw. 4 the King in Parliament upon the Petition of this Iohn Earl of Oxford mentioned the Act of Attainder of Robert Duke of Ireland in 11 R. 2. as also the restoration of Aubery de Vere in 16 R. 2. and the Annullation of the Act of 11. In 21 R. 2. as also the revoking that in 1 Hen. 4. Repealed that of 1 Hen. 4. which had been made in affirmance of the Act of 11 R. 2. as touching the said Earle of Oxford which had formerly repealed the Act of 21 Ric. 2. And as concerning him revived the Act of 21 Ric. 2. with a salvo to the King and his Heirs of any Right Title or Interest which he had or might have to any of those Lands which were Robert Earl of Oxford's with divers provisions and exceptions therein mentioned This Iohn in 10 Ed. 4 being one of those that then adhered to King Henry the sixth in order to his restoration which hapned that year though it held but a while sate High Steward for the Trial of Iohn Tiptoft Earl of Worceser who thereupon had Judgement of death and was beheaded on Tower-Hill But the Scene soon altered again for King Edward returning and getting strength met Richard Nevil the stout Earl of Warwick at that time King Henrys chiefest Champion at Barnet in Com. Midd. in the left Wing of whose Army this our Earl was placed with some Horse as Polyd. Virg. affirmeth Others say in the right wing and that leading the Van ward the Kings people were through his valor overmacht so that many ran away and carried news to London that the Earl of Warwick had won the Field Which might have fallen out true had not preposterous fortune hapned to his men who having a Starr with streams for their Liveries were not by reason of the mist distinguished from King Edwards men and through that mistake shot at one another Whereupon crying Treason he Fled with eight hundred of his Souldiers So that all his party being thus unhappily
and Heir Anne his Widdow surviving who became the Wife of Sir Reginald Cobham Knight The other was Sir Lewes Clifford Knight whose memory is not a little famous in two respects First for that he was one of the Companions of the most noble Order of the Garter and secondly that having been seduced by those hot-headed Zealots of that time called Lollards amongst which he was d one of the chief and being at length sensible of his error he discovered their Schismatical Tenets to the Archbishop of Canterbury to the end it might appear that he had sided with them not out of Malice but Ignorance and the simplicity of his Heart Of which he did cordially repent as may seem by those remarkable expressions which he used in his last Will and Testament a transcript whereof I have thought fit here to Exhibit IN Nomine Patris Filii Spiritus Sancti Amen The sevententhe day of September the yere of our Lord Iesu Christ a thousand foure hundred and foure I Lowys Clyfforth fals and Traytor to my Lord God and to all the blessed company of Heuene and unworthi to be clepyd a Cristen man make and ordeyne my Testament and my last Will in this manere At the begynning I most unworthi and Goodis Traytor recommaunde my wrechid and synfule Soule hooly to the Grace and to the grete mercy of the blessed Trynytie and my wrechid Careyne to be beryed in the ferthest corner of the Chirchezerd in which Pariche my wrechid Soule departeth froâ my Body And I prey and charge my Survivors and myne Executors as they wollen answere tofore God and as all myne hoole trust in this matere is in hem that on my stinkiâg Careyne be neyther leyd Clothe of Gold ne of Silke but a black Clothe and a Caper at myne hed and another at my fete ue Stone ne other thinge whereby any man may witt where my stinkyng Careyne liggeth And to that Chirche do myne Executors all thingis whiâh owen duly in such caas to be don without eny more cost saaf to pore men And also I prey my Survivors and myne Executors that eny dette that eny man kan axe me by true title that hit be payd And yf eny man kan trewly sey that I have do hym eny harme in body or in good that ye make largely his gree whyles the goodys wole strecche And I wole also that none of myne Executors meddle or mynystre eny thinge of my goodys withoutyn avyse and consent of my Survivors or sum of hem Now first I bequethe to Sire Phylype la Vache Knight my Masse-booke and my Porhoos and my Book of Tribulacion to my Daugter hys Wyf Et quicquid residuum fuerit omnium singulorum bonorum catalorum superius seu inferius legatorum do integrè lego Philippo la Vache Johanni Cheynee Thomae Clanvow militibus libere sibi possidendum ac pro libito voluntatis suae tanquam de bonis catallis suis propriis inde disponendum faciendum Absque contradictione calumpnia seu perturbationâ cujuscunque pro me vel nomine meo aliqualiter inde faciendum Hujus autem Testamenti ultimae Voluntatis meae facio ordino constituo Executores bonorum meorum Administratores Johannem Andrew Johannem Carleton Walterum Gaytone Thomam Barbowe ipsi Deum prae oculis habentes omnia singula praemissa faciant fideliter perimpleant exequantur ad honorem Dei utilitatem populi sui secundum dispositionem concilium atque assensum Supervisorum meorum viz. Philippi la Vache Johannis Cheyne Thomae Clanvow militum vel alicujus eorum In cujus rei Testimonium huic praesenti Testamento ultimae Voluntati meae Sigillum meum apposui Dat. c. die anno supradictis Probat 5 Dec. 1404. 6 H. 4. From which Sir Lewes Clifford the Cliffords of Kent Wilteshire and Devonshire are lineally descended And amongst those of Devon as the Descent sheweth Sir Thomas Clifford Knight who for his singular merits having been first Comptroller then Treasurer of the Houshould to his Majesty King Charles the second was next advanced to the title and dignity of Lord Clifford of Chudley and soon after to the Office of Lord high Treasurer of England But I return to Iohn Son and Heir to Thomas Lord Clifford by Elizabeth his Wife Daughter of Thomas Lord Râss of Hamlake This Iohn making proof of his age in 12 Hen. 4. had then livery of his Lands and in 3 H. 5. was in that expedition then made into France In 4 Hen. 5. he was by indenture retained to serve the King in his Navy at Sea towards the North for the safeguard of those parts with two hundred men at Armes himself with four Knights accounted part of the number and four hundred Archers and to have four shillings per diem for himself and two shillings a piece for his Knights About this time Ralph Nevill the first Earl of Westmorland holding a great Tournament at Carlisle this Lord Clifford and six other English justed with as many Scots viz. himself with Sir William Douglas of Drumlanrike Knight Sir William Harington with Sir David Mynges Knight Sir Ralph Greystoke with William Edmundson Esquireâ Sir Christopher Curwen of Workington with ... Halyburton whom he hurt in the Neck and Sir Iohn Lancaster of Holgell Castle and Ridale one of whose Daughters and Coheirs was married to Sir Thomas le Flemming of Coningstone in Com. Lanc. Knight of whom the Flemings of Ridale are descended with Sir Iohn Singeler Knight in which Exercise the English had the prize In 6 Hen. 5. he was again employed in the Warrs of France and in 9 Hen. 5. attended the King in person thither And was summoned to the several Parliaments from 13 Hen. 4. till 8. Hen. 5. inclusive In 9 H. 5. 3 Maii he was instituted Knight of the most noble Order of the Garter But upon the 13 of March 10 Hen. 5. he departed this life being slain at the Siege of Meaux in France leaving issue by Elizabeth his Wife Daughter to Henry Percy commonly called Hotspur Son and Heir to Henry Earl of Northumberland Thomas his Son and Heir born on Munday next after the feast of the Assumption of the blessed Virgin in 2 Hen. 5. being at the time of his Fathers death seven years of age and forty three weeks Which Thomas in 13 H. 6. there being then great apprehensions that the Scots would lay siege to Barwick and other strong holds in the Marches of Scotland was joyned in Commission with the Earl of Northumberland and others to arme and array all Knights Esquires and Yeomen in the Counties of York Notingham Derby Northumberland Cumberland and Westmorland as also to march with them for the safeguard of those parts And in 14 Hen. 6. making proof of his age had
joyned him in Commission with Robert Bishop of Lincoln and others to determine the business concerning the Liberties and Priviledges of the Church of Rippon granted thereto by King Athelstan which Osbert the then Sheriff of Yorkshire had infringed To him succeeded Roger his Son and Heir who obtained from Maud the Empress a Confirmation of the Grant of King Henry the First of the Mannors of Esendene and Begeford and the Mills at Hertford with all those other Lands and Fees whereof his Father died seised and had issue Peter de Valoines who took to Wife Gundred de Warren but died without issue as it seems for Robert his Brother succeeded in the Inheritance Which Robert in 12 Hen. 2. upon the Assessment of that Aid for marrying the Kings Daughter certified his Knights Fees to be in number thirty and a third part De Veteri Feoffamento and four De Novo And in 14 Hen 2. upon the collection of that Aid paid thirty marks and four shillings for those Fees Moreover for the health of his Soul and the Soul of Hawise his Wife he gave to the Canons of Waltham in Essex the Church of All-Saints at Herttford and died in 30 Hen. 2. leaving issue one sole Daughter his Heir called Gunnora married to Robert Fitz-Walter a great Baron in that time Which Gunnora in 9 Ioh. had Livery of certain Lands in Burton in Com. Ebor. till then held in Dower by Emme de Humet after the death of Geffrey de Valoines her Husband which Lands did Hereditarily descend to her the said Gunnora as his Heir viz. the Mannors of Farleâon Cancefield and Sâeing in Comitat. Lanc. Newham in Com. Northumbr Burton in Com. Eor and Partenay in Com. Linc. And in 13 Ioh. upon collection of the Scutage of Scotland answered for thirty Fees and a third part belonging to the Barony of Robert de Valoines her late Father But all that I have farther seen of her is That she gave the Church of Wuelow and Town of Luiton to the Nuns of Haliwell in Com. Middl. Of this Family was also Alan de Valoines who in 32 33 34 Hen. 2. was Sheriff of âent So likewise in 1 Rich. 1. In which year he obtained a Grant from that King of all the Lands of Torphin of Alenestrue id est all Alnestââ and Adârichesâon with Helen the Heir of him the said Torphin As also all the Lands of the same Torphin lying in Westmorland likewise the Land of Crosby and Nateby with liberty to keep Greyhounds and Braches to hunt and take the Hare and Fox in any of the Kings Forests But departing this life without issue before the sixth of Richard the First Hugh de Hastings then gave a Fine of two hundredâ and twenty marks for liberty to marry his Widow with her Inheritance And in 12 Ioh. Robert de Valoines Brother of this Alan gave a Fine of one hundred marks and two Palfreys for Livery of the Mannor of Soâinton descended to him by this his death without issue This Robert married Roâse one of the Sisters and Heirs to that William le Blund who was slain in the Battle of Lewes in 48 Hen. 3. and had issue Robert who took to Wife Eve de Criketot by whom he had issue two Daughters his Heirs viz. Roese the Wife of Sir Edmund Pakenham Knight and Cicely of Robert de Vfford After this last Robert ere long I meet with another Robert de Valoines who in 10 Edw. 1. died seised of divers Lands in Walsham in Com. Suff. Likewise of the moity of the Mannor of TXworth which he held in capite by Barony as also of the Mannors of Wrabbenasse Tollesfont and Blontshull I now come to Theobald de Valoines another Branch of this Stock This Theobald gave to the Canons of Hikeling in Com. Norf. his Lordship of Arlum with the Churches of hikeling Perham and Haketon and bestowed on Ioane and Anne his Sisters then professed Nuns all his Land of Campesse to found a Monastery there Another Daughter he had called Berta married to Ranulph de Glanvill Justice of England for some years of King Henry the Seconds Reign and departed this life in 11 Ioh. Whereupon Thomas his Son and Heir gave three hundred marks and three Palfreys for Livery of his Lands Which Thomas in 17 Ioh. adhered to the Rebellious Barons then in Arms by reason whereof his Lands lying in Norfolk Suffolk and Cambridgeshire were given to Walter de Evermus But in 1 Hen. 3. returning to obedience he had restitution of them again Another Branch of this Family was Philip de Valoines who in 2 Rich. 1. gave an hundred pounds for Livery of the Lands of Geffrey his Brother being his Heir To which Philip succeeded Sybilla his Daughter and Heir as I ghess who in 6 Rich. 1. gave forty marks to be exempted from that expedition then made into Normandy and in 10 Rich. 1. paid a Fine of fifty marks for liberty to marry Whereupon she became the Wife of ... Stutevill For certain it is That Eustace de Stutevill was her Son and Heir from whom descended Robert de Stutevill whose ancestor the before specified Philip de Valoines is said to be This Sybill gave to the Nuns of Rossedale in Com. Ebor. the Church of âhoRpenhold in the Diocess of CarlisLe She likewise bestowed on the Knights Hospitalers the Mannor of the Holy Trinity of Reverley in Com. Ebor. with divers Lands in that Town as also the Mannor of âorth Burton with certain Lands there and in North Dalton Monmouth IN the time of King William the Conqueror William the Son of Baderon possessed twelve Lordships in Glocestershire and ten in Hereâordshire and at that time had likewise the custody of those four Carucates of Land within the Castle of Monmouth which were the Kings Demesn To this William succeeded Withenock sirnamed de Monmouth his Son and Heir who having by the instinct of Almighty God and advice of his fellow Soldiers and Friends as the words of his Charter import built a Church within the same Castle dedicated to the honor of the Blessed Virgin and S. Florence gave it in pure Alms to the Monks of S. Florence at Sâlmure vulgarly called Sâmeâs in France whereupon it became a Cell to that Foreign Monastery To him succeeded Baderon his Son which Baderon with the consent of his two Sons Gilbert and Iames granted to the Monks at Monmouth in exchange for Hodonock three Forges situate upon the River Wey free from any Toll Passage Forestage or any other Custom for the Iron made therein This Baderon in 12 Hen. 2. upon Assessment of the Aid for marrying the Kings Daughter certified his Knights Fees De
de Mara and to enjoy her Estate Which Petronill was first the Wife of William de Longâamp and dyed not till 46 Hen. 3. leaving Henry de Longâamp her Son and next Heir In 17 Ioh. this Oliver de Vaux was one of the Barons who met at Stamford in an hostile manner and afterwards at Brackley whence they sent to the King then at Oxford a minatory message viz. That in case he did not restore to the people their antient Rights and Liberties they were resolved to possess themselves of all his Castles and Lââds and thereupon joyned with them in the Siege of Northampton for which Transgression the King caused his Lordships of âlaketon Okeâon and Hengham in Norfolk to be seised on In 13 Hen. 3 this Oliver upon levying the Scutage of Kery in Wales answered for twenty two Knights Fâes and an half And being with the King in his Army in Poicton was acquitted from the payment of any Scutage upon that Expedition In 29 Hen. 3. upon collection of the Aid for marrying the King's eldest Daughter he accounted for thirty two Knights Fees and an half Of Robert the Son and Heir of this Oliver I find nothing but of William his Son that he married Alianore the Daughter of William de Ferrers E. of Derby one of the Heirs to William Marshall sometime Earl of Pembroke without the King's License for which offence upon his submission he obtained pardon and for a Fine of two hundred Marks had Livery of the Lands of her Inheritance but dyed without Issue before the 37 Hen. 3. whereupon Iohn his Brother became his Heir Which Iohn for the sum of eighty Marks compounded the arrears of that debt to be paid by twenty six Marks Per Annum This Iohn in 41 Hen. 3. having paid part of the eighty Marks before-mentioned obtained the favour to satisfie the remainder being forty Marks by ten pounds per Annum and gave his Lordship of Botendone to the Nuns of Catesby in Northamptonshire In 42 Hen. 3. upon levying the Scutage of Wales he was charged with ten pounds for five Knights Fees In 46 Hen. 3. though he had been on the part of those Barons who combined together by oath at Oxford for asserting the Liberties of the Subject as they then pretended he at length fell off and assisted the King at the taking of Northampton And shortly after this was one of those who undertook that the King should stand to the determination of Lewes King of France for setling all differences betwixt him and the Barons then in Arms. Moreover the next ensuing year when he discerned the Barons to be so powerful as that they had the Tower of London Dover-Castle and divers other places of strength in their hands he joyned with those who advised the King to withdraw himself from that Parliament then held at Westminster and to betake himself to Windsore-Castle Having therefore so great experience of his fidelity the King soon after his victory at Evesham made him Sheriff of Norfolk and Suffolk and in remuneration of his eminent services in those troublesom and perillous times gave him certain Houses in London near Garthere part of the Possessions of Iohn Lorene an Enemy and Rebel And in 51 Hen. 3. constituted him Governour of the Castle at Norâich In 5 Edw. 1. this Iohn obtained the King's Charter for a weekly Market upon the Saturday at his Mannor of Refham in Norfolk and a Fair upon the Eve day and morrow after the Feast of the Apostles Peter and Paul and in 10 Edw. 1. was in the King's Army in Wales In 11 Edw. 1. he was made Steward of the Dutchy of Aquitane having an allowance of two thousand pounds per Annum Turon for the support of himself in that Office And departed this life in 16 Edw. 1. leaving Petronill and Maud his two Daughters and Heirs then of full age Whereupon William de Nerford who married Petronill and William de Ros the Husband of Maud performing their respective Homages had Livery of the Lands of their Inheritance excepting a reasonable Dowry for Sibyll his Widow And upon Partition thereof the said William and Petronill had for their part these Lordships assigned to them viz. the Mannors of Therston and Shotesham in Com. Norff. Wysete in Com. Suff. excepting thirteen pounds per Annum Lands the moity of a Messuage in London called Blaunch-Apleton the Advowson of the Churches of Halt in Com. Norff. and Abyton in Cambridgshire and to the number of twenty five Knights Fees And the said William de Ros and Maud had the Mannor of Freston with certain Lands in Boston in Com. Linc. the Mannor of Hakeford with the Market of Refham belonging thereto the moity of the Mannors of Holt Cleye and Hocton in Com. Norff. fourteen pounds per Annum Lands in Wysere in Com. Suff. the moity of the Messuage called Blanch-Apleton in the City of London with the Advowson of the Churches of Cleye and Shotesham in Norfolk and to the number of nineteen Knights Fees or thereabouts Montalt UPon the Foundation of the Abbey of S. Werburge in the City of Chester temp W. Rufi Hugh the Son of Norman being at that time one of the Barons to Hugh Earl of Chester gave Gosetce and Lantrene to the Monks of that House Raphe and Roger his Brothers being witnesses thereof which Raphe joyned with him in the gift of all their right in Lostoch as also of the Church of Cotintune with the Glebe and Tithes pertaining thereto To this Raphe succeeded Robert his Son and Heir who assumed another âirname from the chief place of his residence which was at a little Hill in Fâintshire then called Montalt whereon he built a Castle but of late time vulgarly Moulde and being Steward to the Earl of Chester was also one of his principal Barons After the death of Ranulph de Gernons Earl of Chester the Lands of that great Earldom were as it seems in the King's hand for some time for in 6 Hen. 2. this Robert de Montalt was one of those who accounted to the King's Exchequer for the Farm of them and likewise for what was then laid out in building of the Castle at Chester This Robert had Issue Robert his Son and Heir and he Roger. In the time of which Roger there being much Hostility betwixt the English and Welch David the Son of Lewelyn Prince of Wales invaded his Lands at Montalt but upon that Accord made in 25 Hen. 3. betwixt King Henry and the same David amongst other of the Articles then agreed on one was for the restitution of those Lands to this Roger. Which being done the next year following King Henry
Robert Lord Ross of Hamlake Iohn his Son and Heir twenty two years of age He likewise died seised of certain Lands in Docking in Com. Norff. whereof Iohn his Father did enfeoffe him and Isabell his first Wife Sister and Heir to William de Bois joyntly and the Heirs of their two Bodies lawfully begotten in the time of King Henry the Third By which Isabell he had Issue one only Daughter called Maude then the Wife of William la Zouche and at the time of his death thirty years of age I now come to Iohn Son and Heir to the last Iohn This Iohn was in the Scotish Wars in 7 Edw. 2. and having been summoned to Parliament in 6 7 and 8 Edw. 2. died in the same eighth year leaving Issue by Maude his Wife Daughter and Heir to Sir Philip Burnell Knight Ioane his Daughter and Heir then two years of age Which Maude taking to her second Husband Iohn de Handlo without License in 9 Edw. 2. paid an hundred pound Fine for that transgression In 8 Edw. 3. this last mentioned Iohn Lovell was in that Expedition then made into Scotland likewise in 10 Edw. 3. and in 18 Edw. 3. in the Wars of France Moreover in 19 20 and 21 Edw. 3. he still continued in those Wars being the Retinue with Thomas de Beauchamp Earl of Warwick but died in the same twenty first year upon Saturday next after the Feast of All-Saints being seised of two parts of the Mannor of Southere in Com. Norff. and jointly with Isabell his Wife then surviving of the Mannor of Mynster in Com. Oxon. Tichemerse in Com. Northt Spekesford in Com. Somerst and two parts of the Mannor of Chiriton in the same County leaving Iohn his Son and Heir at that time six years of age and an half Which Iohn departing this life upon Monday next after the Feast of the Translation of S. Thomas the Martyr in 35 Edw. 3. within age left his Brother called also Iohn his next Heir but of what age the Jury did not find which Iohn being of full age in 37 Edward 3. had Livery of his Lands his Homage being respited This last mentioned Iohn in 42 Edw. 3. being then a Knight was in the Wars of France and of the Retinue with Lionel Duke of Clarence So likewise in 45 Edw. 3. and in 47 Edw. 3. having married Maude the Daughter of Robert de Holand Son of Robert de Holand Knight deceased Cousin and Heir to the said Sir Robert doing his Homage had Livery of the Lands of her Inheritance In 48 Edw. 3. this Iohn having been again in the Wars of France and of the Retinue of Edmund Mortimer Earl of Marche was the next year viz. 49 Edw. 3. summoned to Parliament And in 50 Edw. 3. constituted Governour of the Castle of Banelyngham in France also in 3 Ric. 2. imployed into Ireland upon the King 's special service But some years after this much discontent arising amongst divers of the Nobility by reason that the King was wholly swayed by Robert de Vere Duke of Ireland and some others to the great scandal of the Government the Duke of Gloucester viz. Thomas of Wodstoke and his party raising what Forces they could appeared in Arms near London at Bishops-wood Waltham Hackney and other places whence they sent this Iohn Lord Lovell with the Archbishop of York and others to the King requiring that he should deliver up those by whose evil Counsel he had been thus seduced Howbeit at length it so hapned that this Lord Lovell fell off from them to the King being one of those whom they expelled the Court whilst they were thus predominant And in 18 Ric. 2. attending him into Ireland so far insinuated himself into his esteem as that in 22 Ric. 2. he was again imployed into that Realm in his service But after this I have not seen any thing farther memorable of him than that he gave to the Canons of Marlebergh in Com. Wilts certain Lands in Monton Burbach and West-Graston and that upon the morrow next ensuing the Feast of S. Iames the Apostle Anno 1408. 9 Hen. 4. by the title of Iohn Lord Lovell and Holand he made his Testament at Wardour-Castle in Com. Wilts whereby he bequeathed his Body to Burial in the Church of the Hospital of Saint Iohn at Brackley in Com. North ton and gave thereunto a Vestment of Black adorned with Stars of Gold as also certain Copes and other things thereunto appertaining of the same sute and colour appointing Maude his Wife to dispose of part of his Goods for the health of his Soul whom together with Iohn his Son then a Knight Sir Humphrey Stafford Knight and some others he constituted his Executors The day of his death I cannot certainly tell but it was not long after for the Probate of that his Testament bears date the twelfth of September following the Lands whereof he died seised being these viz. the Mannors of Sutton-Walrond in Com. Dorst Spârkford North-Câiriton and Upton-Noble in Com. Somerst Tichmerse and Othecote in Com. North âââ Mynster-Lovell in Com. Oxon. Mighenden Bridesierd Erdescote Knoll Hywishe Wamberghe Ubeton Wârdor Knoweke Knighton Salthorpe Wikelescote Areforde Stutescombe and Elcombe in Com. Wilts And as Tenant by the courtesie in right of Maude his Wife Daughter and Heir to Robert de Holand of the Mannor of Hameldon in Com. Rotel Southmere in Com. Norff. Broughton juxta Aylesbury in Com. Buck. Yoxâale in Com. Staff Baggeworth and Shepesheved in Com. Leic. Dokelynton Norton-Bruyn and Cheldeston in Com. Oxom Denford in Com. Berks. As also of the Mannors of Brackley and Hulls with the Hundred of Sutton commonly called Kings-Sutton in Com. Northt Maude his Wife surviving who in 1 Hen. 5. by a formal Release under her Seal of Arms bearing date at Bristoll 4 Iulii did quit-claim to King Henry the Fifth all her right to divers Lordships and Lands whereunto that King did then make claim by virtue of a certain Grant made of them by King Henry the Third unto Edmund his Son and the Heirs of his body And having given her Mannors of Bagworth and Thornton in Com. Leic. to the Hospital of Brackley in 8 Hen. 5. procured License for converting it to an House of Fryers-Preachers I come now to Iohn his Son and Heir then a Knight who had Livery of his Lands the next ensuing year after his Father's decease his Homage being respited This Iohn lived not long for upon the nineteenth of October 2 Hen. 5. he departed this life being then seised of the Mannors of Mighenden Elcombe Erdescote and Wardor-Castle in Com. Wilts Cheleston Minster-Lovell Norten-Bruyn and Dokelington-Brethon in Com. Oxon.
in Normandy 30 Oct. In which Grant he is called his Beloved Esquire And of the same date in consideration of the Surrender of two Annuities another Grant of the Mannor of Cotingham in Com. Ebor. for life paying xv s. yearly Rent In which Grant that Duke terms him his Beloved Counsellor By his last Will bearing date 8 Oct. Anno MCCCCLV 34 H. 6. this Leonard being then a Knight declar'd That whereas he had Enfeoffed the Right High and Mighty Prince his gracious and special Lord for so he calls him Richard Duke of York Henry Grey and others of and in the Mannors of Wystewe Flekney and Newton Harcourt with the Appurtenances in the Shire of Leicester and all other his Lands lying in the Counties of Leic. Warw. Northampt and Yorke he did in most humble wise beseech his said Lord and pray and require the said Henry Grey and the rest to make an Estate after his Decease of all those Lands situate in Burton Hastings in Com. Warw. to Alice Hastings his Wife for term of her Life the Remainder to his Right Heirs Also to his Son Richard of his Lands in Brantingthorp and Appulby with the Advowson of the Church of Brantyngthorp for term of his Life the Remainder to his Right Heirs Likewise to his Son Raphe of the Lands in Wald-Neuton in Com. Ebor. for Life with Remainder to his Right Heirs And to his Son Thomas of his Lands in Little Ashby in Com. Leic. and Drakenage in Com. Warr. for term of Life c. But all that I have else seen of him is That he left Issue by the said Alice his Wife Daughter of the Lord Camoys William his Son and Heir and Anne a Daughter married to Thomas Ferrers of Tamworth Castle in Com. Warr. Esq Which William became a Person of extraordinary Note in his days as by his eminent Imployments and singular Trusts will appear of which I shall make some brief mention in order of time In 34 H. 6. being Sheriff of the Counties of Warw. and Leic. he was made Ranger of the Chase of Were in Com. Salop. by Richard Duke of York as his Father had been And the next year following obtain'd from that great Duke in consideration of his good and faithful Service done and to be done the Grant of an Annuity of Ten pounds per Annum to the end he should serve him before all others and attend him at all times required his Allegiance to the King excepted In which Grant bearing date at the Castle of Fodringhey 23 Apr. that Duke calls him his Beloved Servant William Hastings Esq But after this erâ long upon the death of Robert Pierpont Brother of Henry Pierpont Esq which Robert had been slain by Thomas Hastings Brother of this William and Henry Ferrers whereupon the said Thomas Henry Ferrers were question'd by the said Henry Pierpont and other of the Kindred of the same Robert this William became one of the Parties for a Reference of that Controversie to the Arbitrement of Richard Duke of York Which Duke by his Award bearing date 17 Oct. 37 H. 6. did thereupon Order and Decree That thenceforth all the Parties should keep the Peace to each other and That this William de Hastings or his Executors should pay to the said Henry Pierpont his Heirs or Executors in the Church of St. Thomas of Acres in London within one Month next after the Feast of the Nativity of our Lady next ensuing Six pounds thirteen shillings and four pence as also other Six pounds thirteen shillings and four pence in the same Church within one Month after the Nativity of St. Iohn Baptist and That therewith the said Henry Pierpont should find a Priest to sing Divine Service for the Soul of the said Robert Pierpont by the space of two years next following the Feast of the Purification of our Lady next coming and likewise pay to the said Henry Pierpont his Heirs or Executors in the said Church Ten pounds on the Feast of St. Michael th' Archangel Anno 1460. or within a Month after and other Ten pounds on the Feast of St. Michael then next following Also Six pounds thirteen shillings and four pence more in the Feast of St. Michael th' Archangel Anno 1462. or within a Month following in recompence of all manner of Offences and Trespasses done by them the said William Thomas and Henry Ferrers to the said Henry Pierpont his Uncle and Brethren As this William had been a trusty Servant to that Duke he approved himself no less to Edward his Son and Heir afterwards King by the Name of Edward the Fourth in whose Esteem he stood so high that in the first year of his Reign sundry Persons of Honour taking notice thereof bestow'd their Favours on him Amongst which Iohn Moubray Duke of Norfolk gave him the Stewardship of his Mannors of Melton Moubray Segrave and other in Com. Leic. with the Fee of x l. per Annum during his Life Anne Dutchess of Buckingham the Stewardship of the Mannor of Okeham in Com. Rutl. and Constablewick of the Castle there for Life Iohn Lord Lovell the Stewardship of the Mannors of Bagworth and Thornton in Com. Leic. with the yearly Fee of x l. for Life Sir Henry Stafford Knight Son and Heir to Humphrey Duke of Buckingham an Annuity of xx l. per Annum out of his Mannor of Billing in Com. Northampt. for Life Richard Widvill Lord Rivers and Iaquet of Luxemburgh Dutchess of Bedford an Annuity of xxvi l. xiii s. iv d. to be paid out of the Issues and Customs due to the said Lady Iaquet out of the Dutchy of Cornwall to continue so long as this William should be Receiver of the Revenues of that Dutchy for the King And of the King 's peculiar Munificence the same year he had first a Grant of the Office of Master of his Mint in the Tower of London and Town of Calais for twelve years Next of the Stewardship of the Honour of Leicester as also of the Mannor and Castle of Donington in Com. Leic. of the Mannors of Higham Ferrers and Daventre in Com. Northampt. and of all other Mannors within the Counties of Warw. Leic. Nott. Northampt. and Hunt parcel of the Dutchy of Lancaster Likewise of the Constableship of the Castles at Leicester Higham Ferrers and Donington and of the chief Rangership of Leicester Forest with the Parks called Leycester-Fryth Barrow-Park Tooley-Park and those adjoyning for Life Furthermore being then made Lord Chamberlain of the Houshold to that King as also Chamberlain of North-Wales in consideration of his signal Adventures in divers Battels against King Henry the Sixth and his Party as also against Iasper Earl of Pembroke Iames Earl of Wiltshire and others who had been stout Asserters of the Lancastrian Interest he was the same year advanc'd to the Degree and Dignity of a Baron of this
of Age Ioane his Wife surviving who by her Testament bearing date 3 Dec. an 1485. 1 H. 7. bequeath'd her Body to be buried in the Parish-Church of All-Hallows at Herst Monceaux near to the grave of Sir Richard Fenys Kt her Husband And to Elizabeth Lady Clinton her Daughter Wife of Iohn Lord Clinton and Thomas Fenys her Son gave all her Chattels and Jewells to be divided betwixt them Which Thomas accomplishing his full age in 7 H. 7. had Livery of his Lands Shortly after which viz. in 10 H. 7. he was made Knight of the Bath upon the Creation of Henry the Kings second Son Duke of Yorke And in 8 H. 7. appeared in Arms against the Cornish-men who had then made a great Insurrection So likewise shortly after when the Scots had laid Siege to Norham-Castle he marcht with the Earl of Surrey to the raising thereof This Thomas having been summon'd to Parliament from 11 H. 7. to 21 H. 8. by his Testament bearing date 1 Sept. an 1531. 23 H. 8. bequeath'd his Body to be buried in the Parish-Church of Herst Monceaux on the North-side of the high Altar Appointing that a Tomb should be there made for placing the Sepulcher of our Lord with all fitting Furniture thereto in honour of the most blessed Sacrament Also that towards the Lights about the same Sepulcher C l. in Wax should be imploy'd in Tapers of ten pound weight a piece for to burn about it Likewise that his Funeral should be solemnized according to the degree of a Baron and a Tomb set over his Grave to the end it might be known where his Body resteth Moreover that an honest Priest should sing there for his Soul by the space of seven years taking annually for his Salary and to find Bread Wine and Wax xii marks sterling And died in an 1534. 26 H. 8. as it seems for then doth the Probate of this his Testament bear date leaving Thomas his Cousin and Heir Apparent to succeed him Which Thomas in an 1541. 33 H. 8. being seduced by some extravagant persons to course in the night time in Laughton-Park in Com. Suss. belonging to Nicholas Pelham Esq by the way at a place called Pikehay met with three persons betwixt whom and those of his Company there hapned a fray wherein one of them was mortally wounded and died soon after Whereupon he was indicted of murther for the same and being found guilty thereof upon Tryal by his Peers upon the xxix th of Iune being St. Peters day was carried from the Tower of London to Tiburn and there hang'd After which his Body was buryed in St. Sepulchers Church near Newgate he being then not above xxiv years of Age. Whose death was much lamented in regard of his youth noble disposition and the King 's inexorable rigour It is said that this Manslaughter for it was no other was committed by those who were of his Company at that time he not being present And that being call'd in question he was through the subtilty of some Courtiers who gaped for his Estate perswaded to acknowledge the Murther for that the Indictment charg'd him with and to submit himself to the King's mercy Unto which advice imprudently hearkning he had Sentence of death and suffered accordingly leaving Issue Gregory his Son and Heir and a Daughter called Margaret Which Gregory with his Sister being restored by Act of Parliament in 1 Eliz. accompanied the Earl of Lincoln in 14 Eliz. then sent Embassador to the King of France at Paris Where the League not long before concluded on at Bloys was fully ratified This Gregory Lord Dacres dying without Issue 26 Sept. an 1549. 36 Eliz. was buried at Chelsey leaving Margaret his Sister his sole Heir Which Margaret being Married to Sampson Lennard Esq and making claim to the Honour it was declared and adjudg'd by the Lords Commissioners for exercising the Office of Earl Marshal of England in the second year of King Iames with the privity and assent of the King that she the said Margaret ought to have and enjoy the name state degree stile honour place and precedency of the Barons Dacre to have and to hold to her and to the Issue of her Body in as full and ample manner as any of her Ancestors did enjoy the same As also that her Children might and should take and enjoy their place and precedence respectively as the Childern of her Ancestors Barons Dacre formerly had and enjoyed This Sampson also by the special favour of the King in 10 Iac. obtaining a grant to himself during his Life for to take place and precedence as the eldest Son to the Lord Dacres of the South had Issue by her the said Margaret Henry his Son and Heir to whom the Title of Lord Dacres was afterwards confirm'd Which Henry died 10 Aug. an 1616. 14 Iac. and by Chrysogona his Wife Daughter of Sir Henry Baker of Sissinhurst in Com. Cantii Knight left Issue three Sons Richard Edward and Fienes And two Daughters Margaret Married to Sir ... Wildgoose Knights and Philadelphia to Sir Thomas Parker of Willington in Com. Suss. Knight Which Richard Lord Dacre departed this Life at Herst-Monceaux 18 Aug. an 1630. 6 Car. 1. leaving Issue by Elizabeth his first Wife Daughter and Coheir to Sir Arthur Throkmorton of Paulere Perie in Com. Northt Knight four Sons viz. Francis Richard Thomas and Henry of which Sons Richard and Henry died young And by Dorothy his second Wife Daughter of Dudley Lord North one Son called Richard and Catherine a Daughter To whom succeeded Francis his Eldest Son who Married Elizabeth Daughter of Paul Vicount Banning and died in an 1662. leaving Issue by her two Sons Thomas advanced to the dignity of Earl of Sussex by Letters Patents bearing date at Westminster 5 Octobris 26 Car. 2. and Henry Fienes Lord Say 25 H. 6. ¶ I Now come to Iames the second Son of the before-specified Sir William de Fienes Kt. This Iames being a valiant Souldier in 6 H. 5. obtain'd a grant from that Victorious King of the Lordship of De la Court le Comte within the Bayliwick of Cauâ in Normandy part of the possessions of the Lord of Lymers and likewise of all those Lands lying within the Bailiwick of âoben and Cauâ which did belong to Roger Bloset and his Wife The next year following upon the render of Arqueâ he was constituted Governour there And in 8 H. 6. attended the King into the France for the better defence of those parts In 15 H. 6. he was made Sheriff of Kent So likewise in 17 H. 6. of Surrey and Sussex And in 18 H. 6. being Esquire for the Body to that King had a grant of Câ yearly Pension to
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 Câstlemaine 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 Winiâride 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. Iulâans 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 Oâley-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
of Warley in com Essex Knight two daughters Elizabeth married to Iohn Gostwike of Willington in com Bedf. Esquire and Dorothie to Nicholas VVadham of Meryfield in com Somers Esquire founders of Wadham-Colledge in Oxford and by Anne his second wife daughter of Sir VVilliam Browne Knight Lord Mayor of London in An. 1514. 6 H. 8 Iohn his only son and two daughters Catherine married to Iohn Talbot of Grafton in com VVigorn Esquire and Thomasine to Lodowick Grevill of Miâcot in com VVar. Esquire Which Iohn being Knighted in 18 Eliz. was by Letters Patent bearing date 21 Iulii 1 Iac. advanced to the dignity of a Baron of this Realm by the name of Lord Petre of Writtâe in com Essex and by Mary his wife daughter of Sir Edward VValdgrave Knight had issue three sons VVilliam Iohn and Thomas Which VVilliam succeeding him in his honor took to wife Catherine the second daughter to Edward Earl of Worcester by whom he had issue seven sons viz. Robert VVilliam Edward Iohn Thomas Henry and George and three daughters Elizabeth married to VVilliam Sheldon of Beoley in com VVigorn Esquire Mary to Iohn Lord Tenham and Catherine to Iohn Carrel son and heir to Iohn Carrel of Harting in com Suss. Esquire And departing this life at Thorndon in Com. Essex 5 Maii An. 1627. 13 Car. 1. was buried in an old Vault at Ingaritone in com Essex with his Father and Grandfather To whom succeeded Robert his eldest son who married Mary daughter to Edward Vicount Mountague and by her having issue three sons VVilliam Iohn and Thomas and two daughters Mary married to Edward son and heir to VVilliam Lord Stourton and Dorothy to Iohn Thimelby of Iânham in com Linc. Esquire departed this life upon the twenty third of October An. 1637. and was buried at Ingarston Which William now Lord Petre first married Elizabeth daughter of Iohn Earl Rivers and secondly Briget daughter of Iohn Pincheon of Writtle in com Essex Esquire but as yet hath no issue Lord Harington 1 Iac. THat this Family of Harington whereof I am now to speak did stand allyed to that whose heir Female married to the Lord âânvile in the time of King Henry the Sixth there is no doubt Iohn de Harington who wedded Catherine the daughter and heir to Sir Iohn Culpeper of Erton in com Râtl Knight being lincal heir male to Robert a younger son to Sir Robert de Harinton Knight who married Elizabeth one of the sisters and coheirs to Iohn de Multon of âgremond in com Cumbr. which Elizabeth afterwards became the wife of Walter de Bermingham from which Iohn descended Sir Iames Harington of Eâton Knight who by Lucie his wife daughter of Sir William Sidney Knight left issue three sons Iohn Henry and Iames. This last mention'd Iohn son of Iohn and Lucie being a Knight and in 1 Iac. advanced to the dignity of a Baron of this Realm by the title of Lord Harington of Exton in com Rutl. by Letters Patents bearing date 21 Iulii the same year had the tuition of the Lady Elizabeth daughter to King Iames untill her Marriage with Frederick Count Palatine of the Rhine Whereupon in the month of April An. 1613. 11 Iac. he attended her into that Country but being upon his return in August next ensuing he departed this life at UUormes in Germany leaving issue by Anne his wife daughter and sole heir to Robert Kelway Esquire surveyvor of the Court of Wards and Liveries one son called Iohn at that time surviving Keylway the eldest dying in his life time and one only daughter named Lucie Which Lucie by the death of her Brother in February next ensuing became heir to a very great fortune and wife to Edward Earl of Bedford but her profuseness was such that she wasted her own and not a little of his Estate Henry Lord Danvers Earl of Danby 1 Iac. IN 1 Iac. Hen. Daâvers Knight second son to Sir Iohn Danvers of Dauntesey in com Wilts Knight by Elizabeth his wife daughter and coheir to Iohn Nevill Lord Latimer being by Letters Patents bearing date 21 Iulii advanced to the dignity of a Baron of this Realm was then also solemnly invested with the Robes pertaining to that degree at Hamptân-Court and afterwards by a special Act of Parliament in 3 Iac. restored in blood as heir to his Father notwithstanding the attainder of Sir Charles Danvers Knight his elder Brother who lost his life for partaking with Robert Earl of Essex in that Insurrection by him made in 43 Eliz. In 18 Iac. this Henry was made Governor of the Isle of Garnsey for life and by Letters Patents bearing date 5 Feb. 1 Car. 1. created Earl of Danây and afterwards made Knight of the most Noble Order of the Garter Being founder of the the most famous Physick-Garden scituate without the East-Gate of the University of Oxford antiently a Cimeterie for the Jews in that City which he encompassed with a strong Wall of perfect Ashler-stone and a beautiful Gate the charge whereof amounted to little less then five thousand pounds he caused this Inscription to be placed above the entrance threinto Gloriâe Dei opt Max. Honori Caroli Regis In usum Acud Reipub. Henricus Comes Danby D. D. M. DCXXXII â And departing this Life at Cornbury Park in Com. Oxon. 20 Ian. An. 1643. being never married was buried in the Chancel of the Parish-Church of Dauntsey abovesaid under a noââe Monument of White Marble with this Epitaph wherein the rest of his most memorable Actions are taken notice of Henry Earl of Danby second son to Sir John Danvers Knight and Dame Elizabeth daughter and coheir to John Nevil Lord Latimerâ born at Dauntesey in the County of UUiltshire the 28th day of June An. Dom. 1573. and Baptised in this Church the first of July following being Sunday He departed this life on the Twentieth day of January An. Dom. 1643. and lyeth here Interred He was partly bred up in the Low-Country-Wars under Maurice E. of Nassaw afterwards Prince of Orange and in many other Military Actions of those times both by Sea and Land He was made a Captain in the Wars of France and there Knighted for his good service under Henry the Fourth then French King He was imployed as Lieutenant-General of the Horse and Serjeant-Major of the whole Army in Ireland under Robert Earl of Essex and Charles Baron of Montjoy in the Reign of Queen Elizabeth He was made Baron of Dauntsey and Peer of this Realm by King James the First and by him made Lord President of Munster and Governor of Garnesey By King Charles the First he was created Earl of Danby made of His Privy-Council and Knight of the most noble Order of the Garter But declining more active imployments in his later time by reason of his imperfect health full of honor wounds and
with those Lordships which he had formerly given to her for her maintenance whereupon she vowed Chastity taking the Veil and was after buried in the Churchyard at Durham ¶ Upon the murther of Earl Vchtred King Canute constituted one Eric or Hirc Earl of this Province but being not pleased long with him he forced him to flee and placed Eadulf sirnamed Cudel Earl in his stead ¶ This Earl Eadulf-Cudel being a sluggish and timerous Man stood much in fear that the Scots would revenge upon him the death of those their Countreymen who had been slain by Earl Vchtred as hath been said and therefore to pacifie them quitted Louââââ wholly unto them by which means that Territory came at first to be a Member of Scotland ¶ After a short time Eadulf departing this life Aldred Son to the before specified Earl Vchtred by Ecgfrid his first Wife came to be Earl and slew Thurebrand the Murtherer of his Father which occasioned no small contests betwixt Carl the Son of Thurebrand and Earl Aldred yet at length through great mediation of Friends Peace being made betwixt them they resolved to go together to Rome but were hindred by tempestuousness of the Sea whereupon returning back Carl received Earl Aldred into his House feasting him very honorably with all seeming affection but afterwards alluring him into a place called ãâã most barbarously murthered him there ¶ Unto which Aldred succeeded Eadulf his Brother who being much puffed up with pride made great and cruel devastations upon the Welsh But about three years after coming to King Hardi-Canutus for reconciliation he was murthered by Siward who succeeded him in the Earldom ¶ Of this Siward who was a Person famous in his time as shall be farther shewed anon and of a Giantlike stature I may not omit what is Recorded of him as to his Parentage by the Monk of Iervaulx There was in Denmark saith he a Noble Earl of the Blood Royal that had one only Daughter who to recreate her self walking with her Maids into a Wood not far from her Fathers house met with a Bear Which Bear having put the Maids into so great a fright as caused them to flee seised upon the Damsel and there ravished her by which Rape she brought forth a Son that had Ears like a Bear who was thereupon called Berne and succeeded in that Earldom in his Mothers right This stout Earl Berne had Issue a Son named Siward who after a time quitting his Paternal Inheritance in Denmark took shipping and with fifty of his Retinue arrived in the Islands called Orchades where meeting with a fierce Dragon he conquered him in single combate and forced him to flee the Land Having so done he put to Sea again and landed in Northumberland to seek another Dragon where walking in a Wood he met with a reverend old Man who told him that he sought that Dragon which he could not find But said he get you to your Ship again and sail Southwards to the Mouth of the River Thames which will bring you to the wealthy City of London And so parting with him gave him a Standard called Ravelandeys which signifieth The Raven of Earthly Terror Who thereupon coming safely to London was nobly received by King Edward the Confessor with promise of no small honor if he would stay with him Whereunto Siward consenting after thanks given to the King departed the Court but meeting with Tosti Earl of Huntingdon upon a certain Bridge was by him most unworthily affronted by soyling with dirt yet Siward though he took that usage very disdainfully did not then lift up his hand against him but upon his return meeting him in the same place he cut off Tosti's head and carried it to the King who hearing the truth of that passage gave unto Siward the Earldom of Huntingdon which Tosti had possessed Not long after this the Kingdom being much infested by the Danes the great Men of the Land consulting with the King did advise That the little Devil should be first exposed to the great Devil id est that this Earl Siward should be placed upon that part of England which was most like to be invaded by the Danes Whereupon the King committed to his charge the Counties of Westmerland Cumberland and Northumberland under which title of Northumberland he had the Administration of that Earldom from Humber to Twede All which he governed in Peace victoriously subduing the Kings-Enemies and afterwards sent his Son called Osberne-Bulax into Scotland there to get what he could by Conquest Who being there slain in Battle and the news thereof brought to this Earl Siward his Father he enquired upon what part of his Body he hapned to have his Deaths wound and being told that it was upon the forepart thereof he said I am glad that my Son was worthy of such an honorable Funeral Upon the Rebellion of Godwyne Earl of Kent he together with Leofric Earl of Mercia came with a great power to the King Edward the Confessor then at Gloucester It hapned likewise that Egelric Bishop of Durham after he had sate three years Bishop there being expelled by the Clergy because he was a stranger and not elected by their consent addressing himself to this Earl Siward and offering a large gift for his Protection and Favor obtained the same Whereupon he compelled them to receive him again But considering the loss of his Son as hath been said he marched with an Army into Scotland conquered King Macbeth in open Battle wasted the Kingdom and subjugating it to his own power constituted Malcolme Son to the King of Cumberland in his stead And lastly Apparently discerning his Death approaching by reason of a Flux he said How am I ashamed that I did not die in so many Battles but that I am reserved thus to exspire as a Beast Put on me therefore my Armor of Proof gird me with my Sword and reach me my Helmet Let me have also my Target in my Left-hand and my Gilt Ax in my Right that so as the most valiant of Soldiers I may die as a Soldier For in such sort it becomes a Soldier to die and not as a Beast lying down to depart All which being done he breathed his last at York in the year 1055. Anno 13 Regis Edw. Conf. and was there buried in the Cloyster of the Monastery of Galmanho which he had Founded This valiant Earl had to Wife Alfleda Daughter to Aldred late Earl of Northumberland by whom he left Issue Waltheof afterwards Earl of Northumberland as I shall shew anon And surviving her married a Widow called Godgive who for the health of her Soul by the consent of King Edward the Confessor had given to the Abbey of Peterborough
Danes was by King Alfred as the cheif City of the Mercians granted with Ethelfleda his Daughter Wife to this Earl Ethelred in the year 886. This Ethelred rebuilt the City of Chester in the year 906 and died in the year 912. After whose death Ethelfleda his Widow governed this Province of Mercia excepting the Cities of London and Oxford which King Edward the Elder her Brother retained in his own hands for many years with much Prudence She was a Lady of singular endowments exceeding the antient Amazons for having brought forth her first-born with much difficulty she devoted her mind to a chaste life and exercises her self in the structure of Towns and Castles as also in conducting of Armies as if she had changed her Sex The places which she built are said to be these viz. Brunesburgh Scorâale Bruge now Bruggenorth in Shropshire Tamworth Stafford Warwic Cerceburgh now Monkskirby in the County of Warwick Wardebirh and Runcoven now Runcorne in Cheshire and Edesbirh now called The Chamber in the Forest in that County She likewise besieged Derby and took it by assault and also Leicester This excellent Woman with her Husband Founded a Monastery in the City of Gloucester and translated the Relicks of S. Oâwald from the Abbey of Bardney in Lincolnshire thither which Monastery so Founded by them was afterwards destroyed by the Danes And departing this life upon the 19 Kalends of Iuly in the year of Christ 915. was buried at Gloucester in the Church of S. Peter There was no other issue of this Earl Ethelred but one only Daughter called Elwina which he had by this famous Lady Ethelfleda his Wife from whom after the death of her Mother King Edward took all the Government of this Province sending her into West Saxony ¶ Unto Ethelred and that famous Lady Ethelfleda last mentioned succeeded Elfere a near Ally to King Edgar This Elfere outed those Monks which King Edgar had placed in divers Monasteries and introduced Secular Priests who had Wives in their stead In the year 979. he came to Werham where the Body of S. Edward the Martyr lay buried and causing it to be washed and adorned with new Vestments carried it to Shaftsbury and most honorably Intomb'd it in that Abbey And in the year 983. departed this life ¶ To him succeeded in the Government of this Earldom Alfric his Son who in the year 986. was banished the Land by King Ethelred but ere long again restored For in the year 991. by the counsel of him and Athelward another Earl it was That a firm Peace was made with the Danes and an yearly Tribute yielded to them as a Composition that thenceforth they should forbear their usual Inroads and Rapines Howbeit bearing in mind his former banishment he suffered himself to be taken in a fight at Sea by the Danes through his own treachery and from that time was never faithful in his heart to the King For in the year 1003. upon another invasion of the Danes coming up to Exeter after he had raised the power of Hantshire and Wiltshire to encounter them in Battle feignning himself to be sick he betrayed his own Army whereby the Danes made no little spoil in those parts But after this he had the reward of his treachery being slain in Battle at Essesdune in Essex fighting on the part of King Edmund Ironside against King Canute through the treachery of that perâidious Eadric Streona of whom I shall speak anon who betrayed the English Army at that time to the Danes as this Alfric had done before near Exeter Nor did he leave any Issue but one Son called Algar whose eyes were put out for his Fathers treachery ¶ To this treacherous Alfric succeeded Edric sirnamed Streone Uncle to Godwyne and of mean Parentage a person of the greatest power of any next to the King and of most intimacy with King Ethâlred as also with Swane King of Denmark and with Canute his Son being advanced to this Earldom in the life time of the said Alfric by King Ethelred in the year 1007. the Twenty nineth of King Ethelreds Reign He was a Man so transcendently wicked that one of our ancientest Historians and of greatest credit gives him this ensuing Character viz. Faex hominum c. That he was the very dregs of Men the dishonor of the English a wicked destroyer a subtle Knave whose Noblenâss had not obtained him wealth but his bold language He always lay in wait to deceive and was ready prepared to cheat He attended the Kââgs Councils as a faithful Person but disclosed them like a Traytor Being often sent to the Kings Enemies as a Mediator for Peace he kindled the Flame of War whose perfidiousness appeared upon all occasions in this and the succeeding Kings days Thus far his Character now to his practises In the year 1009. he with false reports disswaded the King from giving Battle to the Danes In An. 1015. he deceitfully alluring Siferd and Mârchere two eminent Noblemen into his Chamber caused them to be secretly murthered The next year following he most perfidiously went over to Canute King of Denmark with Forty Ships and joyned with him And passing the River of Thames with him at Crekelade in Gloucestershire entred the Province of Mercia with an Army and destroyed divers Towns in Warwickshire Whereupon King Edmund raised all the power he could and met them at a place called Scearstan but this perfidious Eadric with others of his party who ought to have assisted the King joyning with the Enemy brought over the Hantshire and Wiltshire Men to that side Notwithstanding all which the Kings Army fought so stoutly that they stood their ground and the ensuing day had utterly routed the Danes had it not been for a subtile stratagem of this wicked man who seeing the peril wherein they were caused the head of a man called Osmear which in the face and colour of his hair was somewhat like to the King and lifted it up on high crying to the English You fight in vain adding You Dorset ãâã and Wiltshire-men your Head is gone therefore hasten away quickly behold the Head of your King which I haâe in my bands therefore betake your selves to flight as soon as you can Which cunning and deceitful practise so wrought upon many that they immediately fled But the contrary being soon discerned the rest fought on so ââoutly that they had the better of the day So that ãâã with his broken Army retreated in the night towards London Which good success gave such a great reputation to the King that he increased his Army exceedingly and marched back into West Saâony insomuch as ãâã growing apprehensive of his danger betook himself to his usual art of dissimulation and treachery again and made means to the King that he might be received into his protection
called Willielmus Constabularius and had his cheif seat at Halton Castle in Domesday Book called Heletune held Newentone Lee Bruge Clutone Bero Nestone Raây âapeles Bernestone Wareburgetone Tatune Mulintone Cunetesford Stabely Pevre Heletune Westone Estone Norton Evelely Duntune Lege Budewrde Witely Golstrey Aldredely Lece and Merlestone ¶ Richard de Vernun whose seat was at Shibroc held Estone Pichetone Hotone Cochehalle Shibroc Survelec Wice Moletune Wanetune Deveneham Botestoch Aldelime Creu Pontone Colvintone and Bretbery ¶ Hugo de Mara held Lee Bruge Radeclive Colders Lautune Beveley Gostrey Coldecote Pulford Warhelle Bosselega Meretone Cerdingham and Sumreford ¶ Hamo de Masci whose seat was at Dunham commonly called DunhamâMasci held Potitone Doneham Bogedone Hale Bramale Asceliey Alretone Estone and Castretone ¶ Bigot held Ferentone Lay Torentune Motburlege Noâtebery Aldredely Sudendune Rode Cogeltone Sanbeco Sudtune Wibaldelay and Wevre ¶ Gislebert de Venables whose seat was at Kinderton which continueth to his Descendants in the Male-line to this day held Ecclestone Alburgham Torperley Watenhale Herford Lime Lege Wimundesham Mera Pevre Rodestorne Hope Neubold Bretone Cinbretune Deneport Witune and Glachenhale ¶ And that Robert de Roelent was also one of his Barons considering what large possessions he then held of him viz. Motintone Lestone Torintone Gaitone Eswelle Thurstanstone Calders Metas Walea Nestone Haregrave Brochetone Ulfeuultone Latbroc Bachely and Coleselt it is not to be doubted Of which Robert I am farther to observe that he was Cosin-German to Richard de Abrincis Father to King William the Conqueror viz. Son of Humpârey de Telliolo Brother of Thurstan de Goz Father of the same Richard and that in his youth attending his Father into England he was Knighted by King Edward the Confessor Moreover that he again came into England with this our Earl Hugh his near Kinsman and was with him in that memorable Battle near Hastings in Sussex where the valiant Norman Duke became Victor and thenceforth King of England as also an active Commander in all the Fights of that renowned Conqueror Likewise that after this Hugh was advanced to the Earldom of Chester he became General of all his Military Forces And when the Town and Castle of Rothelan in Flintshire was built by the direction of King William to restrain the Excursions of the Welsh that he was there setled as the utmost Bulwark against those troublesome people and had his sirname de Roelent from that place Lastly that after many sharp skirmishes with them adventuring himself too far with no more than one Soldier he was unhappily slain and that his body being recovered by the valor of his Soldiers was buried in the Abbey of S. Werburge at Chester with this Epitaph upon his Tomb. Hoc in Mausoleo Robertus de Rodelento Conditur âumano more soli gremio Filius Unfreni Dacorum spermate nati Fortis illustris iste fuit juvenis Dapsilis pugnax agilis formosus audax Miles in orbe fuit vivere dum licuit Marchioâmunificus sociisque fidelis amicus Vt Christi sponsae paruit Ecclesiae Presbyteros monachos pupillos peregrinos Semper honorabat largaque dona dabat Construxit Castrum tenuitque diu Rodelentum Firmiter indigenis oppositum rabidis Barbaricâs contra gentes exercuit arma Mille pericla probo sponte ferens animo Montem Snaudunum Fluviumque citum Coluenum Pluribus armatis transiliit vicibus Praeâipuam pulchro Blideno Rege fugato Praedam cum paucis cepit in insidiis Duxit captivum lorisque ligavit Hoellum Qui tunc Wallensi Rex praeerat manui Cepit Grithfridum Regem vicitque Trehellum Sic micuit crebris Militiae titulis Attamen incautè Wallenses ausus adire Occidit aestivi principio Iulii Prodidit Owenius Rex est gavisus Hovellus Facta vindicta monte sub Hermaheva Ense caput secuit Grithfridus in mare jecit Soma quidem reliquum possidet hunc loculum In Claustro sancti requiescit Patris Ebrulfi Pro meritis cujus sit sibi plena salus Quondam robustus jacet hîc nunc exanimatus Hinc dolor in totâ personat heu Patria Hic modo fit pulvis jam nil agit utilitatis Ergo pie Lector ejus adesto memor Hinc ut in aetherea locet arce roga prece dignâ Cum lacrymis verum qui regit omne Deum Christe Dei splendor vitae dator reparator Orbis huic famulo propitiare tuo Eripe Tartareis Robertum Christe camaenis Est nimis ipse reus terge precor facinus Parce quod ipse piam rogitans clamore Mariam Conâutus rigidis occiduit jaculis Indulge culpas mansuras annue gazas Vt queat in nitidis semper inesse Choris Amen Hereunto I must add that this Robert de Rodelent held North Wales in Ferme of King William for the Rent of xl libr. besides those Lands there which the King gave him in Fee viz. Ros and Reweâou extending to Twelve miles in length and four in bredth ¶ I now come to Richard Son to Earl Hugh This Earl Richard though young stood firm to King Henry the First in his greatest distresses and dangers But it is reported that through the instigation of his Wife he was an Enemy to the Monks of S. Werburge in Chester Perhaps they grudged at the slenderness of his bounty to them for I find not that he gave them any more than two Houses lying within the City and one situate without the North Gate and the Tenth Salmon taken at the Bridge as also the place for a Mill on this side the Bridge with the Tithe of that Mill which is beyond the Bridge Howbeit to the Abbey of S. Benedict upon Leyre in Normandy he gave the Lordship of Mintings in Lincolnshire which afterwards was made a Cell to that Foreign Monastery So also the Church of S. Andrew at Mentings and the Church of All Saints at Gauteby with divers Lands in that County and wedded Maud Daughter to Stephen Earl of Bloys by Adela one of the Daughters of William the Conqueror But he together with his Wife perished in that lamentable Shipwrack 7 Kal. Dec. An. 1119. 20 Hen. 1. wherein William and Richard two of the Kings Sons Otwel Natural Brother to this Earl Richard their Tutor and Geffrey Riddel the Husband of Geva his Sister with many other Noble Persons lost their lives which Geva having the Mannor of Drayton now Drayton Basset in Com. Staff given unto her by Earl Hugh her Father was Foundress of that Monastery of Canwell within the Precincts of that Lordship ¶ To Richard succeeded in the Earldom of Chester Ranulph sirnamed de Bricasard as he is called by some and by others Ranulph de Maecenis Sisters Son to Earl Hugh and his next Heir in Blood by the death of Earl Richard without issue But I cannot say he enjoyed this Earldom by vertue of
Fourth Son to King Henry the Second having taken her to Wife as hath been said in the year 1166 her Father Earl Conan then living succeeded in these Earldoms Which Conan thereupon granted to King Henry to the use of his said Son Geffrey the whole Dutchy of Britanny excepting the County of Guincamp descended to him from Earl Stephen his Grandfather This Geffrey received the Honor of Knighthood at the hands of King Henry his Father at Woodstock in the year 1178. 24 Hen. 2. But of him there is not much more memorable in regard he died when he was but Twenty eight years of age being then unhappily killed at Paris by the stroke of an Horse in a Tourneament held there upon the 14. Kal. of Sept. Whereupon he was buried in the Church of Nostredame within the Quire of the Canons there leaving issue by the same Constance two Daughters as also a Son born after his death viz. Upon Easter day the Fourth Kalender of April ensuing An. scil 1187. whose name was called Arthur The name of one of the Daughters was Eleanor le Bret. Which Eleanor departing this life in the Castle of Bristol 4 Id. Aug. An. 1241. 25 Hen. 3. was first buried in the Church of S. Iames at Bristol but afterwards by the Kings appointment translated to the Monastery of Nuns at Ambresbury The name of the other Daughter appeareth not Unto this Earldom of Richmund did belong no less then Cxl Knights Fees After the death of this Geffrey Constance his Widow was given in marriage to Ranulph Earl of Chester as hath been before exprest with whom he enjoyed both these Honors of Britanny and Richmund But she forsaking him as hath been said Arthur her Son having been honored with Knighthood by Philip King of France in An. 1199. the year following did homage to King Iohn for this Earldom of Britanny it being of the Fee of the Dutchy of Normandy Notwithstanding which King Iohn detained from him all his Lands in Normandy Turon Anjou and Poictou whereupon the King of France taking occasion to quarrel with King Iohn required restitution of them to Arthur but without success insomuch as War ensuing betwixt them the French had the worst After which King Iohn sent for his Nephew Arthur to Faleise and flattering him with fair words promised him great Honors if he would desert the King of France and adhere faithfully to him as his Leig-Lord and Uncle But Arthur who knew himself to be the Son of King Iohns elder Brother viz. Geffrey Duke of Britanny and Richmund beforementioned answered him with indignation requiring That he would make restitution to him of the Kingdom of England and all other the Lands which King Richard his Uncle had in Possession upon the day of his death Vowing That if he did not do it speedily he should not be at Peace Which expressions so much awakened King Iohn that he forthwith commanded his Nephew Arthur should be sent to Roan and there straitly imprisoned in the new Tower where he had not long been but for fear lest the great Men of England should adhere to him as being the next and rightful Heir to the Crown he caused him to be murthered by the hands of Peter de Mauley one of his Esquires unto whom for the reward of that wicked service he gave the Heir of the Barony of Mulgreve to Wife As to the manner of his death it is said That passing from one Ship to another to go into England as a prisoner a Marriner laid a Plank in such a sort that as soon as he trode upon it he fell into the Sea and was drowned Having thus given an account of this Earldoms Succession from Alan the first to Conan the last of the ancient Earls whose sole Daughter and Heir Constance first took to Husband Geffrey Fourth Soâ to King Henry the Second As also of the Murther of Arthur her only Son who had no issue and that she afterwards married to Ranulph Earl of Chester who in her right enjoyed it I shall now observe that this Constance being at length divorced from Earl Ranulph by reason of Adultery married lastly to Guy de Toarche and had issue by him a Daughter called Alice who after the death of her Parents remaining in Ward to the King of France was by that King given in marriage to Sir Peter Maâclere a Knight of his with Britanny and what else was of her Inheritance Not long after which King Ioân being highly discontented towards those of his Barons who had extorted from him the two notable Charters of their Liberties called Magna Carta and Carta de Ferestâ which bear date 15 Iunii in Seventeenth of His Reign upon his recess from London with purpose to raise what strength he could for the redeeming himself out of their power by his Letteâs directed to this Peter bearing date at Warham in Com. Dors. 12 Aug. next ensuing in which he calls him Earl of Britanny did signifie That in case he would come into England he would restore unto him the Honor of Richmund with its Appurtenances as appertaining to his said Earldom of Britany and thereupon required him to hasten over with all possible speed well furnished with Horse and Arms as also to bring with him what power he could raise for his aid and to do his homage with what service otherwise he ought to perform Whereupon he came and had Livery of all the Lands pertaining to that Honor in right of his said Wife And not long after that viz in 3 Hen. 3. agreed That the King should thenceforth have of the Knights Fees belonging thereto Thirty on the South of Humâer such as he should chuse After which that King became so cordial to him as that in 14 of His Reign he did by his Letters Patents declare That so long as the Wars with the French should continue he would assist him giving him by those his Letters the title of Duke of Britanny and Earl of Richmund with Four hundred Knights and One hundred Servants on Horsback of which number One hundred to be of his own Knights as also that he would give him pay for Three hundred Knights and an Hundred Servants more and for performance thereof obliged himself by Oath Richard Earl of Cornwal with some other eminent persons doing the like as undertakers for him therein Nevertheless though the King then gave him the Appellation of Earl of ãâã he had not the compleat fruition of that Barony Ranulph Earl of Chester retaining the Lands thereof in his hands until by a special Precept to the Bishop of Chichester then Lord Chancellor and Stephen de Segrave afterwards Justice of England command was given that Livery should forthwith be made to him thereof After which viz. the next ensuing year he
his Territory of Gowherland The Foundation of the Priory at Warwick begun by his Father he perfected and Founded the Collegiate Church of our Lady there as also the Hospital of S. Michael for Lepers together with the House of Templers beyond the Bridge To divers Monasteries he was also a Benefactor To the Canons of ãâã he gave the Church of Norboro with the Chappel of Huncote To the Knights Templers xi s. yearly Rent out of his Mill at âreâham in Com. Rutl. As also four Oxgangs of Land in that Lordship To the Monks of Bruere in Com. Oxon he gave his Lordship of ãâã and to the Monks of Pipwell in Com. Northampton the Lordship of Causton in Com. Warr. To the Canons of Renilworth he confirmed the Grants of the Lordships of ãâã and Newnham in Com. Warr. which were of his Fee and farther bestowed on them certain Lands in Warwick with the Churches of Brailes and Wellesburn in the same County To the Monks of Pâeaux in Normanây he gave two Hides of Land in Walton in Com. Warr. To the Monks of Geroudon in Com. Leicest he gave the Town of Badsley Endsor in Com. Warr. which afterwards was rendred by them to William his Son and Successor To the Monks of Bordsley in Com. Wigorn. he confirmed the Grant of Suhanger id est Sunger near Claerdon in Com. Warr. which William Gifford had given to them and bestowed on them one Hide of Land in Oxshalve To the Monks of Thorney in Com. Cantabr he confirmed the moity of the Mannor of Wenge given to them by Robert de Montfort To the Monks of Canweââ in Com. Staff he gave three yard Land lying in Hull id est Hilâ within his Lordship of Suâton-Colefield in Com. Warr. And to the Nuns of Wrokeshale he confirmed the Church of Shukborow with certain Lands in that Lordship as also in Burton and Radford given to them by several persons And having Wedded Gundred Daughter to William Earl Warren the Second and Sister by the Mothers side to Waleran Earl of Mellent he left issue by her three Sons viz. William Waleran and Henry and one Daughter called Agnes Which William and Waleran were both of them successively Earl of Warwick And Henry had Gowherland in Wales by his Fathers gift but by his death without issue it came to William his elder Brother and Agnes became the Wife of Geffrey de Clinton Chamberlain to the King Son to Geffrey the Founder of âenilworth Castle and Priory which Geffrey had in Frank-marriage with her by the gift of her Father Ten Knights Fees of those Seventeen that he held of his Fee and for which he was to do service in the Castle of Brandon Moreover this Geffrey had thereupon a Grant of this County of Warwick id est the Sheriffalty thereof for so it appeareth from sundry Testimonies To hold to him and his heirs of this Earl and his heirs in such sort as it was held by the King This Earl Roger died xii Iunii An. 1153. 18 Steph. In which year Henry Duke of Normandy afterwards King by the name of Henry the Second coming into England with a mighty power had that great respect from Gundred then Countess of Warwick Widow of the deceased Earl that she outed King Stephens Soldiers and delivered Warwick Castle to him I now come to William eldest Son and Successor to the last Earl who in 12 Hen. 2. upon the Assessment of the Aid for marrying the Kings Daughter certified the number of his Knights Fees to be Cv and an half This Earl William Founded two Hospitals the one of S. Iohn the other of S. Thomas both in Warwick built a new Church for the Templers there and bestowed on them the Mannor of Shireburne and certain Lands in Morton both in the County of Warwick Moreover he ratified to the Monks of Combe one Hide of Land in Bilney granted to them by Thurbert de Bilney and confirmed to the Monks of Pipwell what his Father had given them in Causton for which respect they received him into their Fraternity as a Founder of that Abbey To the Canons of Kenilworth he ratified the Churches of Loxley Brailes and Wellesburne the one given to them by Robert Fitz-Odonis and the other two by Earl Roger his Father In consideration whereof they allowed him the perpetual presentation of one Canon in their House This Earl William married two Wives first Maud the eldest of the two Daughters and Coheirs of William Lord Percy and Margaret D'Eivile if Rous mistake not but I am of opinion that Maud was the later Wife For I find that by a special Charter she gave the Church of Tadcaster with the Chappel of Haselwood to the Monks of Salley in Com. Ebor. for the health of her Soul and the Soul of William Earl of Warwick her late Husband as also for the Souls of William de Percy her Father Adelidis de Tunebrigge her Mother Alan de Percy her Brother and Agnes her Sister Moreover that she bestowed on them on Carucate of Land in Caââhon the place of her Birth And in 31. Hen. 2. upon her Fathers death gave a fine to the King of Seven hundred marks for Livery of those Lands of her Fathers which by Inheritance belonged to her as also that she might have an Assignation of her Dowry and not be compelled to marry unto any but whom she should like But by neither of these Wives had this last mentioned Earl William any issue so that departing this life in the Holy Land 15 Nov. An. 1184. 30 Hen. 2. Waleran his Brother succeeded him in this Earldom Which Waleran in 7 Rich. 1. giving twenty marks fine to the King had Livery of the Tertium Denarium de placitis Comitatus And in 9 Rich. 1. stood charged with these following debts to the King viz. Forty two pound four shillings and eight pence for the Scutage levied upon the Kings Redemption likewise in One hundred pound for License to return into England and in One hundred marks more for leave to marry Alice the Daughter of Robert de Harecourt Widow of Iohn de Limesie He had also much ado a great part of his time touching his inheritance there starting up one who feigned himself to he his Brother Earl William deceased in the Holy Land which occasioned him no little trouble and vexation so that it is thought by some that the Grant which he made to Hubert Archbishop of Canterbury then Chancellor of England of the Advowson of all the Prebendaries belonging to the Collegiate Church in Warwick to hold during his life was to purchase his favor in that weighty business As to his Works of Piety all that I have seen
to find one Lamp continually burning before the Altar of S. Iohn Baptist in the Conventual Church of Berencester for the health of her Soul and all her Ancestors and Childrens Souls and lieth buried in the Monastery there of her Fathers Foundation The issue which this last mentioned Earl Henry had was only one Son viz. Thomas and one Daughter called Margery both by his first Wife Which Thomas was of full age at his Fathers death for the same year paying One hundred pound for his relief he had Livery of his Lands And in 17 Hen. 3. four years after inherited D'Oilies Lands in Oxfordshire by the death of Henry D'Oily his Uncle without issue Of which paying One hundred pound for his releif and two Palfreys and doing his homage he then had Livery and at Whitsontide following the King then keeping that Festival at Glocester was girt with the Sword of Knighthood with Roger Bigot Earl of Norfolk and Hugh de Vere Earl of Oxford Nay I make a question whether he had full Seism of this Earldom of Warwick till then though he had Livery of his Lands four years before for the Kings Precept to the Sheriffs of this County bearing date at Tewksbury 24 May the same year saith thus Rex ciâxit Thomam de Warewic âingulo Cemitatus Warewic mandatum est Vicecomiti Warwici quod eidem Comiti habere faciat de praedicto Comitatu id quod habere debet nomine Comitis Warwici de quo praedecessores sui Comites Warwici âeisiti fuerunt tanquam ad eos pertinente nomine Comitatus Warwici And that this was the meaning of that Writ viz. That he should thereby be invested into this Earldom may seem by what the Historian addeth to that mention of his being Knighted with Roger Bigot and Hugh Vere scil Willielmus Longespe accingitur gladio Militari sed non fit Comes Sarum which was at that very time In 25 Hen. 3. this Earl Thomas gave Clxxx marks fine to the King to the end he might be exempted from attendance upon him in his expedition into Gascoigne which sum was over and above his Scutage thereupon due For discharge whereof and that he might levy the like upon his Tenants he paid the year following Cxx l. more But farther than this I cannot say of him other than that he married Ela Daughter to William Longespe Earl of Salisbury Natural Son to King Henry the Second As also that he departed this life without issue 26 Iune An. 1242. 26 Hen. 3. and was buried at Warwick Moreover that upon the new Building of the Quire of the Collegiate Church there in King Edward the Thirds time his Monument with divers other of his Ancestors were removed and never set up again Which Ela surviving him had by the Kings Precept bearing date 29 Iuly next ensuing the Mannors of Tanworth Claverdon and Sutton all in Com. Warr. as also Hoke-Norton and Bradam in Com. Oxon. with all the Corn and Hay then being upon them assigned for her Dowry And by vertue of another Mandate from the King to the Archbishop of York and William de Cantilupe obtained an augmentation thereto For it appears that besides all these she was possessed of the Mannors of Hatherop and Chedworth in Com. Gloc. And had of the Kings gift also for her better support the Mannor of Dimmock in the same County during her Widowhood Which Mannor afterwards upon her marriage with Philip Basset was at the request of Richard Earl of Cornwal the Kings Brother granted to her to hold during her life This Ela was a Benefactress to the Monks of Reading to the Canons of Oseney to the Nuns of Godstow and to the Canons of S. Sepulchers in Warwick to which last she gave all her Lands in Claverdon formerly granted unto her by Sir Henry de Lodbroke Knight and others And was so great a Friend to the University of Oxford that she caused a common Chest to be made and did put into it Two hundred and twenty marks out of which such as were poor Schollars might upon security at any time borrow something gratis for supply of their wants in consideration whereof the University were obliged to celebrate certain Masses every year in S. Maries Church Which Chest was in being in King Edward the Fourths time and called by the name of Warwick Chest. And to the Gray-Fryers in London she gave a parcel of Land with the Buildings thereon for the enlargement of their House In 17 Edw. 1. she released to William de Beauchamp then Earl of Warwick all her Right in the Mannor of Tanworth in Com. Warr. which she held in Dower And departing this life very aged viz in An. 1300. 28 Edw. 1. was buried before the High Altar in the Abby-Church of Oseney at the head of the Tomb of Henry de Oilly under a flat Marble in the habit of a Vowess graven on a Copper Plate This Thomas dying thus without issue the Inheritance of this great Earldom came to Margery his Sister who first became the Wife of Iohn Mareschal Brother to William Mareschal Earl of âembroke as some say and afterwards of Iohn de Plessets of whom in due place I shall speak farther Earls of Warren and Surrey THough it doth not directly appear that this Earldom of Surrey was conferred upon William de Warren until the time of King William Rufus yet in regard it is manifest that he was Earl of Warren in Normandy in the Conquerors days I shall take the boldness to rank him amongst the Earls of His Reign and so begin my Discourse of these Titles with him This William standing nearly Allied to Duke William of Normandy viz. Nephew to the Countess Gunnora his Great Grand-mother accompanied him amongst many other gallant Men of that age Normans French Britons Anjovins and Flemmings in that his Signal Expedition for England in An. 1066. and fought courageously on his behalf in that notable Battle against King Harold wherein the Duke became Victor and thenceforth King For which he had diâers Lordships and Lands in Norfolk and other parts of this Realm conferred upon him and amongst them Carletune and Benington in Com. Linc. After this viz. in An. 1067. when Odo Bishop of Bayeux and William Fitz-Osborne had the whole Government of the Realm the King then going into Normandy committed to their charge he with Hugh de Grentmesnil and some other active Soldiers was sent to accompany them and yield his assistance Nay he was in such great esteem with that King that he constituted him together with Richard de Benefactis an eminent Baron of that time his Substitutes for the universal Administration of Justice throughout the whole Realm Whereupon
pleased he advanced him as he list By which means he got an incredible proportion of wealth But in the height of all this glory another Earl seduced his wife which brought exceeding vexation and trouble of mind to him in his age At last therefore after much grief mortal infirmities seising on him being required by his Confessor that he should make restitution of whatsoever he had got by Force or Fraud from any Man and to bewail that sin with tears He answered If I so do what shall I leave my Sons To whom his Confessor replied Let them be content with their ancient Inheritance and with what you have justly acquired and quit the rest otherwise your Soul will go to Hell No quoth he I will give them all and they shall do Works of Mercy for the health of my Soul But notwithstanding this sharp Character his own Works of Piety were not few nor small For he rebuilt the Church of our Lady in his Castle at Leicester for the health of the Souls of King William the Conqueror of Queen Maud his Wife as also for the Souls of King William Rufus King Henry the First and Maud his Wife with their Children Likewise for the Souls of Roger de Bellomont his Father and of Adelina Wife of the said Roger. Moreover for the health of his own Soul and the Soul of Elizabeth his Wife as also of the Souls of all his Children and for the Soul of Henry Earl of Warwick his Brother the Soul of Albreda his Sister Abbess of ... and the Souls of all the faithful deceased In which Church he placed a Dean and Canons and for their maintenance besides all that had anciently belonged thereto he gave unto them six Carucates of Land lying nigh the North Bridge with eight dwelling Houses and in another part three Virgates and three Ox-gangs as also Six pound yearly Rent issuing out of that City And in the Suburbs thereof confirmed to them the Churches of Alhallows S. Peters and S. Martins which Ralph Boteler had bestowed on them in augmentation of their Prebends And farther gave them the Churches of Lileburne with the Lands and Tithes thereto appertaining as also three pound yearly Rent out of the Revenues of that Lordship He likewise bestowed on them three Carucates and one Yard Land with a Mill at the North Bridge for cloathing of the sick people in their charge So that they had all the Churches in Leicester except S. Margarets which was a Prebend of Lincoln with five Carucates of Land on the North side of the Town and all the Churches of the Soke of Shepesheved and Halso Moreover he Founded the Hospital of Brackley in Com. North. And besides all this gave to the Priory of Lenton in Com. Nott. the Church of Winchingstone with three Yard Land and three Toffs and Croffs thereto belonging To the Abbey of Preaux in France the Foundation whereof was begun by Humphrey de Vetulis his Grand-father and perfected with large endowments by Roger de Bellomont his Father he gave the Church and Tithes of Charlenton the Mannor of Postbiry as also the Mannor of Tostes in Norfolk which afterwards became a Cell to that Foreign Monastery and likewise the Tenth of all his Rents and Revenues in Newbery This great Earl wedded Isabel by some called Elizabeth Daughter to Hugh Earl of Uermandoâs by whom he left issue Robert his Successor in this Earldom of Leicester and Waleran who succeeded him in that of Mellent both Twins likewise another Son called Hugh sirnamed Pauper Earl of Bedford and divers Daughters whereof one viz. Elizabeth was a Concubine to King Henry the First But at length became a Monk in the Abbey of Preaux and departing this life upon the Nones of Iune An. 1318. 18 Henâ 1. was there buried all but his heart which was sent to Brackley and there kept in Salt Of his Son Waleran who after him enjoyed the Earldom of Mellent as hath been said with all his Land in Normandy the substance of what I have observed is That in 23 ãâã 1. deserting the King and manning his Castles against him the King burnt his Town of Brion all but the Castle So likewise Pont-Audomare except the Castle which held out seven weeks siege Likewise that he was taken prisoner in fight near Burgh-Turold 7 Kal. April 14 Hen. 1. and kept in durance full five years and that being set at liberty he was not trusted with any of his Castles Moreover that adhering to King Stephen against Maud the Empress with whom he was in the Battle of Lincoln 6 Steph. he shared in that unhappy success which the King then had Next that in 10 Steph. he took upon him the Cross and went to Ierusalem on Pilgrimage After this that King Stephen fell in dislike with him and in the Fifteenth of His Reign took from him by Assault the City of Worcester which he had given him and reduced it to Ashes And that about two years after he was taken prisoner by his Nephew Robert de Montfort and shut up in the Castle of Orbec where his own Soldiers endeavored his rescue by a siege but in vain So that he could not obtain his liberty till he had rendred the Castle of Montfort unto him Furthermore that he was betrothed unto a Daughter of King Stephens when she was but two years old And lastly that he left issue a Son called Robert Earl of Mellent who was excommunicated by the Pope for adhering to Iohn Earl of Moreton against Richard his Brother King of England Of Hugh the youngest Son of this Robert Earl of Leicester to whom King Stephen gave the Earldom of Bedford with the Daughter of Milo de Beauchamp upon the expulsion of Milo Being a person remiss and negligent himself and committing the custody of that Castle to Milo he fell from the dignity of an Earl to the state of a Knight and in the end to miserable poverty ¶ I come now to Robert called Bossu the eldest Son to this last mentioned Robert who after him enjoyed this Earldom of Leicester and all his Lands in England This Robert stoutly adhered to King Henry the First upon all occasions and was with him at his death in An. 1135. at the Castle of Lions in France Betwixt this Earl and Roger de Toney a great Man in Normandy was such animosity as that at length it broke out into open hostility and thereupon burning and destruction of Toneys Houses and wasting his Lands Being in Normandy with King Stephen in An. 1137. 2 Steph. and hearing of those troubles which then grew in England he attended him thither In An. 1139. 4 Steph. he was one of those that rose up against Roger Bishop of Saresbury that
buried on the South side of the Quire Unto all of which I know not how to assent in regard it is apparent from good authorities already observed that he exercise Secular imployments for the greatest part of that time and that he died ãâã of England the very same year To reconcile therefore this seeming contradiction I shall rather suppose That though he assumed the habit of a Canon in that Abbey so long before whereby he had the more immediate benefit of all the devout Suffrage Fastings and Alms of that Regular Covent Yet for the better service to the Publick considering that eminent place of Judicature wherein he sate he was dispenced with as to the strict observance of the Rule in being Cloistered up as others were To him succeeded in this Earldom Robert his Son and Heir called Robert Blanchmaines by reason of his White Hands as it seemeth who through the Right of his Grand-mother Emme Wife of William Fitz-Osberne Earl of Hereford after the death of William de Bretvil her Brother enjoyed Liâa Glot with the whole Honor of Bretvil and other Lands of his This Robert in his Fathers life time upon the death of William de Pacy entred the Castle of Pacy which belonged to the Honor of Bretvil whereunto he was right Heir to his Mother as hath been observed In An. 1173. 19 Hen. 2. adhering to young Henry whom King Henry the Second had Crowned in his life time in that Rebellion against his Father he borrowed what Money he could and got License to go beâond Sea And though he then made Oath to be loyal to the King yet when he got thither he nothing minded his promise For which respect the King marched with a great power to his Castle of Bretvil whence he fled upon his approach and set it on fire Moreover commanding that his Town of Leicester should be laid waste it was besieged and the greatest part of it burnt the Inhabitants having leave for Txshree hundred pound to go whether they would Whereof having intelligence he hasted to the Port of Whitsand in Flanders and thence into England with a great power of Normans and Flemings landing at Walton in Suffolk upon the third Kalend of October and attempted the Castle there which being situate upon a Mount notwithstanding all his endeavor for full four days and the help of Hugh Bigot Earl of Norfolk to boot he could not win Whereupon he marched to Hagenet took that Castle and burnt it forcing thirty Soldiers whom he found therein to redeem themselves Thence to Framingham Castle the Seat of that Earl of Norfolk but being too burthensome to him by hisistay there and ãâã to his Lady he resolved for Leicester leaving S. Edmundsbury on his left hand In which passage being encountred by those Forces of the Kings who lay in that part of the Countrey for the defence thereof after a sharp fight his Army was totally âouted and himself with his Countess taken prisoners who wearing a Ring on her Finger with a Stone of great value in it out of indignation threw it into a River that her Enemies might not have it But this Story being otherwise told by the Monks of Iorevaux I shall also deliver it in his words Upon the Treaty saith he had betwixt Gisorz and ârias for composing that difference betwixt King Henry and Henry his Son Crowned King in his life time which broke off without success This Earl taking part with young Henry to whom also the King of France adhered was sent by the King of France and young Henry with a great power of Flemings into England and there arriving about the Feast of S. Luke by the help of Hugh Bigoâ plundred Noâwich at that time destitute of a Garison and thence marched to the Port of Donwich where finding that the Inhabitants stood stoutly upon their guard he went to âageneth and after some days siege took that Castle whereof Ranulph de Broc was then Governor After which success having much confidence in his numbers he resolved to march to Leicester but hearing of great Forces at S. Edmundsbury he hasted to Franângham Castle the Seat at that time of Hugh Bigot Earl of Norfolk and there made stay for certain days whereof tidings being brought to Richard de Lucy then Iustice of England and Humphrey de Bohun Constable of England who were then on their march with a powerful Army towards Scotland with purpose to waste that Countrey having burnt the Town of âarwick and the parts thereabouts they forthwith made a Truce with the King of Scotland till the Feast of S. Hillary ensuing and hasted with all speed towards S. Edmundsbury expecting this our Earl there who still continued at Framingham But he purposing for Lelcester passing with his Army near S. Edmundsbury over Fornham Marsh not far from the Church of S. Genevose was encountred by Humphrey Bohun Reginald Earl of Cornwal and William Earl of Arundel with Three hundred stout Men well armed carrying the Banner of S. Edmund before them and after a sharp skirmish taken prisoner with his Wife and Hugh de Castel a Nobleman of France his whole Army being utterly routed The news where of being brought to King Henry then in Normandy he sent for him thither and imprisoned him at Falets with Hugh Earl of Chester then also in restraint for his Rebellious practises Of which imprisonment when his Soldiers at Leicester heard they grew so enraged that they much infested the whole Countrey adjacent and taking advantage of the Invasion which the King of Scots had then made into Northumberland they marched to Northampton under the command of Ankitel Mallore at that time Governor of Leicester and after a sharpe fight with the Burgers there and all the strength they had wherein they slew Two hundred returned to Leicester with the Plunder of that Town But not long after this the King of Scots having such an opportunity by those disturbances sent his Brother David to take part with those Soldiers belonging to this Earl who then held Leicestâr howbeit before they could get thither Reginald Earl of Comwal and Richard de Lucy with a strong power had entred that Town and burnt it totally excepting the Castle After which within a short time King Henry returning into England brought this Earl and the Earl of âhester with him and having taken into his hands his Castles of Leicester Monfort and ãâã hasted back into France again carrying them both with him still continuing them in custody first at âaen and afterwards at âaleââ Nevertheless within few years following viz. in An. 1177. 23 Hen. 2. in that great Council then held at Northamptoâ after the Feast of S. Hillary he was received into the Kings
from King William Rufus a Confirmation of all those Customs belonging to his Castle of Pontfract as he had enjoyed in the time of King William his Father This Ilbert gave the Lordship of Hambleton to the Monks of Selby in Com. Ebor. And for the health of the Soul of King William the Conqueror and of King William his Son Founded the Collegiate Chappel of S. Clement within his Castle of âontfract and amply endowed it with Lands and Tithes To the Monks of S. Maries at York he gave five Carucates and an half of Land in Gerford with the Church there He also began the Foundation of the Abbey of S. Oswald at Nostell for Canons Regular of S. Augustine and left issue two Sons Robert and Hugh Which Robert called also Robert de Pontfract had a Confirmation from King William Rufus of all those Lands whereof Ilbert his Father died seised Howbeit upon the death of King William Rufus with divers other potent Men adhering to Robert Curthose against King Henry the First he was forced to buy his peace at a dear rate But after this he obtained from that King a Grant of Boeland which he held of Roger de Pictavia but thenceforth to be held of the same King as also of all those Lands in Yorkshire which that King then challenged and for which he the said Robert did vouch the Warranty of William de Say This Robert perfected the Foundation of that Abbey of S. Oswald at Nostell and amply endowed it Moreover for the health of the Soul of King William the Conqueror as also for the Souls of Ilbert his Father and Hawise his Mother he Founded a Priory for Cluniack Monks at Pontfract and to the Monks of Saâlay in Com. Ebor. he gave certain Lands lying opposite to their Abbey on the other side of Ribble But after all this both he and Ilbert his Son were expelled the Realm by King Henry the First and the Honor of Pontfract bestowed on Henry Traverse who being shortly after mortally wounded by one Pain a Servant of his own caused himself to be shorn a Monk and so died within three days After which the King gave this Honor of Pontfract to Guy de la Val who held it till King Stephens time but then Henry Son to this Ilbert taking advantage of the troubles which that King had entred upon it again and afterwards for corroboration of his title promised King Henry the Second a thousand marks to make his Peace with the same Guy Whereupon an Agreement being made Guy de la Val had an hundred and fifty pound Lands of the Demesn of that Barony and twenty Knights Fees It is said by an old Historian that this Ilbert so expelled with his Father when King Stephen began to Reign by his special favor reobtained his Barony of Pontfract and calling to mind the misery of his banishment by King Henry the First approved himself the more cordial to King Stephen when he stood most in need being one of the principal Commanders of those Forces raised by the Northern Barons in 3 Steph. Through whose valor that great Army of the Scots then invading those parts was totally vanquished near North Alverton in that memorable fight called The Battle of the Standard whereof I have fully spoke in my Discourse of William Earl of Albemarle After which he obtained a pardon on the behalf of his Servants for all Forfeitures whatsoever and specially for the death of William Maltravers And having married Alice the Daughter of Gilbert de Gant who gave to the Church of S. Iohn at Pontfract certain Lands in ângesmels whereof she had been by him enâowed died without issue Henry his Brother succeeding him in his Lands and Honor. Which Henry was received into favor by Maud the Empress and her Son King Henry the Second and obtained from them a remission of the displeasure which King Henry the First bore towards Robert his Father as also of the forfeiture which he himself had made before he did his homage with full restitution of his whole Honor of Pontfract and all other his Lands in England and Normandy He likewise obtained from King Henry the Second a Charter for a Fair to be held yearly at Pontfrâct upon the Feast day of S. Giles and to continue for eight days following And in 12 Hen. 2. upon Assessment of the Aid for marrying the Kings Daughter certified his Fees to be Seventy nine and an half in number for which in 14 Hen. 2. he paid Forty two pounds ten shillings ten pence for those De veteri Feoffamento and Thirteen pound seven shillings six pence for those De novo Moreover in 23 Hen. 2. he was one of the Witnesses to that notable Award which King Henry the Second made betwixt Aldefonsus King of Castile and Sanctio King of Navarre I now come to his Works of Piety In An. 1147. 12 Steph. with the consent of the Abbot of Fountaines and in accomplishment of a Vow made in the time of his sickness he Founded a Monastery for Cistertian Monks first at Bernoldswike and afterwards removed them to Kirkstall in Com. Ebor. Which Monastery he amply endowed with Lands and Revenues He was also a great Benefactor to the Cluniac Monks at Pontfract there seated by Robert de Laci his Father and for the health of the Soul of the said Robert and of Maud his Mother caused the Church of S. Iohn the Evangelist in Pontfract to be dedicated for the use of that Covent giving thereto Threescore shillings Annual Rent to be paid by his Bailiff of Pontfract He likewise bestowed on them the benefit of his Ferry at Castleford freeing them from Toll and all other Secular Custom for their Lands in Pontfract and gave them the Government of S. Nicholas Hospital in Pontfract confirming whatsoever had been bestowed on them by his Father Moreover for the Souls of his Father and Mother as also of all his Ancestors and Ilbert his Brother he conferred on them his Lordship of Hedingley and gave the Church of Kelintune to the Knights Templars To him succeeded Robert his Son who was one of those Barons which attended at the solemn Coronation of King Richard the First This Robert began the Building of Cliderhou Castle in Blackburneshire and therein a Chappel dedicated to S. Michael the Arch Angel wherein with the consent of Geffrey then Dean of Whalley he caused Divine Service to be celebrated and the Sacraments to be administred to his Houshold Servants Shepherds and Foresters as had been usual for those who lived within the Precincts of other Chapelries in that Parish and departing this life without issue 12 Kal. Febr. An. 1193. 4
founded the Priory of Langley in Com. Norff. for Canons Regular of the Praemonstatensian order and in 16 Ioh. departed this life whereupon Margaret his wife surviving him gave a fine of a Thousand pounds to the King to have livery of her own inheritance whereof her said husband was seised at his death and not be compelled to marry again as also to enjoy her dower according to the custome of the Kingdome To him succeeded Iohn his son and heir commonly called Iohn Fitz-Robert unto whom King Iohn in the fourteenth year of his reigne ratified the grant of the Castle and mannour of Werkworth made by King Henry the second to Roger Fitz-Richard his Grandfather as also of the mannour of Clavering granted to him by the same King So likewise those grants of the mannors of Robirie and Newburne Qualton with the Barony and Corbrigge This Iohn in 17 Ioh. was joyned with Iohn Marshall in the Sheriffs office for Norfolk and Suffolk for half that year and together with him made governour of the Castles of Norwich and Oxford But adhering to the rebellious Barons was the same year as one of the cheif in that defection a party to those Covenants then made betwixt that King and them unto which by reason of their strength he was constrained to submit whereby he was in effect devested of his Regal power Yea so firmly did he stick to that rebellious party as that he was one of those 25 made choice of by the rest for excercising the Royall authority for which his lands being seised into the Kings hands his mannor of Ainho in Com. Northampton was granted to Thomas de Walerie Howbeit in 1 Hen. 3. returning obedience he had restitution of them again and in 7 Hen. 3. obtained license that the market which had been usually kept upon the Sunday at his mannor of Werkworth which was one of his principal seats should be held upon the Wednesday every week And the next year following procured a Charter for a Faire at his Mannor of Stokeâley in Yorkshire yearly upon the Eve and day of the Translation of St. Thomas the Martyr as also a release of six Marks which were due by him to the King for the Scutage of Montgomerie And in 9 H. 3. was constituted Sheriffe of Northumberland and governor of the town of Newcastle upon Tine in which trust he continued for the tenth eleventh and half of the twelveth year of that Kings Reign Moreover in 13 Hen. 3. he was one of those Northern Barons to whom the King sent special commaed to wait upon Alexander K. of Scotland at Barwick upon Twede and for his more secure conduct to attend him unto York where he was to meet K. Henry about Mid-Lent to treat upon certain affairs of great importance The like command he had in 21 H. 3. the same King of Scots being again to meet King Henry at York upon the feast day of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross. But this is all I can say of him other than that being a good Benefactor to the Hospital of Berdney he had a grant from the Canons of that House that one of them should celebrate divine service there for the good estate of himselfe and of Ioane his wife and for the Soules of his Ancestors for ever And that having married Ada de Baillol he departed this life anno 1240 24 Hen. 3. leaving her the said Ada surviving who thereupon had the Mannors of Newburne and Whauton assigned for her dower Which Ada in 25 Hen. 3. gave to the King a fine of two Thousand marks for the wardship of Hugh and Roger Sons and Heirs to her deceased Husband And gave to Sr. Hugh de Evre and to the Heirs of his body lawfully begotten her Mannor house of Stokesley and moyâtiâ of the Barony of Stokesley with the Advowson of the Church as also the moiety of the Forest of Basdale and for default of such issue to Robert de Evre his brother her Son as she calls him and his heires To this last mentioned Iohn succeded Roger his Son and Heir of whom I have not seen any thing memorable but his death which hapned about Whitsontide in anno 1249 33 Henr. 3. and that his heir called Robert being then very young was committed to the tuition of William de Valence the Kings brother though Ada de Baillol the Mother of the child offered a thousand and two hundred Marks the lands he died seised of being these viz. the Mannors of Clavering and âachworth in Essex Aynho in Northamtonshire Werkworth with its members in Com Northumber viz. Alington Birdââng Buttlesdune and Toggesden as also Robârie with its members viz. Trepton and Senâher Novââe Which Robert called Robert Fitz-Roger in 6 Ed. 1. entred into covenants with Robert de Tybetot that Iohn his Son and Heir should marry Hawise the Daughter of the same Robert before the Quind of Martin the same year and that he would endow her upon her wedding day at the Church door with an hundred pound per annum lands in his mannor of Aynho in Com. Northamp and in case those should fall short of that value to make them up out of his mannor of Bliburgh in Suffolk the portion of her the said Hawise being six hundred marks And in 19 Ed. 1. obtained the Kings Charter for a weekly market upon the Munday at his mannor of Newton juxta Werkworth as also a fair every year upon the Eve day and morrow after the feast of St. Lawrence Likewise a Market every week upon the Thursday at his Mannor of Roubirie and a Fair yearly on the Eve Day and Morrow after the Feast of Saint Matthew the Apostle This Robert amongst others in 22 Ed. 1. had Summons to attend the King at Portsmouth upon the first day of September well fitted with Horse and Arms for the expedition then to be made into Gascoigne In 24 Edâ 1. he had the like Summons to attend the King at Newcastle upon Tine thence to march into Scotland In 25 Edw. 1. he was again in the Wars of Scotland So likewise in 26 Edw. 1. being then of the Retinue of Roger le Bigod Earl of Norfolk and in that memorable fight called the Battle of Faââârk which hapned upon S. Mary Magdalens day the same year In 27 Edw. 1. he was joyned in Commission with some other of the Northern Barons for fortifying the Kings Castles in Scotland as also for the defence of the Marches and in respect of those his Services had respite for the payment of such debts as were by him owing to the King In 28 Edw. 1. and 29 Ed. 1. he continued still in the Wars of Scotland and in 34 Edw. 1. was again in
that expedition made thither In 35 Edw. 1. he obtained the Kings Charter for Free Warren in all his Demesn Lands at Corbââgge before specified This Robert likewise and Iohn his Son called Iohn de Clavering by the appointment of King Edward the First were at that notable siege of Kaerlaverok in Scotland He had likewise Summons to Parliament from 23 E. 1. till 3 E. 2. inclusive in which year he died being then seised of the Mannor of Clavering in Essex Horsford in Com. Norf. Blâburg in Com. Suff. Evre in Com. Buck. Whalton in Com. Northumb. with the Fees thereunto belonging viz. the Mannors of Lington Linton Eshet Bokenfelde Horton Oggille South-Gaseford Newenham Dentone Faughdone Kington New-Bigging certain Lands in Shotover Glendale Herle Kirk-Herle Chevernale and Ripplington As also of the Mannor of Newburne with the Hamlets of Walebothill Demlaw Botirlaw Trokirlaw the Town and Mannor of Corebrigge Of the Mannor and Castle of Werkworth with its members viz. Birling Aclyngton the moity of Botilstone the fourth part of Tokisdence Likewise of the Mannor of Rouchbere with its members viz. Newton Threptone and Sâytter and the Forest there leaving issue by Margery de la Zouche his Wife the said Iohn de Clavering his Son and Heir then forty four years of age who doing his Homage had livery of them And in consideration of his good services had in 25 Ed. 1. pardon for all his debts due unto the Exchequer as also for the Scutage then due from himself This Iohn was in that expedition made into Gascoine in 22 E. 1. So also in those of Scotland 26 28 31 and 34 Ed. 3. And in 4 Ed. 2. had command to be at New-castle upon Tine well fitted with Horse and Arms to march against the Stots In 6 Ed. 2. being again in the Scottish Warrs he was taken prisoner in the Battle of Strivelyn but the next ensuing year he was again in those Warrs So likewise in 9 and 12 E. 2. In 17 Ed. 2. he obtained the Kings Charter for a weekly Market every Munday at his Mannor of Blyburgh in Suffolk and two Fairs yearly one upon the Eve and Feast-day of the Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin the other upon the Eve and day of her Nativity As also for a weekly Market on the Tuesday at his Mannor of Aynho in Northamptonshire and a Fair yearly upon the Eve and day of St. Michael and two dayes following And having had Summons to Parliament from 28 Edw. 1. till 5 Edw. 3. inclusive departed this life at his Mannor of Aynho in the Octaves of the Epiphany ann 1332. 6 E. 2. whence being carried to the Abby of Langley of his Ancestors foundation he had Sepulture in the Quire of that conventual Church leaving issue by Hawise his wife daughter to Robert de Tibetot before-mentioned one onely daughter called Eve first married to Raphe de Vfford and afterwards to Thomas de Audley by both which Husbands she had issue Sons and Daughters This Iohn long before his death being doubtfull of having issue male as it seems made a Feoffement to one Stephen de Trafford whereby he vested the inheritance of his Castle and Mannor of Werkworth as also of his Mannors of Roubirie Newberne and Corbrigge all in Northumberland and of the Mannor of Evre in Com Buck. in the same Stephen to the intent that he the said Stephen should reconvey the Castle and Mannors of Werkworth and Roubirie unto him the said Iohn to hold for life with remainder to King Edward the first and his Heirs And the Mannor of Evre to hold to him the said Iohn and Hawise for terme of their respective lives with remainder to the King and his Heirs In like sort the Mannors of Newburne and Corbrigge to hold to himselfe and the Heirs male of his body and for default of such issue to to the King and his Heirs In consideration whereof the King granted unto him and his heirs diverse lands and hereditaments then valued at Four hundred pounds per annum viz. the Mannor of Costesey the Hundreds of Lodning Knavering Holle Depewade Henstede North-Erpingham South-Erpingham Blofelde and Humelierd with the appurtenances in Com. Norff. the Hundreds of Bââching and Wainsford in Suff the Mannors of Rodeston and Apethorpe in Com. Northamp with twenty eight shillings yearly Rent of the Farm of Oliver Aspull there to hold for life Which Castle and Lands in Northumberland thereupon coming to the Crown whereby King Edward the third in the second year of his Reign given to Henry de Perci and his heirs as when I come to speak of that Noble Family I shall more fully shew the Mannors of Aynho and Horsford to Raphe de Nevill and his heirs and the mannors of Claering and Bliburg to Edmund Clavering brother of this Iohn for life the remainder to the same Raphe Nevill and his heirs wereby the younger branches of this antient Family the chief whereof is still in being at Caluley in Northumberland were bereft of that fair Inheritance which otherwise had descended to them Rie IN the time of Edward the Confessor Hubert de Rie a trusty servant to William Duke of Normandy being by him imployed to that King when be lay on his Death bed came in a pompous equipage into England and after conference with King Edward returned to the Duke with those Tokens whereby he was by that King declared his heir to the Crown of this Realm viz. a Sword in the Hilt whereof were inclosed some Reliques of Saints a Hunters horn of gold and the Head of a mighty Stag for which great service he was then promised that he should be Steward of his Houshold But when Duke William had got the Crown fearing that disturbances might arise in Normandy and well weighing the fagacity in counsel and dexterity in action of this Hubert he sent him thither to have an eye to that danger and soon after him these his sons viz. Ralphe whom he had made Castellan of Notingham Hubert Governor of the Castle of Norwich and Adam to whom he had given large possestions in Kent But Eudo the fourth continuing here in King Williams service obtained from him divers Lordships in sundry Counties viz. in Essex twenty five in Hartfordshire seven in Berkshire one in Bedfordshire twelve in Norfolk nine and in Suffolk ten And personally attending at Court it so hapned that that William Fitz-Osberne then Steward of the Houshold had set before the King the Flesh of a Crane scarce half rosted whereat the King took such offence as that he listed up his Fist and had struken him fiersly but that Eudo bore off the blow Whereupon Fitz-Osberne grew so displeased as that he quitted his Office desiring that Eudo might have it To which request the King
Monastery was first begun at Schobdon by the same Oliver but afterwards removed to Wigmore near to a Collegiate Church of Secular Canons which this Ralph had there Founded with three Prebendaries by the consent of Gerard Bishop of Hereford The Lands whereof this Ralph de Mortimer was possessed at the time of the General Survey were very great viz. In Berkshire five Lordships in Yorkshire eighteen besides divers Hamlets in Wiltshire ten in Somersetshire one in Hantshire thirteen in Oxfordshire one in Worcestershire four in Warwickshire one in Lincolnshire seven in Leicestershire two in Shropshire fifty whereof nineteen were held of Roger de Montgomery Earl of Shrewsbury and in Herefordshire nineteen besides the Castle of Wigmore built by William Fitz-Osborne Earl of Hereford upon a peice of waste Ground called Mercestune which Castle became the principal Seat of him and his Posterity This Ralph married Milisent Daughter of ... by whom he left issue two Sons viz. Hugh who succeeded him in his Lands and Honor and William de Mortimer Lord of Chelmersh and afterwards of Netherley by the gift of his Brother Hugh as also a Daughter called Hawise Wife of Stephen Earl of Asbemarle This Hugh being a person of a proud and haughty spirit upon the death of King Stephen endeavored all he could to oppose King Henry the Second and to that end incited Roger Earl of Hereford to fortifie his Castles of Glocester and Hereford and all other his strong holds against him himself doing the like with his own Castles of Cleobiry Wigmore and Brugges vulgò Brugge North. Whereupon Gilbert Foliot at that time Bishop of Hereford addressing himself to the Earl of Hereford being his Kinsman by fair perswasions so qualified him that he soon submitted But this Hugh continued still obstinate so that the King being necessitated to raise an Army divided it into three parts and so besieging these three Castles all at once forced him at length to yield Betwixt this Hugh de Mortimer and Ioceas de Dynant at that time Lord of Ludlow were very great differences insomuch as Ioceas could not pass safely out of his Castle for fear of being taken by Mortimers Men. But it so hapned that setting his Spies to take all advantages upon Dynant himself likewise roving thereabouts alone was surprised and carried prisoner to Ludlow and there kept till he had paid Three thousand marks of Silver for his ransom After this in 8 Steph. skirmishing with Rees ap Howell he took him prisoner And having often suppressed the Rebellions of the South Wales Men took Howel ap Owen and Conwen his Brother two of their greatest Lords and wasted the Town of Cardigan Moreover he built the Castles of Kaermerdine Mapudrith and Cameron and perfected the Foundation of the Abbey of Wigmore begun by his Father He likewise transferred thither the Prebendaries which had been placed in the Parochial Church of Wigmore by his Father and in An. 1179. 25 Hen. 2. largely endowed it viz. With the Mannors of Kayham and Schobdon the moity of Mottre Wood and divers other Lands together with the Churches of Wigmore Cleobiry Lentwardin Nene Hugley Burley Lidbury North Schoâdon Almondestreo and Chelmersh and all their Chappels And having done all this in his age becoming a Canon professed in the Abbey at Wigmore departed this life at Cleobiry 26 Febr. An. 1188. 31 Hen. 2. and was there buried for whose Soul one special Mass was daily celebrated at his Tomb. Leaving issue by Maud his Wife Daughter of William Longespe Duke of Normandy four Sons viz. Roger Hugh Ralph and William Which Hugh took to Wife Felicia de Sancto Sydonio and had by the gift of his Father the Mannors of Sudbury and Chelmersh which Mannors William his Uncle formerly enjoyed But William being a Soldier was taken prisoner in Foreign parts and there died unmarried About this time there was one Robert de Mortimer Son or Brother I presume of Hugh who in 12 Hen. 2. had the Honor of Richards Castle in Right of his Wife Daughter of Hugh de Say and Heir to Osbert Fitz-Hugh which Honor contained Three and twenty Knights Fees I come now to Roger Son to the last Mentioned Hugh This Roger in 6 Rich. 1. was with the King in Normandy and therefore had a special discharge of the Scutage then levied by reason of that expedition About this time Rees Prince of Wales having raised an Army and taken the Town of Caermarthen as also the Castles of Caermarthen and Clun and likewise besieged Radnor This Roger came with Hugh de Say for the releif of that place but was beaten with great loss as my Author reporteth In 16 Ioh. he was acquitted of the Scutage then levied for the expedition into Poictou his Son being then in that service About this time Howel Son of Cadwalthon and Maydoc Son of Maylston pretending they had a right to the Territory of Melenith in Fee-Ferme for a great sum of Money procured a tryal at Law for the same by Twelve Knights of the Counties of Heref. and Salop but upon full hearing of the cause at Shrewsbury the Right was adjudged to this Roger. Having had many skirmishes with the Welsh and most valiantly opposing their frequent incursions he took Twelve of their principal Leaders in one Battle He also much enlarged his Territories and drove away Thieves and Robbers from those parts And being once present at the solemn Anniversary of his Father he confirmed all his Grants to the Canons of Wigmore adding of his own gift a spacious and fruitful pasture lying near to that Abbey called The Treasure of Mortimer Whereupon his Steward blaming him that he should dispossess himself of a Field so rich and fertile and for that reason called The Treasure of Mortimer he replied I have laid up my Treasure in that Field where Theeves cannot steal or dig or moth corrupt This Roger married to his first Wife Milisent Daughter of ... Ferrers Earl of Derby by whom he had issue Hugh his Son and Heir and two Daughters ... the Wife of Stephen le Gross with whom he had in marriage the Lordships of Chorston and Barow and ... married to Walkeline de Beauchamp And to his second Wife Isabel the Sister and Heir to Hugh de Ferrers Son of Walkeline de Ferrers Lord of Dkham in Rutland as also of Lechelade and Lagebiry in Com. Gloc. And upon the death of the said Hugh de Ferrers in 6 Ioh. gave Three hundred marks and an Horse for the great Saddle for Livery of those Lorships of Lechelade and Lagebiry Likewise in 9 Ioh. Seven hundred marks and seven Palfreys
there two days and and two nights naked and then buryed at the Gray-Friers in London but many years after translated to Wigmore Some particulars there are in this Story of his apprehension which do not directy agree with what is related by our common Chroniclers but this with them is not worthy observation viz. d that this Judgement and Sentence so passed upon him without ever being heard as had formerly been practised in the case of Thomas Earl of Lancaster at Pontfract and after him the Despensers and Edmund Earl of Kent wherein 't is well known he himself had a hand Being thus cut off the Castle Town and Honor of Dynebegh with the Cantreds of Ros Reywynok Kaermor and Commot of Dymnach all forfeited by this his attainder were upon the eighteenth of Ianuary following bestowed on the before specified Sir William de Montacute This great buâ unhappy Man left issue four Sons viz. Edmund his eldest Son who had not the title of Earl of March his Fathers attainder being not reversed in his time 2. Sir Roger 3. Sir Geffrey Lord of Cowyth and Iohn slain in a Tournament at Shrewsbury And seven Daughters viz. Katherine Wife of Thomas de Beaucamp Earl of Warwick Ioan married to Iames Lord Audley Agnes to Lawrence de Hastings Earl of Pembroke Margaret to Thomas Son and Heir of Maurice Lord Berkley Maude to Iohn the Son and Heir of Iohn de Cherleton Lord of Powys Blanche to Peter de Grandison and Beatrix first to Edward Son and Heir to Thomas of Brotherton Earl Marshall of England and afterwards to Sir Thomas de Braose Which Edmund with his two Brothers Roger and Geffrey was Knighted by King Edward the third at the solemnity of his Coronation and took to Wife Elizabeth Daughter of Bartholomew Lord Badlesmere commonly called the rich Lord Badlesmere of Ledes by whom he had issue two Sons Roger who succeeded him and Iohn who died in his Infancy This Edmund recovered divers lands setled at his Marriage which upon the death of his Father were witheld but died in the flower of his youth at Stanton-Lacy upon the 26 Kal. of Ian. anno 1331. 5 Edw. 3. leaving Elizabeth his Wife surviving who afterwards was married to William de Bohun Earl of Northampton Which Elizabeth in 6 E. 3. had an assignation of her dowry out of the Lands of her late Husband viz. the Castle of Kentles and Dominion of Melenyth with the Commot of Duder in the Marches of Wales and died in 30 E. 3. whereupon the third part of the Mannor of ârendone in Comit. Buck. the Castle and Mannor of Kentles and Cantred of Melenyth the Mannor of Arleys in Comit. Staff and Cleobury in Com. Salop. then came to Roger her Son and heir Which Roger though but three years of age at his Fathers death giving security for the paiment of two hundred and fifty pounds per annum during his minority had a Grant from the King in 15 Edw. 3. of the Castle of Radnor as also of the Territories of Warthremoun Prestemede Knyghton and Norton in Wales which were of his Inheritance But during his minority his Castles of Knoklas and Pulith in the Marches of Wales were committed to William de Bohun Earl of Northampton who had married his Mother And the year next ensuing though he was not yet of full age through the mediation of that Earl his Homage was accepted whereupon he had Livery of the Castle of Wigmore In 20 Edw. 3. he attended the King into France to rescue those in Aguâlon and being landed with him at Hoggs in Normandy did there receive the Honor of Knighthood together with Prince Edward and many other Honorable persons the more to encourage him to Fight for the rights of the English Crown And the same year though he had not made proof of his full age yet in respect of his laudable services the King was pleased to take his Homage and make Livery to him of all the rest of his Lands excepting those which Elizabeth his Mother then Wife of the before specified Earl of Northampton held in Dower In 26 Edw. 3. upon another Expedition into France he was charged with forty men out of his Territories of Warthrymion Radnor and Wigmore And in 28. Ed. 3. procured a Charter for a weekly Market every Munday at his Lordship of Hamalhowe in Comit. Southamp as also a Fair yearly on Midsumer-day In which year likewise in the Parliament held at Westminster he obtained a reversall of the Judgement given against his Grandfather Roger late Earl of Marche as erroneous and utterly void whereupon he thenceforth bore the title of Earl of Marche and moreover had restitution of the Castles and Lordships of Blenlâveny and Bulkedinas whereof his said Grandfather had been formerly seized as also of all his other Lands which by that forfeiture came to the Crown and had been bestowed on Sir William de Montacute afterwards created Earl of Salisbury And did the same year contract with Richard Earl of Arundell that Edmund his Son and Heir should espouse Alice one of the Daughters of that Earl her portion being three thousand marks Upon which restoration it was by inquisition found that the said Roger Earl of Marche so attainted as hath been shewed died upon Munday next after the Feast of S. Catherine the Virgin and that he was then seized of the Mannors of Stratfeââe-Mortimer and Woghfeld as parcel of the Mannor of Wigmore as also of the Mannor of Newbury and Moitie of that Town all in Com. Berks. Likewise of the Mannors of Clifton upon Temede and Odingley in Comit. Wigorn. of the Mannors of Noke Mawrdyn and Wynââeton with the Advowson of the Church of Wynfreton in Com. Hereford of the Castle and Mannor of Nerberth and the third part of the Town of S. Clier with the Advowson of the Church the third part of the Commots of Amgeyd and Pentunyok and the third part of the town of ãâã in Com. Heref. Of the Castles and Dominions of Blenseveny and Bulkedinas in the Marches of Wales as also of the Castle and Mannor of Montgomery with the Mannor and Hundred of Chirbury in Com. Salop. The next year following this Roger thus lately restored was made Constable of Dovor Castle and Warden of the Cinque ports and attended the King in his expedition then made into France In 30 Edw. 3 doing his Homage he had Livery of all the Lands of Ioane Countess of Marche his Grandmother who then departed this Life viz. of the Mannor of Stanton-Lacy juxta Ludlow the moity of the Mannor of Ludlow and Advowson of the moity of the Church as also the Castle of Ludlow which she had by Inheritance as Daughter and Heir to Peter de Genevill of the Castle of Dolvareyn and
advanced to the Title of Duke of Buckingham to hold to himself and the Heirs-male of his Body with the Fee of Forty pound per annum out of the Counties of Bedf. and Buâks Moreover in Iune following he was again retained by Indenture to serve the King as Captain of the Castle of Calais during his life with twenty nine Men at Arms on foot and twenty Archers on foot taking two shillings per diem for himself and for his Men at Arms and Archers six pence And soon after that was sent Ambassador with the Archbishop of York and others to treat with the Ambassadors of Charles of France the Kings Uncle touching a perpetual Peace betwixt both Crowns But being thus created Duke of Buckingham ther soon hapned thereupon great animosities betwixt him and Henry Beaâchamâ Duke of Warwick to whom the King had given precedence next before him For the appeasing whereof there was a special act made in Parliament viz. that they should have precedence by turns the one one year and the other the next and so alternately during their lives And the Survivor during his life to have precedence of the others Heir but afterwards such of the Heirs of each who should first happen to have Livery of his Lands to have precedence of the others Heir and the Duke of Warwick to take place the first year Which Duke of Warwick departing this life about two years after without Issue-male this Duke obtained a special Grant bearing date 22 May 25 Hen. 6. unto himself and his Heirs for precedence above all Dukes whatsoever whether in England or France excepting only such as were of the Blood Royal. Moreover in 28 Hen. 6. he was made Constable of Dover Castle as also of the Castle at Quinborongh and Warden of the Cinque-Ports And in 34 Hen. 6. after that fatal Battle of S. Albans where the Duke of York being victorious Humphrey Earl of Stafford his eldest Son lost his life seeing what specious pretences were made by that party to captivate the people he with the Duke of Sommerset got privately to Queen Margaret and gave her notice of the danger For which great adventures and inconsideration of his vast expences in attending the King in those turbulent times as well in Kent against his adversaries then in Arms as in other places in 38 Hen. 6. he obtained a grant of all those Finâs which Walter Devereux of Webley in Com. Heref. Esquire William Hastings of Birby in Com Leicest Esq and Walter Hopton of ... in Com Salop. Esq were to make to the King for their transgressions As to his works of piety all that I have seen is that in 24 Hen. 6. he setled an hundred marks per annum Lands and Rents upon the Dean and Canons of his Free-Chappel at Stafford for the perpetual maintenance of certain Priests there to celebrate Divine Service for the good estate of himself and of Margaret then Queen of England as also of Anne his own Wife during their lives here Likewise for the health of their Souls after their departure hence and for the Souls of all the faithful decâased By his Testament bearing date at Marstoke Castle 16 Augât anno 1460. 38 H. 6. he appointed that his Funeral should be solemnized without any sumptous costs or charge and that on the day of his Obit and Funeral two hundred Marks in Money should de distributed to poor people to pray for his Soul over and above all other costs that day in Meat Drink Cloathing of his Servants and Cloathing and Reward to poor men holding of Tapers Also that the Canons of Marstoke should before his decease have an hundred pounds in money to purchase Lands to the value of an hundred shillings per annum which if it were done in his life they should therewith augment that Covent with one Canon more for ever so that thenceforth there might be fourteen the Prior for the time being accompted for one Of which number one should sing daily and pray for his Soul and for the Souls of his ancestors as also the Souls of his Wife and Children at the Altar in the North Isle of the conventual Church at Marstoke abovesaid And moreover willed thereby his Colledge of Plecy in Essex of the Foundation of Sir Thomas of Wodstoke late Duke of Gloucester his Grandfather should be augmented with three Priests perpetually and six poor men to pray for his Soul and for the Souls of his ancestors his Wife and Children And that there should be purchased and lawfully amortized to the said Colledge by his Executors in case it were not done in his own life time for the augmentation and sustenance of the Master and Brethren of the said Colledge and of the said three Priests and poor men Lands and Tenements to the yearly value of an hundred Marks whereof every of the said seven poor men to have every week twelve pence for his sustenance and to find himself except Housing which he appointed to be built there for them by the advice of his Executors And that there should be builded on the North side of the Church of the said Colledge a Chappel to be hallowed in the worship of the Trinity and our Lady Moreover that there might be found and said in the said Chappel after that it should be so made and hallowed a Mass of our Lady whereunto the said seven poor men to come daily except they were letted by sickness to pray for the Souls abovesaid Of which Testament he ordained Executors his Wife as principal and his Brother of Canterbury But the date of this Will is certainly mistaken it should doubtless be 16 August ann 1459. which falls out to be in 37 Hen. 6. for on the 6 Kalend. of August which is 27 Iuly 38 H. 6. this Duke was slain in the Battle of Northampton fighting stoutly there on the Kings part and buryed as our Historians say in the Gray Friers at Northampton though others affirm that many of the slain were buried in that Monastry there called De lo pre and others in S Iohns Hospital By the Inquisition taken after the death of this Duke it is found that he died upon the tenth of Iuly in 38 Hen. 6. and that Henry Son of Humphrey his eldest Son who was slain in the Battle of S. Albans 22 Maii 33 Henr. 6. as hath been already observed was his next Heir and at that time somewhat more then five years of age Moreover that he then died seized of the Mannor ot Brustwyke with the Hamlets thereunto belonging commonly called the Dominion of Holderness in Com. Ebor. likewise of the Mannor of Desenyng with its members as also the Mannor of Hoverhull and Mannor of Cavenham called Shardlows in Com Suff. of the Mannor of Stratton-Audley in Com. Oxon. Ratcliffe upon Sore and Kneshall in Com. Notting Okeham Camerwell Blechynglegh with the Burrough Essyngham Chepsted
and that he was buried in the Chapter-house at Lanthony leaving issue Henry de Bohun his Son and Heir Which Henry in 9 Rich. 1. gave Three hundred marks Fine to the King for Livery of those Lands that were the Inheritance of Margery his Grand-mother and was in truth the first Earl of Hereford of this great Family though the Chronicle of Lanchâny attributes that title to his Father having a Grant of Twenty pounds yearly of the Tertium Denarium Comitatus made to him by King Iohn in 1 Ioh. in consideration that he had surrendred divers Lordships to King Henry the Second but the Constableship of England his Father and Grand-father enjoyed before In 6 Ioh. this Earl Henry answered to the King Fifty marks and a Palfrey to have the like Possessions of Twenty Knights Fees belonging to the Honor of Huntendon as King Henry the Second gave to Margery his Mother upon a Verdict obtained by her for the same in his Court And also to have the like Possession of Ryhale as was adjudged to his Mother in the time of King Richard the First In 13 Ioh. he accounted Twenty two pound thirteen shillings four pence for Seventeen Knights Fees upon levying the Scutage of Wales But shortly after this taking part with the Rebellious Barons all his Lands were seised on by the King Howbeit upon the Agreement made at Runnimede in 17 Ioh. he had restitution of them And that Accord being made was one of those Twenty five Peers who undertook that the King should observe the Great Charter then ratified at âunnimede and to compel him thereto in case he should refuse so to do Moreover the next ensuing year the Barons raising new troubles he was one of those who through the procurement of the King was excommunicated by the Pope Nor returned he to his allegiance upon the death of King Iohn as many of the great Men then did but took part with the rest of that Rebellious Rout which adhered to Lewes of France and being one of the Leaders of their Army against King Henry the Third in the Battle of Lincoln 1 Hen. 3. was there taken prisoner But besides this I have seen nothing farther memorable of him than that he married Maud the sole Daughter to Geffrey Fitz-Piers Earl of Essex afterwards wedded to Roger de Dantsey from which Roger she was ere long divorced With whom he had in Frank-marriage the Lordship of Witehurst in Glocestershire Which Maud became at length Heir to her Brother viz. William de Mandevile the last Earl of Essex of that Family whereby she brought the Honor of Essex with other Lands of her Inheritance to this family This Earl Henry died upon the first day of Iune An. 1220. 4 Hen. 3. in his Voyage towards the Holy Land and was buried in the Chapter-house at Lanthony before-mentioned leaving issue three Sons viz. Humphrey his Son and Heir Henry who died in his youth and Ralph as also one Daughter called Margery who became the Wife of Waleran Earl of Warwick Upon the death of this Earl Henry the custody of all his Lands was committed by the King to William de Briwer excepting the Mannor of Wokesie which was assigned towards the maintenance of Maud his Widow until Hunphrey his Son and Heir should set forth her Dowry Which Humphrey doing his homage in 5 Hen. 3. had Livery of his Castle of Casdecot And possessing the Honor of Essex c. by descent from Maud his Mother was created Earl of Essex 28 Apr. 1 Ioh. being in his time called The good Earl of Nereford In An. 1227. 11 Hen. 3. this Humphrey stood up with the Earl of Chester and others on the behalf of Richard Earl of Cornwal from whom the Mannor of Berkhamstead had been injuriously taken by the King and given to Walter Ties And upon that account having a Rendevous at Stanford in Lincolnshire advertised the King in a threatning manner That he should redress this injury with speed and moreover requiring That he should without delay restore unto them the Charter of Liberties and that of the Forest sealed anew which he had concelled at Oxford otherwise they would compel him so to do All which being performed they returned quietly to their homes In 13 Hen. 3. this Earl was acquitted for Fifteen Knights Fees and a fifth part upon the Scutage of Kery in Wales being the moity of the Fees of Trobregge And in 20 Hen. 3. giving one hundred pound relief for the Lands and Fees which did by Inheritance descend unto him from Maud Countess of Essex his Mother did his homage for them Moreover at that great solemnity of King Henry the Thirds Marriage the same year he performed the Office of Marshal in the Kings House And three years after viz. An. 1239. 23 H. 3. was one of the God-fathers at the Font for Edward eldest Son to the King there being no less than nine in all viz. Five of the Spiritual and four of Temporal Lords Furthermore this Earl executed the Office of Sheriff for the County of Kent for half of the 23 and for two years following viz. 24 25 Hen. 3. Also in 26 Hen. 3. being in Gascoigne and discerning That the King was wholly governed by the Counsels of Aliens he returned back with Richard Earl of Cornwal and other of the Nobles who departed thence at that time in discontent for those Reasons In 28 Hen. 3. joyning with the Earl of Clare and some other of the English Barons he advanced against the Welsh then in Arms and had with them some fierce encounters But the cheif cause of their Insurrection at that time he himself was in regard he detained that part of the Inheritance of Isabel his Wives Sister wedded to David Son of Leoline Prince of Wales which belonged to her by descent from Wilâiam de Breause of ârecknock their Father And the next year following had command to joyn with Wilâiam de Cantilupe and to scoure the Marches of those bold Invaders from Brecknock to Shrewsbury In An. 1246. 30 Hen. 3. with the rest of the English Peers he signed a Letter to the Pope whereby representing the oppressions under which this Kingdom then suffered from the Court of Rome they threatned to free themselves if sudden remedy were not otherwise had In this year also he accounted to the King Ninety eight pounds and two shillings for ninety eight Knights Fees and a third part upon levying the Aid for marrying the Kings Daughter And in An. 1248. 32 Hen. 3. was in that Parliament then held at London Octab. Purif wherein the King demanding Money was much rebuked by the Peers because upon the last Tax granted to him he promised That he would not thenceforth
for I suppose it to be him was summoned to be at Chester on Monday next ensuing the Feast of S. Iohn Baptist to oppose the hostilities of the Welsh But afterwards being in Arms with the Barons he sold his Mannor of Sutton in Com. Wilts unto Dru de Barentine to acquit him of his Debts to the Iews and died in 49 Hen. 3. or before Whereupon the said Dru de Barentine gave that Lordship to Iohn de Mandevill Son to him the said Geffrey in Frank-marriage with Agnes his Daughter Which Iohn in 53 Hen. 3. doing his homage had Livery of the Lands whereof his Father died seised and left issue by the same Agnes one sole Daughter and Heir called Ioane Clare THe first of this great and noble Family that setled in this Realm was Richard the eldest Son of Gislebert sirnamed Crispin Earl of Brion in Normandy Son of Geffrey Natural Son to Richard the first of that name Duke of Normandy This Richard Fitz-Gilbert being one of the principal Persons who came into England with William Duke of Normandy and gave great assistance to him in that memorable Battle whereby he obtained the Crown of this Realm had for that service and in respect of his near alliance to him in Blood great advancement in honor and large possessions both in Normandy and England bestowed on him The first place of his residence being at Benfield in the East part of Northamptonshire as I guess for in An. 1073. 6 Wil. Conq. he is called Richardus de Benefacta being then joyned with William de Warren in the exercise of that great Office of Justice of England with whom in 9 Wil. Conq. he was also in Arms and acted valiantly against Roger Earl of Hereford and Ralph Earl of Norfolk then in Rebellion as in my Discourse of the said William de Warren is shewed But afterwards viz. at the time of the General Survey which was towards the later end of the Conquerors Reign he is called Ricardus de Tonebruge from his seat at Tonebruge in Kent which Town and Castle he obtained from the Archbishop of Canterbury in lieu of the Castle of Brion they being measured out to him by the same extent as Brion did contain at which time he possessed thirty eight Lordships in Surrey thirty five in Essex three in Cambridgeshire Hallinge and Bermeling in Kent Herefelde in Middlesex Sudtune in Wiltshire Levestone in Devonshire as also ninety five in Suffolk besides thirteen Burgages in Ipswich whereof Clare was one whence he was likewise sometimes called Ricardus de Clare This Richard with Rohese his Wife Daughter to Walter Giffard Earl of Buckingham gave to the Monks of Bec in Normandy two Churches at Ernembi in England and the Tithes of all their Demesnes Upon the death of the Conqueror favoring the Title of Robert Curthose as it seemes he rebelled against W. Rufus but when that K. appeared with his Army before his Castle of Toneâruge he submitted After which adhering to Rufus in ann 1091. 5 W. Rufi against Curthose who had then besieged the Castle of Curcei in Normandy he was taken prisoner But thenceforth all that I have seen of him is that shortly after the death of King Henry the first being possessed of that part of South-Wales called Cardiganshire and marching towards Abergavenni through a woody tract called thâ ill way of Coed-groââ leaving the Abby of Lanthony on his left hand he was encountered by Iorwerth Brother to Morgan of Caerleon who lay in Ambush in the Woods and being there unhappily slain was buried at S. Neots in Huntendonshire a Cell to the Abby of Bec and that he left issue by her the same Roh âis five Sons viz. Gilbert Roger Walter Richard and Robert Which Roger possessed his Lands in Normandy and adhered to Robert Curthose in ann 1080. in his Rebellious courses against the King his Father and upon the marriage of Maude Daughter to King Henry the first unto Henry the Emperor attended her to Almaine with a noble Retinue This Roger called also Rogerus de Benefacta being in Anno 1119. with King Henry the first in Normandy when some others disswaded him from Battle with Lewes King of France was one of those who encouraged him thereto and behaving himself valiantly in that fight shared with him in the glory of a succesfull Victory But dying without issue Gilbert his Nephew viz. Son to his Brother Gilbert enjoyed his Lands The third Brother was Walter who having Licence from the King as his Father had before to enjoy what he could conquer in Wales possessed all Nether-Went and died without issue The fourth Richard a Monk of Bec in Normandy and afterwards the last Abbot of Ely The fifth Robert who took to Wife Maud the Daughter of Simon St. Liz Earl of Huntendon He had Two Daughters the one married to Ralph de Telgers Touching Rohais the Wife of this Richard and mother of these Children before mentioned I shall observe that in the Conquerors Survey she is recorded to have then been the owner of Stanelowe in Com. Herlf and Ernulfesburie now called S. Neots in Com. Hunt and that in Anno 1113 13 Henr. 1. she gave Ernulfesburie to the Monks of Bec for the health of the Soul of King Henry he first and Q. Maude as also for the Soul of K. William the Conqueror and Maude his Wife And moreover that she was after married to Eudo Dapifer But I return to Gilbert the eldest of those be-before mentioned five Brethren This Gilbert possessing his Fathers Lands in England resided at Tânebruge as it seems being thence surnamed In that Rebellion of Robert de Moubray Earl of ââârthumberland raised in the North of England 6 W. Rufi this Gilbert though then with ãâã King was as it seems a confederate with that Earl but at length when he discerned âhe King in danger by an Ambuscado laid in a Wood his heart relenting he besought pardon and prevented the Mischief In 12 W. Rufi taking part with Robert Earl of Moriton theâ in Rebellion he fortified Tonebruge but after a short time lost it Moreover he gave to the Monks of Bec in Normandy the Church of S. Iohn Baptist at Clare in Comitat. Suff. with those seven Prebendaries thereunto belonging which had been there instituted in the time of King Edward the Confessor to be disposed of to their sole and proper benefit as they should fall void and likewise bestowed on them divers Lands Churches Woods and Tithes lying in the Counties of Norfolk and Suffolk for the health of the Souls of his Father and Mother and for the Soul of his Brother Godfrey whose body lay interred
and the residue were highly preferred the Beauchamps afterwards kept the name of Earl of UUarwick to King Edw. the fourths time Now that the substance of this is true viz. that for the service done in that Battle he had by special favor the title of Earl is likely enough but that he or his Father did marry the immediate Heir of Bellâânont or that the ãâã kept the name of Earl till Edward the ââurths time cannot be proved To return to his Story This William upon the ninth of February 52 Hen. 3. did his Homage as Nephew and Heir to William Mauduit the last Earl for all the lands descended to him by his Fathers death At which time the K. was pleased in consideration of his laudable services to accept of him for those which were due from his said Father unto the Exchequer twenty pounds per annum untill they should be run up and in farther remuneration of his services remitted ninty five pounds of the same As to his military actions In 2 Edw. 1. he was sent with Roger de Clifford a great Baron and others unto the Ford of Montgomery to examine hear and redress the wrongs and trespasses done in those parts contrary to that form of peace which was concluded betwixt King Henry the third and Leweline Prince of UUales and to rectifie all things according to the tenor of that agreement at which meeting the Prince of UUales was to be or send Commissioners on his part to manage that business In 4 Edw. 1. he was made Captain general of all the Kings forces in Cheshire and Lancashire for the defence of those Counties against the excursions of the Welch and the next ensuing year attended the King in that notable Expedition into UUales whereby he became victorious there This Earl had great suits with William de Breause for the Lordship of Gowher commonly called Gowher-Land in UUales wrongfully given by King Iohn 4 Ioh. to William Great-Grandfather of William de Breause whilest Henry Earl of Warwick Ancestor to this William de Beauchamp now Earl was in his minority but could not recover it In 10 Edw. 1. he was in that expedition then made into Wales In 15. E. 1. he was again sent into Wales at which time he besieged the Castle of Droslelan and had two hundred and forty pounds delivered to him by the Bishop of Ely then Lord Treasurer for defraying his charges in that service At that time the King being in France constituted Edmund Earl of Cornwall his Lieutenant here in England during his absence who taking special care to keep all in quiet directed his precept to this our Earl and other great men striclty requiring them that they should not ride with armed power in any part of the Realm for any respect whatsoever to the terror of the Kings leige people and disturbance of the peace but if any difference did arise betwixt them and others they should make it known to the Earl of Cornwall who would apply a timely remedy thereto In 20 Edw. 1. he obtained the Kings Licence to raise an embattled Wall about part of his Mannor House at Hanslap in Com Buck. In 23 Edward 1. being again in Wales with the King he performed a notable exploit viz. Hearing that a great body of the Welch were got together in a plain betwixt two Woods and to secure themselves had fastned their Pikes to the ground sloping towards their assailants he marched thither with a choice company of Cross-bow-men and Archers and in the night time encompassing them about put betwixt every two Horse-men one Cross-bow-man which Cross-bow-men killing many of them that held the Pikes the Horse charged in suddenly and made a very great slaughter This was done near Montgomery In 24 Edw. 1. he received command to be at New-Castle upon Tine upon the first of March well furnished with Horse and Arms for an expedition into Scotland and afterwards was sent with Iohn Earl of Surrey to recover the Castle of Dunbar treacherously gained by the Scots in which action they were constrained to cope with the whole Army of the Scots that came to raise the siege but at length after a sharp dispute obtained a glorious victory the number slain being supposed ten thousand Which great success caused the suddain render of that Castle In 25 Edw. 1. he received command to be at London upon Sunday next after the Octaves of St. Iohn Baptist well accoutred with Horse and Arms to attend the King into Flanders but upon farther consideration he was appointed to stay behinde and made one of the Governors of Prince Edward then in minority during the Kings absence whom the King had constituted his Lieutenant for that time In the same year he was in that expedition made into Gascoigns in which service the English raised the siege of St. Catherines He also had the Custody of the Castle and Forest of Rokingham about that time committed to his trust and before the end of the same year was appointed to be at New-Castle upon Tine viz. upon S. Nicholas day to march against the Scots with Prince Edward but that proved an unhappy adventure the English Army being for the most part destroyed in attempting to pass the Bridge at Sterling It was likewise this year and on Holy-Rood day being in perfect health that he made his Testament whereby he bequeathed his body to be buried in the Quire of the Friers-minors commonly called the Gray-Friers at Worcester in case he should depart this life within the compass of the four English Seas If otherwise then in the next House of Friers-Minors to that place where his death might happen and his Heart wheresoever the Countess his dear Consort should resolve herself to be interred To which place of his burial he bequeathed two great Horses viz. those which at his Funeral should carry his Armor for the solemnizing of which Funeral he gave two hundred pounds Moreover he gave to the maintenance of two Souldiers in the Holy-Land one hundred pound To Maude his Wife all his silver Vessel with the Cross wherein was contained part of the Wood of the very Cross whereon our Saviour died Likewise the vestments of his Chapel to make use of during her life but afterwards the best suit to Guy his eldest Son the second suit to his Chapel of Haâslape and the third to his Chapel of Anneley To Guy his Son a Gold Ring with a Ruby in it together with his Blessing To his said Wife a Cup which the Bishop of Worcester gave him All his other Cups with his lesser sort of Jewels and Rings he likewise gave unto her to distribute for the health of his Soul where she should think best To his two Daughters then Nunns at Shouldham in Comit. Norf. a Monastry of their Great-Grandfathers foundation by the Mothers side he gave fifty marks As to his farther
Castile as the right of Constance his Wife In 10 R. 2. he was made Captain of the Castles of Pembroke and Kââgaran in Wales And in 11 R. 2. being still Captain of Calais was constituted one of the K. Commissioners to treat of Peace with the E. of Flanders So likewise in 13 R. 2. And the same year made a notable salley out of Calais towards Boâoââne in which he slâw and took many of the French After this he took fourteen French Vessels bound for Sciule whereof one was for the most part laden with Horse-shooes another with Torches Wax-lights and other necessaries in order to an attempt upon England then intended by the French About this time there being no small discontent by many of the great Lords by reason of the ill Government the King looking upon this William de Beauchamp as a favorer of those haughty spirited men sent his Letters to him to render up his Government at Calais and by the same messenger sent other Letters to the King of France But he refused to render his Commission saying that he received that charge and trust publickly from the King in the presence of his Nobles and therefore would not quit it in a private manner seising upon those Letters so sent to the King of France which he conveyed into England unto the Duke of Gloucester And when Iohn de la Pole Brother to Michael Earl of Suffolk a great favorite whom the King had made Captain of Calais came thither to enter upon that charge this William laid hold on him and brought him over into England whereat the King took such offence that he committed this our William to custody but upon second thoughts soon enlarged him After this scil in 1 Henr. 4. he was made Justice of South-Wales for life and Governor of the Castle and County of Pembroke and Lordship of Tineby of the Castle and Lordship of Kilgaran and County of âsterlowe also for life paying to the Exchequer seventy marks per annum To the Collegiate Church of Warwick of his Ancestors foundation he gave for the good estate of King Richard the second and of Queen Anne his consort likewise for the good estate of himself and Ione his Wife during their lives and for the health of all their Souls afterwards the Advowsons of the Churches of Spellesbury and Chadsley-Corbet in Worcestershire And having been made Knight of the most noble Order of the Garter as also summoned to Parliament from 16 Ric. 2. until 8 H. 4. inclusive by the name of William Beauchamp de Bergavenny Chivalier being then possessed of the Castle of Bergaveâây and other Lands which Iohn de Hastings Earl of Pembroke had intailed upon him as in my discourse of that Earl is shewed he made his Testament 25 April Ann. 1408 9 H. 4. and thereby bequeathed his body to be buried in the Church of the Friers-Preachers commonly called the Black-Friers at Hereford next and beneath the Tomb of the same Iohn de Hastings Earl of Pembroke appointing that five Tapers should be hung about his Body as soon as might be after his death Moreover that twenty four poor men should be cloathed in black and each of them to hold a Torch in his hand receiving two pence a piece for that service To which place of his Burial he bequeathed twenty marks or more as his Executors should think fit as also an hundred pounds for the charge of his Funeral directing that ten thousand Masses should be sung for his Soul in all the hast that might be after his death by the most honest Priests that could be got and that four good Priests should be found by the space of ten years to sing for his Soul and for the Soul of his Lord Sir Iohn Hastings Earl of Pembroke and for all the Souls for whom he had obligation He likewise gave to his poor Tenants within his Lordships an hundred pound To Ioane his Wife a pair of Basons covered and over-gilt having the Armes of Warwick and Arundell empaled on them To Richard his Son his best Sword and Harness for the Justs of Peace which belonged to Warr. To Ioane and Elizabeth his Daughters a thousand marks a peice to their marriage And constituting Thomas Arundel Archbishop of Canterbury Thomas then Earl of Arundell Ioane his own Wife with others his Executors departed this life upon Friday the 8 of May. 12 H. 4. being then seised of the Sâke of Oswaâdâeâ in Com. Nott. the Mannor of Suâterfeid and Aston Cantlow in Com. Warw. the Mannors of Padyngtone in Com. Surr. Wridlington in Com. Suff. Worsfield in Com. Salop. Fordham Eaâ-Hanyngfeld West-Hanyngfeld Choriton Redswell and South-Hanyngfeld in Com. Essex Speâlesbury in Com. Oxon. Keâemarton in Com. Glouc. Chadsley Corbet Pyriton Power Neshington Beauchamp Herington Purwil Dunclent Rushoâ and Feâenham with the custody of the Forest as also of the Mannors of Shireevestench and Kiderminster all in Com. Wigorn. and of the Castles of Bergevenny and Grosmund in the Marches of Wales leaving issue by Ioane his Wife one of the Daughters to Richard Earl of Arundell Richard Beauchamp his Son and Heir then fourteen years of age Which Richard shortly after his Fathers death viz. upon the day of the seven Sleepers Anno 1411. took to wife Isabel Sister and Heir to Richard son and heir to Thomas late Lord Despencer Cousin and Heir of Elizabeth Wife of Edward Lord le Despencer Mother of the said Thomas But before I proceed with my discourse of this Richard I shall take leave to transcribe part of the Testament of Ioane his Mother who was Daughter to Richard Earl of Arundell and one of the Sisters and Coheirs to Thomas Earl of Arundell as also Widow of Humphrey de Boâun Earl of Hereford Essex and Northampton in regard that by it the greatness and state wherein the Nobility of England in those dayes lived may in some sort be discerned IN the name of the blessed Trynyte Fader Sonn and Holy Ghoast the tenth day of Ianyver in the yeer of our Lord 1434. I Johanne Beauchamp Lady of Bergavenny as a meke Daughter of Holi Chirche full in the Christen Fayth and belive hool in minde and body blessed be God considering that the freel condition of this wrechid and unstable lief ys ful of perels and the yend and conclusion thereof is not elies but Deth fro the which no persone of none astate schall escape and therfore purposing with the leve of God to dyspose such goods as of his grace he hath lent me in such use as might be most to hys plesauns and profit of my Soule and alle theirs that I am bounden to I have ordeyned and make my Testament and last Will in this forme First I Bequethe my Soule to the mercy of my blessed Saviour and maker Ihesu Chryst through the beseechyng of his blessed Moder
by Act of Parliament in the Three and twentieth of His Reign which was the next year ensuing that Creation of the Duke of Warwick qualified it much inconvenience had risen upon it Therefore For appeasing the contention and strife moved betwixt them for that preheminence those are the words of the Act it was established That from the second of December then next following they should take place of each other by turn viz. One that year and the other next and so as long as they lived together the Duke of Warwick to have the first years precedency and he who should survive to have place of the others Heir-male as long as he lived And from that time that the Heir-male of each should take place of other according as it might happen he had Livery of his Lands before him After which he had a Grant in Reversion from the death of Humphrey Duke of Glocester of the Isles of Gernsey Iersey Serke Erm and Aureney for the yearly Rent of a Rose to be paid at the Feast of the Nativity of S. Iohn Baptist as also of the Mannor and Hundred of Bristol in Com. Gloc. for the yearly Rent of Sixty pounds and likewise of all the Kings Castles and Mannors within the Forest of Deane for the Rent of One hundred pound per annum To all which Honors he had this farther added viz. to be Crowned King of the Isle of Wight by the Kings own hand But this hopeful Branch the sole Heir-male to this great Earldom was cropt in the flower of his youth before the fruits of his heroick disposition could be fully manifested to the World For upon S. Barnabas-day scil 11 Iunii An. 1445. 23 Hen. 6. being but Twenty two years of age he died at Hanley the place of his birth and was buried in the Abby of Tewksbury about the midst of the Quire at the head of Prince Edward Son and Heir to King Henry the Sixth In his Fathers life time when he was scarce ten years of age being then called by the name of the Lord Despenser he wedded Cecily Daughter to Richard Nevill Earl of Salisbury whose Portion was Four thousand seven hundred marks which Cecily afterwards scil 27 Hen. 6. married to Iohn Lord Tiptoft by whom he left issue one only Daughter called Annâ born at Kaerdiff in the Moneth of February An. 1439. Which Anne being about two years old at his death was committed to the tutelage first of Queen Margaret and afterwards of William de la Pole Duke of Suffolk and had the title of Countess of Warwick but did not long survive for I find that 3 Ian. An. 1449. 27 Hen. 6. she departed this life at Newelme in Oxfordshire a Mannor of that Duke of Suffolk and was buried in the Abby of Reading next to the Grave of Constance Lady Despenser her Great Grandmother Daughter to Edmund of Langley Duke of York Whereupon Anne her Aunt born at Caversham in Oxfordshire 3 Id. Iuly An. 1429. 7 Hen. 6. Sister of the whole Blood to the late Duke of Warwick became Heir to this Earldom being at that time the Wife of Richard Nevil Earl of Sailsbury before-mentioned having been wedded to him the same year that Henry her Brother married Cecily his Sister Which Richard by reason of that Marriage and in respect of his special Services about the Kings peron and likewise in the Wars of Scotland for so doth the Patent import had upon the three and twentieth of Iuly next following the death of the before mentioned Anne his Wives Neice the Dignity and Title of Earl of Warwick confirmed and declared to him and his said Wife and to her Heirs with all preheminencies that any of their Ancestors before the Creation of Henry Duke of Warwick used Beauchamp of Alcester and Powyk I Now come to Walter de Beauchamp a younger Son to William de Beauchamp of Eâmley by Isabel his Wife Sister and Heir to William Mauduit Earl of Warwick Which Walter having purchased the moity of the Mannor of Alcester in Com. War from Peter Fitz-Herbert in 56 Hen. 3. made that place one of his principal Seats the other being at Powyke in Worcestershire This Walter was an eminent Man in his time In 53 Hen. 3. being signed with the Cross for a Pilgrimage to the Holy Land he had a Legacy of two hundred marks bequeathed to him by his Father for his better performance of that voyage And in 21 Edw. 1. obtained a Charter from the King for a Fair to be kept yearly at this his Mannor of Alcester for eight days beginning on the Eve of S. Giles and for seven days after In 24 Edw. 1. he was Steward of the Houshold to that King and in 25 Edw. 1. attended him into Flanders In 26 Edw. 1. he had Summons amongst other great Men to be at Carlisle upon Whitson Eve well furnished with Horse and Arms to march against the Scots and was the same year with the King in that famous Battle at Faukirk In 27 Edw. 1. he was again in Scotland and in 28 Edw. 1. had a Charter for Free Warren in all his Demesn Lands at Alcester and Powyke granted unto him as also in divers other places in Worcestershire In 29 Edw. 1. he was one of those Lords in the Parliament at Lincoln who then signified to the Pope under their respective Seals the superiority of King Edward over the Realm of Scotland being there stiled Dominus de Alcester In 30 Edw. 1. he obtained another Charter to alter the yearly Fair at Aâcester from the Eve of S. Giles the Abbot unto the Eve of S. Faith the Virgin and to continue for seven days after In 31 Edw. 1. he attended the King again into Scotland and was at that famous Siege of Caerlaverok This Walter had to Wife Alice the Daughter of ... Tony which marriage in regard they were within the fourth degree of consanguinity was after ratified by Godfrey Bishop of Worcester and the children begot between them decreed legitimate by him who had authority so to do from the Pope in regard they knew nothing of that impediment at the time of the Contract made and departing this life 14 Cal. Martii 31 Edw. 1. was buried in the Gray Friers near Smithfield in the Suburbs of London To him succeeded Walter his Son and Heir who in 32 Edw. 1. was in that expedition then made into Scotland and in 34 Edw. 1. being again in Scotland he departed thence before the War was at an end for which respect his Lands Goods and Chattels were seised by the King But the next year after he obtained pardon for that transgression In 4 Edw. 2. this Walter went again to the Wars of Scotland so likewise in 7 Edw. 2. In 10 Edw. 2. upon the
12 Edw. 3. this Iohn attended the King at his own charge in that expedition which he then made beyond the Seas and the next year following was with him in Fâanders Where continuing till 14 Edw. 3. he obtained License to transport twelve Sacks of his own Wool for his better support in the Kings service in those parts In 16 Edw. 3. he was again in the Wars of France and having been summoned to Parliament from 10 till 17 Edw. 3. died that year being seised of the Mannor of Scââperton in Com. Middles And of the Mannors of Dundene Merschton Wellaton the moity of the Mannor of Shapton Malet the Mannors of Hacche Beauchamp Murrifield Stoke-Chirche Schepton Beauchamp and Stoke subtus Hamden all in Com. Somers leaving Iohn his Son and Heir twelve years of age as also Margaret his Widow surviving who had for her Dowry then assigned unto her the Mannors of Dundene and Schepton Beauchamp before mentioned Likewise certain Lands and Rents in Murifield and Sturmister Marshal in Com. Dors. with the moity of the Mannor of Selling near Monk-Horton in Kent The Wardship of which Iohn as to his Lands was committed to Robert de Ferrers and Reginald de Cobham whereof he had Livery in 25 Edw. 3. then making proof of his age This Iohn in 33 Edw. 3. was in that expedition then made into Gaâcoigne and of the Retinue to Thomas de Beauchamp Earl of Warwick whose Daughter Alice he had married And having been summoned to Parliament from the 25 to the 35 Edw. 3. inclusive departed this life upon the seventh of October in the same thirty fifth year without issue leaving Cecily his Sister forty years of age afterwards married to ... Turbervill and Iohn Meriet the Son of Eleanor his other Sister fifteen years of age his next heirs Margaret his Mother then surviving and holding for term of life in Dower the Mannors of West-Kington in Com. Wilts Shepton Beauchamp Dundene Murifield and Broad Hertshton in Com. Somers Which Margaret died the nineteenth of November following The next ensuing year after the death of which Iohn upon Partition made of the Inheritance divolved to those coheirs Cecily had assigned for her purpart the Mannors of Hacche Shepton Beauchamp Murâfield the third part of the Mannor of Shepton Malet in Com. Somers Certain Lands in Sturmister Marshal in Com. Dors. The Mannors of Boltbury and Huberton in Com. Devon the Mannors of âourton in Com. Buck. Little Haw in Com. Suff. And two parts of the Mannor of Selling in Com. Kanâ Which Iohn Meriet died in 3 Rich. 2. leaving issue Elizabeth his sole Daughter and Heir married to ... Seymour Redvers BAldwin de Brionis for so he is called by some but by others Baldwin de Molis second Son to Gilbert Crispin Earl of Brion Son of Godfrey Earl of Ewe Natural Son to Richard the first of that name Duke of Normandy Great Grandfather to King William the Conqueror was one of the principal persons of the Laity that won much fame at the Conquest of England Which Baldwin besides this Alliance took to Wife Albreda Neice to King William viz. Daughter of his Aunt And being a person in whom the King did so confide obtained a choice place within the Walls of Eâeter whereon to build a Castle seating himself there with other Military Persons to guard that City To this Baldwin the trust of the County of Devon was committed by that King for which respect he was sometimes called Baldwinus Vicecomes but in regard of his cheif residence in Exeter sometimes Baldwinus de Excestre That the Possessions he had by the Conquerors gift were very ample is evident from the General Survey For besides Werne in Dorsetshire Hamâton Apely Portlock and Mundiford in Somertsâtshire he had no less then an hundred fifty and nine Lordships in Devonshire and nineteen Houses in Eâeter By Albreda his Wife he had issue three Sons viz. Richard Robert and William and three Daughters whereof Adeliza only survived and by a Concubine a Natural Son called Guiger shorn a Monk at Bec in Normandy Of which three Sons Robert who was the second having been constituted Governor of Brâon by ãâ¦ã Duke of Normandy An. 1090. 3 Wil. ãâã and afterwards by him required to deliver it up to Roger de ãâã Father to Robert Earl of Mellent to whom for a great sum of Money Curthose had promised it answered If you will retain it in your own hands as your Father heretofore did I will presently render it to you otherwise I will keep it as mine inheritance as long as I live For it is very well known to all the Inhabitants of this Countrey that old Richard Duke of Normandy gave it with the whole County to Godfrey his Son and that he at his death left it to Giflebert his Son who being barbarously murthered by wicked men his Sons for refuge fied to Baldwin Earl of Flanders Whereupon your Father id est William the Conqueror taking it wholly into his own hands disposed thereof to several persons as he thought good But after a while having wedded the Daughter of the said Earl of Flanders at the request of that Earl he rendred to Baldwin my Father Mola and Sâppo and gave him his Aunts Daughter to Wife and to Richard my Fathers Brother he restored Berefact and Orbeck and lastly by your special favor I do now enjoy this Brion the principal Town of Giâlebert my Grandfather Upon Richard the eldest Son did the same King William by reason of such his Alliance bestow the Inheritance of the whole Hoâor and Barony of Okehampton in Com. Devon And likewise the Castle of Exeter with the Sheriffalty of the County of Devon which his Father had in consideration of a certain Annual Rent to the King whereupon he was also called Richard Vicecomes This Richard sirnamed also de Redvers being Nephew to William Fitz-Osberne Earl of âereford and at length after the death of Williams two Sons Iohn and Richard in the life time of their Father his Heir being highly beloved by King Henry the First was made one of his cheif Counsellors in the first year of His Reign And had by his gift not only Tiverton with the Honor of Plimpton but was by him made Earl of Devon having the Tertium Denarium of the issues of that County which amounted to ten marks the whole Revenue thereof being then thirty marks assigned to him and not long after obtained from the same King the Isle of Wight Whereupon he was stiled Earl of Devon and Lord of the Isle howbeit in regard of his Residence in the City of Exeter he was for the most part called Earl of Exeter He likewise
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 Gosâel 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 âingwerle 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 ãâã in Normanây the Mannor of ãâã in Dorsetshire with the Church which afterwards was made a Cell to that Monastery as also the Chappel of Beâementone with the Tithes likewise the Mannor of Eâmouth 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 Reâvers 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 ãâã 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 Quarreââ one yard Land lying in Pydeââon 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 likewiâe 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 Churâh 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
Chancellor affirming That he did thenceforth continue a prisoner until the King caused his enlargment as abovesaid offering to stand or fall by the Kings Testimony therein And he farther alleaged That his acknowledgment of that Deed ought not to have the force of a Record and consequently to oblige him in regard it was not made in open Court but in the presence of the Chancellor only who was then at a great distance from the Court and had neither Roll nor Clerk there to record the same for that he came to him in his Chamber where he was a prisoner and not as the Kings Chancellor but as a private person Whereunto Edmund again answered That there was no necessity of any tryal thereof by the Countrey nor the testimony of the Chancellor or the Kings judgment theâein for as much as he acknowledged that he did it in the presence of the then Chancellor and that it was thereupon enrolled c. as abovesaid But notwithstanding all these Arguments the Court dismissed his Suit so that he could have no remedy for the regaining of those his Lands Whereupon he lost Tuâbury Castle and other vast Possessions which Edmund then Earl of Leicester and Lancaster and his Descendants thereupon enjoyed But this was not all for he lost his Earldom likewise All that I have farther seen of this Robert is That by his Letters Patents bearing date at Yoxhall on Tuesday next after the Feast day of S. Fabian and Sebastian in 46 Hen. 3. he gave liberty unto Sir Walter de Raleg and his Heirs inhabiting at Uttoxater in Com. Staff to hunt and course the Fox and Hare within the Precincts of his Forest of Needwood in that County with eight Braches and four Greyhounds To which Branch his Seal of Arms is affixed wherein it appears that upon his Sheild and the Caparisons of his Horse waving the Border of Horsshooes given by his Father he bore only Varrâ Or and Gules which Armes were afterwards continued by his posterity Likewise that he gave to the Canons of St. Thomas juxta Stafford for the health of the Souls of Mary and Alianore his Wives and to the end his body might be there enterred when he should happen to dye two messuages in Chartâey in Comit. Staff with 17 Acres of Land and the Advowson of the Church of Stow juxta Chartley This Mary was Daughter to Hugh le Brun Earl of Angoleâne Niece to King Henry the third but married very young he being but nine and she no more than eight years of age Howbeit by her he had no issue The other viz. Alianore was Daughter as some say to Ralph Lord Basset by whom he had Issue Iohn his Son and Heir Which Alianore surviving him commenced her Suit against Edmund Earl of Lancaster the Kings Brother in 7 Edw. 1. for her Dowry of her Husbands Lands viz. Tutbury Scroptone Roââestone Meercintone Calling-wood Uttockeshather Adgarsley and Newborough in Com. Staff Duffield Machiney Certeley Winburne Southwood Heâleg Beaurepaire Holand Edreskay New-Bigginge Alrewasâege Spondone and Chatesdene in Com. Derb. And Leverpole West-Derby Crosby Waverton Magna Hale Burgeon Salford and Hardaisell in Com Lanc. Whereunto Edmund answered that he claimed nothing in Spondone and Chatesdene and for all the rest he said that Robert de Ferrers her late Husband did in Chancery acknowledge all those Lordships to be the right of his Sureties who undertook for the payment of fifty thousand pounds for his Redemption by reason of his Transgressions committed in the time of King Henry Father of the then King And that because he failed in payment of that Money those his Sureties past the Lordships above mentioned to him the said Edmund She therefore discerning that nothing could be got in strictness Released unto him the said Edmund all her Right of Dower in those Lands And soon after viz. in 9 E. 1. obtained from him the Lordship of Gumecestre commonly called Godmanchester in Com. Hunt to hold during her life I come now to Iohn Son to this last mentioned Robert This Iohn was in minority in 9 Ed. 1. And in 22 E. 1. upon the death of Margaret his Grandmother Daughter and Coheir to Roger de Quinci E. of Winchester as hath been observed doing his Homage had Livery of the Lands of her Inheritance which as Nephew and Heir to her descended to him But he was somewhat of his Fathers Spirit as it seems for in 25 Ed. 1. when the Earl of Hereford the Earl Marshal and others being discontented at the Government prohibited the Treasurer and Barons of the Exchequer to gather that Subsidy granted to the King in the Parliament then held at St. Edmundsbury being the eighth part of their movable goods having allured the Londoners to stand with them for the recovery of their Liberties as they termed it he joined with them in that disloyal Act but by the special care of Prince Edward then Lieutenant here in his Fathers stead who was at that time victorious in Scotland the heat of these turbulent Spirits was allayed by the Kings condescension to confirme Magna Chârta and the Charter of the Forests as also that no Tax should thenceforth be imposed upon the Subject but by consent in Parliament and that the Offences of those Earles and their adherents should be pardoned in which Pardon this Iohn de Ferrers is particularly named the King also remitting all that displeasure which he bore towards him for not attending him in his expedition into Flanders when Commanded Soon after which this Iohn addressing himself by an humble Petition to Pope Nicholas the third represented to his Holiness that Robert de Ferrers his Father late Earl of Derby in that Warr betwixt King Henry the third and his Barons adhering to them was taken Prisoner by the Kings Forces and used so severely that he could obtain no liberty unless he would pass all his Lands then extending to the value of three thousand pounds per annum to Edmund the Kings Son and his Heirs to hold and enjoy untill he the said Robert or his Heirs should pay unto the same Edmund fifty thousand pounds upon one day And that the said Robert more affecting his Liberty than his Lands had granted them on those conditions so that they had been enjoyed by the said Edmund and Thomas his Sons Earls of Lancaster for more than thirty years wherefore he humbly besought His Holiness that for as much as he could not possibly raise so great a summe of Money unless he might reposses those Lands and that whereas divers Prelates and other Spiritual Persons being really sensible of this his hard condition were willing to furnish him with so much money for the present payment of that summe in case they might be permitted so to do that considering the penalty of a certain Constitution then lately set forth by his Holiness to the contrary he
command to reside upon his Lands in the Marches of Scotland for the better defence of those parts being together with Ralph Lord Nevil constituted Warden of those Marches towards Northumberland The same year also he was appointed one of the Commissioners to treat with the Parliament of Scotland touching the delivery of David de Brus King of Scotland taken prisoner in the Battle of Durham 20 Edw. 3. And in 31 Edw. 3. to treat concerning the observation of the Truce upon all the East Marches In 32 Edw. 3. upon the marriage of Henry his Son and Heir to Margaret the Daughter of Ralph Lord Nevil of Raby he setled the Mannors of Swinhow and Tughall in Com. Northumbr upon them and the issue of their two Bodies And in 33 Edw. 3. was made Constable of the Castle of Barwick upon Twede In this thirty third year he attended King Edward into France and in 34 Edw. 3. continued still in those parts In 35 Edw. 3. he was again constituted one of the Wardens of the Marches and in 36 Edw. 3. a Commissioner to take care that the Truce made betwixt both Kingdoms should be observed In 39 Edw. 3. upon the death of Idonea his Mother he had Livery of all those Lands which she held in Dower and the same year received command to repair unto his Lands near the Marches in regard of some danger at that time impending from the Scots In 40 Edw. 3. he was again constituted one of the Commissioners for guarding of the Marches and conâerving the Peace made with the Scots And in 41 Edw. 3. to supervise the state of the Marches as also to treat with the King of Scots and his people in order to some reparation of the damage done to the English by the Subjects of that Realm This Henry first married Mary the Daughter to Henry Earl of Lancaster by whom he had issue Henry and Thomas To which Thomas he gave the Mannor of Foston in Com. Leic. for a certain term of years who afterwards was Earl of Worcester and died without issue as I shall farther shew anon And to his second Wife viz. Ioane by whom he had a Daughter called Mary two years old as her death in 43 Edw. 3. And departing this life on Thursday being Ascension-day in 42 Ed. 3. then seised of the Mannors of Lekingfield ãâã Seâil Gigleswike Nafferton Catton Wharram Percy Walton parcel of the Mannor of Spofford Starbotill in Craven Spoâford Topcliffe Semar Tadcaster and Pokelington in Com. Ebor. Of the Mannor and Castle of Alnwike with the Appurtenances in Com. Northumbr As also of the Mannor of Roke the Castle and Mannor of Werkworth the Towns of Berling Aclington Routhbiry East Wetton Threpston Sâitter Over-Botilston Teggisden the Mannorsâ of Corbrigge Newburne Thrasterton with the Hamlets of Botlaw and Walbotill and Fishing in the River of Tine And of the Inheritance of Ioane his Wife the Mannor of Toft juxta Witham in Com. Linc. As also part of the Mannor of Old Bokenham and Hundred of Shropham Parcel of the Barony of Tatshull in Com. Norf. And the Mannor of Eratefield in Com. Suff. Left Henry his Son and Heir then twenty six years of age Which Ioane had for her Dowry these Lands and Lordships following assigned unto her viz. The Mannor of Semar and third part of the Mannors of Scarbotill Spofford Jopcliffe and certain Lands and Tenements in Walton Bukeden and the City of York as also two parts of the Mannor of Wharram Percy in Com. Ebor. The third part of the Mannor of Alnwike with the third part of the Mills of Nether Carleton the third part of the Mannor and Town of Denwike the Mannor and Town of Lessebiry the Mannor and Town of Great Houghton the Mannor and Town of Chatton the Mannor of Thrasterston the Mannor and Town of Alnham with the third part of the Pasture called Swinleschesâes the Mannors of Werkworth Routhbiry Corbrigge and Newburne with its Members as also certain Lands in Wolâore Moreover of Thirteen pound six shillings five pence half penny Rent belonging to the Ward of Alnwike Castle eight pound yearly Rent âut of the Mannor of Benley sixty six shillings four pence Rent out of the Mannor of South-Middleton under Cheviot all in the County of Northumberland eight marks yearly Rent from the Prior of Siâhill in Ludford forty shillings yearly Rent out of Lands belonging to the Priory of Thornton in Outheby and thirteen shillings four pence yearly Rent issuing out of certain Lands belonging to the Priory of Elsham in Outhenby in Com. Linc. And likewise the third part of certain Tenements in London But I return to Henry This Henry in 33 Edw. 3. his Father then living was in that expedition then made into France So likewise in 37 Edw. 3. And in 42 Edw. 3. which was the same year his Father died doing his homage had Livery of his Lands in which year he was also at Calais with King Edward where he made Peace with the French and likewise sent with three hundred Men and a thousand Archers into Poictou to the releif of the Marches there Within the compass of this year he was also constituted one of the Wardens of the Marches towards Scotland And in 43 Edw. 3. was again in the Wars of France having then of his retinue sixty Men at Arms whereof himself and twelve Knights to be part of the number forty seven Esquires and a hundred Archers on Horsback Moreover in 45 Edw. 3. he was again constituted one of the Commissioners for guarding of the Marches So likewise in 46 Edw. 3. In which year he attended the King in his purposed expedition into France for rescuing of Thouars but being crossed with contrary winds after nine weeks tossing at Sea returned In 47 Edw. 3. he gave the King seven hundred and sixty pounds to have the custody of the Castle of Miâford and all the Lands in Com. Northumbr and Liberty of Tinedale which did belong to David de Strabolgy Earl of Atholl deceased during the minority of Elizabeth and Philippa the Daughters and Heirs to that Earl In which year he likewise attended the King into Flanders and in 50 Edw. 3. granted the Hospital of S. Leonard at Alnwike which was of his Ancestors foundation to the Abbot and Covent of Alnwike to hold for ever in pure Alms. Furthermore being then Marshal of England he was assigned to make inspection into the Castle and Town of Calais as also into all the Castles and Forts in the Marches of Calais and to cause such Repairs to be made in them as need should require and moreover to see them well victualled and manned And likewise constituted one of the Commissioners for guarding the Marches of Scotland In 51 Edw. 3 he was made General of all those Forces which
one of the Lords that subscribed those Articles exhibited to the King against the Cardinal So likewise to that Letter sent to Pope Clement the Seventh whereby intimation was given to him from most of the English Nobility that in case he did not comply with King Henry in that cause of his intended divorce they would quit his Supremacy And in 22 Hen. 8. being sent by the Kings Commission to arrest the Cardinal and to deliver him to George Earl of Shrewsbury at Sheffield Castle he undertook the service but told the Earl That the King commanded he should be used kindly as one whom he highly favored And having married Mary Daughter to that Earl which his Father had caused him to do to prevent him of Anne Boleigne died without issue at his House in Hackney 29 Iunii 29 Hen. 8. And was burled in the Quire there But considering sometime before his death that his younger Brother Sir Thomas Percy Knight had been in that Insurrection in Yorkshire called The Pilgrimage of Grace in 29 Hen. 8. and was therefore attainted having suffered death at Tiburne he gave away a great part of his Lands to the King and others By reason of all which the title of this Earldom slept until Queen Mary revived it to Thomas Percy Son to the said Sir Thomas so attainted as abovesaid Which Thomas upon the thirtieth of April 3 4 Phil. Mar. was first by the favor of that Queen advanced to the degree of a Baron by the title of Lord Percy with an Intail of that Honor upon the Heirs-male of his Body and the day following to the dignity of Earl of Northumberland with limitation likewise of that Honor to the Heirs-male of his Body and for default of such issue to Henry his Brother and to the Heirs-male of his Body And not long after this viz. in 4 5 Phil. Mar. was constituted a Commissioner with Thomas Lord Wharton joyntly or severally for the guarding of the Middle Marches toward Scotland as also in those Wars of Scotland which hapned in that Queens time And in 1 Eliz. being made General Warden of the East Marches and Middle Marches was soon after constituted one of the Commissioners for treating of Peace betwixt ãâã and Scotland and likewise betwixt England and France But in 12 Eliz. being privy to the intended Marriage of Mary Queen of Scotland then prisoner in England with the Duke of Norfolk and sensible of the danger was constrained to submit himself to the Earl of Sussex at that time President of the North desiring his intercession unto Queen Elizabeth on his behalf Howbeit after this there being a rumor that multitudes of people resorted to him and likewise to the Earl of Westmorland the Lord President sent for them both and representing to them what he had heard they utterly disclaimed the guilt of any conspiracy at all assuring him that they would adventure their lives against all Traytors whatsoever Nevertheless certain it is that he endeavored to raise what Forces he could whereof the Queen having advertisement she sent her Letters to him requiring his speedy repair to the Court. Which when he had read being a person of an easie temper and conscious of his own affection to the Romish Religion and beign not a little exasperated by reason that a rich Mine of Copper in his own Land was adjudged a Mine-Royal and consequently to belong to the Crown he became so staggered that he knew not which way to turn himself whether to submit to the Queens mercy ârgeâ away by flight or break out into open Rebellion His friends and followers therefore discerning him thus to waver caused one Beckwith his servant to come to his Chamber door in the night and to alarm him with a report that his enemies viz. Sir Oswald Vlstrop and Master Vaughan had beset his Park with a great number of Men And to the end he might not be wanting to himself his relations and friends and to the Religion of his Forefathers they told him that all the Catholicks in England were ready prepared to assert that Religion and caused the Bells to ring backwards to raise the Countrey Which put him into so great a consternation that he presently rose out of his Bed and fled privily to his Keepers House near Topcliffe for at Topcliffe he then was and thence the next night to Branspeth in the Bishoprick of Durham to the Earl of Westmorland where a multitude of their Confederates being met they set out Proclamations in the Queens Name commanding the people to put themselves in Arms for the defence of Her Majesties Person Sometimes affirming That what they did was with the advice and consent who died young ãâã married to Philip Earl of Chesterfield Elizabeth to Arthâr Earl of Essex and Lucy who died young And to his second Wife Elizabeth Daughter to ãâã Earl of Suffolk by whom he had issue Ioceline his Son and Heir as also one Daughter called Elizabeth who died in her Childhood And departing this life 13 Oct. An. 1668. was buried at Petworth Which Iosceline succeeding him in his Lands and Honors took to Wife Elizabeth the third Daughter and Coheir to Thomas Earl of Southampton Lord Treasââââ of England sole Daughter and Heir to Elizabeth his second Wife Daughter and Coheir to Francis Earl of Chichester by whom he had issue one Son called Henry who died an Infant and two Daughters viz. Elizabeth now surviving and Henrietta who died soon after her Baptism And departing this life beyond the Seat at Turin in Savoy at May An. 1670. was buried with his Ancestors at Perworth Sir Thomas Percy Earl of Worcester a Younger Brother to Henry the First Earl of Northumberland THis Sir Thomas in 44 Edw. 3. was with the Black Prince at Bergerath to defend the Frontiers against the French and shortly after marched with the Duke of Lancaster to Mountpaon which was then rendred to him Moreover in 46 Edw. 3. he was Seneschal of Lymosin and after that the same year taken prisoner by the French but the year following had his enlargement the Castle of Lymosin being âiven up for his Redemption And in 50 Edw. 3. in consideration of his good services had an annuity of one hundred marks per annum given to hiâ out of the Excheââer during his life As also for the like services to the Block Priâââ ãâã Grant from him of an hundred marâââ per ãâã out of his Excheqâer at Carnarvon In 1 Rich. 2. he was at the Coronation of that King his Brother Henry being then Marshal of England And in â Rich. 2. being made Admiral of the Northern Sâas associated with Sir Hugh ãâã Knight then recalled from Calais had of their Reciâue
of the Commissioners to treat with the Ambassadors of the same King of France touching the sending back of Isabel his Daughter second Wife to the deposed King with her Jewels whom he had required to be returned to him So likewise for the ratifying that Truce which had been made betwixt both Realms in King Richards time And furthermore constituted him Steward of his Houshold as he had been to King Richard Moreover in 3 Hen. 4. he was made the Kings Lieutenant throughout all North Wales and South-Wales for resistance of the Rebels there But notwithstanding all this trust and favor from King Henry he thought it not enough considering the many benefits and high esteem he had from King Richard and therefore deserting the Princes Houshold which the King had specially committed to his trust he fled to his Brother the Earl of Northumberland and combining with him joyned with his Nephew Hotspur then in Arms by whom being sent to the King upon his offer of Pardon in case they would submit as in my discourse of Hotspur is shewed he misrepresented what His Majesty had graciously expressed exaspeâating him to Battle which forthwith ensuing concluded in the total rout of all their Rebellious Forces and slaughter of many amongst which Hotspur their General was the chief This Earl himself being then taken prisoner and soon after beheaded at Shrewsbury This is all I have to say of him other then that when he was in such favor with King Richard the Second he purchased the Mannor of Wresil in Yorkshire and built the Castle there but dying without issue it afterward by the favor of came to Earl of Northumberland Thomas Percy Lord Egremonâ Third Son of Henry the Second Earl of Northumberland THis Thomas in 28 Hen. 6. being then a Knight in consideration of his many and great services was advanced to the Title of Lord Egremont to hold to himself and the Heirs-male of his Body And in 30 Hen. 6. constituted one of the Commissioners to treat with Iames Earl Douglas upon those Articles by him signed After which viz. in 36 Hen. 6. he obtained a Grant of the Castle and Lordship of Wresil in Com. Ebor. to hold for term of his life as also License to travel into several Forein parts but returning again ere long was slain in the Battle of Northampton in 38 Hen. 6. without Wife or Issue Nevill THis Noble Antient and Spreading Family do derive their Descent from Gilbert de Nevil a Norman who came into England with William the Conqueror being at that time his Admiral as some of our Genealogists have noted though there be no mention of him nor any of that name in the General Survey made by that King Which Geffrey having issue Geffrey and he another Geffrey who married Emme the Daughter and Heir of Bertram de Bulmer a great Baron in the North had issue by her one sole Daughter called Isabel which Isabel after the death of her Brother Henry without issue became his heir and taking to Husband Robert Fitz-Maldred Lord of Raby in the Bishoprick of Durham had issue by her a Son called Geffrey who by reason that his Mother was so great an Inheritrix assumed the sirname of Nevill from whom that Branch whose principal Seat was for many ages afterwards at Raây and at length Earls of Westmorland did Spring But before I come to speak of this last mentioned Geffrey I shall take notice of those who bore that sirname long before though how they stood related in blood to him is not yet clear to me Of these therefore in order of time the first I meet with is Robert who in 2 Hen. 1. was in Arms with that famous Rebel Robert de Belesme Earl of Shrewsbury as also one of those to whom he committed the trust of that strong Town and having made Peace with the Welsh and gotten two of their Princes to his aid marched with a great power to encounter the Kings Army After him there was Ralph de Nevill witness to a Charter of King Henry the First granted to the Monks of Bardney in the sixteenth of His Reign And next Gilbert de Nevill of whom I find mention in Lincolnshire in 2 Hen. 2. And in Roteland 5 Hen. 2. As also in Oxfordshire 7 Hen. 2. Which Gilbert had a Brother named Alan de Nevill and a Son called Geffrey Founder of the Priory of Tupholme in Com. Linc. Who in 10 Hen. 2. was one of the witnesses in that Recognition then made by the King of the Peoples Liberties Of this Alan de Nevill it is reported That in 12 Hen. 2. being at Uiceliack in his journey towards Ierusalem upon Ascension-day to celebrate that Festival he was with Richard de Lucy and others excommunicated by Thomas Becket then Archbishop of Canterbury in regard he had been one of those who stoutly asserted and defended the antient customs of England against the Popes Usurpations but soon after absolved by Gilbert Foliot Bishop of London then in those parts upon his Promisory Oath to go to the Pope and submit himself to his Holiness This is that Alan de Nevill who was cheif Justice of the Forests throughout all England and in 16 Hen. 2. a Justice Itinerant but died in 2 Rich. 1. leaving issue two Sons Alan and Geffrey Of which Alan I have not seen any thing farther but of Geffrey it appears that in 6 Ioh. he was constituted Governor of Corffe Castle and that in 16 Ioh. being then the Kings Chamberlain he was made Governor of Scarborough Castle having one hundred pound assigned to him for the fortifying thereof In 17 Ioh. he obtained the Wardship of the Daughters of Roger Trusbut as also a Grant of the Lands of Simon de Kime and Phillip de Kime then in Rebellion as it seems And the same year being Sheriff of Yorkshire was joyned in Commission with Gerard de Furnivall to treat with Robert de Ros and other of the Barons then in Rebellion for reducing them to obedience In 2 H. 3. being then Seneschal of Poictou and Gascoigne he was again constituted Sheriff of Yorkshire and so continued till 7 H. 3. inclusive Upon levying the first Scutage of Henry the Third viz. 5 Hen. 3. he paid twenty six marks for the Fees of Cecily de Crevequer and in 6 H. 3. with Richard de Alencon gave one hundred pound to the King for the Wardship of the Heir of Alexander de Nevill whose Lands lay in the Counties of Lincoln York and Cumberland This Geffrey and Mabel his Wife confirmed to the Abby of Monk-Bretton in Com. Ebor. all the Grants which Adam Fitz-Swane the Founder thereof had given thereto she the said
afterwards to Henry Percy Earl of Northumberland Anne first to Humphrey Duke of Bucikngham and afterwards to Walter Blount Lord Montjoy Iane a Nun and Cioely to Richard Plantagenet Duke of York ¶ I now come to Ralph Earl of Westmorland Son of this last mentioned Iohn This Ralph after the death of Elizabeth his Mother had forty pound per annum allowed him by the King for his maintenance being then in minority And in 4 Hen. 6. an Augmentation thereof to the sum of fifty pound sixteen shillings eight pence to be paid out of the Fee-farm of the Town of Newcastle upon Tine After which within the compass of the same year the King granted the benefit of his marriage to Sir Iohn Ratcliff Seneschal of Aquitane But more I have not seen of him than that in 21 Hen. 6. he had in right of Elizaâeth his Mother the fourth Sister and Coheir to Edmund Earl of Kent and Cosin and Heir to Thomas Holland Earl of Kent for her Purparty and Assignation of the Mannor of Beseây in Com. Linc. and ten pound Renâ in Skeldingthorp threescore and four Acres of Wood in the Mannor of Brunne with a certain parcel of Wood there called the New Park as also twenty three pound ten shillings yearly Rent issuing out of the Abby of Kirkstall and four pound six shillings six pence Rent out of the Mannor of Blisworth in Com. Northampt. And that he married to his first Wife Elizabeth the Daughter of Henry Lord Percy sirnamed Hotspur Son and Heir to Henry Earl of Northumberland Widow of Iohn Lord Clifford by whom he had issue Iohn his Son and Heir and to his second Margaret the Daughter and Heir of Sir Reginald Cobbam Knight but by her had no issue As also that he died in 2 Rich. 3. Which Iohn by his Testament bearing date 1 Dec. An. 1449 27 Hen. 6. bequeathed his Body to be buried in the midst of the Quire of the Abby of Haut-Emprice in Com. Ebor. and gave thereunto for his Cors praesenté a Courser called Lidiard Nevill appointing that an honest and cunning Priest should sing there for his Soul by the space of a Twelvemoneth after his death and to have for his salary ten marks Moreover he bequeathed to that Abby his Gown of Cloth of Gold blew to make a Vestment as also his Doublet of the same moreover a Gown of Black Velvet and all his Doublets of Velvet Likewise a standing Silver Cup thereof to make a Chalice And having married Anne Daughter of Iohn Holland Duke of Exeter departed this life 20 Martii 29 Hen. 6. without issue leaving Sir Iohn Nevill Knight his Fathers Brother his next Heir then thirty years of age This Sir Iohn Nevill took to Wife Anne the Widow of his Nephew Daughter to Iohn Holland Duke of Exeter and being slain at Towtââ Field upon Palm Sunday 1 Edw. 4. there stoutly fighting for the Lancastrian Interest his Brother the Earl being then alive left issue by her a Son called Ralph who upon the death of the Earl his Uncle which hapned 3 Nov. 2 Rich. 3. was found to be his next Kinsman and Heir being then twenty eight years of age and succeeded him in this Honor was one of the cheif in that Army commanded by Thomas Earl of Surrey in 9 Hen. 7. when Iames King of Scotland invaded this Realm and besieged Norham Castle upon advance whereof the Scots retreated whereupon the English wasted the Borders But this is all that I have seen of him other then that he took to Wife Margaâât the Daughter of Sir Roger Booth of Barton in Com. Lanc. Knight Brother to Laurence Archbishop of York Which Margaret lieth buried on the South side of the Quire at Branspatâ by whom he had issue Ralph who married Editha Daughter of Sir William Sands of ... in Com. Southampt and died in the life time of his Father He had likewise a Daughter called Anne wedded to Sir William Conyers Knight It is said that this Earl died at Hornby Castle in Richmondâhire for grief of the loss of his eldest Son who lieth buried at Branspath in a Chappel on the South side of the Quire and that he himself was buried in the Parish Church of Hornây but the time of his death I find not So that to him succeeded Ralph his Grandson and Heir who in 22 Hen. 8. having Livery of his Lands was one of those that subscribed the Letter to Pope Clement the Seventh whereby they gave him to understand That unless he did comply with King Henry in that cause of his Divorce from Queen Catherine they would shake off his Supremacy This Ralph married Catherine Daughter of Edward Stafford Duke of Buckingham and by her had issue seven Sons viz. Henry his Son and Heir Sir Thomas Nevill Knight Edward Christopher Ralph George and Cuthbert and nine Daughters viz. Eleanor who died without issue Dorothy Wife of Iohâ Earl of Oxford for which marriage there was a special Act of Parliament in 18 Hen. 8. Mary to Sir Thomas Danby Knight Ioane Margaret to Henry Mannors Earl of Rutland Elizabeth to Thomas Lord Dacres of Gillesland Eleanor to Sir Bryan Stapleton Knight Anne to Sir Fouke Grevill of Beauchamps Court in Com. War Knight and Vrsula and departed this life 24 April 3 Edw. 6. To him succeeded Henry his Son and Heir who first took to Wife Iane the Daughter of Thomas Mannours Earl of Rutland and by her had issue Charles his Son and Heir and four Daughters viz. Eleanor Wife of Sir William Pelpham Knight Master of the Ordnance Katherine married to Sir Iohn Constable of Kirkby Knowle in Com. Ebor. Also Mary and Adeline who died unmarried He secondly wedded Margaret Daughter of Sir Richard Cholmley Knight Widow of Sir Henry Gascoigne Knight by whom he had issue Margaret and Elizabeth This Henry by his Testament bearing date 18 Aug. An. 1563. 5 Eliz. bequeathed his Body to be buried in the Parish Church of Staindroâe in the Bishoprick of Durham under the Tomb that last was made nigh to the Lady Iane his Wife and departed this life the the same Moneth as it seems for the Probate of his Will bears date upon the twelfth of September next ensuing To whom succeeded Charles his Son and Heir Which Charles in An. 1569. 11 Eliz. being privy to the intended marriage of Mary Queen of Scotland then prisoner in England and sensible of the danger submitted himself to the Earl of Sussex at that time President of the North desiring his intercession to Queen Elizabeth on his behalf But after this there being a rumor that multitudes of people resorted to him and to the Earl of Northumberland the Lord President sent for them But representing to them
Moreover he saith That this Earl never used to fight on foot but his manner was when he had led his Men to the Charge then to take Horse And if the victory fell on his side to fight among his Soldiers otherwise to depart in time But at this Battle that he was constrained by his Brother the Marquess Montacute a valiant Knight to alight on foot and send away his Horse Of his extraordinary Hospitality I also find this observed That at his House in London six Oxen were usually eaten at a Breakfast and every Tavern full of his Meat For who that had any acquaintance in his Family should have as much sodden and roast as he might carry upon a long Dagger Nay it appears That being Admiral to King Henry the Sixth he was stiled Great Captain of the Sea having for his support in that place not only all the Tonnage and Poundage belonging to the King in any wise but a thousand pounds per annum out of the Revenues of the Dutchy of Lancaster as also that by the same Kings favor he had a Grant of preheminence above all the Earls of England and moreover to add to his greatness a peculiar Officer at Arms for his service in martial imployments called Warwick Herauld But after his death his Countess underwent no little distress being constrained to take Sanctuary in the Abby of Beaulieu in Hantshire where she continued for a long time in a very mean condition and thence privately got into the North where also she abode in great streights all her vast Inheritance being by authority of Parliament taken from her and setled upon Isabel and Anne her two Daughters and Heirs the first of them Wife to George Duke of Clarence and the other to Richard Duke of Glocester as if she her self had been naturally dead which was withheld from her till 3 Hen. 7. that the King having himself a mind thereto her Daughters being then both dead by a new Act of Parliament annulled the former As against all Reason Conscience and course of Nature and contrary to the Laws of God and Man as the words thereof import And in consideration of the true and faithful service and alleagiance by her born to King Henry the Sixth as also that she never gave cause to such disherison restored unto her the Possession of the premises with the power to alien the same or any part thereof But not with purpose that she should enjoy it as it seems for it appears that the same year by a special Feoffment bearing date 13 Dec. and a Fine thereupon she conveyed it wholly to the King Entailing it upon the Issue-male of his Body with Remainder to her self and her heirs The names of the particular Lordships contained in that Grant being as followeth viz. the Mannors of Warwick Toneworâh Lighthorne Morton Berkswell Brayles Claverdon Suttun Winterton Buddroke Haseley Sniterfield and Pipe-Hall in Com. Warr. Albotley Shraveley Elmley-Lovet Salwarpe Hall-place Wich Elmley Castle Chadssey Hervington Sheriffs-Lench Yerdley Crombe-Simonds Warpdel Hanley Bushley Ridmerley Upton super Sabrinam with the City of Worcester in Worcestershire Tewksbury Stoke Archer Whitington Fairford Sobbury Tredington Panington Fidington Northey Muth Berton Regis juxta Bristol Barton Hundred Kenmerton Chedworth and Lidney in Glocestershire Burford Shipton Spelsbury Chadlington Hundred and Langley in Oxfoâdshire âaversham and Stanford in Berkshire Chiriel Sherston and Brodton in Wilthshire Dertford Willington and Hendon in Kent Walthamstow and Franceys in Essex Flampstead in Hertfordshire Potters-Piry Ashrugge Hundred Querendon Alisbury Buckland Agmondsham Slingsbury Hansiape Olney and Merlaw in Com. Bucks Multon Conesgrave and Yelvertoft in Com. Northampt. Walshal Piry Bar Patingham and Shenston in Com. Staff Barnard Castle in the Bishoprick of Durham Kibworth in Com. Leic. Kimworth Bautrey and Hotham in Com. Ebor. Essingdon Shellingthorp Gâeetham Barowden Preston and Uppingham in Com. Rutl. Stillingthorp in Com. Linc. Kirtling in Com. Cantabr Snodel and Faunhope in Com. Heref. Saham Toney Out Sokin Neckton Panworthal and Gressingham Parva in Com. Norf. Carnaunton Hoston Toney Bliâton and Lantran in Cornwal Glamorgan Burgavenny Elvell Snodehill Llangtrey Llangew and Wale Bikeneour in Wales and the Marches thereof South Tanton and Seal with the Hundred of South Tanton in Com. Devon The Isles of Iersey Gernsey Serk and Aureney with the Castles therein and certain Houses in Southwark Which Countess was living in 5 Hen. 7. as appears by an Assignation from the King of the Mannor of Sutton in Com. War at that time for her maintenance but how long after I know not for of her death there is no mention in Record that I can find By this great Earl her Husband she left left issue two Daughters as before is observed viz. Isabel and Anne Which Isabel was born in Warwick Castle 5 Sept. An. 1451. 30 Hen. 6. And on Tuesday 11 Iulii An. 1469. 9 Ed. 4. married at Calais by the Archbishop of York to George Duke of Clarence Brother to King Edward the Fourth by vertue of a Dispensation from Pope Paul the Third in regard that they stood allied in the second and third and third and fourth degrees of Consanguinity As also in respect that the Mother of the Duke was Godmother to this Isabel. Which Dispensation bears date at Rome Prid. Id. Martii An. 1468. 7 Edw. 4. The other Daughter Anne was first married to Edward Prince of Wales Son of King Henry the Sixth stabbed at the Battle of Tewksbury in cool blood by Richard Duke of Glocester as our Historians affirm and afterwards to Richard Duke of Glocester who by reason thereof possest himself of all Warwicks Lands imprisoning her Mother as long as she lived and poysoning her as it was thought to make way for his marriage with his Brothers scil King Edward the Fourth eldest Daughter Iohn Nevill Marquess Mountague THis Iohn being second Son to Richard Nevill Earl of Salisbury by Alice Daughter and Heir to Thomas Mountague Earl of Salisbury stoutly adhering to the House of York with his Father and elder Brother upon the success of that party was in the first year of King Edward the Fourth summoned to Parliament by the title of Iohn Nevil Lord Mountague And in 2 Edw. 4. in consideration of his good services had as a reward for the same a Grant to himself and the Heirs-male of his Body of the Mannors of Wirmingey and Matsall in Com. Norf. Haloughton in Com. Leic. Stoke Bardolf and Bedding in Com. Nottingh Hellow in Com. Linc. As also of Wilby and Strowerdy with the Advowsons of the several Churches belonging to those Lordships all which divolved to the Crown by Act of Parliament the preceding year upon the Attainder of ... Moreover in 3 Edw. 4. he was constituted General Warden of the East Marches toward Scotland and the next ensuing year 23 May advanced to the
Chancellor of England and four Daughters viz. Alice married to Thomas Holland afterwards Earl of Kent to whom and the Heirs of their two Bodies in 38 Edw. 3. the King granted the Mannors of Kirkby Moresheved Buttercramp and Cropton She is likewise said to have been the Wife of Henry de Beaufort who was afterwards the rich Cardinal before he took orders Eleanor died young Ioane Wife of Humphrey de Bohun Earl of Hereford and Mary wedded to Iohn Lord Strange of Blackmere Which Iohn his second Son was afterwards a Banneret and in 1 Rich. 2. retained to serve the King in his Fleet at Sea for a quarter of an year with two hundred Men at Arms and two hundred Archers whereof twenty nine Knights and one hundred seventy Esquires he being then also Marshal of England and of the Retinue unto Thomas of Woodstock Earl of Buckingham Uncle to the King This Iohn took to Wife Eleanor the Daughter of Iohn Lord Maltravers Sister and Heir to Henry Lord Maltravers and was summoned to Parliament in 1 2 3 Rich. 2. in the last of which years being sent with divers Knights and others in aid of the Duke of Britanny he perished by Shipwrack about the Feast day of S. Nicholas It is reported that before he hoised Sail he plundered the Countrey people and being utterly cursed by them for so doing this miserable fate soon overtook him By the said Eleanor his Wife he left issue a Son called Iohn Which Iohn had likewise issue Iohn Son and Heir who upon the death of Thomas Earl of Arundel without issue being his next Heir-male possessed the Castle of Arundel and divers other Lordships by vertue of an Entail made by Richard Earl of Arundel in 21 Edw. 3. as I shall more fully shew anon and by reason thereof had the title of Earl of Arundel But I return to Richard Son and Heir to the last Earl Richard This Earl Richard being constituted Admiral of the Kings Fleet to the Westwards in 1 Rich. 2. and soon after that to the Southwards was retained by Indenture to serve the King at Sea for one quarter of an year in the Company of Iohn Duke of Lancaster King of Caâââle And in 7 Rich. 2. was in that expedition then made into Scotland About which time he procured License of the King to imploy what Agents he should please to the Abbess and Covent of Almenesches Alien to treat and conclude with them for the purchase of certain Lands part of the Possessions of the Priory of Leveminster in Sussex belonging to those Nuns As also a Charter for a weekly Market at his Mannor of Estangmering in Sussex upon the Saturday and a Fair yearly upon the Eve and Day of the Apostles Peter and Paul He also obtained the Kings farther License to travel into Forein parts and there to continue as long as he should think fit But if he did then travel he staid not long abroad for in 8 R. 2. he was retained by Indenture to serve the King in his Wars of Scotland And in 9 R. 2. joyned in Commission with Thomas D. of Lancaster for the tryal of Michael de la Pole and some other of the Kings Favorites whom the Commons in Parliament had then charged with divers high crimes Whereupon De la Pole was adjudged to suffer death and his estate to be confiscate In 10 Rich. 2. being made Admiral of the Kings whole Fleet to the West and Northward he received the moity of that Tenth then given to the King in Parliament by the Clergy as also the moity of that Fifteen given by the Laity for the Publick service of the Realm in a Naval expedition And putting to Sea upon Sunday the Eve of our Ladies Ascension encountred with a great Fleet of Flemings French and Spaniards and after a sharp fight got the victory wherein he took of Ships great and small no less then an hundred all laden with Wines containing Nineteen thousand Tuns which he brought into the Port of Orwell and other Havens And after this having new rigged his Navy arrived at Brest in Britanny where he soon took one of those Forts which the French had newly raised against the Castle there and burnt the other And having then victualled that Castle for a year and recruited the Garrison with all necessaries returned into England with great honor though much envied by the Duke of Ireland and others that bore great sway at Court who did all they could to deprave him by speaking sleightly of these his noble exploits And not only so but growing more insolent the King being totally guided by them they conspired the death of divers great persons of which this Earl was one So that now there being no other help but that either those haughty spirited men must be supprest or many of the most eminent Noblemen ruined This Earl with the Earls of Warwick and Derby resolved to put themselves in Arms. The King therefore discerning their purpose forthwith deliberated how he might destroy them before they had united their distinct Forces and to that end sent the Earl of Northumberland and others with him to Rigate Castle where this Earl then was with resolution there to surprise him But when Northumberland got thither and saw what strength he had he returned without any attempt upon him After which some were sent to take him by night and bring him to the King or at least to murther him The Lords therefore being in this strait having raised a great power soon met at Haringay Park near Highgate in Com. Middl. wherewith the King being alarmd and mediation made for a peaceable composure of these discontents they came to Westminster and upon expostulation with them by the King touching this their Insurrection told him it was for his and the Kingdoms advantage and to take from him those Trayterous persons viz. The Duke of Ireland and other his favorites who were enemies to the Commonwealth the issue whereof for the present terminated in the ruine of divers who had so mis-guided the King as in due place I shall shew The tide therefore then running with these Lords this Earl was by general consent in the Parliament of 11 Rich. 2. made Governor of the Castle and Town of Brest in Britanny as also the Kings Lieutenant in those parts And shortly after being Admiral made Lieutenant as also Captain-General of his Fleet at Sea with Commission to treat of Peace with Iohn de Montâort then Duke of Britanny and hoising sail after Whitsontide soon met with the Enemy of whose Ships he sunkâ and took fourscore entred the Isle of Bâas which he burnt and spoiled and likewise the Islands
he bequeathed his Body to be buried in the Church of the Abby of Dore near to the Grave of one of his Sons who died in his lifetime also that he thereupon confirmed to the Monks of that House all those Lands which William de Ewyas had formerly given them for which he himself had questioned their Title and that he departed this life in 16 Hen. 3. Whereupon Walter de Clifford his elder Brother and then living had a grant from the King of the Custody of his Lands with the Wardship and Marriage of his Heir whose name was also Roger. This Roger upon levying the Ayd for marrying the Kings eldest Daughter in 29 Hen. 3. paid nineteen pounds for those nineteen Knights fees which he had by descent from Robert de Ewyas his Grandfather by the Mother And in 43 Hen. 3. he attended the King in his expedition then made into France In 46 Hen. 3. he was prohibited to tilt to appear in Armes without licence especially during the Kings aboad beyond Sea And in 47 Hen. 3. received command to attend the King at Hereford upon the third day after the Epiphany well fitted with Horse and Armes to restrain the incursions of the Welch The same year being made Governor of the Castle of âeâleburgh and Lutgarshull in Com. Wilts he was seduced by the Rebellious Barons under the specious pretence of asserting the Laws and peoples Liberties and being in Armes upon that account did much mischief by divers sacrilegious actings and otherwise for which together with Montfort Earl of Leicester and many more he underwent the sentence of Excommunication denounced against them by the Arch-Bishop of Canterbury But the next ensuing year he fell off from those seeming Patriots and being with the King at the siege of Northampton where he had such notable success against them was soon after made Governor of the Castle at Gloucester and Shiriff of that County Shortly after which he hasted into Wales and with Roger de Mortimer and other of the Barons-Marchers gave Battle to Prince Leweline who had confederated with Montfort and his Fellow-Rebells to make a disturbance in those parts And when he heard of the fatal overthrow which the King had received in the Battle of Lewes and that he was a Captive in the hands of that insolent Rebell Montfort Earl of Leicester disdaining that his Soveraign should long abide in that sad condition he joyned with Mortimer and other of the loyal Barons and raised such a power against those prowd Usurpers as brought them soon after to apparent ruine in the Battle of Evesham Moreover having so stoutly adhered to the King in his greatest distresses after his deliverance by that happy victory at Evesham in part of reward for those eminent services he obtained the Custody of the Lands of Isabel one of the Daughters and Coheirs to Robert de Vipount a great Baron in the North and was made Justice of all the Kings Forests on the South of Trent as also a grant of the Lordship of Kingsbury in Com. Warw. by reason of the forfeiture of Sir Ralph de Bracebrigge Knight Which Robert de Vipount having been of the party of those rebellious Barons died before his Composition was made for that transgression but so great were the Merits of this Roger de Clifford whose son Roger married Isabel and of Roger de Leyburne who had to Wife Ivetta the two Daughters and Coheirs of the same Robert de Vipount that nothing of fine was exacted from either of them for their Fathers offence Nor was this all but in farther contemplation of the notable assistance and singular vallor of this Roger manifested in divers sharp conflicts then had with those rebellious Barons the King totally remitted to him a debt of three hundred ninety nine pounds and seventeen shillings which otherwise he was to have paid The Lands of which Robert de Vipounâ were in 51 Hen. 3. shared by Roger the Son of this Roger and Roger de Leyburne according to an equal extent Shortly after which viz. in 53 H. 3. he was constituted one of the Justices Itinerant for the Counties of Roteland Surrey Southampton Dorset Somerset and Gloucester and the same year was one of the Sureties for that great Rebel Robert de Ferrers Earl of Derby as to the payment of fifty thousand pounds all upon one day for the redemption of his forfeited Lands But in 54 Hen. 3. being signed with the Cross in order to an expedition with Prince Edward to the Holy-Laâd he went thither accordingly After this viz. in 1 E. 1. being at St. George near the Castle of Beaufort in France he contracted matrimony with the Countess of Lauretania whom he enfeoffed before marriage in the mannor of Weverham in Cheshire And in 2 Edw. 1. was sent in Commission with others unto the Ford of Montgomerie in Wales to examine hear and reform the wrongs and trespasses done by Prince Lewlelyn contrary to the form of Peace concluded betwixt K. Henry the third and him Moreover in 5 Ed. 1. he was made Governor of Erdeslegh Castle in Herefordshire And in 8 Edw. 1. constituted one of the Justices of the Kings Forests in Hantshire being then called Roger de Clifford Senior and likewise Justice of Wales in which Office having been somewhat oppressive as may seem by certain Complaints made against him he was surprised upon Palm-Sunday in the Castle of Hawardyne in Flintshire by David Son to the Prince of Wales who then contrary to his faith broke out into open hostility Which being made known to the King he soon marched thither with an Army but in one of the Skirmishes he had there with the Welch Roger his Son called Roger de Clifford Iunior was unhappily slain upon St Leonards day betwixt Snowdon and Anglesey by inadvertently passing Newy Bridge over the River Conwey upon whose death Isabell his Widdow Daughter and Coheir to Robert de Vipount doing her Homage had Livery of her Lands this Rogeâ his Father surviving him who about four years afterwards scil in 14 Edw. 1. departed this life whereupon Command was given to seize all his Goods and Chattels for certain debts which he owed to the King but with exception from medling with the Jewels of the Countess of Laurcetania his Wife To whom succeeded Robert de Clifford his Grandson and Heir viz. Son to Roger his Son so slain as hath been observed being nine years of age in 11 Edw. 1. which Robert was Cousin and Heir to Ralph de Gaugy and in 13 E. 1. paid an hundred pound for his relief In Anno 1300. 22 Edw. 1. he was one of the Peeres in the Parliament then held at Lincoln who subscribed that Letter to the Pope whereby they declared
he was made Admiral of the Kings Fleet from the Mouth of Thames to the West and South and sworn of His Privy Council in open Parliament He was likewise retained by Indenture to serve the King with three hundred Men at Arms upon the Sea for one quarter of a year himself accounted with eleven Knights two hundred eighty five Esquires six hundred Archers seven Ships seven Barges and seven Ballingers double manned with Marriners having command to âail from Plimouth with some of those Ships to Bourdeaux In the same year also he was sent to appease the tumults in Wales raised by Owen Glendowr and his partakers being then made Governor of the Castle of Brecknock with Commission likewise to go to Sea taking up six Barges and as many Mariners as should be requisite at the Kings wages About which time he encountred with the Fleet of Owen Glendowr near Milford-Haven burnt fifteen and took fourteen And at another time took fourteen more wherein the Seneschal of France and divers Captains of note were taken prisoners In 6 Hen. 4. he had Commission to Muster and Arm all able Men within the Counties of Glocester Bristoll and Somerset to withstand the incursions of the Welsh In this year he obtained a Grant for a weekly Market on the Wednesday and three Fairs yearly at his Town of Pensans in Cornwal viz. One upon the Eve and Day of the Conception of the Blessed Virgin another on the Eve and Day of S. Peter in Cathedrâ and the third on the Eve and Day of the Nativity of our Lady In 7 Hen. 4. he was the cheif Commander and Engineer for the Timber-works used in the Welsh Wars and Siege of Lampadervaur in Wales There is one thing more the relation whereof I am not willing to pass by viz. That he was a great lover of Learning an especial favorer of that worthy person Iohn Trevisa Vicar of Berkley in his time of whom Bale gives this Character that he was Vir multâ eruditione atque eloquentiâ clarus Which Iohn moreover was a Cannon of the Collegiate Church of Westbury in Com. Wilts and translated into English the Old and New Testament as also Bartholomaeus de Proprietatibus rerum and dedicated it to him Likewise the Chronicle of Ranulph Higden a Monk of Chester commonly called Polycronicon adding his Continuations thereto for fifty five years and many other Works This Thomas about a year before his Fathers death took to Wife Margaret the Daughter to Gerard Warren Lord l'Isle by Alice his Wife Daughter and Heir to Henry Lord Tyes the Marriage being solemnised at Wengrave in Com. Buck. the said Lord l'Isles House Which Margaret by the death of her Brother without issue became Heir to her Father who soon after went to Berkley Castle and made it his residence in his later days His Son in Law therefore having the prospect of so fair an estate covenanted with him That he and the issue which he should beget on his Daughter would after his death alway use and bear the Arms of the said Lord l'Isle the Lordships and Lands which he had by her being these viz. Charlton Tâtcote Cloncon Norbory Langdon Donn-Cary Larkbear in Com. ãâã Wengrave in Com. Buck. Kislingbury Stow and Church-Brampton in Com. Northampt. Chilton-Foliot Nethercote Draycote Horewell Chikeld Frishedon in Com. Wilts Kingston l'Isle Hordwell Colcot Ordestone Buden Caldicote Cakewode in Com. Berks. Shirbourne Noke Fretwell in Com. Oxon. Aylwerâon Trewarnake Pensans Mosshole in Com. Cornub. Besides divers Advowsons of Churches and many Lands and Tenements in other places Which Lady Margaret died at Wotton under Edge 20 Martii 15 Rich. 2. and lieth buried in the Parish Church there under a fair Tomb Thomas her Husband then surviving who long afterwards viz. Upon Sunday the Purification of the Blessed Virgin An. 1415. 3 Hen. 5. by his Testament then declared bequeathed unto the Fabrick of that Church wherein his Body should happen to be buried a Cross gilt with all the Relicks included therein To his Daughter the Countess of Warwick he thereby gave his best pair of Mattins as also one gilt Cup with twenty pound contained therein To Iames his Nephew viz. his next Heir-male being Son of Iames his Brother already deceased his best Bed and great Cup of Jet as also twenty Coats of Male twenty Brest-plates twenty Helmets and twenty Lances and departing this life at his said Mannor of Wotton under Edge before specified upon Tuesday the thirteenth of Iuly 5 Hen. 5. then seised as Tenant by the curtesie of England after the death of Margaret his Wife already deceased and of the Inheritance of Elizabeth then the Wife of Richard Beauchamp Earl of Warwick his only child by her the said Margaret of the Lordships and Lands before-mentioned which Elizabeth was then thirty years of age was buried in the Church at Wotton under Edge near to the same Lady Margaret his late Wife being then seised in his own right of the Borough of Bridgewater the Mannor and Hundred of Bedminster the Hundreds of Harcliff and Portbury the third part of the Mannor of Portshead the Mannors of Weston and Portbury and the sixth part of the Hundred of Milverton all in the County of Somerset As also of the Mannor of Aure with its Members Wike juxta Rodleswere Acton Vlger the Castle and Hundred of Berkley with the Mannors of Ham Appulrugge Aldington Hinton Wotton Simondfall Came Coveley Slimbrigge and Upton S. Leonard in the County of Glocester By another Inquisition it was also then found That Thomas de Berkley Grand-father to this deceased Thomas being seised in his Demesn as of Fee of the Castle of Berkley and of the Mannors of Berkley Ham Appultugge Alkinton Hinton Wotton Simondshale Came Covely Slimbrigge and Upton S. Leonard as also of the Hundred of Berkley view of Frank-pledge with its Appurtenances and of the Advowsons of the Churches of the said Mannors of Wotton and Slimbâigge did levy a Fine in 23 Edw. 3. of the said Castle Mannors c. unto William de Syke and others who thereupon reconveyed them to the said Thomas the Grand-father to hold for life with the Remainder to Maurice his Son and the Heirs-male of his Body and for default of such issue to the Heirs-male of the said Thomas by Catherine then his Wife and for want of such issue to the right Heirs of him the said Thomas And that he the said Thomas the Grand-father took to Wife Elizabeth by whom he had issue Thomas de Berkley his Son and Heir and Iames a younger Son Which Iames took to Wife Elizabeth and had issue Iames then living And that afterwards the said Maurice died seised of that Castle and other the premisses whereupon they descended to him the said Thomas the Son of Maurice as Son and Heir-male who dying seised of them leaving no Issue-male of his
Sir Iohn d'Arcy Knight his Son and Heir at that time thirty years of age Soon after which in consideration of the many good services performed by this deceased Iohn d'Arcy in his life time and for the good services of the before-specified William his Son the King granted to the said William the Castle of Markynegan in Ireland to hold for life I now come to Iohn d'Arcy Son and Heir to this last mentioned Iohn This Iohn in 9 Edw. 3. called Iohannes d'Arci le Fitz his Father then living was in the Wars of Scotland and having for his especial services deserved very well from the King in 15 Edw. 3. obtained a Grant of an Annuity of forty pound per annum to himself and his heirs for ever which is enjoyed at this day In 16 Edw. 3. he obtained License that Alice the Widow of Nicholas Menill might marry to whom she pleased being the Kings loyal Subject In which year he was in that expedition then made into France In 20 Edw. 3. having had the custody of the Kings Liberty of Holderness in Com. Ebor. As also of the Mannor of Brustwyke with its Members and the Mannor of Bareweck in Com. Linâ likewise granted to him he was in consideration of his many services done and to be done discharged from rendring accompt to the King for them or any of them In which year King Edward landing with a great Army at Hogges in Normandy made him a Banneret and gave him two hundred pounds per annum out of the Exchequer during life for his better support of that Honor as by his Patent there dated 15 Iuly appeareth So that it is not to be doubted but that being there at that time he was one of those who in August following behaved themselves so bravely in that memorable Battle of Cressey where the English obtained such lasting same as our Historians do amply declare And in 21 Edw. 3. found such favor from the King that upon doing his homage being then of full age he had Livery of his Lands before the Inquisitions taken after his Fathers death were according to custom returned into the Chancery In which year he was constituted one of the Commissioners to treat and conclude of Peace betwixt King Edward and the King of France and likewise constituted Constable of the Tower of London for life About this time he gave the Advowson of the Church of Knayth to the Nuns of Hevenings Soon after which being again imployed by the King in his Wars with France he had one hundred and twenty great Horses sent over to him at Calais This deceased Iohn had two Brothers the one called Robert who was also a Knight and served in the Wars of France under Henry Duke of Lancaster and the other named Roger. But this last mentioned Iohn who was thus within age at his Fathers death died in minority upon the six and twentieth of August 36 Edw. 3. being seised of the Mannor of Westbroke in Com. Hertf. Ekinton in Com. Derb. Kirkby and Stretton in the Clay in Com. Nottingh Knayth and Southorpe in Com. Linc. Haddeston in Com. Northumbr As also of Notton and Silkston in Com. Ebor. He then also died seised of an Annuity of nine pound sixteen shillings two pence issuing out of the Ferm of Newcastle upon Tine Which Annuity was granted to Iohn his Father in compensation for his Office of Justice of Chester leaving Philip his Brother and Heir then eleven years of age Which Philip in 47 Edw. 3. making proof of his age and doing his homage had Livery of his Lands In 4 Rich. 2. this Philip was in that expedition made into France with Thomas of Woodstock Earl of Buckingham and arriving at Calais three days before Maudlin-tide in Iuly rode with his Banner displayed And became so active a person in the Wars of France having a command of divers Men at Arms and Archers for the recovery of the Kings Rights there as that in 6 Rich. 2. he was specially excused from repairing into Ireland as all persons having Lands there by an Act of Parliament made in 3 Rich. 2. were then obliged unto for the defence of that Realm against the Irish Rebels then in Arms. And in 7 Rich. 2. for the like consideration and in regard of his great charge in supporting himself in those Wars as also for that he was then marching towards Scotland against the Kings enemies there he had a Grant of all the Issues and Revenues of his own Lands in Ireland for the aid and defence of the Countrey Moreover in 9 Rich. 2. being constituted Admiral of all the Kings Fleet from the River of Thames Northward he took certain prizes at Sea from the Enemy which being brought into the Port of Sandwich were by the Kings command redelivered to him for his own use And in 16 Rich. 2. was in that expedition then made into Ireland In 21 Rich. 2. he had the Kings License to go into Ireland upon his own occasions and having been summoned to Parliament from 1 Rich. 2 until 21 of that Kings Reign inclusive departed this life upon the morrow after S. Georges day being seised of the Mannor of Ekinton in Com. Derb. Kirkby in Com. Nott. Wollore Hethpole Hoderslaw Belford Yesington Lowyk Haddeston and of that great Waste called the Forest of Cheviet as also of the Advowson of the Hospital of Wollore all in the County of Northumberland likewise of the Mannors of Temple Hyrst Temple Newsom Yarum Aselây Aldewerk and Notton in Com. Ebor. As also of Torkley and Knayth in Com. Linâ leaving Iohn his Son and Heir then twenty two years of age Which Iohn doing his homage the same year had Livery of all those Lands before mentioned excepting such whereof Elizabeth the Widow of the said Philip was endowed and having had Summons to Parliament from 23 Rich 2. until 12 Hen. 4. inclusive departed this life 9 Decemb. 13 Hen. 4. leaving Philip his Son and Heir fourteen years of age and Margaret his Widow Daughter to Henry Lord Grey of Wilton surviving afterwards married to Sir Thomas Swinford Knight Which last mentioned Philip died 2 August 6 Hen. 5. before he accomplished his full age leaving Eleanor his Wife Daughter of Henry Lord Fitz-Hugh surviving and Elizabeth and Margery his two Daughters and Heirs the one two years of age and upwards and the other not much more than one Of which Daughters Elizabeth became the Wife of Sir Iames Strangwayes the younger Knight and Margery of Sir Iohn Conyers Knight And in 36 Hen. 6. were likewise by Inquisition found to be Cosins and Heirs to Iohn d'Arci le Fitz viz. Daughters of Philip Son
Soul of Warine Fitz-Gerold her Father and Alice de Curci her Mother By another Record it appeareth that this Mergaret had an elder Sister called Ioane married to Hugh de Nevill who in 9 Hen. 3. had Livery of the moity of the Mannor of Newnham in Com. Oxon. in her right But after this viz. in 37 H. 3. I find mention of Henry Fitz-Gerold who at that time attended the King into Gascoigne Which Henry gave certain Lands in Sebrihtesworth to the Monks of Reading This Henry was Brother to the last mentioned Warine and married Ermentruda called also Ermingardis Daughter and Heir of Roger Talebot of Gainsburg in Com. Linc. Widdow of William de Grendon for whose marriage he paid a Fine of an hundred shillings and upon whose account it was that the same King granted to him a Market to be held every Wednesday at his Mannor there and left issue one sole Daughter and Heir called Alice married to ... de I Isle from whom the Lords l'Isles of Rugemont did descend as I shall elswhere shew Croun WIdo or Guy de Creon who came into England with William the Conqueror held at the time of the general Survey threescore and one Lordships or a great part of them in Lincolnshire the seat of his Barony being at Friston in the Province of Holand or at Button Croun in that County To this Guy succeeded Alan de Creon Which Alan in King Stephens time founded a Priory of Benedictine Monks at Fristone before-mentioned and annexed it as a Cell to the Abby of Crowland his Brother Godfrey being at that time Abbot there He likewise gave half a Carucate of Land in Beltone to the Monks of St. Maries in York and to the Abby of Swineshead in Lincolnshire one Ox-gang and an half of Land in Burton This Alan by Muriel his Wife had issue Maurice de Croun who in 2. Hen. 2. gave the King an Hawk and a Girfalcon And in 12 Hen. 2. upon levying the Aid for marrying the Kings Daughter certified his Knights Fees to be twenty and an half de Veteri Feoffamento and four and an half de Novâ for which in 14 Hen. 2. he paid fifteen pounds After this viz. in 20 H. 2. the King having built a strong sort at Ancenis on the confines of Nants and Anjou committed the custody thereof together with the Provinces of Anjou and Maine unto this Maurice and had him in such high esteem that upon that memorable Accord made betwixt Lewes King of France and himself the same year whereby they entered into a firm League to assist each other against any persons whatsoever and to take upon them the Cross for a Voiage to the Holy-Land this Maurice was made choice of by King Henry for one of the three Barons unto whose arbitrement with three Bishops as many being chosen on the other part for the better establishing this Amicable League those differences betwixt King Henry and King Lewes touching Alverne Castle-Radulph and the Minute-Fees and boundaries of their Lands in Berry was totally referred In 28 Hen. 2. this Maurice gave a Fine of two hundred marks to the King for his Licence to marry the Widdow of Albert Gresle and to enjoy her Dowry Moreover he was a Benefactor to the Knights Templars by the gift of three Bovates of Land in Burton Siford and Lamberd unto them And by Clarice his Wife left Issue Guy who in 34 Hen. 2. gave an hundred forty six pounds thirteen shillings and four pence for Livery of his Fathers Lands As also another Son called Peter Which Guy in 1 Ric. 1. went with that King in his famous Expedition which he then made into the Holy-Land and was one of his undertakers for the full performance of all things agreed on by that memorable Accord then made by King Richard with Tanâred King of Sicilie through whose Countrey he was to pass But of him I have seen no more then that he had issue by Isabel his Wife one only Daughter called Petrââill who being his Fleir and wedded to William de Longchamp had issue Henry And that after the death of the said William she was married to Oliver de Vaux and by him left issue Iohn de Vaux of which Families I have elsewhere spoken After this I meet with another Maurice who in 56 Hen. 3. stiling himself a Knight of the Diocess of Anjou in France granted all his hereditary right in the Lordships of Hamme Waletone Northetone Combe and Ewelle lying in the County of Surrey unto Sir Robert Burnell Knight and his Heirs Lincolne OF this name I find one Alan de Lincolne a Baron in that great Council held at London in 15 Will. Conq. which Alan had two Daughters who were his Heirs as it seemes viz. Margaret the Wife of Ranulph de Bajoâis sive Baieux and ... of Humphrey de Albini About this time also there was another bearing the same sirname viz. Alured who at the time of the general Survey held Wimentone in Bedfordshire and fifty one Lordships in Lincolneshire Which Alured with Robert his Son gave Gillingeham and Bruge to the Priory of Montacute in Com. Somers This Robert in 3 Steph. held the Castle of Warham in Com. Dors. against King Stephen on the behalf of Maud the Empress To him succeeded another Alured who in 12 Hen. 2. upon levying the Aid for marrying the Kings Daughter certified his Fees de Veteri ââoffamento to be in number twenty five and about three de Novo for all which in 14 Hen. 2. he paid sixteen pounds fifteen shillings six pence And in 16 Hen. 2. was Sheriff of the Counties of Dorset and Somerset for the one half of that year So likewise from that time till the end of the 21 year of the same Kings reign In 5 Ric. 1. he gave a Fine to the King of two hundred Marks for liberty to marry whom he should please and in 8 Ric. 1. was acquitted of twenty five pounds three shillings four pence then due by him to the King for the third Scutage of Normandy This Alured gave to the Nunns of Clerkenwell in the Suburbs of London an yearly Rent of twenty shillings issuing out of his Mill at Harford with Albreda his Sister who was veiled there But in 10 R. 1. he died whereupon Albreda his Widow gave to the King a Fine of twenty pounds for license to marry again To this last mentioned Alured succeeded another Alured who in 1 Ioh. was one of those that held the Castle of Winchester for the King And to him another Alured his Son and Heir Which Alured in 24 Hen. 3. paid an hundred pounds for his Relief
Templars his Mannor of Bradwell with the Church as also forty Acres of Land in that Town with certain Meadows at Cotismore and a Mill at Filknich And to him succeeded Gerard his Son and Heir who for the health of his Soul and the Souls of Amice his Wife Daughter of Hanelade de Bidun and Iohn his Son gave to those Monks of Hartford half a Yard-land in Piriton as also a Croft called Grascroft in Ichentone and two Yard-land in Hicleford To which Iohn Hugh his Son and Heir who died issuless succeeding this Barony of Limesi came to be divided betwixt Hugh de Odingsells Grandson to that Hugh de Odingsells a Fleming who married Basilia and David de Emdsey a Scot Son of David Husband of Alianore Daughters to the before-mentioned Gerard. Braose THat William de Braose who first setled here in England was by Extraction a French man is evident from that Charter which he made to the Monks of St. Florence at Salmure now vulgarly called Somars in France of the Church of St. Gervase and Prochase at Braose with the Tithes and Toll of his Mills there as also of Timber for their Buildings Fuel for their Fire Paunage for their Swine in his Woods Fishing throughout all his Waters and one Carucate of Land with certain Meadows in that Lordship Likewise of the Church of Cortelles with one Carucate of Land and a Mill there and at Sâocete of whatsoever was of his own Demesne Moreover of what he had in Demesne out of the Church at Seurei By which Charter he also added of his Possessions in England the Churches of St. Peter at Sâlâ of St Nicholas at Brembre of St. Nicholas at Shoreham and St. Peter at Uipount all in Sussex with the Tithes and Rents thereunto belonging Likewise the Church of Scapelei and one Plow-land with the Oxen and Catell belonging thereto as also free Pasturage in his Plains and Customs in his Forests and Waters as well in England as Normandy Which Charter bears date in the Church of St. George at Bauquervill the third day preceding the Purification of our Lady in the tenth year of William the Conquerors Reign Whereupon the Monks at Salmure sent over part of their Covent to Sele and made it a Cell to that their Monastery That his Lands in England were of no small extent is evident from the General Survey where it appears that he then had the Lordships of Sudcote in Berkshire Essage in Wiltshire Tadorne and Bocheham in Surrey half a Hide of Land in Neteham-Hundred in Hantshire in Dorsetshire twelve Lordships and in Sussex no less then forty one which for brevities sake I omit to name To this William succeeded Philip de Braose his only Son who in 9 Will. Rufi was one of those that adhered to the King against Robert Curthose Duke of Normandy and in 4 Hen. 1. came to an agreement with the Abbot of Fescamp at Salisbury in the presence of the King and Queen concerning some claim made by the said Abbot to certain Lands in Staynings in Sussex which was a Cell to Fescamp but being afterwards rebellious to King Henry he was disherited of his Lands in 10 Hen. 1. As to his works of Piety I find that he gave to the Abby of Lewes in Sussex four of his Salt-works in Brembre To the Monks of Salmure the Prebend of Geffrey de Brembre and upon his going to Hierusalem confirmed the Grants made by William his Father to the Abby of St. Florence at Salmure This Philip by Berta his Wife Daughter of Milo Earl Hereford and one of the three Sisters and Coheirs to William Earl of Hereford of whose Inheritance he had all the Lands of Brecknock Ower-Went and Gowher left issue two Sons viz. William and Philip. Which William succeeded in all that great Estate of his Father and Mother That which I first find memorable of him is that in 3 Hen. 2. he gave to the King a thousand marks of Silver for his part of the Honor of Barstaple in Devonshire the right he had thereto being as I conceive from Iobel de Toteneis whom he calls his Grandfather but I rather think he means his Great-Grandfather id est Father to the Wife of William de Braose his Grandfather it being evident from what hath been said that his Mother's Father was Milo Earl of Hereford For after the death of William the Conqueror King William Rufus expelled this Iohel de Toteneis though for what Offence I find not and gave his Lands unto Roger de Novant In 10 Hen. 2. this William de Braose was one of the Witnesses to that Recognition then made by the King touching the peoples Liberties And in 19 20 and 21 Hen. 2. underwent the Sheriflalty of Herefordshire In 24 H. 2. the King being then at Marleburg gave unto him the whole Kingdom of Limeric in Ireland for the service of sixty Knights Fees to be held of the same King and of Iohn his younger Son It is reported of this William that harboring some evil purposes towards the Welch under colour of friendship he did about this time invite Sitsylt ap Dysnwald and Geffrey his Son with a great number of the most Worshipful men of Gwent-land to a Feast at the Castle of Bergavenny which Castle he had received of them by composition and that they doubting no harm being come thither he brought in a Company of Armed men upon them and murthered them all and having so done went forthwith to Sitsylt's House not far from thence slew Cadwaladar his Son before his Mothers face and destroyed the House Moreover it is farther said of him that detaining certain Lands which had been given to the Chappel of St. Nicholas at Aberhooni it so happened that the Priest serving there whose name was Hugh saw in a Vision a Reverend Person assisting him and heard him speak these words Go tell thy Lord William de Braose who presumeth to hold these Possessions which were antiently given to this Chappel in pure Almes this saying Hoc aufert ââiscus quod non accipit Christus dabis impio militi quod non vis dare Sacerdoti and that thereupon the Priest went to the Archdeacon of Landu and relating what he had seen and heard the Archdeacon told him they were the words of St. Augustine and shewed him where adding that the detinue of Tithes should be improsperous In 33 Hen. 2. as one of the Barons of Devonshire upon levying the Scutage of Galweie he paid twenty eight pounds in regard he was not then with the King in his Army there And in 1 Ric. 1. was put to a new composition with that King for his part of the Honor of Berstaple giving four hundred seventy seven pounds six shillings and eight pence
It is also said that after the death of King William the Conqueror this William went again into Apulia and at his return brought with him certain Reliques of St. Nicholas which he gave to the Church of St. Peter at Norum and bestowed thereon likewise the Mannor of Traâiton in England with the Church and Mill as also the Tithes of all his Hamlets thereto belonging And lastly that in Ann. 1102. 3 H. 1. upon that great Rebellion of Robert de Belesmo Earl of Shrewsbury against King Henry wherein he had gained Caducan and Gervat the Sons of Rhese Prince of Wales of his side this William was by him disherited of all his Lands in that County for not taking his part and that thereupou applying himself to King Henry who had long discerned him to be a person of a brave Spirit he had a chearful reception and being thereupon made Governor of Stafford-Castle had two hundred Souldiers to attend him in that service so that he did much annoy that rebellious Earl both by his hostile Acts and discovery of his Plots By Leceline his Wife this William had issue four Sons viz. Philip Robert Ivo and Arnulph and dying very aged left his Lands in Noâmandy to his Son Philip and those in England to Robert and was buried in the Cloyster of the Abby at Norum The Lands in England whereof he was possessed at the time of the General Survey were twenty nine Lordships all in the County of Salop whereof Wemme being one of the chief he made it his seat all which he held of the before specified Roger de Montgomerie To these his Lands in this Realm succeeded Robert his second Son Philip the eldest enjoying those in Normandy And to Robert Hugh and to Hugh Ivo Which Ivo gave to the Monks of St. Peters Abby at Shrewsbury his Mill at Sutton And to the Monks of Cumbermere Bromhale Spipford and Clive To this Ivo succeeded William his Son and Heir who gave to the Canons of Stone in Com. Staff the third part of all the Tithes of Corn and small Tithes of his Lordship of Cublesdon in Com. Staff and two parts of the Tithes of Hay Orchards and Paunage Which William with Burgia his Wife are said to have been Founders of the Priory at Langele in Comit. Leic. And for the health of his Soul and the Souls of his Ancestors gave to the Nunns of that house the Church of Dalby with six Oxgangs of Land as also the Church of Sumerseby with one Yard-land and the Tofts and Crofts thereto belonging This William taking part with the rebellious Barons was one of those who held Beauboâ-Castle against King Iohn but at length returning to his due obedience was received into protection I now come to Hugh Brother * of Ivo In 24 Hon. 2. this Hugh Pantulfe was amersed for trespassing in the Kings Forest in Northamptonshire And in 26 H. 2. being constituted Sheriff of Shropshire continued in that trust till 1 Ric. 1. inclusive In 6 Ric. 1. upon collection of the Scutage for the Kings redemption he paid forty shillings for his Knights Fees in Stanââordshire Having the Title of a Baron he left issue William his Son and Heir who in 9 Hen. 3. doing his Homage and giving security for the payment of an hundred pounds for his Relief had Livery of his Lands lying in the Counties of Staff Salop. Hereâ Wigorn. And the next ensuing year obtained the Kings Precept to the Barons of his Exchequer for the discharge of that hundred pounds which he did owe for his Relief it being for five Knights Fees said to have been belonging to Robert de Belemes of the Kings Escheats Betwixt the Lordship of Wemme belonging to this William and the Lordship of Prees belonging to the Bishop of Coventrey and Lichâield there was a perambulation made whereby the bounds of each were stated Which Perambulation so made was confirmed by King Henry the third in the twelfth year of his reign But in 17 Hen. 3. he departed this life whereupon Fulke Fitz-Warine gave six hundred marks for the Wardship of his Lands and Heir with the benefit of her marriage whose name was Maud afterwards married to Ralph Boteler of Oversley in Com. Warw. by means whereof the Lordship of Wemme with the rest of the Lands of her Inheritance came to that Family Newmarch AMongst other the followers of William Duke of Normandy upon his first arrival and Conquest of this Realm Bernard Newmarch was one as it seems for it appears that he was a Witness to one of his Charters granted to the Monks of Battail in Sussex upon his foundation of that Abby That which in the next place I find to be most memorable of him is that after the Conqueror had got full possession of this Realm and aiming at a peceable enjoyment thereof had almost totally disherited the Native English by distribution of their Lands amongst his Normans and other followers which occasioâed a farther confluence of more Aliens hither this whole Realm being too little for their greedy appetites Robert Fitz-Hamon in the time of King William Rufus having Conquered Morganoc in Wales there were divers others who obtained leave to invade the rest of that Countrey amongst which this Bernard was one who undertook the Province of Brecknock and accordingly won all the three Cantereds of that territory After which seating himself there he founded a Priory of Benedictine Monks near to his Castle And for the health of the Soul of King William the Conqueror and his Queen as also for the Soul of King Henry the first and his own Soul with the Souls of his Wife and Children endowing it with Lands and Revenues of a large extent gave it to the Abby Battail which King William had founded in Memory of his Conquest whereupon it became a Cell thereto He was also a munificent Benefactor to the Monks of Gloucester by the gift of the Lordship of Glasebury and the Tithes of his whole demesnes in Brekenny viz. Corn Cattel Cheeââ Venison and Honey Likewise of the Church of Cowerne magna with the Tithe and Glebe of that whole Parish as also of one Hide of Land called Betele But of this Bernard it is farther noted that after the death of King William the Conqueror taking part with Odo Bishop of Baâeux and many other of the Nobility against King William Rufus on the behalf of Robert Curthose the elder Son he joyned with Roger de Laci in the invasion of Herefordshire And that he married Nesta alias Agnes Daughter to Griffyn Son of Lewelyn Prince of Waâes by whom he had issue a Son
Son and Heir called William Peverell of Essex of whom all I have farther seen is that he confirmed that Grant made to the Monks of Shrewsbury of the Lordships of Wuluriâton Chinardelei and Crugelton by Hamond Peverell his Uncle And that he with his Sister Maud did enfeoff the Ancestors of Hugh Peverell of Sandford in the Lordships of Sandford Haure and Carswell to hold by the service of one Knights Fee Whereupon the Barony of him the said William and Maud fell to the King Peverell of Brunne IN the last place I come to Pain Peverell third Son to Ranulph Peverell before specified This Pain Paverel being an eminent Soldier and highly famed for his martial enterprises was Standard-Bearer to Robert Curthose in the Holy Land and afterwards obtained from King Henry the First the Barony of Brunne in Cambridgeshire which had been forfeited to the Crown by Robert the Soâ of Picot commonly called Picot Vicecomes for conspiring the death of that King Whereupon procuring a certain portion of Land adjoyning to Cambridge which extendeth from the Highway to the River then known by the name of Barnwell from the clear Springs there flowing he amplified the Foundation of an House for Canons-Regular of S. Augustine in a certain place where a small Oratory built of Wood had been begun by the same Picot near to the Castle of Cambridge and dedicated it to S. Andrew in An. 1112. 13 Hen. 1. But before he had fully perfected it it being intended for thirty Canons he departed this life at London Whereupon his Corps was brought thither and buried before the High Altar To whom succeeded William his Son who ratifying his Fathers Grants added thereto half an Hide of Land in Brunne and gave to the Monks of Thorney two Yard Land in Wilder This William making title to the Church of Bolehirst which the Monks of Thorney had long enjoyed at length met with the Abbot of Thorney at Ketelstan in the presence of David Earl of Huntingdon where the Abbot discoursing with him thereof requested him That for the good of his own Soul and his ancestors Souls he would surcease his Claim Whereupon he condiscended and in testimony thereof delivered a Wand unto the Abbot which friendly favor so much pleased Earl David that he kissed both their hands But not long after this William went to Ierusalem and there died without issue So that his four Sisters became his Heirs betwixt whom his Barony was divided Of these Maud de Dovor the eldest died without issue Alice married to Hamon Peche Roese to ... Harecourt and Asceline to ... Watervile Peverell of London ANother William Peverell there also was called William Peverell of London for the Ferme oâ whose Lands William de Tresgoz accompted to the King in 5 Steph. And in 33 Hen. 2 upon collection of the Scutage of Galwey the Sheriff of Essex and Herford answered fifty seven pounds nine shillings four pence for the Scutage of the Fees of his Honor De Veteri Feoffamento it being then in the hands of the King Montfichet IT is reported of Gilbert de Montfichet a Roman by Birth and Kinsman to William Duke of Normandy that he ever entertained that Duke in his House when he came to the Court of Rome And being privy to all his Councils especially to that design of King Edward to make him his Successor in the Realm of England he brought with him a great strength and fought stoutly on his behalf in that famous Battle against King Harold as also afterwards agaist those who did not submit For which great services having obtained a Grant of large Possessions he gave to one David a Priest but a Scot by birth whom he specially loved a certain place called Tremhale whereon to build a Church and other Edifices for a Monastery And having so done returned to Rome leaving what he had so got in England to his Son Richard Which Richard when he attained to Mans estate travelled to Rome and being a person of extraordinary strength obtained much fame in casting a stone no Man being able to do the like In memory whereof certain Pillars of Brass were set up to shew the distance From this Richard I now come to William de Montfichet a contemporary with these This William in the time of King William the Conqueror granted to the Monks of Cerasey in Normandy the Church of S. Marculf and Tithes thereto belonging with one Plough-land as also the Church of Foncenis and Tithes with certain Lands in Sotavile Likewise two Boats for great Fish two Salt-works the right Fin of every great Fish with one piece of the small and two Islands lying in the Sea Furthermore in An. 1135. 25 Hen. 1. with the consent of Margaret his Wife Daughter to Gilbert Fitz-Richard of Clare and Gilbert his Son and Heir he Founded the Abby of Stratfordâ Langton in Com. Essex within the Precincts of his Lordship of West Ham But farther I cannot say of him I therefore come to Gilbert his Son This Gilbert in 3 Hen. 2. stood indebted to the King in the sum of two hundred marks of Silver for two Hawks and two Gir-Falcons And in 12 Hen. 2. upon the Assessment of that Aid for marrying the Kings Daughter certified his Knights Fees to be in number forty eight and a fifth part De Veteri Feoffamento for which in 14 Hen. 2. he paid thirty one pounds ten shillings and nine shillings four pence for what he held De Novo Moreover he Founded the Priory of Ankerwike in Com. Buck. and gave the moity of the Mannor of Ginges in Com. Essex to the Knights Hospitalers as also the Churches of Everton and Ance to the Monks of S. Neots in Com. Hunt To him succeeded Richard unto whom King Henry the Second confirmed the Office of Forester of Essex with the custody of his House at Havering and all other his House in that Forest to enjoy in as ample manner as any of his Ancestors had held the same In 6 Ric. 1. this Richard attended that King in his expedition then made into Normandy And in 2 Ioh. had the like Confirmation of the Forestership of Essex from that King as he had from King Henry the Second For which with the custody of the Castle of Hertford he gave an hundred marks In 3 Ioh. he was made Sheriff of the Counties of Essex and Hertford In which Office he continued till his death which hapned in 5 Ioh. Whereupon the Wardship of his Land and Heir was committed to Roger de Lacy Constable of Chester giving a thousand marks for the same Milisent his Widow then surviving Which Milisent
the Monks of St. Peters Abby at Shrewsbury a part of Bradeston Likewise the Town of Ougfort with the Tithes of âpetone as also the Church and Tithes of Beritone And that after his death ... his Wife for the health of his Soul bestowed on them an House in Shrewsbury which was part of her Dowry to the intent that the Fermour thereof should find a Wax light to burn in the Abby Church there every night throughout the year at the Altar of the Holy Innocents Furthermore it is reported that this Warine had a Brother called Reginald who gave to those Monks of Shrewsbury the Town of Leghe and after the death of Warine took his Wife and his Honor. Likewise that he had a Son called Hugh who gave to those Monks of Shrewsbury the Church of St. Oswald and also the Church of Mutle with the Tithes of Nesse and Scrawardine but Fulke his Son succeeded him in his Lands and Honor. Which Fulke being under the tutelage of one Ioos a Knight fell in Love with his Daughter Hawise and married her and having so done took a journey with Ioos into Ireland and assisted him in his warrs against Walter de Lacie This is that Fulke who was called Fulco Vicecomes and gave the Lordship of Pinelege to the Abby of St. Peter at Shrewsbury He was also constituted Lieutenant of the Marches by King Henry the first about the year 1122. 23 Hen. 1. having then been in Wales and settled all in quiet there Moreover ere long Skirmishing with the Prince of Wales he gave him an hurt in the Shoulder and forced him to flee to a Castle called Cayhome but was in that Skirmish wounded himself After which he rode towards Gloucester to meet King Henry of whom he was courteously entertained and made Steward of his House as also Lord and Governor of those Marches He likewise fought with the Prince of Wales near Hereford and had the better of the day for which respect when the Prince of Wales restored to the Lords Marchers their Lands he retained Mallor and Whitington whereupon King Henry the second gave unto him for that loss the Honor of Alston In 2 R. 1. this Fulk paid an hundred pounds for part of the inheritance belonging to his Wife and was made Knight by King Henry at Winchester together with his three Brethren It is said that upon a falling out with Iohn Son to King Henry the second at the Game of Chesse having his Head broke with the Chesse board by Iohn he gave him such a blow that he almost Killed him When he died I do not certainly find but 't is evident that he was buried at Abberbury and that at the time of his death Fulke his Son and Heir was in the Wars of Lumbardy Moreover that he had five other Sons viz. William Guarine Phillip Iohn and Alan This Fulke the second had a Castle at Abberbury the ruins whereof are extant and was by King Richard the first left to defend the Marches of Wales when he went into the Holy-Land Moreover in 7 Ric. 1. he gave a fine of forty Marks to the King for livery of Whitington Castle according to the judgment then given for him thereof in the Kings Court. But after the death of King Richard Maurice Son to Roger who had Whitington-Castle given him by the Prince of Wales being made Warden of the Marches by King Iohn he desired a confirmation of that Castle under the Great Seal having sent a Courser well trapped unto Montgomerie Castle for the King obtainted his request This Fulke therefore and his Brother desiring Justice from the King as 't is said and not prevailing quitted their fidelity and went from Winchester It is also said that one Gerard a Lord of France being sent by the King to encounter them was slain in that adventure Moreover that Hawyse Wife to this Fulke advising him he fled into Britanny Likewise that thereupon King Iohn seized his Lands and afterwards upon his return into England caused him to be pursued constituting Gilbert de Montferrant Captain of those that followed him whom Fulke and his Brethren killed But notwithstanding King Iohn's wrath towards him upon the death of Maurice the Prince of Wales restored Whitington unto him Whereof King Iohn having notice he privily sent to the same Prince Lewelin to surprise him with his Brethren also and to cut off their Heads Of which designe this Fulke having notice by Ioan Wife of Leweline Sister to King Iohn he fled into France and went by the name of Sir Amyce Howbeit notwithstanding he was thus gone King Iohn would not be satisfied but advertised the King of France that he was a Rebell Nevertheless that King bore such a respect to him that he offered him a Barony there which he refused and âailing to other parts at length landed at Dovor thence came to Windâore where hearing that the King was coming thither to hunt he changed his Cloaths with a Colliar and standing in the way where the King rode being asked if he saw any Game he answered yes and thereupon took the King under that pretence to his Tent where his Brethren and Friends were and having him there alone threatned him for his Banishment so sore that he obtained promise of pardon But the King being loose caused him again to be closely pursued that he was constrained to flee to Sea so that he went into Barbary and there fell in love with a noble Lady called Idonea Howbeit at length returning again into England through the mediation of Ranulph Earl of Chester the Earl of Gloucester Hugh Bigot Earl Marshal and Hubert Archbishop of Canterbury he obtained restitution of his Castle at Whitington Our publick Records say that rebelling against King Iohn he was outlawed and that thereupon Weenoc Son of Meurich of Powys gave to the King an hundred pounds and four Palâreys for Whitington with the appurtenances whereof his Father had been seised at the time of his death and whereof he had King Henry the second 's Charter as also the confirmation of King Iohn And moreover that the same year through the Mediation of I. Bishop of Norwich and Will Earl of Salisbury the Kings Brother the King was pleased to pardon that his Flight and the Utlary pronounced against him and to receive him to favor Also that thereupon giving two hundred marks and two Coursers he had Livery of the Castle of Whitington as his hereditary right Command being given to the Sheriff of Shropshire to yield him possession thereof accordingly And in 9 Ioh. gave
Frettè in her right hand holding a Shield of the like and in the left hand another of her Husbands Arms. In 18 Hen. 3. she paid a Fine of ten marks to the King to be exempted from sending Soldiers into Wales that being the time when the King himself marched thither against Richard Marshall Earl of Pembroke Moreover she founded the Abby of Grace Dieu for Monks of the Cistertian Order within her Lordship of Beleton in Com. Leic. and plentifully endowed it and departed u this life 4 Id. Febr. An. 1247. 31 Hen. 3. Whereupon Iohn her Son and Heir called Iohn de Verdon paying a thousand and three hundred marks to the King had livery of all those Lands which by her death did so descend to him She had also a younger Son called Nicholas who had the Mannor of Clumore in Ireland by the gift of Iohn his Brother but died without issue And a Daughter called Maud Wife of Iohn Fitz-Alan Earl of Arundell This Iohn de Verdon in 42 Hen. 3. obtained the Kings Charter for Free-Warren to himself and his Heirs in all his Demesne Lands at Newbold Lutterworth Butlesby Cotesbache and Kestyngton in Comit. Leicest And in 44 Hen. 3. upon the incursions of the Welsh being one of the Barons-Marchers was amongst others commanded to keep his residence in those parts But after this viz. in 48 Hen. 3. the King being constrained to stoop to those unreasonable Ordinances which were framed at Oxford by the Rebellious Barons and to stand to the award which Lewes King of France should make betwixt him and them he was one of those who then undertook for the King And in 50 Hen. 3. after the Battle of Evesham in which the Rebellious Barons were totally vanquished Kenilworth Castle excepted wherein some of them holding out made divers bold excursions and did much mischief in the Countrey the King gave special Commission to this Iohn to raise forces in Worcestershire to pursue those Rebells it being about this time that his Castle at Brandon about six miles distant from Kenilworth was demolished But those Warrs being at an end in 54 H. 3. he was signed with the Cross together with Prince Edward in order to a voiage to the Holy-Land who devoting themselves to that Warfare painted a Cross on their Shoulders as a Badge of their profession And in 55 H. 3. went accordingly This Iohn granted to William de Ferrers Earl of Derby his Mansion House Garden and Court situate in London in Sholande Which House c. Rohese his Mother had by the Grant of Michael Belet and married two Wives First Margerie the Daughter of Gilbert de Lacie and Heir to Walter de Lacie her Grandfather by which means the Castle of Webbeâey in Com. Heref. first came to this Family The second Alianore Daughter of ... And departed this life upon the 12 Cal. of Novemb. An. 1274. 2 Edw. 1. being then seised of the moity of the Mannor of Emyas Lacy in Com. Heref. and moity of the Mannor of Ludlow in Com. Salop. as also of the Mannor of Stoke Say in that County Lutterworth Cotesbach Butlesby in Com. Leic. and Wynelesford in Comitat. Wiltes leaving issue Theobald his Son and Heir at that time twenty six years of Age and the before-specified Alianore his second Wife surviving Which Alianore in 4 Edw. 1. upon agreement betwixt this last mentioned Theobald and her had divers Lordships lying in the Counties of Warwick and Leicester assigned for her Dowry This Thaobald in 3 Edw. 1. doing his Homage had livery of all those Lands which descended to him both by his Father and Mother paying an hundred pounds for his relief and then bore the Office of Constable of Ireland And in 10 Edw. 1. having paid two hundred marks fine for livery of his Lands in that Realm was in that Expedition then made into Wales In 12 Edw. 1. he obtained the Kings Charter for divers Markets and Fairs at several of of his Lordships in Ireland viz. Lormeââe Inchelefer Mydowe Adleke and Dyneleke in the County of Methe as also Dunbalke and Roche in the County of Limerick But after this scil in 19 Edw. 1. he was arraigned for Treason and divers other misdemeanors at Bergavenny before the King and his Council and upon full hearing had judgement to be committed to Prison as also to forfeit all his Royalties in the Lands of Emyas Lacy. Howbeit the King taking into consideration the good services of his Ancestors done to himself and his Progenitors and because he acknowledged his Offence and submitted himself granted that after his death his Heirs should again enjoy those priviledges and for five hundred marks Fine freed him of his Imprisonment In 22 Edw. 1. upon those apprehensions of danger which the King then had from the French being one of the chief then summoned to attend him with his advice in that great afair he soon after received another precept to fit himself with Horse and Armes and to be at Portsmouth upon the first of September to sail with him into France After which viz. in 25 Edw. 1. he stood so well in favor that he received Summons with the rest of the Earls and Barons to attend Prince Edward at that time the Kings Lieutenant for the Realm of Scotland at Newcastle upon Tine upon St. Nicholas day thence to march against the Scots So likewise the next year following to be at Carlisle well fitted with Horse and Armes to advance again into Scotland And in 29 Edw. 1. was one of the Barons then sitting in the Parliament at Lincoln who by a publick Instrument under their Seals sent to Boniface the eighth then Pope asserted the right of King Edward as superior Lord of the whole Realm of Scotland Moreover in 34 Edw. 1. he was again summoned to attend the King at Carlisle in the Quind of the Nativity of St. Iohn Baptist thence to march into Scotland against Robert de Brus at that time assuming the title of King there And having had Summons to Parliament amongst the rest of the Barons from 25 to 34 E. 1. inclusive departed this life at his Castle of Alveton on Sunday the Feast day of St. Bartholomew the Apostle Anno 1309. 3 Edw. 2. whence his Corps was carried with great honor to the Abby of Croxden and there interred on the fourth of the Ides of October next ensuing leaving Theobald at that time his Son and Heir for Iohn his eldest Son dyed in Ireland in his lifetime viz. 8 Id. Iunii Ann. 1297. 25 Edw. 1. Which Theobald in Ann. 1298. 26 Edw. 1. came out of Ireland and received the Honor of Knighthood the same year upon the Feast day of the Nativity of
St. Iohn Baptist together with Sir Philip Barington his fellow Souldier Shortly after which he married Maud the Daughter to Edmund Lord Mortimer of Wigmore viz. 4 Cal. Aug. Ann. 1302. 30 E. 1. And in 3 Edw. 2. performing his Homage had livery of all his Fathers Lands being at that time twenty eight years of age Shortly after which viz. in 4 Edw. 2. he received Summons to fit himself with Horse and Armes and to be at Roxborough in Scotland within a moneth after the Feast of the Nativity of St. Iohn Baptist to march against the Scots And in 6 Edw. 2. was constituted Justice of Ireland having likewise the Lieutenancy of that Realm and the Fee of five hundred pounds per annum then granted to him In which year Maud his Wife departing this World at his Castle of Alveton was honorably buried in the Abby-Church of Crorden before the Altar of St. Benedict upon the Feast day of St. Dennis and his fellow Martyrs Thomas Earl of Lancaster and many other Nobles being present at her Funeral And in 8 Edw 2. being then in Ireland received command to make all possible haste into England with what power he could raise deputing some trusty person in his stead for to rule there in his absence the Scots having then invaded the North of England and advanced almost as far as York and to be at Newcastle upon Tine on the Feast day of the Blessed Virgin well fitted with Horse and Arms to march against them After which viz. the next ensuing year 3 Non. Februar Ann. 1315. he wedded to his second Wife Elizabeth the Daughter of Gilbert de Clare Earl of Gloucester by Ioane of Acres Daughter to King Edward the first Widdow of Richard de Burgh Earl of Ulster the marriage being solemnized at Bristoll This Theobald de Verdon was summoned to Parliament whilest his Father lived viz. in 28 Edw. 1. and afterwards till 9 Edw. 2. inclusive And departing this life at his Castle of Alveton upon Tuesday 6 Cal. Aug. 10 E. 2. was buried in the Abby of Croxden upon the 13 of October following Elizabeth his Widdow being then great with Child and afterwards viz. on the Feast day of St. Benedict delivered of a Daughter named Isabel he being then seized of the Castle of Alveton with its appurtenances in Com. Staff of the Mannors of Newbold and Lutterworth in Com. Leic. Farnham with the Hamlet of Sere in Com. Buck. Stoke Verdon in Comit. Wiltes as also of the Castles and Mannors of Webbeley and Ewyas Laci in Com. Heref. By Maud his first Wife he had issue three Daughters who were Coheirs viz. Ioane then thirteen years of age Elizabeth ten and Margaret seven Which Daughters were afterwards thus married viz. Ioane to Thomas the Son and Heir of Thomas Lord Furnival who died in Childbed 6 Non. Octob Ann. 1334 8 E. 3. being then about thirty years of age whereupon on the 7 Ides of Ianuary following she was honorably interred in the Abby Church of Croxden before the high Altar betwixt Nicholas de Verdon Son to the founder of that Abby and Iohn de Verdon her Great-grandfather by Richard Shepesheved the then Abbot there For on the South side a part before those two Altars were interred Theobald her Grandfather Theobald her Father and Theobald her Son who died an Infant there being present at her Funeral the Abbots of Burton Cumbermere Delacres Hilton and Beauchief with the Priors of Wirksop and Ecclesfield The second Daughter Elizabeth wedded to Bartholomew de Burghersh and Margerie the third first to William le Blunt afterwards to Marcus Husee and lastly to Iohn Crophull By Elizabeth de Burgh his second Wife he had only issue one Daughter called Isabel born after his death and afterwards wedded to Henry Lord Ferrers of Groby Amongst which Daughters the Lands of this great Family being afterwards divided Ioane the eldest had for her purparty the Castle of Alveton with its Members viz. Wotton Stanton Farleye Rammesovere Cotene Bradeleye Spenne Denston Strongshull Shene Wytstone and Bedulf all in Com. Staff Elizabeth the Castle of Emyas Lacie with its appurtenances in Com. Heref and the Mannor of Stoke upon Terne in Com. Salop. Margery the Castle of Webbele in Com. Heref. and the Mannor of Hethe in Comit. Oxon. And Isabel certain Lands in Lodelowe in Com. Salop. as also the Mannor of Balterdeleye in Com. Staff with divers Lands in Bokenhale and Fenton in that County But Elizabeth his second Wife surviving him had for her Dowry an assignation of the Mannors of Newbold Lutterworth and certain Lands in Cotesbache in Com. Leic. the Mannor of Farneham and Hamlet of Sere in Comitat. Buck. as also the Mannor of Braundon with its members and Hamlet of Bretford and likewise forty shillings yearly Rent out of the Mannor of Fleckno in Com. Warw. with the Mannor of Stoke Verdon and certain Lands in Wynelesford in Comitat. Wilts It is observable that this great Lady who held these Lands thus in Dower stiled herself in all those Grants which she made in her Widdowhood Elizabeth de Burgh Lady of Clare retaining the sirname of her first Husband a person of higher dignity then Verdon a custom still continued by great Ladies and yet calling her self Domina de Clare not willing that her paternal name should be forgot By the last Will and Testament of this Elizabeth bearing date 25 Sept. Ann. 1355. 29 Edw. 3. she bequeathed her body to be buried in the Monastery of Nunns called Minoresses without Aldgate in the Suburbs of London and gave a Legacy of an hundred and forty pounds to pray for the Souls of Sir Iohn de Burgh and Sir Theobald de Verdon her former Husbands as also for Sir Roger Damorie her last Husband and all her honest servants which were either dead or should die in her service and this to be done with all possible speed after her decease Moreover she gave an hundred marks to five Souldiers who would be content within seven years next after her decease to make a journey to the Holy-Land for the service of God and destruction of his Enemies And likewise farther bequeathed to those Minoresses without Algate twenty pounds in money with a Relique of Christal a great Chalice of Silver gilt and two Cruets one Vestment of white Cloath of Gold with what belonged thereunto three Clasps with a thousand Pearls and a Robe of Russet with its apurtenances Furthermore to her Daughter Elizabeth Countess of Uister she gave all the debt due from her Son Father to the said Elizabeth at the day of his death To her young Daughter Isabel Bardulf a Cup of Gold To Agnes her Sister a Cross of Silver And to the Countess of Atâoll her Daughter two Beds of Tanney And
Emperour his Uncle with an hundred and fifty armed-men they farther promised to pay unto him the sum of fifteen thousand Florens of good Gold upon the Feast day of S. Michael then next ensuing viz. for every Souldier fifteen Florens for the two first months service Furthermore at the same time they made a League with the Earl of Gueldres and Marquess of Iuliers as also with William de Haynu Earl of Zeland In 12 Edw. 3. he had another Patent constituting him Constable of Dover Castle And in 13 Edw. 3. was made Admiral of the River of Thames and Warden of the Cinque-Ports In 14 Edw. 3. he attended the King in his Expedition then made into Flanders and was with him in that great Sea-fight against the French before Sluse which lasted from morning till noon In 15 Edw. 3. he attended the King again into Flanders and served the same year in his Scottish Wars At which time he was also made Admiral of the Seas from the mouth of Thames Westwards and constituted one of the King's Embassadors to treat with Philip de Valois touching the Realm and Crown of France In 16 Edw. 3. he was again in the Wars of Scotland and in 17 Edw. 3. constituted Warden of all the King's Forests on the South of Trent In 19 Edw. 3. he was in that Expedition then made into France and the same year began the foundation of a fair and strong Castle at Maxstoke for the behoof of his Nephew Iohn de Clinton and his Heirs having no Issue of his own body making a Park of the out-wood In 20 Edw. 3. he was with the King at his raising the Siege of Aguylon and the next ensuing year continuing still in France received the sum of eight hundred twenty three pounds twelve shillings four pence from the King as a reward for his services in those Wars In 22 Edw. 3. he was sent Embassador with the Bishop of Norwich and others to treat with the Earl of Flanders for composing some differences betwixt the King's Subjects and his And in 23 Edw. 3. was one of those then imployed to treat with such as the King of France did appoint for prolongation of the Truce which was the last of his secular Transactions Drawing therefore now near the end of his life by his Testament bearing date 23 Aug. Anno 1354. 28 Edw. 3. he bequeathed his body to Sepulture in the Church of his Priory at Maxstoke and died on Sunday next after the Feast of S. Bartholomew the Apostle ensuing being then seised of the Mannor of Huntynton in Kent and divers other Lands in that County Also of the Mannor of Wyggebergh in Essex joyntly with Richard Dallesle then surviving Likewise of the Mannor of Somerford-Keynes in Com. Wilts which the King gave him for term of life And in right of Iulian his Wife of the Mannor of Wynchefeld in Com. Sutht which was of her Inheritance and of her Dowry of the Mannor of Worfield in Com. Salop. Littleton in Com. Wilts Sutton Wynfarthing and Astele in Com. Norff. Ottelye and Reydone in Com. Suff. Thurtton South-Hanyngfield and the Hamlet of Fange with the Advowson of the Church of Thurtton in Com. Essex as also of the Mannor of Toucestre in Com. Northt Moreover as joyntly enâeoffed with her of the Mannor of Guâyng with the Hamlets of Kyntone Bertone Thornhull Holford and Cotesdon in Com. Clouc leaving Sir Iohn de Clinton Knight his elder Brother's Son his next Heir twenty eight years of age Iulian his Wife still surviving Of which noble Lady I may not omit to take notice that in her pure Widow-hood she gave to the Monks of S. Augustines at Canterbury her Mannor of Dene and Tenement called Auston lying in the Isle of Thaneâ to the end that after her death they should find a Priest to celebrate Divine Service upon the Festival of S. Anne for ever viz. one solemn Mass in their Quire as upon a double Festival and to distribute two pence a piece unto an hundred poor people as also to allow the Monks of that Covent one Pittance yearly on the same day Moreover that on the day of her Anniversary they should perform the Exequies of the dead in their Quire with solemn Mass as on a double Festival and distribute unto two hundred poor people two hundred pence as also to allow for a Pittance on the same day unto the Abbot twenty shillings to the Prior five shillings and to every Monk two shillings six pence Furthermore that the said Abbot and Covent and their Successors should provide one secular Priest for ever to celebrate Divine Service at the Altar of S. Anne in that Abbey viz. one Mass every day for the good estate of Edward the Third then King of England likewise for the Souls of all his Progenitors and the Souls of all her Ancestors as also for the Soul of Laurence de Hastings and Iohn his Son and their Ancestors And that all the Monks celebrating at that Altar should commemorate the Souls before-mentioned And having been so munificent to that Abbey by her Testament bearing date 30 Oct. An. 1367. 41 Edw. 3. bequeathed her Body to be there interred on the South-side of the Church After which ere long scil upon Monday being the Feast of All-Saints next ensuing she departed this life being seised of the Mannors of Ashele Sutton and Wynferthyng in Com. Norff. South-Hanyngfield and Fanges in Com. Essex Reydone and Ottelye in Com. Suff. Aston-Cantelow Fulbroke Alvesle Burdingbury and Fillongley in Com. Warr. Temple-Gutyng in Com. Glouc. Folkestune and Hugindon in Com. Cantii âoucestre in Com. Northt Worfield in Com. Salop Ashenden in Com. Buck. all in Dower after the death of Iohn de Hastings her former Husband being likewise seised of the Mannor of Innovelesbury in Com. Hertf. and Birlyngton in Com. Wigorn. whereof she had been enfeoffed joyntly with the said William de Clinton her last Husband ¶ I now come to Sir Iohn de Clinton Knight Son and Heir to the last mentioned Iohn and Cousin and Heir to the before-specified William Earl of Huntendon In 29 Edw. 3. this Iohn was in that Expedition then made into Gasceigne So likewise in 33 Edw. 3. and 34 Edw. 3. And in 43 Edw. 3. again in the Wars of France being then in the company of Thomas de Beaâchamp Earl of Warwick Moreover in 4 Ric. 2. he accompanied Thomas of Wodstoke Earl of Buckingham into France and rode with his Banner displayed And being there performed certain seats of Arms at Naunts with Sir Galoys Dannoy Likewise in 6 Ric. 2. he was again in the Wars of France and in 22 Ric. 2. having married to his second Wife Elizabeth the Daughter and at length Heir of William de la Plaunch of Haversham in Com. Buck. Cousin and Heir to
genreal Rendevouz of the Royal Army at Newarke upon ârent on Monday in Whitson-week and thence marching to Lincoln affisted in raising the Siege which Lewes of France with the Barons had there made Shortly after which viz. in 8 Hen. 3. he was constituted Governour of the Islands Geresey and Garnsey so likewise of the Castle at Berkâamsted and in 12 Hen. 3. of the Castles of Durham and Norham Furthermore in 20 Hen. 3. with Richard Earl of Cornwall the King's Brother and others of the Nobility he took upon him the Cross for a journey to the Holy Land and in 22 Henry 3. was constituted Governour of the Castle at Portcester In 31 Hen. 3. he was again signed with the Cross together with William Longespe and some others So likewise in Anno 1250. 34 Hen. 3. but in 36 Hââ 3. he departed this life whereupon the custody of his Lands lying in the Counties of Southampton Kent Northumb. Surrâ suff Northampton Bedf. and Buck. were committed to Geffrey de Lusignian the King's Brother till his Heir should be of full age After him I find another Geffrey his Son I presume who in 46 Hen. 3. was with other the Barons then a party to that peaceable Agreement made betwixt the King and them viz. that in case they could not personally come according to the time limited for ratifying the same that then they should send their Seals to be affixed thereunto But notwithstanding this Accord he was one of those who met at Oxfozd with a mighty power in 47 Hen. 3. and forced the King to submit to those unreasonable Ordinances which they had then framed commonly called Provisiones Oxonii Moreover in 49 Hen. 3. he took part with Montfort Earl of Leicester and the rest of that party who were then happily vanquished in the Battel of Eâesham and escaping death in that great encounter repaired to the Castle of Gloucester which he afterwards rendred to Prince Edward upon condition of pardon thenceforth approving himself a loyal Subject to that King But in 12 Edw. 1. or before he departed this life whereupon his Lands in Com. Northumb. with the Wardship of his Heir were committed to Richard de Brus until his said Heir should be full of age Elianore his Widow having the Mannors of Dayllington and Slapton in Com. North ton and Chelmundescote in Com. Buck. assigned for her Dowry Which Heir called also Geffrey being of full age in 16 Edw. 1. and doing his Homage had Livery of the Lands of his Inheritance and was summoned to Parliament in 25 Edw. 1. But farther I cannot say of him Multon IN King Henry the First 's time âhomas de Multon so called from his residence at Mulâon in Com. Linc. at the Funeral of his Father in the Chapter-house at Spalding his Mother Brothers Sisters and Friends being present gave the Church of Weston to the Monks of that Abbey After him Lambert de Multon in 11 Hen. 2. was amerced at an hundred Marks residing then in Lincolnshire And in 9 and 10 Ioh. another Thomas was Sheriff of that County which Thomas in 15 Joh. attended the King in his Expedition then made into Poiâtou And having then given a thousand Marks to the King for the Wardship of the Daughters and Heirs of Richard de Luci of Eyremont in Com. Cumbr. bestowed them afterward in marriage upon his two Sons Lambert and Alan as I shall farther shew anon In 17 Joh. being in Arms against the King with the rebellious Barons and taken at Rochester-Castle he was committed to the custody of Peter de mauley to be safely secured who carried him prisoner to the Castle of Corff whereupon he imployed his Son Lambert to the king for letetrs of safe conduct on the behalf of himself and his Friends to the end he might treat of his enlargement But at that time he did not make his peace as it seems for it appears that in 1 Hen. 3. the King committed his Casâle of Multon with all other his Possessions to William de Albini to hold during pleasure howbeit before the end of that year returning to obedience he had restitution of them In 2 Hen. 3. having married Adâ the Daughter and Coheir of Hugh de Morvill Widow of Richard de Luci of Egremont without the King's Licence command was sent to the Archbishop of York to make seisure of all his Lands in Com. Cumbr. and to retain them in his hands until further order But giving Security to answer the same whensoever the King should require him so to do he had Lovery of all his Lands in Copeland with the Castle of Egremont which had been seised for that transgression About this time the like command was sent to the Sheriff of Lincolnshire to seise all his Lands in that County for the Arrerages of the Fine due for his own redemption then unpaid And soon after this Robert de Vipount received the like Precept to take good Security from him for the payment of three hundred pounds debt to the King as also for another debt of Clxiv l. viij s. j d. due to the King by Ada de Morevill his Wife it being a Fine whereby she compounded with King Iohn for Licence to marry and upon such Security given to deliver up unto him his Castle and Lands which were so seised as is before observed In 6 Hen. 3. he gave an hundred pound Fine to the King and one Palfrey for the office of Forester of Cumberland granted to him by King Iohn rendring ten pounds per Annum to the Exchequer it being of the Inheritance of Ada his Wife In 17 Hen. 3. being Sheriff of Cumberland he was made Governour of the Castle at Carleoâ and continued Sheriff of that County for the eighteenth nineteenth and one half of the twentieth year of that King's Reign Moreover he was one of the Justices of the King's Court of Common-pleas form 8 Hen. 3. and a Justice Itinerant for divers years from 9 Hen. 3. and gave to the Monks of Calder in Com. Cumbr. the moity of the Town of Dereham Moreover he gave to the Monks of Holcoltram in Com. Cumbr. Common of Pasture for five hundred Sheep in Laysingby also to the Hospital of S. Leonard at Skyrbec in Com. Linc. his whole Lordship of Skyrbec with the Chapel of Wynestowe and Advâwson of the Church at Kirketon After which ere long viz. in Anno 1240. 24 Hen. 3. he departed this life with this character by a Monk of that time viz. That in his youth he was a stout Souldier afterwards very wealthy and learned in the Laws but overmuch coveting to enlarge his Possessions which lay contiguous to those of the Monks of
of the Hospital of St. Leonard situate near the Abby of Leicester by reason that this Lord Hastings had obtain'd that Hospital from the King and given it unto that College for ever And lastly That according to the appointment of his Testament he was buried in the North-Isle of the Royal Chappel of St. George within the Castle of Windsore near to the Tomb of King Edward the Fourth where his Monument is still to be seen I come now to Edward his Son and Heir In 15 E. 4. this Edward was made a Knight of the Bathe with Edward then Prince of Wales And when King Henry the Seventh obtain'd the Crown had such respect from him considering the Sufferings of his Noble Father that he forthwith restored unto him all his Lands as by his Letters Patents bearing date 22 Nov. 1 H. 7. appeareth as also all the Lands of Sir Thomas Hungerford Knight his Wifes Father reversing his Attainder which was at Salisbury on Munday next after the Feast of St. Hillary 8 E. 4. This Edward Lord Hastings therefore to manifest his Gratitude for so high a Favour upon that Insurrection of Iohn Earl of Lincoln in 2 H. 7. fought stoutly against him and his Fellow-Rebels in the Battel of Stoke near Newarke upon Trent and worthily shared in the Honour of that Victory there obtained Shortly after which he was sent into Flanders by King Henry in Aid of Maximilian the Emperor against the French In 3 H. 7. being then of full Age he had Livery of all the Lands whereof William his Father died seised bearing then the Title of Lord Hastings and Hungerford In 7 H. 7. he was by Indenture retain'd to serve the King in his Wars beyond the Seas for one whole year with five Men at Arms each of them having his Custrel and Page fifteen Demilances sixteen Archers on Horseback forty Arches on Foot and two hundred Bills In 11 H. 7. I find him stiled Edward Lord Hastings Hungerford Botreaux Molins Moels and de Homet His first Summons to Parliament was in 22 E. 4. the Writ being thus directed viz. Edwardo Hastings de Hungerford Chivalier So likewise in the time of King Richard the Third and King Henry the Seventh By his Testament bearing date 4 Nov. 22 H. 7. he bequeath his Body to be buried in the College of Windosore near to his Father's Tomb appointing That an honest Priest should be provided to pray for his Soul and for the Souls of his Father and Mother in the Chappel or Church where his Body should be Interred by the space of seven years next after his Decease and that his Feoffees should make sale of his Mannors of Welford in Com. Northampt. Lubbesthorpe Wistow and Braunston in Com. Leic. Bewyk Alacborough and Slingsy in Com. Ebor. to pay his Debts and to perform his Will And departing this Life upon the eighth day of the same Month of November was buried in the Church of the Friers-Preachers commonly called the Black-Friers in the City of London leaving Issue by Mary his Wife Daughter and sole Heir to Sir Thomas Hungerford Knight Son of Robert Son of Walter Lord Hungerford George his Son and Heir and Anne a Daughter married to Thomas Earl of Derby Which Mary surviving him afterwards became the Wife of Sir Richard Sacheverell Knight This George the next ensuing year viz. 23 H. 7. had a special Livery of all the Lands of his Inheritance and in 5 H. 8. was in that Expedition made by King Henry into France at which time Therouene and Tâurnay were won In 19 H. 8. by the Favour of that King he obtain'd a Grant to himself and the Heirs male of his Body of the Mannor of Evington in Com. Leic. which came to the Crown by the Forfeiture of Sir William Stanley Knight And upon the eighth of December in 21 H. 8. at York Place now White-Hall was advanced to the Title of Earl of Huntington Moreover in 22 H. 8. he was one of the Peers who subscribed that Letter to Pope Clement the Seventh intimating to him That in case he did not comply with King Henry in that Business of the Divorce betwixt him and Katherine of Spain then his Queen he must expect that they would shake off his Supremacy And in 28 H. 8. upon that Insurrection in the North call'd the Pilgrimage of Grace occasion'd by the Dissolution of the Monasteries he offered his Service to the King against those Rebels By his Testament bearing date 13 Iunii 26 H. 8. which was many years before his death wherein he stiles himself Earl of Huntington Lord Hastings Hungerford Botreaux and Molines he bequeath'd his Body to be buried in the Parish Church of St. Elyne in Ashby de la Zouche in Com. Leic. and gave to that Church his best Pair of Altar-Clothes of Crimson-Velvet which were Embroydered with the Blessed Name of IESVS as also the Copes and whole Sute of Vestments belonging thereto Likewise one Pair of Candlesticks of Silver gilt a Pair of Basins Silver gilt a Pair of Censers of Silver a Cross of Silver and gilt with a Flower-de-Luce on the top and a Flower-de-Luce on either side Also one flat Ship of Silver and gilt and his best Chalice of Silver gilt Likewise his Water-stock of Silver gilt with the Sprinkle belonging thereto His best Pax of Silver and gilt with a Crucifix whereon were Mary and Iohn a Pair of Cruets of Silver gilt and a Sepulchre-Cloth of Crimson-Velvet Embroyder'd with Drops of Gold Likewise another Sute of Vestments of White Tinsell with two Copes of the same as also a Sute of Vestments of Crimson-Velvet which had the Cross thereof Embroyder'd with Acorns To the Abbot and Covent of Repyndon in Com. Derb. he bequeath'd the Vestment with the Tunicles and Stuff thereto belonging of Black Tinsell And to the Chappel of St. Bartholomew at Kirby in Com. Leic. he gave another Vestment To every Gentlewoman unmarried that had done Service in the Houshold to his Wife within the space of six years before his Decease he bequeath'd six Pounds Sterling and ordain'd That his Executors should cause a thousand Masses to be said or sung in as short a time as might be after his Decease by Secular Priests and others in Com. Leic. and other Places adjoyning To Francis his eldest Son he bequeathed all his Furrs of Sables And appointed That all the outsides of his Gowns and Apparel fit for that purpose should be made in Vestments and deliver'd to poor Churches within his Lordships To his Daughter Dorothy he bequeath'd a thousand Pounds to her Marriage To his Daughter Catherine the like Sum. And ordained That his Executors out of the Revenues of his Lands in Wodcote and Burton Hastings in Com. Warr. should provide two Priests to sing in the Parish-Church of Ashby for the space of xx years
this William then held a third part in the name of her Dowry leaving William his Son and Heir at that time xxxvi years of age Which William then doing his Homage had Livery of his Lands and in 14 E. 3. was in that Expedition then made into Flanders being of the Retinue of Reginald de Cobham And in 18 E. 3. through the sollicitation of William de Clinton then Earl of Huntendon obtain'd from the King a special Immunity that he should not be compell'd to bear Arms in respect of his Impotency nor to take upon him the Order of Knighthood against his own good will And in 20 E. 3. upon that notable Expedition into France being Assessed for his Lands in the Counties of Salop. Staff and Warr. to find ten Men at Arms and ten Arches representing to the King and his Council That all the Estate whereof he was then possess'd amounted to little more than CC Marks per Annum had a Remission for six of those Men at Arms and that whole number of Archers And afterwards through the mediation of the before-specified William de Clinton Earl of Huntendon obtain'd a Discharge for three of those six Men at Arms. This William took to Wife Margaret the Daughter of Richard Fitz-Alan Earl of Arundell and died on Saturday next preceding Christmass-day in 35 E. 3. being then seised of the Mannors of Oversley in Com. Warr. Noâthborough in Com. Leic. Tyrleye in Com. Staff and Hynestâke and Wemme in Com. Salop. leaving William his Son and Heir xxx years of age who doing his Homage the next year following had Livery of his Lands In 41 E. 3. this last mention'd William having married Ioane the eldest of the two Sisters and Heirs to Iohn Lord Sudley by whom he had Issue a Son called Thomas obtain'd a Grant from the King of the Custody of the Lands which by his own death should by Inheritance devolve to the said Thomas his Son to hold till he should come of full age being then but ten years old And was summon'd to Parliament in 42 and 43 E. 3. ¶ But here before I proceed further I am to observe That William le Botiller Father to this last-specified William who married the said Ioane had Issue another Son called William also by a former Wife as it seems for certain it is that William the Grandson to William and Ankaret departed this Life upon Tuesday being the Eve of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin in 43 E. 3. being then seised of the Mannors of Northborough in Com. Leic. Oversley and Merston Boteler in Com. Warr. Tyrley in Com. Staff Wemme Hynstoke Lepinton with the Hamlet of Drayton parva in Com. Salop. leaving one sole Daughter and Heir call'd Elizabeth at that time xxiv years of age Which Elizabeth had thereupon Livery of the Lands of her Inheritance her Homage being respited And taking to Husband Robert de Ferrers a younger Son to the Lord Ferrers of Chartley brought that great Lordship of Wemme in Com. Salop. with other Lands of a large extent to that Family Which Robert was thereupon summon'd to Parliament by the name of Robert de Ferrers de Wemme Chivalier And in 44 E. 3. entail'd that Lordship as also that of Oversley in Com. Warr. with some other lying in the Counties of Salop Leicester and Warwick upon the Heirs of his Body by her the said Elizabeth and for lack of such Issue on his Right Heirs Which Elizabeth surviving her Husband Ferrers married secondly to Iohn de Say and thirdly to Thomas Molinton who thereupon wrote himself Baron of Wemme and by her Testament bearing date 6 Ian. Anno 1410. 12 H. 4. whereby she bequeath'd her Body to be buried in the Church of the Crouched Friers near the Tower of London stiles her self Elizabetha Ferrers Baronissa de Wemme retaining the Name of that Husband who was of the chiefest Dignity a Custom which Women have long used and not yet left and departed this Life the same year leaving Elizabeth the Wife of Iohn Son to Iohn Lord Greistoke and Mary the Wife of Raphe Nevill a younger Son to Raphe Earl of Westmerland her Cousins and Heirs viz. Daughters of Robert Son to the said Elizabeth as saith the Inquisition but mistaken I think for by two other Records she is called one of the Daughters and Heirs of her the said Elizabeth which is most like to be true for Robert the Son of Robert Ferrers by her was but four years of age in 4 R. 2. so that had he been then living he could have been but xxxiv years of age ¶ I now come to Thomas Boteler Son and Heir to William Boteler of Wemme by Ioane the Daughter of Iohn Lord Sudley before mentioned This Thomas making proof of his age and doing his Homage in 4 R. 2. had Livery of the Lands of her Inheritance and in 13 R. 2. being then a Knight had Licence to travel into France but departed this Life upon Saturday 20 Sept. 22. R. 2. being at that time seised of the Mannor of Suâlây in Com. Glâuc as also of the Mannors of Derset and Gryve in Com. Warr. leaving Iohn his Son and Heir xiv years of age Which Iohn dying without Issue Raphe his Brother succeeded him in the Inheritance Who being a Knight in 6 H. 5. was then in the Wars of France and of the Retinue to Humphry Duke of Gloucester and in 9 H. 5. retained by Indenture to serve the King in his Wars of France with xx Men at Arms and Lx Archers on Horseback In 2 H. 6. this Raphe had Licence to travel beyond-Sea and in 6 H. 6. was again in the Wars of France and of the Retinue to Iohn Duke of Bedford Moreover in 8 H. 6. he was once more retained to serve the King in those Wars of France with xx Men at Arms and Lx Archers on Horseback And having stood firm to the Lancastrian Interest in all those sharp Contests betwixt that and the House of Yorke being in 20 H. 6. Lord Chamberlain of the King's Houshold was by Letters Patents bearing date upon the tenth day of September the same year advanced to the Dignity of a Baron of this Realm by the Name of Lord Sudley of Sudley in Com. Glouc. to hold to himself and the Heirs Males of his Body with the Fee of CC Marks for the better support of that Dignity to be Annually received out of the Farme of the County of Lincoln Moreover upon the seventh of Iuly the next ensuing year he was constituted Treasurer of the King's Exchequer and sent âmbassador with Richard Duke of York and some others to treat of Peace with the French And in
in his Life-time as it seems for Iohn the third Son became his Heir being then in Minority Whereupon Alexander King of Scotland in 4 H. 3. obtain'd a Grant from the King of the Honour of Huntendon with the Castle and Town of Fotheringhay saâing the Right of this Son and Heir of Earl David Of which Son and Heir Ranulph Earl of Chester his Uncle having the Tution obtain'd an Annuity of xl l. out of the Lordships of Bramton and Alâmundburie for his Maintenance But in 11 H. 3. this Iohn accomplishing his full Age and doing his Homage had Livery of his Lands And in 20 H. 3. obtain'd a Grant from the King of ten Bucks and ten Does out of the Forest of Rokingham in Com. Northampt. to store his Park at Fotheringhay I should now come to his Marriage and what else is memorable of him but having already taken notice thereof in my Discourse of him as Earl of Chester I need not here to say any more Reginald Earl of Cornwall THis Reginald was one of the illegitimate Sons of King Henry the First begotten as `t is generally believed on the Daughter of Robert Corbet and sirnamed de Dunstanvill In 3 Steph. he was a stout Adherer to Maud the Empress against King Stephen but afterwards falling off was in Anno 1140. 5 Steph. made Earl of Cornwall by that King Howbeit after this being surprised in Cornwall at a certain Castle then in the Power of the King by one William Fitz-Richard a Person of a Noble Extraction and ample Fortune in those Parts violating his Faith to that King he married the Daughter of this William and thereupon reduced that whole Country to his Will grievously oppressing all the King's Party and not sparing what was Sacred insomuch as he underwent the Sentence of Excommunication for so doing by the Bishop of Exeter The King therefore hearing of these his Rebellious Practises marcht suddenly thither with a powerful Army and recovering those strong Holds by him gained committed them to the trust of Earl Alan of Richmund After this scil in 6 Steph. he was in that fatal Battel of Lincolne against King Stephen But ere long the Tide turning by the Success which the King had in taking the Castle of Forandune in Com. Berks. which Robert Earl of Gloucester had built on the behalf of the Empress being by her sent with Overtures of Peace to the King he was taken by Philip a younger Son to that Earl who had revolted to the King's Side After which time I find no more mention of him till 2 H. 2. that he had the Lordship of Meleburne in Com. Somerset given him by King Henry as also the Mannors of Karswill and Depeford with the Hundreds In 10 H. 2. he endeavoured for the King's Honour as `t is said a Reconciliation betwixt King Henry and Thomas Becket then Archbishop of Canterbury Which not taking effect he was the next year sent to visit him in his Sickness and after that to acquaint him with the Judgment given against him Furthermore upon the levying of that Aid in 12 H. 2. for Marrying the King's Daughter he certified his Knights Fees to be CCXV and a third part in Cornwall and Devonshire for which in 14 H. 2. he paid CCXV Marks iv s. v d. besides Lix l. vi s. viii d. for the Knights Fees of Richard de Redvers Earl of Devon Moreover in 19 H. 2. upon that Rebellion of Robert Earl of Leicester on the behalf of young Henry the King's Son he marcht against him with the Earl of Gloucester to St. Edmundsbury and the year following joyn'd with Richard de Luci at that time Justice of England in the Siege of Leicester then held out by the Forces of that Earl which Town they took though not the Castle This Earl Reginald for the health of the Soul of King Henry his Father gave to the Monks in the Isle of Sully all the Wreck of Sea hapning upon that Island excepting Whales and any whole Ship And departing this Life at Certesây in Anno 1175. 21 H. 2. was buried at Reading leaving Issue four Daughters viz. ... married to Richard de Redvers Lord of the Isle of Wiht Maud to Robert Earl of Mellent Vrsula to Walter de Dunstanvill and Sarah to the Viscount of Limoges who had in Frank-marriage with her the moytie of the Mannor of Thiwernhy in Cornwall He also left Issue two Sons but Illegitimate the one called Henry Fitz. Count begotten on the Body of Beatrix de Vaus Lady of Torre and Karswell Which Henry through the Bounty of King Henry the Second had a Grant of the whole County of Cornwall as also of the Mannors of Bradeâeth and Oââord with other Lands in Com. Devon and the Lordship of Karswell by the gift of Beatrix his Mother The other Son was called William Upon the death of this Reginald the King retain'd the Earldom of Cornwâll in his own Hands and likewise all his Lands in England and Wales for the use of Iohn his own Son afterwards King excepting a small Proportion to his Daughters before-mentioned I come now to Henry the elder of his illegitimate Sons in regard he was a Person of Note in his time This Henry by the Name of Henry Fitz-Count had in 4 Ioh. an Assignation of xxl. current Money of Anjou for his Support in that King's Service at Roan and about that time gave twelve hundred Marks for the Lands of William de Traci which Lands Hugh de Curtenai and Henry de Traci afterwards enjoy'd In 17 Ieh this Henry had from the King a Grant of the whole County of Cornwall with the Dâmesns and all other its Appurtenances to Farm until the Realm should be in peace and the King clearly satisfied whether he ought to hold it by right of Inheritance or as part of the Demesn of the Crown And being then made Constable of the Castle at Lanceston rendred up the Government of the Castle of Porcestre which he had formerly held Moreover by the assent of that King he held the Town and Castle of Totneis as also the Mannors of Corneworth and Lodeswell which Reginald de Braose formerly had by the Grant of King Henry the Second And 1 H. 3. obtain'd another Grant of the County of Cornwall with all its Appurtenances to hold in as full and ample manner as Reginald Earl of Cornwall held it and not to be disseis'd thereof but by Judgment of the King 's Court. In 4 H. 3. it appears that he stood indebted to the King in five hundred ninety seven Pounds and one Mark which was due by him to King Iohn for
at Renath in Tiperarie In 5 Ioh. he gave two Palfreys for Licence to go into ãâã And having married Maud the Daughter of Robert Vavasour with whom he had the Mannors of Eâlington and Newbourgh with the Lands of Boulton in Frank-marriage he departed this Life in 9 Ioh. Whereupon Robert Vavasour Father of the said Maud gave to the King a Fine of Twelve hundred Marks and two Palfreys for the benefit of her Marriage and Dowrie together with all the Freehold of Theobald Walter her late Husband lying in England and Ireland excepting Amunderness with her Thirds therein and in Aleton Which Maud afterwards married to Fulke Fitz-Warine who in 17 Ioh. had Livery of her Dowrie in ãâã This Theobald had Issue Theobald and a Daughter called Maud whose Tuition King Iohn committed to Gilbert Fitz-Reinfrid Baron of Kendall From which Theobald who assum'd the Sirname of Boteler by reason of the Office of Boteler of Ireland which he enjoy'd the Noble Family of the Botelers of that Realm afterwards Earls of Ormund are lineally descended Courtney IN the time of King Henry the Second Reginald the Son of Florus a younger Son to Lewes le Grosse King of France assuming the Name of Courtney from his Mother who was an Heirâ female of that Family came into England and taking to Wife Hawse the sole Daughter and Heir of Robert de Abrincis and of Maude Baroness of ãâã her Mother Hereditary Sheriffess of Devoâsh setled himself there upon her Inheritance Touching the Parentage of which Maude in regard she was so great an Heir I may not omit to observe That she was the onely Child of Raâdulph Avenel by Adelice his Wife sole Daughter and Heir to Adelice Daughter of Faldwin de Briâniis a Noble Norman Knight by Albreda his Wife Niece to King William the Conquerour Which last-mention'd Adelice was also Sister and Heir to Richard her Brother on whom King William after his Victory over King Harold bestow'd the Honour of Okehampton as also the Castle of Exeter and Sheriffalty of Devonshire and thereupon called Ricardus Vicecomes This is that Richard who began the Foundation of an Abby for Cistercian-Monks at Brightley within his Honour of Okehampton in the first year of King Stephen's Reign and dying without Issue was there Interr'd Which Monks being soon after translated to Forde removed his Bones thither But I return to Maude Daughter of Randolph Avenel and Adeliza who brought this great Inheritance as hath been observed This Maude had two Husbands first Robert de Abrincis by whom she had Issue a sole Daughter and Heir call'd Hawise and secondly Robert Natural Son to King Henry the First who begot on her another sole Daughter call'd Maude Which Daughters by each Husband being great Heirs and in Minority at their respective Fathers Deaths were by King Henry the Second committed to the Custody of this Reginald de Courtney He therefore discerning the advantage he had by thus being their Guardian took Hawyse the elder for his own Wife and match'd Maude the younger to William de Courtney his own Son by a former Wife All which the Descent herewith drawn will more compendiously demonstrate I now come to speak of what I have observ'd farther memorable of this Reginald de Courtney In 14 H. 2. having obtain'd the Wardship of Walter de Bulbec he accounted vi l. xiii s. iv d. for the Knights Fees of his Inheritance And in 21 H. 2. was one of the Witnesses to that Agreement made betwixt King Henry the Second and Roderic King of Connach in Ireland as to the Conditions whereupon Roderic should hold that Dominion of Connach from King Henry To the Monks of Forde de gave C Marks in Money as also certain Goods and Jewels And having devoutly commended himself to their Prayers departed this Life upon the fifth Calends of October Anno 1194. 4 R. 1. whereupon he was buried on the North-side of the Quire in that Abby leaving Hawyse his Wife alive Which Hawyse besides other Donations thereunto gave her Land at Hertoyne for the Maintenance of three Poor People in their Lay-Infirmitory for ever And dying the Morrow preceding the Calends of August Anno 1209. 10 Ioh. was buried on the South-side the Quire before-mention'd This Reginald had a Brother called Robert de Courtney whom I suppose to be the same Robert that was Sheriff of Cumberland in 5 Ioh. and married Alice de Rumeli the Widow of Gilbert Pipard third Daughter of William fitz Duncan as also one of his Heirs by Alice the Daughter and Heir of Robert de Rumeli Lord of Skipton in Cravene with whom he had Aspatrick and the Barony of Allerdale together with the Liberty of ãâã but no Issue by her Which Alice over-liv'd him and in 11 Ioh. gave a Fine to the King of Five hundred Pounds ten Palfreys and ten Oxen for to have Livery of the Lands of her own Inheritance in as full a manner as she had enjoy'd them before her Marriage with him and to have a reasonable Dower assign'd her out of the Lands of both those Husbands as also that she might not be compell'd to marry again But I proceed To Reginald and Hawise succeeded Robert de Courtney their Son and Heir But before I proceed to speak of him I must not omit to say something of William his elder Brother born in Normandy of his Fathers first Wife This William was Founder of the Priory at Wospring in Somerset shire and in 9 Ioh. gave a fine of CCCC Marks to the King for Livery of the Lands of Baldwin de Buillers which were of his Inheritance When he died I can give no account but certain it is that in 26 H. 3. William de Cantilupe and Vitalis Engaine two Great Men of that Age made claim to the Lordship of Badmundesfeild in Suffolk as Heirs to him Which Lordship Hillaria Trusbut sometime held in Dower I now return to Robert de Courtney This Robert in 3 Ric. 1. paid a Fine to the King of CCC Marks that he might enjoy the Mannor of Sutton in Berk sh. now called Sutton Courtney in peace Which Mannor King Henry the Second gave to Reginald his Father saving the Right of the Heirs of William his elder Brother when they should be of age And as to the Honour of Okehampton being the Inheritance of Hawyse his Mother in 7 Ioh. he gave Five hundred Pounds and five Palfreys to have Livery thereof with the Knights Fees thereto belonging which were in number no less than ninety two and a third part as appeareth upon levying the Scutage of Ireland in 12 Ioh. and that of Wales in 13 Ioh. But for the Mannor of Sutton which
in 9 E. 3. had a Grant for a Market on the Friday every Week at his Mannor of Abyngton in Com. Cantabr as also for Free-warren in all his Demesn-lands at Wynpole in the same County Staundon in Com. Hertf. and Chiltrinton in Com. Wiltes But all that I can farther say of this Family is That Margaret the Daughter of Giles de Bassingburne Wife of Walter the Son of Robert de Colvill had the Castle and Mannor of Beningfeld by vertue of an Entail made by Fine levied by Sir Humphrey de Bassingburne Knight viz. to himself for Life with Remainder to the said Walter and Margaret and the Issue of her Body by him Bardolf THE first of this Family of whom I have seen any mention was William Bardulf Sheriff of Norfolk and Suffolk in 16 H. 2. and from that time to 21 H. 2. inclusive And the next Thomas Bardulf who in 18 H. 2. upon levying the Scutage of such Barons as did not then attend the King into Ireland nor send Soldiers or Money for that Service paid xxv l. for the Scutage of those Knights Fees which formerly did belong to Raphe Hanselyn a Baron in Notinghamshire of whom I have already spoke whose Daughter and Heir called Rose he had taken to Wife This Thomas obtain'd from William Brother to King Henry the Second the Lordship of Bradewell to hold to himself and his Heirs by the Service of one Knights Fee three parts of which Lordship he gave in Marriage to his three Daughters the first married to Robert de S. Remigio the second to William Bacun the third to Baldwin de Thoâi To whom succeeded Doun Bardulf his Son and Heir by her the said Rose This Doun married Beatrix the Daughter and Heir to William de Warren of Wirmgay in Norfolk whereby the Barony of Wirmegay came to this Family of Bardulf and died in 11 Ioh. Which Beatrix then surviving had the Lordship of Kiskynton assigned for her Dower and gave Three thousand and one hundred Marks to the King for Livery of her Fathers Lands and a reasonable Dowrie of the Lands belonging to her Husband as also that she might not be compell'd to marry again This Doun and Beatrix left Issue William Bardulf who in 17 Ioh. had Livery of all his Lands and in 26 H. 3. amongst other of the Great Men of that time attended the King in Person in that Expedition which he then made into France and obtain'd such favour for his Services there done that of all the Debts he owed unto the Exchequer as well those which were due from William de Warren his Grandfatherâ as those from Beatrix his Mother Fifty Marks per annum was accepted until they should be fully paid In 27 H. 3. he had Livery of the Honour of Wirmegay which during his Minority had been in the Hands of Hubert de Burgh sometime Earl of Kent And in 28 H. 3. obtain'd the King's Charter for a Market at Wyrmegay on the Munday every Week as also a Fair every year at his Lordship of Stowe upon the Day and Morrow after the Feast of the Holy Trinity In 29 H. 3. upon Collection of the Aid then levied for Marriage of the King 's eldest Daughter he paid xiv l. v. s. for the Knights Fees he thân held which were xiv and a fourth part And in 38 H. 3. upon Collection of the Aid for making the King 's eldest Son Knight accounted xxviii l. x s. for the same Knights Fees but by reason he was then going to the King he had respite for part of that Sum. In which year also he obtain'd a Charter for Free-warren throughout all the Lordships and Lands whereof he was then possess'd viz. Wirmegap Westbrigg Lotenhill Watlington Thorpe Festone Sechie le Estowe Wynebodesham Dunham Welbes Kungetone another Sechie Westweniz Herdwike Middeltone Halg ... Wyneberg Inkesham Westfeld Matesâal Lâurston Lerolâeston and Keymestone in Norfolk Kyskintone Digeby Leâesângham Blokeâham Amewik Latelmund Branchewell Westburg Dedinton Stebinton and Thorpe in Lincolnshire Sheleford in Com. Nott. Okebroâ and Eleton in Com. Derb. Plumpthon Winelesâeld Lindeskeld Hadleg Standen Moleston Ardingeleg Pipesleye Bercamp and Flesang in Sussex In 41 H. 3. he attended the King in his Expedition into Wales And in 42 H. 3. was made Governour of Notingham-Castle So also in 47 H. 3. After which viz. in 48 H. 3. in that great Insurrection of the Barons adhering to the King he was taken Prisoner with him in that fatal Battel of Lewes and died in 4 E. 1. as it seems for then William his Son and Heir doing his Homage had Livery of all his Lands lying in the Counties of Leicester Lincoln Notingham Norfolk and Sussex the King accepting of his Relief which was Cl l. by L. l. per annum Which William being personally in that Expedition made into Wales 10 E. 1. had Scutage of all his Tenants that held of him by Military Service and about two years following obtain'd the King's Charter for a Market at his Mannor of Halluton in Leicestershire to be kept upon the Tuesday every Week with two Fairs every year the one upon the Eve Day and Morrow after the Feast of the Nativity of St. Iohn Baptist and two days following the other on the Eve Day and Morrow after the Feast of Simon and Iude and two days after And likewise a Fair at Lilâey in Norfolk upon the Eve Day and Morrow and two days next following the Feast of St. Laurence the Martyr Also a Market at Wynebergh in Norfolk upon the Wednesday every Week and a Fair every year on the Eve Day and Morrow after the Feast of St. Laurence And moreover a Fair yearly at Caunâele in the same County upon the Eve Day and Morrow after the Feast of St. Margaret the Virgin By Iulian the Daughter and Heir of Hugh de Gurnay whom he took to Wife he left Issue a Son called Hugh who in June 22 E. 1. having Summons with other of the Great Men to attend the King with his Advice touching the weighty Affairs of the Realm accompanied him soon after into Gascoyne Upon the death of which Iulian his Mother in 23 E. 1. being xl years of age and in Gascoigne he had Livery of all the Lands of her Inheritance by the King 's special Favour in regard he was then in his Service where he had the hard fate to be taken Prisoner by the King of France at his Siege of Bisunce In 25 E. 1. he continued still in the King's Service in Gascoigne And in 28 E. 1. was in that Expedition then made into Scotland So also in 29 E. 1. In 32 E. 1. he went again into Scotland the King himself with his Army being there but
after all those great Troubles and Sorrows he totally submitted to the King's Grace and Favour and delivered up his Casâles 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 Porteââade 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. Nârff 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 âided 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 Iâesham Raphe
Northampt and to the Mayor of the City of London to make Livery of them accordingly In 18 H. 3. this Iohn was constituted Sheriff of Yorkshire And the same year with Isabell his Wife Sister of Iohn Bigod had Livery of the Castle and Honour of Ewyas Lacy which were assign'd to her in Dower as part of the Lands of Gilbert de Laci her former Husband Moreover in 21 H. 3. upon that Accord then made betwixt the King and the Barons whereupon the Great Charter and Charter of the Forest being confirm'd a thirtieth part of all Mens Moveables was given to the King this Iohn was then admitted one of the Privy-Council And the same year there being a Grand Council then held at London was one of those at that time sent to the Pope's Legate to forbid him from attempting any thing therein which might be prejudicial to the King and Kingdom In 29 H. 3. he was one of the Commissioners sent from King Henry with Roger Bigod Earl of Norfolk and others to the Council at Lyons in France there to complain of the great Exactions upon this Realm from the See of âome And in 30 H. 3. was constituted Justice of Ireland with the Fee of Five hundred Pounds per annum In which Service he merited so well that the King in consideration thereof granted to him and his Heirs the whole Cantred of the Isles of Thomond But more I have not seen of him than that he was Sheriff of Yorkshire for the one half of the eighteenth year of Henry the Third So likewise for the nineteenth and half the twentieth And for Gloucestershire from the twenty third to the thirtieth of that King's Reign inclusive To this Iohn succeeded Iohn his Son and Heir called Iohn Fitz-Iohn Fitz-Geoffrey who in 42 H. 3. amongst other of the Great Men of that time had Summons to be at Chester on Munday preceding the Feast of St. Iohn Baptist well fitted with Horse and Arms to restrain the Infolencies of the Welch It is reported That in 42 H. 3. the King being then at St. Albans and having News that this Iohn was dead at some place near Guilford in Surrey thereupon caused a Mass to be celebrated for his Soul by the whole Covent there and forthwith sent his Precept to Iohn de Crakhill then his Treasurer to provide a Cloth of Gold to lay over his Corps when it should pass through the City of London To whom succeeded Iohn his Son and Heir then not fully of age but married to Margery the Daughter of that Great Man Philip Basset shortly after Justice of England Which Iohn in consideration of CCC l. Fine obtain'd from the King a Grant of the Custody of all the Lands of his own Inheritance as also the benefit of his next Marriage in case the said Margerie should depart this World before the accomplishment of his full age In 46 H. 3. adhering to Montfort Earl of Leicester and other the then Rebellious Barons upon that Peace at that time agreed on he was appointed by the King to send his Seal for the Ratification thereof in case he should not himself come in Person Howbeit notwithstanding that Accord the next ensuing year when they broke out again and boldly required That the King should submit to their unreasonable Ordinances called the Provisions of Oxford in regard they were there framed which were totally destructive to his Regal Authority he joyn'd with them in those their insolent Demands and soon after viz. in 48 H. 3. was one of their Chief Commanders in the Battel of Lewes where unhappily prevailing the King was made Prisoner After which marching towards Wales Ricards Castle the Chief Seat of Hugh de Mortimer as also the Castle of Ludlow were given up into his Hands And being so great a Confident of that Rebellious Rout he soon obtain'd from them they then exercising Regal Power a Grant of the Sheriffalty of Westmorland as also of the Custody of the Castles in those Parts which were Robert de Vipount's deceased and was likewise made Constable of Windsor-Castle And notwithstanding all this though he grew discontented for not being sufficiently rewarded yet so great was his aversness to the Royal Interest that when Clare Earl of Gloucester and some others fell off he stood firm to the other Party and fought stoutly on their side in the Battle of Evesham in 49 H. 3. where their whole Army being miserably routed and all the Chief of that Rebellious Pack slain he was the onely Person of Note who escaped death Being therefore made Prisoner and the Inheritance of all his Lands given by the King to Clare Earl of Gloucester though afterwards by the Decree called Dictum de Kenilworth he was admitted to Composition yet he forbore to make his Peace Whereupon command was given to the Sheriff of Hantshire to seise all his Lands After which I have not seen any more of him till his death which hapned in 4 E. 1. but without Issue he being then seised of the Mannor of Fambrigge in Com. Essex as also of the Mannors of Stepel Clayndon and Querndon with a certain part of Agmondesham in Com. Buck. Likewise of the Mannor of East-Pyrie in Com. Northampt and Morton in Com. Devon leaving Richard his Brother and Heir then xxvii years of age Who performing his Homage the same year had Livery of all his Lands lying in the Counties of Norff. Buck. Devon Surrey Wiltess Suthampt. Essex and Northampt. paying his Relief Which Richard in 10 E. 1. was in that Expedition then made into Wales And in 23 E. 1. summon'd to Parliament amongst the Barons of this Realm But in 25 E. 1. being in the Wars of France died the same year then seised of the Mannor of Fanbrigg in Com Essex Wyntersâey with certain Lands in Chiriell in Com. Wiltes Moreton in Com. Devon Schaldeford and Schyre in Com. Surr. Multon and Potters Pirye in Com. Northampt. Whaddon with the Chase and Hamlets of Symlesburne Clayndon Aylesbury and Querndon in Com. Buck. Likewise of the Mannor of Wytheton in Com. Linc. and Advowson of the Priory of Shuldham in Com. Norff. leaving Maud Countess of Warwick his eldest Sister Robert Clifford Son of Isabell de Clifford Daughter of Isabell de Vipount and Idonea Daughter of the same Isabell de Vipount his second Sister Richard de Burgh Earl of Vlster Son of Aveline his third Sister and Ioane the Wife of Theobald le Butiller the fourth Sister his next Heirs Emme his Wife still surviving who in 26 E. I. had for her Dowrie an Assignation of the Mannor of Whaddon with the Chase and Park as also the Mannor of Aylesbury and Hamlet of Burton
Marches of Scotland towards Barwick upon Twede and being thereupon made the Kings Lieutenant and Captain-General of all the Soldiery Horse and Foot for the defence of those parts against Robert Brus sometime Earl of Carryk and his Complices had an Assignation of two hundred pounds in part of his Wages to be paid unto him by Iohn de Sandale Chamberlain of Scotland Shortly after which Robert de Brus compassing that Realm and receiving the homages of many came near to S. Johnsstones to the defence whereof this Earl being arrived but a little before Brus sent to him by way of challenge to Battle Whereunto returning answer that he would meet him the next day Brus retired Which being discerned by this Earl he fallied out and slew divers of the Scots unarmed as it is said Brus therefore being advertised thereof fled to the Isle of Kentire Whereupon he followed him supposing to find him in the Castle there But upon his taking thereof and discerning none but his Wife and Nigel de Brus his Brother there he hanged up Nigel and all the rest who were with him excepting her Brus therefore growing exceedingly exasperated at this his cruelty raised all the power he could and giving Battle to him forced him to flee to the Castle of Ayre Soon after this being with King Edward on his Death-bed at Burgh upon the Sands not far from Carlisle he was one of those whom the King desired to be good to his Son and not to suffer Piers de Gaveston to come into England again to set him in riot For which he was much hated by Piers as divers other of the Nobility were being called by him Ioseph the Iew in regard he was tall and pale of countenance In 1 Edw. 2. he was sent with Otto de Grandison and others to the Pope upon special business and the same year upon the death of Ioane his Mother doing his homage had Livery of those Lands which she held in Dower In 3 Edw. 2. he had the like Livery of the Lands of Agnes his Sister then deceased whose Heir he was But in 3 Edw. 2. he joyned with Thomas Earl of Lancaster and the rest in that design of pulling down Gaveston So likewise in 5 Edw. 2. with Iohn de Warren Earl of Surrey in the Siege of Scarborough Castle whereunto Gaveston fled and having there seised upon him intended to have carried him to Wallingford but lodging him at Dadington in Comit. Oxon. he was taken thence in the night by the Earl of Warwick and by him beheaded on Blacklow-Hill not far from Warwick as I have elswhere shewed In 6 Edw. 2. he was again sent to Rome and obtained a Grant in General Tail from the King of the House and Place called The New Temple in London as also of certain Lands called Fleet-crofts with all other the Lands in the City and Suburbs of London which belonged to the Templers with Remainder to the King and his Heirs And in 7 Edw. 2. had a Charter for Return of Writs within his Lordships and Towns of Gainsburgh and Dunham in Com. Linc. In which year being made Warden and Lieutenant of all Scotland until the Kings coming thither he was in that fatal Battle of Bannocksburne in Scotland where the English had a great overthrow In 8 Edw. 2. he was constituted General of all the Kings Forces from the River of Trent Northwards unto Roxborough in Scotland and obtained License to make a Castle of his House at Bampton in Com. Oxon. Likewise in consideration That he did release to the Earl of Lancaster all his right in the Castle and Mannors of Thorpe Waterville Aldwincle and Achurch in Com. Northampt. As also in the Mannor of the New Temple London he obtained a Grant of all those Lands in Monmouth which Robert de Clifford deceased held for life the Remainder to the King and His Heirs In 10 Edw. 2. he was again in the Scotish Wars but before the end of this year being taken prisoner in his journey towards the Court of Rome by Iohn Moilley a Burgundian and sent to the Emperor he was constrained to give twenty thousand pounds of Silver for his ransome by reason Moilley alleaged That himself having served the King of England had not been paid his Wages Upon this occasion therefore it was that King Edward wrote his Letters to divers Forein Princes to solicite his deliverance from that imprisonment Which was obtained as it seems for in 11 Edw. 2. he was again in those Wars of Scotland and the same year was made Governor of Rockingham Castle In 12 Edw. 2. he procured License for a Market every week upon the Tuesday at Redswell in Com. Essex And for a Fair yearly on the Eve Day and Morrow after the Feast of S. Lawrence Also for a Fair yearly at Toucester in Com. Northampt. on the Eve of the Annunciation of our Lady the Day and Morrow after with Free-Warren in all his Demesn Lands there In 13 Edw. 2. he was constituted Warden of all the Forests South of Trent and being still Warden of Scotland had License to travel beyond Sea In 14 Edw. 2. he was again made Warden of all the Forests South of Trent and obtained License for a Market every week upon the Tuesday at his Mannor of Paânswike in Com. Gloc. As also for a Fair yearly on the Eue and Day of the Nativity of our Lady In 15 Edw. 2. upon the taking of Thomas Earl of Lancaster at Burrough-Brigge in Com. Ebor. He was one of those who gave sentence of death upon him at Pontfract Whereupon he obtained a Grant to himself and Mary his Wife and to the Heirs of their two Bodies lawfully begotten of the Mannor of Higham Ferrers in Com. Northampt. part of the Possessions of that Earl as also of the Castle and Mannor of Thorpe Watervile with the Hamlets of Achurch and Aldwincle in the same County which did belong to Robert de Holland then likewise attainted After which it was not long that he lived for attending Queen Isabell into France in An. 1323. 17 Edw. 2. he was there murthered 23 Iunii the same year by reason he had a hand in the death of the Earl of Lancaster as my Author saith But though he there lost his life his Body was brought into England and buried in the Abby Church of Westminster at the Head of Edmund Crouchback Earl of Lancaster leaving no issue notwithstanding he had three Wives viz. 1. Beatrix Daughter to Ralph de Neal Constable of France 2. ... Daughter to the Earl of Barre and 3. Mary Daughter to Guy de Chastilian Earl of St. Paul Which Mary surviving him in 18 Edw. 2. had for her Dowry an
Hierusalem and there made his abode for some time Thence Travelling into other Countryes he came to Venice and Padua As also to Rome out of great affection he had to see the famous Vatican-Library Where he made such an elegant Oration to Pope Pius the Second that it drew Teares from the Eyes of his Holiness Likewise that he Translated into English the Orations of Publius Cornelius and Caius Flaminius and Wrote divers Learned Tracts whereof Bale maketh mention Moreover that he Founded a Fraternitie in All-Hallows-Church at Berkyng near the Tower of London Likewise that having been a firm adherer to the House of York and the Scene changing through the potency of Nevill Earl of Warwick King Edward being forc't to flee beyond-Sea and King Henry restored he was necessitated to shift for himself so that being found on the top of an high Tree in the Forest of Waybrigg in Com. Hunt he was brought to London and judg'd to suffer death by Iohn Earl of Oxford whereupon he lost his head on Tower-hill and was buried at Black-Friers in that City Furthermore that he had two Wives First Elizabeth the daughter to Robert Greyndour and by her a son called Iohn who died young Secondly Elizabeth daughter of Thomas Hopton Esquire sister of Sir Walter Hopton Knight Widow of Sir Roger Corbet of Morton Corbet in Com. Salop. Knight on whom he begot a son called Edward who was but little more than two yeares of age at his death Which Edward being restored in blood by King Edward the Fourth died without issue 12 Aug. 3 R. 3. Whereupon his three Aunts became his heires viz. Philippa Wife of Thomas Lord Roos of Hamlake Ioane Married to Sir Edmund Inglethorpe Knight and Ioyce to Edmund son and heir to Iohn Lord Dudley Piers de Gaveston Earl of Cornwall 1 Edw. 2. THere is not I think in all our English History a greater instance of an unhappy Favourite than that of this Piers de Gaveston much unhappy to himself but more to his Soveraign Who being corrupted in his youth by the leud conversation of this vain young Man became most miserable at last not only by Deposal from his Government but by the Murther of his Person Being by Birth the son of a private Gentleman in Gascoine who had merited well for his faithful services in the Wars of those parts he was for that cause in his very childhood receiv'd into the Court of King Edward the First there to wait upon Prince Edward his eldest Son Upon whose affections in tract of time he so much gained by humouring him in such sensual delights whereunto youth is naturally inclin'd that he guided and govern'd him according to his own vile humour The dangerous consequence whereof was not foreseen by the King until near the time of his own death as it seems for this Piers was with him in his Wars of Scotland in 32 d of his Reign as is evident from that Pardon which was afterwards granted to him as also to Roger Lord Mortimer Gilbert de Clare and others for departing thence at that time without leave So likewise in that of 34 Edw. 1. which was the last Expedition into those parts by that Victorious King being in order thereto made Knight at the Feast of Pentecost with Prince Edward by Bathing c. But then was it most clearly discern'd by divers of the Nobles at that time there how destructive it might be to themselves and to the whole Realm that such an ill Companion should longer continue with the Prince whereupon the King lying upon his Death-bed at Burgh upon the Sands near Carlisle forc'd him to abjure the Realm and commanded his Son the Prince upon Penalty of his Curse that he should not recall him back Nevertheless notwithstanding this strict charge of the dying King no sooner did he hear that the breath was out of his Father's Body but that he sent for him again and bestow'd on him the King's Jewels and likewise all that Treasure which had been design'd for the succor of the Holy Land viz. Thirty two thousand pounds of Silver which also upon the danger of his Father's Curse ought not to have been otherwise dipsosed of Whereof being thus possess'd he convey'd it into the hands of Forrein-Merchants for his own private benefit Amongst which Jewels there was a Table and Tressels of Gold which he had taken out of the Treasury at Westminster and delivered them to Aymeri de Frisconbaud to be carried into Gascoine And besides all this he caused Walter Langton Bishop of Covenâry and Lichfield who had been Lord Treasurer to King Edw. 1. to be imprisoned Nay so great was his interest that upon the King 's going over to Boloin to Marry with the Lady Isabell daughter to Philip le Beau King of France which Marriage was solemnized 8 Cal. Febr. he obtain'd a special Patent bearing date 26 th December to be Guardian and Lieutenant of this Realm during his absence And Soon after this having Married Margaret the second sister and coheir to Gilbert de Clare Earl of Glocester daughter to Ioane of Acres the King's sister the Wedding being kept at Berkemsted in the presence of the King he procured a Grant to himself and her the said Margaret in tail of that great Mannor of Brustwyke in Holderness with its members Also of the Castle and Mannor of Skypton in Craven Of the Castle and Honor of High-Peke in Com. Derb. Of the Castle Mannor and Honor of Cokermuth in Com. Cumb. with its Members Of the Mannors of âorpell and Upton in Com. North. Of the Castle of Caresbroke and other the Kings Lands in the Isle of Wight all which formerly belong'd to Isabel de Fortibus sometime Countess of Aââemaâle and were then valued at Three thousand Marks per annum And of the Mannors of Crokham and Berkhamsted in Com. Hertf. with Frâe-warren in all his Demesn-lands there as also in Byflete and Pachenesham in Com. Surr. with remainder to the King and his heirs About the same time likewise he had a Grant in Fee of the whole Earldom of Cornwall with the Castle Mannors and Lands thereto belonging as also of the Shrievalty of that County Likewise of the Stannaries and all Mines of Tin and Lead sometime belonging to Edmund Earl of Cornwall Of the Castle and Mannor of Lydeford with its Appurtenances Of the whole Moore and Free-Chase of Dertmore of the Town of Exeter of the Castle Town and Honor of Knaresburgh with Free-Chase there Of the Mannors of Routhclyve and Aldburgh of the Castle Town and Honor of Walingford with the Mannors of Watlington and Bensington of the Four Hundreds and half of Ciltrie of the Honor of St. Walerie of the Mannor of Beckley of the Castles and Mannors of Mereswell
Com. Cornub. Lydfoard in Com. Devon Cosham in Com. Wiltes Newport in Com. Essex UUallingford UUatiyngton and Bensington in Com. Berks. Knaresburgh Routhclyff and Aldburgh in Com. Ebor. As also was made Governor of Nottingham-Castle And likewise of the Castles of Carlisle and Scarborough But this his return and these new Favours rais'd the Peoples discontents in general to such a pitch that the Nobles making advantage thereof resolv'd to take him by force from the King and to that end made choice of Thomas Earl of Lancaster for their General in that adventure Whereupon that Earl backt by such Power sent certain Messengers to the King then at York requiring the delivery of this Piers unto them or else to banish him the Realm Whereunto not yielding and going forthwith from thence to Newcastle upon âine they followed him Whereof the King having advertisement he hasted to Tinemouth and so by Shipping to to Scardeburgh the strongest Castle on the Yorkshire Coast being founded on a Rock and for the most part environ'd with the Sea-water commanding the Soldiers there to Victual it presently and protect him whilst he himself went into the parts of UUarwickshire The Lords therefore being inform'd of all this seised upon those his Horses and other Goods which he had left at Newcastle causing them to be apprized and put into safe custody and made all speed after him to Scardeburgh that they could And being come thither began to lay siege thereto But finding no opposition by the Country the Earl of Lancaster draw off the greatest part of his Forces to the end they might not be too burthensome to the parts near adjacent and left the Earles of Pembroke and UUarren to take it by assault Who in a short time so wearied out those Guards which were within it by their frequent Allarms that Piers seeing no remedy yielded b himself promising c to stand to the Judgment of the Barons but with desire of liberty to speak with the King Whereunto the Earl of Pembroke inclining prevail'd with the other Lords that he should the Lord Perci also by a special Instrument in Writing signed in the King's Presence undertaking to preserve him securely against any harm for a certain time upon forfeiture of Life and Limb Lands and Tenements and all he had and so carried g him towards Wallingford But when he was on his way at h Dadington in Orfordshire about four Miles beyond Banbury having left the charge of him with his own servants himself and his Lady lodging in an adjacent Town the Earl of UUarwick in the night time came with divers Armed Men and took him thence to UUarwick Castle Where he kept him till the coming of the Earles of Lancaster Hereford and Arundel and then upon Consultation Whether they should carry him to the King or put him to death a sober person standing by told them That it would be a great folly having been at such a charge and trouble to eatch him to bazard the losing him again saying That it were much better that he should suffer death than that the Realm should be any whit disturb'd by a War Assenting therefore to this Advice they took him out of Prison and brought him to an ascent called Black-low about a Mile North-East from UUarwick and there by the hands of a Welsh-man beheaded him as a publick Traytor to the Kingdom that Prophecie being thereby fulfill'd viz. That he should feel the sharpness of the Teeth of the Black Dog of Arden for so he usually in scorn did call the Earl of UUarwick Being thus put to death the Fryers-Preachers carried his Body to Oxford where being kept for more than the space of two years and thence convey'd to Langele alias Kings Langele near St. Albans in Com. Hertf. it was with great Solemnity interred upon the second of Ianuary An. 1314. in the Church of the Friers-Preachers there newly Founded by that King to Pray for his Soul the king himself being present at his Funeral as also the Archbishop of Canterbury the Bishops of London UUinchester UUorcester Bathe and UUelles Fourteen Abbots with a Multitude of the Religious and Friers-Mendicants Likewise the Earls of Norfolk and Pembroke and of Barons H. le Despenser Henry de Beanmont Bartholomew de Badlesmere Hugh le Despenser the Son Iohn de Handlo with about Fifty Knights Also of Officers the Lord Chancelor the Lord Treasurer the Treasurer of the Wardrobe Sir William Inge one of the Justices of the Common-pleas Sir I. Gisourz Major of London and I. Abel Eschaetor South of Trent But the King took his death so to heart that he desired he might be once revenged thereof This is all that I have to say of him other then that he left Margaret his Wife surviving who Married afterwards to Hugh de Audley junio And one only Daughter called Ioane which Ieane by special Covenants betwixt the King and Thomas de Multon Lord of Egremuââ was to espouse Iohn the son and heir of the said Thomas so soon as they should attain to Marriagable years the Portion which the King agreed to give her being a Thousand Marks Sterling But her Father's purpose was to have Married her unto Thomas the son and heir of Iohn Lord Wake the King therefore by reasons that Wake Married himself otherwise without his License compell'd him to pay so much Money unto the before-specified Thomas de Multon in satisfaction of his Covenant so made as aforesaid Cromwell 1 Edw. 2. OF this Family there is notable mention in our publick Records before of any of them became Barons of this Realm In 17 Ioh. Raphe de Cromwell having adhered to the Rebellious Barons of that age gave a Fine of Sixty Marks and a Palfrey to make his peace And delivering up his eldest Daughter in Hostage had restitution of his Lands which had been seised for that transgression After which viz. in 3 Hen. 3. he was constituted a Justice-Itinerant in the Counties of Lincoln Nottingham and Derby To him succeeded another Raphe who Married Margaret one of the sisters and coheirs to Roger de Someri Baron of Dudley and in 2. E. 1. upon partition of the Lands and Knights Fees which were of their Inheritance had an assignation of her purpartie In 14 Edw. 1. this Raphe having been in that Expedition then made into Wales obtain'd Scutage of all his Tenants by Military service in the Counties of Warw. Leicester Buckingham Glocester Nottingham and Derby And in 22 E. 1. received command to attend the King at Portsmouth upon the first day of September well accoutred with Horse and Armes thence to Saile with him into Gascoigne After which viz. in 25 E. 1. he was
place of custody the King had been committed there to receive his formal Resignation of the Crown and Government And in 3 H. 4. stood in such esteem that he was constituted Governor of the Castles of Montgomerie Dolvoreyn and Lordship of Kedewyn belonging to the same Castle of Dolvoreyn likewise of the Castle of Kenles and Lordship of Melenyth thereto appertaining with authority to receive all such to grace and favor as had been in Rebellion in those parts of Wales In 4 H. 5. Edward his only Son being then dead he entred into Articles of agreement with Sir Walter Hungerford Knight through the Kings Mediation by Letters for the Marriage of Margerie one of the Daughters and Heirs of his Son Edward then one of the Heirs apparent to him the said Sir Hugh unto Edmund Hungerford Son to the same Walter Which Marriage took effect accordingly And by his Testament bearing date 2 Oct. An. 1417. 5 H. 5. bequeathed his Body to be buried in the Quire of the Abby at Hales in Com. Salop. under a fair Tomb of Alablaster there prepared by himself near to the Body of Ioyce his Wife appointing that his Funeral should be honorably solemnifed and that his Debts being first paid his Servants according to the time of their Services should be rewarded giving the remainder of his Goods to Ioane de Beaâchamp Lady of Bergavenny And having been summoned to Parliament from 7 R. â until 8 H. 5. inclusive departed this life 27 Nov. 8 H. 5 being then seised of the Mannors of Swaveseye Fulborne called Zouches-fee and Maneres-fee in Com. Cantabr of the Mannors of Est Hamme Borham Holand-magna Stansted-Monfichet Waltham called Powers Walkefare and Lachendon in Com. Essex Roulandright in Com. Oxon. Resyndon Basset in Com. Glouc. Compton Daune in Com. Somers Cheverell magna in Com. Wilts Bordesley and Heybarnes in Com. Warw. Ashby la Zouche in Com. Leic. Wolverhampton with the third part of the Mannors of Mere Hondesworth and Câent in Com. Staff Haselbeche in Com. Northt Newport paynell and Lynford parva in Com. Buck. Onebury Wotton Walton Sutton Parva Corfton Abeton Eudon Burnell Belleswardyne Benthall Holgot Brolchampton Clee St. Margaret Thongland Millinghope Rushbury Astwall Hope-Bowdler Chatewall Wolstanton Rameshurst Pulliley Longfeld-Cheyne Longedon Smethecote Condover Acton-Reigner Uppington Tasshoe Routon and Ambaston of certain Lands in Bâugenorth of the Mannor of Acton Burnell Acton Pigot Streford Sutton of the Moiety of the Mannor of Cantelthorpe and of the Mannors of Prest Weston Picheford and Eton juxta Picheford in the County of Salop and Marches of Wales Moreover he then held for term of life the third part of the Castle of Weolegh in Com. Wigorn. as also of the Mannors of Northfeld Cradeley and Old Swinford the Mannor of Sucley in Com. Wigorn. and Mannors of Retherhethe and Hachesam in Com. Sur. leaving Ioyce the Wife of Thomas Erdinton junior 3 Margerie the Wife of Edmund Hungerford and Catherine afterwards Married to Sir Iohn Ratcliffe Knight his Cousins and next Heirs viz. Daughters of Edward Burnell his Son by Alice the Daughter of ... Lord Strange Which Ioyce was then twenty four years of age Catherine fourteen and Margerie eleven Hastang 5 Edw. 2. OF this Family whose chief Seat was at Lemington in Com. War commonly called Lemington Hastang was Atrop Hastang who gave to the Canons of Nostell in Com. Ebor. the Churches of Lemington and Newbold and likewise that of Chebsey in Com Staff which Grant Atrop his Son confirmed and bestowed on the Canons of Kenilworth the Church of Whitnash Likewise on the Canons âof Osney half an hyde of Land in UUhitnash and on the Nuns of UUrorhall certain Lands in Hasedey To this last mentioned Atrop succceded Humphrey his Son and Heir which Humphrey took part with the Rebellious Barons against King Iohn by reason whereof his Lands were seised but in 1. H. 3. returning to obedience they were restored to him again And to him Robert who Married Ioane the Daughter and Co-heir to William de Curli This Robert in 41 H. 3. gave a Mark in Gold for respiting his Knighthood but afterwards taking part with Montfort Earl of Leicester he was one of those which held out Kenilworth-Castle during the whole six Months Siege thereof in 49 and 50 H. 3. for which his Lands were seised and given to Sir Iames de Alditbley and Sir Hugh de Turbervill for the redemption whereof he compounded according to the rule prescribed by that memorable Decree called Dictum de Kenilworth To whom succeeded another Robert who in 4 E. 2. received Summons to be at Carlisle on the Morrow after All Souls day well fitted with Horse and Arms to march into Scotland with ten Men at Arms of his Retinue and in 10 E. 2. was constituted one of the Commissioners to Treat with Robert de Brus and his Party in Scotland upon a Truce betwixt both Realms In 11 E. 2. he was again in the Scotish Wars So likewise in 13 E. 2. And had Summons to Parliament in 5 E. 2. but no more After this viz. in 1 E. 3 I find mention of Thomas de Hastang and that he was the same year in the Wars of Scotland as also that in 5 E. 3. he had Summons to Parliament but never after Likewise that he had Issue Sir Iohn de Hasting Knight who left two Daughters his Heirs viz. Maud married to Raphe de Stafford from whom the Staffords of Grafton in Com. Wigorn. did descend and Ioane to Sir Iohn Salisbury Knight Thomas de Brotherton Earl of Norfolk 6 Edw. 2. THis Thomas fifth Son to King Edward the First but second by Queen Margaret his second Wife being born at Brotherton in Yorkshire in An. 1031. 28 E. 1. had thenceforth that Surname attributed to him and by reason that his Mother in her extremity of pain in Child-birth invocating St. Thomas of Canterbury for the mitigation thereof found speedy ease she caused his Name given him at the Font to be called Thomas It is observed that the Nurse designed for him was a French Woman and that his Stomach could not endure her Milk but that an English Woman being brought to him he liked well of hers Likewise that when King Edward lay upon his death bed amongst other his Commands to Prince Edward his eldest Son one was that he should love this Thomas and Edmund his other Son by Queen Margaret Signifying also that he had given or rather designed to give the Title of Marshal of England unto Thomas For the fulfilling whereof therefore this Thomas obtained a special Charter in tail general bearing date at Westminster 16 Dec. 6. E. 2. though he had then hardly accomplisht the age of thirteen years of all the
due for the same This Iohn by the gift of King Edw. 2. took to Wife Hawyse the Sister and Heir of Gryffin ap Owen otherwise called Gryffin de la Pole by reason of his residence at Pole commonly called Welch-Pole in Com. Montgom And giving security for payment of his Relief had Livery of those Lands which by the death of the said Gryffin descended to her viz. the Barony of Pole whereunto these Townships did belong viz. Argângewyd Lâmrevel Kenewyd Lessyn Namneyghand Kekedena Buthegedyn Trenedrite and Bremannyarth which were held of the King in Capite by Barony As also of the Mannor of Botynton with its Members viz. Treween and Hope in Com. Salop. Which Hawyse was nineteen years of age upon St. Margarets day 4 E. 2. But in 5 E. 2. another Gryffin de la Pole Unkle to the before-specified Hawise pretended Title to that Castle of Pole âince called Red-Castle and raising a great power of the Welch laid Siege to it this Iohn and Hawyse his Wife being then therein Whereupon the King directed his Precept to Roger de Mortimer then Justice of Wales to march thither for their Relief and to protect them from the injurious oppressions which he accordingly did and setled them again therein for which signal service by way of remuneration he had a Grant from them of the Inheritance of certain Lands in Powys as also of the Forest of Ucheldre situate betwixt the Rivers of Ryw and Elâgy adjoining to his Lordship of Kedewyr Being thus therefore put again into quiet possession he did his Homage to the King for his whole Barony But the next year following the same Gryffin ap Owen seised upon the Territory of Metheyn Iscoyt belonging to them the said Iohn and Hawyse whereupon complaint being made command was given to the Sheriff of Shropshire to bring the said Griffin before the King upon the Morrow after the Purification of our Lady then to make answer thereto After which in 7 E. 2. for the better strengthening of their Title this Iohn and Hawise procured the Kings Charter for confirmation of all their Lands and Castles in Nortâ-Wales South-Wales and Powys with License for a Market on the Munday every week at Pole as also for two Fairs every year the one on the Eve Day and Morrow after the Feast of the Ascension of our Lord and the other on the Eve Day and Morrow after the Feast of St. Edward the King Likewise for a Market at Haghenthleyth in the Commot of Keynelbok upon the Tuesday every week and two Fairs yearly one on the Eve Day and Morrow of the Apostles Peter and Paul and the other on the Eve Day and Morrow of St. Edmund the Archbishop And having so done marcht into Scotland At that time also being the Kings Chamberlain he was constituted Governor of Buelt-Castle in Wales And the next ensuing year had an assignation of three hundred thirty six pounds twelve shillings and four pence to be paid by the Chamberlain of Kaermerdyn for Wages to himself and his Retiââe and loss of some Horses the preceding year in the Scotish Wars In 10 E. 2. he was again in those Wars of Scotland And having been hindred from the Feast of St. Hillary in 9 E. 2. until Easter following in keeping those Courts in the Territory of Buelt which he held of the King by a certain Rent as also necessitated to maintain seven Men at Arms and twenty six foot Souldiers for all that time viz. twelve weeks and four days in that Castle of Buelt for the defence of the parts adjacent over and above the number usually there in times of Peace and unto whom he paid Wages viz to the Men at Arms twenty one pound seventeen shillings and six pence which amounted to five shillings a week to each of them and to the Foot Souldiers eighteen pounds seventeen shillings and eight pence viz. fourteen pence a piece to each and eight pence for the four days he obtained an assignation of those Sums out of the Exchequer In this year also he procured Licence to make a Castle of his Mannor-House at Cherlton in Com. Salop. And in 11 E. 2. upon that Expedition made into Scotland was charged with the providing of two hundred foot Souldiers out of the Territory of Buelt and three hundred more out of Powys And in 12 E. 2. served again in those Wars So likewise in 13 E. 2. But shortly after this he took part with Thomas Earl of Lancaster and the rest of the Barons that put themselves in Arms under colour of reforming what was amiss in the Government who were defeated at Burrow-brigg in Com. Ebor. Whereupon divers of them suffered death for the same though he yielding himself obtained pardon and obtained the Kings Letters to all his Tenants which held of his Castle at Pole as also to those in Powys to signifie the same unto them to the end they might not withhold their Services And in 19 E. 2. had License to fortify his House at Shrewsbury with a Wall of Stone embattelled In 8 E. 3. he was sent upon the Kings Service into Brabant with an allowance of ten shillings per diem for himself and his Retinue in his Travail to the Sea-Coast and thirteen shillings and four pence per diem beyond the Sea till his return having twenty pounds in hand towards the same In 11 E. 3. called Iohn de Cherlton senior being highly esteemed for his Fidelity Prudence and Valor he was constituted Justice of Ireland and landed there upon Tuesday the Festival of St. Calixt the Pope with his Brother Thomas Bishop of Hereford Chancelor and about two hundred Archers And in 16 E. 3. upon that Expedition then made into France was charged with providing thirty Men at Arms and sixty Archers In 17 E. 3. he entred into an agreement by Indenture with Raphe Lord Stafford that Iohn his Son and Heir should Marry Ioane the Daughter of the said Raphe and of Margaret his Wife Daughter to the Earl of Gloucester and thereupon should settle the Territory of Deudor in Powys upon them and the Issue of their two Bodies lawfully begotten her portion being a thousand Pounds and a thousand Marks In 26 E. 3. upon apprehension of some danger from the French he had command to raise an hundred Men for his Lands of Powys being then also constituted one of the Commissioners for arraying of Souldiers to the same purpose in the Counties of Salop and Sâaââord And having been summoned to Parliament amongst the Barons of this Realm from 7 E. 2. until 27 E. 3. inclusive died the same year being then seised of the Mannor of Pontesbury in Com. Salop. of the Castle and Mannor of Pole in the Marches of Wales of the Mannors of Bocton Talgarth Marthrawell
for a Market upon the Wednesday every week at his Mannor of Buttercrambe in Com. Ebor. as also for a Fair yearly on the Eve Day and Morrow of St. âotalph And in 28 Edw. 3. being made Lieutenant and Captain-General in the Dukedome of Britanny and parts of ãâã adjacent as also in all other places appertaining to Iohn Duke of Britanny then in Minority had for his support in that service an assignation of the whole Revenues of that Dukedome where also he continued the next ensuing year In 30 Edw. 3. he was constituted Governor of the Isles of âarnesey Ieresey Serke and Aureney and in 31 Edw. 3. of the Fort of Cruyk in ãâã In 32 Edw. 3. he continued there and in 33 Edw. 3. was made Governor of the Castle and Fort of St. Saviour le Viscont Likewise of all the Castles which did belong to Sir Geffrey de Harecourt in those parts And had Summons to Parliament amongst the Barons of this Realm from 27 E. 3. until 31 Edw. 3. inclusive But in 34 Edw. 3. he assumed the Title of Earl of Rent in right of his Wife as it seems for it doth not appear that he had ever any Creation to that dignity And the same year being constituted the King's Lieutenant and Captain-General in France and Normandy was by Indenture retein'd to serve him in that capacity for one quarter of the year with Sixty Men at Armes whereof one to be a Banneret Ten Knights and One hundred and twenty Archers on horseback all at the King's Charges Before the end of which year he died upon the 28th of December being then seised of the Mannor of Donyngton in Com. Leic. in right of the before-specified Ioane his Wife then surviving As also of the Mannors of Cotingham Witheâon Buttercrambe Kirkby Moresheved with certain Lands in Farndale Gillingmore Brauncedale and Fademore Of the Mannors of Aton Hemelyngton and Cropton with certain Lands in Middelton and Haretoft all in Com. Ebor. Of the Mannors of Gretham Thorle Brocelby Beseby with the Soke and other its Appurtenances in Beseby Hawardeby Walde-Newton Gunnerby Alwaldeby Askeby Fenby Briggesle and Northcotes in Com. Linc. Of the Ferme of the Royaltie of the Mannor of Derteford and of the Mannor of Wykham with the Hundreds of Watheleston and Lutlefeld in Com. Cantii He likewise died seised of the Mannor of Calworth in Com. Surr. Lammersh with the Hundred of Berestaple in Com. Essex Bishey in Com. Hertf. Kereseye and Leyham in Com. Suff. Corpell Upton and Eston in Com. North. Ryale in Com. Rotel Chesterfeld in Com. Derb. and of One hundred pounds yearly Rent issuing out of the Ferme of Wyche in Com. Wigorn Also of the Mannor of Little Broghton in Com. Buck. and Yokeshale in Com. Staff leaving Thomas his son and heir ten years of age He had likewise two other sons viz. Edmund and Iohn of whom I shall say more by and by and a daughter called Maud Married to Hugh the son to Hugh de Courtney Earl of Devon But Ioane his VVidow who had been separated from the Earl of Salisbury by reason of familiarity with this Thomas before she Married him staid not long without another husband after his death for it appeares that the very next ensuing year she became the VVife of Edward Prince of Wales commonly called the Black Prince I come now to Thomas Earl of Kent his son and heir In 38 Edw. 3. this Thomas Married Alice the daughter of Richard Earl of Arundel and being the same year in the VVars of France was of the Retinue with Edward Prince of Wales In 40 Edw. 3. having been Knighted by that Prince who had Married his Mother he stood stoutly to him the same year in that Battel then fought with Henry King of Castile and in 48 Edw. 3. was again in the VVars of France In 49 Edw. 3. he accompanied the Earl of Cambridge into Britanny with Three thousand Archers and Two thousand Men at Armes And upon conclusion of a Peace by the Treaty at Bruges return'd into England In 1 Rich 2. by reason of his near Alliance in blood to that King viz. Brother by the Mother for the better support of his State he obtain'd a Grant of Two hundred pounds per annum to be receiv'd out of the Exchequer at the Feasts of St. Michael the Arch-Angel and the Annunciation of our Lady by even portions being then also constituted General-VVarden of all the Forests South of Trent In 2 Rich. 2. he was one of the Commissioners appointed to make recompence for what injuries had been done by the English and Scotch to each other contrary to the Articles of Truce betwixt both Realmes And in 3. R. 2. went to Gaânsey there to reside for the fortifying of that Castle Moreover in farther augmentation of his Revenue and the better support of his estate he obtain'd a Grant of divers Rents for the increase of that sum of Two hundred pounds so granted to him as abovesaid to a Thousand pounds per annum viz. of the Ferme of the profits and office of Warden of New-Forest in Com. South As also of One hundred Marks per annum to be received out of the City of Winchester Fourscore pounds per annum payable out of the Issues of the Town and Castle of the Devises and Mannor of Ronde One hundred pounds per annum out of the issues of the Castle Town Bertone of Marlebergh One hundred pounds per annum out of the issues of the Castle and Mannor of Odyham one hundred Marks per annum out of the issues of the Mannor and Hundred of Lydyngland Fifty Marks per annum out of the issues of the Mannor of Faxflete Twelve Marks per annum out of the issues of the Mannor of Wendovre Forty three pounds six shillings eight pence per annum out of the Mannor of Hasildere One hundred pounds per annum out of the profits of the Castle of Rokyngham and Stewardship of that Forest and Thirty pounds per annum payable to the King from the Prior and Covent of Bernewell out of the Town of Chesterton And the same year was constituted Marshall of ângland In 4 R. 2. he was one of the Embassadors sent into Flanders to treat of a Marriage for King Richard with Anne sister to the Emperor of Almaine And in 9 R. 2. upon the death of Ioane Princess of Wales his Mother which hapned on Monday next after the Feast of St. Laurence viz. 7 Aug. the same year doing his Homage he obtain'd a special Livery of the Lands of her Inheritance though all the Inquisitions taken after her death were not then return'd into the Chancery the Lands and Lordships whereof ãâã died seised being these viz. the Mannors of Ware and Bushey in Com. Hertf. the Mannor of Cotingham
Iohn in 32 E. 1. upon the death of Ioane the Widdow of Richard de Davor had Livery of the Mannor of Lesnes in Kent which descended to him from Isabell his Mother Sister and Heir to him the said Richard It is reported by an Author of that time that in An. 1306. 34 E. 1. King Edward being Victorious in Scotland taking much to heart the slaughter of Iohn Comin and Crowning Robert de Brus King of that Realm exercised a sharp revenge upon all whom he could discover to have had an hand therein and that thereupon this Iohn de Asceles for so he is called fled the Countrey but being driven back from Sea by contrary winds was taken and carried to London Also that for his Treacheries in England Scotland and Flanders he was sentenced to death upon the seventh of November in UUestminster Hall Likewise that in respect of his descent from Royal Blood he was not drawn as Traytors usually are but set on Horseback and hanged on a Gibbet fifty foot high his Head fixt on London Bridge and his Body burnt to Ashes Being thus put to death the Earldome of Athol with the Lands of Straboigy and Strathern and all the possessions of those Rebles in Scotland who held of him were given by King Edward unto Raphe de Monthermer Earl of Gloucester But soon after upon a composition made with Monthermer by David de Strabolgi Son to the same Iohn of five thousand Marks for the payment whereof he entred a Recognifance and with him Adomare de Valence Iohn de Moubray of Scotland and Alexander de Abernethey Mouthermer quitted his Title to them Whereupon David obtained the Kings confirmation of them unto himself and his Heirs Moreover in 7 E. 2. he procured Licence that Alexander de Moubray Son to Roger de Moubray a great Baron in the North of England might march into Scotland to his ayd against Edward de Brus there being at that time no small feud betwixt them Furthermore in 10 E. 2. he obtained leave to take into his protection upon submission all those his Tenants in that Realm who had been partakers with the Kings Enemies And in 15 E. 2. in regard of his eminent Services had a Grant from the King of the Mannor and Honor of Chiâham before-specified part of the possessions of Isabel de Dovor his Grandmother which came to the Crown in the time of King Edward the First as an Eschaât as also a special discharge of all such Debts as were due unto the Exchequer by Roese de Dovor Alexander de Baillol Isabel his wife and Bartholemew de Bedlesmere who had held the same Castle and Mannor until that time In 18 E. 2. this David was in that Expedition then made into Gascoâgne for which he had afterwards one hundred Marks allowance in recompence of his charges there And having Married Ioane the eldest Sister and Coheir to Iohn Comyn of Badenagâ in Tindaââ Cousin and one of the Heirs to Adomare Earl of âembroke upon partition of the Lands of the said Audomare had for her purpartie an assignation of the Castle at CastleâAcre with the Mannors of Styvekeye Possewike West-Lexham and Holkham in Com. Norff. Kenâwell West-Lee and certain Houses in St. Edmundsbury in Com. Suff. the Mannor of Bishops Hatfeild with certain Lands in Hokewell in Com. Hertf. the Mannor of Gaynesbrough in Com. Linc. divers Lands in Dakenham in Com. Essex also the Castel of Mitford and Mannor of Pont Eland with other Lands in Little Elaâd in Com. Northumb. This David had Summons to Parliament amongst the Barons of England from 15 E. 2. till 20 E. 2. and departed this life the same year being then seised in right of his Wife of the before-specified Mannor of Gaynelbrough in Com. Linc. as also of the Mannor of Hethyngsaâgh with the Forest of Roddeston in South-Tindale and divers Scalings in Huntland in North Tindale in Com. Northumb. Likewise of many Lordships in other Counties leaving David his Son and Heir nineteen years of age the benefit of whose Wardship and Marriage was granted to Henry de Beaumont for a thousand Marks But notwithstanding this Grant unto Beaumont of his Wardship he stood in such fair esteem with the King as that in 1 E. 3. in consideration of the many and great Services done by his Ancestors to the Kings Progenitors and in contemplation of the Services which he himself might afterwards perform though he had not then accomplished his full age he obtained Livery of his Lands doing his Homage And in 4 E. 3. upon the death of Iohn Comyn of Badenâgh in Tindale whose elder Sister Ioane was his Mother upon proof of his age had Livery of the Site of the Mannor of Cirsete with divers parcels of Land there and in those parts for his purparty of the Lands of that Inheritance Also the same year to the intent he might the better support himself in the Kings Service he had Livery of all the Lands which descended to him as one of the Co-heiâs to Adomare de Valence Earl of Pembroke And in An. 1331. 5 E 3. upon the coming of Edward ãâã into England to challenge his right to the Crown of Scotland he armed himself as did also many other of the English Nobility by reason of the Title they had to certain Lands in Scotland in right of their Wives and accompanied him thither where encountring a great Army of the Scots near Gledesmore they obtained a signal Victory Howbeit shortly after this fleeing to those Scots then called Rebels command was given to the Sheriff of Kent to seise all his Lands But the next ensuing year King Edward entring Scotland with a Royal Army this David with divers of those who had taken part with him came in and submitted himself and being thereupon received to favor had restitution of his Lands alleadging that what he had done was not out of any evil intentions towards the King but for his Honor and to save his own life And farther to manifest his Reality to the English marcht out with a Party of Horse against the Scots but in that adventure he had the ill fortune to be slain with thirteen of his Men having been summoned to Parliament from 20 E. 2. till 9 E. 3. inclusive which was the year of his death being then seised of the Mannor of Gaynesbrough in com Linc. Bulindon in com Buck. Posewyke West-Lexham Stybeley and Holkeham in com Norff. as also of the Castle of Mitford with two parts of the Mannors of Pont-Eland and Calverdon and certain Lands in Mollesdown in com Northumb. leaving David his Son and Heir three years of age and Catherine Beaumont his Wife surviving who by reason of the many Services performed by the said Earl her
ten Constable and Marshal that his Quarrel was just repaired to the Lists and having so done sheathed his Sword which before he had held naked and putting down his vizor made a Cross on his Horse and with his Sphear in his hand entred Moreover that descending from his Horse he sate down in a chair of green Velvet at the end of the Lists there reposing himself in expectance of his Adversary Furthermore that after Proclamation made by a King at Arms that no Man should approach any part of the Lists upon pain of death except such as were appointed to order or marshal the Field a Herauld cryed Behold here is Henry of Lancaster Duke of Hereford Appellant who is entred into the Lists-Royal to do his devoir against Thomas Moubrary Duke of Norfolk upon pain to be found false and recreant Likewise that the Duke of Norfolk hovered on Horseback at the entry of the Lists his Horse being barded with crimson Velvet richly embroidered with Lyons and Mulberry-Trees and having made his Oath before the Constable and Marshal that his Qurrrel was just and true entred the Lists also and said God ayd him that hath the right and then alighting from his Horse sate down in a Chair of Crimson-velvet curtained about with white and red Damaske Also that after the Earl Marshal had viewed their Sphears to see that they were of equal length and delivered the one to this Duke and sent the other to the Duke of Norfolk by a Knight an Herald proclaimed that the Traverses and Chairs of the Champions should be removed and commanded them both in the Kings Name to mount their Horses and address themselves to the Combat Moreover that hereupon this Duke having got up and closed his Bavier and placed his Sphear in the Rest he set couragiously forward six or seven paces at the found of the Trumpet But that the Duke of Norfolk was not fully set forward when the King cast down his Warder and the Heraulds cryed Ho Ho. And that all this being done the King caused their Sphears to be taken from them commanding them again to their Chairs until he and his Council had deliberated what was best to be concluded in this case Which being done and the Heraulds crying silence the Kings Secretary Sir Iohn Bushie read the Sentence which was That this Duke should within fifteen days depart the Realm not to return for the space of ten years except the King should otherwise think fit And in regard that the Duke of Norfolk had sowed Sedition in the Kingdome he should also be gone and never return nor approach the Confines of England on pain of death Likevvise that the Revenues of his Lands should be stopped till such Moneys of the Kings Treasure as he had taken up for the Garrison of Calais vvere fully paid And that then the King calling them both before him caused them to Svvear that neither of them vvould come in place vvhere the other vvas nor keep company together in any Forreign Countrey Whereupon they departed the Duke of Norfolk going into Almaine and so to Uenice vvhere he died of grief as ' t vvas said And this Duke taking his leave of the King at Eâtham vvhere he had four years Release of his Banishment vvent first to ãâã and then farther into France where having an honorable reception by King Charles the Sixth he had obtain'd the only daughter to the Duke of Berry Uncle to the King in Marriage but that King Richard hindred it Being thus departed he received Letters from his Father advising him rather to go into Castâle than into Hungary But his Father growing sick here in England he removed not from Paris where within a short time he had advertisement of his death Soon after which it so hapned that King Richard being necessitated to go into Ireland for suppressing the Irish then in Armes this Realme grew into great distraction Whereupon the Londoners sent for this Duke promising him their assistance in case he would accept of the Government Having therefore such encourâgement as also considerable aide from the Duke of Britanny he took shipping at le port Blanc and landed at Ravenspur upon the mouth of Humber in Yorkshire Whereupon divers of the Northern Lords repaired k to him so that when he came to Doncaster he had a considerable Army the Commons in all places inclining to him Whence Marching to Evesham in Worcestershire and so to Berkeley in Com. Gloc. he came to Bristoll all the Castles in those parts yielding to him Of which King Richard having Advertisement he hasted back into England and landed in Wales Where finding that he was almost totally forsaken he went to Conway-Castle in Com. Caernarvon This Duke therefore understanding where he was bent his course to Chester and thence sent for a safe Conduct that he might speak with him Which being granted he imployed the Earl of Northumâerland upon that Affair Who proposed that a Parliament might be called wherein Justice might be had against those Enemies of the Common-wealth who had been procurers of the Duke of Glocester's death and the death of other Noble Men as also Pardon for this Duke for what he had done Soon after which he came himself thither And having mustred his Army in the sight of the Castle walkt in to the outer Ward where seeing the King come out he made a reverend obeysance towards him and going on did so a second and third time the King then taking him by the hand and bidding him welcome Whereupon humbly thanking him he said That the cause of his coming was to have restitution of his Inheritance Unto which the King readily assented and called for Wine After which mounting on Horsback they rode to Flynt and so to Chester Thence to Nantwich and so the common rode to London Where he was receiv'd with all expressions of joy But the King being sent to the Tower though a Parliament was called in his Name divers Articles were exhibited there against him whereby he was thought worthy to be Deposed with intimation how fit it might be for him to resign his Right in the Government to this Duke Seeing therefore no remedy but to assent an Instrument was drawn to that purpose as also an open Clayme to the Crown made by this Duke Whereupon he was solemnly placed on the Royal Throne But the particular Formalities at that time used in this business and what else is memorable of him after he became King by the Name of Henry thâ Fourth I leave to the Relation of our Historians Froisard saith o That King Richard fearing his own life sent for this Duke to the Tower and bewayling his condition offer'd a Resignation of the Crown to him And that this Duke
she held in dowrie from the said Duke her first Husband She likewise died seised of the Mannors of Whicheford in Com. War Codecumbe in Com. Somers and Bradeworth in Com. Devon and of her Dowrie by Sir Walter Fitz-Walter Knight her last Husband of the Mannors of Shympling in Com. Suff. Hemenhale and Disse with the Hundred of Disse in Com. Norff. and of the Mannors of Wymbishe and Sherynge in Com. Essex leaving Richard Lord le Straunge of Knokyn her Cosin and next Heir forty years of age ¶ I should now proceed with Richard Duke of Yorke so found to be Heir unto the last mentioned Edward as is before observed But first do think fit to take notice of his Father viz. Richard de Coningsburgh second Son to Edmund de Langley Duke of Yorke before mentioned This Richard had that appellation from Coningsburgh in Com. Ebor. the place of his Nativity and in 7 H. 4. was one of the Ambassadors together with the Bishop of Bathe and Wells and some others sent to Treat and conclude with Isabell Queen of Denmarke and King Eric her Son touching the Dowrie of Philippa Second Daughter to King Henry the Fourth then espoused to that King as also for a perpetual League betwixt them and their Successors and in 2 H. 5. was created Earl of Cambridge in the Parliament at that time held But the next ensuing year being at Southampton with the King then shipping his Army for France having been corrupted by the French he joyned with Henry Lord Scrope and some others in a Conspiracie to murther him there Which Treasonable design being timely discovered upon Tryal by their Peers Sentence of death was pronounced against him and his Confederates who thereupon lost their Heads without the North-Gate there Thus saith T. Walsingham but others do differ in their relation as to the true reason of his intention to Murther King Henry and affirm that his main design was to raise Edmund Mortimer Earl of March to the Royal Throne as Heir to Lionel Duke of Clarence not being ignorant of some impediments in that Earl for procreation of Children and that then in time the Right would come to his own Wife Sister to the same Edmund and to her Issue as afterwards it really did Which is most likely to be true whatever hath been otherwise reported of his acknowledging what he then did to be in favor of the French King and being corrupted by him For the charge layd against him at his Tryal by the Indictment was that he together with Sir Thomas Grey of Heton in Com. Northumb. Knight upon the twentieth day of Iuly in the third year of King Henry the Fifths Reign at Southampton and divers other places had conspired with a power of Men to have gone with Edmund Earl of March into Wales and there to have procured him to assume the Supreme sway of the Realm as also to have set forth a Proclamation in his name as right Heir to the Crown against King Henry by the name of Henry of Lancaster the Usurper Likewise that pretending King Richard to be alive they had sent into Scotland for a certain Man who in his shape of body and countenance did much resemble that King with purpose to raise the people on his behalf and to seize upon divers Castles in Wales intending to Man them against King Henry This Richard de Conningsburgh had two Wives viz. Anne Daughter to Roger de Mortimer Earl of March and Maud Daughter of Thomas Lord Clifford afterwards married to Iohn Nevil Lord Latimer By this Anne he had Issue Richard a Son and a Daughter called Isabell who became the Wife of Henry Bourchier Earl of Essex Which Richard in 3 H. 5. upon the death of Edmund Mortimer Earl of March was found to be his next Heir viz. Son of Anne Sister to the same Earl and at that time fourteen years of age In 4 H. 6. being then in ward to Ioane Countess of Westmorland by virtue of the last Will and Testament of Raphe Earl of Westmorland her late Husband he had a Grant of one hundred Marks per annum over and above two hundred Marks per annum formerly assigned for his Maintainance to be paid out of the Lands of Edmund late Earl of March unto whom he was so found to be next Heir And in 8 H. 6. was made Constable of England in the absence of Iohn Duke of Bedford In 10 H. 6. the French having recovered divers places in that Realm so that there being little hope of better it was resolved to defend Normandy for the more safeguard of that Province and thought fit that he should be sent to secure the Sea-coasts others being imployed to keep the Garrisons And in 11 H. 6. though the Inquisitions after the death of Anne Widdow of Edmund Earl of March were not then returned into the Chancery by the Kings special favor he obtained Livery of all the Lands which she held in Dower of his Inheritance doing his Homage notwithstanding he had not then made proof of his age In this year he had special Licence to be absent from Ireland And in 12 H. 6. upon a great Insurrection made by the Inhabitants of Normandy was sent with the Duke of Somerset for the repressing thereof In 13 H. 6. upon the death of Iohn Duke of Bedford then Regent of France he was joyned in Commission with the Duke of Somerset in the Government of that Realm And in 14 H. 6. was reteined by Indenture to serve the King in his Wars of France and Normandy for one whole year with one Baron one Banneret seven Knights four hundred and ninety Men at Arms and two thousand two hundred Archers In 18 H. 6. he was constituted Lieutenant and Captain-General for all France and Normandy Whereupon in 20 H. 6. having an assignation of twenty thousand pounds per annum for the defence of those parts he laid Siege to Diepe but without success And in 21 H. 6. doing his Homage as Son and Heir to Anne one of the Daughters and Heirs to Alianore eldest Sister and Co-heir to Edmund Brother and Heir to Thomas Earl of Kent had Livery of his purparty of the Lands of that Inheritance The same year also he was employed with Iohn Earl of Shrewsbury and others as Embassador to Treat of Peace with the French And in 23 H. 6. being again in those parts as Regent of France and Normandy had a special dispensation to be absent from Ireland In 25 H. 6. he obtained Licence for a Market every week upon the Wednesday at his Mannor of Beaudley in Com. Wigorn. and for a Fair there yearly upon the Festival of St. Agatha the Vigin In 26 H. 6. he was constituted Lord Lieutenant of Ireland for ten years and in 28 H. 6. by
Indenture of Covenants reteyned Iames Earl of Ormund to be his Deputy there But in 29 H. 6. so great were the losses in France Burdeaux and Baâon the last Cities of Gascoine rendring to the French that with the Duke of Somerset he became necessitated to quit the Countrey and went into Ireland Whence shortly after taking advantage of those losses and the great disturbances at home by domestique Insurrections whereof that of the Kentishmen headed by Iack Cade was not the least he returned and bethinking with himself how to set the Crown upon his own Head being the lineal Heir made to Edmund of Langley fifth Son to King Edward the Third and right Heir to Leonel Duke of Clarence third Son to the same King by Anne his Mother Daughter to Roger and Sister and Heir to Edmund Mortimer Earl of March he entred into consulation with Thomas Courtney Earl of Devon Edward Broke Lord Cobham and some others how he might effect it without any blemish of disloyalty In regard therefore that Edmund Duke of Somerset was the chief prop to King Henry both in Council and Action it was resolved in the first place to take him off But keeping his main purpose secret it was concluded that he should raise what power he could under pretence of removing certain evil Councellors and to vindicate the peoples Injuries thereby occasioned Of which Evil Councellors the Duke of Somerset was the person only pointed at in regard the vulgar âort had a bad opinion of him for the loss of Normandy To which end he levyed an Army of about ten thousand Men in the Marches of Wales openly declaring that what he did therein was for the general good of the Realm The King therefore being aware of the danger got together what Forces he could and marcht towards him but he through notice thereof diverting his intended course another way came up into Kent and about a mile from Dertford encamped Of which the King being advertised he marcht to Black Health And whilst he lay there sent the Bishop of Winchester and others to him to know the true cause of his appearance in such a Warlike posture Whereunto he answered that it was neither to injure him nor any good Man but to remove some evil disposed persons of his Council who were oppressors of the Nobility Clergy and Commons instancing the Duke of Somerset whom if the King would commit to ward to answer the charge that should be laid against him he would disband his Army and submit himself as an obedient Subject Whereupon for prevention of more mischief it was condescended to that the said Duke should be secured or confined to his own House But so it hapned that the Kentish-men falling off and the Kings Forces increasing he discerned his danger and came to the King submissively by mediation of some of the Nobles whereupon he obtained pardon for what had passed and attending him to London there publickly made Oath in the Cathedral of St. Paul that thenceforth he would never attempt any thing against him or any of his Liege-people but remain a True Loyal and Obedient Subject and for farther confirmation thereof solemnly took the Sacrament Howbeit after this coming again to the King and finding the Duke of Somerset at liberty he boldly accused him of Treason but had the like charge by that Duke retorted on himself Which caused the King to take him to Westminster where having called a great Council of his Nobles the Duke of Somerset moved that he might acknowledge his offence and suffer death being well assured that his design was to set up himself in the Royal Throne Nevertheless his submission and solemn Oath again made salved all for the present so that till he found a fit opportunity he continued quiet But then viz. in 32 H. 6. he began to stir again using all his endeavor for the destruction of the Duke of Somerset concluding that if he were taken away his own design would thrive the better He likewise then practised to beget a dislike of the King in the hearts of the people as a person wanting discretion not fit to govern And the better to accomplish his ends took the Nevills into his Party viz. Richard Earl of Salisbury the Father and Richard the Son Earl of Warwick persons of no small power and interest at that time his Wife being Sister to the Earl of Salisbury And having thus linked himself with these great Men so ordered the matter that the Duke of Somerset was arrested in the Queens great Chamber and sent to the Tower Articles of High Treason being also exhibited against him in the Parliament then assembled whereby the loss of Normandy and other places were laid to his charge At that time likewise the King being desperately sick his strength and power did not a little increase Which when he saw he made his address to the Pope for Absolution from those Solemn Oaths which he formerly made But the Kings recovery altered the Scene puting such courage into the Lancastrians that the Duke of Somerset was set at liberty and made Captain of Calais which gave much discontent to the people and many of the Nobles whereof this Duke made such advantage as that through the help of Salisbâry and Warwick with other of his party he raised another Army in the Marches of Wales The King therefore hearing thereof did the like about London Whereupon after some Messages and Answers meeting at St. Albans they had a sharpe Battle in which this Duke having the day many brave Men lost their lives amongst whom his greatest Antagonist the Duke of Somerset was one Upon which notable Success coming to the King he told him that he had much cause to rejoyce for that the common Enemy of the Realm was dispatched meaning the Duke of Somerset and that now both himself and his Adherents would during life remain his faithful and liege people After which a Parliament being called he was made Protector of the Realm until Prince Edward should arrive to years of discretion the Earl of Salisbury Lord Chancellor and the Earl of Warwick Captain of Calais so that the Kings name should be only made use of and the power of Rule wholly in him But thereat some of the most potent of the Nobles started not a little of which number Henry Beaufort Duke of Somerset whose Father had been so slain at St. Albans and Humphrey Stafford Duke of Buckingham whose eldest Son also lost his life there in that quarrel were the chief who consulting with the Queen caused him to be discharged of his Protectorship and Salisbury from his Office of Chancellor Whereupon 4 Martii 33 H. 6. he resigned his
Moneth after set at liberty and restored to the King's Favor Which so incensed the vulgar sort of people in sundry parts of the Realm as that there was no small danger of a General Insurrection And though that heat did somewhat abate so that the Parliament was again Adjourn'd to Leicester the Commons there fell upon him fiercely for the giving up of Anjon and Maine The King therefore seeing him so generally hated to appease their wrath Banished him the Realm but with design âââcall him when their fury should be allay'd he being a person so highly beloved of the Queen Whereupon putting to Sea at Ipswich in Com. Suff. upon the third of May with purpose to sayl into France he was boarded by the Captain of a Ship of War belonging to the Duke of Exeter then Constable of the Tower of London called the Nicholas of the Tower and being brought into Dovor-Road had his Head cut off on the side of the Cock-Boat After which his Body and Head being found by one of his own Captains was conveyed to the Collegiate Church of Wingfeld in Com. Suff. and there buried It is recorded b of this William that he served in the Wars of France full Twenty four years and for Seventeen years together never returned thence Likewise that being once taken Prisoner when he was but a Knight he paid for his Ransome twenty thousand pounds of English money Also that he was of the Kings Privy-Councel fifteen years and a Knight of the Garter thirty years Having taken to Wife Alice the Daughter and sole Heir of Thomas Chaucer of Eweâme in Com. Oxon. for the love of her and benefit of her Lands residing much there he augmented the Mannor House with Building as also his Seat at Dunnington-Castle in Com. Berks. which was of her Inheritance And founded an Hospital at Dunnington as he had done at Ewelme every poor Man in each of them having forteen pence a week Likewise that he built the new Fabrick of the Parish Church of Ewelme By his Testament bearing date 17 Ian. An. 1448. 27 H. 6. he bequeathed his body to be buried in the Charter-House at Hull appointing an Image for himself and another for his Wife to be made in Stone and desiring that the Masses which he had founded there for himself and her might be daily sung over his Grave The time of his death viz. his Murther in the Cock-boat was 2 Maii 28 H. 6. he being then seised of the Castle and Mannor of Donâington and of the Mannors of Pessemere Stretteleye Phelberdes and Hanteford in Com. Berks. of the Mannors of Thorpe and Carsyngton in Com. Oxon. Greââhorpe and Normanton in Com. Nott. of the Castle Town and Mannor of Eye with the Mannors of Haughle and Thorndone the Hundreds of Hertesmere and Stow the Mannors of Sylhom Fresyngfelde Stratbrooke Swannes Hurtes Maundeviles Huntingfeld Beuhale Bokling Cantelee juxta Suape Ueyses Mannor in Stratford Walsham Westhorpe Hall Menshall Wyverston Watlesfeld Cotton Frestenden Dagworth Cretyng St. Olave the Mannor and Hundred of Mutford the Mannors of Honell Neddyng Kettelberston Bulcam pe Henham Stratford juxta Benghale Lovistok and the Hundred of Lodynglond with the Castle and Mannor of Wyngefelo in Com. Suff. of the Mannors of Causton Burgh Costesey Saâlyngham called Nether-Hall and Stocton with the Soke in Com. Norff. of the Mannors of Gestyngthorp Langham Hatfeld Peverell and Hatfeid Iermynes in Com. Essex of the Mannor of Wââ Grenewiche in Com. Cantii Norton subtus Hamedou in Com. Somers and of the Mannors of Myton and Faxflete in Com. Eber. as also of the Mannors of Blyburgh Appulby Weââwode and Frisby called Potesse in Spridlington in Com. Line Iohn his Son and Heir being at that time seven years of age It is said that this William first Married the Countess of Henault privately and begot on her a Daughter who became the Wite of ... Barentine But that afterwards solemnly taking to Wise the before-specified Alice the Daughter and Heir of Chaucer by whom he had vast possessions she proved that Daughter Married to Barentine to be a Bastard This last mentioned William Duke of Suffolk had a younger Brother called Iohn who being Captain of Aurunches in Normandy got together the strength of the Garisons in the base Marches of Anjou and wasted the Suburbs of Angiers with the Country adjacent but being overladen with plunder was set upon by the French and taken Prisoner After which being enlarged he assisted this his Brother in the affault of Montargis and in 7 H. 6. was again taken Prisoner by the French upon their storming of Ieargeur I now come to Iohn Son and Heir to this William by her the said Alice In 3 E. 4. the King taking into consideration that the before-specified William Earl of Suffolk Father of this Iohn was advanced to the Title of Duke of Suffolk and to the Heirs Male of his Body as also that his Creation to that Dignity was by reason of his Attaynder afterwards utterly void being desirous to do this Iohn all honor befitting his condition in regard he had Married Elizabeth his Sister did then renew the same title unto him and the Heirs Male of his Body by Letters Patents bearing date 23 Martii the same year giving him forty pounds yearly payable out of the Issues of the Counties of Norff. and Suff. and to the Heirs Male of his Body for his better support After which in 11 E. 4. amongst other the Lords then assembled in Parliament he did recognise u the title of Prince Edward eldest Son to that King and made Oath of Fidelity to him In 15 E. 4. the old Dutchess Alice Widdow of Duke William departed this life upon the ninth of Iune and was buried in the Parish Church of Ewelme on the South side of the high Altar under a rich Tombe of Alablaster with her Image thereon in the Habit of a Vowess crowned and this Epitaph Orate pro anima serenissimae Principissae Aliciae Ducissae Suffolciae bujus Ecclesiae fundatoris primae fundatricis hujus Elemosynariae quae obiit xx die mensis Maii An. MCCCCLXXV But I return to Iohn In 1 H. 7. he was made Constable of the Castle of Walingford and by the before-specified Elizabeth his Wife Sister to King Edward the Fourth had Issue five Sons viz. Iohn Earl of Lincolne Edmund who had the Title of Earl of Suffolk after the death of Iohn his Brother as a Dukes Son and Heir Humphrey a Clerk Edward Arch-Deacon of Richmund and Richard slain in Battle at Pavia in Italy An. 1525. As also four Daughters viz. Catherine the Wife of William Lord Sturton Anne a Nun at Sion and Dorothy and Elizabeth who Married Henry Lovel Lord Morley And departing this life in An. 1491. 7 H. 7. was buried in the Collegiate Church
made into Aquitane under the Conduct of Iohn Talbat Earl of Shrewsbury with a certain number of men at Arms and Archers viz. himself and one Banneret two Knights fifty six men at Arms and six hundred Archers on Foot Where endeavouring the relief of Chastillon then besieg'd by the French that renowned Earl had the hard fate to be slain and he taken Prisoner Whereupon Alianore Countess of Arundel Lady Matravers and Hungerford sometime Wife of Sir Walter Hungerford Knight his Grandfather by her Testament bearing date 20 Julii on 1455. 33 H. 6. gave unto him all her Wooll then being in her Mannor of Haytesbury valued at C marks towards the payment of his ransome upon condition that he came alive out of Prison By which help and other supplies from Margaret Lady Hungerford and Botreaux his Mother as hath been already obâââved after seven years and four months durance he was enlarged Whereupon in 38 H. 6. in consideration of his manifold services and adventures in the Civil Wars of that time against the King's Enemies as also his Services in France with five hundred men at Arms at his own expences for the space of one whole month over and above the time he had been retained where he reduced divers places and Castles to the Kings obedience And likewife considering his misfortune in being there wounded taken Prisoner and detained for a long time and lastly put to ransome himself for twelve thousand marks and upwards for these are the words of the Grant he obtain'd Licence to transport fifteen hundred Sacks of Wooll into any Foreign parts without payment of Custom for the same As also to travel beyond Sea and to take as many with him in his Company with gold silver and other necessaries as should be sutable to his degree Whereupon he went to Florence Whence ere long returning and siding with the Lancastrians at Towton-field upon the loss of that day he fled to York where King Henry then was and thence with him into Scotland by reason whereof he was attainted in the Parliament begun 4 o Nov. 1 E. 4. Notwithstanding which King Edward took such compassion on Alianore his Wife as also on his two younger Sons and one Daughter that having granted all his Lordships Mannors and Lands to Iohn Lord Wenlok he committed her and them to the Custody of that noble Lord for a fitting support so long as he the said Robert should live the Lands whereof he was then seised and at that time in the Crown by reason of his attainder being the moity of the Mannor of Stoke Moyles in Com. Oxon. ... the Mannors of South Cadbury Helbroke Mapurton Clopton Halton and Hatherley in Com. Somers the Mannors of South Pole Harliston Plimtre Sutton Lucie Colewyke Wolmyston and the third part of the Mannor of Weke Cobeham in Com. Devon the Mannors of Somerford Manduit and Funtell Giffard Heightesbury ... in Hornyngesham Fenny-Sulton and Codford with the Hundred of Heightesbury in Com. Wilts And in right of Alianore his Wife Daughter and Heir to William Lord Molyns of the Mannors of Ludgarsale Adyngton Weston Turvile Ilmere Aston Molyns Chadisley Molyns Stoke Pogeys and Dytton in Com. Buck-Henley upon Thames Broughton Bampton Aston Bampton Stanlake and Swereford in Com. Oxon. Pengelly Polruen Molyns and Trengef in Com. Cornub But in 3 E. 4. the Lancastrians making head in the North and possessing themselves of divers Castles he flew out again being the chief of those who were in the Castle of Alnwike with five or six hundred Frânch-men and soon after that at Hexham where being taken Prisoner in Battel he was convey'd to New-Castle and there beheaded but was buried in the North Isle of the Cathedral Church of Salisbury By the before-specified Lady Alianore his Wife he had issue three Sons Sir Thomas Hungerford Knight Walter and Leonard Which Alianore surviving him afterwards married to Sir Oliver Manningham Knight and lieth buried at Stoke Pogeys with this Epitaph Hîc hoc sub lapide sepelitur corpus venerabilis Dominae Alianorae Molins Baronissae Quam priùs desponsavit dominus Robertus Hungerford miles Baro. Et hanc postea nupsit honorabilis Deminus Oliverus Maningham miles quorum animabus c. To this last mention'd Robert succeeded Thomas his Son and Heir Which Thomas sided with Richard Nevil Earl of Warwick for a while who then took part with King Edward the Fourth But afterwards falling off and endeavouring the restauration of King Henry the Sixth was seized on and tried for his life at Salisburg on Munday preceeding the Feast of St. Hilary 8 E. 4. before Richard Duke of Glouc. William Earl of Arundell Anthony Lord Scales Iohn Lord Audley Humphrey Lord Stafford of Suthwite William Lord Sturton and others Where he had judgment of Death as a Traytor and suffered accordingly the next day But in 1 H. 7. his Attainder as also that of Robert his Father being reversed in Parliament his Heir had restitution of his Lands and Honours This Thomas had to Wife Anne Daughter to Henry Earl of Northumb. who surviving him married to Sir Laurence Raynesford Knight and afterwards to Sir Hugh Vaughan Knight and departing this life 5 Iulii an 1522. 14 H. 8. was buried in the midst of St. Michaels Chappel in St. Margarets Church at Westm. By which Anne he had Issue one Sole Daughter his Heir called Mary whose Wardship upon the death of Margaret her great Grandmother which hapned 7 Febr. 7 E. 4. she being at that time eleven years of age was granted to William Lord Hastings Lord Chamberlain to King Edward the Fourth who thereupon gave her in marriage to Edward his Son and Heir Which Mary from whom the present Earl of Huntington is descended used the title of Lady Hungerford Homet Botreaux Moules Molins and Peverell as by the circumference of her Seal appearth and brought a large Estate to her Husband as by this following Schedule will appear   l. s. d. In Com. Buck Brechill cum pertin 25 01 11. Addington 12 00 00. Aston-Molins 11 17 00. In Com. Oxon. Aston-Bampton 27 06 00. Gollyfers in Bampton 08 16 06. Stanlacke 13 10 03. Broughton and Nether Silkin 12 16 11. Stoke-Mules 13 13 06. In Com. Wiltes Lea Brinckworth and Claverton 28 00 01 ob Whitleigh 13 06 08. Rowdon and Chippenham 19 15 10. Orston George 05 00 00. Russhall 47 05 09. Orwell in Trowe 04 00 00. Bampton Fisherton and Winterbornstocke 05 02 08. Box 12 00 00. Warmyster 10 13 06. Honybrudge Bradford and Tirling 22 03 04. Hempford Milln Wroxall and Tesfont-Ewyas 00 05 00. quia in lite inter D. Hunt haeredes Walt. Hungerford    In Com. Somers Newton St. Loe 29 13 04. Publow and Pensford 43 02 06. In Com.
of Norfolk In an 1576. 19 Eliz. Walter Earl of Essex dying in Ireland not any ordinary death it was much suspected that this Earl had a hand in the contrivance and the rather for that he forâook the Lady Douglas Sheffeld by whom he then had a Son promising her much money and other advantages in case she would be content therewith and married Lettice the Daughter of Sir Francis Knolles Knight of the Garter Widdow of that Earl to whom he had privately born much affection before In 22 Eliz. he did all he could in opposition to the match then in agitation betwixt Queen Elizabeth and the Duke of Anjou Which so irritated Monsiâur Simiers the principal Instrument for carrying it on that he discovered to the Queen that marriage then newly made by him with the Lady Lettice whereat being not a little enraged she confined him to the Castle of Greenwich with purpose to have sent him to the Tower of London Whereupon thirsting a revenge he designed the murther of Simiers Nevertheless after this scil in An. 1581. 24 Eliz. he was constituted one of the Commissioners to treat farther with the Duke of Anjou touching that match and the next year following upon the departure of that Duke after three months stay here was one of the Nobles sent by the Queen to attend him to Antwerp After this in An. 1585. 28 Eliz. he was made Justice in Eyre of all the Forests South of Trent And having received Commission the preceeding year bearing date 2 Oct. 27 Eliz. for levying five hundred men to be sent into Holland and Zeland as also within three weeks after been constituted Lieutenant and Captain General of the whole Army designed for the service of the United Provinces against the Spaniard he was in the same 28. year sent thither accordingly but within little more than one year after scil An. 1586. the States of those Provinces took exceptions against him for ill performing his trust Whereupon he grew discontented And having made his last Will and Testament at Midlebourgh in Zeland bearing date 1 Aug. An. 1587. whereby he bequeathed his Body to be buried at Warwick where sundry of his Ancestours do lie he gave power to his Executor to sell all his Lands and Leases c. in Lancashire which were the Lands of Sir Thomas Butler Knight and of Edward his Son which he intended for his base Son so he calls him Robert Dudley for the redemption of the Lordships of Denbigh and Chirke which Lordâhips of Denbigh and Chirke he gave unto his said base Son after the death of Ambrose Earl of Warwick his Brother To which Brother he also gave the Castle of Kenilworth with all the Parks Chases and Lands thereunto belonging and after his decease to his said base Son So likewise the Mannours of Balsall and Long Iâchington in Com. War Cleobury c. with his House in London called Leicester-house Moreover whereas he had erected an Hospital in the Town of Warwick and did think that he had fully accomplished the sum of CC l. per annum of sufficient land and rent for the maintenance of the Master and poor men there according to a rate set down He willed that in case any defect should be either of Rent or other assurance that his Brother the Earl of Warwick should make it up out of the Mânnour of Hampton magna in Com. Wigorn. and bequeathed to his Sister the Countess of Huntington one ring with a Diamond Shortly after which he returned Whereupon the Dutch pursued him with great complaints both for mispending their money and ill managing their Military Affairs as also their Merchandize So that he was constrain'd to humble himself to the Queen and with Tears to beg of her that having sent him thither with Honour she would not receive him back with disgrace and that whom she had raised from the dust she would not bury alive And having so done design'd to retire unto his Castle at Kenilworth which he had enlarged and beautified in an extraordinary measure But being on his journey thitherwards at Cornbury Park in Com. Oxon. he died upon the fourth of September an 1588. 30 Eliz. of a Feaver as 't was said and was buried at Warwick where he hath a noble Monument Other great Offices he also had viz. Steward of the Queens Houshold and Chancellour of the University of Oxford and had at last got a Patent for the whole power of governing both in England and Ireland under her Majesty but that Hatton Lord Chancellour and Burleigh Lord Treasurer put a stop to it To take him in the observation of his Letters and Writings saith Sir Robert Naunton which should best set him off I never saw a stile or phrase more seeming Religious and fuller of the streams of devotion were they sincere As to his Wives Certain it is that he first Married Anne the Daughter and Heir to Sir Iohn Robsart Knight which Lady came to an unhappy Death at one M r Forster's House in Cumnore near Oxford then his Tenant by a fall from the Stairs as 't was said and lyeth buried in St. Maries Church in that University Touching his next Marriage with the Lady Douglas Howard Daughter to William Lord Howard of Effingham and Widdow of Iohn Lord Sheffeild I shall leave it dubious in regard it came in dispute after his Death and at length was not adjudg'd to be lawful yet am not willing to conceal what was alledg'd and sworn upon Oath and upon what occasion in reference to the same That he had a Son by this Lady called Sir Robert Dudley whom he mentions in his last Will and Testament by the Title of his base Son is sure enough Nor could he safely call him otherwise having openly Married Lettice Daughter to Sir Francis Knolles Knight of the Garter and Widdow of Walter Earl of Essex in the life time of that Lady by whom he had Issue one Son called Robert who died in his Childhood As to the Birth of this Sir Robert so ââlled his Base Son it was in an 1574. 16 Eliz. and the chief of his Education for Academical-Learning in Christ-Church Colledge Oxon. Where being matriculated at fourteen years of Age he vers'd himself much in Mathematick Studies And afterwards affâcting Navigation had the Command of three small Ships in an 1595. 37 Eliz. Wherewith at the Trinity I le he took and destroy'd nine Spanish-Ships laden with Wines And shortly after touching upon the River Oxinâque in the West-Isdies named that Island situate in the Mouth thereof Dudteyana Moreover in an 1596. 38 Eliz. he accompanied the Earl of Essex in that Expedition made to Cadez against the Spaniard Wherein he so nobly behav'd himself that he thereupon had the honour of Knighthood conferr'd upon him But notwithstanding his Father's Character
in their Offices accordingly In Witness whereof we have caused these our Letters to be made Patent Witness our self at Oxford the three and twentieth day of May in the twentienth year of our Reign And in regard this Lady Alice to whom the Title of Dutchess was thus granted hath been a person of exemplary piety to the intent that her great and good works may be the better manifested to posterity I shall here briefly point at the particulars of what are most known Upon the rebuilding of the Church called Sâ Giles in the Fields in the Suburbs of London within which Parish she had her residence for many years till her Death she gave C l. thereto And when it was finished bestow'd fair Hangings of Watchet Taffata edg'd with Silk and Silver Fringe for the East-end of the Chancel Item For the back of the Altar a Hanging of green Velvet with I. H. S. embroydered thereon Likewise a Carpet of green Velvet with a deep gold Fring and a Cover of Cambrick thereto edg'd with rich Bone-Lace Item One other Altar-Cloth of Damask and two Cusheons richly embroydered with gold Item Two Service Books with Bosses of Silver gilt Item A large Turkey-Carpet for the Altar to cover it upon ordinary days Item A rich and beautiful Skreen of Carved Work to sever the Church from the Chancel Item A fair Organ with a beautiful Case richly gilt Item A costly Rail environing the Altar Item Large and beautiful Plate for the Altar silver and gilt Hereunto she added a fair Pavement for the Chancel of black and white Marble As also the greatest Bell in the Steeple with Frames for all the other five which she caused to be new cast at her own charge To the Churches of Stoneley Manceter Leke-Wotton Ashow Kenelworth and Monks-Kirby all in Com. Warr. twenty pounds per annum to each of them in augmentation of their respective poor Vicaridges To every of those Churches as also to the Churches of Biâford in Com. Warr. Acton in Com. Midd. St. Albans in Com. Hertf. and Paâshull in Com. Northt certain pieces of massy plate to be made use of at the Communion in every of them She likewise purchased a fair House and Garden near the Church of St. Giles before-specified to be a Mansion for the perpetual Incumbent there after three lives whereof two are expired And gave an yearly Stipend to the Sexton of that Church to Toll the great Bell when the Prisoners of Newgate should pass by to their Execution at Tiburne and to Ring it out after the Execution She also gave large sums of money towards the repair of the ruinous Cathedral at Lichfeild and of St. Sepulchres Church in the Suburbs of London Moreover by her last Will and Testament she gave C l. per annum for ever towards the redemption of Christian-Captives out of the hands of the Turks And for the purchase of Lands of xx l. per annum value for the poor of that Hospital situate near to the said Church of St. Giles 400 l. Likewise for the purchase of Lands of ten pounds per annum value for the placing out of poor Children of the said Parish of St. Giles to be Apprentices whereof two to be put out every year 200 l. To the poor of the Parishes of Stoneley Kenilworth Leke-Wotton Ashow Biâford and Patshul as also to the Churches of Blakesâey and Lichborow in Com. Northt the sum of C l. to be distributed amongst them according to the direction of her Will And fifty pounds upon the day of her Funeral to be dealt amongst the poor of the same Parish of St. Giles and others adjacent To fourscore and ten poor Widdows according to the number of years she lived to each of them a Gown of black Cloth and a large Holland Kerchief to attend her Herse upon the day of her Funeral which was perform'd upon the sixteenth of March A. D. 1669. besides xiid. a piece to each of them for their Dinner that day To every Parish for the Poor where her Corps should happen to rest in its passage from London to Stoneley in Warwickshire where she was buryed under a noble Monument erected by her self in her life time 05 l. To every poor body upon the Road where her Corps should pass six pence To the respective Parishes of Blakesâey Lichborow and Paâshill before-mentioned ten pounds to be distributed amongst their poor upon her Funeral day To the poor of Stoneley-Parish to be distributed at her Funeral there fifty pounds And departed this life at her House near to the Church of St. Giles in the Fields before-mentioned 22 Ianuarii An. 1669. Towards these her great and charitable Donations I may not omit to take notice that the Lady Aliza her eldest Daughter who died before her divers years bequeath'd her own whole Portion which was 3. thousand pounds to be bestowed as this her pious Mother should think best Of the other Daughters none survived her but the Lady Katherine Leveson who imitating her in these blessed Works of Piety and Charity did in her life time rebuild that ruinous Fabrick of the Temple-Church at Balshall in Com. Warr. and beautified it very much for the use of the Inhabitants there and those neighbouring Hamlets which lie far distant from their Parish Church assigning fifty pounds per annum for the support of a perpetual Incumbent therein And in augmentation of the Vicaridge of Long-Itchington in the same County hath also given fifty pounds per annum out of the Revenues of her said Mannor of Balshall Moreover by her last Will and Testament she hath assigned xl l. per annum perpetually to be received out of the yearly Revenues of her Mannor of Foxley in Com. Northt for the sufficient support and repairing of that stately Chappel at Warwick long since founded by the Executors of the famous Richard de Beauchamp sometime Earl of Warwick her noble Ancestor whose Body lyeth gloriously Intombed in the midst thereof wherein also the Monuments of Robert Earl of Leicester her Grandfather and Ambrose Earl of Warwick her great Uncle are placed Appointing that the Surplusage thereof shall be disposed of for an augmentation to the maintenance of those poor men who now are or hereafter shall be in that Hospital at Warwick of her said Grandfather's foundation And by her said Will hath father appointed that out of the Revenues of her Lordship of Balshall an Hospital shall be founded for twenty poor Widdows and not Married to be chosen out of the poor Inhabitants of Balshall and if not to be found there to be supplied out of the Lordships of Long Itchington in Com. Warr. Trentham in Com. Staff and Lilshull in Com. Salop. each of them for their maintenance therein to have eight pounds per annum and a Gown of Gray-Cloth with these two Letters K and L in blew Cloth fixed thereon As also xx l. per annum to a Minister to read Prayers every day in that Hospital and to teach twenty
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 â 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 Knightsâees 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 ââurrek 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 Lâncastrian 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
intermixed with Teares affirming that she would depart from him as willinger to hear both of his disgraces and dangers than either to see the one or participate of the other The Duke therefore imbracing this womans cousel yeilded himself both to advise and devise for the destruction of his Brother The Earl of Warwick had his finger in the business and drew others also to give either furtherance or way to her violent desires being well content she should have her mind so as the Duke might thereby incur Infamy and Hate Hereupon the Lord Sudley was Arrested and sent to the Tower and in very short time after condemn'd by Act of Parliament and within few dayes after his condemnation a Warrant was sent under the hand of this his Brother the Duke whereby his Head was delivered to the Axe His own fierce courage hastning his death because equally balanced betwixtâââoubt and diâdain he was desirous rather to die at once then to linger long upon curtesie and in fear The Accusations against him contained much ârivolous matter The Act of Parliament expresseth the causes of his Attainder to be the attempting to get the person of the King into his custody and Governing the Realme Also making much provision of Money and Victuall and endeavouring to marry the Lady Elizabeth the King's Sister Likewise for perswading the King in his tender age to take upon him the rule and order of himself But he was never call'd to answer so that the Protestations which he made at the point of his death and the open carriage of his life did clear him in the opinion of many Hereupon a general hatred arose in the People towards the Protector for being thus instrumental in the death of his Brother whereby it was observed that with his left hand he had cut off his right many of the Nobility crying out upon him for a Blood-sucker and a Murtherer and that it was not fit the King should be under the Protection of such a ravenous Wolfe Besides all this many well disposed mindes conceived a very hard opinion of him for causing a Church near Strand-Bridge and two Bishops Houses to be pull'd down to make a âeat for his new Building called Somerset-house in digging the foundation whereof the Bones of many who had been there buried were cast up and carried into the Fields And because the stones of that Church and those Houses were not sufficient for that work the Steeple and most part of the Church of St. Iohn of Hierusalem near Smithfield were mined and overthrown with Powder and the stones carried thereto So likewise the Cloister on the North-side of St. Pauls Cathedral and the Charnel-house on the South-side thereof with the Chapel the Tombes and Monuments therein being all beaten-down the Bones of the dead carried into Finsbury-fields and the stones converted to this Building and it was confidently affirm'd that for the same purpose he intended to have pull'd down St. Margarets Church at Westminster but that the standing thereof was preserved by his fall The Earl of Warwick therefore spying this fit opportunity drew to him no less than Eighteen of the Privy-Councel to joyn with him against this Protector Whereupon they withdrew from the Court and fell to secret Consultations walking in the streets of the City with many servants in new Liveries Which so startled the Protector that he sent Secretary Petee to them in the King's name to understand the causes of such their assembling and to declare unto them that he would thank them for hating him in case they did it in love to the King intreating them for the King's sake if not for his safety that they would forbear open shew of Hostility and resort unto him peaceably that they might commune together as Friends But in the mean time he Armed Five-hundred men part the Kings and part his own rampier'd the Court-gates caused many men to be raised both by Letters and Proclamation to aid the King and the more to increase the present terror remov'd the King by night from Hampton-Court to Windâore with a Company more resembling an Army then a Train Hereupon the Lords at London took possession of the Tower sent for the Lord Mayor and Aldermen of the City to Ely House where the Earl of Warwick lodg'd and there presenting themselves secretly Armed caused the Lord Rich then Lord Chancellor to make a Speech to them Wherein first laying open to them the Imperfections of the Protector as want of Eloquence Personage Learning or good Wit and that nevertheless he was so peevishly opiniative and proud that he would neither ask nor hear the advice of any but was absolutely ruled by that obstinate and imperious woman his wife whose ambitious and mischievous will so guided him in the most weighty Affaires of the Realm that though he was Counselled by others what was best he would do quite contrary lest he should seem to need their advice In general he said he was guilty of Bribery and Extortion and that he had laid his hands upon the King's Jewells and Treasure left by his Father which were known to be of an inestimable value and had given forth that King Henry died so poor as that had he lived one quarter of a year longer he had been utterly shamed Moreover that he had upon pretence of necessity made Sales and Exchanges of the King's Lands as also of Offices and Preferments nothing regarding the worthiness of the person erected a Mint at Dureâme Place for his own private advantage made sale of Colledges and Chanteries Levied Subsidies under colour of War imbezelled the Kings Treasure extorted Money by Loanes yet left the King's Soldiers and Servants unpaid buried much Treasure in his sumptous Buildings Adding his unnatural endeavors for the death of his Brother and his practises to dispatch such of the Nobility as were like to oppose his mischievous drifts Also his endeavor to win the Common people by strained Curtesies and Looseness of life And to make the French King his Friend by betraying unto him the King's Forts beyond the Seas Likewise that he intended to procure a resignation of the King's Sisters Rights and others who were intitled to the Crown and entail the same upon his own issue Urging the Citizens upon all these confiderations to joyn with the Lords of the Council to take him away And the next day the Lords at London dispatch'd a Letter to the Lords at Windsore wherein they charged him with many disorders both in his private Actions and manner of Government requiring that he would disperse the Forces that he had raised withdraw himself from the King and be content to be ordered by Justice and Reason Hereupon the King fearing farther mischief dissolv'd all his Companies excepting his Guard And the Protector sent Secretary Petâe once more to the Lords at London to perswade them that for the Publick good all either private grudges or unkindnesses might be laid aside but neither did he return nor was
Sir Raphe Vane had two thousand Men in a readiness that Sir Thomas Arundel had assured the Tower that Seymour and Hamond would wait upon him and that all the Horse of the Gens d' armes should be slain Hereunto Mr. Secretary Cecill added that this Duke had sent for him and said That he suspected some ill meaning against him and that thereunto he replied If he were not in fault he might trust to his Innocency if he were he had nothing to say but to lament him Being advertised therefore of these Informations he forthwith defyed the Secretary by his Letter then sent to Sir Thomas Palmer to understand what he had reported of him who denied all that he had said Hereupon after few days coming to the Court somewhat later than usual which was enforced as a suspition against him he was after Dinner apprehended and Sir Raphe Vane being twice sent for fled The day following likewise his Dutchess was sent to the Tower no Man grieveing thereat by reason that her pride and baseness of life overballanced all pity Sir Thomas Palmer being again examined added to his former detection that Gens d'arms upon the Muster day should be assaulted by two thousand Foot under Sir Raphe Vane and by an hundred Horse of this Duke of Somersets besides his Friends which should stand by and besides the idle people which were thought inclinable to take his part that this done he would run through the City and proclaim Liberty and in case his attempt did not succeed he would go to the Isle of Wight or to Poole Crane confessed for the most part as Sir Tho. Palmer had done and farther added that the Lord Paget's House was the place where the Nobility being invited to a Banquet should have lost their Heads and that the Earl of Arundel was made acquainted with the practice by Sir Michael Stanhope also that it had been done but that the greatness of the Enterprise caused delays and sometimes diversity of advice And farther said that this Duke once fayning himself to be sick went to London to assay what friends he could procure But here my Author addeth that Crane who gave this testimony was a Man who having consumed his own estate had armed himself to any mischief Hamond also confessed that the Dukes Chamber at Grenewich had been strongly watched by night Hereupon after a short abode in the Tower he was brought to his Trial at Westminster the Marquiss of Winchester then Lord Treasurer of England sitting as high Steward under a cloth of State on a Bench mounted three degrees the Peers in number twenty seven siting on a bench one step lower which were these The Dukes of Suff. and Northumb. the Marquess of Northampt. the Earls of Derby Bedford Huntington Rutland Bathe Sussex Worcester Pembroke and Vicount Hereford the Barons Bergavenny Audley Wharton Evers Latimer Borough Zouch Stafford Wentworth Darcie Sturton Windsore Cromwell Cobham and Bray The charge against him consisting of five parts 1. Of raising Men in the North parts of the Realm 2. Of assembling Men to kill the Duke of Northumberland 3. Of resisting his Attachment 4. Of killing the Gens d'arms and raising London And fifthly of assaulting the Lords and devising their deaths To which he pleaded not guilty and put himself upon Tryal of his Peers denying that he had ever any intent to raise Men in the North but that upon some bruites apprehending a fear he sent to Sir William Herbert to remain his Friend Saying that he never determined to kill the Duke of Northumberland or any other Lord but spake of it only and determined the contrary And farther said that it had been a mad entreprise with his hundred Men to assail the Gens d'arms consisting of nine hundred when in case he had prevailed it would nothing have availed the pretended purpose and therefore that this being fenceless and absurd must needs discredit other matters which might otherwise have been believed Next that at London he never projected any stir but ever held it a good place for his security And that for having Men in his Chamber at Grenewich 't was manifest he meant no harm because when he might have done it he did it not Moreover against the persons of them whose Examinations were read against him he objected many things desiring they might be brought to his face which in regard he was a person of dignity and estate he deemed to be reasonable speaking much evil against Sir Thomas Palmer and yet in opinion of many far short of the Truth Much it was urged by the Kings learned Council that some of the Crimes charged against him were Treason and the other Felony Nevertheless after many varieties in opinion he was acquit of Treason but by most voices found guilty of Felony whereupon he had judgment to be hanged Which he might have avoided as most of our Historians do say had he required the benefit of his Clergy but upon better enquiry it will be found that he was thus condemned by vertue of a Statute then in force which made the conspiring the death of a Privy Councellor Felony without the benefit of Clergy Judgment therefore thus passing upon him he craved pardon of the Duke of Northumberland Marquess of Northampton and Earl of Pembroke for his ill meaning against them making sute for his Life in pity to his Wife Children and Servants and payment of his Debts Hereupon all means were made use of to divert the Kings thoughts from him as well by Masques Tiltings as other delights and sometimes calling him to serious affairs wherein he took special pleasure Sometimes also instancing to him how dangerous a person he was who having made away his only Brother contrived the death of the chief Nobility And where said they should this mischief have rested would it have raged against all and left the King only untouched verily having been alwayes both cruel and false there would have been no end of his mischief therefore all his submissions must now be taken for counterfeit and dissembled but his Avarice and Ambition once removed the way will be laid open to Vertue and Merit Thus far my Author Sir Iohn Hayward whereunto I shall add what Godwin farther saith That having since his Sentence of death continued two Months in Prison at length the violence of his Enemies notwithstanding the Kings desire to save him drew him to the Scaffold on Tower Hill 24 Ian. An. 1552. 6 E. 6. where having thus spoke to the Beholders he suffered death Being by the Law condemned I here willingly submit my self by exemplary punishment to satisfie its Rigour That God hath been pleased to grant me so long a preparative to my end I humbly thank his eternal goodness but in that he hath been farther pleased to inspire me with the knowledge of his Truth and to make me an instrument for the propagation of the same I can never sufficiently magnify his Mercies In this do I rejoyce in this only do
him with Letters of Thanks to the Palatine and some Jewels for a Present to sollicite the King of Pole that under his Seale they might enjoy what favours he had by his Letters so honourably offered Which being granted they set forth from Winheim in April An. 1557 3 4 Ph. M. towards Frankford but in their travel underwent divers great hardships with no little danger of their lives by the Lantgrave's Soldiers who by reason of a quarrel for a Spaniel which they had along with them thrust Boare-speares into the Waggon where the Dutchess with her Child and the other Women were and upon the pursuit of this Richard into a Village had murthered him but that he forsook his Horse and ran up a Ladder set to a Garret-window near the top of an house By which meanes escaping their sudden fury one of the Burgh masters came to him and brought another person who could speak Latine to whom submitting himself he presently dispatcht Letters to the Lantgrave and Earl of Erbagh dwelling within eight miles who thereupon repairing thither shew'd them such respect as properly belong'd to persons of their quality so that they passed on quietly towards Poland where they receiv'd curteous entertainment from the King and were honorably placed in the Earldome of Crozan in Sanogelia In which place having the absolute power of Governning they continued in great quietness and honor till the death of Queen Mary which shortly after hapned and then return'd into England In the time of those their Travels this most noble Lady brought him a Son whom by reason of his forrein birth he named Peregrinde His daughter whom he carried with him being called Susanna afterwards married to Reginald Earl of Kent and next to Sir Iohn Wingfeild Knight Which Peregrine was made a free Denizen in the Parliament of 1 Eliz. And upon the death of Catherine his mother hapning 19 Sept. An. 1580. 22 Eliz. having summons to that Parliament begun at Westminster by Prorogation upon the Sixteenth of Ianuary next ensuing as Lord Willoughby of Eresby took his place in the Horse according to the seniority of that Honor. Being thus possess'd of that great Inheritance and Dignity and having married Mary the daughter to Iohn Earl of Oxford by Margaret his second wife sister and heir of the whole blood to Earl Edward in An. 158â 25 ãâã to gether with the Earl of Leicester and divers other honourable persons he attended the Duke of Anâou to Antwerp by the Queen's command which Duke had stay do ãâã England three Moneths in hopes of gaââing her in marriage And before the end of that year was sent to Frederick the second King of Denmarkâ with the Ensigns of the most Noble Order of the Garter In 29 Eliz. at the siege of Zutphen in the Netherlands upon a sharp encounter with the Forces of that Garrison in a Salley he overthrew George Cressiat at that time Commander in chief of the Horse and took him prisoner and in 30 Eliz. upon the ââecess of Robert Earl of Leicester then General of the English Auxiliaries in those Provinces had the chief command of them in his stead After which in 31 Eliz. he most valiantly defended Bergen ap Zoam whereunto the Prince of Parma laid siege and for a farther encouragement to valour at that time conferr'd the honor of Knighthood upon Sir Francis Vere Sir Thomas Knolls and some others Sir Robert Naunton in his Fragmenta Kegalia says that he was one of the Queen's first Sword-men and a great Master of the Art Military In 32 Eliz. he was one of the Peers which sate upon Tryal of Philip Earl of Arundel and the same year sent General of Four thousand Auxiliaries into France in aide of the King of Navarr By his Testament bearing date at Barwick 17 Aug. An. 1599. 41 Eliz. he bequeath'd his body to be buried in the Parish-Church of Spillesby in Com. Linc. He also gave to Peregrine one of his younger sons afterwards Knight of the Bath that Ring with a Diamond which he had from the King of France when he served him there with a charge upon his blessing to transmit it to his heirs And departed this life in An. 1601. as seemeth by the Probate of that Testament leaving issue Robert his son and heir and three other besides Peregrine viz. Henry Vere and Roger as also Catherine a daughter married to Sir Lewes Watson of Rokingham-Castle in Com. North. Knight Which Robert in 1 Iac. having then summons to Parliament as Lord Willoughby of Eresây upon the seventh of May took his place accordingly And thereupon making his claime to the Earldome of Oxford as also to the Titles of Lord Bulbeck Sandford and Badlesmere and to the Office of Lord High Chamberlain of England as son and heir to Mary the sole heir female of that great Family After much dispute had judgement on his behalf for that Office of Lord High Chamberlain as in my discourse of the Family of Vere Earl of Oxford is more fully shewed And being admitted into the House with his Staff upon the thirteenth of April the same year was seated above all the other Barons After which viz. 22 Nov. in the second year of King Charles the First he was advanc'd to the dignity of an Earl by the Title of Earl of Lindsey And in April 6 Car. 1. elected into the Society of the most Noble Order of the Garter Also in 7 Car. 1. made Constable of England 24 Nov. in order to the Tryal of the Lord Rea and David Ramsey in the Court Military Which Patent was revoked 20 Maii next ensuing And in 11 Car. 1. constituted Lord Admiral of the Kings whole Fleet. Also in 18 Car. 1. General of the Kings Royal Army for suppressing that unparallel'd Insurrection then raised by the practises of certain Members of that unhappy Long Parliament begun at Westminster 3 d Nov. An. 1640. under pretence of defending the Religion by Law establisht the Laws of the Land Liberties of the Subject and Priviledges of Parliament Whereupon being in the Head of his Command in the Battel of Kineton fought upon the 23 d of October An. 1642. and there receiving a mortal wound he was taken prisoner and brought to Warwick-Castle where he departed this life the same night After which his Corps was carried to Edenham in Com. Linc. and there buried Leaving issue by Elizabeth his wife the only child of Edward Lord Mountagu of Boughton by Elizabeth his first wife daughter of Sir Iohn Geffrey Knight Lord Chief Baron of the Exchequer eight sons viz. Sir Mountagu and Sir Roger Knights of the Bath Peregrine Francis Robert Henry Vere and Edward and five daughters Catherine Elizabeth Anne Sophia and Mary Which Sir Mountagu bearing the
Wentworth the Lord Rich the Lord Willoughby of Parham the Lord Hunsdon the Lord Russel the Lord Compton the Lords Norris Gerard Cavendish and Dormer With the Lady there was not much ado she with many teares confessing the Fact and desiring mercy But this Earl being the next day presented made some defence which served to no purpose for the Confessions of those who had suffered death already for the Fact and a Letter which he himself had sent to the King did so clearly convince him of being at least an Accessory that both himself and his Lady had Sentence of death passed upon them Nevertheless through His Majesties great Clemency their lives were spared The Issue which this Earl had by that Lady was only one daughter called Anne who at her Mothers death which hapned 23 Aug. An 1632. 8 Car. 1. was sixteen years of age and afterwards became the wife of William Earl of Bedford All that I have farther to say of him is that in Ianuary An. 1621. 19 Iac. he was freed of his Imprisonment in the Tower of London but confined to the House of the Vicount Wallingford and that departing this life ... Iulii An. 1645. he was buried upon the seventeenth day of the same moneth in the Parish-Church of St. Paul Covent-Garden in the Suburbs of London as appeareth by the Register of that Church Stuart Duke of Richmund 11 Iac. LOdowick son to Esme Stuart Duke of Lenor in Scotland and Grandson to Iohn Lord d'Aubignie younger brother to Mathew Earl of Lenor who was Grandfather to King Iames bearing the Title of Lord Darnley Tarbolton and Methven being also Lord great Chamberlain and Admiral of Scotland Lord Steward of the King's Houshold and Knight of the most noble Order of the Garter was upon the sixth of October 11 Iac. advanced to the dignity of a Baron of this Realm by the Title of Lord Settrington of Settrington in Com. Ebor. as also created Earl of Richmund And upon the 17 th of May 21 Iac. Earl of Newcastle upon Tine and Duke of Richmund This Lodowick married three wives First ... Rutâbven sister to the late Earl Gowrie in Scotland Secondly ... sister to Sir Hugh Campbell widow of Robert Montgomerie of Eglinton in that Realm and lastly Frances daughter of Thomas Vicount Howard of Bindon widow of Edward Earl of Hertford But by none of these having any issue he departed this life at Whitehall upon the eleventh day of February An. 1623. 21 Iac. as he was making ready to go to the Parliament then sitting Whereupon he had an Honourable Burial in King Henry the Seventh's Chapel at Westminster and a stately Tombe erected to his memory with this Epitaph Depositum illustrissimi excellentissimi Principis Ludovici Stuarti Esmei Leviniae Ducis silii Joannis propatrui serenissimi Regis Jacobi Nepotis Richmondiae Leviniae Ducis Novi-Castelli as Tinam Darnliae Comitis c. Magni Scotiae Camerarii Thalassiarchae hereditarie Sacri palatii Jacobi Regis Seneschalli Cubiculariorumque principalium primi Regi à sanctioribus consiliis San-Georgiani ordinis equ Scoticorumque per Gallias cataphractorum praefecâi Viri excelsi ad omnia magna Bonâ nati ad meliora defuncti Vixit annos 49 menses 4 dies 17. Illustrissima excellentissima princeps Francisca Richmondiae Leviniae Ducissa domini Thomae Howardi Bindoniae filia Thomae Howardi Norfolciae Ducis ex Elizabetha Edovardi Ducis Buckinghamiae filiâ Neptis Ludovici Stuarti Richmondiae Leviniae Ducis uxor Charissimi conjugii nunquam non memor conjugi optime merito sibique posuit hoc Monumentum Obiit octavo die mensis Octobris Anno Dom 1639. Which last Wife survived him and was buried in the same Royal Chapel at Westminster A younger Brother to this Duke was Esmâ Stuart who bore the Title of Lord d'Aubignie a place so called lying in the Dutchy of Auvbergne in France by reason that Robert Stuart brother to Iohn Earl of Lenox Great-grandfather to the before-specified Iohn had that Lordship of Aubignie given unto him by King Charles the Sixth of France for his singular Valor and Military skill being Commander of certain Forces in his service Which Esme was created Lord Leighton of Leighton Bromswould in Com. Hunt and Earl of March 7 Iunii 17 Iac. And married Catherine the sole daughter and heir to Gervase Lord Clifton of Leighton Bromswould by Catherine his wife the daughter and sole heir to Sir Henry Darcy of Brimham in Com. Ebor. Knight and by her had issue seven sons Iames born at Blackfriers in London 6 Apr. An. 1612. Henry Francis George Lodowick Iohn and Bernard And four daughters Elizabeth married to Henry then called Lord Maltravers son and heir to Thomas late Earl of Arundel Catherine who died young Anne married t to Archibald Douglas son and heir to the Earl of Angus and Frances to Hierome Weston son and heir to Richard late Earl of Portland Lord Treasurer of England And succeding his Brother Lodowick in his Titles of Duke of Richmund c. departed this life the next ensuing year Of these sons Iames the eldest bearing the Title of Earl of March and Baron of Leighton Bromswould was created Duke of Richmund 8 Aâg An. 1641. 16 Car. 1. and to the heirs-male of his Body with remainder to all his Brothers successively and the issue-male of their bodies respectively He was also Lord Great Chamberlain and Admiral of Scotland Lord Steward of His Majesties Houshold Warden of the Cinque-ports Gentleman of the Bedchamber and Knight of the most Noble Order of the Garter And having married the Lady Mary the only daughter to George D. of Buckingham died 30 Martii Anno 1655. and was buried with Lodowick Duke of Richmund and Lenox his Uncle on the South-side of King Henry the Seventh's Chappel at Westminster leaving issue Esme his onely son who succeeded him in his Honors but died in France in An. 1660 being at that time about ten years of age as also Mary a daughter married to Richard Earl of Arran second son to Iames now Duke of Ormund Of the younger sons of Esme Earl of March and Duke of Richmund Henry and Francis died young Lodowick was a Religious-profest having the Title of an Abbot in France And George called Lord d'Aubignie putting himself in Armes for the King against those Forces raised by the power of those predominant Members of Parliament sitting at Westminster under colour of defending the establisht Religion the Laws of the Land Liberties of the Subject and Priviledges of Parliament was slain in the Battel of Kineton 23 Oct. An. 1642. and buried in the Quire of the Cathedral called Christs-Church in Oxford leaving issue by the Lady Catherine his wife daughter to Theophilus Earl of Suffolk Charles his son and heir and one daughter called Catherine Baroness Clifton of
Halifax He first Married Dorothy Daughter to Henry Lord Spenser Earl of Sunderland by whom he hath Issue three Sons Henry William and George and one Daughter called Anne Secondly Gertrude Daughter to William Pierpont of âhoresby in Com. Nott. Esq second Son to Robert late Earl of Kingston upon Hull Wentworth Earl of Strafford 4 Car. 1. ABout the beginning of the Reign of King Charles the First Sir Thomas Wentworth Baronet Son and Heir to Sir William Wentworth of Wentworth-Woodhouse in Com. Ebor. Baronet the chief branch of that antient Family being a person of a fair Estate and one of the Knights for that spacious Shire in divers Parliaments did by his management of sundry Conferences with the House of Lords in those great Conventions and otherwise make his abilities so conspicuous as that the King having notice thereof soon chose him into the number of his Privy Council and in short time discerning his parts to be such as did worthily merit some special mark of Honour by his Letters Paâents bearing date 22 Iulii in the fourth year of his Reign first advanced him to the Title of Baron Wentworth of Wenâworth Woodhouse Next viz. upon the tenth day of December following to that of Vicount-Wentworth After this constituted him Lieutenant of Ireland and upon the 12 th of Ianuary in the xv th year of his Reign to the farther dignities of Baron of Raây by reason of his Descent from that great Family of Nevill sometime Lords of that place and Earl of Strafford and lastly elected him into that honourable Society of Knights Companions of the most noble Order of the Garter Which great Trust of that Lieutenancy he underwent with such gravity and prudence administring Justice impartially to every one as gave no little satisfaction to his Majesty and all good people And upon that Insurrection of the Scots in an 1639. being call'd back from that charge after he had form'd an Army there of eight thousand men which might have been useful to that Kingdom had not those who design'd his destruction prevented it was constituted Lieutenant-General of those Forces then raised for the repâlling of those Invaders who had at that time possess'd themselves of some of the Northern Counties But the good King considering that it was not a Foreign Enemy who had thus entred this Realm and therefore deeming it safest to call a Parliament here by the advice whereof he might receive best direction how to get them out found the leading Members in that unhappy Convention secretly confederated with that rebellious people whose Principles being Anti-Monarchical nothing but the absolute extirpation of the Religion establisht and the total ruine of this peaceful Government whereby they might share the Revenues both of Church and King would serve their turn To which end the removal of every impediment in their way being design'd they first began with this incomparable person exhibiting a Charge of High-Treason against him Whereupon he was brought to Tryal before his Peers but when they came to the particulars of proof though they searcht into all the actions of his life from the first time that he ever had any publick imployment of Trust and found nothing that amounted to a considerable misdemeanour Nevertheless by diveââ unjustifiable devices they at length passed a special Bill for his Attainder but with this particular clause that the like should never be drawn into practice again And having so done by sundry other indirect practises extorted from that good King his Royal assent thereto and then cut off his Head at Tower-Hill upon the 12 th of May ensuing an 1641. An Act in truth of such Injustice and Cruelty as that not only some of those who had been seduced to concur with them therein when they themselves afterwards came to be destroy'd by the hands of the Common Executioner infinitely bewailed and repented of but which lay heavy upon the Conscience of that most pious and devout Martyr the King himself when he suffered Death by that barbarous Generation in whose destruction they had design'd the utter ruine and extirpation of this formerly long-flourishing and famous Monarchy But the particulars of the unhappy sufferingâ of this worthy person and the steps by which his and those Enemies to Monarchy did tread in order to the accomplishing their pâânicious purposes I leave to the relation of some more able Pen which may transmit them to future ages in due time it being not yet so needful to bring them upon the Stage of this World considering that there are many yet alive who cannot forget what themselves have seen so lately acted and whom it will highly concern to impart what they know thereof to their immediate descendents This most noble Earl married three Wives First Margaret Daughter to Francis Earl of Cumberland by whom he had no Issue Secondly Arabella Daughter to Iohn Earl of Clare by whom he had Issue one Son called William and two Daughters the Lady Anne married to Edward Lord Rockingham and the Lady Arabella to Iustin Macarti Son to Donâgh Earl of Clancarti And lastly Elizabeth Daughter to Sir Godfrey Rodes of Great Houghton in Com. Ebor. Knight by whom he had Issue one Daughter called Margaret Being thus barbarously cut off his Body was carried to Wentworth Woodhouse and there buried To whom succeeded William his Son and Heir who married the Lady Anne the eldest of the three Daughters of that most Heroick and truly Loyal Iames Earl of Derby who suffered death also by the hands of those Antimonarchists and since the restoration of our present Sovereign hath by him been honoured with an election and Investiâure into the Society of the Knights of the most noble Order of the Garter and one of his Privy Council Francis Lord Dunsmore Earl of Chichester 4 Car. 1. AMongst the many whose ample Fortunes did much conduce to those advancements which their Posterity afterwards obtained to several eminent Titles of Honour Sir Thomas Lâigh Knight was not the least who being Son to Roger Leigh of Wellington in Com. Salop. dâscended by a younger Branch from that antient Family of the Leigâs of High-Leigh in Cheshire and bred up under Sir Rouland Hill an opulent Merchant of London became at length his Factor beyond Sea and underwent that trust so well that Sir Rouland having no Issue matcht Alice his Niece Daughter to ... Barker of Hâghmon in Shropshire unâo him and bestowed upon his Children the substance of his estate Which Sir Thomas being âord Mayer of London in the first year of ãâã Elizâbeths reign departed this life in that Câty 17 November 14 Eliz. and was buried in Merâers-Chapell with this Epitaph upon his Tomb Sir Thomas Lâigh bi civil life All offices did bâare Which in this City worshipfull Or honourable were Whâm as God blessed with great wealth So losses did be feâle Yet nâver châng'd he constant minde Tho' Fortune turn'd her wheele Learning he lov'd and helpâ the poore
behalf from Foreign Princes This Henry took to Wife Anne the eldest Daughter of Sir Iohn St. Iohn of Lyddiard Tregoz in Com Wilts Knight and Baronet and by her had Issue two Sons Charles who died young and Iohn and departing this life at Dunkirk in an 1659. was buried in a Vault under the North I le of Spellesbury-Church in Oxfordshire belonging to the Family of the Lees of Dichley which is in the same parish Which Iohn his Son and successor married Elizabeth the Daughter of Iohn Malet of Enmere in Com. Somerset Esq by whom he hath Issue ... a Son Lord Hatton 19 Car. 1. THis Family taking their denomination fâom the Lordship of Hatton in âheshire to derive their descent from Nigel Baron of Halton in that County and Constable to the old Earls of Chester The principal branch thereof in the days of Queen Elizabeth was Christopher Hatton then of Holdenby in Com. Northampton Esq who being a private Gentleman of the Inns of Court and for his activity and comeliness taken into favour besides those accomplishments and the grace of Dancing had likewise the addition saith my Author of a strong and subtile capacity so that soon learning the Discipline and Garb of the Times and Court he first became one of the Queens Gentlemen-Pensioners afterwards Gentleman of the Privy-Chamber Captain of the Guard Vice-Chamberlain and one of her Privy-Council Lastly Lord Chancellour of England and Knight of the most noble Order of the Garter Bâing also a great friend to the learned he was made choice of by the famous University of Oxford for their Chancellour And departing this life upon the 20 th of Nâv an 1591. 34 Eliz. unmarried at that time about fifty one years of age was honourably buried in the upper part of St. Pauls Cathedral in London above the Quire with this Epitaph upon his Tomb Sacrum Memoriae D. Chr. Hâttoni Guil. Fil. Ioh. Nepoti antiquiss Hattonorum gente oriundi Regiae Majestatis D. Elizabethae ex nobilibus Stipatoribus L. Vici Sacratioris Camerae Generosorum unins Praetorianorum militum Dâcis Regiiproâcameârarii Sanctioris Consilii Senatoris Summi Angliae ac Oxon. Academiae Concellarii Ordinis nobilissimi S. Georgiani de Periscelide Equitis Maximo Principis omniumque bonorum mâârore cum Li. annos coelebs vixisset 20 Nov. an 1591. in aedibus suis Holburnae pie fato functi Guil. Hattonus Eques aur ejus âx sorore Nepâs adoptione Filius ac haeres moestissimuâ pietatis ergo posuit This Honourable person adopted Sir William Newport Knight his Sisters Son for his Heir commonly called Sir William Hatton but in default of Issue Male by him setled the greatest part of his estate upon Christopher Hatton his God-Son Son and Heir of Iohn Hatton his nearest Kinsman of the Male line Which Christopher upon the death of Sir William Newport without Issue Male did accordingly enjoy it and being made Knight of the Bath at the Coronation of King Iames leât Issue Christopher his Son and Heir who was made Knight of the Bath at the Coronation of King Charles the first To which King of blessed memory he afterward amply manifested his Loyal affections not only in being one of the first that repaired to him in the times of the late grand defection but otherwise with what assistance and helps did in any sort lye in his power in consideration whereof he was by Letters Patents bearing date at Oxford 29 Iulii in the nineteenth year of his reign advanced to the dignity of a Baron of this Realm by the title of Lord Hatton of Kerby in Com. Northt as also made Compâroller of his Majesties Houshold And afterwards upon the happy restoration of our present Soveraign King Charles the second constituted Governour of the Isle of Garnsey and one of his Privy Council He married Elizabeth the eldest of the three Daughters and Cohâirs of Sir Charles Mountagâ Knight a younger Brother to Henry late Earl of Manchester by whom he had Issue which survived him two Sons Christopher and Charles and three Daughters Mary Iane and Alice and departing this life upon the fourth day of Iuly an 1670. was buried in a private Chapel of the Collegiate-Church at Westminster opposite to the Capella Regum on the North side To whom succeeded Christopher his Son and Heir now Governour of Garnsey who married the Lady Christian Tuâfon Daughter to Iohn Earl of Thanet and by her hath Issue one only Daughter now surviving called Anne Margaret and Elizabeth dying young Lord Hopton 19 Car. 1. AMongst those well affected persons to our late Sovereign King Charles the First of blessed memory Sir Raph Hopton of Wytham in Com. Somers Son of Robert Hopton of Wytham in Com. Somers Esq by Iane his Wife Daughter and Heir to Rouland Keymish of the âandry in Com. Monmouth Esq made Knight of the Bath at the Royal Coronation of that King was not the least who in an 1642. being then a Burgess of Parliament for the City of Welles discerning that peril to his Majesty and this whole Realm which by the Invasion of the Scots and Conjunction in their designs by a prevalent party in the House of Commons then sitting at Westminster threatned an universal ruine readily took up Arms in his rightful defence manifesting his loyalty and valour first at Sherbourne-Castle in Com. Dors. afterwards at Lancâston Saltash and Bradock in the Western-parts of this Realm as also in that signal Victory at Stratton in Cornwall in consideration whereof he was by Letters-Patent bearing date at Oxford 4 Sept. 19 Car. 1. advanced to the dignity of a Baron of this Realm by the Title of Lord Hopton of Stratton with limitation of that Honour for lack of Issue Male of his own Body upon Sir Arthur Hopton Knight his Uncle and the Issue Male of his Body And was afterwards constituted General of the Ordinance in his Majesties Armies throughout the whole Realm of England and Dominion of Wales This Raph Lord Hopton Married Elizabeth the Daughter of Arthur Capel of Hadham in Com. Hertf. Esq Aunt to Arthur first Lord Capel of that Family and Widdow of Sir Iustinian Lewen Knight but by her had no Issue and departed this life about the end of September an 1652. at Bruges in Flanders being then 54. years of Age. Whereupon his Corps being carried to Sluse it there remained unburied until the happy Restauration of his Majesty King Charles the Second in an 1660. After which it was brought into England and Interred with his Ancestors at Wytham Dying thus without Issue and his Uncle on whom the Honour was entailed departing this life before him an sâil 1650 without Issue his four Sisters and their Heirs became Heirs to his whole Estate which Sisters were these viz. 1. Rachel Married to ... Morgan 2. Mary first to ... Hartop and afterwards to ... Mackworth Knight 3. ... to ... Windham And 4. Margaret to ...
two fair Lordships viz. Righale and Beoâmesthorpe Which Lordship of Righale after her death he obtained by Agreement with the Monks to hold during his life and then to return to the Abbey Of his Lands I find no other mention in the Conquerors Survey then these viz. Wilebi Lochushum Aclum and Englebi with the several Hamlets then belonging to each of them Northumberland Cumberland and Westmerland being at that time not Surveyed by reason they had been so wasted by Wars ¶ Upon the death of Siward Tosti Fourth Son to Godwyne Earl of Kent was made Earl of Northumberland by King Edward the Confessor An. 1056. being the Thirteenth year of his Reign by reason that Waltheof Son of Earl Siward being then but a Child was not able to govern This Tosti was a Person of a very stout spirit as will appear by what I shall farther say of him Upon the death of Kinsi Archbishop of York Aldred Bishop of Worcester being elected in his stead was accompanied to âome by this Earl Tosti upon his going to receive the Pall at the hands of Pope Nicholas the Second But if so hapned that when they came thither such exceptions were taken against him for some expressions that he was not only refused with dishonor but in his return robbed of all that he had At which Tosti being not a little moved boldly told his Holiness that his Excommunications which were laught at by Petty-Theeves and Robbers who were near him were not much to be feared in those Countreys that lay far off and therefore required That what the Archbishop had thus been robbed of should be restored again otherwise the loss thereof would be imputed to his fraudulency Adding That when the King of England should hear thereof he would make a stop of the Tribute which was to be paid unto S. Peter alleaging moreover That it would be accounted an impious thing that Aldred should return back into his Countrey thus robbed and dishonored Upon which Speech the Pope was prevailed with to give Aldred the Pall. About three years after this he accompanied his Brother Harold in that Military Expedition into Wales wherein Prince Griffin was subdued and slain But the next ensuing year upon that unhappy scuffle which fell out betwixt him and his Brother in the presence of the King at Windsore whereof I have spoke in the life of Harold he grew so implacably enraged that he forthwith hasted to Hereford where his Brother made a great entertainment for his Officers and there finding them met together most barbarously cut off their Heads and Limbs and put them into those Vessels of Wine Methe and other Liquors which were provided for that Feast And having so done sent to tell the King that he should find the Meat well powdered at the Feast whereunto he was going For which execrable act the King commanded that he should be foâhwith banished and so he was being also expellâd Northumberland by the general voice of the whole County who were not a little enraged against him for the same For further aggravation whereof what I shall here add did not a little contribute It hapned that this very year the Fifth Nones of October some Military Officers of Northumberland with Two hundred Soldiers came to York and by reason of that horrid murther of divers Gentlemen of their County Servants to Cospatric whom Queen Edgythe for the sake of this her Brother Tosti caused to be killed in the Kings Court by treachery upon the fourth night in Christmass and for the sake of others whom the preceding year this Earl Tosti had allured into her Chamber and murthered as also for the great Tribute which he the said Tosti had extorted from the whole County of Northumberland These Officers with the Two hundred Soldiers abovementioned fell upon the Servants and Retainers of Earl Tosti at York and there slew no less then Two hundred of them broke open his Treasury and took all that was to be found there Whereupon the whole County taking an Alarm went to Harold then Earl of the West Saxons into Northumberland and to those Honorable Persons whom the King had sent to keep Peace in that Country But though there and afterwards at Oxford on Simon and Iudes day all endeavors that could be were used for pacification with this Earl Tosti they unanimously opposed it expelling him the Countrey for these his transcendent Villanies who thereupon with his Wife fled to Baldwyn Earl of ãâã and Wintering at S. Omers continued in those parts until King Edwards death But not long after he got to the Isle of Wâght and there exacted very much from the Inhabitants then came to Sanowich and did the like at that Port And hearing that his Brother Harold then King had prepared Forces both by Sea and Land to go against him he sailed to the Coast of Lindsey in Lincolnshire and there burning divers Towns made great slaughter of the people Whereupon Edwyne Earl of Mercia and Morkar his Brother marched thither with an Army which caused him to quit those Parts and go into Scotland where he continued with King Maleolme that whole Summer And afterwards when he heard that Harold Harfager King of Norway was come to the Mouth of Tine with more then Three hundred Sail of Ships he hasted towards him with his Navy and entred Humber with him and there sailing upwards into Duse Landed their Forces at Richale Whereof King Harold having intelligence he forthwith marched towards the North but before he got into Yorkshire Edwyne and Morkar before mentioned with a considerable Army gave them Battle at a place called Fulford on the North side of the River Duse near York upon the Even of S. Matthias the Apostle where many of the Norwegians at the beginning of the fight lost their lives but being not able to withstand the power of so great an Army as the King of Norway and this Earl Tosti then had they were forced to flee with no little loss Howbeit within five days after King Harold himself came with a powerful Army to York and meeting with the Enemy at Stanford Bridge after a sharpe and bloody conflict obtained the victory In which fight the King of Norway and this Earl Tosti lost their lives Having thus traced this haughty and turbulent spirited Earl through sundry turmoils and mischeivous practises to his death all that I shall more say of him is That he is said to be the first Founder of the Monastery of Tinmouth and that having S. Cuthbert in great veneration he was very munificent to the Church of Durham as also That he took to Wife Iudith the Daughter of Baldwyn Earl of Flanders but had no issue whereof I have seen mention Of such Lands as this
William whom he had constituted Prior of Walden his Absolution was obtained from Pope Alexander the Third so that his Body was received amongst Christians and Divine Offices celebrated for him But that when the Prior endeavored to take down the Coffin and carry it to Walden the Templars being aware of the design buried it privately in the Churchyard of the New Temple viz. In the Porch before the West door As to the circumstances of his death others differ in their report saying That from Ramsey he marched to the siege of a Castle at Burwel which the King had built but it being in Summer he put off his Helmet and going thus by reason of the heat with his Sheild and Lance bare-headed was discerned by those in the Castle to be an Enemy and thence shot in the Head with an Arrow of which wound taking no speedy care he died within few days After which within the compass of the same year his Son Ernulph who upon his Fathers death fortified the Church of Ramsey was taken and banished the General of his Cavalry having his Brains dashed out by a fall from an Horse and the Captain of his Foot endeavoring to get away by Sea over-whelmed with the violence of the Waves But though I have followed the thred of this story which brought the last mentioned Geffrey to his death there are some other particulars relating to him not unworthy to be remembred viz. That for the health of his Soul he gave to the Monks of Hurley there seated by Geffrey his Grand-father One hundred shillings yearly Rent in exchange for the Tithes in Edelmeton and Enfeld the Tithe of Paunage excepted Moreover that he was the pious Founder of that great Abbey at Walden in Essex for the performance of which devout work he procured Robert Bishop of London Nigel of Ely and William of Norwich to come thither and consecrate the Churchyard in the year 1136. 1 Steph. being himself then present with Rohese his Wife Daughter to Alberic de Vere Earl of Oxford and all his principal Tenants and other of the Countrey as also a multitude of the common people placing it at the West end of the Town upon a meeting of four Road-ways and in an Angle of two Waters viz. That which runneth from Newport and that descending from the side of his Castle partly That the Monks should of necessity be charitable to Poor-people and hospitable to Passengers and partly for its vicinity to the Castle which was his cheif seat the Churches wherewith he endowed it being these viz. That of our Lady at Walden Waltham Estre Sabricstworth Thorley Godelstone Enfeld Edelmeston Mimmes Senley Northall Chishel Chippenham Digenswell Almodesham Stratley Kaingham Ainho and Cumtone It is said That after this Geffrey came to be Earl he added a Carbuncle to the Arms of his Ancestors and that his death hapned upon the sixteenth Calends of October An. 1144. 9 Steph. I now come to Geffrey his Son and next Successor This Geffrey after the Banishment of Ernulph his elder Brother and disheriting his Father by King Stephen as hath been observed was by King Henry the Second created Earl of Essex having the third peny of the Pleas of that County given to him and his heirs And by his Charter of Creation had all the Lands of Geffrey de Magnavil his great Grand-father as also the Lands of his Grand-father and Father both in England and Normandy fully restored to him especially Walden Saârictsworth and Waltham with a Release of the Mortgage which King Henry the First had upon those three Mannors Which Charter bears date at Canterbury in the presence of T. then Archbishop and many others In 12 Hen. 2. upon the Assessment of the Aid for marrying the Kings Daughter this Earl Gâffrey certified his Knights Fees to be in number Ninety seven De Veteri Feoffamento and Sixty de Novo With William and Robert his Brothers he confirmed to the Nuns and Canons of Chicksand the Seat of a Grange and whole circumference thereof made by those Canons in the Territory of Chippenham which Lordship they had by the gift of the Countess Rohese his Mother Of this Earl Geffrey it is reported That coming frequently to the Abbey of Walden so Founded by his Father as before is observed he advised the Prior to be content with a small Church and little Buildings Which advice was thought to proceed from the insinuation of the Lady Rohese his Mother who having taken to her second Husband Pain de Beauchamp and joyned with him in the Foundation of the Priory of Chicksand in Com. Bedf. of the Gilbertine Order did endeavor by all her power to alienate the affection of her Sons and other Friends from the Monks of Walden to the end she might incline them to be Benefactors to Chicksand Howbeit that notwithstanding these disswasions at the earnest request of the Monks of Walden he confirmed to them whatsoever his Father their Founder had formerly given them But that for the enlargement of his own Demesns he did unjustly take away from the Parochial Church of Edelmetone a large and fruitful Field which was part of the Glebe appertaining thereto It is also said That he wedded Eustachia a Kinswoman to King Henry the Second but lived not long with her as an Husband and that she thereupon making her complaint to the King he did in great wrath cause a Divorce betwixt them As also that he took from him two of his fairest Lordships viz. Walden and Waltham and bestowed them on her in merriage with Anselme de Campdanere This Earl being an elegant Man of Speech and of great Note for his abilities in Secular Affairs was by King Henry the Second associated with Richard de Lucy to march against the Welsh then near Chester at which City falling sick it hapned that his servants being all gone to dinner and no body left with him he died Whereupon divers antient Knights then there who had served his Father and enjoyed large Possessions through his bounty consulting together resolved to carry his Corps to Walden there to be buried as Patron of that House And to that end having taken out his Brain and Bowels and committed them to holy Sepulture with Honor and Alms they seasoned the rest of his Body with Salt then wrapt it in a good Hide and Coffined it and so hastned towards Walden with the Chariot wherein it was carried all his servants likewise attending thereon But upon the way a Chaplain of the Earls called Hasculf took out his best Saddle-Horse in the night and rode to Chicksand where the Countess Rohese then resided with her Nuns and
having acquainted her with the death of her Son advised her speedily to send what company she could to surprise the Corps and bring it thither to the end that the Kinred and Friends of the Defunct might be the rather Benefactors to that House Which design being made known to those who attended the Corps they armed themselves and with their Swords drawn riding about it brought it safe to Walden And having so done they sent a Monk of that House to the Countess to acquaint her therewith whom he found with Alice de Essex her Sister very sorrowful for the loss of her Son and discontented towards them for thus preventing his Interment at Chicksand Moreover in order to his Funeral which the Monks resolved to solemnise with all due honor the Prior rose in the night and went to Hadham and thence brought back with him Gilbert Foliot Bishop of London as also the Abbots of S. Edmunds-Bury and Tiltey with many other eminent persons Which Bishop celebrating the Mass they buried the Corps in the midst of the Quire giving plentiful entertainment to all and large Alms to the Poor which came thither in great numbers though the Monks had nothing given them excepting his best Horse and Arms for all the furniture of his Chappel being taken away by the Countess âhis Mother the best part thereof was carried to Chicksand The death of this last mentioned Earl hapned upon the twelfth Kalends of November An. 1167. 14 Hen. 2. To whom succeeded William his Brother and Heir Which William the same year paid Ninety seven marks four shillings five pence for his Knights Fees De Veteri Feoffamento upon collection of the Aid assessed in 12 Hen. 2. for marrying the Kings Daughter And in 19 Hen. 2. attended the King into France being one of the Generals of his Army there He was also about the same time with him in the Treaty at Gâsorz for composing the differences which then were betwixt King Henry and his Sons King Lewes then meeting there for that purpose And in a skirmish betwixt the English and French near to that place took prisoner the Castellan of True About this time likewise he gave Oath on the part of King Henry for performance of those Covenants which were made betwixt him and the Earl of Savoy And in An. 1175. 21 Hen. 2. was one on the Witnesses to that Agreement made at Windsore in the Octaves of S. Michael betwixt King Henry the Second and Rodrick King of Conach Moreover in An. 1177. 23 Hen. 2. he went to Ierusalem with Philip Earl of Flanders and in order to that journey came to Canterbury on Thursday before Easter there to take leave of S. Thomas hoping to act some great matters against the Pagans To which end associating to themselves divers of the Knights Hospitalars and Templars they besieged Harany a Castle belonging to those Infidels and in 25 Hen. 2. 8. Id. Oct. returned In which pilgrimage thither as he had in remembrance many of the English Altars so in his return he did great reverence to those Cloaths which at Constantinople are called Imperial distributing them in his passage to sundry Religious places Another account of this his pilgrimage I shall here also add This Earl William saith my Author being a person of a sharp Wit prudent in Council and a stout Soldier somewhat like to his Brother Geffrey in stature favor and comportment did not much verse himself in England amongst his own relations but spent his youthful time for the most part with Philip Earl of Flanders from whom he received the honor of Knighthood yet when he heard of his Brothers death he soon returned hither bringing from that Earl Letters of Recommendation to King Henry by whom he was received with great respect and requiring Livery of his Inheritance had it readily granted to him Whereupon he was also girt with the Sword of the Earldom of Essex having likewise possession of all things else the custody of the Tower of London only excepted After which having visited his Mother he came to Walden and there prayed at his Brother Geffreys Tomb but casting an austere look towards the Prior and Monks and mixing some kind of threats with his promises he extorted from them the great Horse and Arms which were his Brothers and whatsoever else they had for his Sepulture giving them nothing at all but upbraiding them with the Chucrhes which his Father had bestowed on them saying That he had not reserved one to gratifie his own Chaplains Howbeit when he was ready for his Pilgrimage to Ierusalem the Prior of Walden obtained so much favor from him as to accept of a Chaplain of his recommendation promising That he should partake of his own Table Whereupon having received the benediction of Gilbert Bishop of London Roger the Prior accompanied him But when they came into Italy considering the age and weakness of the Prior and that he was not signed with the Cross he sent him away to Pope Alexander and went himself on towards the Holy Land And upon his return into England being much mortified by this his pilgrimage he sent divers rich Cloaths to those Churches which were within his Fee to make Vestments and Ornaments for their Altars and to the Monks of Walden gave one of very rare work having likewise before he began his journey sent them one with diver Silk-cloaths and Hangings of Tapistry for the beautifying of their Church And at length coming in person to Walden was there received by the whole Covent with solemn Procession all of them singing with one heart and voice Benedictus qui venit in nomine Domini After which ascending to the High Alter and there receiving formal Benediction from the Prior he offered divers precious Relicks some of which he had acquired in the Holy Land and others from the Emperor of Constantinople and the Earl of Flanders Then standing before the Altar the Prior began the Himn of Te Deum Landamus Which being ended he went into the Chapter-House and saluted all the Monks and thence into the Abbey where he was feasted honorably As to what is else most observable of him I shall here take notice thereof in order of time In An. 1180. 26 Hen. 2. this Earl William being highly in the Kings favor and very rich took to Wife Hadewise the sole Daughter and Heir to William le Grosse Earl of Albemarle and had with her by the Kings gift the County of Albemarle antiently assigned to guard the Borders of Normandy The marriage being solemnised at his Castle of Plessey in Essex on the ninth Calends of February whereupon he was made Earl of