entayled this Mannour then called Est-Leminton upon his descendants by Eva his wife left issue Thomas who had the custody of Bishops-Castle in Shropshire committed to his charge in 15 E. 2. and in 18 E. 2. was constituted one of the Commissioners appointed for choosing out Cccc. footmen in this County excepting Warwick and Coventre as also to arme them for defence of the Kingdom In 6 E. 3. he was a Knight and in 12. in Comiss both for conservation of the Peace in this Shire and arraying of men according to the Stat. of Winchester In the time of this Sir Thomas I meet with a Richard Hastang whom being often and eminenâ—ly imployed in this County and his brother as by some circumstances may be deemed I may not pass by In 15 E. 2. he was one of the Knights for this Shire in the Parliament then held and in 17 E. 3. in Comiss. with other persons of quality to find out and arrest such Proctors as were imployed by the two Cardinalls then sent into England for disposing of Ecclesiasticall benefices that were or might become void and to bring them before the King and his Councell Concerning which business the King then wrote an excellent Epistle to Pope Clement the vi Wherein he complaineth of the great in jury done to the Church and Kingdom by those Cardinalls and such as they imployed by authority from his Holiness which with the Popes answer thereunto is well worth the reading In 19. and 20 E. 3. he was in Comiss. for arraying of Archers in this County and in 21. for levying the Subsidy imposed upon Woolls and granted to the King in Parliament for the maintenance of his Warrs in France But I return to Sir Thomas who had issue Sir Iohn Hastang a Knight in his fathers life time which Sir Iohn whilst his father lived bore for his Armes A Lion rampant with a Labell of five points as appeareth by his Seal but afterwards a Chief with a Lion rampant over all And having 2. wives viz. Blanch daughter of ....... and Maud of Sir Waryn Trussell Knight dyed in 39 E. 3. leaving Maud and Ioan his daughters and heirs both within age the Custody of whose lands were by Pat. bearing date 7. Maii 44 E. 3. granted by the King to Iohn de Beauchamp and Iohn Rous who by their Deed dated 20. Oct. 45 E. 3. past the same over to Raph Earl Stafford which perhaps might be the reason that Maud the elder of them was afterwards wedded to Raph de Stafford descended by the Staffords of Sandon and Bromshull in Staffordshire from the antient Barons of Stafford Which Maud in 49 E. 3. had livery of her lands at that time proving her age her said husband then doing fealty for them and had for her part inter alia this Mannour of Lemynton with the Mannour of Grafton in Worcestershire Her sister Ioan wife to Sir Iohn Salisbury having the Mannours of Upton-waryn in Com. Wigorn and Chebsey in Com. Staff for her part To this Raph and Maud succeeded Sir Humfrey Stafford of Grafton Knight their son and heir who being one of the Knights for this Shire in the Parl. begun at Westminster the munday before the Feast of All-Saints 7 R. 2. was in Dec. following constituted Shiriff of Staffordshire which office he also bore in 12 R. 2. This Sir Humfrey marryed Eliz. the daughter to Sir Iohn Burdet of Huncote in Com. Leic. by whom he had a fair inheritance and dyed seized of this Mannour in 7 H. 5. leaving Iohn his son and heir xx years of age afterwards a Knight Which Iohn dyed 10 H. 5. without issue whereupon his brother Sir Humfrey became his heir who underwent the Shiriffalty of Staffordshire in 5 H. 4. as also for this County and Leicestershire in 2.9 and 17 H. 6. In 18 H. 6. he was one of the Knights for this County in the Parliament then held In 21 22. and 23. in Comiss. for conservation of the peace in this shire And having wedded Alianore one of the sisters and heirs to Iohn the son of Sir Thomas Aylesbury Knight by whom the Mannour of Blatherwike in Northamptonsdire came to this family was slain by the Commons of Kent in that insurrection of Iack Cade 28 H. 6. with his brother William the Lady Alianore his wife surviving him who at length became one of the coheirs also to Iohn Cressy and in 16 E. 4. founded a Chantry for one Priest to sing Mass daily at the Altar of our blessed Lady in the Church of Bromesgrove in Com. Wigorn. for the good estate of King E. 4. Eliz. his Queen her self Thomas her son and for the health of the soul of Sir Humfrey Stafford of Grafton her late husband and all the faithfull departed To the last mentioned Sir Humfrey succeeded Sir Humfrey his son and heir who together with Thomas his brother joyned with the Lord Lovell and others in that Insurrection of 1 H. 7. begun in Worcestershire as our Historians doe observe But the Lord Lovell hearing that the King had set out a Proclamation of Pardon mistrusted his men and fled privately into Lancashire which so disheartned these two brothers that despairing of success they took Sanctuary at Colnham neer Abingdon out of which place their priviledge being viewed in the Kings Bench and judged not sufficient they were taken whereupon Humfrey suffered death at Tiburn and was buried in the Chapell of our Lady within the Gray-fryers Church neer New-gate but Thomas as being seduced by him had pardon Shortly after which ensued the attainder in Parliament of the said Humfrey whose lands being so forfeited were given away by the K. Grafton in Com. Wigorn. one of their chief seats with the Mannour of Upton-Waryn in that County to Sir Gilbert Talbot Knight and the heirs male of his body from whom the present Earl of Shrewshury who now enjoys them is descended And this of Leminton to Sir Edward Poynings Knight and to the heires male of his body But Sir Humfrey Stafford Kt. son and heir of this Humfrey being afterwards restored repossest this Lordship and departing this life 37 H. 8. lyeth buried at Blatherwik before specified From whom descended as the Pedegree before inserted sheweth Will. Stafford of Blatherwik esquire who in 5 Car. sold this Lordship to Sir Thomas Trevor Knight then one of the Barons of the Exchequer descended of a very antient family of that name in the County of Denbigh in North-wales where it hath flourished for many ages and still continueth inricht with ample possessions The Church dedicated to All-Saints having been given to the Canons of Nostell by Attrop Hastang in H. 1. time as I have already shewed was appropriated to that Monastery by
of Richard fitz Robert To which William succeeded Thomas who in 55 H. 3. held half a Knights fee in this place and Eton now Nun-Eaton with Sapcote in Leicestershire After which have I not seen any thing considerable relating thereto till 20 E. 3. that William Moton answered for the 8th part of a Knights fee here held of the Honour of Winchester whose title therein divolved as it seems to Richard Grey of Codnoure and Laurence Dutton for in 11 R. 2. the half Knights fee before specified lying here and in Eaton was certified to have been held by them of Henry Lord Ferrers of Groby From which time till 1 Mariae can I discover no more thereof but then was it found that Sir Walter Smyth of whom I have spoken in Shirford dyed seized of the third part of this Mannour As also 300 acres of pasture 60 acres of meadow and 2 s. rent lying here and in Hinkley purchased of Iohn Leeke and Richard Astell leaving Richard his son and heir 22 years of age which Richard in 35 Eliz. being possest of two parts setled them upon William Littleton in marriage with Margaret his daughter in the same manner as he did Shirford whereof I shall speak at large since which it hath accompanyed the possession of that Lordship Burton-Hastings SOuthwards from Stretton and adjoyning thereto lyes Burton antiently called Burton-Hastings by reason that the Hastings were sometime Lords thereof which with other Lands whereof I shall make mention in their due places being part of the possessions belonging to Siunard sirnamed Barn a potent man in England before the Conquest was among other the distributions which William the Conquerour made given to Henry de Fereires one of his Normans Progenitor to that great Family afterwards Earls of Derby and contained then 4 hydes having 2 mills belonging thereto the value of the whole being certified at xl s. But in the general Survey it is written Bortone howbeit in after times Burthon Burhton Burugton Burughton and sometimes Burtone from the old English word 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 as I guess signifying with the Saxons not onely a place fortified with some warlike rampier or wall but that which had a kind of fence or closure about it or else from 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and then may it be colonorum villa In H. 2. time half this Town was given to the Monastery of Nun-Eaton by Geffrey le Abbe and Emme his wife it being of her inheritance with the consent of Raph de Turvill and Richard le Abbe heirs to the said Geffrey and Emme and confirmed to them by the Charter of the same King the residue as it seems coming soon after to the family of Hastings for in 36 H. 3. it was certified that Henry de Hasteng held 1. Kts. fee here and in Shireford of the Earl Ferrers And in 53 H. 3. upon the death of Henry de Hastings amongst other Kts. fees assigned in dowry to Ioane his wife there was one in this Burton which Nich. de Turvile then held How or when Turviles interest passed away I have not seen but in 9 E. 2. Iohn the son of Fouke de Orreby having as by his deed he expresses granted all his Lands which he had in the Village of Borghton to William de Herle and his heirs paying to the said Iohn and his heirs 7 marks of silver yearly at the feasts of Easter and St. Michael the Archangel by equal portions then released to the said William all his title to that Rent of 7 marks reserving 6 marks to be paid by the said William during the life of him the said Iohn which release bears date at Stapleford in Cheshire 9 R. 2. whereupon the same year it was certified that the Prioress of Eton and William de Herle were Lords of this place Which William had issue Sir Robert de Herle Kt. assigned one of the Justices for conservation of the peace in this County in 18 and 19 E. 3. who gave a messuage in Eaton to the Nuns there and in 21 E. 3. departed this life leaving his son Robert then 30 years of age which Robert dyed in 38 H. 3. without issue whereupon Sir Raph Hastings Kt. son of Margaret sister to the said Robert became his next heir which Sir Raph had issue Raph that dyed 21 R. 2. leaving issue Raph Richard and Leonard Of these Raph the eldest being attainted for Treason lost his head 20 Iul. 6 H. 4. for conspiring with Richard Scroop Archb. of Yorke and others against the King but Richâ—rd his younger brother a man of better affectionâ— to the Crown had restitution of his Lands and in 2 H. 5. underwent the Shiriffalty for this County and Leicestershire After which viz. in 9 H. 5. he was retained by Indenture to serve the K. in his wars beyond Sea with 10 Men at Arms and 30 Archers taking 2 s. a day for his own wages 1 s. for every of the said Men at Arms and 6 d. for every Archer In 1 5 and 11. H. 6. he had again the custody of those Counties But in 15 H. 6. dyed leaving Leonard his brother and heir xl years of age Which Leonard being also Shiriff for these Counties in 32 H. 6. departed this world in 34. leaving William his son and heir afterwards Lord Chamberlain to K. Edw. 4. and erected to the degree of a Baron by the same King as also made Master-worker of the K. Moneys both Gold and Silver and Keeper of all manner his eschange and interchange in the Tower of London Ireland and Caleys This is he whom Ric. D. of Glouc. afterwards Kning by the name of Ric. 3. caused to be pull'd from the Councel Table in the Tower and immediatly beheaded upon a peice of Timber within the walls of that place as our Historians do manifest But he had a more honourable burial viz. in the Chapel of St. George at Windsor by the appointment of his last Will and Testament and in a place assigned for that purpose by K. E. 4. in his life time where is a fair Monument erected over him by his Executors for the making whereof he bequeathed an hundred marks To whom succeeded Edward his son and heir stiled Lord Hastings and Hungerford who by his Testament in 22 H. 7. bequeathed his body to be buried in the Colledge at Windsor near his Fathers Tombe and left issue George Lord Hastings which George was afterwards created Earl of Huntington 8 Dec. 21 H. 8. and sold this Mannour to Thomas Harvey Esq a rich Merchant who by his last Will and Testament bequeathed it together with one messuage lying in Wodcote in this County to the use of 3 Priests during xxi years to keep an Obit for his soul. After which time it returned to his four
of S. Thomas near Stafford when he grew aged he left his Bishoprick and took upon him the habit of a Canon-Regular in that Religious House where he departed this life and was buryed The next though not his immediate successor that I find was a man who became afterwards very eminent viz. Will. de Kilkenny being afterwards for a time Chancelour of England and also B. of Ely Homo egregiâ corporis formâ praeditus facundus prudens legum municipalium admodum peritus saith Godwyn He dyed on the feast day of S. Mathew the Apostle ann 1256. 4 H. 3. being then in Spain Embassador but his heart he appointed to be buryed at Ely His immediate successor as I believe for he was Arch-deacon in 3 Ioh. was a man extraordinary famous for his learning and a great Divine whose memory is yet very pretious in our Universities viz. Alexander de Hales a Catalogue of whose learned Works are to be seen in Balaeus de Script Britannicis This Alex. in his age became a Frier at the Corde-liers in Paris where departing this life he was buryed near the steps ascending to the Quire and hath over his grave a Monument of black marble about 2 foot in height from the ground with this Inscription engraven upon it R. P. ALEXANDRI DE ALES Doctoris irrefragabilis quondam Sanctorum Thomae Aquinatis Bonaventurae praeceptoris Epitaphium Clauditur hoc saxo famam sortitus abundè Gloria Doctorum decus flos Philosophorum Auctor Scriptorum vir Alexander variorum Norma modernorum fons veri lux aliorum Inclitus Anglorum fuit Archilevita sed horum Spretor cunctorum frater collega Minorum Factus egenorum fit Doctor primus eorum Obiit A. D. 1245. Calend Septembris 12. Si quis honos meritis si quis virtute coluntur Hunc animo praefer hunc venerare Patrem As for his successors I dare not undertake to exhibit a perfect Catalogue of them yet of such for whom any good authority hath appeared to me I have added the names Patroni Archidiac Coventriae Hugo de Marisco Cler. 5. Id. Iulii 1349. Will. Crosse 3 Non. Oct. 1351. Ioh. de Pipe Pbr. 11 Cal. Oct. 1358. Will. Lambe Pbr. post resign Will. Bermyngham 1 Dec. 1369. Rob. Stretton 5 Cal. Ian. 1369. Rob. de Oxton Cler. 20 Iunii 1408. Rob. Esple Art Magr. post mortem Ioh. Heyworth 22 Maii 1433. Rog. Wall Cler. penult Iunii 1442. Ioh. Blythe scolar Vniversit Paris per resign Rad. Colingwood 2 Oct. 1510. Rob. Co. Leic. haec vice patronus Will. Iames S. Theol. Professor post mortem Tho. Lewes 27 Aug. 1577. Will. Awbrey L. Dr. Arth. Aly in Art Magr. hac vice Will. Hinton S. Theol. Bac. 4 Nov. 1584. Episc. Cov. Lich. Sam. Brooke S. Theol. Professor 13 Maii 1635. Episc. Cov. Lich. Rad. Brownrigge S. Theol. Professor 29 Sept. 1631. Upon the Survey made in 26 H. 8. this dignity was certified to be worth xlv l. ix s. per ann viz. in Pensions Procurations and Sinodals Out of the Deanry of Coventre 9 l. 12. s. 4 d. per ann Marton 10 l. 11 s. 0 d. per ann Stonley 11 l. 00 s. 2 d. per ann Arden 14 l. 5 s. 6 d. per ann And as the several particulars whereof I have already spoke have added no small honour to this City so is it also famous for having been the birth-place to one of our most eminent Historians of whom I shall here repeat what Balaus speaketh Gualterus Coventriensis immortali vir dignus memoriâ in eadem celebri Warwicensis comitatus urbe natus educatus ab honestis illic civibus originem duxit Operam bonis literis sedulam admodum Oxonii impendebat ubi gratissimum fuit optimarum disciplinarum emporium Illustria ejus facta accuratè sed sparsim à diligentissimo Lelando chartis praecipue historicis commendata sunt Eo etenim teste historiam est magno aggressus animo quam etiam inchoatam ab origine Britannorum ad sua tempora Ann. viz. Dom. 1226. majoribus animis deduxit Secutus est autem hos potissimùm aut hores Anglos Galfridum Monumetensem Rog. Hovedenum Henr. Huntingdonium ita tamen ut multa addiderit non sine fide quae nuspiam apud illos leguntur Unum certe defuit homini alioqui claro nam quanquam fide lucido ordine nusquam facundiâ tamen saepiusculè destitutus erat Quod non authoris sed aetatis potius vitium fuit Uude composuit Gualterus Chron. Britann Lib. 1. Anglo-Sax Chron. Lib. 1. Annales Angl. Lib. 1. Et alia quaedam edidit ut ex honestis atque Christianis studiis apud posteritatem semper ejus viveret nomen Vixit varia componens scribens regnantibus Joanne Henrico tertio illius filio Anglorum regibus I Have now done with Coventre which as it much increast in wealth by Cloathing and making of Caps so since those trades have decayed is now not a little fallen from the glory it antiently had And being next to take view of those petty villages and places of note that environ it I shall for my more orderly proceeding begin with them that are on the Southwest side thereof and conclude with those on the Northeast part Whaburley THis is the first I meet with on the South-west side where now no more than one single house is to be seen but heretofore it was otherwise for in K. Stâ—â—h time it had a Chappel being of the E. of Chester's fee with Coventre And in 7 E. 1. Rog. Gopil possest it having then two yard land in demesn and ten Free-holders who occupyed two yard land and a half with an acre and a half paying certain rent unto him and doing suit to his 3 weekâ— Court. But the inheritance of the E. of Chester's fees coming to Montalt as I have elswhere shewed from whom Q. Isabell had an estate for life with reversion to the D. of Cornwall this was by the said Q. included in that Charter made by her to the Mayor and Commonalty of Coventre in E. 3. time whereby she granted to them Return of Writs goods of felons and fugitives with cognizance of all pleas in Coâ—ventre and the Hamlets adjoyning As also in K. H. 6. Charter by which Coventre with divers villages thereabouts was made a County of it self distinct from Warwickshire Asthull THis place being utterly depopulated is now onely known by a little thicket of trees called Asthull-grove But the first mention I find of it is in 34 H. 3. upon the grant made by Rog. de Montalt and Cecily his wife of Coventre to the Monks in which the said Roger and Cecily did inter alia reserve the service of Will. de Olneie therein for it seems he then held it But in 3 E. 1. it was certified
the ascent whereon it stood Pen in the Brittish language signifying the head top or chief part and I le the same with Locus It should seem that antiently it was a pretty village otherwise there had been no cause for the Chappel but till H. 3. time that Geff. de Langley a man of great note in those days made it his seat I have not seen any thing memorable of it 'T is very like that the neerness of its situation to Coventre invited him to build here for in 22. H. 3. he had a grant from the King of certain timber trees out of Kenilworth-woods for that purpose Of what extraction this family was I know not though they had divers fair Lordships in this County but for as much as this was their chief seat I do here resolve to take notice of what I have found memorable of them Galfr. de Langley temp H. 2. Galfr. de Langley 22. H. 3. obiit 2. E. 1 ....... ux 1. Magr. Rob. de Langley 2. E. 1. Galfr. de Langley 22. H. 3. obiit 2. E. 1 Matilda ux 2. Walt. de Langley defunctus 8. E. 1. ...... ux 1. Ela una fil cohaer Isab. de Hulles 17. E. 2. Joh. de Langley miles 29. E. 1. ..... ux 1. Walterus ob S. p. Ioh. obiit S. prole Magr. Tho. de Langley 4. E. 3. Galfr. de Langley defunctus 10. E. 3. Maria 18. E. 2. Galfr. de Langley 4. E. 3. Ioh. fil Alani de Cherlton militis 33. E. 3. Iohanna filia haeres ob S. p. Ioh. Trillow jun. miles 2. maritus Edm. de Langley 9. E. 2. .... filia Will. de Bereford Iustic Regis Ioh. de Langley Williel de Careswell 2. maritus 4. E. 3. Ioh. de Langley de Atherston super Stour 18. R. 2. Ioh. de Langley Edm. de Langley 9. E. 2. Iohanna ux 1. Ioanna ux Edm. de Chesterton Rog. de Chesterton Eliz. filia haeres Ioh. Barndesley 4. H. 4. Galfr. obiit vita Patris Walt. de Langley defunctus 8. E. 1. Alicia Domina de Bykenhull ux 2. Rob. de Langley 29. E. 1. Alianora filia Rad. de Molington Marg. filia haeres Will. de Peto 47. E. 3. Ioh. de Peto Chivalier Will. de Pâ—to consangu haeres Galf. de Langley 22. R. 2. Galfr. de Langley 15. E. 1. The first mention I have met with of this name and stock is in H. 2. time the K. confirming the grant made by one Geffrey de Langley to the Monks of Combe of lands in Herdebergh now called Harborow-magna in this County 'T is very like that the same Geffrey was the father of this but if there were more than two in a direct line of that Christen name I know not how to distinguish them With Geffrey whom I suppose to be the son of that Geffrey which was a benefactor to Combe I will begin He was first Marshall of the K. Household an office belonging to the E. Marshall of England in fee who by the K. consent appoints a Knight under him to execute the same In which he so behaved himself that the King took great notice of him for a thrifty servant and for that cause afforded him much grace and respect though others con'd him little thank in regard he cut shorr the antient allowance for the Kings own table and lessened the old hospitality of the Court. In 23. H. 3. he obtained a Charter of Free-warren in all his demesn-lands here And in 26. H. 3. attended the King in that expedition of Gascoign wherein the English suffered great loss in which voyage he got such reputation with the King as accelerated it seems his further profit and advancement For in 34. H. 3. he obtained a Patent to his own use dated 29. Dec. of the whole benefit accruing by expeditation of Dogs throughout all the Forests of England And the fourth of March following to be Justice of the Kings Forests from Trent Southwards As also within few days after to be Governour of the Castle and Honour of Rokingham in Northampton-shire The same year likewise upon the return of a Writ of Ad quod dampnum had he license to stop up and inclose a certain High-way which interposed betwixt his House and woods here at Pinley and to impark those woods 'T is not to be doubted but as he managed the business his office of Justice in the Forests was very beneficiall to him but with what credit he did the King that service and inrich't himself let us hear an impartiall relation from an Author of that time Sub eisdem siquidem temporibus c. About these times saith he a certain in Knight called Geffrey de Langley who was a Bayliff to the King and a strict Inquisitor after all trespasses committed in the Forests rode through most parts of England In which Office he behaved himself with that cunning frowardness and violence in extorting vast summs of money especially from the Northern gentry as that the very Auditors themselves were astonisht at such a mass And for the better carrying on this course of oppression he rode with a great company of attendants well armed so that if any of those against whom he thus proceeded did but seem to excuse themselves in a muttering way their enemyes being Judges he presently caused them to be cast into prison Neither did he use any proportion in the punishment sutable to the offence for were it but the killing of a Fawn or a Hare and that crossing the way in a mans passage though he were the greatest Noble-man that did itâ— he would ruin him So that this his cruelty made the memory of his predecessors pretious nay Robert Passelew himself in comparison of him was counted a Saint Which Robert being Justice of the Forests immediatly before had been the man that first brought him into that imployment whose good turn he requited with supplanting him putting out all those under Officers that he had placed and undoing them to boot Whereupon the said Robert considering the instability of these terrestriall things forsook the Court and became a Priest Which ways of oppression and cruelty rendred our Geffrey so odious that the K. within two years thought best in prudence to remove him from that Office least the peoples discontents should reflect upon himself And therefore the better to satisfy the world he sent him away into Scotland there to be one of the Governours unto his daughter the Queen of Scots But the Nobles of that Realm finding of what an insolent Spirit he was would not long endure him there whereupon he betook himself to the service of Prince Edward in which he so managed the business that he raised up many enemyes to the King and Prince as well as to himself For being imployed in Wales by the Prince he so tirannized that in 40. H. 3. the Welch broke out into rebellion which
touching the first of that Order erected here in England I find some difference amongst our Historians some affirming it to have been Rievaulx in Yorksh. Bernard Abbot of Clerevaulx sending over part of that Covent to plant there and to instruct the Monks thereof in that Rule which foundation was so made by Walter Espec in an 1132. 33 H. 1. But that Waverle in Surrey preceded it whereof this of Cumbe was a daughter I am much the more confident in regard 't is clear that Will. Giffard B. of Winchester was Founder thereof which Will. dyed 25 Ian. 29 H. 1. four year before Rievaulx is said to be founded And to confirm this that I say hearken to what our old Poet Robert of Gloucester hath to that purpose Houses of Religion as I seide er I wene Kynge Henry lovede moche as hit was wel sene For the ordre of Graye-monkes thorwz then men brouzt Furst here into Englonde and peraventer men him bisouzt As in the Abby of Waverle that hit furst become As in the eizte and twenty yeer of his Kyngdome Having said thus much of their original and first coming into England I shall adde a word or two of the strictness in their Rule and so proceed with my discourse touching the further endowment of this Monastery First for their habite they wear no Leather or Linnen nor indeed any fine Woollen Cloth neither except it be in a journey do they put on any breeches and then upon their return deliver them fair washt Having two Coats with Cowles in Winter time they are not to augment but in Summer if they please may lessen them In which habite they are to sleep and after Mattens not to return to their beds For Prayers the hour of Prime they so conclude that before the Laudes it may be Day-break strictly observing their Rule that not one jote or tittle of their service is omitted Immediatly after Laudes they Sing the Prime and after Prime they go out performing their appointed hours in work what is to be done in the day they act by day-light for none of them except he be sick is to be absent from his Diurnall hours or the Compline When the Compline is finished the Steward of the House and he that hath charge of the guests go forth but with great care of silence serve them For Dyet the Abbot assumes no more liberty to himself then any of his Covent every where being present with them and taking care of his flock except at meat in regard his Table is alwaies with the strangers and poor people nevertheless wheresoever he eats is he abstemious of talk or any dainty fare nor hath he or any of them ever above two dishes of meat neither do they eat of fat or flesh except in case of sickness And from the Ides of September till Easter they eat no more than once a day except on Sundays no not on any Festivall Out of the precincts of their Cloyster they go not but to work neither there or any where do they discourse with any but the Abbot or Prior. They unweariedly continue their Canonicall hours not peicing any service to another except the Vigils for the deceased They observe the Office of St. Ambrose so far as they could have perfect knowledge thereof from Millain and taking care of strangers and sick-people do devise extraordinary afflictions for their own bodies to the intent their souls may be advantaged Which Rules were duly observed by the first Abbot and Covent but afterwards somewhat was abated of that austerity but their habite is still white and nothing different in the fashion from the Monks of St. Benedict's Rule except a girdle which these wear about their middle Being now to speak of the particular endowments which this Monastery had I shall but onely point at the Benefactors with the places where those lands and possessions so given were situate in respect that the substance of them were in this County so that as they fall in my way I omit them not And first touching the posterity of Camvill I onely find that Gerard de Camvill son and heir to Richard the Founder and Nichola de Haya his wife Daughter of Geffrey de la Haya gave to these Monks C. sol to keep his Anniversary there for ever but Nigel de Moubray added all the rest of the woods which adjoyned to those that Roger his Father had bestowed on them before Will. de Moubray son to the same Nigel confirming whatsoever his ancestors had given The other speciall Benefactors were these Richard de Morevill who gave certain lands in Withibroke Thurbert de Bilneie with some others a large part of Bilneje Laurence Prior of Coventre with the Covent of that place half a hide of land in the said town of Bilneje Herbert Putot certain lands in Hopsford Thomas the son of Laurence de Stoke xxiiii acres of land in Withibroke and all his errable land in Bilneje Seher the son of Hugh le Harper of Stoke a wood called Harpers wood lying in Stoke Alice the wife of Walter Britton Wikin-mill which lyeth near Sow and a messuage there Rob. Chetwode and Sibil his wife Purmilne in Stretton super Fosse Agatha le Strange divers lands in Wlricheston now Wolston Ric. de Frevile Merston mill Hamund de Thurvile lands in the same Merston Will. de Borthun Blakedon-mill in â—he Parish of Lillington Walter Spigurwell of Emscote certain Common of pasture in the said Blakedon In Church-Lawford were there divers petty parcells of land given to these Monks some by Roger Hayrun Lord thereof and some by inferior men So also in Ansti and Shulton by Rog. de Buschervill and others Little-Lawford was wholy bestowed on them by Iohn de Chavini Lord of that Mannour In Herdeberwe were divers small parcells of land given by ordinary persons so likewise in Burthingbury In Little-Copston and Wolvey by Rob. Basset and Reginald his son which Reginald gave also the moytie of the Church of Wolvey In Shirford and Bromcote they had lands also given by Thomas Trove Lord of Shirford and others And in Merston Iabet divers petty parcels by inferior persons besides all that Iohn de Merston otherwise called Iohn Iabet had in that Village Part of which lands in Merston were particularly assigned to find shoos for the poor that were dayly releived at the Abby-gate So likewise were certain lands in Bilney and some houses in Coventre In Cotes id est Coton juxta Church-Over and Neuton they had much of the grant of Hugh Bagot Symon Bagot and others In Church-waver they had also divers small parcells bestowed on them by Rob. de Waver and others In Holme now called Biggin the Mill there with certain lands In Caldecote half a yard land given by Emme
the name of Kenilworth was then in two parts the one called Optone certified to contain three hides being then held immediatly of the King by Albertus Clericus in pure Almes upon which were resident two Priests the woods whereof conteyned half a mile in length and four furlongs in breadth This being that part of Kenilworth which now the Inhabitants call the High-town and situate upon the ascent on the North part of the Church But the other which in the same Record is written Chinewrde and possest by Rich. Forestarius did then contain no more than three virgats besides the woods which were certified to be half a mile in length and four furlongs in breadth Haec duo membra saith Domesday-book jacent ad Stanlei manerium Regis That the name originally did proceed from some antient possessor of it whose habitation was there is not to be doubted the syllable Wrde which should be Wrâ—e id est Worthe and signifieth a mansion or dwelling place manifesting as much but whether his name was Kenelm or Kenulph for antiently it was written Kenilworth or whether it were the above mentioned Rich. Forestarius who had his seat there which Richard in some very antient authorities that I have seen is called Rich. Chineu I cannot positively determine and therefore will not insist longer on conjectures Certain it is that it continued in the Kings hands till H. 1. time and then was given to Geffrey de Clinton a Norman who doubtless had his first abode in England at Clinton now vulgarly called Glinton in Oxford-shire and thence assumed his sirname This Geffrey if we may credit our Countrey-man Rous was grandson to Will. de Tankervile Chamberlain of Normandy and Maud his wife daughter to Will de Arches whose descent is derived from Wevia sister to Gunora Dutchess of Normandy but of the certainty thereof I much doubt considering that an authentique Historian his Contemporary renders him to have been of very mean parentage and meerly raised from the dust by the favour of the said King Henry from whose hands he received large possessions and no small honour being made both Lord Chamberlein and Treasurer to the said King and afterwards Justice of England which great advancements do argue that he was a man of extraordinary parts It seems he took much delight in this place in respect of the spacious woods and that large and pleasant Lake through which divers petty streames do pass lying amongst them for he it was that first built that great and strong Castle here which was the glory of all these parts and for many respects may be ranked in a third place at the least with the most stately Castles of England Neer unto which he also founded at the same timeâ— a goodly Monastery for Black Canons of which Order it will not be amiss to take a brief view before I go on with my discourse of this particular Monastery The most received opinion is that these Canons Regular had their first institution from S. Augustin Bishop of Hippo wherefore I will succinctly deliver the occasion and ground thereof This Augustin was born in the City of Tagaste in Africa and betaking himself to the study of Philosophy in his younger years grew to be an excellent Schollar and a famous Rhetorician for which he became so eminent that being sent for to Millain there to teach Rhetorique by the preaching of S. Ambrose then Bishop of Millain he was reclaimed from the Heresy of Manicheus wherewith he had been tainted And afterwards coming to Hippo at the solicitation of a great person was by Valerius then B. of that place ordayned a Priest in which City he shortly instituted a Covent of Clerks and lived according to the Rule constituted by the holy Apostles instructing them in the Evangelique perfection viz. love of Poverty Obedience and Chastity After which upon the death of Valerius he became B. of Hippo but notwithstanding being desirous to continue his Religious Course of life he founded a Monastery of Clerks within the precincts of his Church Divers sorts of Religious persons have taken him for their Law-giver viz. the Heremites called Augustines Canons Regular c. making all profession under his Rule Their habite as Polyd. Virg. affirmeth is a white coat and a linnen surplis under a black cloak with a hood covering their head and neck which reacheth to the shoulders having under it doublet breeches white stockings and shoos or slippers and when they walk out a black corner'd cap or a broad Hat their Crowns being shaven but not so much as other Monks Thus much as to the Order With this Monastery so founded by the said Geffrey de Clinton I will now proceed in regard it was so signall a Monument of his piety reserving my story of the Castle till anon By his Foundation Charter it appeares that he gave to the Canons of this House for the redemption of his sins as also for the good estate of King Henry whose consent he had thereto and of his own wife and children all the lands and woods of this Kenilworth excepting what he had reserved for the making of his Castle and Park Together with the Mannors of Salford Itlicote and Neunham in this County The Church of Wotton with a hide of land thereto belonging Two hides in Lilenton with the Churches of Clinton in Oxford-shire and Barton in Northhampton-shire Granting further unto them of pasturage viz. that wheresoever his own Cattell Hoggs should be whether within his Park or without there also might theirs have liberty to feed And their tenants Hoggs to have the like freedom in all other except his inclosed woods and Park as his own tenants had Adding by another Charter the gift of a full tenth of whatsoever should be brought to his Castle viz. either to his Cellar Kitchin Larder Granary or Hall-garth as well of all bought or given either in Corn Hay Hoggs Muttons Bacon Venison Cheese Fish Wine Hony Wax Tallow Pepper and Cumin though they had been tithed elswhere before as of his own proper revenue Together with all his Lambskins throughout every his Mannours as well those as should be kill'd to eat as of others that might dy casually Canonicus Regularis S â— Augustini To these large and munificent gifts he added the Mannour of Hichenden in Com. Buck. which he had by the bounty of King Henry and the Church of Stone in Stafford-shire which he procured of one Enisan within whose Lordship it lay by the consent of Nich. de Stafford it being founded in his fee. But that which I call here the Church of Stone was a small Monastery founded in memory of Wolfade and Ruffin slain by King Wolpherus their father in respect that they became Christians being converted from Paganism and baptized by that holy man S. Chad B. of Lichfield near a thousand years since And besides these particulars did he likewise give
should seeme In 3. H. 3. there was 150 li. 02 s. 03. d. accounted for building up of a Tower thereof which fell down at Christmass before And in 5. and in 6. H. 3. more money layd out in repaires It seems that the said W. de Cantilupe Shiriff of this County and Leicester-shire from 12. Ioh. till 8. H. 3. resided at this Castle for in 7. H. 3. command was given to those that sold the windefall-trees in the Park that they should allow unto him part of that timber to repair the buildings wherein he dwel't which were ruin'd by the winde And the same year and the next did the said Will account for his charges therein and other repaires But in 8. H. 3. the custody thereof was committed to Iohn Russell In 9. H. 3. Rob. Lupus or Low then the Shiriff accounted for the carriage of five tonns of wine brought from South-hampton and laid in here And in 11. H. 3. Will. de Stutevill for mending the Gaole and other things amiss he having that year the Custody thereof together with the Shiriffalty of these Countyes In 13. H. 3. Stephan de Segrave the then Shiriff accounted for mending the banks of the pool and in 15. for repaires of the Castle It seemes that some Malefactors had wont to be imprisoned here for in 15. H. 3. Will. Basset and others were constituted Justices for the Gaol-delivery thereof In 19. H. 3. the then Shiriff accounted 06 li. 16 s. -04 d. for a fair and beautifull boat to lye neer the dore of the Kings great Chamber here In 21. H. 3. here was another Gaol-delivery In 22. H. 3. Hugh le Poer the then Governour had command to deliver it to Walter Gray Archbishop of Yorke to the use of Ottobone the Popes Legate to whom the King had then committed the custody of it Which Ottobone was afterwards Pope by the name of Adrian 5. the occasion of whose coming into England and the stirrs thereupon our Historians do shew Which Ottobone substituted Ric. de Gray to keep it in his steadâ— for by a Precept of the K. to the same Richard bearing date that year he is stiled Constable thereof In 26. H. 3. much cost in building and repaires was bestowed here viz. in seeling the Chappell with Wainscote and painting it making seats for the King and Queen handsomly adorn'd repairing the Tower where the bells hung making all the walls new on the South-side by the pool which I conceive to be the same without alteration that yet stands beautifying the Q. Chamber with painting and enlarging it the same year Gilb. de Segrave being made Governor thereof who by his Letters Pat. dated at Windsore 7. April doth declare that he was to keep it only during the Kings pleasure and not deliver it into the hands of any one but the King himself so long as he lived and that if the King should dy during his custody thereof to yield it to Queene Elianor for the use of the Kings heirs but in case the said Q. could not come in person that then he would not deliver it to any except to some of her uncles to the use of the Kings heires who were not in league with the King of France And for his observance of these conditions he took a solemn oath upon the holy Bible in the Kings presence Howbeit shortly afterwards viz. in 28. H. 3. the King made Simon Montfort Earl of Leic. Governour thereof And in 32. H. 3. granted the custody of it to Alianore his sister then wife of the said Simon to hold during her life about which time the woods belonging to it lying neer the road betwixt Coventre and Warwick were very thick which now are all gone Wherefore in 34. H. 3. the Constable hereof had command to cut down six acres in breadth of the under-wood there growing for the security of passengers In 38. H. 3. the King granted it to the said Sim. Montfort Earl of Leicester and Elianore his wife during their lives which Earl being of a most haughty and ambitious spirit was the principall ringleader in that great rebellion of the Barons begun in 42. H. 3. at which time they put themselves in armes held a Parliament at Oxford by force and compel'd the Kings assent to their unjust and dishonouble Ordinances Which fire so kindled never ceased flaming more or less till it was quenched with the blood of those conspirators in the battail at Evesham 49. H. 3. as our Historians especially Math. Westm. who hath written most largely thereof manifesteth to whom I refer my Reader for more full satisfaction in regard I must confine my self to what relates chiefly to this County wherein I shall observe that in 48. H. 3. after the King had got Northampton and that good success seemed to attend him having there taken divers eminent prisoners many of the Northern Barons likewise coming into his aid Iohn Gâ—ffard a Knight of much valour but one of the most desperat Rebells was sent by Earle Symon with divers other to this Castle to be Governour thereof which as the same Historian reports the said Earl of Leic. had wonderfully fortified and stored with many kindes of warlike engines till that time never seen nor heard of in England Who being come thither and having suspition that the fidelity of the then Earl of Warwick Will. Mauduit was firm to the King he surprized Warwick-Castle most deceitfully and carrying the said Earl with his wife and family prisoners hither demolished a great part of his Castle at Warwick least it should be of advantage to any of the Royall party as when I come to Warwick I shall more punctually shew The particulars touching the battail of Lewes which hapned shortly after where the Barons prevailing the King and Prince were made prisoners as also of the divisions which grew amongst the Chief of those Rebells after they had got all in their power Of the contrivance how to get the Prince out of the Earl of Leic. hands who had him then with the King a prisoner at Hereford-Castle and of his escape and suddain raysing an Army I must not stay here to relate but hasting on to what concerns this place shall observe that Montfort Earl of Leic. understanding that many came into the Prince and how his power daily increased sent his younger son Simon into the North to hasten away the Barons of that rebellious pack residing in those parts who brought up thence almost 20. Banners with a great multitude of Souldiers to this Castle where they made their station for a while and hence went to Winchester but having spoiled that City made a sudden return to this place again whereof notice being given to the Prince then at Worcester with his Army by Raph de Ardern of this County at that time one of the Rebells party who imploy'd a woman called
in all 17. quarters and a half and 6. quarters of Malt made in beer at 4 s. the quarter The yearly fee then to the principall Officers being to Henry Marq. Dorset their high Seward Liii s. iv d. To Robert Caster gent. their generall Receiver xxvi s. viii d. And to Thomas Gregory Auditor xxvi s. viii d. So that being in clear yearly value less than CC li. it was suppressed by Act of Parl. in 27. H. 8. whereupon the Monks were for the most part disposed of to other Religious Houses that then stood undissolved Thomas Tutbury the then Abbot having a Pension of 23 li. per annum assigned to him during his life Catalogus Abbatum 1. Willielmus primus Abbas obiit Id. Dec. anno 1159. 2. Rogerus obiit Non. Feb. anno 1178. 3. Nicholaus obiit Cal. Sept. anno 1188. 4. Henricus obiit 3. Id. Sept. anno 1189. 5 Will. Pershore translatus ad Bordesley 6. Will. de Campden Abbatizavit 8. ann 7. Will. de Tysoe obiit 10. Cal. Aug. an 1217. 8. Ranulphus cessit officio ann 1221. 9. Will. Gyldeford depositus ann 1231. 10. Osbertus de Westwelle renuntiavit officio Non. Sept. ann 1258. 11. Petrus Wyche obiit 9. Cal. Martii 1261. 12. Ric. de Merynton à regimine amotus ann 1272. 13. Tho. de Orlescote translatus ad Bordesle an 1277. 14. Wâ—ll de Heyford assumptus in Abb. de Bordesse an 1293. 15. Ioh. de la Sale depositus post an 16. 2. menses 16. Rob. de Hockele obiit die S. Desiderii Episc. an 1349. 17. Rob. de Atherston renuntiavit officio anno tertio regiminis sui 18. Thomas de Weston alià s dictus Tho. de Pipe successit eidem Roberto 9. Cal. Iunii an 1352. aetate juvenis Rob. Sutton 10. H. 7. Thom. Hodskinson Thom. Tutbury 27. H. 8. After the before-specified dissolution it contitinued not long in the Crown for in 30. H. 8. it was granted to Charles Brandon D. of Suff. and his heirs Which D. had issue Henry and Charles who both dying childless Sir Ric. Cavendish Knight Sir William Sidney Knight Thomas Glemham Esq. Tho. Lovell Esq. Christian Darnell widow Eliz. the wife of Walter Ayscough Esq. and Eliz. the wife of Iohn Trye were found to be their cosins and heirs Betwixt whom partition being made 21. Maii 2. Eliz. the site of this Monastery with part of the lands thereunto belonging was allotted unto William Cavendish Esq. son and heir to the said Sir Richard Which Will. by the name of Will. Cavendish of Trymley St. Martin in Com. Suff. Esq. by his deed bearing date 17. Martii 3. Eliz. sold it unto Sir Rowland Hill and Sir Thomas Leigh Knights Aldermen of London After which upon division made of divers Mannours and Lands joyntly acquired by them the site of this Monastery became allotted to the same Sir Thomas Leigh who purchasing in the greatest part of all other lands lying in Stonley thereabouts and obtain'd in 4. Eliz. a Pat. of confirmation for them all together with the Mannour of Stonley Which Sir Thomas being son to Roger Leigh of Wellington in Shrop-shire descended by a younger branch from that antient family of the Leigh's of High-Leigh in Cheshire as their descent sheweth and bred up under the said Sir Rowland Hill an opulent merchant of London became at length for his skill and diligence his Factor beyond Sea and underwent that trust so well that Sir Rowland having no child match't his neece whom he much affected to him viz. Alice daughter to ...... Barker of Hamon in Shropshire upon whose issue he bestow'd the greatest part of his estate Much might be said of this Sir Thomas Leigh who was Lord Mayor of London in 1 Eliz. but let the Epitaph upon his Monument at Mercers-Chappell where he lyeth buried suffice for he dyed in that City ....... 14. Eliz. leaving issue 3. sons Rouland Thomas and William The eldest of which was largely provided for in Gloucester-shire at Longborow and thereabouts by the said Sir Rouland Hill his Godfather But the second here And the third at Neunham in this County had ample possessions setled upon them by their father and mother she being joyned purchaser in all and lived here at Stonley to a very great age to see her childrens children to the fourth generation where departing this life ..... Ian. an 1603. she was buried at the upper end of the Chancell on the North side The memoriall of which worthy Lady though there be none over the place of her sepulture will continue in that lasting monument of her piety erected in this Town I mean the Hospitall for poor people of which I shall say more anon Thomas the second son Knighted by Q. Eliz. and honoured with the title of Baronet at the first erection of that order scilicet 29. Iunii 9. Iac. wedded Katherine daughter to Sir Iohn Spenser of Wormleighton Knight by whom he had issue Sir Iohn Leigh Knight his son and heir whom he survived And having lived to a great age in much reputation being Custos Rotulorum for this County and in all publique employments of his time one of the superior rank deceased in Febr. 1. Car. leaving Sir Thomas Leigh son to the before specified Sir Iohn his next heir Which Sir Thomas now Lord of this Mannour having been dignified with Knighthood by King Iames wedded Mary daughter and coheir to Sir Thomas Egerton Knight eldest son to Thomas Lord Ellesmere Lord Chancelour of England and firmely adhering to the late King Charles in his greatest distresses was in testimony of his stedfast loyalty advanced to the degree and title of a Baron of this Realm The Church dedicated to our Lady whereunto belonged 8. yard land being given by K. H. 1. to the Canons of Kenilworth shortly after the Foundation of that Monastery was appropriated to them by Geffrey Muschamp Bishop of Coventre and Lichfield in King Iohn's time with a Pension of v. marks out of the Vicaridge and confirmed by Pope Gregory the ix anno 1228. 12. H. 3. And in anno 1291. 19. E. 1. valued at 24. marks the Vicaridge in 26. H. 8. being likewise rated at vi li. -xv s. iv d. over and above xxx s. yearly Pension then payd to the Canons of Kenilw. and 8 s. per annum allowed for Procurations and Synodals Which Vicaridge was by the Lady Aliza Dudley augmented with 20 li. per annum out of lands purchased in Manceter whereof I have there taken notice who also gave three large and faire pieces of gilt plate to remain for the use of the Communicants here for ever The Hospitall before mentioned was founded by the said Lady Alice Leigh for ten poor people viz. five men and five women all of them to be unmarried persons and nominated by her but after her decease by Sir Thomas Leigh her son during his life and his heirs for ever
Shiriff for enquiry who ought of right to repair it and to distrein them thereunto What was done thereupon I find not but in 26. E. 3. the Abbot of Stoneley being questioned for the not repair of it did not deny but that he ought of right so to do Finborgh WIthin the precincts of Stoneley there was a certain House with two yard land belonging to it called Fynborgh given by King H. 1. unto one William his Falconer by the service of keeping a Falcon. Which land one of the same William his descendants charged with an annuity of 5 s. per annum to the Canons of Kenilworth in respect whereof of the Priors of Kenilworth did chalenge to be Lords of the same tenement exacting Heriots and suite of Court from the possessors thereof But this tenement came at length by succession to one Alex. de Fynborgh who dying without issue Ioan the wife of Steph. Stretton and Alice the wife Iohn Fynborgh being his sisters inherited it Neither of which having children Ioan the survivor gave it in her widowhood to Will. de Hulle a Priest who past it unto one Iohn Bacon of Wolston Which Iohn sold it to Sir Will. Bagot of Baginton in R. 2. time but since that have I seen little of it Fynham THis village lyeth upon the bank of Sow and being a member of Stoneley was possest by the Monks from the Foundation of that Abby they having Free-warren granted to them here in 12. E. 1. In it antiently were xii houses of which eight were gone before the beginning of H. 7. time When it past out of the Crown I have not seen but in 3. E. 6. Cuthbert Ioyner a Citizen of Coventre and Thomas Kevet were owners of it Which Thomas died seized of six mess. here and certain lands to them belonging in 1 Eliz. leaving George his son and heir Fletchamsted THis is now in two parts one commonly called Over-Flechamsted and the other Nether-Flechamsted but antiently they were not divided Here it was that K. H. 1. observing it to be a place of great solitude in respect of the thick woods and large wasts thereabouts gave to one Gerard an Heremite and Priest a carucat of land whereupon in process of time he built Houses and let them for Rent Which Gerard had a Chappell here the yard whereof was consecrated by Walter Durdent then B. of Coventre upon condition that he the said Gerard and his successors should pay tithes to the Canons of Kenilworth in right of their Church of Stonley In this Chappell did he celebrate Divine service daily was afterwards buried therein After whose death K. Henry preferred one Bryan thereunto who also was a Priest and brother to a Templar named Peter Lomsy which Peter sent the said Brian into Ireland upon some business for the Templars and in his absence sung Mass in the Chappell here for the King But Brian dying in Ireland the Templars held this Chantry and the land thereto belonging and procured K. H. 2. to bestow it upon one Robert Pirou a Priest during his life for their use and after his decease upon them Whose grant K. Iohn confirmed Which lands were in 31. H. 2. certified to be worth 14 s. per annum and the Mill that the said Templars had also here 3 s. whereof they continued possest till the destruction of their Order yet not very peaceably in regard that the Canons of Kenilw. perplexed them with suites in R. 1. K. Iohn's time upon the title they pretended to have thereof by the grant of K.H. 1. In 7. E. 1. that which the Templars had here was certified to be 1. that one Carucat of land and Mill above specified held by the service to find a Priest to sing Mass daily for the souls of the Ks. Progenitors and for the soul of Gerard the Heremite 2. That the Tenants of this and the rest of the lands which they had here were to do suite to the Court at Balsall twice a year and each of them to find one man in Harvest for to work four days with their hooks the Templars providing them dyet All which had House-bote and Hey-bote in the Abbot of Stonley's woods called West-wood In the time that the Templars thus held it Guido de Foresta Master of that Order here in England temp E. 1. purchased from the Monks of Stonley for an C. marks and the releasing all their interest of common in the woods and lands belonging to the Abby of Stoneley 192. acres of wast lying in a great out-wood there adjoyning called West-wood with all such Rents and services which the Monks of Stoneley had of the said Templars tenants in Flechamsted except the rent of Iohn Fitz-Nicholas But when the Templars were supprest scil An. 1311. 5. E. 2. Robert de Hockele then Abbot of Stoneley entred into this Chappell and lands here and held them for 40. days Howbeit afterwards by the advise of Tho. de Hockele his brother then a Dr. in Divinity and a Canon of Kenilworth fearing that he might undergo some Ecclesiasticall censure for what he had done rendred them up to the Hospitalars to whom the K. and Pope had granted them as I shall fully shew when I come to Balshall All which lands except the carucat first belonging to this Chantry did pay tithes to the Church of Stoneley and in 21. H. 7. were held of the said Hospitalars by Iohn Beufitz of Balshall in Lease who by his Will disposed thereof to Ellene his wiâ—e Which Order with all the great Monasteries being dissolved in 30. H. 8. the K. by his Letters Pat. dated 26. Febr. 36. of his raign granted away whatsoever the said Hospitalars had here to Iohn Beaumont esq and his heirs by the name of a Mannour the particular lands thereunto belonging being said to be in Over-Flechamsted Who having license the same year to alien it unto William Humberston and his heirs levyed a Fine thereupon T. Hill 2. E. 6. But afterwards it came by purchase to Sir Tho. Leigh Kt. and Dame Alice his wife Which Sir Thomas had issue Sir Thomas who made the Park here built a fair House within it now enjoy'd by his grandson together with Stoneley whereof I have already spoke Nether-Flechamsted COncerning this I have not seen any thing before H. 7. time but then sc. 3. H. 7. was Sir Iohn Catesby Kt. seized thereof from whose son heir viz. Humfrey Catesby esq Iohn Smyth a wealthy Citizen of Coventre living in the Spon-street purchased this other lands of good value Which Iohn in 6. H. 7. was one of the Commissioners appointed in this County for arraying of men in defence of the Kingdom then in danger of an invasion by Charles 8. K. of France as also for conservation of the peace from 8. till 15. H. 7. and then was constituted one of the
Bevington were the first Priests for whose maintenance and their successors the said Earl in 9 H. 6. had license to grant the Mannour of Asborne in this County with one mess. one carucat of land and Cxvii s. x d. ob yearly rent lying in Whitnâ—sh and Wellesburne And because he thought not that enough by his last Will and Testament he ordained that in all hast after his decease the remnant of what he had designed for his Chantry Priests there should by his Executors be delivered and made sure to them And that the Chapel there with the other buildings should be new built as he the said Earl had devised for the wholsom and convenient dwelling of those Priests The costs of all which with the consecration of the two Altars therein as appeareth by the accounts of the said Executors from the 28 to the 37 H. 6. amounted unto Clxxxiiii l. v d. ob Then did Earl Richard in memory of the warlike Guy erect that large Statue there yet to be seen on the South side within that Chapel the Figure whereof I have here exprest And having raised a roof over the adjacent Springs walled them with Stone Here was it also that our Warwicksh Antiquary Iohn Rous whose portraicture likewise exactly taken from an antient Roll wherein it was drawn to the life by himself I have represented after he came from the University lived being a Chantry-Priest in this Chapel and compiled his Chron. de Regibus which I have so often quoted Of whom considering his special affection to and knowledge in Antiquities being loth to omit any thing which may do honour to his memory I shall here observe that for his parentage he was the son to Geffrey Rous of Warwick but descended of the Rouses of Brinklow in this County and touching his education course of life and death have transcribed what Bale from Leland hath expressed of him Iohannes Rouuse alias Rossus Warwici urbe magnae olim celebritatis natus simul educatus fuit ut Lelandus scribit donec maturiores anni Philosophicos poscerent praeceptores Tum verò Oxonium petiit altum aliquid in re literaria inchoaturus ubi inter caetera incredibili diligentia usus est in legendis authoribus qui de nostris rebus scripserunt unde tam exactam Britannicae antiquitatis cognitionem sibi comparavit ut multos ex nostris longo praecesserit intervallo Perlustratis enim apud Anglos Cambros omnibus ferè bibliothecis â—opiosam rerum maximè memorabilium supellectilem collegit quae ne per incuriam dilaberetur contulit se ad quietem rem scripturienti inprimis necessariam Est locus in colle positus propè Avonae fluminis ripam distatque à Warwico vix passibus mille ubi constat Guidonem Warwicensem Comitem famosissimum illum vitam olim vixisse solitariam Hunc locum amoenissimum Guidonicumclivum ab eo appellatum alto muro cinctum annuente Rege Edw. quarto Rossus homo minimè ambitiosus unà cum vicinis aliquot fundulis in possessionem accepit Et parato in hunc modum honesto otio atque aurea fortunae mediocritate expeditus alacer scribendi munus aggressus est quod nunquam postea nisi cum ipsa vita deposuit Quo longo tempore multa Chartis commendavit in characteribus latinis praecipue haec Antiquitates Warwici lib. 1. De Episc. Wigorn. lib. 1. Vetustates Clivi-Guidonici lib. 1. De Comitibus Warwic lib. 1. De Academiis Britannicis lib. 1. Contra historiolam Cantabr lib. 1. Cronicon Warwicense lib. 1. Et opera quaedam alia sed imperfecta moriens reliquit Bibliothecam etiam instituit in ipsa australi porticu fani Mariae Warwici Vixit usque ad maturos annos Henrici septimi ac Warwici demum obiit 14 Ian. Anno à Christi servatoris nativitate An. 1491. Sepultusque est ibidem in dicto Mariae fano ut ex inscripto Epitaphio apparet But of these his writings most I suppose are perish'd or in such obscure hands that it is not known to me where they can be seen Those onely which are extant being a Roll of the Earls of Warwick wherein besides a brief Historie relating to each of them their Pictures and Arms are with much curiosity depicted and a Chronicle of the Kings of England reaching down to his own time But I return A place this is of so great delight in respect of the River gliding below the Rock the dry and wholsome situation and the fair Grove of lofty Elms overshadowing it that to one who desireth a retired life either for his devotions or study the like is hardly to be found as Leland in his MS Itinerary made temp H. 8. doth well observe It is a House saith he of pleasure a place meet for the Muses There is silence a pretty wood Antra in vivo saxo the River rouling over the stones with a pretty noyse nemusculum ibidem opacum fontes liquidae gâ—mmei prata florida antra muscosa rivi levis per saxa discursus necnon solitudo quies Musis amicissima Several Caves are there hewen out of the firm Rock one of which if we may believe tradition was made by the renowned Guy when he was an Heremite here In 26 H. 8. by the Survey then taken the lands belonging to this Chantry were certified to be worth xvii l. ii s. iiii d. per annum over and above all reprizes Nich. Launder and Tho. Moore being then the Priests that served therein But by another Survey in 37 H. 8. the value over and above reprizes was certified to be xix l. x s. vi d. All which viz. Chapel Buildings and Possessions thereunto belonging were by Tho. Moore and Rog. Higham Priests of that Chantry the Ks. License being thereunto had and obtained granted unto Sir Andrew Flammock Kt. and his heirs the 4 day of Iune 1 E. 6. Whose son Will. Flammock dying seized of them 11 Iulii 2 Eliz. left Kath. his daughter and heir then abâ—ut 3 years of age The particular lands belonging thereto being 15 mess. 500 acres of land 50 acres of meadow and 30 acres of pasture situate in Guyes-cliff Asborne and Whitnash as by that Inquis appeareth The Chapel here was dedicated to S. Mary Magd. as the grant thereof by Q. Eliz. to Iohn Colburne in 22 of her reign manifesteth and is in the parish of S. Nich. in the suburbs of Warwick This Iohn wedded the said Kath. the daughter and sole heir of Will. Flammock before mentioned And of him was it purchased as I have heard by Will. Hudson of Warwick whose daughter and heir Ursula brought it in marriage unto Sir Tho. Beaufo of Emscote Kt. in which family it still continues Within the precincts of Guyes-Cliffe there is nothing more but the Mill which as I have formerly shewed was in being
death I have not discovered To Henry succeeded Roger his son in the Earldom of Warwick who amongst other of the great Nobility was a witnesse to the Charter of K. Steph. Laws in 1. Steph. but for his military actions I finde no great commendation of him Nay it is reported by an Author of that time wherein he lived that he was vir mollis deliciis magis quam animi fortitudine affâ—uens Neverthelesse being one of those that adhered to Maud the Empresse he was with the Earle of Glouc. and divers other great men at the siege of Winchester in 6. Steph. at which time their Army being utterly routed by the Royallists most of the chief Nobility were taken prisoners but I do not finde that he had much prejudice thereby in regard K. Steph. who had been taken prisoner before in the battail at Lincoln was set at liberty upon condition that the Earle of Glouc. taken then at Winchester with the rest of those that were of his party should also stand in the same condition of freedom as they were before that overthrow And besides this is he reputed to have been the Conqueror of Gowher-land in Wales which his posterity for a long time afterwards enjoyed and wherein he founded a little Priory at Languenith annexing it as a Cell to the Monastery of S. Taurines in Normandy and to the Abby of Nethe gave certain Lands and fishing lying in Glamorgansh within his said Territories of Gouher-land The foundation of the Priory here at Warwick begun by his Father he perfected and did himself found the Collegiat Church of S. Mary in Warwick whereof together with its endowment I shall hereafter speak more fully as also S. Michaels Hospital for Lepers there together with the House of Templars beyond the bridge To divers other Monasteries was he also a benefactor viz. to Bruere in com Oxon. whereunto he gave the Lordship of Mersedene To Pipwell in Northamptonsh by confirming the grant of Causton in this County thereto which as his Charter testifieth he did for the Souls of his Father and Mother Rotrode his Uncle and all his Ancestors To Kenilworth by confirming the grants of the Mannours of Saltford and Newnham thereto and bestowing on the Canons of that House certain Lands in Warwick with the Churches of Brailes Welsburn in this County To the Monks of Preaux in Normandy by giving to them two Hides of Land in Walton To the monastery of Geroudon in com Lâ—ic by conferring thereto the Town of Badsley Endsor in this County which was afterwards given up by those Monks to Earle William his Son and Successor To the Monks of Bordsley in com Wigorn in confirming the grant of Suhanger now called Sunger near Clardon in this County which Will. Giffard had given to that House and conferring on them one Hide of Land in Oxshelve To the Monastery of Thorney in Cambridge shire by confirming the grant thereunto made of the moyety of the Mannour of Wenge by Rob. de Montfort To the Priory of Canwell in Staffordsh by granting thereto 3. yard Land lying in Hull called Hill within his Lordship of Sutton-Colfield in this County And lastly to the Nuns of Wrocheshale by confirming the Church of Shukborow with certain Lands there as also in Bourton and Radford given to them by several persons as I have elsewhere fully declared together with whatsoever was granted to them by Hugh fil Ricardi their Founder By which his several concessions as also his often journeys to the Holy-land may appear that he was a very devout and pious man He wedded Gundrede daughter to Will the second Earle Warren and sister by the mothers side to Waleran â— of Mellent by whom he had issue 3. sons viz. Will. Waleran and Henry and a daughter called Agnes which Will. and Waleran were both Earls of Warwick successively Henry had Gowher-land in Wales left to him by his father but by his death without issue it came to Earle Will. his brother Agnes his daughter was married to Geffrey de Clinton Chamberlain to the King son unto Geffrey the noble founder of the Priory and Castle of Kenilworth who had in Frank-marriage with her by the gift of Earl Roger her Father ten Kts. fees of those xvii that he the said Geffrey held of his fee for which he was to do service in the Castle of Brandon And besides all this he had a grant of this County id est the Sheriffalty of the Shire for so it appeareth by sundry testimonies to hold to him the said Geffrey and his Heirs of the said Earle and his Heirs in such sort as he the said Earle held it of the K. This Earl Roger departed the world xii Iunii An. 1153. 18. Steph. in which year Henry D. of Normandy afterwards K. of England by the name of H. 2. came into England with a great power and was very prosperous for whose better welcome Gundred the Countesse of Warwick before mentioned outed K. Steph. souldiers forth of Warwick-Castle and delivered that Fort unto him To Roger succeeded in the Earldom of Warwick Will. his Son and Heir of whom the first memorable passage that I finde relating to any certain time is the Certificate which he made in 12. H. 2. in answer to that precept he received from the K. touching the number of Knights fees then held of him whereby it appears upon calculation of the particulars that they amounted to Cv. and a half This Earle William founded the Hospitals of S. Iohn and S. Thomas both in Warwick built a new Church for the Templars there and enlarged their possâ—ssions by the gift of the Mannour of Shireburn and certain Lands in Morton both in this County ratified to the Monks of Combe a Hide of Land in Bilney granted to them by Thurbert de Bilney and made the like confirmation to the Monks of Pipwell as Earle Roger his father had done to them concerning Causton for which respect he was received into their fraternity as a Founder of that Abby To the Canons of Kenilworth did he ratifie the Churches of Loxley granted unto them by Rob. fil Odonis as also the Churches of Brayles and Wellesburne which his father gave them in consideration whereof they allowed him one Canon there presentable alwayes by himself This Earl had two wives viz. Maud the eldest of the two daughters and coheirs to Will Lord Percy and Margaret Deivill if Rous mistake not but I rather think that Mâ—ud was the later for I find that by her speciall Charter as Countess of Warwick which was doubtless in her Widowhood she gave to the Monks of Salley in York-shire the Church of Tatcaster with the Chapell of Haselwood and one Carucat of Land in Catthon
the place of her birth of which Monastery she was reputed Patroness And that upon her death in 6. Ioh. the K. directed his precept to the Shiriff of Yorksh. commanding him to take order with the Abbot of Fountains and Henry de Percy her Executors that they should forthwith according to the custom of the Kingdom discharge those debts which were due to his Exchequer But by neither of these wives had he any issue so that departing this life in the Holy land 15. Nov. An. 1184. 30 H. 2. Waleran his Brother succeeded him in the Earldom and estate which Waleran in 2 R. 1. payd 51. l. 03. s. -04 d. to the K. for scutage in respect of the military service he ought to have personally performed in Wales but it seems he had not absolute possession of this Earldom till 7 R. 1. that he gave xx marks to have the tertium denarium de placitis Comitatus Of this Earl I find that in 9 R. 1. he stood charg'd to the K. in xlii l. iiii s. viii d. debt in the nature of scutage towards the payment of a Fine for the K. redemption who had been made Prisoner upon his return from the Holy land And in another debt of a C. l. for license to return into England and in a third debt of C. marks for leave to marry Alice the daughter of Rob. Harecurt and widow unto Iohn de Limesey As also that he had much adoe a great part â—f his time touching this inheritance there being one that feigned himself his elder Brother which dyed in the Holy land who put him to great vexation so that my Author is of opinion that the grant which he made to Hubert Archb. of Canterb. and Chancelour of England of the advouson of all the Prebendaries belonging to the Collegiat Church in Warwick to hold during his life was to purchase his favour in that weighty business But I do not finde that this Earle was a benefactor to any Religious-house other than the Hospitall of St. Michael in Warwick whereunto he gave all the Tith arising out of the assarts of Wedgnock as also of the paunage and Venison and to the Nuns of Pinley and Wrockshall in this County to the first whereof he gave certain Lands situate in Curdeshale within the Liberties of Claverdon and to the other a yard Land lying in Brails He had two wives Margaret the daughter to Humfrey de Bohun Earle of Hereford and Alice the daughter of Iohn de Harecurt but widdow of Iohn de Limesi before mentioned and deparâ—ing this life in 6. Ioh. left issue divers Children of which Henry his eldest son succeeded him in the Earldom Waleran another son had the Mannours of Gretham and Cotesmore in com Runtl given to him by his father with certain Lands in Worcestersh but dâ—ed without issue Alice his daughter by Alice his last wife wedded to Will. Mauduit of Hanslape in com Buck. and had by her father 's appointment the Mannour of Waâ—ton now called Walton-Mauduit in this County for her marriage portion as is evident by K. Iohn's confirmation thereof to her bearing date 30. Nov. in the x. of his reign but at that time she was not married yet it seems she had a husband very young for it appears that she continued in the custody of her mother after she was so espoused by reason of her minority Gundred his other daughter was brought up in the Abby of Pinley before mentioned together with Isabel his Neice for whose education he gave in his life time to the Nuns of that house two Marks of silver yearly to be paid by the hands of his Steward at Claverdon and at the same time bestowed on them the redecimation of his Lordship of Walton in pure Almes for the health of his Soul and the Soul of Margerie his Countesse as also for the Souls of E. Roger his father Gundred his Mother Earle Will. his brother with all his Ancestors and Successors I finde that the same year of E. Waleran's death Alice his Countesse gave a fine of a thousand pounds and ten Palfreys that she might continue a widdow as long as she pleased so that the K. might not compell her to marry as also that she might have the custody of those Children she had by Earle Waleran and lx l. Lands per ann which he gave her freely to dispose of And likewise her reasonable dowry both of her husbands Lands Fees neverthelesse she was not to chuse a husband for her self without the K. approbation After which scil the next ensuing year she gave 3. Palfreys more to the K. that she might have a Jury of xii lawfull Knights to admeasure her dowry out of the Lands and Fees of E. Waleran her late husband but what was done therein appears not howbeit within 2. years after she came to a conclusion with Earle Henry whereupon she had the mannours of Tanworth and Claverdon in this County and of Cheddeworth in Gloucestersh with the service of two Knights Fees the one in Lodbroke and the other in Loxley assigned unto her This Earle Henry being in minority at the death of his Father was committed to the custody of Thom. Basset of Hedindon near Oxford which Thomas for a Fine that he paid to the King had a grant of his marriage 5. May 7. Ioh. to the intent he might match his daughter to him as was afterwards accordingly done though she was not his first wife and had also livery of all his Lands together with the Castle of Warwick by Hugh de Chaucumb then Sheriffe of this County to whom the K. had directed his Precept for that purpose bearing date 24. Aug. ensuing Upon Inquis taken in 12. and 13. Ioh. what number of Knights Fees the great men that held of the K. in Capite had there are fourscore and seventeen certified to belong unto this Earle in Warwicksh For which with the rest being all in number C ii and a third part he paid at the same time CC iiii marks viii s. x. d. for scutage upon the K. expedition with his Army into Wales viz. duaâ— marcas quo quolibet scuto In 15. Ioh. he came of age as I gather for by the K. special Writ bearing date 1. Iunii that year and directed to the Sheriffe of this County he had the tertium denarium de comitaetu Warewic delivered unto him as his Ancestors were used to have In 16. Ioh. he contributed xlii marks to the K. towards the support of his wars in Poictou but was by a special Writ acquitted of the Scuâ—age then exacted from him for that service And did so faithfully adhere to K. Iohnâ— when the Barons rebelliously took up Arms against him that the said K. by his Letters P. bearing date 10. Iunii
and was buried at Warwick but upon the new building of the Quire in E. 3. time whereof I shall elsewhere speak both his Monument and divers more of his Ancestors were removed never set up again After whose death Ela his Widow had by the K. Precept bearing date 29. Iulii following the Mannours of Tanworth Claverdon and Sutton in this County as aâ—so of Hoke-Narthon and Bradam in com Oxon with all the Corn and Hay then being upon them assigned for her dowry And by virtue of another Mandate from the K. to the Archbishop of York and Will. de Cantelupe had an augmentation thereto for I finde that besides all these she was afterwards possest of the Mannours of Hatherop and Chedeworth in Gloucestersh and had of the K. gift also for her better support the Mannour of Dymmock in the same County during her widowhood Wich Mannour upon her marriage with Philip Basset was at the request of Ric. E. of Cornwall the K. brother granted to her by the said King for term of life This Philip Basset being an eminent man in that time was one of the Peers that went to Pope Innocent the fourth in An. 1245. 29. H. 3. then sitting in the Council of Lyons with Letters from the rest of the Nobility and Commons of England representing the great oppressions under which this Realm at that time suffered by the Court of Rome and desiring relief and afterwards faithfully adhering to the said King in that great Rebellion of his Barons was taken prisoner with him in the Battail of Lewes 49. H. 3. in which year he had a grant from Will. Mauduit then E. of Warwick of the Mannours of Sutton-Colfield Claverdon and Tanworth in this County and the third part of the Mannour of Cheddeworth in Gloucester-shire of the dowry belonging to the before specified Ela his wife to hold during his own natural life in case he should survive her which grant was confirmed by a special Charter in 54. H. 3. wherein the said Philip is stiled by the King amicus noster specialis But to return unto Ela. She was a benefactresse 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 those Lands in Claverdon that were granted to her by Sr. Henry Lodbrok Knight and others And so great a friend was she to the University of Oxford that she caused a common Chest to be made and put therein Cxx. 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 said University were obliged to celebrate certain solemne Mâ—sses every year in S. Marie's Church which Chest was in being in K. Edw. 4. time and called by the name of Warwick Chest. To the Gray-Friers in London she gave a parcel of Land with the buildings thereupon for the enlargement of their house In 17. E. 1. she released to Will. Beauchamp E. of Warwick all her interest in the Mannours of Tanworth in this County which she held in dower and departing this life very aged in the year M.CCC was buried before the high Altar in the Abby-Church of Oseney at the head of the Tomb of Henry d'Oilly under a fair flat Marble in the habit of a vowesse graven on a Copper plate I now come to Margery Sister and Heir to Earle Thomas who had that Christen-name as I suppose in memory of Margery her Mother Sister Heir to Henry d'Oily before specied This great Lady was first married to Iohn Mareschall brother of Will. Mareschall E. of Pembroke as some say but how long before her brother Thomas his death I cannot affirm Certain it is that he continued her husband but a short time after for he was dead 9. Ian. following as appears by the K. Mandate then dated and directed to the Archb. of York the Bishop of Earleol and Will. de Cantilupe requiring them that if the said Iohn Marshall before his death had not seisin of Warwick-Castle and other the Lands which were of the inheritance of Margery his wife that then they should retain the said Castle and Lands in the K. possession till she the said Margery did perform what she ought to do in respect of them but in case she were already possest of them then to take good security of her that she might not marry to any man without the K. License and also appointed them that they should earnestly perswade with her as from him to take Iohn de Plessets for her husband who was one of his domestick servants and in his special fauour Nay so greatly did the K. desire she should wed this Iohn de Plessets that upon Christmas day before being at Burdeaux in France he sealed a Charter to the said Iohn whereby he granted him the marriage of her in case he could get her good will and if not that then he should have the fine due from her thereupon to the King And by another Precept sent to the said Archb. and Will. de Cantilupe bearing date the 26. of March ensuing reciting that whereas divers Ladies of this Realm neglecting to give such security to the King as in that case by the Laws and Customes thereof they ought to do had match't themselves without the K. consent to the great prejudice and dishonour of himself and his Crown to the intent therefore that the like inconvenience for the time to come might be avoided he gave them the said Archb. and Will. de Cantilupe strict command that forasmuch as the said Margerie sister to the late E. of Warwick being one of the most noble Ladies of England and possest of a Castle extraordinarily strong situate also towards the Marches and that it would be most perillous that she should take to husband any person whatsoever of whose fidelity the King had not as great a confidence as of his own they should forthwith take the said Castle of Warwick and what other Lands of hers they themselves thought fit as a pledge besides the ordinary security due from her that she would not marry to any man living without the K. License so that in case she should be so rash as to do otherwise the same Castle and Lands should be for ever forfeited to him the said King and his Heirs whereupon it seems she gave such security as was satisfactory for I finde that in Iune following she had Livery of the Earldom of Warwick as appears by the K. Precept directed to the Sheriffe of this County commanding him quod illas decem libras quas Thomas quondam Comes Warwici percipere consuevit per annum nomine Comitatus praedicti Margeriae sorori haeredi praedicti Comitis reddi faciat eo modo quo praedicto Comiti priùs reddi consueverit
Exchequer was seized into the Kings hands by reason of some misdemeanour therein committed by one William de Bradecote his Clerke howbeit the King taking into consideration his speciall services before exprest made a quick restitution of it again I find that this Earl had great suits with William de Breause for the dominion of Gowher in Wales wrongfully alienated by King Iohn 4. Ioh. to Will. de Breause great-grandfather of this William whilst Henry Earl of Warwick was in his minority but could not recover it In 15 E. 1. he was again imployed into Wales at which time he beseiged the Castle of Drosselan and had ccxl li. delivered to him by the Bishop of Ely then Treasurer for the defraying his charges in that service At that time the King being in France had constituted Edmund Earl of Cornwall his lieutenant here in England during his absence who taking great care to preserve all things in quiet here whilst the King was away directed his speciall Precept to this Earl of Warwick and other great men requiring them most strictly that they should not ride with armed power in any part of the Kingdom for any respect whatsoever to the terrour of the Kings leige people and disturbance of the Peace but if that any diffâ—rence did arise betwixt them and others they should make it known unto the said E. of Cornwall who would apply a timely remedy thereto In 23 E. 1. being again in Wales with the K. he performed a notable Warlike exploit which was thus Hearing that a great body of the Welch were got together in a plain betwixt two woods and to prevent any danger had fastned their pikes in the ground sloping towards their assailants he marcht thither with a choyse company of Cross-bow-men and Archers and in the night time incompassing them put betwixt every two Horsemen one Crossbow-man who killing many of them that supported those Pikes the Horse charged in suddainly and made so great a slaughter that the like hath seldom been heard The next ensuing year he received command to be at New-castle upon Tine on the first of March furnisht with Horse and Armes for an expedition into Scotland and afterwards was sent with Iohn Earl of Surrey to recover the Castle of Dunbar trecherously gained by the Scots In which action they were constrained to cope with the whole Scotch Army that came to raise the Siege but at length after a sharp dispute obtained a glorious victory wherein the number of slain were supposed to be ten thousand which success made the Castle suddainly to render In 25 E. 1. he had command to be at London upon the Sunday next after the Octaves of S. Iohn Bapt. well provided with Horse and Armes to attend the King into Flanders but it seemes he had other direction to stay behind for I find that he was one of those who were made Governours to Prince Edward then in minority during the Kings absence whom the King had constituted his Lieutenant during that time In the same year he was made Governour of the Castle and Forrest of Rokingham in Com. Northampt. And in Oct. following again appointed to be at New-castle upon Tine on St. Nicholas day to march against the Scotts with Prince Edward But that proved an unhappy business the English Army being for the most part destroyed in attempting to pass the Bridge at Sterling This year it was and on Holy-Rood day being in perfect health that he made his Testament whereby he disposed his body to sepulture in the Quire of the Friers-Minors aâ— Worcester in case he should depart this life within the compass of the four Engâ—ish Seas but if otherwise then in the next House of Friers-Mâ—nors to that place where his death might happen and his Heart wheresoever the Countess his dear consort should resolve to be herself interred To which place when his body was to be buried did he bequeath two great Horses viz. those which at his funerall should carry his Armour for the celebration whereof he gave CC li. which was as much as three thousand in these times For the maintenance of two Souldiers in the Holy-land he gave C li. To Maud his Countess all his silver vessell with his Cross wherein was contained part of the wood that had been of the very Cross whereupon our B. Saviour dyed As also the Vestments belonging to his Chapell to make use of during her life but afterwards the best suit to remain to Guy his eldest son His second suit to his Chapell of Hanslape and the third to his Chapell of Anneley To Guy his son a gold Ring with a Ruby in it together with his blessing To his said Countess a Cup which the B. of Worcester gave him but all his other Cups together with his lesser sort of Jewells and Rings he bequethed unto her to distribute for the health of his soul where she should think fittest And to his two daughters which were Nunns at Shouldham in Com. Norff. a Monastery of their great-grandfather's foundation by the mother side he gave fifty marks He was a benefactor to the Monastery of Thelesford in this County Ratified the grant of Warmington made by Henry de Neuburgh sâ—metime Earl of Warwick to the Monks of Preaux in Normandy bore for his Armes gules semé of Cross-crosslets with a fess Or which Cross-crosslets were by him added to his Coat for his father used them not but whether as a badge of any Pilgrimage that he made unto the Holy-Land or vow so to do I will not take upon me to determine Wedded Maud the eldest of the four sisters and heirs to Richard Fitz-Iohn son of Iohn Fitz-Geffrey Justice of Ireland and widow of Gerard de Furnivall which Maud had for her purpartie of his lâ—nds the Mannours of Chiriel in Com. Wilts Potters-Piri in Com. Northampt. and Querndon in Com. Buck. assigned to her And departed this life either in May or the beginning of Iune Anno 1298. 26 E. 1. leaving Guy his son and heir then 26. years of age who did his homage the 25. of September following and had livery of his fathers lands And 2. Iunii following performed the like homage for the lands descended to him by the death of Maud his mother who dyed the same year This Guy had his Christen name out of doubt in remembrance of the warlike Guy Earl of Warwick in the Saxons time and was a martiall man as well as his Ancestors The same year that his father dyed he had summons with many other great men to be at Carleol on the even of Pentecost well furnisht with Horse and Armes to march into Scotland this being the time that the King made a personall expedition thither and obtained a great victory at Fawkirk in which Battail he behaved himself so gallantly that the King rewarded him with all the Castles
granted unto him the benefit of his marriage whereupon he became wedded to the Lady Kath. his daughter After which was he the same year put again in Commission for conservation of the Peace in this County and Worcestershire and likewise in the County of Oxford and in 17 E. 3. marcht into Scotland with Henry Earl of Lanc. as also many other great persons with a numerous Army for raysing the siege of Louhmaban-Castle whereof William de Boun Earl of Northampt. had the custody In 18 E. 3. he had the Shiriffalty of this County and Leicestershire committed to him for terme of life and in the same year was constituted Marshall of England in which he entailed the Castle of Warwick with divers great Lordships in this and other Countyes upon his issue male mentioning the names of his severall sons then living In the month of Iuly 20 E. 3. he attended the King in his French expedition and arrived with him at Hoggs in Normandy where getting on shore he manifested his valour to admiration by making the first attempt himself in person with one Esquiâ—r and six Archers though he had but a weak Horse under him with which and those few men he encountred with an C. Normans whereof they slew 60. thereby making way for the Army to land And at the same time was he one of the principall Commanders that with the Black-Prince led the van of his Army in that famous battail of Cressy where the English got such lasting honour In 21. E. 3. he was at the siege of Caleis with three Bannerets Knights 61. Esquiers 106. and Archers on Horsback 154. In consideration of which notable services and other his heroik actions the King gave him the summe of 1366 li. 11 s. 08 d. and the next ensuing year assigned unto him a thousand marks per annum during his life partly in recompence of his faithfull services and partly as wages for attendance upon his person with C. men at Armes according to certain Indentures of Covenants betwixt them In 26 E. 3. he recovered the dominion of Gowher in Wales from Iohn Lord Moubray whose title thereto accrued by Aliva his mother daughter and heir to William de Brews to whom King Iohn during the minority of Henry Earl of Warwick Ancestor to this Thomas wrongfully gave the same In which suit I find that Simon Pakeman of Kirby in Com. Leic. did him especiall service 't is like as sollicitor in consideration whereof he gave him the inheritance of all the Lands and Rents he had Over Botyndon in Comâ— Northampt. In 27 E. 3. he was sent with Edw. Prince of Wales Henry D. of Lanc. and Raph Earl Stafford to protect Sir Richard de Willughby and Sir William de Shareshull Justices Itinerant whilst they sate at Chester for fear of any insurrection by the people In 29 E. 3. he attended the said Prince into France this being the time that King Edward hearing that Philip King of France was dead as also that Iohn his eldest son then newly crown'd had given unto Charles the Daulphin of Uiennois the Dukedome of Aquitane whereat being much moved he called the said Prince with divers of his Nobles before him and assigned the said Dukedome of Aquitane unto him but before the revolution of one year after such their arrivall in France hapned that memorable battail of Poictiers in which the K. of France being taken prisoner this Noble Earl gained high renown for his marvailous valor and no small advantage for he had no less than 8000 li. for the redemption of Will. de Melleun Archbishop of Seinz whom he himself took likewise in that fight Nay of so heroik a spirit he was that about 37 E. 3. he travailed into forrain parts and having spent full 3. years in warring against the Pagans at his return brought with him the son to the King of Lituania whom he Christened at London and being his Godfather named him Thomas In 40 E. 3. he was sent upon speciall service by the K. into Flanders having an allowance assigned to him out of the Exchequer of 5. marks per diem for his charges and two marks and a half per diem by way of reward in which year his Commission for Marshall of England was renewed But having now no more to say of his publique imployments saving of that last wherein he dyed and that he was one of the Founders of that Noble Order of the Garter instituted by King E. 3. I will here take notice of his pious works as also of his Testament and then come to his death with the circumstances thereof To the Collegiat-Church of Warwick he gave the advouson of the Church of Pillerton-Hercy in this County To the Canons of Kenilworth two mess. and one yard land lying in Radford-Semeli To the Priory of Clatercote in Com. Oxon. the patronage of the Church of Rotley in this County To the Hospitall of S. Iohn Baptist in Warwick the moity of the Church of Morton-D ' â—ubney in this shire To the Canons of Mâ—xstoke one yard land and one acre lying in Yerdley in Com. Wigorn. with the advouson of the Church To the Collegiat-Church of Astley the advouson of the Church of Long-Stanton in Com. Cantab. And that he was a good Benefactor to the Monks of Abingdon I shall not doubt though I have not seen in what particulars for I find that the Abbot and Covent of that Monastery by their publique Instrument beaâ—ing date 5 Id. Martii Anno 1344. which doth give a generall testimony thereof not only made him a speciall partaker of all their devout exercises but declared that whensoever the tidings of his death did come to their knowledge the like solemn office should be perform'd for him aswell in all the Covents of their Order within this Realm as in their own and not only so but by divers Canons-Regular too as was used to be done for any of their own fraternity friends or benefactors His Testament bears at date Chelchench vulgò Chelsey juxta Westminster on Tuesday 6. Sept. 1369. 43 E. 3. Whereby he bequeathed his body to be buried in the midst of the Quire of the Collegiat Church at Warwick To every Church within each of his Mannours he gave his best Beast which should there be found in satisfaction of his Tithes forgotten to be payd To Thomas his son and heir a Ring and Cup with Cover the best next that which his daughter Stafford should choose with the Sword and Coat of maile sometime belonging to the famous Guy of Warwick appointing that all his harness weapons and such like habiliments aswell for peace as warr should be equally divided betwixt his two sons viz. Thomas and William To his said son William he gave a Ring and a Cup with Cover the best next after his elder brother had chosen with
that the Chaplet was rich with Pearl and pretious stones and in his Coat of Arms of Guy and Beauchamp quarterly having the Arms of Tony and Hanslap on his trappers and said that as he had in his own person perform'd the service those two dayes before so with Gods grace he would the third whereupon encountring with Sr. Collard Fines at every stroke he bore him backward to his Horse insomuch as the French-men saying that he himself was bound to his Saddle he alighted and presently got up again but all being ended he returned to his Pavilion sent to Sr. Collard a fair Courser feasted all the people gave to those three Knights great rewards and so rode to Caleys with great honour About this time it was that the general Councel of Constance in Germany began unto which totius Christianit at is prudentissimi Pontifices Praelate cum aliis Clericis velut innumeris confluxere as Walsingham saith the cause of which meeting was chiefly about choise of the Pope whereupon from England were sent the Bishops of Salisbury Cov. and Lich. Bath and Wells Norwich Hereford and S. Davids the Abbot of Westm. Prior of Worcester with divers other learned men and for their greater honour our Earle of Warwick themselves and their whole retinue amounting in number to 800 Horse During whose stay at Constance he receiving a Chalenge from a great Duke for his Ladies sake slew the Duke in Justing whereupon the Empresse took his livery viz. the Bear from one of his Knights shoulders and for great favour to him set it on her own shoulder but he having notice thereof made one of Pearle and precious stones which being presented to her she received with much respect Here also was it that the Emperour Sigismund gave him his sword to bear and offered him the heart of S George the English-mens tutelary Saint to bring over into this Realm but hearing the Emperour say that he would come in person into England he restored it to him again saying that the delivery thereof with his own hand would be much more acceptable Nor was it long after that the Emperour did come over accordingly and being made Knight of the Garter offered the holy Heart at Windsor which was there kept in great esteem Upon whose passage hither and return he was royally entertained at Caleys by this our Earle then Captain there his comportment being such that the Emperour told King Henry that no Christian Prince had such another Knight for Wisdom Nurture and Manhood adding that if all courtesie were lost yet might it be found again in him insomuch as ever after by the same Emperours authority he was called the Father of Courtesie In his return from Caleys at that time he took at Sea two great Carricks and shortly after sc. 5. H. 5. attended Thomas D. of Clarence General of the Kings Army into France where he further manifested his valour in divers eminent services for having taken Dampfront he first entred Cane and set the Kings Arms on the Walls with the Duke's crying a Clarence a Clarence Then laid he siege to Caudebek on the River of Seine blockt up the Citie of Roan both by land and water and afterwards won Mount S. Michael as also divers other strong Towns As a reward for which signal services the K. created him Earle of Aumarle At the siege of Roan his Tent stood betwixt the Kings pavilion and S. Katherines and S. Katherines being won he was appointed to keep Port-Martevile After this viz. in May following K. Henry imploy'd him to the K. of France attended with a thousand men at Arms to treat concerning a marriage with the Lady Kath. his daughter but to obstruct his passage the Dolphin sent the Earles of Uandosme and Lymosin with 5000 men at arms to whom the Earle gave Battail wherein both those French Earls lost their lives and one of them by E. Richard's own hands 2000 of their men being slain and taken In which Embassy he sped so well that all things were concluded for the Kings marriage to that Lady whom he wedded 3. Iunii 8. of his reign and that he should enjoy the Realm of France intirely after the death of the then K. whereupon siege being laid to those places that rebelliously opposed this agreement of which the strong Citie of Melon was one this noble Earle gained it with great honour after xiiii weeks and four dayes opposition The next ensuing year viz. the last of the victorious Henry's reign he was sent with Iohn D. of Bedford the Kings brother and other noble persons to raise the siege which the Dolphin had laid to a Citie of the D. of Burgundie's howbeit the D. hearing of their approach did not stay their coming But shortly after K. Henry departed this world having appointed by his last Will that this Earle should have the tutelage of young Henry his Son then an Infant till he were xvi years of age which the Parliament approving he accordingly had In the first year of whose reign he was by Indenture bearing date x. Iulii retained to serve as Capt. of Caleis from the 4. of Febr. past for the space of 2. years having for the custody thereof CClx men himself accounted who with his Lieutenant and the Marshall of the Town were onely to be Horst but all the rest to serve on foot to have also CC. Archers besides ten men at Arms and x. Archers belonging to the Treasurer of Caleys that were to be at his command in all things tending to the safe-guard of that place for which service he was to receive vi s. viii d. per diem for himself ii s. for his Lieutenant xii d. for his Marshall for every of his Foot-souldiers viii d. and for his Archers vi d. After which Philip D. of Burgundy besieging Caleys was by the valour of this noble Earle assisted by Humfr. D. of Glouc. and Humf. E. of Stafford forc'd to flee Nay so conspicuous was his fidelity wisdom and circumspection as the words of the Pat. do import for which respect the custody of the K. royal person as I have already intimated had been by the advice of the D. of Bedf. and Glouc. his Uncles all the Lords of the Councell committed to him as well for the security thereof as education in learning virtue that upon the death of the D. of Bedf. then Regent of France he was discharg'd of that burthen and care and in stead thereof constituted Lieutenant general of the whole Realm of France and Dutchy of Normandy whereupon with his Lady and Son taking shâ—pping for passage over and discerning great danger by a hideous tempest he caused himâ—elf with both of them to be bound unto the main mast of the ship to the intent that if they had perisht and were
Of which Testament were Executors the Lord Cromwell the Lord Tiptoft Iohn Throkmorton Ric. Curson Thomas Huggeford Will. Berkswell Priest and Nich. Rody his Steward After which viz. ult Apr. An. 1439. 17. H. 6. he departed this life as his monumental inscription here most exactly imitated together with the true representation of his magnificent Tombe sheweth leaving issue by Eliz. his first wife daughter and Heir to Thom. L. Berkley three daughters viz. Margaret born at Good-rest in Wedgnok-park the next year after the Battail of Shrewsbury â— second wife to the famous Iohn Talbot Earle of Shrewsbury which Margaret died at Londonâ— An. 1467. 7. E. 4. and was buried under the Quire in the Cathedral of St. Paul commonly called St. Faiths Church Alianore born at Walkinston in Essex shortly after the feast of our Ladye 's Nativity 9. H. 4. first married to the L. Rosse â— and afterwards to Edm. Beaufort Marq. Dorset and D. of Somerset And Elizabeth born in Warwick-Castle wife to George Nevil Lord Latimer To his second wife he wedded Isabel daughter of Thomas le Despenser E. of Glouc. and by the death of her brother Richard and elder sister Eliz. without issue Heir to all his Lands but being the widow to Ric. Beauchamp E. of Worcest his Uncles son as in Fillongley I have shewed he had a special dispensation from the Pope to marry her The pictures of which his wives children together with his own as they stand in the East window of that stately Chapel before specified where his Monument is I have upon the next page exquisitely represented By this Isabel he left issue Henry and Anne of both which I shall speak in their order The Lands whereof he was possest were very vast as may seem by that computation of their yearly value extracted from the Accompts of his several Bayliffs through England and Wales in 12. H. 6. amounting to no lesse than 8306. Marks 11. s. 11. d. ob Which setting aside the good penniworths that his Tenants had of what they then held would in the dayes we live augment that sum sixfold at least considering that about that time Barly was sold for 4. s. 2. d. the quarter Oats at 2. s. 1. d. ob Capons at 3. d. a piece and Hens at 1. d. ob as by certain Accompts of his Houshold-Officers appeareth Of her death let us hearken to what the MS. Hist. of Tewksbury saith Isabella uxor Ricardi quinti patrona de Theokesbri rediit de Francia aliquandiu se in Monasterio Canonicorum de Southwyke resocillavit Haec Isabella sepulta est in Theokesbyri eodem anno quo obiit Ricardus quintus Comes de Warwike ejus maritus But of her Monument so designed as I have said there is no more now remaining than what I have here in this Figure exprest I now come to Henry the succeeding Earle Son and Heir to Richard by the said Lady Isabel. This Henry was born at Hanley-Castle in Worcester-shire on Thursday xi Kal. Apr. An. 1424. 3. H. 6. and baptized on the Saturday by Philip Morgan Bishop of Worcester having to his God-fathers at the font Henry Beaufort Cardinal and Bishop of Winchester with Humfry E. Stafford and to his God-mother Ioane Lady Bergavenny the same B. of Worcester being his God-father also at confirmation At his fathers death he hardly exceeded the age of fourteen years but was a person of extraordinary hopes as by the early appearance of his heroick disposition is evident for before he accomplisht full xix years of age he tendred his service for defence of the Dutchy of Aquitane in consideration whereof and to give him the more encouragement in that expedition the K. by his Charter bearing date at Dover 2. Apr. 22. of his Reign created him Primier Earle of England and for a distinction betwixt him and other Earles granted to him and the Heirs male of his body leave to wear a golden Coronet about his head as well in his own presence as elsewhere upon such great Festivals as the like used to be worn And within 3. dayes following considering the high deserts of his noble father of whom he hath this expression quem meaning Earl Richard dignissimè in Armorum strenâ—itate ut columnam immobilem belli fata pro nobis nostris magnanimiter libenter sustinentem suorum cognoscit commendat ingenia ex excellentia meritorum minimè per nos aut progenitores nostros huc usque remuncratorum c. advanced him to the title of Duke of Warwick granting him place in Parl. and all other meetings next to the D. of Norff. and before the Duke of Buck. and giving him xl l. per ann to be paid by the Sheriffe of Warr. and Leic. Shires for the time being out of the revenue of these Counties towards the better support of that Honour But this businesse of Precedency was so stomackt by Humfrey Duke of Buck. that had not the K. by Act of Parl. in 23. of his reign which was the next year ensuing the said Duke of Warwick's Creation qualified it much inconvenience had arisen 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 2. of Decemb. then next following they should take place of each other by turn viz. one that year and the other the next and so as long as they lived together the Duke of Warwick to have the first years precedency and he which should survive to have place of the others heir male as long as he livedâ— 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 Humfrey Duke of Glouc of the Isles of Gerneseyâ— Iersey Serk Erm and Aureney for the yearly Rent of a Rose to be paid at the feast of the Nativity of S. Iohn Bapt. As also of the Monnour and Hundred of Bristoll in Glouchesterâ—sh for the yearly ferm of lx li. and besides this of all the Kings Castles and Mannours within the Forest of Dene for the Rent of C. l. per ann To all which Honours he had this further added viz. to be Crowned King of the Isle of Wight by the Kings own hands But this hopefull branch the onely heir male to these great Earlsâ— was cropt in the flower of his youth before the fruits of his Heroik disposition could be fully manifested to the world for upon S. Barnabas day sc. xi Iunii 1445. 23. H. 6. being but xxii 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 Edw. Son and Heir to
preferred to a Schollars place in the University grew such a proficient that the Monks resolved to make him a Sollicitor for managing their Law-suits and to that purpose from the University placed him at the Inns of Court where he grew so skilfull in his profession that finding King H. 7. politiquely resolving to raise great summs of money by taking the forfaiture of penall Lawes which he conceived would be much more plausible to his subjects than the exacting from them by Loans Subsidies and such other ways of tax as his predecessors had used applyed himself to his service wherein being very officious and bringing store of money to the Kings Coffers he obtained a grant of the Wardship and Marriage of Elizabeth daughter and heir to Edward Grey Visc. L'â—sle before mentioned whom he made his wife That the later part of this Story is true I find testimony enough but that the father of Edmund was a Carpenter is not very likely in regard he marryed so eminently viz. Elizabeth one of the daughters and coheirs to Iohn Bramshot Eâ—quier seized of the Mannours of Gatton Calbourne and Whitwell in the Isle of Weight as also of Bramshot in Hant-shire which Eliz. dyed 12. Oct. 14 H. 7. leaving Edmund her son then 36. years of age the other coheir called Agnes being the wife of Iohn Pakenham whence I conclude that he was a Gentleman as some others of the name of Dudley in severall parts of England are though perhaps not of the Baron of Dudley's line therefore how this formall Story of the Carpenter should rise I cannot well imagine unless the grandfather or great-grandfather of Edm. had been of that trade for it is no wonder to see those that are sprung from as poor Mechanicks by their activeness in the world to get wealth and assume the title of Esquire or Gentlemen without controull yea and be allowed so do Neither do we often find that those which are in truth of right noble extraction will boggle at matching their children with them But I return unto Edmund Dudley He was a man well vers't in the Law and one of the Privy Councell to that prudent Prince King H. 7. chosen in the first year of his raign propter prudentiam singularem fidem gravitatem saith Polydore In 19 H. 7. he was Speaker of the Parliament and should the same year have been made a Sergeant at Law on the 13. of November but for what reason I will not take upon me to assign he desired that he might be discharged from assuming that degree whereupon the King directed his Precept to Will Bishop of London then Lord Keeper of the great Seal commanding his forbearance of making out any Writ to him for that purpose In 22 H. 7. he had the Stewardship of the Rape of Hastings granted to him by Patent and wrote a Book called Arbor Reipublicae Whether he with Richard Empson another Lawyer but a Sive-makers son in Touceter as our Historians affirm discerning King Henry to be of a frugall disposition did project unto him the taking aduantage of such as had transgrest by exacting the forefaitures of penall Statutes or whether the King seeing so fair a gap open for him to rake vast summs of money from his subjects and finding those persons to be sit Instruments for his purpose did put them upon such courses of filling his Coffers 't is hard to say certain it is that these were the men he constituted his Iudices fiscales Dudley being an eminent man and one that could put hatefull business into good language as Sir Fr. Bacon saith and after he had long made use of their service to that end exposed them to those advantages which the discontented people could justly take for their abhominable extortions For their course was to proceed secretly to the Outlary against men and then seize their estates And besides that they had packt Jurors upon all occasions who were sure to them in any verdict which served for their purpose but at last found they a just reward for such their service for King H. 8. in the first year of his raign being desirous of popularity made known by his Proclamations that whosoever had received injury by the unjust oppressions of any should upon complaint to him have redress which liberty did so so animate the vulgar who were sufficiently imbittered against them that nothing then would satisfy but their lives so that the King to appease the multitude gave way that they might be legally proceeded against which accordingly was done Dudley being thereupon arraigned in Guild-Hall London on Munday next after the xv of S. Iohn Baptist 1 H. 8. before Edward Duke of Buck. Henry Earl of Northumberland Thomas Earl of Surrey George Earl of Shrewsbury Thomas Earl of Derby Thomas Prior of S. Iohns of Hierusalem in England Charles Somerset of Herbert Knight Stephen Iennings Knight Mayor of the City of London Iohn Fineux Knight Robert Rede Knight William Hodie Knight Robert Brudnell Humfrey Coningesby Iohn Fisher Knight Iohn Boteler William Grevill Thomas Lovell Knight Edward Poynings Kt. Henry Marney Knight Thomas Englefield Knight and Robert Drury Knight Justices to enquire c. Where the said Edmund being indicted of divers high Treasons was on wednesday next before the Feast of S. Margaret the Virgin attainted in Parliament and had his head cut off on Tower Hill with Empson who was tryed at Northampton through the peoples clamours and for their satisfaction 18. August 2 H. 8. by vertue of the K. speciall Writ for that purpose Having said thus much of the parentage of this Iohn Earl of Warwick I will now go on with my story of him At his fathers death he was scarce eight years old having to his Guardian Edward Guilford Esquire of the Body to the King who by his Petition exhibited in Parliament 3 H. 8. obtained an Act for the repeal of the said Edmund's attainder and the restitution of this Iohn in name blood and degree to enjoy all his said fathers lands Being therefore thus young it was a great while ere he came to appear in any publique employments so that till 24 H. 8. I have not yet seen any farther mention of his name but then I finde he was a Knight though how long he had been so I am not certain After which about ten years he was created Visc. L'isle viz. 12. Martii 34 H. 8. in respect of his descent on the mothers side as I have shewed and the same year made Lord Admirall of England for life Of person he was very comely and of a Spirit highly aspiring saith my Author neither wanted he skill industry nor resolution to attempt great matters In 36 H. 8. he landed the Kings Army at Leith in Scotland with a Fleet of CC. sail on which after they had wasted Edenburgh they also set fire The
same year the King went over Sea in person and took Bolein in France where this new Admirall having scoured the Seas towards Scotland and being upon the Kings return left his Lieutenant through his valour and military skill defended it against the Daulfin and the French Army of 52000. men as they were reputed though the walls at that time were very much shattered And when the Daulfin had entred the base town not without slaughter of divers English by a brave sally he beat out the French again with the loss of above 800. of their men which were esteemed the best souldiers in that Realm The next yeare after when the French had got a great Fleet at Sea for invasion of England being appointed Admirall he presented battaill to them which they refused returning home with the loss of all their cost Hereupon he landed 5000. men in France fired Treport as also divers Villages thereabouts with the loss of one man and was one of the three Comissioners on the King of England's part by whom the Articles of Truce made 7. Iunii 28 H. 8. in the Camp betwixt Ardres and Guines were concluded To say truth for enterprises by Armes quoth Sir Iohn Haward he was the minion of that time so as few things he attempted but he atchieved with honour which made him more proud and ambitious when he had done Generally he always increased both in estimation with the King and authority amongst the Nobility but doubtfull whether by fatall destiny to the State or whether by his vertues or at least by his appearance of vertues as saith the same Author so that King Henry constituted him one of his xvi Executors whereupon finding the Duke of Somerset Protector to Edward 6. to be neither a man of great wisdom or courage ambitiously aimed to have the sway of all and therefore insinuated himself into his friendship whereby he made him a shadow for accomplishing his own ends To which purpose he first obtained an increase of honour being presently created Earl of Warwick and made Lord high Chamberlain of England for life which office he surrendred in 4 E. 6. and soon after got a grant of Warwick-Castle with the Mannour as also of divers other great Lordships and lands in this Shire whereof I shall take notice as they come in my course most of which he exchanged away with the King in 3 E. 6. for the Mannour of Minster-Lovell in Oxford-shire and divers other Lordships in the same County and in Nott. Glouc. Worcester Berks. and York-shires yet by his power got them again the next year following with more in exchange for lands in Northumberland Bishoprick of Durham Hartford-shire and Middlesex Of his particular great employments and actions I shall not stay to make any large relation for as much as they are obvious enough in our Common Chronicles but will onely point at them in brief He was Lieutenant generall in that expedition for Scotland in 1 E. 6. when the Scots were overthrown at Muscleborough where he made many Knights and indeed the principall person for military skill and prowess upon whom the management of that Warr rested In 3 E. 6. he commanded the Forces that were sent against Ket and his fellow Rebells in Norff. of which he slew about 5000. took Ket himself and setled all in quiet again In 4 E. 6. he was made Lord Steward of the Kings houshold and being now elated with these great successes his ambitious mind had no bound for it mattered not whom he ruin'd so it tended in his own opinion to the ends he aimed at First therefore he rayses discontents betwixt the Protector and the Lord Thomas Seymour his brother whereby soon after the said Lord Seymour became attainted by Parliament upon pretence that he had conspired his brothers death and so lost his head Then did he put the Protector upon making alteration both in State and Religion whereupon some of the Bishops that opposed it were committed to prison What vast summs did he make a shift to pocket by despoiling the Church of her Chalices Crosses and an infinite number of consecrated vessells with the like both silver and gold as also by rich Copes and other vestments under colour of bringing them into the Kings Wardrobe for he it was that led the Protector on to those courses as 't is well known as also by the lands given to maintain Lamps and Lights and for other pious uses Which doings with the ruine of the Cloister and Charnell at Paules the Church in the Strand and two Bishops houses there besides the goodly Church of S. Iohns neer Smithfield that were pulled down to build Somerset House brought upon the Protector no little hatred and so hastned his ruine that being it which our Warwick aimed at who spying so fair an oportunity wrought upon xviii of the Privy Councell to joyn with him therein yet such was his cunning that he accomplisht the work by others being least seen in it himself And because he could not win the Earls of Arundell and Southampt to be his Instruments for that purpose he found means to discharge them from the Councell and confine them to their houses as also to fine the Earl of Arundell 12000 li. upon suggestion that he had taken away bolts and locks at Westminster and given away the Kings stuff when he was Lord Chamberlain And now that he might carry the greater sway he did cause himself to be made Lord great Master of the Kings houshold and having been a prime Actor in the Peace made with France he was by way of reward for that service made generall Warden of the North having 1000. marks per ann lands granted unto him and C. Horsemen of the Kings Charge Mr. Herbert his chief Instrument being made President of Wales with a grant of 500 li. per ann And yet all this seemed not enough for within a while after viz. 20. April 5 E. 6. was he made Earl Marshall of England and xi Oct. following Duke of Northumb about which time he got his son Robert afterwards made Earl of Leic. by Q. Eliz. to be sworn one of the six Gentlemen in ordinary which Robert was as saith my Author his fathers true heir both in hatred towards persons of Nobility and cunning to dissemble the same as also for lust and cruelty a Monster of the Court and sure executioner of his hate After whose entertainment into that place of so neer service the King enjoy'd his health but a while And being now inferior to none of the Nobility in titles of honour and superior to all others in authority and power he could not restrain his haughty hopes from aspiring to an absolute command yet before he directly levelled at his marke the Duke of Somerset was thought fit to be taken away whose credit with the Common people
Kintone for the service of the fourth part of a Knights fee. Which Raph being dead in 16 H. 3. Alice his widow had an assignment of this land for her maintenance but the next possessor thereof was Henry de Trublevill and after him though how I cannot discover Thomas de Wapenbury of whom in Wapenbury I have spoke scil in 20 H. 3. Which Thomas granted it to Iohn Mile who had issue Richard and he Henry Mile whose daughter and heir called Margaret was wedded to Will de Welham and over-lived him being a widow in 30 E. 3. To this Margaret succeeded Sir Iohn Brauncestre Knight as owner of this Mannour but whether by purchase or otherwise I cannot directly affirm which Iohn demised all or the greatest part thereof to one Robert Dalby and Iohn Dalby his son in 51 E. 3. and afterwards sold it to Hugh Dalby whom I conceive to be son to the said Iohn This Hugh Dalby was Fermour unto Thomas de Moubray Duke of Norff. of his Mannour of Kineton in R. 2. time and a person in much trust and imployment by the descendants of that Duke as I shall shew anon In 19 R. 2. he bore the office of Eschaetor for this County and Leicestershire In 20 R. 2. Thomas Moubray Earl of Nottingham and Marshall of England by his Deed bearing date 10. Feb. in consideration of his good service granted to him an annuity of x li. per an during life issuing out of his Mannour of Chacombe in Northamptonshire having in Octob. before being then Governour of Calais in Picardy constituted him with Iohn Styvecle his Atturneys to prosecute all suits for him and answer whatsoever should happen in his absence In 22 R. 2. he was constituted one of the Justices of Peace in this County and in 17 H. 6. departed this life leaving Iohn Dalby his son and heir 32. years of age who dying without issue Ric. Dalby his brother became his heir Which Richard was made Feodary to Iohn Duke of Norff. in 32 H. 6. for all his lands lying in the Counties of Leic. Warwick Notingham Derby and elsewhere within the Realm of England the Counties of Norff. Suff. Sussex and Surrey excepted for the levying collecting and receiving of all Reliefs and profits whatsoever accruing by such Knights fees as belong'd to the said Duke As also his Receiver generall to collect all the Fees and commodities appertaining to him by reason of his Office of Earl Marshall of England through every Barony and part of a Barony according to the Statute therein made and provided for which pains and travail therein he was to have the one half of all the said profits over and above his reasonable costs expended in that service This Richard in 38 H. 6. went over with Nich. Husce esquier into Picardy for the custody of the Castle of Guynes in respect whereof he had the Kings Letters of protection but upon his recesse to this his house at Brokhampton where he made his abode the said protection was revok't and died in 6 E. 4. leaving Robert his son and heir from whom is lineally descended Richard Dalby gent. now Lord of this Mannour Cumbroke THis lying neer unto a narrow and deep valley through which the little brook before specified runs had thence its name the word Cumbe signifying in our old English such a hollow place as I have elsewhere shewed But there is very little that I find memorable in relation thereto other than the dedication of the Church and Church-yard by Simon Bishop of Worcester in H. 1. time to the honour of God the blessed Virgin and St. Margaret saving the right of the mother Church of Kineton For I cannot see that it was a distinct Mannour of it self but that the Mannours of Kineton and Brokhampton did extend into it as from sundry authorities may be observed and therefore I shall passe it by onely taking notice that the Chapell in 26 H. 8. for so it was then called had the small Tithes and oblations of this Hamlet belonging to it which were valued at Cvi s. viii d. per annum Compton-Murdak THis taking its name as all other Comptons do from the situation in or neer some deep valley hath had the addition of Murdak to distinguish it from the many other Comptons in this County in regard that the family of Murdak were antiently owners thereof In the Conquerors time it was possest by the Earl of Mellent and rated at vii hides which were valued at vi li. there being then a Church but in the generall Survey then taken it is written Contone From this Earl of Mellent it came to his brother Henry de Newburgh Earl of Warwick with other great possessions in this County as I have elswhere often intimated whose son and successor Earl Roger granted it together with the advouson of the Church unto Robert Murdac and his heirs towards the later end of H. 1. time to hold by the service of one Knights fee Will. Earl of Warwick confirming the same unto Roger son to the said Robert In 38 H. 3. Will. Murdac had a Charter of Free-warren granted to him in all his demesn lands in this place and in Hethcote in Northamptonshire which Will. in 7 E. 1. had two carucates of of land in demesn here xv Tenants holding severall proportions by sundry servile labours and certain Rents as also 3. Freeholders and xvi Cottiers Being a Knight in 13 E. 1. he had his tryall at Warwick before the Justices of Gaol delivery concerning the death of one Raph le Bedel for which he was questioned and departed this life in 26 E. 1. leaving Iohn his son and heir Rob. Murdac 11 H. 2. Rog. Murdac 26 H. 2. Thom. Murdac defunctus 36 H. 3. Will. Murdac obiit 26 E. 1. Nich. Murdac Rector Eccl. de Hethcote Ioh. Murdac fil haeres obiit fine prole Tho. Murdac miles obiit 9 E. 2. Iuliana filia Philippi de Gayton militis Ioh. Murdac miles 16 E. 2. Thomas Murdac miles 44 E. 3. Thomas Murdac obiit fine prole Arnoldus Murdac frater haeres 6 H. 4. Thomas Murdac 17 E. 2. 26. years of age of whom I meet with no more mention the next possessor thereof being Thomas Murdac his brother which Thomas in 29 E. 1. having summons with divers other persons of great quality to be at Barwick upon Twede on the Feast day of the Nativity of S. Iohn Baptist well appointed with Horse and Armes to march with the King in person and at his charge against the Scots was likewise a Knight and took to wife Iulian the daughter of Sir Philip de Gayton Knight but dyed in 9 E. 2. leaving issue Iohn his son and heir 18. years of age who was a Knight in 16 E. 2. and in 1 E. 3. constituted
elsewhere within the King's dominions And lastly that he and his heirs should have another Faire yearly within this Town beginning on the Even of S. Dunstan and continuing for two dayes following Which ample Charter bears date at Westminster xviii Nov. in the year before specified After which ere long viz. in 28 H. 6. was he made Lord Treasurer of England but in that Office he continued not long as also a Commissioner for conservation of the Peace and assessing of Subsidies in this County but in these I presume he acted little in respect of his other great imployments being a Baron of this Realm and summoned to severall Parliaments in the said King's time By his Testament bearing date ix Apr. An. 1475. 15 E. 4. he bequeathed his body to sepulture in the Church of the Dominican Friers at Worcester in a new Chapell to be made on the North side of the Quire To which House of Friers for his buriall there he bequeathed the value of xx marks to be had in vestments and stuff besides a pair of Organs of his own residing at that time at Chelchith in the County of Midlesex Appointing that a Priest of that Friery should daily say Masse at the Altar within the said Chapell before his Tombe after the Order of a Trentall for his soul and the souls of his Father and Mother Brethren and Sisters his Children and Ancestors souls and especially for the souls of Sir Iohn Fastolf Knight Will. Botreaux and all Christen souls taking by the week for the said Masse so daily to be said viii d. for evermore Which Chapell and Tombe with his statue thereon in Alabaster he did by the said Testament ordein that his Executor should cause to be made and departed this life the same year leaving Sir Ric. Beauchamp Knight his son and heir then 40. years of age who in the private Chapell of this Mannour-house here called by the name of Beauchamps-Court having speciall License from the Bishop of Worcester wedded Eliz. the daughter of Sir Humfrey Stafford Knight by whom he had issue three daughters that were his heirs viz. Eliz. married to Sir Robert Willoughby Lord Brook first summoned to Parl. by that title in 7 H. 7. Anne to Ric. Ligon and Margaret to Will. Rede which Sir Robert had in her right this Mannour of Alcester in partition and dyed seized thereof 10 Nov. 13 H. 8. leaving Eliz. Anne and Blanch his cosins next heirs viz. daughters of Edw. Willoughby his son by the before specified Elizabeth Of which daughters so in minority Eliz. the eldest was committed to the tuition of Sir Edward Grevill of Milcote Knight who obtained her wardship as I have by tradition been informed with purpose to marry her unto Iohn his son and heir but she better affecting Fòuke the younger became his wife to whom she brought this Mannour of Alcester with other lands which Fouke much enlarged his Mannour-house at Beauchamps-Court taking stone and timber from the then newly dissolved Priory at Alcester for that purpose as also his Park with part of the wast belonging to this Lordship and bore the Office of Shiriff for this County and Leicestershire in 34 H. 8. being then a Knight so also in 1 E. 6. and departed this life 10. Nov. Anno 1559. 1 Eliz. leaving issue Fouke his son and heir and Robert a younger son which Fouke was Knighted in 7 Eliz. being then 29 years of age In 12 Eliz. he came first into Commission for conservation of the Peace in this Shire and departing this life in an 1606 4 Iac. left issu by Anne his wife daughter to Raph Nevill E. of Westmerland Fouk his son and heir Which last recited Fouk having been a servant in Court to Q. Eliz. made Under-Treasurer and Chancelour of the Exchequer by K. Iames as also one of the privy Councell and a Gentleman of his Bedchamber in 15. of that King's reign obtained a speciall Charter confirming all such liberties as had been granted to any of his Ancestors in the behalf of this Town upon a new Rent of x s. per annum then reserved to the said K. his heires successors and was created Lord Brook of Beauchamps-Court before mentioned 9. Ian. 18. Iac. with limitation of that Honour for lack of issue male of his own body unto Robert Grevill son of Fouk son of Robert before specified a younger son to the first Sir Fouk This Fouk Lord Brook obtaining the Castle of Warwick from King Iames when it was in a very ruinous condition bestowed so much cost in the repairs thereof beautifying it with most pleasant Gardens and Walks and adorning it with rich furniture that considering its situation no place in this part of England doth compare with it for statelinesse and delight But delaying to reward one Hayward an antient servant that had spent the most of his time in attendance upon him being expostulated with for so doing received a mortall stab on the back by the same man then private with him in his Bed-chamber at Brook-house in London 30. Sept. Anno 1628 5 Car. who to consummate the Tragedy went into another roome and having lock't the dore pierced his own bowells with a sword After which viz. 27. Oct. the said Lord Brook's body being wrapt in Lead brought to Warwick was there solemnly interred in a vault on the North side the Quire of S. Maries Church under that beautifull Monument erected by himself whereof I have there taken notice To whom succeeded in this his Lordship of Alcester and divers other lands of great value the before specified Robert Grevill Lord Brooke by vertue of a speciall grant whereby they were so setled I now come to speak of that Family of Botreaux which possest the other half of this Mannour till 22 H. 6. as I have intimated Robertus Corbet ..... Reginaldus Comes Cornub Regis Henrici primi nothus Henricus Filia cohaeres Henricus fil Herberti Petrus fil Herberti 6. Joh. Herbertus fil Petri 33 H. 3. Regin fil Petri 56 H. 3. Johannes Herbertus Alicia altera filiarum cohaeredum Will. Boterell Will. Boterell 6. Joh. ob s. prole Albreda fil Walteri Waleran Reginaldus de Boterell frater haeres Will. de Botereus 2 E. 1. Will. de Botereus 9 E. 2. Regin de Botereus 4 E. 3. Walt. de Botereaux obiit 41 E. 3. Joh. Botereaux aetat 6. an 41 E. 3. Margeria filia Will. Dunfrell Joh. Botreaux de Wetheley in Com. Warw. gen 10 H. 6. Thomas Botreaux 22 H. 6. Of Will. de Botreaux who married Alice one of the daughters and coheirs to Rob. Corbet I find that he confirmed to the Monks of Alcester all that they there held of his Fee and that he left issue Will. and Reginald which second Will. in 6. Ioh. gave two Horses for the great saddle
as good value in recompence thereof that Charter of confirmation bearing date at Wenloc 26 Maii. Of which noble person I further find that he obtained the Advouson and patronage of the Priory of Studley near this place as I have there shewed from Peter de Corbucon heir to the Founder whereunto he gave a fair portion of lands lying in Shotswell That he also built an Hospitall at the Gates of that Monastery That he bore for his Armes Gules 3 flower de lices Or as by his Seal appeareth within the compasse whereof scil towards the lower part of the Shield there is a Star with a Cressant which is a Badge as hath been observed by judicious Antiquaries of his service in the Holy warrs And that he departed this life 7 Id. Apr. 23 H. 3. being then very aged leaving issue several sons viz. William his son and heir Walter a Priest and imployed by King H. 3. as his Agent to the Court of Rome afterwards elected Bâ—shop of Worcester â— whose story I refer to Godwyn Iohn Lord of Snitfield in this Countie and Nicholas of whom I find no more than the bare mention Which Will. being a martial man as well as his father and accompanying him at raising the seige of Lincolne Castle in 1 H. 3. had in 15 H. 3. much of his father's estate past over to him for which he then did his homage to the King And in 24 H. 3. obtained a special Charter for exempting him from any suit to the County or Hundred Courts Leet Aid to the Shiriff and Hidage for all his lands in England After which viz. in 26 H. 3. he attended the King in that his French expedition which was so unprosperous and having been in 28 H. 3. sent with other of the great Nobilitie to solicite the Prelates for an Aid of money according to the Popes Letters on the King's behalf was the next ensuing year one of those that went Embassiador to the general Councell then held at Lions there to complain of the grievous exactions used here in England by the Court of Rome as well from the Clergie as Laitie and to crave remedie for the same Which William bearing a devout affection to the Canons of Studley before specified gave to the Hospital of his Father's building there lands to the value of x li. per an lying within this Lordship as also certain Rent and pasturage for Cattell in Southernkeston with the Church of Hemeston in Devonshire And having besides all this obtained a special Charter for exempting their Woods situate within the Forest of Fekenham from any view of the King's Foresters and Verderers and been Steward to the King as his Father was as also a most faithfull Councellor left issue by Milisent the daughter of Hugh de Gornay Will. his son and heir Thomas Bishop of Hereford who in 34 E. 1. was canonized for a Saint and Iulian the wife of Sir Rob. de Tregoz and departed this life in 35 H. 3. immediatly whereupon William his eldest son performing his homage and giving security for payment of his Relief which was C li. had livery of his lands Which William in 37 H. 3. obtained a pardon from the King for pulling down the Castle of Penros in Wales belonging to Iohn de Monemuth as also for five marks at which this his Mannour of Aston was amerced for protecting one Rob. de Shelfhill who had been indicted for certain misdemeanors and in 38 H. 3. was constituted Governor of Bovelt Castle in Brecknockshire To the before specified Hospitall built at the Gate of the Priory of Studley he gave the advouson of the Church here at Aston and having wedded Eva one of the daughters aad coheirs to Will. de Braose of Brecknock with whom he had the territory of Upper Went and other lands in England and Wales departed this life in the flower of his youth to the great grief of many leaving issue by her the said Eva George his son and heir and two daughters Of which George being scarce 3. years old at that time I have found very little that is memorableâ— his death hapning before he arrived to years whereby he could be qualified for any great action viz. in 1 Edw. 1. Therefore whether the marriage betwixt him and Margaret the daughter of Edmund de Lacy was ever consummated as their parents had designed when he was scarce two years old I cannot tell but sure I am that he had no issue for Iohn the son of Henry de Hastings and Milicent then the wife of Eudo or Yvo la Zouche were found to be his sisters and heirs Which Henry being in minority in 36 H. 3. and in Ward to Guy de Luzignian the King 's half brother had the benefit of his marriage then disposed of by the said Guy unto Will. de Cantilupe before specified who gave his daughter Ioane thus in wedlock to him Whereupon by partition made betwixt those coheirs the said Milisent had for her share the Castle of Totenesse in Com. Devon the Mannours of Eyton â—n com Bedf. and Haringworth in Northamptonshire â— with other fair possessions in England and Wales as also the advouson of the Priory of Studley in this County And Iohn de Hastings the son of Ioane beforementioned had Bergavenny with the Castle and Honour which were of the inheritance of Eva de Breause his grandmother together with the Castle of Kilgaran in Com. Pembr and amongst other large territories in England and Wales this Mannour of Aston then valued at Lix li. iiii s. i d. per an all which were in the King's hands at the time of the said Partition made by reason of his minority But touching the Family of Hastings I shall speak historically in Fillongley and therefore purpose to make no other mention of them here than what particularly relates to this place In 13 E. 1. this Iohn de Hastings claimed a Court-Leet with Assize of Bread and Beer Weifs Gallows and Free warren within this Mannour by Prescription all which were allowed From which time this Mannour was for divers descents enjoy'd by the posterity of the said Iohn as I could sufficiently demonstrate if need were except for so long as Will. de Clinton Earl of Huntingdon held two parts of it in right of Iulian his wife widow to Iohn de Hastings father of Laurence Earl of Pembroke After the death of which Laurence it appears that it was held of the King in Capite by the service of one Foot souldier in the Warrs of Wales with a Bow without a string and a Helmet for his head by the space of xl dayes at his own proper costs as often as there should be any hostility in Wales From which Family of Hastings it descended not to the Lord Grey of Ruthin
at Dublin for his support in his service But I must not here stand to trace down the descent of that Family in Ireland it being besides my business and therefore shall pass it by with this onely note that in 12 E. 2. when Edward de Brus raised a rebellion in those parts and caused himself to be crowned King of Ireland through the singular valour and prudent conduct of Iohn de Bermingham then Commander in chief for the King against those Rebells the said Edw. de Brus with a multitude of his party were slain and the rest routed for which signall service he the said Iohn was created Earl of Loveth whose posteritie do continue there in great honour till this day bearing the antient Armes of this Family before exprest with a Castle in the sinister part of the Shield for a distinction Willielmus Petrus de Bermingham 12 H. 2. Will. de Bermingham Will. de Bermingham occcisus in praelio de Evesham 49 H. 3. Isabella filia Thomae de Estelegh Will. de Bermingham 11 E. 1. Isabella 32 E. 1. Will. de Bermingham 2 E 2. Matilda relicta 1 E 3. Will. de Bermingham miles 5 E. 3. Will. fil Will. Coleson de Walshall 2 maritus Fulco de Bermingham miles 16 E. 3. Eliz 50 E. 3. Iohanna 5 E. 3. Baldw. de Berming 13 R. 2. s. p. Will. de Bermingh miles 40 E. 3. ob s. p. Cath. filia einiscia cohaer Will. de la Planch 30 E. 3. Ioh. de Berming miles 6. R. 2. ob s. p. Eliz. altera fil cohaer Will. de la Planch ob 2 H. 6. Ioh. de Clinton miles 3. maritus Thom. de Berm mil. 2 R. 2. Isabella fil Ioh. fil Ric. de Whitacre Eliz. filia haeres Thomas de la Roche Elena ux Edm. Ferrers domini de Chartley 2 H. 6. Eliz. ux Georgii Longvile ar Ioh. de Bermingham 5 E. 3. Will. de Bermingham Will. de Berm mil. 27. H. 6. duxit Isab. fil haer W. Hilton Will. de Bermingham ob 7 Iunii 15 H. 7. Nich. Bermingham Edw. Bermingham aet 3. an 15 H. 7. Eliz. posteà nupta Will. Ludford de Ansley gen deinde Will. Askeric gen 2. 3. Ph. M. Anna filia haeres ux or Ric. Atkinson Will. Bermingham 14 H. 7. Henr. Bermingham Will. Bermingham obiit 10 Aug. 1 Eliz. Ioh. de Berm mil. 38. H. 6. Eliz. filia haer ux Baldw. fil Ric Bracebrig 19 E. 4. Thomas de Bermingh Arm. pro corp Regis 24 H. 6. Henr. de Bermingmiles 3 E. 3. ob s. p. D. Petrus de Bermingham defunctus 2 E. 2. Ela filia una haer Will. de Odingsells â— E. 2. Ioh. de Bermingham Com. de Lovâ—th in Hibernia 12 E. 2. Petrus de Bermingham 18 H. 3. I now come to Will. de Bermingham son and successor to the last mentioned William In 25 H. 3. he had a suit for certain lands lying in this place with Iohn the son of Robert de Hathewy for determination whereof certain Justices of Assize were then constituted In 34 H. 3. he was by a speciall Pat. exempted from serving on Juries and the next year following had a Charter for a Faire to be annually held here by the space of four days beginning on the Eve of the Ascension commonly called Holy Thursday as also Free warren in his Mannour of Hoggeston in Com. Buck. Not long after this I find that there grew some dispute betwixt Rog. de Someri Baron of Dudley of whose Fee Bermingham was held and this Will. de Bermingham touching the services due by him to the said Roger for this Mannour with the members thereto belonging for which he required that the same Will should perform the service of eight Knights Fees a half and fourth part and also do suit to the Court at Dudley for the Knights fees belonging thereto once every three weeks whereupon they came to an Agreement in 46 H. 3. viz. that the same Will should do service for so many Knights fees as aforesaid and appear at the Court at Dudley onely twice every year scil at that held next after Michaelmass and that likewise after Easter And moreover that whensoever the King 's Writ of Right should be executed there id est that when of necessitie all the Kts. and Peers of the same Court holding by service military were to be called thither to give Judgement in cases of difficultie as also for triall of a Theif upon reasonable Summons he should not neglect to make his appearance Upon which Agreement the before specified Roger de Someri released to him his suit of Court from three weeks to three weeks But the next thing memorable that I find of this Will. de Bermingham is that he sided with his Father in Law Thomas de Astley and the other Barons in that grand Rebellion against King H. 3. and that being slain in the battail of Evesham in 49 H. 3. and his lands extended this his Mannour of Bermingham was rated at xl l. and the inheritance of it given by the K. with divers Lordships more forfeited by others unto Roger de Clifford for his faithfull service Howbeit by vertue of the Dictum de Kenilworth whereof I have there spoke the greatest part of all mens lands so confiscate being liable to Composition this with the rest upon satisfaction made according to the tenor of that Decree was repossest by Will. de Bermingham son and heir to the Rebell who in 11 E. 1. obtained a Charter of Freewarren throughout all his demesn lands here as also within his Mannour of Stokton in Worcestershire Shetteford in Com. Oxon. Maidencote in Berkshire Hoggeston in Com. Buck. and Cristelton in Cheshire which last viz. Cristleton was given by Thomas de Estley with Isabell his daughter in frank Marriage to Will. de Bermingham Father to the present William In 13 E. 1. this Will upon a Quo Warranto brought against him and all others who excercised or claimed any Liberties or Priviledges within their Lordships exhibited K. Henry the 2. Charter for the Thursday Mercate Toll Tem Sak Sok and Infangenthef And for the Faire and Freewarren K. H. 3. Charter pleading Prescription for Weyfâ— Gallows Court Leet with Assize of Bread and Beer all which were allowed The next year following he had Letters of protection upon the King 's purposed transfretation whom he was to attend therein Whether at that time he went bâ—yâ—nd Sea considering it doth not appear by our Historians that the King himself was out of England I am uncertain but in 25 of the same King's reign it is manifest that he was in Gascoin in his service under the conduct of the Earl of Lincolne and Iohn de S. Iohn of Basing a great Baron where intending to relieve Bellagard then besieged by the Count of Arras the said Earl and Baron divided their forces the Lord S. Iohn leading the Van
land lying in Lonkeleye Blackmore and Brockhurst all which are said to be within the territory of Sutton So that hence I conclude that the same Walter or his ancestors first had it from one of the antient Earls of Warwick adding thereto that by a multitude of Inquisitions it appeareth to have been of their Fee But all the farther mention that I find of this Walter is in the Shiriffs Accompt of 23 H. 3. and that in 36 H. 3. he brought an Assise of Novell disseisin against Nich. L'ile for certain Common of pasture in Moxhull To whom succeeded Walter his son and heir and to him Osbert de Bereford who in 2 E. 1. was constituted Shiriff of this Countie and Leicestershire as also the next year ensuing a Commissioner for levying a Fifteenth and in 8 E. 1. Shiriff again of these Counties And to him William his brother for he and his descendants went away with this Langley and certain lands in Wishaw Sutton Curdworth Minworth Midleton and Wigginshill in this Countie as also Stapleford in Leicestershire Which Will. was in 16 E. 1. a Kt. and being learned in the Laws in 2 E. 2. had the Chief-Justiceship of the Common Pleas conferred upon him But about three years after such his advancement to that eminent place there was an high Complaint made against him to the King by Iohn de Someri a great Baron in these parts for words of defamation viz. that he did so domineere in Staffordshire that no man could enjoy the benefit of Law or reason taking upon him more authoritie than a King as also that it was no abiding for any thereabouts unlesse they did bribe him in contributing largely towards the building of his Castle at Dudley And moreover that the said Iohn did use to beset mens Houses in that Countrey threatning to murther them except they gave him what he would demand Whereupon the King issued a Commission to Alan la Zouche and Will. Trussell to enquire thereof and in case the words were proved then to find out whether the before specified Iohn were really guilty of those misdemeanours and to certifie the truth therein How he answered this businesse appears not but in 8 E. 2. I find that he was one of the Justices of Assize in this County so likewise in 13 E. 2. As also a Benefactor to the Canons of Kenilworth by granting to them Lx. acres of land and two acres of meadow lying in Radford-Simelie and that he departed this world in 20 E. 2. leaving Edmund his son and heir 28 years of age who did his homage the same year and had livery of his lands Which Edmund in 1 E. 3. obtained License from the King to fortifie his Mannour House here at Langley with a wall of lime and stone and to embattle it In that Record the K. calls him dilectus Clericus noster yet was he then a Knight for in a Release bearing date at Chaucumbe the same year whereby Henry de Bereford Parson of the Church of Corson gave up unto him all his right in this Mannour as also in Wishaw he is so stiled the sealing whereof was somewhat observabâ—e In cuâ—us râ—i testimonium saith the Parson Sigillum meum apposui Et quia Sigillum meum plurimis est incognitum Sigillum Rogeri Hillari nepotis mei apponi procuravi Whereunto were witnesses Sir Gilbert de Elsefield Sir Sim. de Bereford Sir Miles de Beauchamp Sir Iames de Audley and Sir Iohn de Broughton Kts. Rog. Hillari Iohn Dimock and others Which instance as it shews of what regard Seals were antiently so doth it give me an oportunitie to say something as to the original use of them in this Realm and of the great esteem wherein they have continued ever since That K. Edw. the Confessor was the first here in England that ever put Seal to his Charters is very evident and that he did so in imitation of the Normans amongst whom he had been educated is not to be doubted but till after the Conquest we have no testimony that they were used here by any Subject as Ingulphus manifesteth Nam ChirographoruÌ„ confectionem Anglicanam saith he quae antea usque ad Edv. Regis tempora fidelium praesentium subscriptionibus cum Crucibus aureis aliisque sacris signaculis firma fuerunt Normanni condemnantes Chirographa Cartas vocabant Chartarum firmitatem cum cerea impressione per unius cujusque speciale Sigillum sub instillatione trium vel quatuor testium astantium conficere constituebant Conferebantur enim prim ò multa praedia nudo verbo absque scripto vel Charta tantùm cum Domini Gladio vel Galea vel Cornu vel Cratera plurima tenementa cum Calcari cum Sâ—rigili cum Arcu nonnulli cum Sagitta Sed haec initio Regni sui speaking of Will the Conq. posterioribus annis immutatus est iste modus But that this use of Sealing was of greater antiquity with the French I shall exhibite the testimony of a learned person from whom I have abstracted what follows Karolus deâ— gratia Rex Francorum c. Notum sit omnibus c. qualiter vir illustris Rogerus Comes fidelis noster c. Monasterium c. in loco nuncupato Karrofum c. in pago Pictavense construxit c. Et ut haec praesens auctoritas nostris futuris temporibus inviolata perducare valeat manus nostrae signaculis eam decrevimus roborari de Annulo nostro jussimus Sigillari circa An. D. Dâ—Clxix In nomine domini Dei c. Hludovicus divina ordinante clementia Imperator Augustus Notum sit c. Haec verò authoritas ut nostris futurisque temporibus melius credatur c. manu propria subscripsimus de Annulo nostro subter jussimus Sigillari Dat. c. An. D. DCCCxiiii But I return to England That our Kings and all great persons antiently used their own pictures in the impressions of their Seales is very evident Militarie men allways on Horsback and in the same kind of Armour that they wore which in the elder times was Male for the most part with a Shield on the left Arme and in the right hand a naked Sword upon which Shields 't is rare before K. Ric. 1. time to see any distinct charge at least such as became hereditary but after that it was held a great honour for those whose Ancestors had served in the Holy Warrs to retain in the same Badges and Marks which they there bore so that then they did not only continue them upon their Shields but to be the better known had the like depicted upon surcoats of silke behind and before which they wore over their Male as in those excellent observations made upon Vpton by that learned gentleman and my singular Friend Edw. Bisshe Esq is made most evident and as is farther testified by
Esquier And to manifest that he was a person eminently qualified in 18 E. 2. he served in the Parliament then held at London as one of the Knights for this Shire having ii s. vi d. allowed him per diem for his expences during that imployment But in 1 E. 3. upon a strong suspition of Heresie suggested against him to the King a Commission to Will. de Clinton bearing date 3 Maii was forthwith issued out not only to arrest and take him but to seize on all his lands goods and Chattels of which being advertised he submitted himself to prison and brought in sureties to stand to a lawfull triall therein viz. Raph. de Crophull of Notinghamshire Walt. de Heselarton of Yorkshire Edm. de Shireford David de Caunton Rog. le Pledour and Iohn de Alspath of this County whereupon he was set at liberty and his lands and goods restored to him as by the King 's special Precept bearing date at Notingham 3 Sept. appeareth After which viz. in 5 E. 3. the said Lord Basset received his full accompt for all the time he had served and reâ—eined to him and gave him a generall Acquittance To whom succeeded Iohn who for the lands in Blaggreve which sometime belong'd to Rob. de Blaggreve his grandmothers Father obtained a Release from Sir Baldwin Frevill Knight heir â—o Marmion as to the suit due to his three weeks Court at Stipershull and all other services for that land during his own life and the life of Maud his wife saving to the said Sir Baldwin his homage and a pair of gilt spurs at the Feast of S. Edith yearly This Iohn in 30 E. 3. payd to Sir Iohn de Arden Kt. and Henry his brother Executors to Raph de Arden their father the sum of vi s. viii d. for reasonable Aid due upon the marriage of Sibill his eldest daughter in respect of the lands in Moxhull which he held of him by military service and at the same time xxxiii s. iiii d. for a Relief due to the before specified Raph for those lands and bore for his Armes three Eglets displayed gules as by his Seal and an old Glasse window in Bentley Chapell appeareth which coat or part thereof at least was assumed by Henry his Father for I have seen a Seal of his with one Eglet displaied within the compasse of a roundle and not in a Shield a course very antiently used before they put their Badges into Shields as I have observed in the Families of Beke of Eresby and Darcy the first of which bore their Crosse sarcilè so and the other their Cinquefoile Which Iohn bearing a singular reverence to the Monks of Merevale desired that his body might be there buried as may appear by certain land and Rent that he assigned to some friends in trust for the finding of divers wax Lights to burn every Sunday and Holiday in the Chapell of our Lady adjoyning to the gate of that Abby for which respect he had a special grant from Robert de Atherston Abbot of that House and his Covent under their publick Seal bearing date the Wednsday after Lammas 33 E. 3. of a certain proportion of ground within the said Chapell of our Lady containing seven foot square where he and Maud his wife at the death of each should have sepulture And that upon all great Festivall days aswell as Sundays five waxen Lights should be burning there as also that he the said Iohn and Maud should have liberty to set up Images in the same Chapell in honour of the blessed Virgin Henricus de Insula Will. de Insula 21 H. 3. Margareta Nicholaus de Insula 36 H. 3. Amieâ—a 41 H. 3. Iuliana filia haer Rob. de Blaggreve 1 E. 1. Ankitellus de Insula 22 E. 1. Christiana ux 2 obiit 33 E. 1. Philippus de Insula Rector Eccl. de Wishaw 4 E. 2. Henr. de Insula 4 E. 2. Iohanna 9 E. 2. Philippus de Insula Rector Eccl. de Cavendish 9 E. 3. Henr. de Insula 9 E. 3. Ioh. de Insula 9 E. 3. Matilda relicta 47 E. 3. Idonea 1 R. 2. Ioh. de Insula 6 H. 4. Margeria 13 H. 4. Will. de L'ile ar 29 H. 6. Iuliana filia Rob. Midlemore de Eggebaston Henricus de L'isle ob 20 H. 7. Eliz. filia Will. Morgan Iohannes L'isle obiit 29 H. 8. Anna filia haeres Will. Lecroft de Colshull 12 H. 8. Nich. L'isle obiit 32 H. 8. Anna filia Thomae Swinerton de Hilton in Com. Staff Thomas L'isle ob 23 Aug. 8 Eliz. Anna filia Georgii Masterson una sororum cohaer Thomae Ioh. L'â—sle obiit 24 Ian. 36 Eliz. Dorothea filia Georgii Willoughby filii Hugonis Wiloughby mil. Franciscus L'isle obiit infra aet 38 Eliz. Ioh. L'isle ar Brigitta filia Ioh. Knotsford de Studley Ioh. L'isle Maria filia Mathei Cradock de Caverswall-castro in Com. Staff ar Regin L'isle de quo illi de Bremor in Com. Suthâ— To which Iohn succeeded Iohn his son who in H. 5. time was retained by the Earl of Warwick amongst other of his Esquires to serve him with one Lance and one Archer at the seige of Caleis for which he was to receive xxl per an besides his diet And to him William and to William Henry who gave the Rectorie of Wilmecote with all the Tithes thereto belonging to Thomas Clapton Master of the Gild at Stratford super Avon to the intent that the Priest singing the first Masse every day in the said Gild should say De profundis before the holy Lavatorie for the good estate of him the said Henry and Elizabeth his wife and for their souls after their departure hence as also for the soules of his ancestors and successors Which Henry was Shiriff of this County and Leicestershire in the second and nineteenth years of K. H. 7. reign and by his Testament dated 13 Sept. 20 H. 7. bequeathing his body to be buried within his own proper Chapell in the Church of S. Chad at Wishaw before the Image of Henry the sixth sometime King of England departed this life about that time for the Probate of his Will beareth date the next month following Unto which Henry succeeded Iohn his son and heir who taking to wife Anne the daughter and heir of Will. Lecrofte had with der divers Houses and a great proportion of land lying in Colshill and other places Of this Iohn I find that upon the birth of Elizabeth second daughter to King H. 8. afterwards Qu. of England he received a special Letter from Qu. Anne dated at Greenwich 7 Sept. 25 H. 8. advertising him of the good speed she had in her deliverance and desiring his congratulation unto God for it as also his Prayers for the good health prosperity and continuall preservation of the said young Princesse To whom succeed Nicholas and to him Thomas who wedded
Ierusalem and that thereupon at the end of nine years they had a certain Rule assigned to them in the Councell of Trecas as also a White habit by Pope Honorius After which they began to multiply very much their possessions being greatly enlarged But in the time of Pope Eugenius they sowed Crosses made of red cloth upon the left shoulder of their Mantles partly to the end that having such a triumphall signe instead of a Buckler they should not flee back from any Infidell whil'st they were armed with so great a protection and partly to the intent they might be distinguished from other Religious persons There are who affirm that the beginners of this Rule were some of the meanest Hospitalars and that they were at first sustained with weapons and food from the reliques of their provisions whether it was so or not I shall not stand to argue but 't is agreed on all parts that they were originally called Knights Templars from having their residence in certain rooms adjoyning to that Temple sometime built by King Solomon As for their Habit the description which William Darrell made thereof to Mâ— Lambard was thus viz. that on their Heads they woâ—e linnen Coâ—fes like to the Sergeants at Law and red Caps close over them on their Bodies shirts of maile and Swords girded unto them with a brod belt over all which they had a White Cloak reachâ—ng to the ground with a red Crosse on the left shoulder as hath been said in such sort as on the next page is represented And that they used to wear their Beards of a great length whereas most other Religious Orders doe shave I shall exhâ—bit the testimony of King Edw. 2. made in the behalf of an eminent servant in his Court Rex c. Cum dilectus valettus noster Petrus Auger exhibitor praesentium nuper voverit quod Barbam suam radi non faciat quousque peregrinationem fecerit in certo lâ—co â—n partibus transmarinis idem Petrus sibi timeat quod aliqui ipsum ratione Barbae sua prolixae fuisse Templarium imponere sibi velini ei inferre impedimenta seu gravamina ex hac causa Nos veritati volentes testimonium perhibere vobis tenore praesentium intimamus quod praedictus Petrus est valetâ—us Camerae nostrae nec unquam fuâ—â— Templarius sed â—arbam suam sic prolixam esse permitâ—it ex causa superius annotata c. Teste Rege c. 17. Febr. Anno c. 4. And touching theâ—r manner of reception into this Order thus I find câ—râ—â—â—â—ed of one of them being examined as to that point Requisitus de modo râ—câ—ptionis dicit quod eraâ— laviger â—â— Templo dum â—raâ— secularis requisiviâ— Magist um ut eum rec perat in Fâ—aâ—â—em Eâ— expositis sib hiis quae regorâ—s sunt in Ordine Templâ— substam talibus Ordinis quâ—aâ—a Obeatentiam â—â—â—stitatem abdicationem pâ—â—prietatis â—uit ducâ—us in Capellam Fraâ—ribus Orainis duntaxat Capellanis Militibus servientibus praesentibus secularibus omnibus exâ—lusis praestito ab eo ad sancta Dei Evangelia juramento quod praedicta tria substantialia dicti Ordinis consueâ—udines bonaâ— laudabâ—les Ordinis Templi servaret negotium terrae Sanctae ultra-marinae pro posse suo â—uvareâ— contrainimicos fidet Christianae Adâ—ecit etiam quod â—uravit quod neminem injuste exhaereditaret â—unc sibi tradebatur Mantellum cum Cruce Pilleum in Capiâ—e The first setling of this Order in England was in that â—â—reet called Holburne in the suburbs of London but there they rested not long for in K. H. 2. â—â—â—e that House which still retaineth the name of the Temple in Fleet-street was erected by them and the 〈…〉 according to the form of the Temple â— Ierusalem dedâ—cated to God and our blessed Ladie by Heraclius Patriarch of Ierusalem in the year 1185. Of the vast possessions they soon obtained in England aswell as other parts of Christendome which at length occasioned their ruine I am not here to speak neither of their Priviledges which were very ampâ—e as by thoâ—e Bulls of Pope Hadrâ—an the 4 â—h and Alexander the third exempâ—ing them from payment of Tithes for their demesn lands and the Charter of Kâ—ng H. 3. affording them divers Liberties and granting unto them extraoâ—â—inarie â—mmunities unto which I refer my Reader Templarius I come now to the speciall Priviledges which they had here in Balshall In 32 H. 3. they obtained a Charter oâ— Free warren in all their demesn lands here In 52 H. 3. a weekly Mercate upon the Thursday with two Faires every year the one on the Eve day and morrow after the Feast of S. Gregory the Martyr and the other on the Eve day and morrow after the Feast of S. Mathias the Apostle And for the surer enjoyment of their interest here in 13 E. 1. they procured a full confirmation from Roger de Moubray heir to Roger the first donour before specified with waâ—rantie of that his Ancestor's Charter for which they made him Partaker of all their Prayers and other spirituall benefits But whether it were really their guilt of such high enormities which through Christendome were layd to their charge or rather their potencie so generally feared which occasioned their ruine I will not here stand to argue certain it is that on Wednsday next after the Feast of the Epiphanie Anno 1307. scil 1 E. 2. by the King 's speciall command and a Bull from the Pope were they generally through England layd hold on and cast into Prison nay througâ— all Christendom as my Author saith and afterwards â—roceeded against in a generall Councell held at London where being convicted of divers great impiâ—ties all their possessions were seized into the Kâ—ng's hands In an antient MS. Chron. which I have seen the cause of their ruine is thus set forth Anno MCCCX. circafestum S. Hillarii omnes Templarii in Anglia in Scotia alii omnes ut dicebantur per totam Christianitatem una hora diei capti sunt propter Heresiae pravitatem necnon propter fraudem quam fecerunt in quodam bello inter Regem Tharsis Paganos in quo tergiverserunt ad Paganos occiderunt praedictum Regem exercitum ejus filium eâ—us unicum ceperunt undè tota Christianitas turbata est valdè But Thom. de Wals. setteth forth other reasons for this severe proceeding against them namely severall grosse and Heathenish yea rather devillish practises unto whom I refer my Reader All which and more were layd to their charge in particular Articles whereupon witnesses being examined they were proceeded against as hath been said the whole series thereof being at large yet to be seen in an antient M S. of that time wherein I have observed that the said Articles do charge them with no lesse than Heresie Idolatrie and most execrable Blasphemie
of the before specified Iohn Mireden THis place situate upon London-road having from some Inns and Alehouses built for the receipt of Passengers grown of late times to the credit of a Village doth now utterly eclipse the name of Alspath by which and none other the Town it self â—c where the Church standeth was known even from the Saxons times till about the beginning of King Henry the sixt's reign for of Myredene till then I have never seen mention in any authentique writing so that I conceive it to have been about that time that the buildings in this thorough-fare increast to such a considerable number that the name of the place where they stand came to be more frequently used than that of the Town it self Yet am I of opinion that the place where the greatest part of Myridene now stands was very antiently so called for the later syllable dene â—mporteth no lesse being the old English word that signifieth a Valley as this is which I suppose for the foulnesse thereof was at first called Miredene By the Conqueror's Survey where it is written Ailespede and certified to contain four hides having Woods of a mile and half in length and a miâ—e in breadth it appears that the Countess Godeva possest it in Edward the Confessor's days whence I conclude that the famous Earl Leofrike her husband of whom I have spoke at large in Coventre was formerly owner thereof but at the time of the said Survey it with the rest of the lands in this Shire which the said Countess before the Norman invasion held were in the King's hands and ferm'd out by him to one Nicholas This at that time being valued at xxx s. with Coventre and the rest was granted afterwards to the Earl of Chester as it seems but as yet I have not seen when the first of that Familie who assumed their sirname from hence was enfeoft of those lands here which they enjoyed Perhaps it was Ivo de Alspath who lived in H. 2. time for before him I have not observed this sirname attributed to any other To which Ivo succeeded Gerard and Walter but whether they were brothers or not I am not certain It seems that both these had a good share in this place for Gerard de Alspath son of that Ger. in 41 H. 3. obtained a Charter of Free warren in all his demesn lands here and Walter was stiled Dominus de Alspath This Gerard holding certain lands of Richard de Amundevill Lord of Berkswell for which he did Homage in 33 H. 3. by his Deed obligatory bound himself to pay unto the said Richard and his heirs a pair of gilt Spurs yearly at Easter in Berskwell-Hall or xii d. in money whether they should please to choose But that which Walter de Alspath had descended to William de Alspath who in 32 E. 1. had also Free warren granted to him in all his demesn lands thereof This William had a daughter called Annabel second wife to Gerard de Alspath son and heir to the last mentioned Gerard but whether she was an inheritrix or not I make a question Which Gerard and Annabel had issue Sâ—r Gerard de Alspath Knâ—ght a Servant or at least a very great Well-wisher to Roger Mortimer Earl of March who helping to contrive the escape of the said Roger out of the Tower of London where he was a Prisoner by reason of the difference betwixt him and Thomas Earl of Lancaster fled with him out of England for which he got a speciall Pardon in 4 E. 3. Betwixt the descendants of this Sir Gerard and Margerie his neice grew afterwards suits for a great part of these lands the issue whereof was this in brief that the said Margerie whom one William Cocks had taken to wife past away all her right unto Iohn de Chetwyn in whose line it conâ—inued till 2. E. 6. that Thomas Chetwyn of Ingestre in Com. Staff Esquire sold it by the name of the Mannour of Alspath alias Myridene with th' appurtenances unto Iohn Hales of Coventre Gentleman Which Iohn by his Deed bearing date 4 Ian. 4 E. 6. past it unto his brother Christopher and his heirs who in 1. 2. Ph. M. sold it unto Edward Aglionby Esquire and Iohn Holbech Gentleman and Elizabeth his wife to the uses following viz. the one moitie thereof to the said Edward Aglionby his heirs and assignes for ever and the other to the said Elizabeth and the heirs of her body begotten by Iohn Dabridgcourt Gentleman her late husband and for lack of such issue to the right heirs of the said Elizabeth But afterwaâ—ds viz. in 6 Eliz. did Thomas Dabridgcourt Esquire son and heir to the said Iohn and Elizabeth pass back their right and title therein to the before specified Edward Aglionby and his heirs which Edward within 4. years after sold it unto his son in Law William Foster Gentleman Ivo de Alspath Gerardus de Alspath Gerardus de Alspath 41 H. 3. Gerardus de Alspath 27 E. 1. Matilda filia Oâ—berti de Clinton 27 F. 1. Ioh. de Alspath Margeria 50 E. 3. Will. Cocks 50 E. 3. Walt. dominus de Alspath Will. de Alspath 32 E. 1. Annora 9 E. 2. Annabellaâ— Gerardus de Alspath 8 E. 2. Annora filia haeres Gebon ... Arnamentarius Regi E. 3. Margareta Isab. Margeria Radulfus Peche secundus maritus Annora filia haeres Ioh. Peche Ioh. Peche And of this William Foster did Richard Corbet of Clatercote in Com. Oxon. Esquire purchase it in 25 Eliz. viz. to himself and Mary his wife for their lives with remainder to Robert Corbet of Morton-Corbet in Com Salop. his brother and his heirs From which Robert Corbet it descended to Elizabeth his daughter and heir wife to Sir Henry Wallop of Fairley in Com. Sutht Knight who in 7 Iac. aliened it to William Andrews and Iohn Halsall Gentlemen and their heirs From which William and Iohn did Thomas Holbech Gentleman purchase the Capitall messuage or Mannour place with certain lands thereto belonging in Iune 10 Iac the residue being for the most part parcell'd out in petty sales to other persons From whom it is come to Mathew Holbech his son and heir that now enjoys it Within the precincts of this Parish had the Segraves antiently certain lands and Rents which were held of them immediatly of Iohn de Langley and by him of the Earl of Chester's heir viz. Hugh de Albini by the fourth part of a Knight's Fee and in process of time came to have the reputation of a Mannour All which were extended in 50 H. 3. for the rebellion of Nicholas de Segrave but repossessing them again by vertue of the Dictum de Kenilworth they descended to Iohn de Segrave his son and heir who having made a good addition to his inheritance here by
filia .... domini Say Barth de Sudley defunctus 20 E. 2. Matilda filia Ioh. de Monteforti Ioh. de Sudley defunctus 14 E. 3. Alâ—anora filia Rob. domini de Seales Ioh. de Sudley defunctus â— p. 41 E. 3. Iohanna ux Will. le Boteler mil. defuncta 41 E. 3. Iohanna filia Ioh. Beauchamp de Powyk mil. Thomas Boteler consangu haeres Ioh. de Sudley 41 E. 3. Alicia ux secunda postea nupta Joh. Dalingrugge mil. Ioh. Boteler deâ—unctus s. p. 5 H. 5. Will Boteler 5 H. 5. Rad Boteler miles Thesaur Angl. duxit Aliciam fil haer Will. Deincourt mil obiit 13 E. 4. Thomas Boteler miles duxit Alianorâ—m sororem Joh. Talbot mil. domini L'isle obiit vivo patre Eliz. ux ..... Norburie Henr. Norburie miles Joh. Norburie miles unuâ— consangu haered Rad. Boteler de Sudley mil. 13 E. 4. Anna filia haeres Ric. Haliwell Iana consangu haer Joh. Norburie mil. 15 H. 8. Edmundus Bray miles 15 H. 8. Anna ux ... Coâ—ham Eliz. 1. nupta Ric. Catesby mil. postea Wil. Clerke ar Fridiswida ux Percevalli Hart. mil. Maria ux Rob. Peckham mil Dorothea ux Edw. Domini Chaundos Francisca ux Tho. Lifeild Iohanna ux ..... Belknap Will. Belknap ar ob s. p. 2 R. 3. Henricus Belknap Edw. Belknap miles obiit 12 H. 8. Margeria ux Rob. Massy mil. defuncta â— prole 3 R. 2. pasturage for Cattell in Derset Radway and Chelverscote But after 20 E. 2. I have not found any more mention of him neither of Iohn his grandchild scil son of Bartholmew is there much to be sayd who died in 14 E. 3. leaving Iohn his son and heir little more than a twelve month old which last Iohn departed this world without issue in 41 E. 3. whereupon Thomas Boteler son of Sir Will. Boteler of Wemme by Ioane eldest daughter to the last Bartholmew and Margerie her sister afterwards married to Sir Robert Massy Kt. became his Cosins and next t heirs This Thomas Boteler was a Kt. in 9 R. 2. To whom succeeded as heir to his Mother Sir Raphe Boteler Kt. a man eminently imployed and highly advanced as I shall forthwith shew For having in 8 H. 6. served the King with xx men at Armes and Lx. Archers in his personall expedition for France he was in 20 H. 6. created Baron of Sudley with an Annuitie of CC. marks per an to himself and his heirs for the better support of that dignitie and became soon after Lord Tresurer of England But in that Office he continued not long for in 28 H. 6. he was retained by Indenture to serve the King for five years as Governour of the Cittadell at Calais with .... men at Armes on Horseback xxix men at Armes on foot and xx Archers all able men of war taking for himself ii s. per diem for his men at Arms on foot viii d. and for his Archers vi d. besides the speciall Fee of C s. the quarter for himself And immediatly thereupon being made the King's Lieutenant of that Town covenanted for the defence and saâ—eguard thereof and the Marches adjoyning to keep C. men at Arms over and above the number before specified and DCCCC Archers for a quarter of a year taking for his men at Arms xii d. a man and his Archers vi d. besides the reward accustomed And was in so great esteem with the Canons of Erdburie for his munifence to them in sundry wiâ—e but specially in procuring for them the Appropriation of the Church at Leyth in Lancashire dated 15 Ian. 28 H. 6. that in consideration thereof they did by their publick Instrument ordeign that two of their Covent should every day celebrate divine service in that Monasterie for the health of his soul appointing parâ—icular Masses for each day of the week binding themâ—elves and their successors to observe his Anniversarie after his decease with Placebo Dirige and Masse of Requiem and to spend vi s. viii d. yearly on the day of his said Anniversarie in their Covent by way of Pittance over and above their usuall allowance After which viz. in 30 H. 6. he had a speciall Pardon granted to him for all offences whereby any advantage mâ—ght be taken against him in respect of his great and generall imployments in which pardon his partâ—cular services to King H. 5. aswell as to the said K H. 6. in France and in the Dutchie of Normandieâ— even from his very youth are gâ—atefully â—cknowledg'd For he had been Lord Tresurer and Chamberlain to K. H. 6. and Standard-beaâ—er and chief Butler of England as also Knight of the Garter and Steward of his Household But after this I find no more of him till his death which hapned 2 Maii 13 E. 4. where it appears that Iohn Norburie and Will. Belknap were his câ—sins and heirs for Sir Thomas Boteler his son died before him without issue So that this Mannour came at length inter alia by Partition made 15 Maii 11 H. 7. to Sir Iohn Norburie and so by Iane his grandchild and heir to Sir Edmund Bray which Iane died seized thereof 24 Aug. in the last year of Q. Maries reign leaving severall daughters and heirs as the Descent before inserted sheweth whereof Frances married to Thomas Lifeild who by the name of Thomas Lifeild of Stoke-Dabernon in com Sur. Esq. together with the said Frances his wife did by his Deed of bargain and sale Dated 7 Maii 3 Eliz. in consideration of 1050 l. sell and convey it unto Iohn Giffard of Chillington in com Staff Esq. whose grandchild sc. Peter son of Walter Giffard in our memorie passed the Mannour consisting of a Royaltie and certain chief Rents to Sir Iohn Newdigate of Erdburie Kt. and the Demesns to certain persons in trust for the use of Thomas Lord Coventre late Lord Keeper of the great Seal of England So that at this day the said Mannour is now enjoyed by Ric. Newdigate Sergeant at Law son to the same Sir Iohn and the demesns by the Lord Coventre son and heir to the said Lord Keeper The Priorie of Erdburie WIthin the precincts of Chilverscoton Parish stood the Monasterie of Erdburie built in K. Henry 2. time by Raphe de Sudley for Canons Regular of St. Augustine the Foundation Charter whereof I never saw but do conceive that the substance wherewith he at first endowed it was as followeth viz. the Church of Chelverdescote with two yard land belonging thereto as also six yard land and a Wood there reputed for half a hide ten Acres of land lying in Broadmedow and a place called the Breche at Whitemore with certain messuages and half a VVood called the Hudells And besides this with some lands and a meadow at Sulingfen together with the Church of Dercet and CC. acres of land lying in one of Dercet fields As also ten
Friery where residing he died in an 1625. The Gild. OF this Gild forasmuch as it consisted of the Inhabitants of the whole Parish I have spoke in Manceter The Free-School THis was founded in 15 Eliz. by Sir William Devereux Kt. who then residing at Merevale obtained License to purchase lands and to give them thereunto the substance whereof are situate in Dosthill near Kingsburie And farther of this Town I have not to say than that it gave birth to one of our late famous Poets scil Michaell Draiton who being one of the Esquires that attended Sir Walter Aston of Tixhall in Com. Staff Kt. when he was made Kt. of the Bath at the Coronation of K. Iames lieth buried in the South Cross Isle of Westminster-Abby with this Epitaph on his Monument Doe pious Marble let thy Readers know What they and what their Children owe To Draiton's name whose sacred dust We recomend unto thy trust Protect his memorie and preserve his storie Remain a lasting Monument of his glorie And when thy ruins shall disclaim To be the Tresurer of his name His name that never sades shall be An everlasting Monument to thee Feldon-Bridge AT the further side of Atherston field stands this Bridge over Anker which being ruinous in 6 E. 3. License was granted to Edmund de Shireford to take Toll of all vendible commodities passing over it by the space of three years towards the charge in repairing thereof Merevale WEstwards from Atherston scarce a mile stands Miravale of which there is no particular mention in the Conquerour's Survey in regard it was involved with Grendon lying on the other side the River whereto it then belonged as an Out-wood and therewith became possest by Henry de Feriers a great man in these parts as I shall shew anon whose grandson Robert Earl Feriers having a reverend esteem of the Cistertian Monks which in his time began to multiply in England made choice of this mountainous and woody Desert as fittest for solitude and devotion to found therein a Monasterie of that Order which was begun accordingly in the xiiith year of K. Stephen's reign and being propagated with Monks from Bordesley-Abby in Worcestershire had by reason of such its situation the name of Miravalle attributed thereto the lands wherewith he endowed it being these viz. all his Forest of Arden id est his Out-wood in that part of the Woodland which then bore the name of Arden and also what he had in Whitington together with the Mannour of Overton now called Orton on the Hill in Com. Leic. as also Herdwike in the Peake of Derbyshire unto Cranokesdune with Câ—mmon of pasture in Hertendon and Pillesburie for Sheep and other Cattell as the words of his Charter do import But besides this it had severall other Benefactors of which the principall were these scil Gerard de Limesi Walt. de Camvile Raphe de Baskervile and Pain de Baskervile as K. H. 2. Charter whereby he ratified their grants manifesteth So that about 30 H. 2. there were the Granges of More now More-Barne Broile Seile Litle Petling the Church of Overton on the Hill with the Chapells of Grendon Twicrosse Gopfhull and Baxterley some in this Countie and some in Leicestershire belonging thereto as the Bull of Pope Lucius the third whereby he confirmed them doth manifest Divers lands had these Monks afterwards bestowed on them also through the bountie of sundry other persons viz. in Litle Sheyle by Henry de Appelby and others In Overton subt Ardern by Iohn de Overton and Rob. Stapleton In Brantingthorp by Rob. de Brantingthorp and others In Shepye by Nich. de Temple and others In Hertyndon as parcell of the Mannour of Pillesburie they obtained Cxx. acres of land more from Thomas Earl of Lancaster in lieu of xx s. yearly Rent which they usually did receive at his Exchequer of Tutbury In 2 E. 3. they had a grant of two Messuages three Shops and xii s. Rent in Leicester by Petronill Oliver of Leicester to finde a Priest for celebration of Divine service in the Conventuall Church of Miravale for the soul of her the said Petronill her ancestors and all the faithfull deceased In 11 E. 3. they had more lands bestowed on them lying in Overton Peatling and Brantingthorpe before specified by sundry persons In 18 E. 3. they purchased xvii Messuages and divers lands in Atherston Bentley and Baxterley with the moytie of the Mannour of Baxterley In 31 E. 3. they had a Messuage and a yard land in Bentley bestowed on them by Iohn de L'isle then Lord of that Mannour to find xv Tapers in the Chapell of our Ladie near the Gate of the Abby In 10 R. 2. they purchased six other Messuages in Atherston and certain Rents in Whitington and Baxterley In 16 R. 2. four Messuagâ—s and certain lands in Tamworth â— and Wilmecote as also two Messuages more in Atherston And in 28 H. 6. they obtained the Church of Manceter with an appropriation thereof The value of all which lands and all other their possessions amounting unto CCLiiii l. i s. viii d. as appears by the Survey of 26 H. 8. preserved it from him when the lesser Houses went to wrack in 27 H. 8. But in 30 H. 8. it was overwhelm'd in the generall deluge being surrendred to the King's use by the then Abbot and Covent as their publick Instrument under the Conventuall Seal dated 13 Oct. the same year whereunto their names are particularly subscribed doth manifest whose Pensions during life as they were by Patent granted to them I have here also added Willielmus Arnold Abbas xl l. Ioh. Ownsbe Sub-Prior v l. vi s. viii d. Edm. Bromley alias Crockell v l. vi s. viii d. Will. Tunman v l. vi s. viii d. Rob. Fenne v l. Thomas Benson v l. Will. Robynson Sacrista v l. vi s. viii d. Ioh. Dunne v l. vi s. viii d. Will. Bron v l. Ioh. Spey Liii s. iiii d. After which viz. 2 Dec. 32 H. 8. was the site hereof with the lands and woods adjacent together with New-House-Grange and Pinwell-Grange in Com. Leic. As also Owsthirn-Grange in this Countie granted to Sir Walt. Devereux Kt. Lord Ferrers of Chartley and to the heirs male of his body so that there being a reversion in the Crown for defect of issue male in 4 E. 6. he obtained another Patent being then arrived to the dignitie of Vicount Hereford for the same site and the other lands to himself and his heirs generall Which Walter disposed thereof to Sir Will. Devereux Kt. his younger son as it seems for he it was that patcht up some part of the ruins here and resided thereon as I have heard And by his Testament bequeathing it to Ioan his wife for life gave the remainder to Walter Vicount Hereford his nephew and his heirs Which Walter afterwards created Earl of Essex left issue Robert
outrages in England returned at whose entrance his good Subjects took courage and prevailed over the Rebells in every place against whom Rhese Prince of Wales came also with a great power and besieged Tutburie-Castle whereupon this Robert Earl Ferrers apprehending what danger he was in hastned to the King then at Northampton and to obtain his favour rendred the said Castles of Tutburie and Duffeild giving securitie for his future fidelitie but so little did the King trust him that though he received him to outward favour he caused those Castles to be demolished This Robert was a Benefactor to the Abby of Dore in Herefordshire and by Sibilla his wife daughter to William de Braose left issue another William Earl Ferrers who not onely confirmed to the Monks of Geroldon the inclosed ground at Hethcote and pasture for C. Sheep there which his Father had given to them but added another piece of Inclosure adjoyning thereto with pasturage for CC. sheep more at six score to the Hundred five Kine and a Bull and six Oxen. And in 1 Richard 1. gave to the Monks of St. Denis in France for the health of his soul and the soul of Sibill his wife one Wax Taper yearly price xiii d. as also a Stag and a Boar in their proper seasons to be sent thither annually at the Feast of St. Dennis by the Messengers of him the said Earl and his heirs And likewise to the Monks of Lenton all his right to the Church of Woodham in Essex specially for the health of the souls of those that were with him at the burning of Nottingham which belike was the time that his Father made such spoil there as I have before exprest But this William was outed of his Earldomes of Nottingham and Derby by King Richard 1. in the first year of his reign as it seems for upon the said King's first arrivall in England after his Father's death I find that he bestowed them with divers other upon Iohn Earl of Moreton his brother yet I hardly think that the said William continued long so dispossest of them for it appears that the same year he attended King Richard in the Holy Voiage and died at the siege of Acon an scil 1190 2 R. 1. leaving issue William his son and heir Of the great misfortunes that befell that King in his journey by being taken Prisoner I shall not here stand to tell forasmuch as our Historians speak so fully thereof nor of the advantage which Iohn Earl of Moreton before specified made upon it in seizing divers Castles here into his hands reporting that his Brother was dead whereupon he layd claim to the Crown But shall observe that upon the King's enlargement and return order was given for the siege of those Castles whereupon our William Earl Ferrers joyned with the Earl of Chester in besieging of Nottingham Castle which after a while was rendred and for his fidelity was made choice of by the same King to sit with the rest of the Peers in that great Councell held there on the 30 th of March next ensuing At the second Coronation of which King he was one of the four that carried the rich silken Canopie over his head With the Earls of Clare Chester and others of the great Nobilitie he swore Fealtie to King Iohn in the first year of his reign but conditionally that he should render to each of them his own At the Coronation of that King in the Church of St. Peter at Westminister on Ascension day he was also present and one the seventh of Iune following being solemnly invested Earl of Derby by a speciall Charter then dated at Northampton was girt with the Sword by the said King 's own hands having a grant likewise of the Tertium Denarium de omnibus Placitis confirm'd to him and his heirs In 5 Ioh. he obtained a speciall Mandate to Geffâ—ey Fitz-Piers then Iusticiarius Angliae for livery of those lands in Stapleford in Com. Leic. that belong'd to the Vidame of Chartres and were of his Fee which Vidame died in a voyage to the Holy land and was a Ferrers though he bore for his Armes a Bend betwixt six Martlets This Earl was very loyall to King Iohn even in his greatest distresses for in 14 of his reign when that the Pope had deposed him of his Kingdome and that Pandulfus his Legate came over to treat with him the French King being then upon the Seas with a powerfull Navie threatning an Invasion so that King Iohn's condition was so desperate as that he became necessitated to yeild to what termes he could get he manifested his great affection to him in becomming one of the four that gave his solemn Oath for the King's performance of those Articles whereunto he had submitted which Agreement was made 13 Maii the same year as also a witness to the Charter of K. Iohn dated within two days following whereby he gave up his Realm to the Pope Of whose favour to him I cannot omit to take notice of this singular instance viz. that on the 27 th of Iune following he had a speciall grant to himself and his heirs sitting at Dinner upon all Festivalls in the year when they should solemnly celebrate those days with his Head uncovered and without any Cap having a Garland thereon of the breadth of the said Kâ—ng's little Finger In 16 Ioh. he had the Castle of Hareston in Com. Derb. committed to his charge and the next year following when the Barons put themselves in Armes and seized divers Castles having raised Forces on the said King's behalf he took from them by assault the Castles of Bolesover and Pec in Derbyshire whereupon he had a speciall Patent constituting him Governour of them And upon the death of King Iohn stood so firm to the young King Henry the third as that with the rest of the loyall Nobilitie he not onely assisted at his Coronation on Simon and Iude's day but immediatly after Easter accompanied the famous William Maâ—shall then Governour of the King and Kingdome the Earls of Chester Albamarle and many other gâ—eat men to the siege of Mountsorell Castle in Lecestershire then held out by Henry de Braibâ—oke and ten other stout Knights The same year he was also with those noble persons at raising the siege of Lincoln which the Rebellious Barons with Lewes K. of France whom they brought into the Realm had madâ—â— And having new Patents from the King for the custody of those Castles held the government of them for full six years But in the second year of this King's reign he made a jâ—urney to the Holy Land with Ranulph Earl of Chester and some others appointing his Steward viz. Raphe Fitz-Nicholas to transact aâ—l businesses concerning him which should relate to the Exchequer till his return from