sufficiently provided with Horse and Arms to march against the Scots Moreover the next year following being of full age and doing his homage for those Lands which were of Maud his Grand-Mothers Inheritance he had Livery of them which Lands Roger le Strange her second Husband then dead had held during his life by the curtesie of England In 6 Edw. 2. this Iohn being Sheriff of Yorkshire and Governor of the City of York received command from the King to seize upon Henry de Percy then a great Baron in the North for that he had suffered Piers de Gaveston Earl of Cornwal to make his escape out of Scarborough Castle in which the said Henry undertook he should be safe kept having rendred himself to him on that condition In 7 Edw. 2. he was in another expedition then made into Scotland and then constituted one of the Wardens of the Marches towards that Kingdom In which year he had License to send his Brother Alexander with Horse and Foot to the assistance of David Earl of Athol against Edward de Brus betwixt whom there was at that time great animosities In 8 Edw. 2. he received Summons from the King to repair to Newcastle upon Tine on the Feast of the Nativity of our Lady with Horse and Arms to curb the insolency of the Scots And considering the great charge he had been at in maintaining of Horse for the security of Yorkshire when he was Sheriff of that County the King allowed him to receive the yearly Revenue of the Lordships of Penreth and Soureby in Tindale in Com. Cumb. until the sum of Five hundred marks should be made good to him In 10 Edw. 2. he had command to Array all the Commonalty within the Wapentakes of Osgodcros Stancross Barkeston Agbrigge and Morley and the Soke of Snaythe in Com. Ebor. in order to another expedition into Scotland And in 11 Edw. 2. was constituted Governor of Malton Castle in Yorkshire So also of Scarborough Castle in that County In 12 Edw. 2. he was again in Scotland in the Kings service with power to receive all such into protection who should submit to King Edward In 14 Edw. 2. there arose a great controversie touching certain possessions in Wales called Gowherland whereunto this Iohn laid claim in right of Aliva his Wife From which spark there proceeding no little flame I shall here take leave to say something thereof William de Brewes Father to this Aliva being a Knight of a very noble Extraction and Possessor by Inheritance of a goodly Barony in the Marches of Wales having by lavish courses much wasted his Patrimony and at this time setting that part of his Inheritance called Gowherland on sale first made a contract with the Earl of Hereford for the same in regard it lay very fit for him and afterwards with two other potent men viz. Roger de Mortimer the Uncle and Roger his Nephew who knew nothing of the former bargain with the Earl of Hereford Amongst which this Iohn de Moubray laid his claim in right of Aliva his Wife before-mentioned But Hugh de Spencer the younger at that time Lord Chamberlain to the King and no small favorite coveting these Lands in regard of their vicinity to his own dealt with William de Brewes and through his power at Court kept the possession of them notwithstanding the former bargains made with others and the claim of this Iohn de Moubray which caused those great Lords to be much incensed against the said Hugh de Spencer insomuch as complaining of the injury to Thomas then Earl of Lancaster they drew in many great Earls and Barons to their party who thereupon took occasion to arm themselves in a Rebellious manner The farther circumstances and proceedings herein I shall refer to our Historians and only point at the sad issue thereof which was that the King having raised a powerful Army to chastise these Rebels divers of them fell off and submitted amongst whom were the two Mortimers beforementioned the rest at Borough-bridge in Yorkshire being slain or taken prisoners of which viz. the slain the Earl of Hereford was one and of the prisoners were Thomas Earl of Lancaster and this our Iohn de Moubray who both suffered death for the same The Earl at Pontfract and Moubray at York soon after scil 15 Edw. 2. all his Lands being seised into the Kings hands his Wife and Son imprisoned in the Tower of London and so grievously oppressed that to alleviate the burthen she was necessitated to give up unto that then potent Man Hugh le Despencer Earl of Winchester the Castle and Mannor of Brembrey as also the Mannors of Knappe Shorham Horsham and Beau-Busson which were of her Inheritance and wherein William de Brewose the elder had an estate only for life to hold to the said Hugh after the decease of William de Brewose and his heirs for ever Nay so great was the indignation of the King and the Spencers to the dead Bodies of this Iohn de Moubray and those other who were hanged with him at York that they would not suffer them to be taken down from the Gallows and buried of a long âime after The Lordships whereof this Iohn de Moubray was then possessed were these viz. Shustoke in Com. War Creke in Com. Northampt. Melton-Moubray in Com. Leicest and Epworth in Com. Line all which he held of the King by Military service And these in the County of York which he held in capite by Barony viz. Theske Kirkby Malesart Burton in Lonesdale Bramton Couton Alwarthorpe Cave Wytheley Faxfleet and the moity of the Mannor of Foukbrigge All that I farther find of Aliva his Widow is That in 2 Edw. 3. she obtained from the King a Confirmation of Gowherland in Wales to her self and the heirs of her Body by her late Husband Iohn de Moubray begotten the Remainder to Humphrey de Bohun Earl of Hereford and Essex and his heirs Also that she afterwards became the Wife of Sir Richard Peshale Knight and died in 5 Edw. 3. But Iohn the Son and Heir of this last mentioned Iohn and Aliva found more favor from King Edward the Third For that King in the first of His Reign acknowledging the great sense he had of the eminent services which the Fore-fathers of the said Iohn had done to his Royal Progenitors accepted of his homage before he came of full age and gave him Livery of his Lands Whereupon he marched into Scotland in the expedition that year made In 5 Edw. 3. this Iohn upon the death of his Mother gave Three hundred pounds Fine for the custody of all those Lands which were of her Inheritance And in 7 Edw. 3. attended the King in his Scotch expedition then made So also in 8 11 Edw. 3. In 12 Edw. 3. he represented
of the Prior he had directed the particular place as also that two hundred marks should be employed by his Exetors for his Tomb and a hundred marks on his Funeral Moreover that forty marks should be distributed amongst poor Maids at their marriages as also a hundred pound in Masses Alms and other Works of Charity for his Soul He likewise ordained That on the day of his Funeral there should be offered two Coursers one of them compleatly harnessed with caparisons of his Arms as also Banners Standards and other accoutrements according as was accustomed for a person of his degree Furthermore that his Feoffees should stand seised of his Castle and Mannors of Sheriff-Hoton East Lilling West Lilling and Raskelf to the use of his Wife during her life Likewise that the Covenants of marriage of Thomas his Son with the Lady Willoughby his Wife should be fully performed according to the agreement made betwixt himself and Ralph Lord Cromwel as also the Marriage Covenants for Catherine his Daughter with the Son and Heir Apparent of the Lord Harington and William Lord Bonvile To his Son George he gave twelve Silver Dishes and a Cup with Cover gilt To Alice his Daughter a gilt Cup with Cover To his Daughter Eleanor a Silver Bowl with Cover To his Daughter Catherine the like To his Daughter Margaret a thousand marks to her marriage and a Gilt Cup with Cover and to his Daughter the Countess of Arundel a Cup of Gold Howbeit the next ensuing year viz. 38 H. 6. the tide being turned by reason that some of the old Soldiers deserted the Duke of York and came in to the King he was constrained to flee into Devonshire thence to Gernsey and so to Calais whereupon amongst others he was attained in the Parliament soon after held at Coventrey But from Calais adventuring with the Duke of York again into England he landed at Dover and within a short time giving Battle to the Lancastrians at Northampton there obtained a notable victory Whereupon the Yorkists bearing sway he was advanced to the dignity of Lord Great Chamberlain of England But see the mutability of Terrestrial things marching shortly after against the Lancastrians who had gotten head again in Yorkshire near Wakefield he was there taken prisoner in Battle in Christmass and his Son Sir Thomas Nevill slain Whereupon his head was cut off and conveyed to York and there set on a Pole over one of the Gates of that City After which viz. 15 Febr. 2 Edw. 4. I find that his Body together with the Corps of Alice his Wife and Thomas his Son were buried at Bisham Abby in Com. Berks. The issue which he had by the said Alice his Wife was as followeth viz. Richard Earl of Warwick and after his death Earl of Salisbury Iohn Marquess Mountague Sir Thomas who married ... Widow of the Lord Willoughby and was slain at Wakefield âeorge Bishop of Exeter and Lord Chancellor of England afterwards Archbishop of York And five Daughters viz. Ioane the Wife of William Fitz-Alan Earl of Arundel Cicely married to Henry Beauchamp Duke of Warwick Alice to Henry Lord Fitz-Hugh of Ravensâath Eleanor to Thomas Stanley the first Earl of Derby of that name Katherine to William Bonvile Son and Heir to William Lord Bonvile and Harrington and Margaret to Iohn de Vere Earl of Oxford but afterwards to William Lord Hastings Chamberlain to King Edward the fourth Richard Nevill Earl of Warwick eldest Son to Richard Nevill Earl of Salisbury THis Richard having taken to Wife Anne the Daughter of Richard Beauchamp Earl of Warwick Cousin and Heir to Anne sole Daughter and Heir to Henry Duke of Uarwick obtained by reason thereof as also in Respect of his special services about the Kings person and in the Warrs of Scotland as the Patent bearing date 23 Iulii next after the death of the same Lady Annâ which hapned 3 Ian Ann 1449 27. H. 6. doth import a confirmation and declaration to himself andâhis said Wife and to her Heirs of the dignity and title of Earl of Warwick with all preheminencies that any of their ancestors before the Creation of Henry Duke of Warwick used Shortly after which by Fine leavied Quind Trinit 28 Hen. 6. they entailed the Castle of Warwick with divers Lordships in that and sixteen other Counties upon the issue of their two bodies lawfully begotten and in default thereof upon the issue of her the said Anne with remainder to Margaret eldest Daughter to the same Richard Beauchamp late Earl of Warwick and her Heirs This is that Richard Nevill who was commonly called the stout Earl of Warwick and well he might be so termed in regard he bore such a great sway towards the latter end of King Henry the sixth and part of King Edward the fourths Reign having been an eminent actor in those tragick broiles betwixt the Houses of Lancaster and York as our Historians do fully manifest for about the 30 of Hen. 6 he sided with Richard Duke of York who did at that time first put himself in Armes under pretence of reforming what was amiss in the Government The true cause of this taking his part being a variance betwixt himself and the Duke of Somerset which happened in the Court of King Henry the sixth and that the Queen adhered to the Duke of Somerset therein But the Duke of York being not then powerful enough to go through with his designe submitted himself making Oath thenceforth to become a true and faithful Subject Howbeit the next year after having a stronger foundation for his enterprise chiefly through the interest he had in this potent Earl and the Earl of Salisbury his Father he broke out again and in 33 Hen. 6. at S. Albans assailed the Kings Forces where this Earl entring through a Garden gave the first onset and slew many seized upon the King himself caused a Parliament to be summoned made himself Protector of the King and this our Earl of Warwick Captain of l Calais But by the power of some others who saw what was aimed at he was at that time hindred in his speed Whereupon the King coming to Coventrie in 35 of his Reign hoped there to have reconciled all and to that end sent for the Duke by Letters as also for this Earl and his Father who came accordingly Nevertheless being there and pretending some ill intentions towards them they got away York to Wigmore in the Marches of Wales Salisbury to his Castle at Middleham in the North and this Earl of Warwick to Calais Howbeit after some fair overtures they were content to come to London so as they might have store of followers Whereupon this Earl brought with him six hundred men in Red-Coats embroidered with white Ragged-Staves before and behind This was in 36 Hen. 6. where and at which time
succeeded Robert his Son and Heir one of those valliant Northern Barons who fought so courageously in that Battle against the Scotts near North-Alverton in 3 Steph. called Bellum de Standardo whereof I have spoke at large in my discourse of William Earl of Albemarâe And in 12 Hen. 2 upon that assessment of the Aid for marying the Kings Daughter certified the Knights-Fees he then had to be in number seven and three parts de Veteri Feoffamento and an eighth part de Novo This Robert being constituted Sheriff of Yorkshire in 16 Hen. 2. held that Office for the one half of the same year and so till the end of the 21 year inclusive And in 20 Hen. 2. upon another invasion of the Scots joyning with Ranulph de Glanvill and Bernard Baillol gave them Battle near Alnwick and routing their whole Army took the King himself Prisoner Moreover in 23 Hen. 2. he was one of the Witnesses to that Arbitrement then made by King Henry betwixt the Kings of Castle and Navar. About this time it was that he laid claim to the Barony of Roger de Moubray which Barony King Henry the first had given ãâã Nigel de Albini Father of the said Roger as forfeited to the Crown for the rebellion of Robert Grandeboef before-specified whereupon they grew to this accord viz. that Roger de Moubray should give the Lordship of Kirkeby-Moresheved with its appurtenances to this Robert de Stotevile to hold by the service of nine Knights Fees It is said by some that in this Claim he chalenged all those Lands in Cukewald where the Monks of Biland did then inhabite which Abby was founded by the said Roger de Moubray and that his suit held a long time as also that the Countrey in general much favored Stotevill's Title This Robert de Stotevile founded two Monasteries in Comit. Ebor. for Nunns the one at Rossedale and the other at Keldholme and gave to the Monks of St. Maries Abby in York one Carucate of Land lying in Edelyngthorpe and twelve carucates in Horton as also the Tithes of his Lordships of Cukewald Hovyngham Kirkby Botercram Scrayngham and Langtune with one Oxgang of Land in each of those Towns and in Cukewald two Ox-gangs To this last mentioned Robert succeeded another Robert his Son and Heir Who for the health of the Soul of Robert his Grandfather and for the Souls of Robert his Father and Erneburga his Mother as also for the Souls of Helewyse his Wife and William his Son gave to the Monks of Rievaulx all his Lands betwixt Redfram and Kirkeby And left issue by her the said Helewyse William his Son and Heir and two Daughters And having married to his second Wife Siâill the Sister of Philip de Valoines with whom he had the Mannor of Torpenhow in Com. Cumbr. in Frank-marriage had issue by her a Son called Eustace He had also a younger Brother named Osmund who had issue William Which William took to Wife Margaret the Daughter and Heir to Huge de Say of Richards-Castle in Comitat. Heref. as also Roger a younger Son whose descendants the Pedegree here inserted doth shew But I returne to William Son of Robert by his first Wife This William in 20 Hen. 2. upon those great disturbances here in England occasionen through the Rebellion of young Henry the Kings Son was made Governor of the Castle of Topclive in Yorkshire which the King by reason thereof had newly built And in 23 Hen. 2. was constituted Governor of the Castle of Roxborough in Scotland In 2 Ric. 1. he was Sheriff of Northumberland for half that year and the same year gave two thousand pounds for livery of the Lordship of Cnaresburg About this time William de Longcamp Bishop of Ely and Chancellor of England being left Governor of the whole Realm during King Richards absence who was then gone to the Holy-Land finding great opposition by Iohn Earl of Moreton the Kings Brother and divers of the Nobility outed Girard de Camvill from the custody of Lincoln-Castle and Shiriââalty of that County and placed this William in his room and having caused many of his opposers to be Excommunicated by the Pope did amongst them except Hugh Bardulph in case he would upon notice resigne the Custody of the Castle of Scardeburgh and all other Castles in Yorkshice and Westmorland unto this William de Stutevill In 4 Ric. 1. this William de Stutevill gave an hundred marks for the Wardship of the Heir of Robert de Gant And in 5 Ric. 1. adhering to Iohn Earl of Moreton King Richard being then Prisoner in Almaine when divers places were besieged by those who stood for the Kings authority under whom the Bishop of Ely governed the Arch-Bishop of York also marching to besiege âickhill Castle being then with him in his Army he refused to joyn with him therein in regard it did belong to Iohn Earl of Moreton whom he highly favored But upon the return of King Richard viz. in the sixth of his reign he attended him in that Expedition which he then made into Normandy and the same year was constituted one of the Commissioners with Earl Roger Bigot and William de Warrenne for hearing and determining that controversy which then was betwixt the Archbishop of York and the Canons of that Church In 9 Ric. 1. he gave a thousand marks for the Wardship and Marriage of Gilbert de Gant and William Fitz-Ranulph and to respite the payment of five hundred marks Fine for Robert de Gant untill his Heir should be of age And when King Iohn upon the death of King Richard the first obtained the Crown stood in such high esteem with him having been of his party in the time of those contests which were betwixt him and Bishop Longcamp that he had the whole Rule of the Counties of Northumberland and Cumberland which he afterwards held for divers years as also that of Westmorland together with all the Castles therein committed to his trust Moreover in the same year viz. 1 Ioh. he obtained his Charter for a weekly market at his Mannor of Buttercramb and likewise a Fair once every year as also another at Cotingham in Com. Ebor. with Licence to build Castles in each of those Lordships being then Sheriff of that County as also a grant of the Lordships of Cnareshurgh and Burgh id est Borow-Brigg with their appurtenances to be held by the service of three Knights Fees It is said by our Historians that in this year likewise he gave three thousand marks to the King for to have judgement concerning the claim he then laid to the Barony of William de Moubray which Barony had been given to Nigel de Albini by King Henry the first upon the
IN the time of King Henry the First Richard Bussel Son of Warine Bussel possess'd the Barony of Penwortham in Com. Lanc. and there founded a little Monastery for Benedictine Monks which became a Cell to the Abby of Evesham in Com. Wigorn. To him succeeded Albert Bussel his Brother who had Issue Hugh Which Hugh in 6 R. 1. paid xl Marks for his Relief Being dispossess'd by Iohn Earl of Moreton he had a Suit with him for it and recovered it But when Iohn came to the Crown he was constrain'd to give him xx Marks for a Confirmation of his Title and to hold it of him by the Service of three Knights Fees and in 4 Ioh. four hundred Marks more for a new Grant having forfeited his Title by some default as was pretended But long he enjoy'd it not for in 7 Ioh. Roger de Laci Constable of Chester had a Grant of it from that King Longcamp IN the time of King Henry the First Hugh de Longcamp obtain'd by the Gift of that King the Mannor of Wiltone in Com. Heref. to hold by the Service of two Men at Arms in the Wars of Wales To whom succeeded Hugh his Son and Heir which Hugh in 2 H. 2. had a Confirmation thereof To whom succeeded Henry de Longcamp who holding Wiltone in 12 H. 2. by the Service of one Knights Fee was Sheriff of Herefordshire in 2 R. 1. So likewise in 3 R. 1. And in 6 R. 1. attended the King in his Expedition into Normandy In 7 R. 1. this Henry was Sheriff of Worcestershire as also in 8 and 9 R. 1. And in 6 Ioh. obtain'd another Confirmation from that King of the before-specified Lordship of Wilton with the Castle to hold by the Service of one Knights Fee for which Grant he gave CCC Marks and a Courser price xx Marks besides two Palsreys This Henry married Maude the Sister of William de Cantilupe and died in 13 Ioh. Whereupon the said William gave five hundred Marks and five Palsreys for the Wardship and Marriage of his Heir viz. Henry of whom I can say no more than that he took to Wife Ioane the Widow of Thomas Birkin and had Issue by her one sole Daughter and Heir call'd Maude married to Reginald Grey Justice of Chester by which means the Lordship of Wilton came first to that Family ¶ Of this Family was also as 't is like William the Son of Henry de Longcamp who in 9 R. 1. gave CCC Marks for Livery of his Lands whereof the King had dispossessed him but I do not think that he was Son to Henry Son of Hugh before-specified This William married Petronill the Daughter of Guy de Croun Widow of Robert de Vaux and in 46 H. 3. answered for his Relief as a Baron whereupon doing his Homage he had Livery of the Mannor of Suth-Warneburne in Com. Suthampt. and had Issue Henry de Longcamp who took to Wife Sibyll the Daughter of Sir Thomas Heringaude by whom he had Issue one sole Daughter and Heir called Alice married to Roger de Pedwardyne ¶ Another Family I meet with of this Name likewise though no whit related thereto I presume of which was William de Longcamp Bishop of Ely and Chancellor of England in the time of King Richard the First as also Vice-gerent of this Realm during the absence of that King Which William had a Brother called Osbert de Longcamp Sheriff of Yorkshire Norff. and Suff. for some years in the time of his Brother's Power But neither of that Bishop need I to say any thing D r Godwyne in his Catalogue having sufficiently delivered his Story already nor of Osbert his Brother in regard he stood not in the condition of a Baron of this Realm neither was he descended from any such his Grandfather being a Person of a servile Condition at Beauvois Boteler of Oversley IN the time of King Henry the First Raphe Boteler called Radulfus Pincerna de Legrecestriâ in regard he bore the Office of Butler to Robert Earl of Mellent and Leicester a mighty Man in that time setled himself at Oversley in Com. Warr. where taking advantage of the natural Ascent of the Ground near the Stream of Arrow he built a strong Castle and within a Mile distance thereof viz. on the North-side of Alcester founded a Monastery for Benedictine Monks in Anno 1140. 5 Steph. dedicated to the Honour of the Blessed Virgn St. Anne her Mother St. Ioseph St. Iohn Baptist St. Iohn the Evangelist and All-Saints for the health of the Soul of King William the Conqueror Maud his Consort King William the younger King Henry the First Queen Maud his Consort King Stephen Queen Maud his Consort Roger de Bellomont and Atheline his Wife Robert Earl of Mellent and Isabell his Wife Robert Earl of Leicester and Avice his Wife with their Sons as also for the Soul of Waleran Earl of Mellent Likewise for the health of his own Soul and the Soul of Avice his Wife with their Parents Ancestors and Successors Souls All which he did by the advice and consent of King Stephen Robert Earl of Leicester and Waleran Earl of Mellent and of Robert and Geffrey his own Sons Endowing it with ample Possessions and amongst others with the Chappel of his Castle at Oversley Upon the foundation of that great Abby at Leicester by Robert Earl of Mellent this Raphe gave the Churches of All-Hallows St. Peter and St. Martin in the Suburbs of Leicester thereto as also a Rent of xxx s. per Annum issuing out of his Lordship of Blingesset and Tormodestune and likewise the Church of Thurnby in Com. Leic. To him succeeded Robert his Son and Heir Which Robert confirm'd to the Nuns of Pinley in Com. Warr. that Grant which Iohn de Pilardinton made to them of the Land whereon that Religious House was situate it being of his Fee Moreover he gave to the Canons of Leicester the Church of Thedyngworth in that County And left Issue Raphe his Son and Heir Which Raphe gave the Chappel of Stocton to the Canons of Leicester But made head against King Iohn with the rest of the Barons for which respect his Lands were seised and committed to William de Cantilupe Howbeit in 1 H. 3. returning to Obedience and paying xl Marks for his Redemption he had Restitution of them again and in 9 and 10 H. 3. was constituted a Commissioner for collecting the Fifteenth then gathered in the Counties of Warr. and Leic. as also a Justice of Assize in Com. Warr. To whom succeeded Maurice his Son and Heir one of the Justices of Assize for the County of Warr. in
the Priory-Church of the Holy Trinity without Algate in the Suburbs of London making Henry Earl of Northumberland with her Son Thomas Lord Bardolfe Supervisors thereof and departed this Life on Tuesday next after the Feast of St. Barnabas the Apostle the same year her Son Thomas being then xxx years of age This Thomas in 6 H. 4. taking part with Henry Earl of Northumberland Thomas Earl Marshal and Notingham and Richard Scrope Archbishop of Yorke in that Insurrection then by them made for which the Archbishop and Earl-Marshal were beheaded at Yorke was together with the Earl of Northumberland pursued by the King with a powerful Army Whereupon he fled with that Earl first into Scotland and afterwards into Wales But about three years after returning into England and so to Threske in Yorkshire they made Proclamation for Liberty to all that would put themselves in Arms and joyn with them insomuch as many flock'd in to their Assistance But the Sheriff of Yorkshire having raised the Power of the County met with them about Haselwood and in a sharp Skirmish âlew the Earl and wounded this Thomas so much that he soon died of those Hurts leaving Anne and Ioane his Daughters and Heirs the one then xix the other xviii years of age After which being attainted in Parliament Anno 7 H. 4. his Honour of Wyrmegay with divers other fair Mannors in Norfolk were given by the King to Thomas Beaufort his Brother other great Lordships to Sir George Dunbar Knight and the Mannors of Shelâord and Stoke Bardolf in Com. Nott. with Hallughton in Leicestershire to the Queen But the next year following Sir William Clifford Knight in right of Anne his Wife and William Phelip in right of Ioane his Wife Daughters to the said Thomas humbly representing to the King That Henry the Second long since King of England his Royal Progenitor having by his Letters Patents given to Thomas Bardolf Ancestor to this Thomas and to the Heirs of his Body begotten on Rose the Daughter of Raphe Hanselyn the Lordships of Shelford and Stoke Bardolfe in Com. Nott. and likewise the Mannor of Halughton in Com. Leic. as the whole Inheritance of Raphe Hanselyn her Grandfather and that the said Thomas Bardolf their Father lately attainted being the Lineal Heir to the before-specified Thomas Bardulfe and Rose the Inheritance of those Lordships did of right belong unto them the said Anne and Ioane The King thereupon having a conscientious regard to this their Right and Title granted to the said Sir William Clifford and Anne his Wife and to William Phelip and Maude his Wife the Reversion of those Lordships as also of the Mannor of Birlyng in Sussex after the death of his Royal Consort the Queen to hold and enjoy to them and the Heirs of their Bodies Which William Phelip and Ioane his Wife in 9 H. 5. had Livery of their Purparty of certain Lands in Suffolk of the Inheritance of Avicia late Wife of the same Thomas Bardolf attainted and Mother to her the said Ioane Daughter to Raphe Lord Cromwell of Tatshall and died in 9 H. 5. It seems that though this Thomas Lord Bardolfe did die of his Wounds as hath been already observed yet his Body was Quartered and the Quarters dispos'd of to be let upon the Gates of these several Cities and Town viz. London Yorke Lenne and Shrewsbury and his Head upon one of the Gates of Lincolne for it appeareth That afterwards upon the Petition of Avicia his Widow the King was pleas'd to give her leave to take them down and bury them Whether Anne the eldest Daughter of this Thomas had any Issue by Sir William Clifford her Husband I find not but certain it is that she buried him and was afterwards the Wife of Sir Reginald Cobham ¶ Of this Family there was also Hugh Bardulf a younger Son as I guess to the first William who in 22 H. 2. was amerc'd at five Marks for trespassing in the King's Forests and was Sheriff of Cornwall in 31 H. 2. In 33 H. 2. the King being in Normandy he was constituted one of his Lieutenants here in England for conservation of the Peace in his absence This Hugh continued Sheriff of Cornwall in 33 H. 2. and executed the same Office for Wiltshire for half that year and likewise in 34 H. 2. So also for the Counties of Somerset and Dorset in 1 R. 1. In which year he had the Custody of the Lands of Fulke Paynel by reason that he fled and paid not his Fine to the King for the Honour of Baenton And the same year upon the going of that King into the Holy Land was constituted with William Briwere an Associate to the Bishops of Durbam and Ely during his absence for administring Justice to every Man according to the Laws and Customs of the Realm Moreover in Anno 1190. 2 R. 1. he was at Messana in Sicilie with King Richard and one of those who on the behalf of that King undertook that the Articles of Peace and Friendship which were there agreed on betwixt King Richard and Tancred King of Sicilie should be firmly kept Upon his Return he was also one of that number whom the Pope had then Excommunicated as Enemies to the Church but chiefly for adhering to Iohn Earl of Moreton the King's Brother and those who with him opposed William de Longcamp Bishop of Ely then Chancellor of England in his oppressive way of Governing the King being absent but was particularly excepted by that Bishop upon denouncing the Sentence in regard he was not personally with those that ejected and laid hold on the same Bishop upon condition he would upon demand resign unto William de Stutevill the Castle of Scardeburgh and all other in Yorkshire and Westmerland which he then had in Custody Moreover in 2 R. 1. he executed the Office of Sheriff for Warwick and Leicester-shires for the out half of that year So also for the whole year in 3 R. 1. And in 4 and 5 R. 1. for Yorkshire being in such high esteem with King Richard that in the third year of his Reign when he was in the Holy Land and suspected his Chancellor here to whom he had chiefly committed the Charge of Governing in his absence he wrote his Letter to this Hugh Bardulf and three others requiring them in case the Chancellor did not do as he ought that they should take upon them the Rule in all things From which time it is evident from divers Fines levied before him that he was one of the King's Justices for some years as also a Justice-Itinerant In those great Contests which were betwixt the Bishop of Ely Governour of the Kingdom in King Richard's absence and Iohn Earl of
Moreton the King's Brother when Windsore-Castle which was the Earl of Moreton's has Siege laid to it by all the Nobility of England this Hugh being then the King's Justice and Sheriff of Yorkshire joyn'd with the Archbishop of Yorke and William de Stuteville who having rais'd a great Power fortified Doncaster but would not take part with that Archbishop in the Siege of Tickhill-Castle belonging to the Earl of Moreton in regard of his special Obligations unto him In 6 R. 1. he was Sheriff of Northumberland Westmerland and Yorkshire Howbeit upon the return of King Richard from his Restraint in Almaine he took the Sheriffalty of Yorkshire and Westmerland from him and likewise the Custody of the Castles of Yorke and Scarborough Nevertheless the next year following he was again Sheriff of Northumberland Westmerland Lancashire Yorkshire Warwick and Leicester-shires and sent with Earl Roger Bigot William de Warren and others to hear and determine that great Controversie betwixt the Archbishop of Yorke and Canons of that Church Moreover he was then constituted one of the Justice Itinerant throughout all the Counties of England And upon the death of Hugh Bishop of Durham had the Custody of the Castles of Durham and Norham This Hugh had the Inheritance of the Honour of Baenton given to him by King Henry the Second â upon the forfeiture of Fulke Painel as it seems and in S R. 1. passed it back to the King in exchange for the Mannor of Hau. In that year he continu'd Sheriff of Westmerland and again executed the same Office for that County in 10 R. 1. and 1 I h. So likewise for Notingham and Derby-shires Devon and Cornwall for the one half of that year In 9 R. 1. he was again constituted one of the Justices-Itinerant for the Counties of Linc. Nott. Derb. Yorke Northumb. Westmerl Cumberland and ãâã And in 3 4 and 5 Ioh. executed the Sheriffalty for Notingham and Derby-shires But in 5 Ioh. he died without Issue unto whom succeeded his Brother Robert as his Heir who then gave M l. for Livery of his Lands And âor his Widow William de Braose gave M l. to the King that he might have her to be Wife for one of his Sons to whom she accordingly was married as in my Discourse of that Family appeareth This Robert had the Lordship and Hundred of Hou in Kent which after his death were given to Hubert de Burgh Justice of England And died without Issue in 9 H. 3. Whereupon his Lands were shared amongst his Nephews and Heirs he being their Uncle viz. Iordan Foliot Isold Gray Raphe Paynel Hugh Poinz and Maude Bardolf ¶ There was also of this Family another William Bardulf Son to the first Thomas I suppose which William first married the Daughter of Almarick le Dispenser and afterwards Elizabeth the Daughter of William Fitz-William with whom he had all the Thenage which the said William Fitz-William held in Hepedale and Kokedale But this William lived not long for in 7 Ioh. Iohn Bec a great Baron in Lincolnshire gave C l. and four Palfreys for Licence to marry his Widow Yet he did not then enjoy her as it seems for it appears That in the year following she viz. Elizabeth gave to the King C l. Fine and two Palfreys that she might not be compell'd to marry and that in 13 Ioh. Ivo Tailboys on her behalf gave xcvi l. iv s. v d. and two Palfreys to the King upon the same account Heriz THE first mention I find of this Name is in 18 H. 2. under the Title of the Scutage of those Barons who did neither attend the King in Person into Ireland upon his Expedition at that time thither nor sent him either Soldiers or Money for that Service Where it appears That there was iv l. then paid into the Exchequer for those Knights Fees which did belong to William de Heriz For this neglect I presume it was that the Lands of this William were about this time seised into the King's hands for in 20 H. 2. he gave C Marks Fine to be repossess'd of them again This William had his Residence at Wyverton now vulgarly called Worton in Com. Nott. and took to Wife Maude the Daughter of Raphe Lord Basset of Drayton in Staffordshire with whom he had in Frank-marriage certain Lands in Wyndesclive of Six Marks per annum value but died in 26 H. 2. or before leaving Robert de Heriez his Brother and Heir who then paid C l. for Livery of his Inheritance Aeliva another Wife surviving him who gave C Marks to the King that she might not be compelled to marry any other than whom she her self pleased To this Robert succeeded Ivo his Son and Heir who in King Richard the First 's time obtain'd a special Charter from Iohn Earl of Moreton the King's Brother to himself and his Heirs for free liberty of Hunting in all his Lands and Woods in Winefeld in Com. Derb. with divers other ample Privileges And in 1. Ioh. gave ten Marks of Silver to the King for confirmation thereof In 16 Ioh. this Ivo gave a Fine to the King of CCC l. for certain Lands of Raphe Basset And about the later end of King John's Reign when those high Contests were betwixt that King and divers of the great Barons he adhered to them for which cause his Lands were seised But upon the coming of King Henry the Third to the Crown those Stirs being quieted he return'd to his due Allegiance and had restitution of them again To this Ivo called also Iohn the King gave respite until the Feast of Pentecost in that year for receiving the Honour of Knighthood and a strict Command to the Sheriff of Notinghamshire that he should not molest or trouble him for not receiving it at Easter But all that I have farther seen of him is That he held Winefeld Tybechelf and Orâroft for two Knights Fees and died before 30 H. 3. leaving Sarra his Wife surviving who afterwards was married to Iollan de Nevill a Person of great Note in those days being a Justice-Itinerant in that time To which John de Heriez succeeded Henry and to Henry another John as Brother and Heir Which last-mention'd Iohn died before 27 E. 1. leaving Iohn his Son and Heir who then doing his Homage had Livery of his Inheritance Comyn OF this Name there have been two eminent Families in Scotland viz. of Boghan and Badenagh both which by Heirs female came at length to possess fair Estates in England But before I come to speak of them I shall take notice of what I have otherwise seen of this Name in order of time though I cannot discover how they
Cambridgeshire Hemesby in Norfolk Tite Luctone Gadenai Fleote Holobech and Spalling in Lincolnshire To this last mentioned Earl Algar succeeded Edwyne his eldest Son in this Earldom Edward the Confessor being dead and Harold the Son of Earl Godwyne having made himself King of whom that which is most memorable I shall here relate viz That when Tosti Earl of Northumberland had Landed on Lindsey Coast in Lincolnshire with his Rebellious Forces he with the help of Morkar his Brother did beat him out of that Countrey And soon after this most couragiously gave Battle near York unto Harold Harfager King of Norway who then had invaded the Land though without success And though it doth not directly appear that he was in that notable Battle at Stanford-Brigg in Yorkshire with King Harold which hapned within five days after wherein that King of Norway was slain yet it may be very well presumed that he was in regard that afterwards withdrawing himself from giving assistance to King Harold in that fatal Battle which soon after ensued with William Duke of Normandy upon his invasion of this Realm the reason of such his desertion is instanced viz. Not for any well-wishes he had to Duke William but for that King Harold had detained from him his share of the spoils got in that fight at Stanford-Brigg For no sooner did he and his Brother Morkar hear that the Norman Duke was Conqueror and that King Harold was slain but that both of them hasted to London and there sollicited the Citizens to make one of them King Of which attempt finding no fruit they took their Sister Algytha the Queen Wife to slain King Harold and sent her to Chester themselves speeding to York where Malcolme King of Scots with divers English and Danes were got together as their only place of Refuge which so enraged the Conqueror that with Fire and Sword he thereupon almost destroyed that whole City All therefore being in the Power of the Conqueror for so Duke William was thenceforth called this Earl with his Brother Morkar and divers others at Berkamsted in Hertfordshire submitting themselves swore fealty to him and were thereupon with many fair words received into protection and not only so but were present at his Coronation Nay this Earl Edwyne was assured by the King that he should have his Daughter in marriage howbeit through the deceitful Council of his Normans there was no performance of that promise but instead thereof in Lent following when the Conqueror went into Normandy he would not trust these great Men behind him but took them and most of the principal English Nobility from whom he feared mischeif in his absence along with him Which hard dealing provoked this Earl Edwyne and his Brother Morkar who were very popular and well beloved to break out by a new Insurrection wherein they had many followers as also the Prayers of the Lay-Clergy and Monks with the continued well-wishes and supplications of the poor for their better success in that enterprise Such was the then general discontent throughout the Kingdom by reason of the miserable oppressions exercised by the Normans To the assistance of which Earls Blidon King of Wales their Nephew came also with a numerous Army But King William wisely foreseeing the danger caused narrow search into all places to be made and forthwith fortified such which might be of any advantage to his Enemies So that this our Edwyne and his Brother Morkar considering the success of their attempts to be dubious sought for favor which being granted but in shew Morkar betook himself to the Isle of Ely whence he designed in case he should not be able to defend himself to get away by Sea Whereupon the King drew down Forces to besiege him but withal imployed deceitful Messengers to treat with him from whom he had no little assurance that if he would submit he should be received into the condition of a faithful Friend unto which he giving overmuch credit came peaceably out and yielded himself but the King resolving to trust him no more conveyed him to close and perpetual imprisonment Whereof when Edwyne heard he determined to release him or lose his life and to that end endeavored for full six Moneths space to get assistance from the Scots Welsh and English but before he could accomplish any thing therein three Brothers who were his principal Military Officers and such as in whom he reposed great trust betrayed him to the Normans by whom with Twenty Horsmen being pent up in such a place with the Tide that they could not escape valâantly defending himself he lost his life Whose death was not only much lamented by the English but by the French and Normans in regard he was of such a Noble Extraction and of so devout Parents as also a Person very beautiful and an especial lover of the Clergy Monks and Poor-people So that when the King himself heard by what treachery his life was lost being compassionately moved he wept banishing those that betrayed him instead of rewarding them as they expected Of any Issue or Wife that he ever had I have seen nothing but of the Lands whereof he was possest in King Edward the Confessors days the Conquerors Survey Recordeth these viz. Muertone Hotone Chellinghes Catrice Ascam Chipesch Ledestune Lastone and Trapum with divers Hamlets belonging to each of them in Yorkshire Eiminstre Forde Ellesmales Archelon Walitone Dodintone Stratune Stodesdone Crugetone Dodetune Celmeres Wiche Langeford and Plivesdâne in Shropshire Dubrige Widerdestune and Dulvestune in Derbishire Wivrâhâm Estham Maclesfeld Optone Beddesfeld Burwardestone Hurdingebery Pontone Ferentone Alburgham Haordine Radintone Dodestune Roelend and Biscopestrey in Cheshire and part of North Wales Bremesgrave with Eighteen Hamlets at that time thereto belonging Dudeley Benesley and Fecceham in Worcestershire Suchely in Herefordshire Hales Bradeley Bernertone Abetone Lutni Belintone Burtone Selchemore Longenelre Mutone Alverdestone Ullavestone Ricardescote and Monetvile in Staffordshire Blochesham and Edburgebery in Oxfordshire and Chirchetone in Lincolnshire Earls of Somerset THe first Earl of this Shire of whom I find mention was Hun who being in the Battle at Ellendune betwixt Egbirht King of the West Saxons and Beornulf King of Mercia In An. 823. was there slain and his Body buried at Winchester In the year 845. Earnulf was Earl of this County who joyning with Osric then Earl of Dorset and Alstane Bishop of Shireburne gave Battle to the Danes at Pedredesmuth where they obtained a great Victory over those Pagans But all that I have seen farther of him is That in the year 854. he conspired with the said Bishop of Shireburne against King Athelwolf then at Rome and had caused his younger Son Aelfred to be Crowned by Pope Leo determining to oppose his return again into England partly
so termed as a witness to the Charter of King Edward the Confessor made to the Canons of Waltham in Esseâ And by the Conquerors Survey is Recorded to have been possessed of these following Towns and Lordships in King Edward the Confessors days viz. Come in Somersetshire Essedene Meletune Ledesdune Borham Pecheham Fredeneste Essedes and Sudtone and Colinge in Kent Ellede in Sussex Baverdone Pinnoch Chenemetone Witeford and Langford in Com. Devon Puteham in Hartfordshire Haltone Dileherst Dodintone and Lechamstede in Buckinghamshire and of Gatone and Codintone in Surrey Others say that he had seven Sons and thus ranked in Seniority viz. Suane Tosti Harold Gurth Elfgare Leofwyne and Wolnoth of all which excepting Elfgare I have already spoke which Elfgare was a Monk at Remes in France The name of this Earl Godwynes Daughter was Eadgith who became Wife to King Edward the Confessor of whom Ingulphus who lived in her time gives a singular Character for her admirable Beauty Humility Sanctity and Learning Adding That when he was a School-Boy and came to Court to see his Father she often meeting him would pose him in his learning and descending from the solidity of Grammar unto the levity of Logick wherein she was excellent would conclude him with the subtilty of her Arguments and frequently send him three or four pieces of Money by a Maid to satisfie for his Diet. Yet so highly was the King incensed against Earl Godwyne her Father that notwithstanding she was so excellently qualified he put her away from him and placed her in the Abbey of Werewell but the next ensuing year he received her again and restored her to her former Dignity Of the before specified Gytha second Wife to Earl Godwyne before mentioned I find that she was possessed of these following Lordships viz. Hertinges Traitone Mârâdone Mundreham Westmestan and Odemanscote in Sussex Cerdenord in Berks Otringtone in Devon as also of Edestoche and Stoches in the County of Buck And that after the death of King Harold her Son she privately fled into France carrying great riches with her but never returned for fear of King William the Conqueror And now to close up my story of this great Earl take here this sharp Character of his from an old Historian Erat inter potentes Angliae omnium potentissimus vir magnarum opum sed astutiae singularis Regum Regnique proditor qui doctus fallere quaelibet dissimulare consuetus facile populum ad cujuslibet factionis inclinabat assensum Amongst the great Men of England he was the most potent of all a Person of great wealth but of especial craft a betrayer of Kings and the Kingdom who being skilful to deceive and accustomed to dissemble every thing could easily seduce the people to joyn with any Faction But to leave the best savor of him I will not omit his Works of Piety to the Cathedral of Canterbury viz. The Towns and Lordships of Stistede and Cogshall in Essex as also of Chich which he had of the gift of King Canutus and bestowed in pure Alms upon the Monks there serving God One thing more viz. a notable passage betwixt Alfwald the last Bishop of âhâreburne and this Earl I cannot well omit This Alfwald was a very devout Man and so much mortified that when others did profusely feast as it was then the usage to do here in England after the coming in of the Danes he would take no other sustenance but Bread and Water A Person he was most highly devoted to the Blessed Virgin and S. Cuthbert of whom it is farther observable That after his death no one could sleep sitting in his Chair but he was terrified with ugly Visions But that of him which relates to this Earl is this That upon some discontent betwixt him and Godwyne and the same not appeased upon a meeting which was appointed for that purpose the Bishop upon his departure saying By S. Mary it shall go evil with him it fell out accordingly the Earl being thenceforth never free from the torture of his Guts until he received this Bishops Benediction Earls of Surrey OF this County Wada was Earl in An. 854. and joyning with Ealbere Earl of Kent in a sharp fight against the Danes in the Isle of Thanet there lost his life Earls of Southampton IN the year 860. Osric was Earl of this Shire King Ethelbyrht then Reigning at which time the Danes having invaded the Land and destroyed the City of Winchester he with the help of Ethelwlf Earl of Berkshire giving them Battle slew and dissipated their whole Army After this scil in the time of King Edgar Aelfegus was Earl of whom there is no other mention than of his death in An. 981. In the time of Canutus Alfelme was also Earl whose Daughter Ailiva was Wife to that King and Mother to Harold his Son and Successor in this Realm Earls of Berrocshire IN the year of Christ 860. Ethelwlf was Earl of this County and upon an Invasion then made by the Pagan-Danes who destroyed the City of Winchester raised the Berkeshire men and joyning with Osric Earl of Hantshire flew and routed all their Forces Ethelbyâht being then King of the Weât Saxons This ãâã is also sometimes called Eadulf In the year 871. the Danes quitting Norfolk and those parts advanced with their Army unto ãâã in this County whence two Danish Earls went out with a great power to Forage the Countrey the rest fortifying themselves in the mean while betwixt the Rivers of âhames and Kânnet But this valiant Eadulfe with his Forces encountring them at Englefeild which is not far from Reading Westwards flew one of those Earls and the greatest part of that their Army putting the rest to flight but within a few days after in another fight with them at Reading he lost his life The next Earl was Suane Son to Godwyne Earl of Kent of whom I have spoke elswhere he being Earl of more Counties Earls of Essex ¶ OF this County the first Earl that I have met with is Brithulfe so constituted by King Aelfred in the year of Christ 897. for defence of the same against the irruptions of the Danes but of him I find no more mention ¶ The next is Brithnoth who being witness to a Charter made by King Ethelred to the Abbey of Tavestock in Devon is there termed Dux In the year of Christ 991. this valiant Earl marching against the Danes who then had invaded the Coast of Suffolk and plundred Ipswich gave to Christ Church in Canterbury these Lordships viz. âââinges and Ilâege and after the death of Elflede his Wife Heââege And encountring those Pagans in open Battle at Maidon in Essex where great slaughter was on both sides the Danes being Victors
est Iustitiarius Angliae for so he was and on whose Tomb in that Abbey of Ramsey was this Epitaph Hic requiescit Ailwinus incliti Regis Edgari cognatus totius Angliae Aldermannus hujus Sacri caenobii miraculose fundator He had three Wives the first Ethelfiede who gave Saltrey to the Monks of Ramsey and died in An. 977. The second Ethelgiva who bestowed on them Stow and Brune and died in An. 985. The third Wlgiva who gave them Brancester for the lining of their Garments with Fur and died in An. 994. He himself died in An. 993. To this Ailwine succeeded Vlfketell who in the year 1004. when Suane King of Denmark invaded England and burnt Norwich being so suddenly surprised that he could not raise an Army to oppose him he took counsel with the great Men of those parts and made peace with him And after he saw that King Suane most perfidiously had broke his faith and burned Cherford raised what power he could and marched against him And notwithstanding he could not equal them in number yet did he adventure to give them Battle And though with great loss to the Enemy he had not an absolute Victory yet did he destroy so many of them that they themselves acknowledged they never underwent so sharp a fight And in An. 1010. upon another invasion of the Danes this Earl Vlfketell fought with them at a place called Rigmere near Ipswich in Suffolk but being too weak the Danes after very much slaughter on both sides became Victors and possest themselves of this whole Province of the East Angles But afterwards scil in An. 1016. he with divers other of the English Nobility lost their lives in that fatal Battle at Assendune in Essex where Canute the Dane through the wicked trâachery of Eadric Streone Earl of Mercia becâme Victor as in my discourse of that Earl Eadric I have more largely shewed I do not find that he had any issue nor have I seen mention that he ever married but of his munificence to the Monks of St. Edmunds Bury there is this memorial viz. That he gave to that Abbey the Lordships and Mannors of Hildercie Redgrave Rigenhale Wulfpit âougham and part of Bradfeld Fullesham and Hegsete The next Earl of this Province was Turkil a Danish Earl of whom the first mention I meet with is That in the year 1009. he landed in the Isle of Thanet so came to Sandwich afterwards to Canterbury and thence into divers other Counties where he made no little spoil attempting to enter the City of London but was repulsed And in the year 1011. having much infested the North parts of this Kingdom in a Piratical manner gave Battle to Vlfketell Earl of the East Angles at Ryngemere and invaded Kent with a powerful Army yet after this forsaking Suane King of Denmark on whose behalf he had made these incursions he took part with King Ethelred and stoutly assisted him in the defence of London Walls which in the year 1013. King Suane attempted with his Army and repulsed him But King Suane being dead and his Son Cnute through the great treachery of Edric Streone Earl of Mercia obtaining the Crown of England he was by him advanced to this Earldom of the East Angles This Turkill is said to have been Cofounder of that Church with King Cnute which was built upon the Hill at Assendune and solemnly dedicated in the year 1020 by Wulstan Archbishop of York and divers other Bishops in memory of that fatal overthrow there given to King Edmund Ironside as hath been observed The next Earl of these parts was Harold Son to Godwyne Earl of ãâã afterwards King But having spoken of him at large under the title of his West Saxon Earldom I shall not need to say any more in this place The Earles of Oxon Glocester Hereford Somerset and Berks. OF these Counties Suane Eldest Son to Godwyne Earl of Kent was Earl Concerning whom our Historians do report as followeth viz. That being banished out of England in An. 1044. he went thereupon to Baldwyn Earl of ãâã who Wintred that year at Bâuges But about two years after by the mediation of his Father was again restored The next mention of him that I meet with is his inveigling of Edgiva Abbess of Leominster with intent to marry her had not the King and some of his Nobles prevented it for which he quitted England and went into Denmarâ But not long after he returned with Eight Ships pretending that he would be very faithful to the King Earl Beorne his Kinsman Son to the King of Denmark promising him to mediate that he might be restored to his Earldom Shortly after which he came to Pâvensey in Susseâ and intreated his Cosin Beorne to go with him to Sandwich as he had promised to make his peace with the King who suspecting no harm took with him only three persons to attend him But this treacherous Suane having him in his power carried him to Boseââam where his Ships lay and thence on Shipboard putting him in Bonds unto Dort where he most inhumanely murthered him and cast his body into a deep Ditch covering it with Earth Whence he fled to Fâanders with two Ships and there continued until Aldred Bishop of Worcester obtaining his pardon from the King brought him back into England again Howbeit after this he joyned with Earl Godwyne his Father in that Insurrection of his which he raised in An. 1051. as in my Discourse of him I have shewed at which time he had the guard of a Town in Herefordshire then fortified by his said Father and for that fact fled with him into Flanders Whence to expiate that wicked Murther formerly by him committed upon Beorne his Kinsman as hath been said he went bare footed on penance to Ierusalem in which journey he got so much cold that he died thereof at Licia in his return To conclude Take here his Character by William of Malmsbury viz. He was a Man of a perverse disposition unfaithful to the King Ofttimes he went from his Father and Brother Harold and exercising Piracy did much blemish the glory of his Ancestors with Maritime Robberies He married Iudith Daughter to Baldwyn Earl of Flanders as H. Knighton saith but other Authors say she was Wife to Earl Tosti his Brother by whom he had issue Hacun who with Wolnoth his Uncle were sent into Normandy as Hostages upon the Restoration of Godwyne Earl of Kent from his banishment Earls of West Saxons THat Godwyne Earl of Kent had this Earldom of the West Saxons also I have already taken notice where I spake of his death in my Discourse of him as Earl of Kent As also that Harold
use of light Armor which so astonished the Welsh that Griffin being forced to flee to Sea for his safeguard they offered Hostages in case they might have Protection to become tributary to King Edward And to manifest their reality therein they slew Griffin within a short time after and sent his Head to Earl Harold who forthwith conveyed it to the King substituting another Prince of Wales in his stead This is all that I have seen of his actings in Wales other than his beginning of a noble structure at Portaseith that the King might be the better accommodated when he came to hunt in those parts but Cradoc the Son of Griffin prevented his finishing thereof by slaughter of most of the Workmen and taking away all the Materials In this year it so hapned that the King being at Windsore Harold shewed himself so familiar with him as to drink to him in a Cup of Wine Which boldness seeming distastful to Tosti his elder Brother then present and Earl of Northumberland he pulled Harold by the Hair of the Head whereupon a scuffle began which many by-standers did endeavor to foment but the King made only this observation on it viz. That the just wrath of God did produce this deadly feud betwixt these most pernicious Brothers for notorious it was That all the Sons of that late Trayterous Earl Godwyne were so transcendently wicked that if they saw any comely Seat they would murther the owner of it in the night time and destroying his Children possess themselves of it Yet so subtile were they in their Flatteries with the well-meaning King that by abusing his innocency after they had perpetrated the greatest villanies they made themselves the cheif Rulers and Disposers of all things in the Kingdom Others report this scuffle betwixt Harold and his Brother Tosti thus viz. That they being jesting with one another in the presence of the King Harold fell from jesting to lug his Brother by the Hair and throw him on the ground and that had he not been prevented he would have strangled him with his hands Whereupon the King taking notice of the passage said That there would be very great feud betwixt them hereafter and that one of them should be the destruction of the other That which now remains to be said of this Earl is is getting of the Crown which his ambitious thoughts had long aimed at The manner whereof was thus King Edward departing this life without Issue the great Men of the Land grew not a little doubtful whom they should set up to be King Some of them inclining to William Duke of Normandy whom King Edward had designned as was said some to this Earl Harold others to Edgar-Etheling Grandson to the late King Edmund Ironside who was in truth the rightful Heir but then young But Harold being a crafty man considering the danger of delay upon the very Festival of the Epiphany on which King Edward was buried extorting Fealty from the Nobles set the Crown upon his own Head Whereof his Brother Tosti who sufficiently hated him having notice he sailed presently out of Flanders where he was at that time with no less then Forty Ships and coming into Scotland where he met Harold Harfager King of Norway made a compact with him and invaded England with design to conquer his Brother Harold Which being made known unto Harold he raised all the power he suddenly could and marching Northwards to oppose them at Stanford Bridge in Yorkshire which is over the River Darwent after a sharp conflict wherein his Brother Tosti and the King of Norway were both slain became absolute Victor But most avariciously converting all the Booty and Spoils of the Field to his own sole benefit so discontented his Soldiers that they unanimously forsook him and disperst themselves Nevertheless so highly was he âlated with this great success that not at all regarding his Oath made to William Duke of Normandy partly for that the young Daughter of that Duke to whom he had been so affianced as hath been said was dead and partly considering that Duke William was at that time embroiled in some Military disputes with his Neighbors of Britanny he sleighted those fair overtures which had been made to him thinking himself secure enough And to justifie himself therein the more alledged That the Oath which he had made to the Duke being in time of necessity was not to be kept as also that the Kingdom whilest King Edward lived could not without his privity be disposed of to any But Duke William was of another mind for no sooner did he hear that Harold had thus made himself King but that he sent Ambassadors hither to put him in mind of the breach of his Faith and not without some threatning intimations of his farther purpose Whereunto Harold made reply That in truth he was of necessity compelled when he betrothed his Daughter in Normandy to make that Oath of delivering this Kingdom of England unto him but utterly denied that a compulsory Oath was at all to be kept Adding That if a Vow or Oath made by a Maid in the House of her Parents without their assent be void much more his who being under the power of the King and compelled to take an Oath without the Kings privity Moreover he alleadged That it must be held too much presumption to alienate the Inheritance of a Kingdom without a general consent of the people and that it was a most unjust request that he should quit the Kingdom which he had undertaken to govern with so much favor of the greatest persons therein But the Duke when he heard of these Allegations was not a little enraged and therefore having obtained the approbation of Pope Alexander to countenance his intended expedition for England prepared considerable Forces with which he put to Sea from the Port of S. Ualeries and landing at Pevensey near Hastings in Sussex did soon after put that dispute to the decision of the Sword by a bloody Battle the Circumstances whereof are at large related by our Historians wherein Harold though fighting most courageously and with great resolution lost his life After which his Body was delivered by the Conquerors appointment to William Malet to be Interred upon the Sea-shore near at hand but being begged by his Mother was buried in the Abbey of Waltâam in Essex which he had Founded Whence it is said he marching to this Battle and making his Orisons to the Holy Cross whereunto that Church was dedicated the Cross at his departure as a farewel to him did bend it self and ever after continued in that leaning posture The Lands which this Earl Harold possessed in King Edward the Confessors time were very great in divers Counties as appears by the Conquerors Survey viz. Flanebury Cattune âoningesburg with divers Hamlets thereto belonging
any But before I proceed to speak of him as Earl it will not be improper to shew in regard of his Ecclesiastick Profession how he was qualified for such a Temporal imployment take therefore this his Character Odo ille Bajocarum praesul c. This Odo Bishop of Bayeux was well known to be such a person who could best of any undergo both Ecclesiastick and Secular businesses Of his goodness and prudence the Church of Bayeux in the first place gives testimony which he with great wisdom did settle and advance And though he was in years but young yet did he excel the aged in Gravity To all Normandy he was of great use and ornament his prudence and eloquence manifesting themselves not only in Synods wherein the worship of God was handled but in all other disputes touching woââdly affairs For liberality none like him in all the Realm of France nor was he less praise-worthy for his love of Equity He was no instigator to War nor could he be drawn thereto and therefore much feared by Soldiers But upon great necessity his Counsels in Military affairs were of special avail so far as might consist with the safety of Religion To the King whose Brother he was by the Mother his affections were so great that he could not be severed from him no not in the Camp being constant and faithful always to him The Normans and Britons were most obsequious to him nor were the English so rough but that they esteemed him worthy of their fear reverence and love As to his particular Actings certain it is that he with Geffery Bishop of Constance was present at that memorable Battle with Duke William wherein he was Conqueror and thenceforth King of England and had with him there at that time divers Monks and Secular Clerks who by their devout Prayers and Councils then afforded much assistance in that great and signal conflict And after that Victory having the Castle of Dover which is Clavis Repagulum totius Regni the Lock and Key of the whole Kingdom and this whole County of Kent committed to his charge he was joyned with William Fitz-Osberne a Principal Commander in the Conquerors Army as when I speak of the Earls of Hereford will appear in the Generalship or cheif superintendency of all the Military Forces of the whole Realm as well in Field as Garison Nay he was likewise a Count Palatine and gave Laws as a King having a power over all other Earls and great Men of the Land As also Iusticiarius Angliae id est The Principal Person under the King for administring of Justice throughout the whole Nation which high and eminent Office after him continued till towards the later end of King Henry the Third's Reign as elswhere I have amply shewed being reputed the wisest man in England In Lent after his Coronation the King going into Normandy this Odoâ was with William Fitz Osberne Custos Angliae in his absence having direction for the building of Castles in all fit places of the Land Being thus seated in Kent and so powerful that no man durst oppose him he possessed himself of divers Lordships belonging to the Archbishoprick of Canterbury which being made known to Lanfranke when he was advanced to that See viz. 5 Will. Conâ he forthwith made his complaint thereof to the King Who thereupon commanded That the whole County of Kent especially those who were most knowing in the ancient Customs and Usages there should without delay assemble and do right therein Meeting therefore at Pânenden Geffrey Bishop of Constance sate in the Kings stead as Judge who after much dispute past Sentence for Lanfranke viz. That he should enjoy the Lands belonging to his Church as freely as the King himself did enjoy his own Demesn Lands In An. 1074. upon that Rebellious Insurrection of Roger Earl of Hereford and Raphe Earl of Norfolk this Odo with Geffrey Bishop of Constance marched with an Army to suppress them who being then near Cambridgâ and hearing of this power coming towards them fled privily to Norwich In An. 1078. 13 Conq. Qui tunc â Rege secundus erat Being the next to the King in authority and greatness he was sent with an Army to wast Northumberland by reason that the Men of those parts in an Insurrection then made there had murthered that good man Walcher Bishop of Durham at ãâã near Newcastle upon Tine but he there exercised much cruelty and despoiled the Church of Durham of some rich ornaments amongst which was a rare Crosier of Saphire Certain it is that his extraordinary power and wealth made him much forgetful of himself wherewith being highly elated he grew both insolent oppressive and ambitious and the rather for that certain Soothsayers of Rome had foretold who should succeed Hildebrand in the Papacy and that they had found out that after the death of Gregory Odo should be Pope so that he little valued the power and riches of these Western parts unless he might rule there and elswhere at large as Pope Wherefore he sent to Rome and purchased a Palace there linking the friendship of the Senators unto him by great gifts And having adorned it with glorious and costly furniture he drew unto him Hugh Earl of Chester and a great Band of choice Soldiers importuning them to accompany him into Italy with promise of ample rewards Wherewith being allured and desirous to see Foreign parts they soon assented but King William taking notice of this great preparation and apprehending how prejudicial the effect thereof might be to this Kingdom as well as others being then in Normandy hastens for England and upon the way at the Isle of Wight accidently met this his Brother Odo with his pompous Retinue going towards Normandy Whereupon calling all his Nobles together he represented to them how that he had committed the Care and Government of England to this Odo upon his own going into Normandy and told them of the dangerous Insurrections there which occasioned that his journey as also his happy success against them that had so rebelliously disturbed those parts Telling them further that whilest he was thus busied in Normandy this his Brother Odo had grievously oppressed his people in England robbed the Churches of their Lands Revenues and Ornaments seduced those Soldiers who should have been employed in defence of this Realm against the Danes and Irish to pass the Alpes with him And having thus passionately made his complaint commanded the Guards to seise upon him But no one daring to touch him in regard he was a Bishop the King himself laid hands on him Whereupon he said That he was a Clerk and a Minister of God and that he was not to be sentenced by any but the Pope But the King Replied
I neither sentence any Clerk or Bishop but my own Earl whom I made my Vicegerent in my Kingdom resolving That he shall give account of that his trust Whence he carried him into Normandy and in the Castle of Roan kept him prisoner to the end of his Reign which was four years but then was he set at liberty by King William the Second commonly called Rufus and this his Earldom of Kent restored to him Howbeit though he was thus enlarged and favored by K. William Rufus when he discerned that he had not the whole sway in disposing of all things as formerly for William de Karilepho Bishop of Duâham was made Justice of England he fell off from his Allegiance and seduced many others inciting them to set up Robert Curthose in the Royal Throne as a person of a more gentle disposition and who was past his youthful Vanities And in order thereto began an Insurrection in Kent where he burnt divers Towns belonging to the King and Lanfranke then Archbishop carrying the Plunder of them to Rochester bearing an immortal hatred to that Archbishop in regard that by his Councel he had been cast into prison by King William the First with that nice distinction as he was Earl of Kent for as a Clergiman and Bishop it was not justifiable From Rochester he marched to Pevensey in Sussex and betook himself to his Castle there unto which the King presently marched and laid siege but at the end of six weeks being for want of Food forced to render it up he promised by Oath to quit the Realm and never to return until the King should command him as also to deliver up the Castle of Rochester before his departure Howbeit when he came to Rochester with those Soldiers of the Kings unto whom he was to render it he and they were all shut up at Rochester by the Garrison which he had left in that Castle Some were then of opinion that this was done by his own contrivance for there were then in that Castle many gallant Men and almost the whole Nobility of Normandy There was also young Eustace Earl of Bolein and divers Noblemen of Flanders But no sooner was the news hereof brought to the King than that he marched with his Army to Rochester and besieged the City so that within a short space those that were there rendred themselves And Odo losing all his Honor for ever abjured the Kingdom and went into Normandy where being received by Robertâ Curthose then Duke he had the whole care of that Province committed to him The principal persons who joyned with Odo in this Conspiracy against King William Rufus on the behalf of Robert Curthose were Geffrey Bishop of Constance Robert Earl of Moreton Brother to this Odo Roger Earl of Shreasbury Robert de Molbray Earl of Northumberland and Roger Bigot Robert de Belesmo William de Owe Robert fil Baldwini de Excestre Hugh de Grentmaisnill Bernard Newmarch Roger de Lacy and Ralph de Mortimer But of these Roger Earl of Shrewsbury first fell off Being thus received in Normandy and in such high esteem with Curthose he had the whole Government of that Dukedome committed to his charge and was thereupon made his Counsellor To conclude with the words of mine Author He was Eloquent and magnanimous courtly and to speak according to the World couragious He was a great honorer of Religious Men his Clergy he stoutly defended with his Tongue and Sword and furnished his Church with rich Ornaments as his Buildings Vestments and Plate of Gold and Silver which he gave thereto do testifie In his youth in regard he was Brother to the Duke he was advanced to the Bishoprick of Bayeux in which he sate more then fifty years His carnal affections being sometimes predominant he begot a Natural Son named John who was afterwards by reason of his eloquence and ingenuity of great esteem in the Court of King Henry the First And though he was a person sometimes addicted to Secular Levities yet he had a great regard to Ecclâsiastick Matters The Church of our Lady at Bayeux he built from the Ground and decked it with divers costly Ornaments In the Church of S. Vigor sometime Bishop of Bayeux which is situate near the Wall of that City he placed Monks and constituted the Religious and Prudent Robert de Tumbalene Prior there who amongst the rest of his learned Works left a short clear and profound Coment upon the Canticles Which Monastery he made a âell to the Abbey of Dijon He also sent young Schollars to âiege and other Cities where he knew the study of Philosophy to flourish and gave them large exhibitions for their support in Learning of which so by him educated were Thomas Archbishop of York and Sampson his Brother Bishop of Worcester William de Ros Abbot of Fiscamp in Normandy Thurstan Abbot of Glasâonbury and many other then living So this Bishop Odo though much entangled with worldy cares yet he did many landable things and what he got indirectly be bestowed upon the Church and Poor Howbeit at length leaving the World he took a journey to Rome with Duke Robert his Nephew but died at Palermo in Sâcâly and had Sepulture in the Church of our Lady there The Lands and Possessions which he had here in England were wonderful great all which were given him by the bounty of King William his Brother for in Kent he had no less than an Hundred eighty four Lordships or the greatest part of them in Essex Thirty nine in Oxfordshire Thirty two in Hartfordshire Twenty three in Buckinghamshire Thirty in Worcestershire Two in Bedfordshire Eight in Northamptonshire Twelve in Nottinghamshire Five in Norfolk Twenty two in Warwickshire Six and in Lincolnshire Seventy six Earl of Cornwal TO this Earldom was Robert Earl of Moreton in Normandy Brother to King William by the Mother shortly after the Conquest advanced and had other great Honors given him in this Realm In the time of King William Rufus taking part with his Brother Odo Earl of Kent in that Insurrection on the behalf of Robert Curthose he held the Castle of Pevensey on that account but so soon as the King laid siege thereto rendered it up to him and made his peace This Earl having had the Standard of Saint Michael carried before him in Battle as the words of his Charter do import under which it is to be presumed he had been prosperous did out of great devotion to God and the Blessed Virgin for the health of his Soul and the Soul of his Wife as also for the Soul of the most glorious King William for those are his expressions give the Monastery of S. Michael at the Mount in Cornwal unto the Monks of S. Michael de Periculo Maris
with the whole Tithes of that Parish the Churches of Mellinges and Boelton the Town of great Dernesse as also of Pulton with the Church and one Carucate of Land The Tithes of his Venison and Paunage throughout all his Woods the Tithe of his Fishing and third draught of Fish taken with great Nets the small Tithes of Estanebery Salfort Derby Halas Ewreton Waleton Crosseby Molas Croston Preston Richby Singleton Preshoved Middelton Overton Scherton Barr Stapleton and Asseline That those Monks thereupon established a Cell of their own Order there and annexed all the Lands and Churches so given by this Earl thereunto so that he may very well be accounted the Founder of that Priory-Alien so setled at Lancaster But taking part with his Brother Robert de Belesme Earl of Shrewsbury in that Rebellion against King Henry the First on the behalf of Robert Curthose he was banished England for the same After which Henry Duke of Normandy Son to Maud the Empress gave all his Possessions unto Ranulph sirnamed Gernouns Earl of Chester as I shall more fully shew when I come to speak of that Earl which were of a vast extent For besides all that part of Lancashiâe lying betwixt the Rivers of Ribble and Mersey he had so much more in that County as made up the number of an hundred fourscore and eight Mannors As also Seventy six in Yorkshire Three in Essex Fifty nine in Suffolk Eleven in Nottinghamshire Seven in Derbishire Ten in Norfolk and Forty four in Lincolnshire But of his Posterity other than one Daughter called Sibill I have not seen any thing Earls of Chester THe first Earl of this County after the Norman Conquest was Gherbod a Flemming who having undergone many difficulties as well from the English as his troublesome Neighbors the Welsh and being at length sent for into Flanders by some of his Friends to whom he had committed the managery of his affairs relating to his Hereditary Honor in that Countrey obtained license from King William to go over thither with purpose to make a speedy return But it so hapned that he there fell into his Enemies hands and was restrained by a long and hard imprisonment ¶ King William therefore upon this recess of Gherbod gave this Earldom of Chester to Hugh de Abrincis his Sisters Son Wife of Richard sirnamed Goz. Which Hugh being a person of great note at that time amongst the Norman Nobility and an expert Soldier was for that respect cheifly placed so near those unconquered Britains the better to restrain their bold incursions For my Author saith It was consilio prudentum by the advice of his Council that King William thus advanced him to that Government his power being also not ordinary for he had Royal Jurisdiction within the Precincts of this Earldom it being given him Tenere ita liberè ad Gladium sicut ipse Rex tenebat Angliam per Coronam To hold as freely by the Sword as the King himself held England by the Crown But though the time of this his advancement was not till the year 1070. 4 Will. Conq. Gherbod then departing hence certain it is that he first came into England with the Conqueror and thereupon had Whitby in Yorkshire bestowed upon him which he soon after disposed to William de Percy his associate in that famous expedition During the Conquerors Reign I have not seen any farther mention of this Earl Hugh then that he was a witness with most of the Bishops and great Men of the Realm unto that Kings Charter of Confirmation made to the Monks of S. Edmunds-Bury in Suffolk Pridie Kal. Iunii An. 1081. 14 Conq. whereby he ratified to that Monastery the Concessions of King Edmund Canutus Hardy-Canutus and Edward the Confessor amongst which he is ranked in the second place viz. Next unto Roger de Montgomery then Earl of Shrewsbury Being faithful to King William Rufus all his Reign when Henry his Brother had possessed himself of many strong places in Normandy he rendred to the King those that were in his hands and was one of the principal Commanders against those Forces of Philip King of France which Philip claiming a right to several places in Normandy had entred those parts with a great power By his Prowess and Military skill he enlarged his Territories upon the Welsh winning Tegenel and Ryvoâââe with all the Land by the Sea-shore unto the River of âonwey In 11 Will. Rufi he joyned with Hugh then Earl of Shrewsbury and entring the Isle of Anglesey exercised great cruelties towards the Welsh that being the time when Magnus King of Norway made an attempt on that Isle in resistance of whom the Earl of Shrewsbury lost his life After the death of which King this Earl Hugh grew in much esteem with King Henry the First being one of his cheif Counsellors He was a fat Man and therefore called Hugh Vras by the Welsh It is reported that there being in the Isle of Anglesey a Stone much like in shape to the Thigh of a Man of that vertue that whethersoever it is removed it will the next night following return to its old place as by the Inhabitants thereabouts hath been frequently observed and that though this Earl upon his invasion of the Isle in the time of King Henry the First hearing of its property caused it to be fastned unto another Stone of great magnitude with a strong Chain of Iron and thrown into the Sea yet that the next morning it was found in its old place again to the wonder of many And therefore by a publick Proclamation he prohibited that thenceforth none should presume to remove it again Moreover in an ancient British Manuscript containing the life and actions of Griffin the Son of Conan Prince of North Wales it is recorded that a servant of Griffin called Marian the Red did betray him to this Earl Hugh under colour of having some Conference with him at Rue insomuch as the Prince suspecting nothing had but a slender attendance was carried prisoner to ãâã And that after he had been many years kept there in Bonds the Earl landed an Army in Angâeâey and by fire and sword wasting it subdued the Inhabitants there to his Government Moreover to the end he might the better keep what he had thus got that he built two Castles one in the Isle the other in Arvon which he manned with Soldiers Likewise that sometime after one Cynuric Hir and Inhabitant of Yule who had formerly served Prince Griffin and was well known to him came to Châster with some necessaries for him and finding him tied in a Chain of Iron went to him at Supper time whilest his Keepers were at meat and carried him away on his shoulders no notice being taken thereof The Prince having thus escaped raised
Forces great confluence of people coming to him and recovered his Possessions again This Earl Hugh rebuilt the Castle of Deganwy near Conway But his death shortly after approaching so that his farther Secular Imployments were at an end I shall now take notice of his Pious works He was the Founder of the Abbey of S. Severus in Normandy within the Diocess of Constance and afterwards of that at Chester here in England dedicated to S. Werburge where in the room of Canons Secular he planted Monks and endowed them with ample Possessions Richard a Monk of Bec in Normandy being brought over by Anselme Abbot of that Monastery afterwards Archbishop of Canterbury and made the first Abbot there To the Abbey of Bec in Normandy he gave the Lordship of Atherston in Warwickshire To the Abbey of Whitby in Yorkshire the Church of S. Peter at Whitby and the Church of Flemesburgh id est Flamborough in pure Alms. And to the Monastery of Utica in Normandy one Hide of Land in Little Pâlandenton now called Pillerton in Warwickshire with the Tithes of that place as also the Tithes of Sanley in Buckinghamshire In his youth and flourishing age he was a great lover of Worldly Pleasures and Secular Pomp profuse in giving and much delighted with Enterludes Jesters Horses Dogs and other like Vanities having a large attendance of such persons of all sorts as were disposed to those sports But he had also in his family both Clerks and Soldiers who were Men of great Honor the venerable Anselme Abbot of Bec and afterwards Archbishop of Canterbury being his Confessor Nay so devout he grew before his death that sickness hanging long upon him he caused himself to be shorn a Monk in the Abbey of S. Werburge where within three days after viz. 6 Kal. Aug. An. 1101 1 Hen. 1. he died leaving Issue by Ermentrude his Wife Daughter of Hugh de Clerement one only Son named Richard then seven years of age Which Richard succeeded him in this Earldom of Chester and by his Concubines divers Children both Sons and Daughters and was buried in the Chapter-House there But of those Illegitimate Children I find only mention of two viz. Otwel Tutor to those Children of King Henry the First which perished by Shipwrack and Robert first a Monk in the Abbey of S. Ebrulf at Utica in Normandy and afterwards Abbot of S. Edmunds-Bury in Sunolk Though the Historians of that age do make no mention of any other of his Children most certain it is that he had a Daughter called Geva who became the Wife of Geffrey Ridell an eminent Man in those days viz. Justice of England under King Henry the First as I have elswhere shewed Nor can her legitimacy be doubted for it is evident that she had the Lordship of Draiton now called Draiton-Basset in Com. Staff given her in Frank-marriage by this Earl her Father which could not have been so bestowed on a Bastard as our Learned Lawyers do clearly affirm That this great Earl had vast Possessions here in England of the Conquerors gift doth evidently appear by the number of Lordships he held at the time of the General Survey for besides all Cheshire excepting what then belonged to the Bishop which was not much he had in Berkshire Nine in Devonshire Two in Yorkshire Seven in Wiltshire Six in Dorsethshire Ten in Somersetshire Four in Suffolk Thirty two in Norfolk Twelve in Hantshire One in Oxfordshire Five in Buckinghamshire Three in Glocestershire Four in Huntindonshire Two in Nottinghamshire Four in Warwickshire One and in Leicestershire Twenty two And that divers emiment Men were his Barons is certain enough from the words of his Charter whereby he Founded and Endowed the Abbey of S. Werburge at Chester viz. Haec sunt itaque dona data Abbatiae S. Werburge quae omniae ego Comes Hugo Richardus filius meus Ermentrudis Comitissa mei Barones mei homines dedimus c. Which Barones and Homines with their respective gifts there mentioned are these viz. 1. Willielmus Malbanc 2. Robertus filius Hugonis 3. Hugo filius Normanni 4. Ricardus de Vernun 5. Ricardus de Rullos 6. Radulphus Venator 7. Hugo de Mara 8. Radulphus Ermiwini filius 9. Robertus de Fremouz 10. Walkelinus nepos Walteri de Vernun 11. Seward 12. Gislebertus de Venables 13. Gaufridus de Sartes 14. Ricardus de Mesnilwarin 15. Walterus de Vernun But then he concludeth thus Et ut haec omnia essent rata stabilia imperpetuum ego Comes Hugo mei Barones confirmavimus c. ita quod singuli nostrum propriâ manu in testimonium posteris Signum in modum Crucis facerent yet gives instance of no other than these after his Son Richard and Hervey Bishop of Bangor viz. Ranulph his Nephew id est De Macaenis or Meschines who was Earl after the death of Earl Richard Roger Bigod Alan de Perci Willielmus Constabularius Ranulphus Dapifer Willielmus Malbanc Robertus filius Hugonis Hugo filius Normanni Hamo de Masci and Bigod de Loges Whether he intended that these only should be reputed his Barons and the rest such as held of him by Military Service for so the word Homines doth here import I make a question conceiving rather that these and no other were present at the sealing of that his Foundation Charter For it is not to be doubted but that Richard de Vernun whose principal seat was at Shipbroc and Gislebert de Venables at Kinderton in the Conquerors Survey called Gislebertus Venator were at that time his Barons as well as any of the rest Howbeit having no farther light to guide me I shall not conclude any thing positively herein nevertheless to manifest of what note most of them were who are Recorded in the Conquerors General Survââ to have been Tenants to this Earl at that time I will here enumerate what Lordships or part of Lordships they then held of him in Cheshire ¶ Robertus filius Hugonis whose seat being at Depenbeche now called Malpas occasioned the title of Baron of Malpas to be attributed to him and his Descendants held Bedesfeld Burwardestone Hurdingebery Depenbeche Tillestone Cristetone Calmundeley Eghe Hantone Lawechedone Dochintone Cetelea Brosse Overtone Cuntitone Socheliche Tusigeham Bicheley Bieretone Burwardesley Creuhalle Tidnistane Bristone Bolebery Tevertone Spurestowe Fentone Sudetone Butelege and Coeneche ¶ William Malbedeng whose seat was at Wiche-Malbanc now called Nantwich held Tatenale Colburne Ulvre Wivrevene Pol Salhale Landechene Optone Tuigvelle Chenotebery Eteshale Manessel Sprostune Actune Estune Wilaâestune Warenebery Cerletune Merbery Norbery Wircâwelle Westone Waleretune Santune Burtune Haretone Wistanestune Berdresford Berdeltune Weclestune Bertemeleu Essetune Wivetesde Tiâesâe Steple Wistetestune Brunhala Tereth Cerlere Bedeley Stanlen Copehale Estone Chelmundestone Claytone and Wepre ¶ Willielmus filius Nigelli the same who is
for that the first Earl Palatine viz. Hugh commonly called Lupus of whom I have already spoke had the County of Chester given him by the Conqueror Tenere ita liberè ad Gladium sicut ipse Willielmus Rex tenebat Angliam per Coronam Being in the Holy Land he was at that famous siege of Damieta Vbi Dux Chistianae Cohortis praestitit gloriosa saith Henry Archdeacon of Huntendon Where being General of the Christian Army he did glorious things Upon his return thence when he was at Sea there hapning a dreadful storm as the same Author affirmeth he asked the Marriners How long it was then to midnight and they told him It was almost two hours Said he then Labor till that time and I trust to God the tempest will cease But when midnight approached the tempest increased so much that the Master of the Ship bad him commend himself to God for they were all like to perish Whereupon he went out of his Cabin and stoutly assisting them the tempest soon asswaged The day following therefore when the Seas were calm and the danger clearly over the Master asked him Why he would not stir to assist them till midnight telling him That his help was then more than all the Marriners in the Ship Quoth he Because my Monks and other devoât people who are of mine and my Ancestors Foundation did then rise to sing Divine Service For that reason therefore did I put confidence in their Prayers and therefore my hope is that God Almighty for their Prayers and Suffrages would give me such strength as I had not before and asâwage the tempest as I foretold So soon as he returned from this journey which was about the Calends of April An. 1220. 4 Hen. 3. he began the structure of Chartley Castle in Staffordshire and Beeston Castle in Cheshire and likewise the Abbey of Deulaâres for White Monks near Leek in Staffordshire which Monastery he had been incited so to found as saith my Author by the ghost of Earl Ranulph his Grand-Father which appeared to him one night when he was in Bed and bad him go to a place called Cholpesdale within the Territory of Leek and there he should find a certain Chappel antiently built in honor of the Blessed Virgin and found an Abbey of White Monks and endow it adding There shall be joy to thee and many others who shall be saved thereby For there quoth he shall be a Ladder erected by which the Prayers of Angels shall ascend and descend and vows of Men shall be offered to God and they shall give thanks and the name of our Lord shall be called upon in that place by daily Prayers and the sign of this shall be when the Pope doth interdict England But do thou in the mean time go to the Monks of Pulton where Robert Butler hath in my name built an Abbey and thou shalt there be partaker of the Sacrament of the Lord for such Priviledges belong to the servants of the Founders And in the Seventh year of that Interdict thou shalt translate those Monks to the place I have foretold Which Relation being made unto the Lady Clemencia his Wife she said in French Dieu encres id est God increase Whereupon the Earl congratulating her expression said The name of the place shall be Deulaâres In which year also he had the custody of the Honor of Leicester conferred upon him The former Testimonies of this Earls loyalty to the King gave great hopes that his obedience would still have continued unshaken Howbeit within four years after it proved otherwise for discontents being raised by divers of the Barons about the Kings not confirming the Charter of Liberties which had been exacted by the predominant power of the Nobility from his Father as also for that he was too much governed by the advise of Hubert de Burgh He with his adherents keeping their Christmass at Leicester sent an insolent and minatory Message to the King then at Northampton viz. That except he would forbear to require his Castles and to hearken unto the Counsels of Hubert de Burgh they would all unanimously rise against him and compel him to be guided by them But to this they received such an answer from the Archbishop of Canterbuây that made them all to startle which was That unless they would on the morrow render the King all his Castles himself and other of the Bishops would excommunicate them every man by name So that understanding also how well the King was provided with Military Forces to deal with them they prudently came to Northampton and submitted themselves unto him Yet were not their hearts so humbled as that they would be quiet in case it lay in their power to stir For in 11 Hen. 3. this haughty spirited Earl with many others taking advantage of the diâcontent that Richard Earl of Cornwal had conceived towards the King touching the Mannor of Berkhaâfied which belonged to the Earldom of Cornwal and was given by King Iohn his Father to another put themselves in Arms under colour of assisting that Earl in recovery of his own and sent a peremptory Message to the King requiring That he should do him right and to seal unto them a new Charter of the Forest Liberties instâad of that which he had lately cancelled at Oxford Whereupon the King discerning what mischeif might grow through his withstanding them caused a Convention of the Peers at Northampton 3 Nones of August and made a peaceable Accord with them And having so done to oblige this potent Earl the more granted to him all that part of the Honor of Richmund with the Appurtenances which he formerly had by the gift of King Iohn to hold during his life upon condition That he should not make any Agreement with the Earl of Britanny to whom that part of the Honor did belong so as to yield it up unto him unless he could obtain so much Justice from the King of France as to recover those Lands of his own in Normandy which he lost in the service of King Iohn In 13 Hen. 3. he had a Confirmation from the King of all his Lands betwixt the Rivers of ãâã and Merse in Lancashire viz. The Town of West Deâby with the Wapentake the Borough of Lâverpool the Town and Wapentake of Salforâ and Wapentake of ãâã in the same County with all Forests Hays Homages and other the Appurtenances Of this stout Earl I farther find that in 14 Hen. 3. he opposed one Stephen a Commissary from the Pope who was sent to gather the Tenths from the Bishops and all Religious Orders prohibiting any person whatsoever within the compass of his Jurisdiction from payment of any thing notwithstanding that all England besides with Ireland and Wales submitted thereto Moreover the same year attending the King in his expedition into Britanny he had his Bond for
Fourth Son to King Henry the Second having taken her to Wife as hath been said in the year 1166 her Father Earl Conan then living succeeded in these Earldoms Which Conan thereupon granted to King Henry to the use of his said Son Geffrey the whole Dutchy of Britanny excepting the County of Guincamp descended to him from Earl Stephen his Grandfather This Geffrey received the Honor of Knighthood at the hands of King Henry his Father at Woodstock in the year 1178. 24 Hen. 2. But of him there is not much more memorable in regard he died when he was but Twenty eight years of age being then unhappily killed at Paris by the stroke of an Horse in a Tourneament held there upon the 14. Kal. of Sept. Whereupon he was buried in the Church of Nostredame within the Quire of the Canons there leaving issue by the same Constance two Daughters as also a Son born after his death viz. Upon Easter day the Fourth Kalender of April ensuing An. scil 1187. whose name was called Arthur The name of one of the Daughters was Eleanor le Bret. Which Eleanor departing this life in the Castle of Bristol 4 Id. Aug. An. 1241. 25 Hen. 3. was first buried in the Church of S. Iames at Bristol but afterwards by the Kings appointment translated to the Monastery of Nuns at Ambresbury The name of the other Daughter appeareth not Unto this Earldom of Richmund did belong no less then Cxl Knights Fees After the death of this Geffrey Constance his Widow was given in marriage to Ranulph Earl of Chester as hath been before exprest with whom he enjoyed both these Honors of Britanny and Richmund But she forsaking him as hath been said Arthur her Son having been honored with Knighthood by Philip King of France in An. 1199. the year following did homage to King Iohn for this Earldom of Britanny it being of the Fee of the Dutchy of Normandy Notwithstanding which King Iohn detained from him all his Lands in Normandy Turon Anjou and Poictou whereupon the King of France taking occasion to quarrel with King Iohn required restitution of them to Arthur but without success insomuch as War ensuing betwixt them the French had the worst After which King Iohn sent for his Nephew Arthur to Faleise and flattering him with fair words promised him great Honors if he would desert the King of France and adhere faithfully to him as his Leig-Lord and Uncle But Arthur who knew himself to be the Son of King Iohns elder Brother viz. Geffrey Duke of Britanny and Richmund beforementioned answered him with indignation requiring That he would make restitution to him of the Kingdom of England and all other the Lands which King Richard his Uncle had in Possession upon the day of his death Vowing That if he did not do it speedily he should not be at Peace Which expressions so much awakened King Iohn that he forthwith commanded his Nephew Arthur should be sent to Roan and there straitly imprisoned in the new Tower where he had not long been but for fear lest the great Men of England should adhere to him as being the next and rightful Heir to the Crown he caused him to be murthered by the hands of Peter de Mauley one of his Esquires unto whom for the reward of that wicked service he gave the Heir of the Barony of Mulgreve to Wife As to the manner of his death it is said That passing from one Ship to another to go into England as a prisoner a Marriner laid a Plank in such a sort that as soon as he trode upon it he fell into the Sea and was drowned Having thus given an account of this Earldoms Succession from Alan the first to Conan the last of the ancient Earls whose sole Daughter and Heir Constance first took to Husband Geffrey Fourth Soâ to King Henry the Second As also of the Murther of Arthur her only Son who had no issue and that she afterwards married to Ranulph Earl of Chester who in her right enjoyed it I shall now observe that this Constance being at length divorced from Earl Ranulph by reason of Adultery married lastly to Guy de Toarche and had issue by him a Daughter called Alice who after the death of her Parents remaining in Ward to the King of France was by that King given in marriage to Sir Peter Maâclere a Knight of his with Britanny and what else was of her Inheritance Not long after which King Ioân being highly discontented towards those of his Barons who had extorted from him the two notable Charters of their Liberties called Magna Carta and Carta de Ferestâ which bear date 15 Iunii in Seventeenth of His Reign upon his recess from London with purpose to raise what strength he could for the redeeming himself out of their power by his Letteâs directed to this Peter bearing date at Warham in Com. Dors. 12 Aug. next ensuing in which he calls him Earl of Britanny did signifie That in case he would come into England he would restore unto him the Honor of Richmund with its Appurtenances as appertaining to his said Earldom of Britany and thereupon required him to hasten over with all possible speed well furnished with Horse and Arms as also to bring with him what power he could raise for his aid and to do his homage with what service otherwise he ought to perform Whereupon he came and had Livery of all the Lands pertaining to that Honor in right of his said Wife And not long after that viz in 3 Hen. 3. agreed That the King should thenceforth have of the Knights Fees belonging thereto Thirty on the South of Humâer such as he should chuse After which that King became so cordial to him as that in 14 of His Reign he did by his Letters Patents declare That so long as the Wars with the French should continue he would assist him giving him by those his Letters the title of Duke of Britanny and Earl of Richmund with Four hundred Knights and One hundred Servants on Horsback of which number One hundred to be of his own Knights as also that he would give him pay for Three hundred Knights and an Hundred Servants more and for performance thereof obliged himself by Oath Richard Earl of Cornwal with some other eminent persons doing the like as undertakers for him therein Nevertheless though the King then gave him the Appellation of Earl of ãâã he had not the compleat fruition of that Barony Ranulph Earl of Chester retaining the Lands thereof in his hands until by a special Precept to the Bishop of Chichester then Lord Chancellor and Stephen de Segrave afterwards Justice of England command was given that Livery should forthwith be made to him thereof After which viz. the next ensuing year he
the Castle of âamburgh and laid siege thereto but discerning it invincible in regard of the Lakes and Waters hindering any near access he raised a strong Fort at some distance for defence of the Countrey as also for restraint of the Rebels Sallics and Manned and Victualled the same sufficiently Which with the numerous Field Forces that the King then had being discerned caused many of the party to revolt This Rebellious Earl being therefore thus besieged and finding his condition desperate fled out of that Castle by night but passing from Castle to Castle was at length taken by the Kings Soldiers and kept prisoner for the space of almost thirty years where he died as my Author saith leaving no issue Others report that he did thus put himself in Arms against King William Rufus for Gods cause viz. For his banishing of Anselme Archbishop of Canterbury and destruction of divers Churches for his making the New Forest in Hantshire But certain it is that being taken as is already observed he was carried prisoner to Windsore and there detained by Rufus and afterwards by King Henry the First for the space of almost thirty four years that he died Howbeit in some sort to expiate for these his enormities let us now look upon his Works of Piety which had precedence in point of time unto these his Rebellious Actions Certain it is that he was the great restorer of the Church of S. Oswyne at âinmouth which had lain long desolate unto that glory it after had and procured from Paul the then venerable Abbot of S. Albans some of his Monks to be transmitted thither amply endowing the same with Lands and Possessions and annexing it as a Cell to that great Monastery Afterwards he was shorn a Monk in the Abbey of S. Albans where he departed this life in the year 1106. 7 Hen. 1. This Earl took to Wife Maud the Daughter of Richerius de Aquila Neece to Hugh Earl of Chester by Iudith Sister to the said Hugh but of this marriage she had little joy the Rebellion of her Husband so soon ensuing and afterwards his long imprisonment So that considering she had not the Society of him as an Husband she was by the special leave of Pope Paschal permitted to marry unto Nigel de Albani who by the gift of King Henry the First had all the Lands of the said Earl given unto him Which Nigel after he had lived a while with her had a mind to another Wife wherefore taking advantage of the death of Gilbert de Aquila her Brother he put her away because she was the Wife of his Kinsman and wedded another as I shall shew in due place Earls of Huntendon and Northampton OF these Counties Siward the great Earl of Northumberland was Earl before the Norman Conquest as I have already manifested in my Discourse of him under the title of Northumberland ante Conquestum and after him Waltheof his Son by the gift of King Edward the Confessor as Ingulphus testifieth notwithstanding others do say that he had them in marriage with Iudith Neece to King William the Conqueror by that Kings donation Both which expression may very well stand together for though Earl Waltheof first possessed them by the gift of King Edward yet considering that after the Norman Duke had made an absolute Conquest here whereby he obtained the Crown of this Realm no Englishman continued the possession of any estate he formerly had but by his special favor So that this Waltheof was then necessitated to submit to the pleasure of the new King and accept of Northumberland upon condition of his true allegiance to the Victorious Norman and of these Counties of Huntendon and Northampton as a Marriage Portion with the same Iudith the Conquerors Neece to the intent he should by the Bond of Affinity as well as Gratitude become a good and Faithful Subject unto that King But having spoken at large of this Waltheof and Iudith under the title of Northumberland post Conquestum where it will appear that he being charged for conspiring with Raphe Earl Norfolk and Roger Earl of Hereford to destroy or expel King William and for that pretended Crime lost his Life and Honor. Moreover that thereupon the King disposed the Government of Northumberland to Walcher Bishop of Durham and offered Iudith his Neece Widow of the said Waltheof unto Simon S. Liz a Noble Norman Son of Randulph le Rich who with his Brother Garnerius le Rich came over into England with the Conqueror I shall here observe that she refusing him in regard he halted of one Leg the King grew so displeased with her as that he seised upon the Castle and Honor of Huntendon which she then held in Dower it having been formerly granted to her and her heirs exposing her and her daughters to shift for themselves in the Isle of Ely and other obscure places and bestowed upon the said Simon the Town of Northampton with the whole Hundred of Falkeley then valued at Forty pound per annum to provide Shooes for his Horses Simon therefore not gaining the Mother by the advice of his Friends took to Wife Maud her eldest Daughter and thereupon had this Earldom of Huntendon given unto him by the King It doth not directly appear at what time it was that the Conqueror advanced him to these Earldoms of Huntendon and Northampton but certain it is that he had them both for Ingulphus also who lived then expresly affirms as much This Earl Simon built the Castle of Northampton as also the Priories of S. Andrews there about the Eighteenth year of the Conquerors Reign which Priory stood near to that Castle plentifully endowing it and making it subordinate to the Abbey of our Lady of Charity in ... He gave to the Priory of S. Fridiswide in Oxford the Church of Pidington in that County As also to the Knights-Templers the Mannor of Meriton And confirmed to the Priory of Daventrey these several Churches situate in Northamptonshire viz. Foxton Lubenho Scaldford Guthmundley Bitlesbroc and Braybroc Moreover he was one of the Witnesses to those Laws which were made by King Henry the First in An. 1100. that being the first year of his Reign After which in the same Kings time he went into the Holy Land but in his return died at the Abbey of Charity before expressed and was there buried He took to Wife Maud the eldest Daughter of Earl Waltheof as I have already inââanced and died in France leaving Issue by her Simon his eldest Son Waltheof Abbot of Melros in Scotland and Maud hath first married to Robert Son of Richard de Tonebrigge Progenitor to the Noble Family of the Fitz-Walters antiently Barons of this Realm and afterwards to William de Albani of Belvoir ¶
the King to give him some Land which would bear Wheat whereby he might the better nourish his Nephew the King therefore granted unto him the Lordship of ãâã in Lincolnshire Others making mention of this gift unto Odo call it Comitatum Holderness The County or Earldom of Holderness which contains a large part of Yorkshire on the North-East side thereof But of this Earl Odo I have not seen any more of note than that he was a partaker with Robert de Molbray Earl of Northumberland and those other Conspirators in Anno 1096. 9 Wil. Rufi for the pulling down King William Rufus and advancing Stephen his Aunts Son who was afterwards King to the Crown of this Realm for which he was imprisoned And that he with Stephen his Son gave to the Abbey of S. Maries at York the Mannor of Hornshay with the Church as also Maââam with the Fishing belonging thereto and Thorpe near adjoyning The Lordships whereof he was possest as appears by the Conquerors Survey were only these viz. Simpling Scerdatre Belestede Herchestede Guthulnesford Helmele Clopetune Burg Depebec Bulges Mungaden Beâmele Cloptune and Brantestune in Suffolk This Countess also then holding Barle and Scidmehau in Esseâ for Holdeness was not given him till after that Survey This Odo left issue Stephen his Successor in that Honor as also a Daughter called Iudith married to Waltheof Earl of Northumberland and Huntingdon Which Stephen carried the title of Earl of Albemarle and stood firm to King William Rufus against Robert Curthose Duke of Normandy But when Curthose finding himself not able to contend with his Brother Rufus made peace with him taking upon him the Cross in that famous expedition to the Holy Land in which Godfrey Duke of Lorrain and divers Christian Princes were gone before this Earl Stephen accompanied him And the year following upon the Conjunction of the Christian Forces behaved himself courageously in that great Battle wherein Coberan was General of the Turkish Army near Antioch Hugh the Great Earl of Uermandois leading the Van of the Christians the Earl of Flanders with Robert de Frison the Middle Part Robert Curthose and this our Stephen the Rear And on the Fourth Calends of Iuly obtained a glorious Victory with spoils of extraordinary value He also continued Loyal to King Henry the First for a time but a length joyned with Hugh de Gornay and others against him in order to the restoring of Curthose to all his Fathers Honors and to that end fortified the Monastery of the Holy Trinity situate upon the Mount at Roan After which when Hugh de Gornay and the rest made their peace with the King he stood out single but at length seeing his danger by the approach of the Kings Army then submitting with all humility had his liberty and quiet But in An. 1129. 27 Hen. 1. he broke out again adhering to Lewes then King of France and the cheif Nobility of that Realm for the advancing of William Son to Robert Curthose to the Crown who was a gallant young Man bold and valiant but banished by King Henry Howbeit their endeavors therein came to nothing so powerful in Wealth and Friends was King Henry grown For of those that thus adventured some lost their lives some were imprisoned and some disherited so that what became of this our Stephen I can give no account I shall therefore close up this my Story of him with that great Work of Piety viz. The Foundation of the Monastery of âlbemarle in Normandy begun by Adcliza his Mother Daughter to King William the Conqueror as I have already observed who had formerly given the Church of S. Martin built by his Ancestors near to the Castle at Albemarle unto the Monks of S. Lucian at Belvace Therefore to perfect so good a Work this Earl Stephen added divers Lands and Tithes in France with these Churches and Tithes in England viz. Pagle now Paul Pâeston Eschecheling Wisornewic Wogle Frohingeham Mapleton Tonestall Esington Bââstall Chinlesâ Chaingâham and the Tithes of his Castle at Aldebourge all in Yorkshire as I take it and in Lincoinshire these viz. Carâenton Wilesby Barow Grosseby Audâlby and Bilham Not forgetting his munificence to the Abbey of S. Maries at Yoâk for he gave unto it Fulford with the whole Soke belonging thereto and Fostune as also in Hâepâtune ãâã and ãâã two Carucates of Land in Acastre five Bovates in the other Fulford eleven Bovates in Choânton two Carucates Flaxtone eleven Bovates in Fulford three Carucates and in Aâwaldethorp one Carucate Nor his pious Donation made to the Monastery of S. Martins de Champ in the Suburbs of ãâã of the Churches of Arenis for the health of his Soul and the Soul of Hawise his Wife Raphe de Mortimer and Milisent his Wife Father and Mother of her the said Hawise of whose Inheritance it was With which Hawise he had in marriage the Towns of ââorston and âârrow and left issue by her three Sons William his Successor sirnamed le Grosse Stephen and Ingelram and four Daughters the first ... married to the Vidam of Pynkeney the second to the Vidam of Uerberay the third to Bertran de Brikebet all French and Normans and the fourth to William de Romare and after his death to Peter de Brus both great Men in England ¶ Which Earl William le Grosse was a person of no small note in his time whether we look upon him in reference to his Secular Actions or those tending to his Souls health as then was taught For as to the first being then a gallant young Man Iuvenis tunc strenuissimus in armis multum excercitatus habens secum tam de ponciis quà m de Morinis milites plurimos non minus astutiâ militari quà m animi virtute praestantes He was the cheif of these great Peers that gave Battle to the Scots at North Alverton in An. 1138. when David their King had invaded the North with a mighty Army challenging Northumberland for his Son Henry in right of Maud Daughter and Heir to Earl Waltheof Wife of David and Mother to the said Henry as under the title of Huntendon I have more at large shewed having under his command many stout and expert Soldiers the rest being these as followeth viz. Walter de Gant Robert de Brus Roger de Mulbray Walter Espec William de Percy Bernard de Bailloi Richard de Cursi William Fossard Robert de Estoteville Ilbert de Lacy William Peverell with the Power of Nottinghamshire Robert Ferrers with those of Derbishire and Geffrey Hanselyn who all encamping near that place scil North Alverton on the Octaves of the Assumption of our Blessed Lady where the venerable Thurstan then Archbishop of York had caused
To whom succeeded in this Earldom William de Mandevil Earl of Essex in Right of Hawise his Wife Daughter and sole Heir as it should seem to the same Earl William le Grosse For it is said of this William de Mandevil that after his return from the Holy Land on which Voyage he went in An. 1176. Hawistam filiam Comitis de Albamarla cum totâ Patris Haereditate desponsavit He wedded Hawise the Daughter of Albemarle with the whole Inheritance of her Father And that he had the title of Earl of Albemarle is clear enough But of that Earl viz. William de Mandevil having occasion to speak more largely in Essex I shall now say no more than that he departed this life at Roan in Normandy in the Moneth of November An. 1189. 1 Rich 1. leaving no issue by this Hawise who afterwards taking William de Fortibus to her Husband he was also in her Right Earl of Albemarle and Lord of Holderneâs ¶ This William de Fortibus being with King Richard the First at Chinon in Anjou in the second year of His Reign was there constituted one of the Admirals of his whole Fleet wherewith shortly after Easter that year they sailed towards Ierusalem In which journey passing betwixt Affrica and Spain after many Tempests they came to Marseilles on the Octaves of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin and on Holy Rood day to Messana in Sicily In the same year upon Collection of the Scutage for Wales he answered Six pound Ten shillings for the Barony of Skipton and Ten pound for the Knights Fees appertaining to his Earldom of Albemarâe In 6 Rich. 1. upon levying the Scutage for the Redemption of King Richard from his imprisonment in Almaine he was acquitted in regard he had been with him in his Army in Normandy and in that year departed this life leaving issue William de Fortibus his Son and Heir but in regard that Hawise his Wife was Heir to this Earldom and that surviving him she married again to Baldwine de Betun then Earl of the Isle of ãâã the said Baldwine enjoyed this Earldom in her Right by the savor of King Richard From whom also he had such great respects that he received by his Grant the Mannors of Luiton Waneting and Norton and was sent in the Nineth year of His Reign together with the then Bishops of Durham and Ely to be present at the election of the Roman Emperor viz. Otho Nephew to that King In 2 Ioh. this Earl Baldwine had a Grant from the King to himself and Hawise his Wife and their Heirs that they should enjoy the Town of Heddune in Holderness for a Free Borough in as full a manner as the Burgesses of York held theirs In 5 Ioh. he granted to William Mareschal Earl of Pembroke with Alice his Daughter in Frank-marriage the Lordships of Brabourn Surton and âemesing in Kent Luiton in Bedfordshire Rollesham in Norfolk Waneting in Berkshire Severnstoke in Worcestershire and Norton in Northamptonshire to hold to them and their Heirs In the same year King Iohn bestowed on him all the Lands and Possessions of the Advocate of Betun within this Realm of England And moreover granted to him a Fair yearly to be held at his Lordship of Skipton in Yorkshire as also License to Afforest his Lands at Apeltrewyke for two miles in length c. And likewise all his Lands in Craven as the Bounderies thereof extend betwixt the same and the Lands of the Constable of Chester for the length of five miles In 13 Ioh. this Earl Baldwine upon Collection of the Scutage for Scotland answered Fourscore marks for Twenty Knights Fees belonging to his Countess Hawisia and Fifty two marks for Thirteen Knights Fees of the Inheritance of Alice de Rumelli her Mother Wife of Alexander Fitz-Gerold and died the next year following viz. An. 1212. 14 Ioh. leaving the same Hawisia alive who then gave no less than the Sum of Five thousand marks for to have the Possession of her Inheritance and Dowries and that she might not be compelled to marry again All that I have farther known of her is That in her pure Widowhood after the death of Baldwine de Betun her last Husband she bestowed on the Monks of Gerondon in Leicestershire for the health of the Soul of William de Mandevill Earl of Essex her first Husband her own and her Ancestors Souls four Carucates of Land in Estwell And that she made an ample Confirmation to the Monks of Meaux of all the Possessions given at the Foundation of that Abbey by William Earl of Albemarle her Father and of all other the Lands wherewith it was endowed ¶ Unto which Baldwine de Betun succeeded in this Earldom of Albemarle William de Fortibus the Second Son to the before specified Hawise by William de Fortibus her second Husband Unto whom King Iohn in the Sixteenth of His Reign confirmed all the Lands which accrued to him by Inheritance from his Mother This William in 17 Ioh. taking part with the Rebellious Barons against the King was one of the Five and twenty chosen by them for Governing the Realm And upon the invitation of those Rebellious Barons repaired to London with many other and joyned with them and not only so but obliged himself by Oath with those Five and twenty above expressed to observe the Tenor of the Great Charter and Charter of the Forest signed by the King at Runmmede as also to compel the King so to do in case he should receed therefrom But he soon after fell off from his Party and adhered to the King being with him in his expedition that very year when he made such spoil and rapine in the Northern Parts Yea he increased so much in his favor that he obtained a Grant of all the Lands which belonged to Aliâe his Sister then Wife to William Mareschall the younger and the next year ensuing was made Governor of the Castles of Rockingham in ãâã Sauvey near Ouston Abbey in Leicestershâre and Bitham in Lincolnshiâe with strict command to destroy all the Houses Parks and Possessions of those Barons who were in Arms against the King Upon the death of King Iohn he also stood firm to King Henry the Third having the custody of that Castle of ãâã committed to him in the first year of His Reign and was one of those great Men who on the Kings behalf laid siege to Mountâorell Castle in Leicesteâshire then held on the behalf of the Rebellious Barons by Henry de Braybroâ so likewise at the raising of that siege of Lincoln Castle by the overthrow of their whole Army was one of the cheif Commanders on the Kings part But having by this course of
year following was joyned in Commission with P. Bishop of Winchester William Earl of Arundel and Hubart de Burgo Justice of England to treat with R. Earl of Clare and some other of the Rebellious Barons for a peaceable composure betwixt the King and them which Treaty was to be in the Church of Erehey i. e. Erith In 17 Ioh. the King granted to him the Mannor of Offinton in Lincolnshire part of the Possessions of William de Albini of Belvoir then in Arms for the better support of his Castle at Stanford But afterwards he fell off and adhered to the Rebellious Barons Howbeit when the King met them at Runnimede he was one who most inclined to him and by whose advice Magna Charta was granted Yet he soon after submitted to the Five and twenty Barons whom they that had been in Arms against the King made choice of to do what they should deem best in case the King should recede from the Great Charter and Charter of the Forest which he had sealed at Runnimede And likewise a Witness to that Charter which the King passed in the New Temple at London unto the Archbishop of Canterbury and others for confirmation of the Rights of the Church and Clergy of England And the year following when Lewes Son to the King of France being called in by the Rebellious Barons landed in England was one of those who at his Summons came and did fealty to him concluding That he would obtain the Crown The King therefore discerning his fidelity thus doubtful sent his Precept to him to deliver up his Castle at Pevensey unto Matthew Fitz-Herbert with command to demolish it But the death of that King hapning the same year altered the Scene for divers of the great Men standing stoutly to young Henry his Son Crowned him King So that Lewes at length seeing how things framed was content to quit the Realm whereupon this our Earl came in and swore fealty to King Henry In 9 Hen. 3. it being resolved at the earnest importunity of the Nobility that Falcasâus de Breant a Foreigner a person who had been instrumental in divers oppressions both in King Iohns time and since should be perpetually banished This Earl William had command to conduct him safe to the Sea Coast and then to leave him to the Winds which he did accordingly in the Moneth of March. In An. 1227. 11 Hen. 3. upon that great difference betwixt the King and Richard Earl of Cornwal his Brother concerning a certain Mannor belonging to that Earldom and which the King had given away whilest Richard was beyond Sea unto Walerand Teutonic a Fleming he was one of those who on the behalf of Earl Richard met at Stanford with a great power and sent a Minatory Message to the King not only to require restitution thereof to his Brother but to restore unto them that Charter which he had lately cancelled at Oxford concerning the Liberties of the Forest. In An. 1232. 17 Hen. 3. upon that high crime laid to the charge of Hubert de Burgh sometime Justice of England that he had accumulated much Treasure and left it in the custody of the Templers to keep which being found true some would have had him put to death This Earl William was one of those who undertook for his forth coming and sent him thereupon to the Castle of Devises to be there secured At the solemn Nuptials of King Henry the Third with Alianor his Queen Daughter to Reymund Earl of Province at which time the King and Queen rode in extraordinary state through the City of London and the sumptuous Feast at that time made This Earl served the King of his Royal Cup in the Earl of Arundels stead who being in minority could not perform that Office in regard he was not then girt with the Sword of Knighthood That this Earldom was very great doth appear by the Knights Fees it held of the King about this time being no less than Sixty two in the Rape of Lewes besides Thirty and an half in the Rape of Pevenesel of the Fee of Gilbert de Aquilâ In An. 1237. 21 H. 3. the King then exacting a Thirtieth part of all his Subjects movable Goods as a compensation for confirming the Great Charter and Charter of the Forest did accept of three great Peers for his Council whereof this our Earl was the cheif whom he caused to swear that they would not for any respect whatsoever give any other than good and wholesome advice Who was also one of the four in whose hands that great Tax was then deposited to the intent it might be imployed to the sole benefit of the King and Kingdom when need should require In An. 1238. 22 Hen. 3. upon that notable discord which hapned at Oxâord betwixt Otto the Popes Legate and the Scholars of that University the King sent this Earl with a power of Soldiers to appease the same who apprehended divers Italians and Scholars that had committed foul outrages there at that time and carried them prisoners to the Castle of Wasââingford This great Earl had the Sheriffalty of Surrey from the Fifth to the Tenth of King Henry the Thirds Reign inclusive and married two Wives the first Maud Daughter to ... Earl of Arundel who died without issue and lieth buried in the Chapter-House at Lewes The second likewise called Maud Widow of Hugh Bigod Earl of Norfolk and Marshal of England eldest Sister and one of the Coheirs of Anselme Mareschal Earl of Pembroke and falling sick at London did there depart this life upon the Sixth Calends of Iune An. 1240. 24 Hen. 3. and was buried in the midst of the Quire in the Abbey of Lewes before the High Altar leaving issue by Maud his last Wife Iohn his Son and Successor and Isabel a Daughter Wife to Hugh de Albini Earl of Arundel for whose Marriage he gave Three hundred marks fine in 17 H. 3. Which Maud surviving him had the custody of the Castle of Cuniburg committed to her in 26 Hen. 3. and in 30 Hen. 3. received Livery by the King himself of the Marshals Rod being the eldest who by Inheritance ought to enjoy that great Office by Descent from Walter Mareschal sometime Earl of Pembroke Whereupon the Lord Treasurer and Barons of the Exchequer had command to cause her to have all Rights thereto belonging and to admit of such a Deputy to sit in the Eâchequer for her as she should assign This Maud had also the custody of Strigoââ Castle till her death which hapned in 32 Hen. 3. ¶ I come now to Iohn Son to the last William This Earl in An. 1247. 31 Hen. 3. being then but young
Grand-fathers Foundation leaving issue by Agnes his Wife Daughter of ... Earl of Arundel two Sons Nigel and Roger. ¶ Which Nigel in 8 Hen. 3. paying Five hundred pounds for his Releif had Livery of all his Lands and the same year accounted One hundred seventy six marks and an half for Fourscore and eight Fees and a fourth part upon Collection of the Scutage of Montgomery This Nigel de Moubray Wedded Maud the Daughter and Heir to Roger de Camvil but had no issue by her and departing this life at Nantz in Britanny in the Thirteenth year of King Henry the Third was there buried After which in 14 H. 3. Ralph Fitz-Nicholas the Kings Steward gave to the King Five hundred pounds that he might have the marriage of the same Maud for one of his Sons And in 17 Hen. 3. Hugh de Patshul her Uncle paid Three hundred marks fine to Hubert de Burgh to have the custody of the Lands of the same Nigel as also that she might marry to whom she should please and have her Dowry in the Mannors of Hovingham and Burton in Yorkshire as also in the Lordship of Rivers in Kent And in 18 Hen. 3. Iohn Earl of Lincoln and Constable of Chester having for the Fine of a thousand marks gained the custody of the Lands of this Nigel with the Wardship and Marriage of Roger his Brother and Heir which sum he was to pay into the Kings Exchequer by Five hundred marks per annum obtained favor to pay the same by Three hundred marks per annum And in 22 Hen. 3. affigned this his Wardship to Thomas de Furnival a great Baron who had a purpose to marry him unto his eldest Daughter But that marriage did not take effect as it seems for certain it is That this Roger took to Wife Maud the Daughter of William de Beauchamp of Bedford and being of full age in 25 Hen. 3. doing his homage had Livery of his Lands In 29 H. 3. this Roger de Moubray paid Eighty eight pounds five shillings for those Eighty eight Knights Fees and a fourth part which he held of the King upon Collection of the Aid for marrying of the Kings eldest Daughter And in 38 Hen. 3. the like sum upon making the Kings eldest Son Knight In 42 Hen. 3. when the Scots most disloyally held their King in restraint whom King Henry whose Daughter he had married took into Protection this Roger received command amongst other of the Northern Barons to prepare himself with Horse and Arms and to march into Scotland with such Forces as King Henry should send thither for rescue of that King out of the hands of those Rebels The same year he had likewise Summons to attend the King at Chester sufficiently accoutred with Horse and Arms to restrain the insolencies of the Welsh then in Arms under Lemelin ap Griffin Prince of Wales who had committed divers outrages in the Marches In 44 Hen. 3. he had the like Summons to be at Shrewsâury on the day of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin to march against the same Lewelin and his adherents And the next year following to be in like sort armed at London on the morrow after Simon and Iudes day So also in 47 Hen. 3. at Worcester on the Feast day of S. Peter ad Vincnla thence to attend the King in Person upon his expedition into Wales But not long after scil in 51 Hen. 3. He departed this life in the Isle of Axhoâme and was buried in the Friers Preachers at Poutfract in which year the King rendred to Maud his Widow the eldest of the Coheirs of Ioan de Beauchamp deceased the Castle of Bedford and confirmed the Grant which Richard King of the Romans the Kings Brother had made to the same Maud of the custody of Roger her Son and Heir then in minority Which Maud soon after became the Wife of Roger le Strange Besides this Roger de Moubray he had divers other Children viz. Robert Andrew Iohn Edmund and William all which died without issue and three Daughters whose names I find not I now come to Roger de Moubray Son and Heir to the before specified Roger and Maud. This Roger in 6 Edw. 2. making proof of his age and doing his homage had Livery of his whole Inheritance And in 10 Edw. 1. Entailed all his Lordships of Chresk Kirby-Maleiart Burton in Lonesdale Hovingham Melton-Moubray Eppeworth and the whole Isle of Arholme upon the Heirs of his own Body lawfully begotten and for default of such issue upon Henry de Lacy Earl of Lincoln and his Heirs In the same year being in the Wars of Wales he had Scutage of all his Tenants In 13 Edw. 1. he levied a Fine of the Mannor of Balshal in Com. War upon a Warranty of his Ancestors Charter whereby that Lordship was first given to the Knights Templars For which respect he was made partaker of all their Prayers and other their devout exercises In 15 Edw. 1. he was in another Welsh expedision In 22 Edw. 1. 8 Iunii he had Summons amongst others to attend the King with all speed wheresoever he should be to give his advice concerning the great Affairs of the Realm and the same year received command to repair to him at Portsmouth well provided of Horse and Arms and thence to attend him into Gââcoigne for defence of that Province against the French He had also Summons to the several Parliaments of 23 24 2 Edw. 1. And in the same twenty fifth year being in that expedition which the King made into Flanders was in the company of the then Bishop of Durham where he departed this life in Gant the next year following whereupon his Body was brought over into England and buried in the Abbey of Fountains By Râse his Wife Sister to Gilbert Earl of Clare he left issue Iohn de Moubray his Son and Heir born 2 Novemb. 14 Edw. 1. whose Wardship and Marriage was given by the King to William de Brewes of Gowher to the end he might marry Aliva Daughter of that William Which marriage was consummated accordingly she afterwards becoming one of the Coheirs to the same William ¶ Which Iohn in 34 Edw. 1. had Livery of all her Lands though he was not of full age in regard he then attended the King into Scotland well accoutred with Horse and Arms that being the time when Aymer de Valence Earl of Pembroke so successfully advanced against Robert de Brus Crowned King of Scotland and the same year received the Order of Knighthood with Prince Edward and many other in great solemnity In 35 Edw. 1. he still continued in Scotland And in 4 Edw. 2. received command to attend the King at ãâã
First and likewise a Ratification of the Lordships of Eresham Walesham Alvergate and Aclay Notwithstanding which favors in 19 Hen. 2. he took part with Robert Earl of Leicester in that disloyal Insurrection then began by him adhering to young Henry whom King Henry had Crowned in his Rebellious practises against his Father and received from him a Grant of the whole Honor of Eye in Suffolk as also the custody of the Castle at Norwich And the better to support himself therein received the French and Flemings into all his Castles But in these his extravagant enterprises he thrived not long for the King prevailing demolished his Castle at Walton and advanced towards his other places of strength at Franângham and Bungey wherein having no more than Five hundred Soldiers many of which discerning their danger fled away despairing also of any farther supply he made his peace with the King for a Fine of a thousand marks and rendring those Castles with much difficulty obtained leave from the King that the Flemings might return into their own Countrey Not long after this he went into the Holy Land with the Earl of Flanders and died in An. 1177. 23 Hen. 2. Whereupon the King seised upon all his Treasure and retained it in his hands ¶ To this Hugh succeeded Roger his Son and Heir whom King Richard the First by his Charter dated at Westminster 27 Nov. in the first year of His Reign did again constitute Earl of Norfolk as fully as Hugh his Father enjoyed that Honor in the time of King Henry the Second And moreover rendred to him his Office of Steward to hold as freely as Roger his Grandfather or Hugh his Father held the same He likewise ratified unto him those Lordships of Eresham Walesham Alvergate and Aclay And restored and confirmed unto him all the Lands of Aubrey de Insulâ beyond Humber and on this side Humber id est Setrington and Holebrock with their Appurtenances and specially those Lands which did not any service to Belvoir Castle in the time of King Henry the First Moreover within the compass of the same year he made him one of his Ambassadors to Philip King of France for obtaining Aid towards the recovery of the Holy Land But for this favor from the King of enjoying the Earldom of Norfolk and that Hugh his Brother should not have Livery of any Lands which were his Fathers except by judgment of the Kings Court and his Peers he gave no less than a thousand marks to the King Shortly after this viz. in 3 Rich. 1. he was one of the Sureties for William de Longcamp Bishop of Ely then Chancellor to the King for performance of those Articles of Peace which were then concluded on betwixt Iohn Earl of Noreton and that Bishop King Richard then being in the Holy Land And when tidings were brought into England that King Richard was made captive in Almaine he received command from the same Bishop who was then newly returned from those parts to go back with him thither Moreover after the return of King Richard from his captivity 6 Rich. 1. he attended him with the rest of the Nobles in that great Council then held at Nottingham And at his second Coronation was one of those Four Earls that carried the Silken Canopy over his head In 2 Ioh. he was sent together with Philip Bishop of Durham with Letters of safe conduct unto William King of Scotland to require his speedy repair unto Lincoln where the King then held his Parliament to do his homage to King Iohn And in 15 Ioh. attended him into Poictou But afterwards scil in 17 Ioh. taking part with the Rebellious Barons was one of those that met together in an hostile manner first at Stamford and next at Brackley and discerning their own power exacted from him those strict Covenants whereby the Government was put into the hands of Twenty five of their party himself being one for which unparallel'd insolence he was with the rest of his complices excommunicated by Pope Innocent the Third In 5 H. 3. there being a determination made in the great Council then held at Oxford of that dispute which had in former times been raised betwixt the Earl of Leicester and this Earl Roger concerning the Stewardship of the Kings Houshold command was given to Ranulph Earl of Chester who had then the custody of the Earldom of Leicester that he should render unto this Earl Roger what was then remaining of the Ten Knights Fees belonging thereto In which fifth year of King Henry the Third he died as it seems for Hugh his Son had then Livery of his Lands performing his homage Another Son he had called William unto whom Robert de Sutton gave in Frank-Marriage with Margaret his Daughter all his Lands in Sutton and Bures with the Advowson of the Church as also the Serjeanty of the Hundred of Berstaple and Suit of all his Lands at Langedon with the Advowson of that Church which Grant was confirmed by King Iohn in the Eleventh of His Reign He had also a Daughter called Margery Wife of William de Hastings Son of William and had by the gift of her Father the Mannor of Little Bradley in Frank-Marriage But I return to Hugh In 7 Hen. 3. this Earl Hugh being with the Kings Army in Wales had Scutage levied upon all his Tenants that held of him by Military service in the Counties of Norfolk Suffolk York Essex and Leicester But of him I can say no more than that he took to Wife Maud the eldest Daughter of William Mareschal Earl of Pembroke by whom he had issue Roger who succeeded him in his Honors as also Hugh a younger Son who in 41 Hen. 3. was by the then prevalent power of the Barons made Justice of England And that departing this life in An. 1225. 9 Hen. 3. Alexander King of Scotland for the sum of Five hundred marks obtained the Wardship of Roger his Son and Heir Which Roger had formerly married Isabel Sister to the same King Alexander scil in 9 Hen. 3. In 17 Hen. 3. the King celebrating the Feast of Pentecost at Slocester girt this Roger with the Sword of Knighthood But soon after he was one of those that adhered to Richard Mareschal Earl of Pembroke in his Rebellious Actings In 18 Hen. 3. he had Livery of Framelingham Castle by the Kings special Precept In 21 Hen. 3. there being great animosities betwixt the Nobles of England a Tourneament was held at Blithe in Nottinghamshire where those of the South sided against them of the North In which Tourneament they falling to hostility the Southern Lords had the better of the day But in that Action none behaved himself more bravely than
for Livery of the Mannor of Okham By this Isabel he had issue also three Sons viz. Ralph Robert and Philip. But of her I have seen no more than that she Founded a Nunnery at Lechelade and was there buried This Roger died 8 Kal. Iuly An. 1215. 17 Ioh. to whom succeeded Hugh Which Hugh in the time of those Wars betwixt King Iohn and the Barons though much sollicited otherwise by Lewelin Prince of Wales and Giles de Braose then Bishop of Hereford adhered stoutly to the King Whereupon Lewelin with Wenwyn-Wen Prince of Powys and Maylgon another potent Welshman together with the Bishop of Hereford entred his Castle of Kamaran and utterly demolished it for which he had afterwards recompence For about that time Gualo the Popes Legate coming into England with authority from Rome pronounced Sentence of Excommunication against all those who had taken away ought from the King or from any of his adherents unless they made timely satisfaction Whereupon there was a Conference held at Wigmore unto which Lewelin coming he did without any constraint acknowledge all the Territory of Melenith to be the Right and Inheritance of this Hugh and commanded all his Tenants there to yield obedience to him Moreover for the damage which he and his Tenants had suffered from the Welsh which were at that meeting estimated at Five hundred marks it was there ordered by Stephen Archbishop of Canterbury and the other Lords then present that Lewelyn should pay one third part thereof Maylgon another and Wenhoven as much In 16 Ioh. this Hugh amongst the Barons Marchers had Summons to attend the King at Cirencester upon Munday next after the Vtas of the Clause of Easter well accoutred with Horse and Arms for himself and all the power he could make And having had the custody of the Castle of Stratton-Oale in 17 Ioh. he received command to deliver it up to Hugh de Nevil but standing still firm to the King he had the Castle of Holgot given him in 18 Ioh. which was part of the Possessions of Thomas Manduit then in Rebellion with the Barons And in 7 Hen. 3. was in that expedition made into Wales He took to Wife Annora Daughter of William de Braose and had One hundred shillings Land in Cherleton and Chiriton with her in marriage which she afterwards held during her Widowhood and having been much wounded in a Tourneament departed this life 4 Id. Nov. An. 1227. 11 Hen. 3. without issue and was buried in the Abbey at Wigmore To whom succeeded Ralph his Brother by the Father Of which Ralph it is memorable That in the life time of his Brother Hugh King Iohn losing Normandy in regard he refused to do homage for it to the King of France being then there for the defence of that Countrey he was taken prisoner by the French and that the Welsh hearing thereof came to Wigmore and having plundered the Abbey burnt it all to the ground except the Church Succeeding his Brother to that great Inheritance in 12 Hen. 3. he paid One hundred pound for his Releif and thereupon had Livery of all his Lands lying in the Counties of Glocester Southampton Becks Salop and Hereford In 17 Hen. 3. the King requiring Hostages of the Barons Marchers for their Fidelity the times being then troublesome this Ralph delivered unto him Henry the Son and Heir to Sir Brian de Brompton who was thereupon committed to the custody of William de Stutevil And in 22 Hen. 3. the King fearing some disturbances from Lewelin Prince of Aberfraw by reason that he exacted homage from all the cheif Men of North Wales and Powys amongst other of the Barons Marchers required this Ralph to attend him at Oxford upon Tuesday next after the Quinzime of Easter there to advise concerning that and other important business And in 24 Hen. 3. according to the Decree made by Gualo the Popes Legate concerning the Territory of Melenith in the time of his Brother Hugh the King sent his Precept to the Sheriff of Herefordshire to deliver possession thereof unto this Ralph After this viz. in 26 Hen. 3. upon that expedition then made into Gascoigne he received command to provide himself with Horse and Arms for that service Being a person of a Military Disposition he built two more Castles in Melenith viz. Kevencles and Knoclas whereby he exceedingly enlarged his Possessions upon the Welsh and much restrained their bold incursions So that Prince Lewelin seeing that he could not cope with him gave him his Daughter Gladuse Duy in marriage with all his Lands of Kery and Kedewyn as also all the Castles and Forts in both of them But more I have not seen of him till his death which hapned 8 Id. Aug. An. 1246. 30 Hen. 3. Whereupon he was buried with his Ancestors in the Abbey at Wigmore leaving issue four Sons viz. Roger the eldest then in minority Peter Iohn a Gray Frier at Shrewsbury and Hugh Lord of Chelmersh Which Gladuse soon after obtained Livery of all the Lands wherewith she had been endowed by Reginald de Braose her former Husband But after this she was necessitated to a suit with William de Braose Son of that Reginald for the same I come now to Roger his Son and Heir This Roger in 31 Hen. 3. paying Two thousand marks to the King had Livery of all his Lands excepting those whereof Gladuse his Mother then surviving was endowed And in the same year an assignation in right of Maud his Wife of her Purparty of all those Lands in England and the next year following of those in Ireland which descended to her from Walter Mareschal late Earl of Pembroke So also of the Knights Fees Likewise of her Purparty of the Castle and Town of Haverford with Eve the Wife of William de Cantilupe and Eleanor the Wife of Humphrey de Bohun the other participants In 37 Hen. 3. he attended the King in his expedition into Gascoigne And in 41 Hen. 3. when Lewelin Prince of Wales began again to make incursions upon the Marches received command to assist Humphrey de Bohun Earl of Hereford in the defence of those parts betwixt Montgomery and the Lands of the Earl of Glocester In 42 Hen. 3. he had also Summons to attend the King at Chester on Monday next after the Feast of S. Iohn Baptist well furnished with Horse and Arms to withstand the like hostile Incursions of the Welsh and being in that service had a special discharge of his Scutage for those Twenty six Knights Fees and a sixth part which he held in right of Maud his Wife one of the Daughters and Coheirs to William de Braose of Brecknock In 44 H. 3. the
out of his Mannor of Worthy-Mortimer in Comit. Southamp at the Feast of Easter and S. Michael by even portions And in May following was joyned in Commission with the Bishop of Hereford the Lord Latimer and others to reform all and singular abuses done by any of the English towards the Scots contrary to the form of the Truce made by King Edward the third of England and David de Bruys of Scotland Moreover in â R. 2. he was again put in Commission with the same Bishop of Hereford the Earl of Northumberland and others to treat with the Commissioners of Robert King of Scotland for an amicable peace betwixt both Realms In 3 R. 2. he gave his Mannor of Chelmarsh called Nethercourt in Comit. Salop. to the said Abbot and Covent of Wigmore to find two Secular Priests to celebrate Divine Service daily in the Church of that Abby for the Souls of Roger his Father Philippa his own Wife and of Philippa his Mother as also for the good estate of himself during this Life and the health of his Soul after his departure hence according to such order and form as should be directed by the Bishop of Hereford In the same year also he was constituted the Kings Lieutenant of Ireland and accordingly went thither there to make his abode and so tamed the Barbarousness of that rude people by destroying ten or eleven of their petty Kings within the space of half a year that he regained almost all his Lands in Ulster which the Irish had for a long time enjoyed and proceeding farther into that Country what with his prudent conduct affability to the Natives kindness and eloquent expressions that within two years and an half he reduced all those parts to obedience causing divers Oakes of an extraordinary length to be sent into Ireland from his Woods of Pennalt in the Territory of Uske in Wales wherewith he framed a strong Bridge with purpose to set over the River of Banne near to the Town of Kolleroth which was a principal Harbor for the Rebells At both ends whereof he raised a fort besides one in the midst to the end it might be a safeguard to himself and his own Souldiers and an effectual destruction to the Enemy But drawing now near his death after he had with great wisdom governed there for the space of almost three years and well nigh reduced that Realm to quiet I shall here take notice that by his last Will and Testament bearing date at Dynebegh in Wales about the time of his going over he bequeathed his Body to sepulture with the Body of his Wife then deceased in the Conventual Church at Wigmore on the left hand the high Altar appointing only five Tapers to burn about his Body during the time of the Service of Burial To the Fabrick of the Church he also bequeathed a thousand pounds to be imployed in the structure thereof according to the discretion of his Mother and his Executors To Roger his Son and Heir he gave his Cup of Gold with a cover called Benesoun and his Sword adorned with Gold which was the good King Edwards as also the great Horn of Gold together with Gods Blessing and his own with special direction that they should all remain to his said Sons next Heir and so to the Heirs of his Family for ever Likewise his great Bed of black Sattin embroidred with White Lions and Roses of Gold with Escocheons of the Armes of Mortimer and Vlvester and all the furniture of that Chamber Moreover he thereby bequeathed to him his lesser Horn of Gold with the Strings Appointing also that if his said Son should depart this Life before his full age and without heir of his Body begotten that then all those Legacies should go to his Son Edmund according to the same tenor To his Daughter Elizabeth he gave his Saltseller in the form of a Dogg To Philippa his Daughter a Coronet of Gold with ... and twenty great Pearles To his Brother the Earl of Northumberland his Cup of a Tortois And to Henry Lord Percy his Son his little Cup made like the body of a Hart with the head of an Eagle It is said by a Monk of Wigmore that before he went out of England having setled divers Lands in Radnor Kingestone Pembrugge and elsewhere to the yearly value of two thousand marks for reedifying the Church at Wigmore Abby the old Church being ruinous and not uniform and performing other works of Piety and Charity he laid the first stone in that Fabrick with his own hands being then habited in his vestments of State Moreover that he obtained this Priviledge for the Abbots of that Monastry viz. that they should thenceforth celebrate Divine Service there with Miter Staff and Dalmatick and other pastorall Ensignes all which he provided for them and purchased divers choice Reliques which he gave to that House And that upon his last departure thence he most humbly with tears desired the prayers of that Covent promising upon his return from Ireland to appropriate the Churches of Kingestone Pembrugge and Kadnore and likewise the priory of Stoke thereunto resolving to forsake the World and there end his daies in the habit of a Canon Regular But this great Earl after he had done such notable feats in Ireland as I have already intimated by taking cold in passing a great River there departed this Life at Corke upon Friday the Feast day of S. Iohn the Evangelist in Christmas ann 1381. 5 R. 2. in the twenty ninth year of his age whereupon his body was for the present deposited in a certain Cathedral there by his own special direction untill the Flesh should be consumed and then his Bones to be translated to Wigmore and honorably entombed with the Lady Philippa his Wife which was accordingly performed and this Epitaph over him Vir constans gratus sapiens benè nuper amatus Nunc nece prostratus sub marmore putret humatus Hic jacet Edmundus moriens Corke corpore mundus Sisque pius Christe sibi quem lapis opprimit iste As also this for her Nobilis hîc tumulata jacet Comitissa Philippa Actibus haec nituit larga benigna fuit Regum sanguis erat morum probitate vigebat Compaciens inopi vivit in arce Coeli This Edmund by Elizabeth the Mother of the Lady Philippa his Wife Daughter and Heir to William de Burgh Son and Heir to Iohn de Burgh Earl of Ulster by Elizabeth his Wife third Sister and Coheir to Gilbert de Clare called the Red who was the last Earl of Gloucester enjoyed the third part of that Earldom of Gloucester scil Clace Walsingham Sudbury Crambourne Pymperne Knolles Berdeford and Whadden in England Uske Trillet and Caerleon in Wales and by the said William the County of Ulster and Dominion of Comiaght in Ireland And had issue by her the
his stead Unto which Instrument her Seal of Arms is affixed viz. Stafford and Basset quartered and that he dying in 2 Ed. 2. was buried in the Fryers Minors at Stafford leaving issue two Sons viz. Ralph his Son and Heir then nine years of age and Sir Richard Stafford Knight his younger Son who in 30 33 Ed. 3. was in the Wars of France So likewise in 34 Edw. 3. and in 35 Edw. 3. being made Seneschal of Gascoigne continued there the next ensuing year being then called Sir Richard Stafford of Clifton Knight which Lordship he then possessed by reason of his marriage with Maud the Daughter and Heir to Richard de Camvile of that place Which Sir Richard Stafford had issue Richard who in 36 Edw. 3. was in that expedition with his Father then made into Gascoigne and in 40 Edw. 3. went again to those Wars Moreover this Richard had Summons to Parliament amongst the Barons from 44 Edw. 3. until 4 Rich. 2. inclusive and then viz. upon the Thirteenth of August departed this life being seised of the Mannors of Childecote in Com. Derb. Norton in Hales in Com. Salop. Clifton Camvile Pipe and Bruggeford in Com. Staff The moity of the Mannor of Campeden and the Mannors of Aston under Egge Charingworth and Winton in Com. Gloc. As also of the Mannor of Sibbertoft in Com. North. leaving Edmund his Son and Heir then a Priest Thirty six years of age Which Edmund being afterwards Bishop of Exeter and Lord Keeper of the Great Seal of England Sir Thomas Stafford Knight his Brother came to possess the Estate who having issue Thomas that died without issue the Inheritance thereof descended to Catherine his Sister married to Sir Iohn Ardern Knight But I return to Ralph Son and Heir of Edmund This Ralph coming of full age in 17 Ed. 2. and then doing his homage had Livery of his Fathers Lands and the next ensuing year being made a Knight by Bathing and other Sacred Ceremonies had Robes with all other accoutrements as a Banneret allowed him out of the Kings Wardrobe for that solemnity After which he soon grew an active person in the Wars of that heroick Prince King Edward the Third For it appears that in 1 Edw. 3. he was in that expedition then made into Scotland and in 4 Edw. 3. one of those Lords who stoutly pursued that then potent Man Roger de Mortimer Earl of March and took him in the Castle of Nottingham Moreover in 8 9 Edw. 3. he was again in the Scotish Wars as also in 10 Edw. 3. Margaret his Wife being then with him So likewise in 11 Edw. 3. and in 13 Edw. 3. in that expedition then made into Flanders Furthermore in 14 Edw. 3. King Edward having entred the North parts of France with a powerful Army in order to the recovery of that Realm as his Hereditary Right and discerning how he was illuded by Iohn Stratford then Archbishop of Canterbury whom he trusted in his absence in not helping him to that supply of Money from England whereon he depended for support of these Wars so that he was then necessitated to return from that hopeful adventure without success he sent this Ralph Lord Stafford then Steward of his Houshold unto that Archbishop to offer him safe conduct in coming to him to the end he might understand what defence he could make for that his neglect In 15 Edw. 3. he was again in the Wars of Scotland and the same year obtained the Kings Charter for a Market every week upon the Tuesday at his Mannor of Madley under Lyme in Com. Staff as also two Fairs yearly the one on the Eve and Day of S. George the Martyr and two days following and the other on the Eve and Day of S. Leonard and two days after And likewise a weekly Market at his Mannor of Tisho in Com. War on the Wednesday with a Fair every year upon the Eve and Day of S. Peter ad Vincula commonly called Lammas as also view of Frank-Pledge and divers other Priviledges viz. For Tryal and Execution of Malefactors c. In 16 Edw. 3. being sent into Britanny with divers other eminent persons he had of his Retinue fifty Men at Arms and fifty Archers all on Horsback whereof himself and two other were then Bannerets sixteen Knights and thirty one Esquires having for his and their support in that service fifty seven Sacks of the Kings Wools. Moreover being then in the City of Uannes at that time besieged by the French he escaped by a Postern but afterwards was taken prisoner before Nants then besieged by the English and exchanged for the Lord Clysson In 17 Edw. 3. he was joyned with the Earls of Lancaster Glocester Warwick Northampton and others in another expedition for Scotland to raise that Siege which the Scots had laid to the Castle of Lough Mabar whereof the Earl of Northampton viz. William de Bohun had then the custody And shortly after this was imployed again with Henry de Lancaster Earl of Deâby and some other grave persons to the Court of Rome there to treat with the Pope not as a Judge but as a private Person and Friend touching the right of King Edward to the Crown of France He was likewise the principal person then sent in Commission with Sir William Trussel Knight and some others to the Governors and Burger-Masters of divers good Towns in Flanders to treat touching the well regulating of that Countrey as to the Staple of Wools and Sheep Skins as also to treat and conclude touching the Coynage of good Money Gold and Silver to be current as well in England as in Flanders and by another Commission impowred to treat with the Princes and others of Almaine touching a League of Friendship betwixt King Edward and them and to obtain their assistance to him upon occasion Moreover in 18 Edw. 3. being sent into Gascoigne with Henry of Lancaster Earl of Derby upon the assault of Bergerath by that Earl on the Land part this Ralph commanded the Fleet to attack it by Sea and was with him likewise at the siege of Auberoche In 19 Edw. 3. he had that great office of Seneschal of Aquitane conferred upon him and continuing thereupon in those parts command was given to the Sheriff of Glocestershire to send thither to him One hundred Bows and six hundred Arrows for the Kings service there In 20 Edw. 3. he went again into Gascoigne and being then in Aguillon when Iohn Son and Heir to Philip King of France came to besiege it he placed empty Wine Hogsheads upon that part of the Town which was not Walled putting Stones into them and though he was besieged
his Father and Mother and of the Soul of Maud his Wife confirmed those grants which Walter de Saresberie his Father had made to the Canons of Bradenstoke upon his foundation of that Monastry and gave them all his lands in Wilecote in exchange for those in Wyvelesford given to them by his Father The rest of the Mannor of Wilecote he gave them in lieu of the Church of Caneford and Chapel of S. Andrew at Cettre and bestowed on the Knights Templars a Mill at Lacoke in Comit. Wiltes He had likewise another Wife called Ela. But being the Kings Lieutenant in Aquitane and Captaine General of his forces there in ann 1167. 13 H. 2. he was then slain by Guy de Lezinnian upon his return from a Pilgrimage which he had made to S. Iames in Galitla and was buried at S. Hillarâer Whose death the King so highly resented that he expelled the same Guy out of Poâctou whereupon taking upon him the Cross he became a Souldier under Baldwin the Leper King of Hierusalem Upon the death of this Earl Patric so slain in his attendance upon the Queen viz. Alianore Wife to K. Henry the second she procured the K. her Husband to join with her in the gift of all their customs in Benai unto that Church of S. Hillary in Poytiers where he was buried To him succeeded William his Son in this Earldom of Salisbury Which William was begotten on ... the Daughter of the Earl of Ponthiâu This Earl William at the Coronation of K. Richard the first bore the Golden Scepter with the Dove on the head of it in that solemn proceeding And in 2 R. 1. when the King was taken Prisoner in Almaine was one of those who adhered to Iohn Earl of Moreton then striving for the Rule here at that time likewise exercising the Office of Sheriff of Wiltshire which he also held till the eighth year of King Richard the first 's Reign Moreover in 6 R. 1. he was with the King in that expedition then made into Normandy So likewise in his great Council at Nottingham after his return into England And at his second Coronation the same year was one of the four Earls who then carried the Canopy of State But died the next ensuing year viz. in anno 1196. 8 R. 1. leaving issue by Alianore de Vitrei his Wife Daughter of Tirrel de Mainârs one Sole Daughter his Heir called Ela of whom it is thus reported that being so great an Inhiretrix one William Talbot an English man and an eminent Souldier took upon him the habit of a Pilgrim and went into ãâã Where wandring up and down for the space of two months at length he found her out Likewise that he then changed his habit and having entred the Court where she resided in the garb of an Harper being practised in mirth and jesting he became well accepted there Moreover that growing acquainted with her after some time he took her into England and presented her to K. Richard who receiving her very courteously gave her in marriage to William surmamed Longespe his Brother id est a natural Son to King Henry the second begotten on the Fair Rosamund sometime his Coneubine And that thereupon King Richard rendred unto him the Earldom of Rosmar as her Inheritance by descent from Edward of Saresburie the Son of Walter de Ewrus before-mentioned This William being called Longespe from the long Sword which he usually wore executed the Sheriffs Office for ãâã by his Deputy in 1 Ioh. for the fourth part of that year So likewise from that time for all the succeeding years till 9 Ioh. inclusive â Moreover in 10 Ioh. he was constituted Warden of the Marches of Wales and in 14 Ioh. was Sheriff for the Counties of Cambridgâ and Huntendon for the one half of that year About this time the difference betwixt the King and divers of the Barons beginning to shew it self he was one of those who stuck stourly to the King and for that respect had the reputation of one of his Evil Councellors by those who favoured the part of the haughty Spirited Barons at that time very powerful And in 15 Ioh. was again constituted Sheriff of Wiltshire Which Office he afterwards held all that Kings time and likewise so long as he lived afterwards viz. to the tenth year of King Henry the thirds Reigne having also a grant of the Honor of Eye in Suffolk And was the same year a Wittness to that agreement made betwixt the King and the Barons as an undertaker for the King He was also a Witness to that Charter whereby King Iohn then much distressed by the potency of those great men resigned this Kingdom to Pope Innocent the third Likewise the same year upon that Invasion of Flanders made by the King of France he was one of the principal persons sent from King Iohn with considerable forces both Horse and Foot in Ayd of the Earl of that Province Furthermore in 16 Ioh. the King having prepared a good Fleet for the assistance of the same Earl he constituted him one of his chief Commanders thereof whereupon the English then entred the Port of Dam and surprising the greatest part of the French Ships brought them thence into England After which King Iohn having raised a powerful Army for recovery of what the King of France had taken from him he made this Earl one of his three cheif Commanders of those forces Whereupon designing to surprize that King upon Sunday the Feast day of S. Margaret the Virgin whilst he was at Mass he was himself laid hold on and made Prisoner with the rest of those who were of his party in that bold attempt But ere long there being an exchange proposed for him viz. Robert the Son of Robert Earl of Drus a near Kinsman to the King of France who was then a Prisonor to King Iohn the King having received advertisement from this our Earl that he might have his liberty upon the enlargement of the Son of the Earl of Drus he forthwith dispatched his Letters to the Archbishop of Canâerbury and to the rest of the Bishops of England as also to all the Temporal Lords there representing thereby unto them this proposal but withal letting them know that because this Robert Son to the Earl of Drus was kinsman to the King of France he would not set him at liberty without their advice And withal represented to them the Danger which might ensue thereupon viz. that upon his returne he would cause the Earle of Boleân to be put to death and keep the Earl of Flanders in perpetual durance desiring therefore their speedy
ãâã the last of Ianuary in the same year appâarâth In 2 Edw. 2. he was in another expedition into Scotland And in that year was one of those great men who took part with Thomas Earl of Lancaster and conspired the death of Piers de Gavaston the great favorite of that time for the better recovery of the peoples liberties In 3 Edw. 2. he was the principal pârson sent by the King from York with a sufficient strength for guarding the Marches of Scotland And in 5 Edw. 2. had restitution of the Constableship of England which the King had for some reasons seized into his own hands Furthermore in 6 Edw. 2. he was the cheif person in Commission to continue a Treaty begun at Marââyate with Lodowick Earl of Eureux the Bishop of Poâctou and others concerning certain matters of great moment touching the King himself and some of the great Noblemen of England which treaty was to continue at Loâdon but neither the Commissioners nor their retinue to lodge in the City But after this viz. in 7 Edw. 2. being in that fatal Battle of Strâvââg in Scotland and the English Army routed he was taken Prisoner in the flight near unto the Castle of Botheville yet had his liberty soon after by exchange for the Wife of Robert de Brus who had been long Captive in England In 8 Edw. 2. he was with the Earl of Lancaster and other of his party at the beheading of Piers Gavaston near Waâwick In 9 Ed. 2. he was again in Scotland In 11 E. 2 he received command to send two hundred Foot-Souldiers out of his Territories of Brecknock Penkenâlyn and Cantredsclyfe in Wales to be at Newcastle on the morrow after the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy-Cross to march into Scotland And in the same year had a grant from the King of the Castle of Buelte in Ireland with the Lands thereto belonging In which year he entertained Sir Peter de Ouvedale Knight by Indenture to serve him during life and to receive Livery of Robes and ... as his other Batchelours as also bouche of Court with Hay and Oats for four Horses and Wages for four Groomes in time of peace whensoever he should come to Court by his command But in times of Warr and for Tourney Hay and Oatâs for eight Horses and Wages for eight Groomes with satisfaction for such Horses and Arms as he should lose in War in his service In 12 Edw. 2. he was again in the Kings service in Scotland So also in 13 Ed. 2. In 14 Edw. 2. the King having intelligence that he was raising forces in the Marches of Wales against Hugh le Despencer the younger for those reasons which I have in my discourse of William de Braose expressed sent him a peremptory command to forbear which he obeyed not but forthwith joyned with Thomas Earl of Lancaster in that great Insurrection then by him made and when others forsooke him stuck to him firmly the particulars whereof I referr to the Story of that Earl and having forced the King by terror to assent to those their insolent actings he published the Edict in Westminster-Hall for the banishment of Hugh despenceâ the elder And the next year following sâil 14 Edw. 2. joyned with Roger Mortimer and others in the wasting his Lands in Wales But soon after this the Scene altered for the King getting power so fiercely pursued these potent Rebells and all their adherents that at Burrough-Brigg in Yorkshire he utterly defeated them where this Earl endeavoring to pass the Bridge was by a Souldier who lurked underneath run through the Body with a Lance 16 Martii ann 1321 15 Ed. 2. and buried at the Friers-Preachers in York He had to Wife Elizabeth one of King Edward the firsts Daughters Widow of Iohn Earl of Holland Which Elizabeth had in joynture the Barony of Essex By whom he had issue six Sons viz. Humphrey who died young Iohn Humphrey Edward William afterwards Earl of Northampton and Aeneas And four Daughters viz. Margaret who died young Alianââ Margaret the Wife of Hugh de Courtney Son and Heir to Hugh de Courtney the first Earl of Devân of that name and Isabel who died in her Childhood Which Edward de Bohun in 4 Edw. 3. had a grant from the King of the Lordships of ãâã and Sende in Wiltshire part of the Lands of Hugh le Despencer Earl of Winâhester and forfeited by his attainder to hold to himsââââ and the Heirs male of his Body lawfully begotten But of him I have seen no more than that in â Edw 3 he was sent together with some of the English Nobles as Embassador into Scotland to be present at the Parliament of Edwârd Baillol then King of that Realm and that he died without issue To this last Humphrey succeeded Iohn de Bohun his Son and Heir in these Earldoms of Hereford and Essex and Constable-ship of England who was made Knight of the Bathe upon the twentieth of Ianuary 20 E. 2. and then had by the special command of Prince Edward his Robes for that Solemnity allowed unto him out of the Kings Ward-robe as for an Earl After which being girt with the Sword of Knighthood together with the King himself upon the Eve of the ãâã of our Lady 1 Edw. 3. by Iohn Brother to the Earl of Henault he went into Scotland in that expedition made the same year And in 9 E. 3. was again in Scotland in K. Edwards service This Iohn first took to Wife Alice Daughter of Edmund Earl of Arundell for the making of which match a special Dispensation was by the Kings special endeavor procured from the Pope to the end it might be a means to qualifie those great animoâities which then were betwixt both those families which Alice soon after died and was buried at Waldene He afterwards wedded Margaret the Daughter of Ralph Lord Basset but having no issue by either of them departed this life at Kirkby-Thure in Westmorland upon the Feast day of S. Fabian and Sebastian in ann 1335. 9 Edw. 3. and was buried at Stratford near London the Lands whereof he was found to die seized of being as followeth viz. a certain Tenement called Blanch-Appelton in the City of London the Mannor of Wokesey in Com. Wiltes Whytenhurst in Comit. Glouc. the Castles of Hay Brecknock Caldecote and Huntington in the Marches of Wales the Mannor of Agmondesham in Com. Buck. Northamstede in Comit. Hartf Enefeild in Com. Midd. Farnham Dunmaw Fobbyng Querndon Badewe and Depeden in Comitat. Essex Hatfeild and Brometho in Com. ... Kenebauton with the Castle and Honor in Huntendonshire Waldene Great-Waltham and Plessets with the Castle in Essex also and the Lordship of Donne in Middlesex which he held joyntly
them to give up those Castles which they then held amongst which he compelled Roger Bishop of Salisbury to deliver up Shireburne Devises and Malmesbury some of the other Bishops were so startled thereat that they caused a Councel to be called at Winchester upon the fourth Kalends of September and thereunto summoned the King but he being very busy at that time sent this Alberic thither to seize upon those Bishops In 5 Steph. with Richard Basset then Justice of England he executed the Sheriffs Office for the Counties of Surrey Cambridge âuntendon Essex Hertford Northampton Leicester Norfolk Suffolk Buckingham and Bedford and gave to the Monks of Thorney in Com. Cantabr certain Lands in Isâep but before the end of this year he was killed in London leaving issue by Adeliza his Wife Daughter of Gilbert de Clare three Sons viz. Alberic his Son and Heir ... a Canon in S. Osith's at Chich in Essex and Robert Which Robert in 12 Hen. 2. upon levying the Ayd for marrying the Kings Daughter certified that he then held half a Knights Fee He also held the Lordship of Twiwell in Com Northamp of the Monks of Thorney in Fee-ferme as his Father did This Alberic had likewise two Daughters Adeliza Wife of Henry de Essex and Iuliana Countess of ... Of Adeliza his Wife it appears that she gave to the Monks of S. Osithes at Thich Lands of seven pounds per annum value lying in Dalham Tunstall and Denham being part of her Frank-Marriage and which Alberic her Son Earl of Oxford confirmed Which Alberic being the third of that name was made an Earl in King Stephens time by Maude the Empress as it seems for by that name she rendred and granted to him all the Lands which his Father Alberic de Vere held at the time of his death and likewise the Office of Great-Chamberlain of England to hold as fully as Alberic his Father or as Robert Malet or any of his Ancestors did with all usages and liberties thereunto appertaining Moreover by the same Charter she granted unto him all the Land of William de Abrincis with the whole Inheritance which he claimed in right of his Wife as fully as William de Arches held the same together with the Tower and Castle of Colchester so soon as she could possess him thereof Likewise the Earldom of Cambridgshire and to have the third penny thereof as an Earl ought to have provided that if the King of Scots had not that Earldom or that she could not satisfy him by Exchange that then this Alberic should have the choice of any of these four Earldoms viz. Oxfordshire Berkshire Wiâteshire or Dorsetshire according to the judgement of her Brother the Earl of Gloucester Earl Gefrey id est of Essex and Earl Gilbert id est of Clare to hold as freely and honorably as any other Earl held his Earldom Besides all this she likewise granted to him and to his Heirs the service of William de Heliun viz. ten Knights Fees and also Diham which belonged to Robert de Rannis and was the right of the Nephews of this Earl Alberic viz. the Sons of Roger de Rannis Also Turroc which William Peverell of Notingham had with all those Lands which belonged to Solomon the Priest of Tillebury and liberty for him and his Tenants to improve them and freely to enjoy them from all question for any thing by them done to the day they took part with her and the Earl of Anjou her Husband Moreover she then gave to Geffrey de Vere his Brother all the Lands of Geffrey Talbot and in case she could not uphold them to him then that he should have equivolent satisfaction in exchange thereof according to the judgment of Geffrey Earl of Essex Earl Gilbert and Earl Alberic his Brother Which Geffrey was Sheriff of Shropshire in 11 Henr. 2. for three parts of that year and so till the end of the sixteenth year of that Kings Reign And in 12 Henr. 2. upon levying the Ayd for marriage of the Kings Daughter residing then in Com. Salop. certified his Knights Fees de Veteri Feoffamento to be in number nine and and his Fees de Novo Feoffamento three What became of his Posterity if he left any I find not but in 6. Ric. 1. William de Boterell paid nine pounds for the scutage of his Barony She likewise gave to Robert de Vere the other Brother of Earl Alberic a Barony to the value of that so given to Geffrey and other Lands of equal worth to possess within a year after she should enjoy the Realm of England And Lastly bestowed on this Earl Alberic her Office of Chahcellor for William de Vere his Brother to enjoy the same so soon as it should be rendred up by William Brother to Iohn Fitz-Gilbert at that time Chancellor All which Henry her Son afterwards King by the name of Henry the second confirmed and farther granted to him the third penny of the Pleas of Oxfordshire to the end he might be Earl of that County So that in 12 Hen. 2. upon levying the before-specified Aid for marriage of the Kings Daughter this Earl Alberic certified his Knights Fees to be in number twenty eight a fourth and eighth part and in 14 Henr. 2. paid twenty pounds towards that Ayde by reason of those Knights-Fees After this viz. in 2 R. 1. he gave a fine to the King of five hundred Marks for the Sister of Walter de Bolebec to make a Wife for his Son And in 6 R. 1 upon collecting the Ayd for the Kings redemption paid thirty pounds two shillings and six pence for the Knights Fees he then held This Earl Alberic founded a Monastry for Nunns at Ikelington in the Dioces of Ely also the Priory of Heningham in Essex Luâiz his Wife being the first Prioress there And likewise the Priory of Hatfeild-Broad-Oaâe in Com. Essex Moreover he gave to the Nuns of S. Cross Henghan a certain Wood called Alcotehegh and departed this life in anno 1194 6 R. 1. leaving issue Alberic of whose mother it is said that being great with Child and taking some apprehension at a hurt which befell the Earl her Husband in his Eye she brought forth a Son with a blemish in his Eye In 6 Riâ 1. this Alberic his Father then living was with the King in ãâã and shortly after the death of his Father viz. in 7 R. 1. gave an hundred pounds for his Releif as also five hundred marks upon Collecting the Ayd for the Kings redemption Moreover in 8 R. 1. he paid thirty pounds two shillings and six pence upon collection of the third Scutage of ãâã And in 6 Ioh. gave two hundred marks for the tertium Denârium of Oxfordshââe to the
the Bishop of Winchester and Ely Wilâiam de Valence Earl of Pembroke and others to treat of Peace betwixt the Kings of England and France and continued in Gascome in the Kings service for a great part of that year And for his good service in those parts had a special Livery of the Lands of William the Son of Warine de Montchensâ whose Daughter and Heir called Diânysia he had married though she was not then of full age In 26 Edw. 1. this Hugh was sent by the King to the Court of Rome upon some important business and in 27 Edw. 1. obtained a Charter for Free-Warren in all his Demesne-Lands within his Lordships of Haâwode in Com. Norf. as also of Hasingbroke and Phanges in Com. Essex In 29 Edw. 1. he was imployed with Iohn Earl Warren and others to treat with certain Embassadors of the King of France touching Peace with the Scots And in 32 Edw. 1. being returned into England did his Fealty to the King for those Lands which were of the Inheritance of Dionysia his Wife whereof he had formerly livery In 34 Edward 1. he was imployed in the Scottish Warrs But by this Dionysia it seems he had no issue for upon her death in 7 E. 2. Adomare de Valence Son of the Lady Ioane de Valence was found to be her next Heir she then dying seized of the Mannors of East-Hanyngfeld West-Hanyngfeld Stanford and Fenge with the Advowsons of those Churches as also of the Mannors of Rodeswell Great-Fordham and Thuritone with the Advowson of the Church of Thuritone all in Com. Essex Of Thomas the younger Brother to this Hugh it appears that in 32 Edw. 1. he was in the Warrs of Scotland And that in 34 Ed. 1. having received the Order of Knighthood with Prince Edward by Bathing and divers other sacred ceremonies he attended him into Scotland Moreover that afterwards scilicet in 12 Ed. 2. he was again in Scotland And that he married Agnes the Widow of Pain Tiptoft And of Alice the Widow of the last Earl Robert I find that she had for her Dowry an assignation of the Mannors of Aldham Lavenham and Cokefeld in Com. Suff. Castle-Canefeld and Bumsted in Com. Essex and Abyton magna in Com. Cantabr I now come to Robert Son and Successor to the last Earl Robert In 24 Edward 1. this Robert doing his Homage had livery of his Lands And in 26 E. 1. was in that expedition then made into Scotland So likewise in 27 Edw. 1. And in 3 Edw. 3. obtained the Kings Charter for a Court-Leet at his Mannor of Thesham in Com. Buck. with all those profits and advantages which the Sheriff of that County had wont to enjoy there paying yearly five Marks to the King into his Exchequer As also another Charter for his Tenants of Lavenham in Comitat. Suff. to be Toll-free throughout all England This Earl Robert died in 5 Edw. 3. leaving no issue by Margaret his Wife Daughter of Roger Mortimer Earl of March whereupon Iohn his Nephew then eighteen years of age being Son of Alfonsus his younger Brother became his Heir Which Iohn was in that expedition made into Scotland in 8 Edw. 3. So likewise in 9 and 10 Edw. 3. and in 14 Edward 3. attended the King into Flanders In which year he obtained the Kings Charter for a Market upon the Wednesday every week at his Mannor of Levenhales in Com. Heref. for himself and Maude his Wife and her Heirs As also a Faâr yearly upon the Eve Day and Morrow after the Feast of St. Michael the Archangel and for five days following And in 15 Edw. 3. was at that great Feast and Justing in London which King Edward the third caused to be made as it was said for the love of the Countess of Salisbury Moreover the same year he had an assignation out of the Subsidy then levied of three hundred pounds in part of a greater summe due to him for his services in the Kings Warrs beyond-Sea And in 16 Edw. 3. was again in the Warrs of France in which service he had forty Men at Arms himself accounted one Banneret nine Knights twenty nine Esquires and thirty Archers on Horsback with an allowance of fifty six Sacks of Wooll for the Wages of himself and his retinue In 17 Edward 3. he accompanied Henry de Lancaster Earl of Derby and divers other great Lords into Scotland for raising the Seige of Loughmaban Castle And in 18 Edw. 3. being appointed by the King to go with the Earl of Derby into Gascoine he was at the taking of Bergerath After which passing to assail the Castle of Pellegrue being taken in his Tent by night he was soon enlarged in exchange for the Viscount of Bonquentyne and some others Whereupon he marched with the Earl of Derby to Auberoche then beseiged by the French and releived it But about the Feast of the Blessed Virgin returning out of Britanny was by tempest cast upon the Coast of Connacht in Ireland where he and all his company suffered much misery from those barbarous people there who pillaged them of all they had In 19 Edw. 3. he was again in France being then reteined by Indenture to serve the King with eighty Men at Arms whereof himself to be one three Bannerets twenty seven Knights the rest Esquires and eighty Archers on Horseback And in 20 E. 3. attended the K. into France to the releif of Aguilon Thence sent to the aid of Iohn de Montfort who laid claim to the Dukedom of Britanny And in 21 Edw. 3. was again in the French Warrs In 26 Edw. 3. upon some danger of Invasion by the French he was joyned in Commission with William de Bohun Earl of Northampton for arraying and arming of Men in the Counties of Essex and Hartford in order to the defence of the Sea-coasts and in 29 E. 3. attended the K. into Gascoine Where continuing till 30 Ed. 3. he then was with Prince Edward in the Battle of Poytiers and had forty Spears under his command After all which viz. in 33 E. 3. on Friday the Feast of All-Saints he made his Testament at Bentleâ in Essex and thereby bequeathing his Body to be buryed in the Chapel of Our Lady within the Priory of Colne on the South side of the Quire at the Head of Iohn and Robert his Sons who dying in his lifetime were there Interred appointed that four hundred Marks Sterling left by his Ancestors in Aid of the Holy-Land should be paid by his Executors with all convenient speed Moreover towards the building of that Church at Coâne he gave an hundred Marks and for reedifying the Chapel called the NewâAbby in Castle-Hengham an hundred Marks to the
end that Masses should be there celebrated as heretofore by one or two Priests Likewise to Maude his Wife all the utensils of his House as well Silver as other and to Maude his Daughter for her Marriage a thousand Marks and thereupon went over into France the King himself being gone thither before but departed this life upon the 24 th of Ianuary the same year being then seized of the Castle at Leonhals in Com. Heref. Langle and Bradele in Comit. Bedf. of the Mannors of Wykingston in Comit. Leicest Great-Bentley Fratynge Great-Kemfeld and Fingre in Com. Essex as also of the Mannors of Colne the Castle and Mannor of Hengham the Mannors of Hengham Sihill Gelham Le-Uaââ in Beauchamp-Otes Dodinghurst and Stansted Montfichet in the same County and Whitchuâch in Comit. Buck. Moreover of the Inheritance of Maude his Wife he died seized of the Mannors of Marketes-Overton in Com. Rotel Welles in Com. Hertf. Laghton with the Hundred of Scheplake in Com. Suss. âalton and Milton in Com. Northamp And for term of the life of Maude his Wife of the Mannors of Wroxhale and Worth in Com. Dorset Also joyntly with her by the endowment of Robert Son of Robert Fitz-Payn her first Husband the Mannors of Stoctone Pole and Hurdecote in Comit. Wilts And likewise joyntly with her of the Mannors of Abyton and Caupes in Com. Cantabr Flete Rydelyngwold Bokynfeld Badlesmere and Whitstable in Com. Kanc. Kensyngton in Com. Midd. Great-Hormede in Com. Hertf. of the Mannors of Lavenham called Over-Hale and Nether-Hale Aldham and Cokeseld in Com. Suff. and Brumstede in Comit. Essex leaving issue by her the said Maude who was one of the Sisters and Coheirs to Giles de Badlesmere a great Baron in ãâã and Widow of Robert the Son of Robert Fitz-Pain Sir Thomas de Vere Knight his Son and Heir at that time twenty three years of age as also Aubrey another Son and two Daughters viz. Margaret married to Henry Lord Beaumont and after to Sir Iohn Devereux Knight and Isabel first married to Sir Iohn Courtney Grandfather to Hugh the fifth Earl of Devon of that Family and after to Sir Oliver Dinham Knight Which Maude their Mother then surviving had for her purparty of the Inheritance descended to her by the death of the said Giles de Badlesmere the Mannors of Badleâmere and Bokynfeild in Com. Kanc. with fifty Acres of Wood to the said Mannor of Bokynfeild belonging also the Mannors of Ryglyngweld in Comitat. Kanc. Laghto excepting Waldern-Wood and West-Dene in Com. Suss. Welles in Comit. Hertf. and the fourth part of the Mannor of Chaxsted in Comitat. Essex and died the next ensuing year But I return to Thomas This Earl Thomas in 34 Ed. 3. being in the Kings service beyond-Sea had Livery of his Lands his Homage being then respited but in 40 Edw. 3. he personally performed it In 43 Ed. 3. this Thomas was in the Warrs of France And having in his Fathers lifetime married Maud the Daughter of Ralph de Vfford at which time he had the Mannor of Chesham in Com. Buck. setled upon him and her and the Heirs Males of their two Bodies by his Testament bearing date at Bentley upon Friday the first of August ann 1371. 45 Edward 3. bequeathed his Body to be buried within the Priory of Colne on the North side in the Chapell of S. Peter appointing for the charge of his Funeral an hundred and thirty three pounds six shillings and eight pence And to her the said Maude gave all his Reliques then in his proper custody with a certain Cross made of the very wood of Christs-Cross as also all the furniture of his Chapel To Robert his Son he gave two Basons of Silver and to Sir Alberic de Vere his Brother a Coat of Male which Sir William de Wingfeld bestowed on him likewise a new Helmet and a pair of Gauntlets Of which Testament he constituted the famous Iohn de Hawkwood one of his Executors and departed this life the same year being then seized of the Mannors of Bumsted Helium Bumsted ad Turrim Fingrithe Bentley Ramesey Wrabenesse Castle-Hengâân Geâham parva Hengham-Sibille Bourâhale Sranstâede Montfichet Canefeld magna Dodingherst Dounham with the Marsh called Tympanesse within the Township of Bures Gilfard in Comit. Essex Likewise of the Mannors of Great-Hormede ãâã called Gorehams Westwyke Hamlet in the Town of âingesley and Mannor of ãâã within the Town of Offeley in Com. Hertf. of the Mannor of Leonhals in Com. Heref. Abâton magna in Com. Cantabr Chesham with the Leet parcel of the Barony of Bulbeâk in Com. Buck. Bradele in Com. Berks. âensyngton in Comit. Midd. Laughton in Com. Suss. with the hundred of Shiplake of the Mannors of Lavenham called Over-Halâ and Nether-Hall Aldeam and Cokefeld in Com. Suff. Paston in Comitat. Northamp and Market-Overton in Comitat. Rotel leaving Robert his Son and Heir and Maude his Wife then surviving who had for her Dowry and assignation of the Mannors of Over-Hall in Lavenham and Aldham with certain Tenements called Holland in Com. Suff. the Mannors of Great-Hormede in Com. Hertf. Earles-Colne and Bentley in Com. Essex Abyton in Comit. Cantabr Rydlyngwold with certain Tenements in Cherleton and the fourth part of two parts of the Mannor of Kingston in Com. Kanc. Of which Alberic his Brother I find that in 51 Edward 3. he was joyned in Commission with the Bishop of St. Davids then Lord Chancelour and others to treat of Peace with Charles King of France and in 4 R. 2. conââituted one of the Embassadors sent to make a League with Wenceslaus King of the Romans and Bohemia and the King of England Moreover that in 8 R. 2. he was reteined to serve the King in his Warrs of Scotland for forty days But I return to Robert Son and Heir to the last Earl Thomas This Robert making proof of his age in 6 R. 2. and then doing his Homage had Livery of his Lands whose marriage he being in his minority at his Fathers death was thereupon granted by King Edward the third to Iâgelram then Earl of ãâã to the intent he might take to Wife the Lady Philippa Daughter of that Earl Which being accordingly effected King Richard the second in the second year of his Reigne this Robert being still in Ward granted unto William then Bishop of London and Roger de Beauchamp an hundred pound per annum for his better support untill he should arrive at full age as he did shortly after viz. in 6 R. 2. but wanting Lands of sufficient worth to maintain her the said Philippa then his Wife he obtained from the King in consideration of his good service done and to be done that during her life they should enjoy all those Lands which were bestowed by King Edward the third in remainder after
and the residue were highly preferred the Beauchamps afterwards kept the name of Earl of UUarwick to King Edw. the fourths time Now that the substance of this is true viz. that for the service done in that Battle he had by special favor the title of Earl is likely enough but that he or his Father did marry the immediate Heir of Bellâânont or that the ãâã kept the name of Earl till Edward the ââurths time cannot be proved To return to his Story This William upon the ninth of February 52 Hen. 3. did his Homage as Nephew and Heir to William Mauduit the last Earl for all the lands descended to him by his Fathers death At which time the K. was pleased in consideration of his laudable services to accept of him for those which were due from his said Father unto the Exchequer twenty pounds per annum untill they should be run up and in farther remuneration of his services remitted ninty five pounds of the same As to his military actions In 2 Edw. 1. he was sent with Roger de Clifford a great Baron and others unto the Ford of Montgomery to examine hear and redress the wrongs and trespasses done in those parts contrary to that form of peace which was concluded betwixt King Henry the third and Leweline Prince of UUales and to rectifie all things according to the tenor of that agreement at which meeting the Prince of UUales was to be or send Commissioners on his part to manage that business In 4 Edw. 1. he was made Captain general of all the Kings forces in Cheshire and Lancashire for the defence of those Counties against the excursions of the Welch and the next ensuing year attended the King in that notable Expedition into UUales whereby he became victorious there This Earl had great suits with William de Breause for the Lordship of Gowher commonly called Gowher-Land in UUales wrongfully given by King Iohn 4 Ioh. to William Great-Grandfather of William de Breause whilest Henry Earl of Warwick Ancestor to this William de Beauchamp now Earl was in his minority but could not recover it In 10 Edw. 1. he was in that expedition then made into Wales In 15. E. 1. he was again sent into Wales at which time he besieged the Castle of Droslelan and had two hundred and forty pounds delivered to him by the Bishop of Ely then Lord Treasurer for defraying his charges in that service At that time the King being in France constituted Edmund Earl of Cornwall his Lieutenant here in England during his absence who taking special care to keep all in quiet directed his precept to this our Earl and other great men striclty requiring them that they should not ride with armed power in any part of the Realm for any respect whatsoever to the terror of the Kings leige people and disturbance of the peace but if any difference did arise betwixt them and others they should make it known to the Earl of Cornwall who would apply a timely remedy thereto In 20 Edw. 1. he obtained the Kings Licence to raise an embattled Wall about part of his Mannor House at Hanslap in Com Buck. In 23 Edward 1. being again in Wales with the King he performed a notable exploit viz. Hearing that a great body of the Welch were got together in a plain betwixt two Woods and to secure themselves had fastned their Pikes to the ground sloping towards their assailants he marched thither with a choice company of Cross-bow-men and Archers and in the night time encompassing them about put betwixt every two Horse-men one Cross-bow-man which Cross-bow-men killing many of them that held the Pikes the Horse charged in suddenly and made a very great slaughter This was done near Montgomery In 24 Edw. 1. he received command to be at New-Castle upon Tine upon the first of March well furnished with Horse and Arms for an expedition into Scotland and afterwards was sent with Iohn Earl of Surrey to recover the Castle of Dunbar treacherously gained by the Scots in which action they were constrained to cope with the whole Army of the Scots that came to raise the siege but at length after a sharp dispute obtained a glorious victory the number slain being supposed ten thousand Which great success caused the suddain render of that Castle In 25 Edw. 1. he received command to be at London upon Sunday next after the Octaves of St. Iohn Baptist well accoutred with Horse and Arms to attend the King into Flanders but upon farther consideration he was appointed to stay behinde and made one of the Governors of Prince Edward then in minority during the Kings absence whom the King had constituted his Lieutenant for that time In the same year he was in that expedition made into Gascoigns in which service the English raised the siege of St. Catherines He also had the Custody of the Castle and Forest of Rokingham about that time committed to his trust and before the end of the same year was appointed to be at New-Castle upon Tine viz. upon S. Nicholas day to march against the Scots with Prince Edward but that proved an unhappy adventure the English Army being for the most part destroyed in attempting to pass the Bridge at Sterling It was likewise this year and on Holy-Rood day being in perfect health that he made his Testament whereby he bequeathed his body to be buried in the Quire of the Friers-minors commonly called the Gray-Friers at Worcester in case he should depart this life within the compass of the four English Seas If otherwise then in the next House of Friers-Minors to that place where his death might happen and his Heart wheresoever the Countess his dear Consort should resolve herself to be interred To which place of his burial he bequeathed two great Horses viz. those which at his Funeral should carry his Armor for the solemnizing of which Funeral he gave two hundred pounds Moreover he gave to the maintenance of two Souldiers in the Holy-Land one hundred pound To Maude his Wife all his silver Vessel with the Cross wherein was contained part of the Wood of the very Cross whereon our Saviour died Likewise the vestments of his Chapel to make use of during her life but afterwards the best suit to Guy his eldest Son the second suit to his Chapel of Haâslape and the third to his Chapel of Anneley To Guy his Son a Gold Ring with a Ruby in it together with his Blessing To his said Wife a Cup which the Bishop of Worcester gave him All his other Cups with his lesser sort of Jewels and Rings he likewise gave unto her to distribute for the health of his Soul where she should think best To his two Daughters then Nunns at Shouldham in Comit. Norf. a Monastry of their Great-Grandfathers foundation by the Mothers side he gave fifty marks As to his farther
any great Commander Fort or Castle the Prince likewise to have them giving him reasonable satisfaction In the same year he was joyned with the Bishop of Durham and others to treat with certain Commissioners from the King of Scots touching a Peace betwixt both Realms Certain it is that he stood in high estimation with that Heroick Prince with whom he had been so retained as before is shewed for at his Coronation when he came to be King he was constituted High Steward of England for that Solemnity And the same year made one of his Commissioners to Treat with others from the King of France touching a firm Peace betwixt both Crowns as also for the better securing thereof to Treat for a Marriage betwixt K. Henry and Catherine Daughter to the King of France In 2 Hen. 5. when the Sect of Lollards being numerous in all parts of the Realm had conspired to seise the King and his Brothers with divers other persons of great quality and to murther them likewise to destroy the Monasteries and Prelates and to share their Possessions he forthwith armed himself and assisted much in the subduing them After which scil 3 Hen. 5. he was retained by Indenture bearing date 19 Iunii to serve the King as Captain of âalais until Febr. 3. An. 1416. 4 Hen. 5. And to have with him in the time of Truce or Peace for the safeguard thereof Thirty Men at Arms himself and three Knights accounted as part of that number Thirty Archers on Horsback Two hundred Foot Soldiers and Two hundred Archers all of his own retinue besides ten Men at Arms and ten Archers on Horsback belonging to the Treasurer of Calais For which service he was to receive for himself six shillings eight pence per diem for his Knights two shillings a piece for the rest of his Horse twelve pence for every Archer on Horsback and Foot Soldier eight pence and for every Archer on foot sixpence per diem for their Wages In which Town there was also to be at the Kings charges Forty Cross Bowmen twenty Carpenters and five Masons besides Bowyers with other Officers and Pensioners And in time of War he to have One hundred and forty Men on Horsback himself and sixty Knights accounted part One hundred and fifty Archers on Horsback One hundred Foot Soldiers One hundred eighty four Archers on foot and four Scouts on Horsback for his own retinue over and above twenty Men at Arms and ten Archers on Horsback as also ten Archers on foot belonging to the same Treasurer besides Balisters Carpenters c. Whereupon he soon hasted to Calais and the more speedily because he heard that the French were raising great Forces against that place and there was received with solemn Procession But when he understood that those Forces bent another way he resolved to put in practise some new point of Chevalry causing three Shields to be made and in each of them a Lady Painted the first harping at the end of a Bedstead with a Grate of Gold on her left Sleeve and her Knight called The Green Knight with a Black Quarter who was ready to just with any Knight of France twelve courses having two Shields of Purveyance and his Letter sealed with the Seal of his Arms The Field Silver a Manch Gules The second Pavice on Shield had a Lady sitting at a covered Board working Pearls and on her Sleeve a Glove of Plate tacked her Knight being called Chevalier Vert having his Letter sealed with these Arms The Field Silver two Bars of Gules who was to just fifteen courses and that should be Saddles of Chains The third Pavice had a Lady sitting in a Garden making a Chaplet and on her Sleeve a Polein with a Rivet her Knight being called Chevalier Attendant who with his Fellow must run and course with sharp Spears his Letter being sealed With Gold and Gules Quarterly and a Border Vert which Letters were sent to the Kings Court of France where three French Knights received them and promised their Fellows to meet at a day and place assigned Whereof the first was a Knight called Sir Gerard Herbaumes who called himself Le Chevalier Rouge the second a famous Knight named Sir Hugh Launey calling himself Le Chevalier Blanke and the third a Knight named Sir Collard Fines Twelfday in Christmass being appointed for the time that they should meet in a Land called The Park-hedge of Gynes On which day this Earl came into the Field with his Face covered a Plume of Ostrich Feathers upon his Helm and his Horse trapped with the Lord Toneys Arms one of his Ancestors viz. Argent a Manch Gules Where first encountering with the Chevalier Rouge at the third Course he unhorsed him and so returned with close Vizor unknown to his Pavilion whence he sent to that Knight a good Courser The next day he came into the Field with his Vizor close a Chaplet on his Helm and a Plume of Ostrich Feathers aloft his Horse trapped with the Arms of Hanslap viz. Silver two Bars Gules where he met with the Blank Knight with whom he encountred smote off his Vizor thrice broke his Besagurs and other Harneys and returned victoriously to his Pavilion with all his own Habiliments safe and as yet not known to any from whence he sent this Blank Knight Sir Hugh Launey a good Courser But the morrow after viz. The last day of the justs he came with his Face open and his Helmet as the day before save that the Chaplet was rich with Pearl and Precious Stones and in his Coat of Arms of Guy and Beauchamp quarterly having the Arms of Toney and Hanslap on his Trappers and said That as he had in his own person performed the service the two days before so with Gods grace he would the third Whereupon encountring with Sir Collard Fines at every stroke he bore him backward to his Horse insomuch as the Frenchmen 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 Sir Collard Fines a fair Courser feasted all the people gave to those three Knights great rewards and so rode to Calais with great honor About this time scil 2. Hen. 5. it was that the General Council of Constance in Germany began unto which the most prudent Bishops and Prelates of all Christendom with a multitude of other Clerks repaired the cause of that meeting being cheifly about choice of the Pope Whereupon from England were sent the Bishops of Salisbury Coventrey and Liechfield Bathe and Wells Norwich Hereford and S. Davids the Abbot of Westminster Prior of Worcester with divers other Learned Men and for their greater honor this Richard Beauchamp Earl of Warwick themselves and their whole retinue amounting in number to Eight hundred Horse During whose stay at Constance he receiving a Challenge from a great Duke for
as Heir to his Brother Iohn whose Wardship was granted to Edmund the Kings Brother This Henry being under age in 15 Edw. 1. at such time as the King made his expedition into Wales was acquitted of one hundred and twenty pound required from him for the Scutage then levied upon that occasion And in 22 Edw. 1. being then of age had thereupon Livery of them as also Summons to be at Portsmouth upon the first of September well fitted with Horse and Arms to attend the King into Gascoigne In 24 Edw. 1. being constituted Governor of all Galloway in Scotland he was in the Battle of Dunbar where the English then obtained a memorable Victory And the same year had a Charter of Free-Warren in all his Demesn Lands within the Lordship of Tadcaster in Com. Ebor. In 25 Edw. 1. the Earl Warren then General of all the Rings Forces beyond Trent having raised a great power in Yorkshire sent this Henry his Nephew with the Forces of Carlisle into Scotland who coming to Are endeavored to dispose the Inhabitants of Galloway to Peace But hearing that the Scots were advanced near Irwine about four miles distant he marched towards them Whereupon discerning themselves too weak they submitted In this year upon the Kings confirmation of the Great Charter and Charter of the Forests with the Articles thereupon he was one of the Peers that undertook for the Safe-guard of the Earls of Hereford and Norfolk and other of the Nobility who had stickled hard for the obtaining thereof But in 26 Edw. 1. he marched again into Scotland and the next year following being sent to York there to meet with the Bishop of Durham and Earl of Lincoln as also with some of the Nobles of Scotland to consult about the fortifying and manning of the Castles in Scotland he obtained in consideration of his great and faithful services a Grant of all the Lands as well in England as in Scotland which were the Inheritance of Ingelram de Baillol deceased and which did by Inheritance belong to Ingelram de Vmfranvill then in Rebellion In 28 Edw. 1. he was again in the Wars of Scotland So also in 31 Edw. 1. And then obtained a Charter for a Market upon the Saturday every week at his Mannor of Pokelington in Com. Ebor. And two Fairs one on the Eve and Feast-day of All-Saints and the other on the Eve and Feast-day of S. Margaret the Virgin Likewise in 32 Edw. 1. at Primchale near Spoford a Market on the Tuesday every week and a Fair yearly on the Eve and Feast-day of S. Michael as also a Market upon the Thursday at Wandesford in the same County and a Fair yearly on the Eve and Day of S. Mary Magdalen In 34 Edw. 1. being again sent into Scotland to oppose Robert de Brus then newly Crowned King there he was besieged at Kenâyr but shortly after relieved by those Forces which the King himself sent from Lanercost in Cumberland This Henry purchased the Mannor of âuerindon upon ãâã from Anthony Beke Bishop of Durham And in 2 Edw. 2. obtained License to fortifie his Houses at Spoford and Lekingfield in Com. Ebor. As also that at Petworth in Com. Sussex He likewise in 3 Edw. 2. purchased from the same Bishop the Honor of Alnwike wherewith William de Vesci Lord thereof had intrusted that Bishop for the behoof of Iohn de Vesci his illegitimate Son the Bishop not performing the trust by reason of some scandalous words exprest towards him by that Iohn which Grant the King confirmed In 4 Edw. 2. he was again in Scotland and the same year procured the Kings Charter for Free-Warren in all his Demesn Lands within his Lordships of Settle Gigleswick Routhweii Maââum Arnecliff Buckden and Tadcaster in Com. Ebor. In 5 Ed. 2. he was made Governor of the Castle of Baumburgh in Com. Northumbr As also of the Castle of Scardebourgh in Com. Ebor. And in 7 Edw. 2. marched again into Scotland So likewise in 8 Edw. 2. In which year also upon the death of Robert Lord Clifford he was constituted one of the Commissioners together with Guy de Beauchamp Earl of Warwick and Bartholmew de Badlesmere in the custody of the Castles of Skipton in Craven Appeâây Bruham and Pendragon and likewise of two parts of the profits of the County of Westmorland by reason of the minority of Roger de Clifford Son and Heir to the said Robert Moreover having thus acquired the Honor of Alnwike he repaired the Castle there and the better to secure his title therein obtained a Release from Sir Gilbert de Aton Knight Coâin and Heir to William de Vesci of all his Right thereto He likewise purchased the Lordship of Corbrigge in Com. Northumbr And did so well deserve of King Edward that he obtained the Earldom of Carryk at his hands with all the Castles Mannors and Lands whereof Robert de Brus was possessed at the time when he was slain by Iohn Comyn He purchased also from Henry de Fishburne Son and Heir to Constance Daughter and Heir of Henry de Baillol the Mannor of Uere in Galoway as also Red-Castle in Anegos As to his Works of Piety he Founded a Chantry for two Priests in the Chappel of Semar for the health of the Soul of Eleanor his Mother and all his Ancestors To the Monks of Fountains he gave certain Lands in Malgum Moore and to the Monks of Salley the Advowson of the Church of Gairgrave And by Eleanor his Wife Daughter of Richard Fitz-Alan Earl of Arundel had issue two Sons viz. Henry and William and departing this life in 8 Edw. 2. was buried in the Abby of Fountains before the High Altar leaving Henry his Son and Heir at that time sixteen years of age Which Eleanor the same year he died laid claim to certain Lands in Wresill and Ergom in Com. Ebor. As also in Claxby and Slotheby in Com. Linc. Against William de Percy who then held them Which William vouched a Grant from the said Henry her Husband and challenged Warranty thereupon from Henry her Son and Heir at that time under age And had for her Dower the Mannors of Clecop Gigleswike Lekinfield Naâerton the third part of the Mannor of Wâtherby certain Lands in Bukeden as also the Mannor of Thurstanby with the Perquisites of the Court of Gisburne and Chase there Twenty nine shillings eight pence half-penny Rent in Westby Pathenale Swinden and Stainford-Scotain in Com. Ebor. And Six shillings eight pence yearly Rent in Louthford and Leggesby in Com. Linc. assigned unto her I now come to Henry Son and Heir to the last mentioned Henry and Eleanor In 9 Edw. 2. he obtained a
of the Commissioners to treat with the Ambassadors of the same King of France touching the sending back of Isabel his Daughter second Wife to the deposed King with her Jewels whom he had required to be returned to him So likewise for the ratifying that Truce which had been made betwixt both Realms in King Richards time And furthermore constituted him Steward of his Houshold as he had been to King Richard Moreover in 3 Hen. 4. he was made the Kings Lieutenant throughout all North Wales and South-Wales for resistance of the Rebels there But notwithstanding all this trust and favor from King Henry he thought it not enough considering the many benefits and high esteem he had from King Richard and therefore deserting the Princes Houshold which the King had specially committed to his trust he fled to his Brother the Earl of Northumberland and combining with him joyned with his Nephew Hotspur then in Arms by whom being sent to the King upon his offer of Pardon in case they would submit as in my discourse of Hotspur is shewed he misrepresented what His Majesty had graciously expressed exaspeâating him to Battle which forthwith ensuing concluded in the total rout of all their Rebellious Forces and slaughter of many amongst which Hotspur their General was the chief This Earl himself being then taken prisoner and soon after beheaded at Shrewsbury This is all I have to say of him other then that when he was in such favor with King Richard the Second he purchased the Mannor of Wresil in Yorkshire and built the Castle there but dying without issue it afterward by the favor of came to Earl of Northumberland Thomas Percy Lord Egremonâ Third Son of Henry the Second Earl of Northumberland THis Thomas in 28 Hen. 6. being then a Knight in consideration of his many and great services was advanced to the Title of Lord Egremont to hold to himself and the Heirs-male of his Body And in 30 Hen. 6. constituted one of the Commissioners to treat with Iames Earl Douglas upon those Articles by him signed After which viz. in 36 Hen. 6. he obtained a Grant of the Castle and Lordship of Wresil in Com. Ebor. to hold for term of his life as also License to travel into several Forein parts but returning again ere long was slain in the Battle of Northampton in 38 Hen. 6. without Wife or Issue Nevill THis Noble Antient and Spreading Family do derive their Descent from Gilbert de Nevil a Norman who came into England with William the Conqueror being at that time his Admiral as some of our Genealogists have noted though there be no mention of him nor any of that name in the General Survey made by that King Which Geffrey having issue Geffrey and he another Geffrey who married Emme the Daughter and Heir of Bertram de Bulmer a great Baron in the North had issue by her one sole Daughter called Isabel which Isabel after the death of her Brother Henry without issue became his heir and taking to Husband Robert Fitz-Maldred Lord of Raby in the Bishoprick of Durham had issue by her a Son called Geffrey who by reason that his Mother was so great an Inheritrix assumed the sirname of Nevill from whom that Branch whose principal Seat was for many ages afterwards at Raây and at length Earls of Westmorland did Spring But before I come to speak of this last mentioned Geffrey I shall take notice of those who bore that sirname long before though how they stood related in blood to him is not yet clear to me Of these therefore in order of time the first I meet with is Robert who in 2 Hen. 1. was in Arms with that famous Rebel Robert de Belesme Earl of Shrewsbury as also one of those to whom he committed the trust of that strong Town and having made Peace with the Welsh and gotten two of their Princes to his aid marched with a great power to encounter the Kings Army After him there was Ralph de Nevill witness to a Charter of King Henry the First granted to the Monks of Bardney in the sixteenth of His Reign And next Gilbert de Nevill of whom I find mention in Lincolnshire in 2 Hen. 2. And in Roteland 5 Hen. 2. As also in Oxfordshire 7 Hen. 2. Which Gilbert had a Brother named Alan de Nevill and a Son called Geffrey Founder of the Priory of Tupholme in Com. Linc. Who in 10 Hen. 2. was one of the witnesses in that Recognition then made by the King of the Peoples Liberties Of this Alan de Nevill it is reported That in 12 Hen. 2. being at Uiceliack in his journey towards Ierusalem upon Ascension-day to celebrate that Festival he was with Richard de Lucy and others excommunicated by Thomas Becket then Archbishop of Canterbury in regard he had been one of those who stoutly asserted and defended the antient customs of England against the Popes Usurpations but soon after absolved by Gilbert Foliot Bishop of London then in those parts upon his Promisory Oath to go to the Pope and submit himself to his Holiness This is that Alan de Nevill who was cheif Justice of the Forests throughout all England and in 16 Hen. 2. a Justice Itinerant but died in 2 Rich. 1. leaving issue two Sons Alan and Geffrey Of which Alan I have not seen any thing farther but of Geffrey it appears that in 6 Ioh. he was constituted Governor of Corffe Castle and that in 16 Ioh. being then the Kings Chamberlain he was made Governor of Scarborough Castle having one hundred pound assigned to him for the fortifying thereof In 17 Ioh. he obtained the Wardship of the Daughters of Roger Trusbut as also a Grant of the Lands of Simon de Kime and Phillip de Kime then in Rebellion as it seems And the same year being Sheriff of Yorkshire was joyned in Commission with Gerard de Furnivall to treat with Robert de Ros and other of the Barons then in Rebellion for reducing them to obedience In 2 H. 3. being then Seneschal of Poictou and Gascoigne he was again constituted Sheriff of Yorkshire and so continued till 7 H. 3. inclusive Upon levying the first Scutage of Henry the Third viz. 5 Hen. 3. he paid twenty six marks for the Fees of Cecily de Crevequer and in 6 H. 3. with Richard de Alencon gave one hundred pound to the King for the Wardship of the Heir of Alexander de Nevill whose Lands lay in the Counties of Lincoln York and Cumberland This Geffrey and Mabel his Wife confirmed to the Abby of Monk-Bretton in Com. Ebor. all the Grants which Adam Fitz-Swane the Founder thereof had given thereto she the said
that in the Priors Land Book not only all the services are exactly Registred but whatsoever others ought to receive of him And lastly that there is not so much as mention of this service in any of their Chronicles To proceed In 7 Edw. 3. this Ralph was one of the Commissioners assigned by the King to go to the Parliament of Scotland there to see that the Covenants and Agreements made betwixt King Edward and Edward de Baillol King of Scots were ratified and confirmed And in 8 Edw. 3. was joyned with Henry de Piercy in the Wardenship of the Marches of Northumberland Cumberland and Westmerland In the same year he was again constituted a Commissioner to the Parliament of Scotland for the purpose above expressed And in 9 Ed. 3. being still Steward of the Kings Houshold had an Assignation of Two hundred twenty six pounds and five shillings for the wages of himself and those Men at Arms which he had retained for the Kings service in the Scottish Wars In the same year he was âent in Commission with William de Montacute and some others to treat and agree with Sir Andrew de Murref a Knight of Scotland for himself and his adherents upon the differences which had occasioned Wars betwixt the People of both Kingdoms and was likewise constituted Governor of the Castle of Bambourgh In 11 Edw. 3. he was appointed one of the Commissioners to treat and conclude with those Noblemen and others who were then to be imployed in the Scottish Wars and to acquaint them more fully with the Kings Royal pleasure as also touching their stay there with the conditions thereof being himself likewise in those Wars having an Assignation of Three hundred forty six pound ten shillings four pence for his pay as a Banneret with his Men at Arms and Archers imployed in that service In 12 Edw. 3. taking into consideration the Kings want of Money for the publick service of this Realm he lent him all his Wools in his Mannor of Faxfleet in Com. Ebor. upon promise to have restitution when the Receivers of Yorkshire should have so much come to their hands In 13 Edw. 3. being still Warden of all the Forests on the North of Crent the King taking into consideration his eminent services in the Marches of Scotland was pleased to allow him so much in Fee for his custody of the Marches as other Wardens of the Forests had before that time out of the Exchequer upon making their accompts In 14 Edw. 3. he obtained a Charter of Free-Warren in all his Lordships of Horsford Houton North Pikenham and South Pikenham in Com. Norf. Evre in Com. Buck. and Bliburgh in Com. Suff. And the same year had an allowance of five hundred marks towards the satisfaction of that charge he had been at in the Kings service in those Northern parts to be received from the Collectors of the Subsidy in the Counties of Northumberland and Westmorland In 15 Edw. 3. he was again in the Wars of Scotland and in 16 Edw. 3. constituted one of the Kings Commissioners to treat with David de Brus and other his adherents in Scotland touching a final Peace Moreover upon the marriage of Margaret his Daughter to William Son and Heir of William Lord Ros of Hamlake at that time the King in consideration of his especial services gave him the total benefit of her portion In 17 Edw. 3. he was constitutedone of the Commissioners to treat with the Ambassadors of Philip de Valois in the presence of the Pope concerning certain Dominions Dignities Honors and Lands whereof there had been much variance betwixt them As also appointed a Commissioner together with the Bishops of Durham and Carliââe to see the Peace kept which was concluded betwixt the King of France for himself and the Scots in the Marches and elswhere And the same year obtained a Grant for the custody of two parts of the Lands of William de Ros of Hamlake deceased by reason of the minority of his Heir Being in that skirmish against the Scots at Barwick in Northumberland he was there taken prisoner and carried to Dunbar where he continued for a while in durance in the custody of Patrick Earl of Dunbar but at length was redeemed and in 19 Edw. 3. had Livery of the Mannor of Clavering in Essex upon the death of Hawise the Widow of Iohn de Clavering the Inheritance whereof had been formerly setled upon him for lack of Issue-male by the said Iohn In 20 Edw. 3. he was in that Battle of Durham against the Scots wherein King David was taken prisoner having an eminent command in the Van of the English Army for which service in Scotland as aforesaid which the King gratefully acknowledged he had in 21 Edw. 3. an Aââgnation of a hundred pound as also License to amortise one Messuage one Carucate of Land two Acres of Meadow and seven marks yearly Rent in Sheriff-âoton for the maintenance of two Priests to celebrate Divine Service daily in the Parish Church there for the good estate of himself during his life and afterwards for the health of his Soul as also for the Soul of his Father and Mother and all his Ancestors In 24 Edw. 3. he was constituted one of the Kings Commissioners to treat with the Prelates and Nobles of Scotland at York touching a firm Peace betwixt both Realms And in 25 Edw. 3. had the like Commission with others to treat with some of the Nobles of Scotland at Hexham in Northumberland touching the enlargement of David de Bruâ King of Scotland and making the like Peace Upon which Agreement it being resolved that David should have liberty to go into Scotland and return again he was one of the Commissioners appointed to take his Oath so to do and by another Commission authorised with the Lord Percy and others to see that the Peace concluded on should be firmly kept In 26 Edw. 3. he was joyned with Gilbert de Vmfranvill Earl of Anegos and Henry Lord Percy in the custody of the Marches towards Northumberland as also for Arraying all Men of Body able and Estate sufficient within that County of Northumberland to prevent an invasion of the French then threatned In 27 Edw. 3. he was again constituted one of the Commissioners to treat with the Nobles of Scotland at Newcastle upon Tine for the delivery of David de Brus from imprisonment and concluding a final Peace betwixt both Realms as also constituted one of the Wardens of the Marches towards Cumberland and Westmorland And in 28 Edw. 3. joyned with the Bishop of Durham and others as a Commissioner to treat with the Scots for the inlargement of David de Brus still prisoner in England In 29 Edw. 3. he was again in the Wars of Scotland and
King Edwards right to the superiority in Dominion of the Realm of Scotland in which he is written Robertus de Clifford Castellanus de Appelby And in 24 E. 1. being in the Scotish Warrs with King Edward worthily shared in the Glory of that signal Victory which the English then obtained at âunbar upon Saturday next after the Feast of St. Mark In the 25 of Ed. 1. upon the death of Richard Fitz-Iohn a great Baron in Essex this Robert de Clifford Son of Isabel the Daughter and Coheir of Robert de Vipount by Isâbel his Wife Sister and Coheir to Richard Fitz-Iohn was found to be one of the Cousins and next heires to the same Richard Fitz-Iohn Moreover after this the same year a little before Christmass he was sent with an hundred men at Armes and twenty thousand foot from Carlisle to plunder in Scotland whence having made great spoil in Anandale by burning of whole Towns and much âlaughter he returned on Christmas Eve with store of Booty And the same year was constituted Justice of all the Kings Forests beyond Trent In 26 Edw. 1. he was made Governor of Notingham Castle and went again to the Warrs in Scotland And in 27 Edw. 1. being constituted the Kings Lieutenant and Captain-general in the Counties of Cumberland Westmorland and Lancaster as also throughout all Anandale and the Marches of Scotland was joyned in Commission with the Bishop of Durâam and divers other great Lords to conâider of Garisoning the Castles in that Realm as also for guarding of the Marches And the same year upon partition of the Lands of Richard Fitz-Iohn had assigned unto him in right of Isabel his Mother deceased and to Idonea de Leyburne his Aunt the Lordship of Multon in Northamptonshire the Hamlet of Cinteleberwe in Com. Buck. the Mannor of Wyntreslawe in Com. Wilts the Rent of ten pounds fifteen shillings and nine pence out of the Mannors of Potâers-pirye in Com. Northampt. the Hamlet of Agmondesham in Com. Buck. excepting thirty four shillings and four pence yearly Rent paid out of it to Richard de Burgh Earl of Ulvesâer and likewise the Mannor of Cleydone in Com. Buck. In 28 Edw. 1. he was again in the Warrs of Scotland so also in 32 and 33 Ed. 1. and in 34 Edw. 1. in consideration of his many great Services obtained a Grant from the the King of the Borrough of Hertilpole and of all the Lands of Robert de Brus Earl of Carrick then called an Enemy and Rebel lying in the Bishoprick of Durham and belonging to the Mannor of Herte formerly given to this Robert de Clifford for the like services In the same year the King himself marching towards Scotland with a great Army sent this Robert with Aymer Earl of Pembroke and some others before him against Robert de Brus who then assumed the title of King of Scotland in derogation of King Edward and in farther remuneration of his services gave him the Lands of Christopher de Seyton then attainted which lay in Skelton and Alemby in Cumberland as also all those Lands in Lambindy which were of the inheritance of Erminia Mother of the same Christopher In this 35 of Edw. 1. being again in Scotland he came to the King when he lay on his death-bed at Burgh upon the Sands in Cumberland being one of the Lords then desired to take care that Piers Gaveston might not any more return into England to debauch Prince Edward In 1 Ed. 2. he was again made Governor of Notingham Castle in which year by a special Instrument under his Seal bearing date at Boloigne the last day of Ianuary he joyned with that great Prelate Anthony then Bishop of Durham the Earles of Lincolne Warren and Pembroke the Lords Tibetot Gray and Botetourt whereby they engaged themselves to support the honor and dignity of the King with their Lives and Fortunes In 2 Edw. 2 he was first constituted Warden of the Marches of Scotland towards Carlisle and afterwards Captain-general and Governor of that whole Realm with power to give protection to all those who should submit to King Edwards Authority In 3 Edw. 2. he had a Grant for Life of the Castle of Skypton in Cravene performing the like services to the Crown as the Earles of Albemarle formerly Lords thereof used to do As also of two hundred pounds per annum Lands with the Knights Fees and Advousons of Churches belonging to that Castle and that after his life an hundred pounds per annum of those Lands should remain to him and the Heirs of his Body lawfully begââ ãâã And the next year following obtained anotââ Grant that his Heirs should enjoy so many ãâã âousons of those Churches as according to a râtable proportion did belong to the same hundred pounds per annum But within the compass of that year in exchange for certain Lands in Monmouth the Valley of Monmouth with the Town and Wood of Hodenake he obtained the Inheritance of the Castle Mannor Lands Knights Fees and Advousons of Churches above expressed as by the Kings special Charter dated at Newcastle upon Tine 7 Sept. 4 Edw. 2. appeareth In the same year receiving Command amongst other the great men to be at Rokesbââââ in Scotland well fitted with Horse and Armes to march against the Scots together with Robert de Brus attended with sixty men at Armes he was there accordingly And in 6 Edw. 2 was joyned in Commission with the Earl of Hereford and others to continue a Treaty begun at Markyate with Lodowike E. of Eureux the Bishop of Poitou and others concerning matters of great importance touching the King himself and some of the chief men in England which Treaty was to be held at London but none of the Commissioners or any of their retinue were to lodge within the City And sate in all the Parliaments from 28 E. 1. till 7 Ed. 2. inclusive This Robert was one of those potent men who joyned with Thomas Earl of Lancaster in putting Piers de Gaveston that great favorite of King Edward to death for which transgression he had his pardon about this time And in 7 E. 2. was again in the Warrs of Scotland and there slain in that fatal Battle at Banâock-moore near Stryvelyn with many other gallant English men but his body was sent to King Edward then at Barwick to be buried as he should think fit leaving Roger his Son fifteen years of age during whose minority the King granted the custody of the Castles of Skypton in Craven Appelby Bruham and Pendragon as also two parts of the Lands and profits of the Shirifalty of Westmorland to Guy de Beauchamp Earl of Warwick Henry de Percy and Bartholomew de Badlesmere and unto Maude his Widdow Aunt and one of the Heirs
Will should have the use of his great Velvet Bed during his life but not to be alienated from him who should bear his Name and Armes And to the same person he also bequeathed four Silver Basons with two Ewers whereon his Armes were graven six silver Dishes two silver Pots and four Chargers all marked with his Armes as also a Cup with Cover gilt having one Ring on the side thereof constituting Walter Skyrlaw Bishop of Durham Richard Scrope Bishop of Chester and Sir Richard Scrope Knight his Executors And upon the tenth of May next following departing this life was accordingly buried in the Cathedral of Litchfield where a goodly Monument in the Isle on the South side of the Quire was erected to his memory which in the late unparallel'd rebellious times when that stately Fabrick was laid wast through the Rapine of those then great pretenders to Religion and Reformation came to utter ruine Upon whose death Thomas Earl Stafford was found to be his Cousin and next Heir viz. Son of Hugh Son of Ralph Son of Margaret Sister of Ralph Father of Ralph Father of this last deceased Ralph But by another Inquisition it was found that the same Thomas Earl Stafford and Alice the Wife of Sir William Chaworth Knight were his Cousins and next Heirs viz. the said Thomas Son of Hugh c. as abovesaid And the said Alice Daughter of Catherine Daughter of Iohn Son of Roger Son of Ioane Daughter of Maude the other Sister of Ralph Basset Father of Ralph Father to this Ralph now last deceased Which occasioned great controversie afterwards betwixt Humphrey Earl Stafford and Sir Thomas Chaworth Knight for the Lordship of Colston Basset in Com. Notting What conclusion was made therein I know not but certain I am that for settling a great part of the Lord Bassets Lands there were divirs Fines levied in King Edward the thirds time betwixt Ralph Lord Basset Grandfather to this last Ralph and this last Ralph and Ioane the Daughter of Thomas Beauchamp Earl of Warwick Plantiffs and Sir William Herle Knight and Thomas Radclyve Parson of the Church of Olney deforciants of the Mannors of Walshall in Comitat. Staff Buckby and Multon in Com. Northampt. with Drayton and Patingham in Com. Staff whereby these Lordships were settled upon Ralph the Grandfather for life with remainder to Ralph the Grandson of the said Ralph and Ioane and to the Heirs of the Body of the said Ralph Son of Ralph Son of Ralph and Ioane with remainder to the Heirs male of the said Ralph the Grandfather and for want of such issue to Ralph de Stafford for life with divers other remainders of the line of Stafford and for lack of issue of those remainders to Thomas Beauchamp Son to Thomas late Earl of Warwick and the Heirs male of his body c. Which Ralph Basset the Grandfather had issue Ralph and he the last mentioned Ralph Which Ralph viz. the Son of Ralph and Ioane died in the life-time of his Father and after that Ralph his Father and Ioane his Mother deceased upon whose death Ralph the Grandson of Ralph and Ioane entered into those Lordships by vertue of the Fines before-mentioned and died seized of them without any issue of his Body Likewise the said Ralph Stafford and those other remainders of the line of Stafford specified in the Fines so levied died all without issue male of their Bodies so that by vertue of those Fines the right of these Lordships divolved at length to Thomas Beauchamp then Earl of Warwick Son of Thomas late Earl of Warwick Whereupon that Earl had respite for doing his Homage and Ioane the Widdow of Ralph the last Lord Basset had an Assignation of the Lordships of Olney and Patyngham for her Dowry But after her death which hapned in 4 Hen. 4. Edmund Earl Stafford Son of Hugh Son of Margaret Sister to Ralph Lord Basset Grandfather to the last Ralph had Livery of all those Lands Which Ioane was Sister to Iohn Duke of Britanny and held in dower the third part of the Mannors of Shiringham and Gretewell in Com. Linc. the Mannor of Radclive upon Sore and the third part of the Mannor of Colston Basset in Comitat. Notting the fourth part of the Mannor of Barrow upon Sore and the third part of the Mannors of Rakedale Willows and Radcliffe upon Wreke in Com. Leic. the Mannors of Pâtyngham and Drayton-Basset in Com. Staff the Mannors of Olney and Scherington in Com. Buck. and the Mannor of Towsiâke in Com. Devon This Ioane made her Testament at her Mannor House of Chesthunt in Com. Buck. 27 Martii An. 1402. 3 Hen. 4. Whereby she bequeathed her Body to be buried in the Abby of Lavenden near Olney in that County and died the Thursday next before the Feast of S. Martin the next ensuing year Basset of Sapcote THe first of this Branch that setled at Sapcote in Leicestershire was called William Basset a younger Brother to Ralph Basset of Drayton in Staffordshire Which William executed the Office of Sheriff of Warwick and Leicestershires in 9 Hen. 2. as Deputy to his Brother Ralph In 10 Hen. 2. of Leicestershire for himself and in 11 12 13 14 15 and one half of 16 Hen. 2. for both Counties But in 19 Hen. 2. upon an Inquisition taken by Commissioners concerning all the Sheriffs of England he paid an hundred pounds fine for some transgressions in that Office as it seems In 21 Hen. 2. he was one of the Justices Itinerant in Yorkshire So likewise in 24 Hen. 2. In 23 Hen. 2. he executed the Sheriffs Office for Lincolnshire for the one half of that year and so to the thirtieth of that Kings Reign inclusive To which William succeeded Simon who in 6 Rich. 1. married ... one of the Daughters and Coheirs to William Avenel of Haddon in the Peke in Derbishire And to him Ralph who took to Wife Milisent one of the Daughters and Heirs to Robert de Chaucumbe about the fifteenth of Henry the Third This Ralph as formerly his Grandfather had the Sheriffalty of Lincolnshire from the twenty fifth of Henry the Third to the twenty nineth of Henry the Third inclusive And in 32 Hen. 3. went on pilgrimage to S. Iames in âalliââd In 42 Hen. 3. he received command to attend the King at Chester well fitted with Horse and Arms to restrain the Incursions of the Welsh and the same year was made Governor of Northampton Castle So also in 47 H. 3. But in 48 H. 3. he sided with the Rebellious Barons and was then in Arms with them at Northampton Moreover soon after the King being taken prisoner at Lewes and consequently all in their power he was by those Barons summoned to that Parliament which they held in the Kings name in 49 Hen. 3. And after
that took part with them in the Battle at Evesham where they were totally overthrown By Elizabeth Sister of Edmund de Colvill he left issue Simon Basset who amongst divers other great Men of that time in Iune 22 Ed. 1. had Summons to attend the King wheresoever he should be to advise touching the weighty affairs of the Realm and shortly afterwards was commanded to come to Portsmouth upon the first day of September following well furnished with Horse and Arms thence to accompany him into Gascoigne To which Simon succeeded another Ralph who in 4 Edw. 2. was in that expedition then made into Scotland And in 8 Edw. 2. received command to come to Newcastle upon Tine well provided with Horse and Arms to march against the Scots In 13 Edw. 3. he was with the King in his Army at Uironfosse then drawn out for Battle against the French And in 14 Edw. 3. was in the Kings service in Flanders being then of the Retinue of Thomas Beauchamp Earl of Warwick In 20 Edw. 3. he attended King Edward again into France to raise the Siege of Aguilton And the same year was in that famous Battle of Cressey where the English obtained a glorious Victory After which upon the Siege of Calais the Captain of that Garrison making overture of render he was sent with Sir Walter Manny to hear his Proposals And in 33 Edw. 3. was in another expedition then made by King Edward himself into France In 43 Edw. 3. he was again in France and of the Retinue with the same Earl of Warwick At which time it being found by Inquisition that Robert the Son of Walter Colvill died seised of the Castle and Mannor of Beningfield in Com. Northampt. without issue of his Body and that the Inheritance thereof did thereby divolve to this Ralph Basset of Sapcote Son of Simon Son of Elizabeth Sister of Edmund Father of the same Robert Colvill and to Iohn Gernoun Son of Alice the other Sister of the said Edmund Cosins and Heirs of the before specified Robert Colvill the King in regard that this Ralph Basset was then beyond Sea in his Wars respited his homage and commanded that Livery should be forthwith made to him of his Purparty in that Castle and Mannor In 46 Edw. 3. he was again in France in that expedition then made thither under the command of the Duke of Lancaster wherein the English had great loss near Douchy and Rabymont Whence returning before the Duke he was much reproved by the King After all which his Military employments he Founded a Chantry in the Church of Sapcote for three Priests to celebrate Divine Service daily for the health of his Soul c. Which he endowed with Lands of good value And afterwards ere long departed this life viz. upon Sunday next preceding the Feast of S. Margaret 2 Rich. 2. being then seised of the Castle and Mannor of Caâtle-Bitham as also of the Mannors of East Bitham Cownthorpe Corby South-Witham Cheyle in Holand and the moity of the Mannor of Eareby in Com. Linc. Likewise of the Castle and Mannor of Beningfield with the Advowson of the Church in Com. Northampt. Of the Mannors of Sapcote Stanton and Bredon in Com. Leicest And of the Mannor of Chedle in Com. Staff leaving Alice the Wife of Sir Laurence Dutton Knight then thirty years of age and Elizabeth the Wife of Richard Son of Henry Son of Iohn de Grey of Codnovre seven years of age his Daughters and next Heirs But of this Family I do not find ãâ¦ã ninth of Henry the Third that any had Summons to Parliament ãâã this ãâã mentioned Ralph nor he at any other times then in the forty fourth and forty sixth of Edward the Third Basset of Hedendon THe first of this Branch was Gilbert Basset who about the beginning of King Henry the Firsts Reign gave two parts of his Tithes of Stratton to the Monks of Eyusham in Oxfordshire as also the Tithes of Wooll and Cheese throughout all his Lands Which Gilbert as I ghess was a younger Son to Ralph Basset Justice of England for some part of King Henry the Firsts time and in 12 Hen. 2. held seven Knights ãâã of the Honor of Walingford To this Gilbert succeeded Thomââ Basset Sheriff of Oxfordshire in 10 Hen. 2. and in 21 H. 2. one of the Kings Justices in his Court of Judicature as also a Justice Itinerant for Hantshire Wiltshire Glocestershire Dorsetshire Sommersetshire Devonshire Cornwall Berkshire and Oxfordshire in 25 Hen. 2. Which Thomas for his special Services to King Henry the Second in divers Wars had the Lordship of Hedendon in Oxfordshire with the Hundred of Botendon and likewise that Hundred lying without the North Gate of Oxford given him in Fee-farm for the Rent of twenty pound per annum to the Kings Exchequer This Thomas married Alice the Daughter of ... Dunstanvill and by her left issue three Sons viz. Gilbert Thomas and Alan and also a Daughter Wife of Albert de Grelle Of these Gilbert the eldest became Founder of the Priory at Burcester ãâã Bisseter in Oxfordshire of S. Augustines Order An. 1182. 29 Hen. 2. And in 1 Rich. 1. was one of the Barons who attended at that Kings Coronation In 2 Rich. 1. he was one of those that undertook on the behalf of Iohn Earl of Moreton for performance of that Agreement made between him and William de Longcamp Bishop of Ely then Chancellor of England and Governor of the Realm in King Richards absence and stickled so much for him that he was thereupon excommunicated by the Pope In 6 Rich. 1. this Gilbert gave an hundred pounds fine to the King that his Daughter might be married to Thomas de Verdon In 2 Ioh. he was Sheriff of Oxfordshire and present with many other of the Barons at Lincoln when William King of Scotland did homage to King Iohn for that Realm Lastly he was a Benefactor to the Knights Templars by the gift of divers Lands and Rents at Charing to that fraternity and having married Egeline Daughter of ... Courtney who lieth buried in the Priory of Burcester died in 7 Ioh. leaving issue one only Daughter his Heir Wife of Richard de Comvill Which Richard gave two thousand ãâã and ten Palfreys to the King for Livery of her whole Inheritance excepting the Mannor of Stoke whereunto the King himself laid claim ¶ I now come to Thomas the next Brother of this last mentioned Gilbert This Thomas had the Mannors of Colinton and Witeford given him by King Richard the First Also in 1 Ioh. a Grant of Colinton from that King And in 5 Ioh. another Grant of the Mannor of Hedendon in Com. Oxon. in
of Beldesert And in 47 Hen. 3. upon that Insurrection then made by the Welsh he had amongst others command to fit himself with Horse and Arms and to repair to Hereford on Munday next after the Feast of the Purification of our Lady In which year he was constituted Governor of the Castle of Corff and Shirebourne So likewise the Castle and Mannor of Seggewike which belonged to Iohn Maunsell Howbeit no sooner had the Rebellious Barons made head at Oxford where forcing the Kings assent to their unreasonable Ordinances they caused a choice of twenty four persons to be made by whose discretion the Kingdom should be governed but that this Peter shewed himself one of the most forward amongst them being not only one of those twenty four so chosen to rule but when all the rest of them except himself and four others calmly considering the great confusion and peril then imminent by reason of that strange rupture were content that those Ordinances should be made void and the King restored to his former condition he joyned with them in opposing it And in the beginning of April next ensuing was in Arms against the King at Northampton where upon storming of that Town by the Royalists when many others were taken he fled to the Castle but was constrained the next day to render himself with his two Sons Peter and Robert who were all of them thereupon sent prisoners to Windsore Castle But long they continued not there for upon the fourteenth of May following hapned that fatal Battle of Lewes in Susseâ where through the too eager and far pursuit by Prince Edward of that Brigade of the Barons Army which he had routed the day being lost himself with the King his Father and many noble persons were made prisoners those Rebellious Barons then having all in their power within three days after issued out a Precept in the Kings name under the Great Seal dated the seventeenth of May unto Dru de Barentine at that time Constable of Windsore Castle requiring him forthwith to set this Peter de Montfort and those his two Sons at liberty Shortly after which Victory those Barons then agreeing amongst themselves that nine select persons should be authorised to exercise Regal Power whereof three at least to be constantly resident at Court for disposing the custody of all Castles and managery of other the most important Affairs as also for the nomination of the Chancellor Justices Treasurer and all other Officers great and small who had to do in the Government This Peter was appointed to be one of those nine Whereupon inter alia they constituted Commissioners to the King of France and to the Popes Legate to reform as they termed it and settle the Kingdom whose names I shall here recite viz. Henry de Sandwich Bishop of London Walter de Cantelupo Bishop of Worcester Iohn of Oxford Bishop of Winchester Hugh Despenser Justice of England Peter de Montfort id est this very Peter and Richard de Mepham Archdeacon of Oxford In which Commission bearing date at Canterbury upon Saturday next after the Feast of the Nativity of our Lady scil 8 Sept. there was a more especial power given to this Peter then any of the rest viz. That whatsoever he should swear to do the King must be obliged by it Dante 's insuper praefato Petro potestatem jurandi in animam nostram quod nos quicquid ipse in praemissis nomine nostro duxerit faciendum ratum habeamus acceptum these being the words thereof And after this by another Commission bearing date at Dover upon the twenty fourth day of the same Moneth of September he was singly sent to the before specified Legate to treat with him privately about those things with desire that he should make as quick a return as might be The intent of all this their application to the Legate being no other then to palliate their disloyal practises towards the King with fair and specious pretences to the Pope lest he should thunder out his curses as he afterwards did against them Moreover besides these eminent trusts it appears That by the same aâthority of the Kings Great Seal he was constituted Governor of Whitenton Castle in Shropshire 19 Dec. and the next day following of Hereford Castle unto which Castle about the midst of May ensuing they removed the King And on the twentieth of that Moneth of May had a Precept to Walter de Evereus then Sheriff of Herefordshire for delivery of the Issues of that County unto him for the better strengthning of that Castle Furthermore that nothing for conveniency in these high Trusts should be wanting to him he obtained by the same Authority a Grant of Prince Edwards Lodgings at Westminster During the time of his continuance in this power certain it is That he did much mischeif by divers hostile actions For it appears that after the King was restored by that happy Victory at Evesham in part of recompence for the losses which Robert Walrand sustained through plunder in his Lands at Kilpeck and Strivele by this Peter he had by the favor of that King a Grant of all the Bulls Oxen and Kine which were then upon the Lands of Blenleveny in Wales belonging to this Peter at the time of the Battle of Evesham But lo the instability of earthly greatness especially that which is raised by disloyal Subjects upon the designed ruine of their rightful Soveraign For it was not many days after that the Prince making his escape from that Castle of Hereford like a sudden flash of Lightning broke through a Cloud but that he raised such a powerful Army that on the day preceding the Nones of August next ensuing he came upon the cheif strength of those Rebellious Barons at Evesham in Worcestershire like terrible Thunder where obtaining an absolute Victory this our Peter de Montfort with divers more of the principal Actors in that Tragedy was slain Whereupon the then Sheriff of Warwickshire scil William Bagât received command to extend his Lordship of Beldesert and all other his Lands in those parts but proper resistentiam inimicorum by reason of the power of the Enemy as the Record expresseth they having then a strong Garison in Kenilworth Castle not far off being not able to do it the King directed a Commission to the Abbot of Bordsley and Prior of Studley to take notice of the particular numbers of Acres of Land Meadow Wood and Pasture and the value of each as also of those his Tenants who held in Villainage with the Rents and Services of the Free-holders and to certifie the same into his Exchequer This Peter took to Wife Alice the Daughter of Henry de Alditâley a great Baron in Staffordshire and had issue by her three Sons viz. Peter William and Robert
to the King twelve hundred marks and two Palfreys to have Maud the Daughter of Robert Vavasour to Wife with her inheritance which Maud was Widdow of Theobald Walter In 12 Ioh. he attended the King into Ireland And in 17 Ioh. had Livery of the Dowry of her the said Maud lying in Amundernesse in Com. Lanc. After this Hugh Bigot for the love he bore to him bestowed on him the Lordship of Wantinge in Com. Berks. Hereupon he went with Ranulph Earl of Chester again into Ireland About this time it was that he adhered to the rebellious Barons and with the principall of them the next ensuing year underwent the sentence of Excommunication by the Pope He likewise continued in rebellion after the death of King Iohn Whereupon King Henry the third gave the Mannor of Norburgh in Com. Leic. which was part of his Lands to Henry Earl of Warwick But in 4 Hen. 3. he made his composition with the King and gave two hundred sixty two pounds and two great Coursers for to have possession of his Castle at Whitington Whereupon undertaking that it should not be prejudicial to the King in 5 Hen. 3. he had licence to fortify it And thenceforth manifested his loyalty in his service against the Welch in South-Wales under the famous William Mareshall Earl of Pembroke as also in his obsequious attendance upon the King himself in his Army at Montgomerie In 11 Hen. 3. this Fulke obtained the Kings Charter for a Fair every year at his Mannor of Cheping Samburne for three dayes viz. the Eve Day and Morrow after the Feast of St. Matthew the Apostle and in 17 Hen. 3. gave the King six hundred marks for the Wardship of the Heirs of William Pantulf and benefit of their marriage In 22 Hen. 3. the time of the Truce betwixt King Henry and Lewelyn Prince of Wales being near to an end he was summoned with other of the Barons-Marchers to attend the King at Oxford on Tuesday next after the Quind of Easter then to consult of what should thereupon be done And in 29 Hen. 3. when Lawrence de St. Martin the Popes Kinsman was sent into England to exact money from the Bishops and Abbots to the great dislike of the People and thereupon Inquisition made of what was so got throughout England the King diâcerning it very burthensome sent this Fouke to command him to quit the Realm In 30 Hen. 3. he procured another Charter from the King for a fair every year at his Mannor of Waneting in Com. Berks for three days viz. on the Eve of the Translation of St. Thomas the Martyr and two days following and in 41 Hen. 3. received command to be assistant unto Hamon Strange for guarding the Marches of Wales in the parts about Montgomerie Moreover in 42 Hen. 3. he received farther summons to attend the King at Chester on MOnday next after the Feast of St. Iohn Baptist well furnished with Horse and Armes to restrain the incursions of the Welsh And in 44 Hen. 3. with the rest of the Barons-Marches had the like command to repair to the Marches for prevention of farther mischief from the Welsh This Fulke married a second Wife called Clarice and in 48 Hen. 3. being in the Battle of Lewes on the Kings part was there drowned in the adjacent River leaving issue Fulke his Son and Heir and a Daughter called Eve who became the second Wife to Lewelin Prince of Wales Which Fulke having made proof of his age in 1 Edw 1. and claimed his own inheritance wedded the Daughter to Gryffyn Son of Wenovewyn with whom he had the territory of Ballesleg Moreover in 10 Ed. 1. he attended the King in that Expedition then made by him into Wales and merited so well for the service he did there at that time that he obtained Pardon for two hundred pounds of that four hundred pounds debt which he owed unto the Exchequer and likewise a Charter for Free-warren in all his Demesne Lands at Whitington as also another for the like Free-warren in all his Lands at Abberbury and for a Market every week there upon the Friday with two Fairs yearly the one on the Eve Day and Morrow after the Feast of St. Cirice and Iulite and the other on the Eve Day and Morrow after the feast of St. Nicholas In 22 Edw. 1. he was Summoned amongst divers other great men to attend the King with his advice touching the great affairs of the Realm and soon after that the same year accompanied him into Gascoigne with a military power In 25 Edw. 1. he was of the retinue with that great Prelate Anthony Beke then Bishop of Durham in that Expedition then made into Flanders In the same year also he was again with the King in his Warrs against the Welsh And in 27 Edw. 1. in the Wars of Scotland So likewise in 29 Edw. 1. In 34 Edw. 1. he was one of that great number of those select men that then received the order of Knighthood at London by Bathing and other sacred Ceremonies with Prince Edward whence he advanced with him into Scotland to restrain the attempts of Robert de Brus who had at that time assumed the Crown of that Realm and in 35 Edw. 1. sate with the rest of the Peers in the Parliament then held by King Edward at his City of Carlisle In 8 Edw. 2. he received the Kings precept to fit himself with Horse and Armes to attend him at Barwick upon Twede for restraining the incursions of the Scots and had Summons to Parliament from 23 Edw. 1. untill this eighth year of King Edward the second 's reign inclusive But about this time he died for the next year following Alianore the Wife of Fulke his Son and Heir by reason of her husbands aboad in the Wars of France was by the Kings special favor permitted to have Livery of the Mannor the Whitington untill his return into England that he might perform his Homage In 12 Edw. 2. this last mentioned Fâlke was in the Wars of Scotland being then of the retinue to the Earl of Arundelâ Moreover in 14 Edw. 2. upon that Insurrection of many of the Barons he was Constable of the Kings Army which advanced against them And in 18 Edw. 2. in that expedition then made into Gascoigne In 1 E. 3. he was again in the Scottish Wars and in 3 Edw. 3 upon the conviction of Edmund Earl of Kent the Kings Uncle for reporting his Brother King Edw. 2. to be alive with endeavor to restore him to his Throne amongst other persons whom he accused as instigators of him to that attempt he charged this Fulke Fitz-Warine
forfeiture of Robert de Stutevile called Grundebeof Great-Grandfather to this William as is already observed But the Record expresseth it otherwise viz. that it was for confirmation of his Charters and to be quit of all Amerciaments and Scutages which had been required of him until the Thursday after Midlent when King Iohn first came to York after his Coronation viz. in 1 Ioh. as also to have the Mannor of Walter Meisnill with its appurtenances if it were in the Kings hands and moreover to have a triall for all those lands whereunto he laid claim against the before-specified William de Molbraâ viz. Cukewald and âukewaldshire with its appurtenances and Malesard with its appurtenances as also the Isle of Aâcholme Hovingham Tiâesk Meauâon id est Meston in Com. Leic. Wellcbron Burton in Lonesdale Bondeby Saxeby and Lindhergh one Carucate of Land in Scalinghere Landeford Hampton in Arden Kirkeby-Monacorum in Com. War and Creiâ in Com. Northampt. Which said Summe of three thousand Marks was thus to be paid viz. a thousand marks within fifteen days after Easter then next ensuing his Coronation five hundred marks at Michaelmas following and so half yearly five hundred marks untill all the whole summe should be discharged True it is that Robert de Stutevill Father of this William made the like claim to those Lands in King Henry the seconds time and thereupon Moubray came to an agreement with him and gave him the Lordship of Kirkeby-Moresheâed to quit his title thereto as hath been before observed but that agreement being not confirmed in the Kings Court this William standing so highly in favor with King Iohn revived his claim anew whereupon after great dispute it was thus determined viz. that he should thenceforth totally renounce all his interest and title thereto and in consideration thereof that Moubray should in augmentation of the former agreement give him nine Knights Fees over and above the nine formerly reserved as also a Rent of twelve pounds per annum whereupon they were both made friends at Lue id est Louthe in Comit. Linc. then an House of the Bishop of Lincoln's in the presence of King Iohn in the second year of his reign For which twelve pounds per annum the Lordship of Brinklow in Com. Warw. was assigned to this William de Stutevile excepting only the service of one Sampson de Cornwall for what he held there of William de Moubray This William de Stutevile was the same year one of the Barons present at Lincolne when William King of Scots did Homage to King Iohn And about this time gave fifteen hundred marks for the Sheriffalty of Yorkshire and the profits thereof so long as he should serve the King faithfully in that trust the King choosing two persons to execute the office under him reserving likewise the custody of the Castles and Forests to his own disposal Moreover he obtained Licence to fortify his Houses at Cotingham and Butercram as also to hold the whole Forest of Mileburne in Westmorland by the service of ... And about this time entertained King Iohn in his House at Cotingham This William gave to the Knights Templars a certain Toât in North-Cave and having married Berta Neice of Ranulph de Glanvill with whom he had the Lordships of Leyburne and Braham departed this life in 5 Ioh. whereupon the King for four hundred marks granted to Hubert Archbishop of Canterbury the Wardship of Robert his Son and Heir with the benefit of his Marriage as also the custody of all his Lands and Castles both in England and Normandy and sent his precept to the Sheriff of Yorkshire to seise the Forest of Cnarreburgh into his hands in the same state wherein it was when King Hen. 2. granted it to the before-specified William and then to deliver it to that Archbishop But the next year following viz. 7 Ioh. this Robert died whereupon Nicholas de Stutevile his Brother and Heir agreed with the King for a Fine of ten thousand marks to have Livery of his Lands so descended to him excepting the Castles of Cnaresburgh and Burgh id est Borow-Brigg which the King reteined till that summe should be totally paid Which Nicholas married Gunnora the Widdow of Robert de Gant Neice to Hugh de Gârnay and had issue Nicholas his Son and Heir unto whom King Iohn granted a Market every week upon the Munday at his Mannor of Brinklow before-specified and a Fair yearly upon the Feast day of St. Margaret Which Market and Fair were afterwards confirmed to him by King Henry the third This Nicholas in 13 Ioh. gave three hundred Marks and five Palfreys to have judgement for the moity of the Lordships of Cotingham Langeton Screningham and Butrecram with the moity of the Knights Fees belonging thereto But in 17 Ioh. taking part with those rebellious Barons who were at that time in Armes under divers specious pretences did with the chief of them undergo the Popes Excommunication for so doing Moreover in 3 Hen. 3. he assigned the Lordship of Lidel in Com. Cumberl to Robert de Stutevill his Brother then under age and in the tuition of William de Valoines And having been in Arms against the King in the Battle of Lincolne 1 Hen. 3. where he was taken prisoner by the famous William Marshall Earl of Pembroke with whom he agreed to pay a thousand Marks for his redemption to the Kings use in 8 Hen. 3. totally discharged that debt having then livery of his Lands which had been seized for that transgression excepting only the Honor of Knaresburgh and Burgh which were given by the King to Hubert de Burgh Earl of Kent and then Justice of England This is all that I have seen of this Nicholas other then that he died in 17 Hen. 3. leaving issue two Daughters his Heirs viz. Ioane married to Hugh de Wake and Margaret to William Mastoc But this Margaret died soon after viz. in 20 Hen. 3. whereupon Ioane her other Sister then Wife to Hugh de Wake had livery of the whole Inheritance Of this Ioane I find that in her Widdowhood she called her self Iohanna de Stutevile and not by the name of her Husband as is usual in regard she was so great an Inheritrix and that granting to the Canons of Watton in Com. Ebor. all her Lands in Hessell the impression which she made with her Seal on a large piece of Wax is of a Woman riding sideway as now is usual holding the Bridle in her right Hand and an Escoucheon with the Arms of Stutevile thereon in her left Hand Which demonstration clearly confuteth that which is said by some of our Historians viz. that Anne the Wife of King Richard the
whereby it is manifest that he had no less then fifteen Knights Fees in the whole and moreover five marks for those Knights Fees that belonged to the Honor of Brunne which by reason of his Marriage with Maud one of the Daughters and Coheirs of Pain Peverell of Brunne in Cambridgeshire he likewise then held Which Maud died without issue To this Hugh succeeded another Fulbert who took to Wife Roese the Daughter of Geffrey de Lucy Son of Richard de Lucy Justice of England in King Henry the Seconds days and in 6 Rich. 1. compounded with the King for a Fine of seven hundred pounds as well for Livery of the moity of the Lands of Richaâd de Lucy her Grand-father in England and Normandy whereof Richard her Brother had been possessed as for liberty to marry whom she should please being not the Kings enemy I next come to Robert de Dovor Son and Heir as I guess to the last mentioned Fulbert and Roese Thiâ Robert in 1 Ioh. gave a Fine of four hundred marks to the King for Livery of the Castle and Town of Chilham Which he had with condition That if the Title thereto were questioned he should stand to the Judgment of the Kings Court but died before the sixth year of King Iohn as it seems for then William de Briwere gave eight hundred marks for the Wardship and Marriage of his Heir together with the custody of the Dowry of Roese de Dovor his Mother still surviving so long as the King should think fit Which he enjoyed but a while for before the end of that year she the said Roese obtained the Possession thereof to her self in consideration of an hundred marks Fine by her given to the King And in 9 Ioh. paying all the remaining part of the seven hundred marks for which she made composition with King Richard the First in the sixth year of His Reign for the moity of the Lands of Richard de Lucy her Grand-father as hath been observed came likewise to a new Agreement with King Iohn for Livery of the whole Barony descended to her by the death of Richard de Lucy and Herbert de Lucy her Brothers who died without issue In 14 Ioh. she also obtained Livery of those Lands of Richard de Lucy her Grand-father lying in Cornwal whereof her Brothers had been likewise possessed which she then granted to William de Briwere and his Heirs to be held of her and her Heirs she being then the Wife of Nicholas Fitz-Alan To the before mentioned Robert succeeded Roese his Daughter and Heir who was first married to Richard a Son of King Iohns the same who was afterwards Earl of Cornwal as I ghess for by the Kings Precept directed to Peter de âupibus Bishop of Winchester then Justice of England to make Livery unto him the said Richard then her Husband of all her Lands she being at that time in Wardship to William de Briwere he calls him Filius Noster But this marriage was I presume before she came of age so that afterwards dissenting she took to Husband Richard Son to Roger de Chilham Which Richard in 8 Hen. 3. upon levying the Scutage of Montgomery paid twenty eight marks for the fourteen Knights Fees formerly belonging to Fulbert de Dovor And in 12 Hen. 3. this Roese being then the Wife of the same Richard de Chilham had Livery of the Mannor of Lesnes in Kent which she and her said Husband had recovered upon a tryal by Battle against Robert Fitz-Walter Whereupon she paid the King forty pounds which he had lent her Husband for the performance of that combate Which Richard departing this life before the sixteenth year of King Henry the Thirds Reign she shortly after married to Richard a Natural Son to King Iohn commonly called Richard le Fitz-Roy About which time also the Justices of the Iews were prohibited to take Distress either upon her Lordships of Wendovre and Chingeâford in Essex or Norwood and Lesnes in Kent for any Money lent by the Iews to him the said Richard because those Mannors were in the Kings presence assigned for her maintenance After this scil in 35 Hen. 3. giving a Fine of an hundred marks to the King for License to marry whom she pleased she lastly became the Wife of Richard de Wiltoâ who in 42 Hen. 3. upon levying the Scutage of Wales was acquitted for twenty four Knights Fees which formerly belonged to Robert de Dovor This Richard de Chilham before mentioned called also Richard de Dovor and Roese his Wife were found to die seised of the Mannors of Chilham Northwood Kingstone Rudelingweald and Lesnes all belonging to the Barony of Chilham except Lesnes which was held of the King by homage Unto which Barony the Advowsons of these five Churches viz. Rudelingweald Kingstone Northwood Charleton and Hothfield all in Kent did likewise appertain leaving issue a Son called Richard de Dovor their next Heir who was twenty one years of age in 56 Hen. 3. Which Richard dying without issue Iohn Earl of Asceles in Scotland Son of Isabell his Sister was found his heir Vrso de Abitot IN some ancient Records this Vrso is called Vrso Vicecomes in regard he was Hereditary Sheriff of Worcestershire and in some Vrso de Wirecestre He had also the Constableship of the Castle at Worcester In An. 1074. 7 Will. Conq. when Roger Earl of Hereford and Ralph Earl of Norfolk conspired against King William he joyned his strength with Wolstan then Bishop of Worcester Egelwyne Abbot of Evesham and others for preventing the Earl of Hereford to pass the Severne so that he could not unite his Forces with the Earl of Norfolk And afterwards scil in An. 1082. 15 Will. Conq. sate in that great Council then held at London by King William So also in that held at Westminster in the eighteenth of the Conquerors reign This Vrso founded an Heremitage at Little Malverne in Worcestershire which afterwards by one of the Abbots of Westminster with his consent was made a Priory of Monks and a Cell to that great Abby The Lands whereof he was possest at the time of the Conquerors Survey were these viz. Cocheby Osmerly Costone Benesley Udecote Russocoe Stanes Lunuredele Hatele Hamtune Hortune Cochesie Brotune Uptune Witune in Wiche and Hantune in Worcestershire which extended to forty Hides besides the Lordships of Hildeboard and Benitone in Warwickshire and Cheisnecote in Glocestershire Leaving no Issue-male Emeline his only Daughter became Heir to his Estate who was married to Walter de Beauchamp a great Baron in his time and had inter alia in Dowry the Lordship of Actun whereof he had by violence dispossest the Monks of Worcester
his Prison of Herbotill Castle and that the said Castle of Herbotill was so much ruined by those Wars with the Scots that it could not sufficiently retain them desired that he might have leave to keep all such Prisoners in his Castle at Prudhou until he could repair that at Hervotill Whereupon the King receiving certain information that the decays and ruine at Hervotill were not through his neglect but through the causes before-mentioned did grant him leave to keep them at Prudhou-Castle for the space of ten years then next following In 26 Edw. 3. upon some apprehension of an Invasion by the French he was put in Commission with the Lords Percy and Nevill for the arming and arraying of all Knights Esquires and others in the County of Northumberland for the defence of those parts And the same year was joyned with those Lords in guarding the Marches of Scotland on the borders of Northumberland In 30 E. 3. he was Commissioned with the then Bishop of Durham and some others to Treat with the Prelates and Nobles of Scotland touching the redemption of David de Brus their King still Prisoner in England as also touching a final peace betwixt both Realms and in 36 E. 3. doing his Homage had Livery of the Mannor of Burwell in Com. Linc. by the death of Ioane the Widow of William de Kyme who till then held it in Dower In 41 Edw. 3. he was again constituted one of the Commissioners to survey the Marches of Scotland and to Treat with David de Brus and those of that Nation touching satisfaction for such injuries as had been done by the Subjects of either Realm to each other contrary to the Articles and Truce concluded on at Barwick 3 Oct. An. 1357. And in 43 Edw. 3. was again joyned in Commission with the Bishop of Durham and others for guarding of the East Marches About this time in right of Maud his Wife Sister of Anthony de Lucy and Cousin and Heir to Ioane Daughter and Heir to him the said Anthony deceased by whom he had issue he obtained Livery of the Lands of her Inheritance his Homage being respited And in 44 Edw. 3. was joyned in Commission with the Bishop of Carlisle and others for guarding of the Westâ Marches So likewise the next ensuing year again with the Bishop of Durham and others for the East-Marches Which Commission was renewed to them in 46 Edw. 3. as was that to the Bishop of Carlisâe and others for the West-Marches In 3 R. 2. he obtained a Charter to himself and Maud de Lucy his Wife and to the Heirs of her the said Maud for Free-warren in all her Demesn Lands of Allerdale in Com. Cumbr. And having given twenty pounds to the Monks of Newminster and twenty nine Messuages and forty two Ox-gangs of Land lying in Immyngham in Com. Linc. unto the Canons of Kyme in that County for their better support and performance of certain Works of Piety according to his special appointment as also been summoned to Parliament from 6 E. 3. till 4 R. 2. departed this life without issue surviving 7 Ian. 4 Ric. 2. being then seised of the Mannor of Newton-Kyme and Puddocthorpe in Com. Ebor. Thorstanton in Hankedon in Com. Suff. of the Castle and Mannor of Prudhou of the Mannor of Ovyngham of the Castle of Herbotill with the Mannors of Oterbourne Fletwayton and Faudon in Com. Northumb. Of the Castle and Honour of Cokermouth with the Mannors of Wygtone and Papcastre in Com. Cumbr. and of the Mannors of Skeldingthorp Solthaugh Kyme Alwardby Thorpe Croste Burwell Calceby Skyrbek Brausolace Kirketon Multon Flethergate Immingham Stalyngburgh Sotteby Faldingworth Skeldinghope and Gosthagh in Com. Linc. leaving Alianore the Wife of Henry Talboys Daughter of Elizabeth sometime Wife of Gilbert Burdon his Sister his Niece and next Heir at that time forty years of age Which Alianore doing her Homage the same year had Livery of the Lands of her Inheritance Maud the Widow of this deceased Earl Gilbert surviving Which Maud afterwards became the Wife of Henry Lord Percy the first Earl of Northumberland of that name and in An. 1383. 7 Ric. 2. gave twenty Marks to the Canons of Drax in Com. Ebor. to solemnize the Obit of this Gilbert Earl of Angos her former Husband on the day of the Epiphany every year with Placebo and Dirige and on the morrow after with Mass of Requiem for his Soul This last Earl Gilbert had two Brothers of the half blood as I have already observed viz. Sir Robert de Vmfravill Knight and Thomas which Sir Robert died in his life-time without issue Whereupon the said Thomas as his next Heir male in 4 Ric. 2. doing his Homage had Livery of the Castle of Herbotill and Mannor of Otterburne which by the death of the said Gilbert without issue by vertue of especial entail descended to him This Thomas by Ioane the Daughter of Adam de Rodom had issue two Sons both Knights viz. Sir Thomas de Vmfravill and Sir Robert Which Sir Thomas de Vmfravill had issue Gilbert during whose minority King Ric. 2. granted unto Raph Earl of Westmorland the Governourship of the Castle of Herbotill Which Gilbert in 11 Hen. 4. though he had not then accomplished his full age obtained Livery of that Castle by the King's consent In 14 Hen. 4. this Gilbert called Earl of Kyme by some Historians went with the Earl of Arundell and others to assist the Duke of Burgundy against the Duke of Orleance And in 5 Henry 5. was at the Siege of Caen In 6 Hen. 5. having still the title of Earl of Kyme he was also at the Siege of Roan and the same year shortly after Easter was sent by the King to lay Siege to the Castle of Nully le Uesque but in 9 Hen. 5. accompanying Thomas Duke of Claâence in that rash adventure of passing a River and Marish in disorder out of too eager a desire to give Battel to the Duke of Orleance was there slain leaving his four Sisters his Heirs viz. Elizabeth then unmarried Ioane the Wife of Sir Thomas Lambert Knight Margaret the Wife of William Lodington and Agnes the Wife of Thomas Hagerston ¶ I now come to Sir Robert de Vmfravill the younger Son of Thomas by Ioane the Daughter of Adam de Rodom This Sir Robert de Vmfravill being a Knight of the Garter temp Hen. 4. with Sir Robert de Ogle Knight in 1 Hen. 5. were imployed as Commissioners to Treat and conclude with the Commissioners of Robert Duke of Albani then Regent of Scotland touching the Peace of both Realms In 11 Hen. 6. he was possessed of Redesdale and Kyme but departed this life 6 Cal. Ian. An. 1436. 15 Hen. 6. and was buried before the Altar
certified his Knights Fees de veteri Feoffamento to be twenty and those de novo nine for all which in 14 Hen. 2. he paid xx l. ij s. viij d. In 18 Hen. 2. upon levying the Scutage of Ireland this Walter being not in that Expedition paid twenty nine pounds and in 33 Hen. 2. fifteen pounds in regard he was not with the King's Army at Galwaie But farther I have not seen of him than that he married the Widow of Roger Earl of Hereford and that she surviving him upon collection of the Scutage of Wales in 2 R. 1. paid xiv l. x s. for his Knights Fees which were de veteri Feoffamento Say THE first mention of this name wherewith I have met is in Anno 1083. 16 William Conqueror Picot de Say one of the principal persons in Com. Salop. under that potent person Roger de Montgomeri Earl of Shrewisbury then attending him at his Dedication of that great Abby which he then Founded without the East-gate there The next is of Engelran de Say who in 3 Steph. upon those differences betwixt King Stephen and Maud the Empress after two years Truce betwixt that King and Geffrey of Anjou then her Husband took Prisoners Rainald de Dunstanvill one of the Illegitimate Sons of King Henry the First and Baldwin de Redvers who were two of her chief Adherents And in 6 Steph. being with him in that fatal Battel of Lincoln where he lost the day and was taken Prisoner when others turned their backs manifested his courage fighting it out stoutly to the last After him I come to William de Say who took to Wife Beatrix the Daughter of William and Sister to Geffrey de Mandevill Earl of Essex by by whom he had issue two Sons viz. William and Geffrey Which William the Son departing this world whilst his Father was alive left issue two Daughters his Heirs viz. Beatrix who married to Geffrey Fitz-Piers from whom those of that line who afterwards assumed the sirname of Mandevill and became Earls of Essex did descend as I shall shew in due place and Maud who married to William de Bocland Which Maud in 30 Hen. 2. with the consent of her Sister Beatrix by a Fine levyed in the King's Court at Melkesham upon the Feast-day of the Conversion of S. Paul had an Assignation of her purparty of those Lands whereof her Father died seised But I return to Geffrey the second Son In 4 Ric. 1. upon that memorable League made at Hainou betwixt that King and Henry the Emperor whereby King Richard upon the payment of seventy thousand Marks of Silver was to be enlarged from his Imprisonment William de Longchamp Bishop of Ely and Chancellour of England returning into this Realm with the Emperour 's golden Bull testifying the same he enjoyned some of the Bishops and Barons to go back with him thither amongst which this Geffrey de Say was one which Geffrey having married the Sister and Coheir to Walkeline Maminot departed this life in 16 Ioh. as it seems for then did Geffrey his Son give four hundred Marks to the King for Livery of the Lands of his Inheritance both by his Father and Mother and soon after ratified to the Canons of Begeham in Com. Suss. the Land of Brocele which was part of his Barony and first given to them by Walkeline de Maminot his Ancestor as also the grant of the Church of S. Nicholas at Greenwich which Geffrey his Father and Alice his Mother had formerly made unto them This last mentioned Geffrey took to Wife Alice one of the Daughters and Coheirs to Iohn de Cheney and confirmed to the Canons of Rudham in Com. Norff. all those grants which William de Cayneto id est Chenây and Iohn de Cheney Nephew of that William had made unto them And for the Soul of Alice his Wife and the Souls of his Ancestors c. did of his own gift adde the Church of S. Margaret at Thorpe Moreover he gave to the Knights Hospitallers the Mannor of Sâdlescombe in Sussex and by the assent of Alice de Cheney his Wife ratified to the Monks of Bermondesey in Surrey those Lands in Dilekersh which Walkeline Maminot his Predecessor had given to them But being in Arms against King Iohn with others of the Barons in 17 Ioh. his Lands and Fees lying in the Counties of Kent Bedf. Bucâ Northton Cantabr Essex Hertford Norf. Suff. and Linc. were given to Peter de Crohun Howbeit after the death of that King he was received to favour as others who returned to their due obedience were and in 8 Hen. 3. upon levying the Scutage of Montgomery answered for twenty seven Knights Fees of the Fees of Maminot as also for fifteen more of the Fees of Ingelram Patric and died in Gascoigne upon Monday next preceding the Feast of S. Barthâlmew 14 Hen. 3. Whereupon William his Son and Heir doing his Homage had Livery of all the Lands whereof he died seised the King being contented to accept of his Relief viz. one hundred pounds by forty Marks per annum to be paid at Michaelmass and Easter by even portions into the Receipt of his Exchequer and confirmed to the Monks of Bermundesey in Com. Surr. those grants of the Church of Berling in Kent of Walkeline Maminot his Predecessor as also of those which Geffrey de Say his Grandfather and Geffrey de Say his Father had formerly made thereof In 44 Hen. 3. this William was constituted Governour of the Castle at Rochester but in 48 Hen. 3. being in the Battel of Lewâs on the King's part he fled from thence and departed this life in 56 Hen. 3. leaving William his Son and Heir at that time nineteen years of age being then seised of the Mannors of Stratton in Com. Norf. Codham Berlyng Strete West-Grenewich and Burgham in Com. Cantii and of the Advowson of the Church of Streâe which Mannor of Berlyng he held as a Baron as also the Mannor of West-Grenewich by Barony being to Repair part of Rochester Bridge as also a certain house in Dover Castle for his Barony in Kent Mary his Wife surviving him who afterwards was wedded to Robert de Vfford But I return to William his Son This William in 22 E. 1. amongst others of the great men summoned in the month of Iune that year to advise with the King upon the most important affairs of the Realm was one and thereupon soon after required to attend the King at Portsmouth upon the first day of September next ensuing sufficiently furnished with Horse and Arms and to pass with him into Gascoigne but in 23 E. 1. he died leaving
his Son and Heir Which Iohn taking to Wife Ida the eldest of the four Sisters and Coheirs to William de Odingsells Lord of Maxstoke and other Lands in Com. Warr. and having that Lordship of Maxstoke in her right seated himself there This Iohn before his Marriage with the said Ida resided at Aminton as his Father did being then called Iohn de Clinton junior his Uncle Iohn de Clinton of Coleââill being then alive And in 26 Edw. 1. was in that Expedition then made into Scotland So likewise in 28 Edw. 1. Moreover in 29 Edw. 1. he served in the Parliament at Lincoln as one of the Knights for the County of Warwick And the same year had special command amongst divers other great men to attend the King at Barwick upon Twede upon the Feast day of the Nativity of S. Iohn Baptist to march into Scotland King Edward being at that time there with his Army-royal At which time as a particular badge of the King's favour by Letters Patent dated at Glascow 26 Aug. he obtained a Grant of certain Lands in that Kingdom to the value of forty pounds per Annum which were part of the Possessions of Malcolm Dromoâd then in Arms against King Edward Furthermore in 31 Edw. 1. he was again in the Wars of Scotland and in 34 Edw. 1. attended Prince Edward by the King's command into Ponâhieu After this scil in 1 Edw. 2. he had the Castle and Honour of Walingford committed to his charge but in 8 Edw. 2. departed this life leaving Issue by Ida his Wife Iohn his Son and Heir then in minority and William a younger Son who afterwards became a person of no little eminency as I shall shew by and by Which Iohn in 6 7 8 and 9 Edw. 3. was summoned to Parliament amongst the Barons of this Realm and having married Margery the Daughter to Sir William Corbet of Chadsley in Com. Wigorn. Knight had Issue by her Sir Iohn de Clinton Knight his Son and Heir But the story of this Iohn and his Descendents I shall respite for a while and here take notice of William his Uncle whose great Actions and eminent Employments do sufficiently manifest that he may be very well reckoned amongst the chiefest Worthies of that age ¶ This William being a Knight in 17 Edw. 2. was sent in 1 Edw. 3. to conduct Iohn of Henault with his men at Arms into England who then landed at Dober to aid King Edward in his Scotish Wars And in 3 Edw. 3. took to Wife Iulian the Daughter and Heir of Sir Thomas de Leyburnâ Knight Widow of Iohn Lord Hastings of Bergavenny which match was doubtless a great step to his farther honour For the next year following viz. 23. Oct. he was made Justice of Chester and within less than two months after Governour of Dover Castle and Warden of the Cinque-Ports Shortly after this being one of those who surprised the great Mortimer at Notingham Castle in 5 Edw. 3. he had summons to Parliament amongst the Barons of this Realm which advancement did rather increase his Piety than elate his Mind For being theâ the King 's domestick servant and familiar having obtained his special Letters to the Pope he went to Rome to procure License from his Holiness to Found a perpetual Chantry in the Parish Church of Maxstoke for ten Priests to celebrate Divine Service there for the good estate of himself and for the health of the Souls of his Parents and all the faithful deceased Which being effected he got the like Lincense from King Edward for the amortizing certain Lands and Rents laying in Maxstoke of twenty pounds per Annum value together with the Advowson of the Church of Maxstoke for the maintenance of those Priests there to celebrate Divine Service daily for the Soul of King Edward the Third after his departure out of this life and for the Souls of his Ancestors as also for the health of his own Soul and the Soul of Iulian his Wife And about five months after setled the number of five Priests for the purposes before-mentioned In 6 Edw. 3. he obtained the King's Charter for a Fair yearly at his Mannor of Eltham in Kent on the Eve day and morrow after the Feast of S. Dionyse And in 7 Edw. 3. was constituted Lord Admiral of the Seas from the mouth of Thames Westwards Moreover the same year he was in the Scotish Wars so likewise in 9 and 10 Edw. 3. in which year he began the foundation of a goodly Monastery for Canons-regular of S. Augustine at Maxstoke before-specified which he amply endowed with fair Possessions And standing high in the King's favour was forthwith raised to the title of Earl of Huntendon as by his Charter of Creation bearing date 16 Martii 11 Edw. 3. doth appear having not only twenty pounds per Annum given him out of the issues of that County for his better support of that dignity pro tertio Donario Comitatus illius as are the words thereof given out of the issues of that Shire to be paid by the Sheriff at the Feast of Easter and Michaelmass yearly but in consideration of his former acceptable services the Grant of a thousand Marks per Annum Land to himself and the Heirs male of his body for ever As also a spâââal Precept directed to Richard de Feriby Master of the Wardrobe to account and make satisfaction to him for his Fee and Robes due from the time that he had been retained to serve the said King as a Banneret Soon after which being sent Embassador together with the Bishop of Lincoln and Earl of Salisbury to the King of France to treat of Peace he arrived at Boloin but having advertisement there that King Edward's mind was changed and that their journey might be dangerous they bent towards Henault and there made a League with Lewes Duke of Bavaria who at that time possessed the Kingdom of Almaine without the Popes consent as also with the Count of Solers and others much to the King's advantage and in their return surprised two Flemish Shops loaden with Scots whereof they took two hundred and fifty amongst whom was the Bishop of Glascow and some Noblemens Sons Upon which League so made with the Duke of Bavaria against the King of France they undertook to pay unto him at Dort two thousand seven hundred Florens of Florence or their equivalent value in Sterling money before their return into England This Agreement being made at Colein the fifth day after the Octaves of S. Peter and Paul the Apostles and upon the last day of Iune at Frankford upon a farther Agreement with that Duke whereby he undertook to serve King Edward against all persons excepting the
Adeline one of the Sisters and Coheirs to the famous Walter Espec Founder inter alia of the Abbey of Riâvaulx in Yorkshire in which Monastery he had Sepulture and left Issue Robert Which Robert in 3 Hen. 2. gave to the King a thousand Marks of Silver for Livery of those Lands of Walter Espec of his Mother Adeline's Inheritance and was a special Benefactor to the Knights Templars as appears by his gifâ unto them of Waleford with the Advowson of the Church and Mills thereto belonging as also of Hulfyngore with the Wood and Mill and likewise of all his Lands in Cattall with divers Tenements in York situate in the street called Conyng-street and moreover of his Mannors of S. Iohn's-Mount and Ribstane with the Advowson of the Church of Ribstane at which place those Templars Founded a Preceptory for such of their Fraternity as they should think fit to dispose of into those Northern parts This Robert de Ros took to Wife Sibyll the Daughter of ... de Valoines who surviving him was married to Raph de Albini by whom he left Issue Everard his Son and Heir which Everard being in minority at his Father's death and in Ward to Ranulph de Glanvill in 12 Hen. 2. held of the King eight Knights Fees and an half and in 14 Hen. 2. upon collection of the Aid for marrying the King's Daughter answered one hundred and twelve shillings for those which were de veteri Feoffamento and xxxj s. â d. for what he had de novo In 22 Hen. 2. this Everard paid a Fine to the King of five hundred twenty six pounds for his Lands and in 26 Hen. 2. one hundred pounds more to have Possession of those which the Earl of Albemarle then held To the Canons of Bridlington in Yorkshire he gave the Church of Attingwic and to the Monks of Newminster near Morpeth in Northumberland the Grange of Strattion And having married Rose one of the Daughters and Heirs of William Trusbut of Wartre in Holderness dyed before the 32 year of King Henry the Second's Reign leaving her a young Widow for she was at that time but thirty four years of age and two Sons surviving whereof the eldest was then thirteen years of age and called Robert with the addition of Furfan which Robert in 2 Ric. 1. gave to the King a Fine of a thousand Marks for Livery of his Lands But after this scil in 8. Ric. 1. being with the King in Normandy he was committed to the custody of Hugh de Chaumont a great Favourite to the King of France and taken prisoner in a skirmish betwixt the English and French for what offence appears not with special charge that he should keep him as safe as his own life whereupon Chaumont trusted William de Spiney with him who being corrupted with bribes and fair promises let him escape out of the Castle of Bonville but thereby he got nothing for King Richard compelled him to pay the price he intended to set his Redemption at viz. a thousand and two hundred Marks and caused Spiney to see the Gallows for his breach of Trust. Howbeit from King Iohn he found more favour for in the first year of his Reign he gave him the whole Barony of Walter Espec his great Grandmother's Father to enjoy in as large and ample a manner as he the said Walter ever held it Soon after which being sent together with the Bishop of Durham and divers other great men unto William King of Scotland with Letters of safe conduct to bring him into England unto King Iohn he attended him to Lincoln where he swore Fealty to King Iohn upon the Cross of Hubert Archbishop of Canterbury in the sight of all the people Afterwards this Robert incurring that King's displeasure in 6 Ioh. command was given to the Sheriffs of Yorkshire Linc. Northumberland Cumberland and Westmerland to seise all his Lands which lasted not long for within two years after viz. in 8. Ioh. the Sheriffs of Yorkshire and Rutland received Precepts to make Livery unto him of the Lands of Robert de Meinill which were of his Fee and the same year granted to him a Market at his Mannor of Altewas in Com-Northumb Moreover in 11 Ioh. he obtained an immunity for all his Demeân Lands to be exempt from any service to the County or Hundred-Courts And not long after took upon him the habit of Religion whereupon the custody of all he had viz. Werke-Castle with his whole Barony was committed to Philip de Vlcote scil 15 Maii 14 Ioh But therein he did not long continue as it seems for in Ianuary following the Shreevalty of Cumberland and the Forest there were committed to his custody so also in 16 Ioh. Being one of the Barons which adhered to the King in the sixteenth of his troublesome Reign he joyned with those who then stood loyal in giving safe conduct to all such as came to London upon relaxation of the Interdict for making their Peace with the King and obtained a Grant of the Mannors of Seureby Karletone and Up-Richleby in Cumberland to enjoy until he should recover his own Lands in Normandy But this favour did not oblige him as it seems for the next ensuing year upon signification made by the King unto Iohn Constable of Cheââer and some others that he did not so much desire to get money from those who were against him as to have their faithful service he gave command that if this Robert de Ros and those other Barons whom he there names did give security for their fidelity that then they should have safe conduct to come to him It was then indeed high time that the King should require this from him for being Governour of Carlisse he refused to deliver it upon demand which occasioned a second message to him with promise of safe conduct to himself and all he should bring with him in case he would come But this fair invitation prevailed nothing for it is evident that he became one of the chief of those adverse Barons who met in an hostile manner at Stanford in Easter week Anno 1215. 17 Ioh. and thence marched to Brackley and by and by laid Siege to Northampton with a mighty Army As also one of those who in the time of that notable Rebellion shared the rule of the whole Kingdom amongst themselves whereupon he had the Government of Northumberland for his part Likewise after the great Charter and Charter of the Forest at Runnemede were sealed he was one of the chief that undertook to compell the King to the observation thereof in case he should offer to recede Nevertheless upon the death of King Iohn he approved himself firm and faithful to King Henry the Third
S. Mary Magdalen's day and three days following As also Free-warren within his Liberty of Cocâermouth Papcastre Broughton Bretteby Crossby Ulbedâle Aspatrik Caldebek and Lusewater in Com. Cumbr. Langley Heyden Four-stones Allerwasââ and Wardene in Com. Northumb. In 17 and 18 Edw. 2. being again made Governour of the Castle of Carlisle he had in consideration of his good services a Grant from the King of the Mannor of Meburne-Regis in Com. Westm. as also of the Mannor of Grendon in Com. Northumb. forfeited to the Crown by the Rebellion of Roger Lord Clifford and formerly bestowed on Andrew de Harâla but forfeited likewise by him to hold during his life Which Andrew notwithstanding that by the great favour of King Edward he had been advanced n to the Earldom of Carlisle yet afterwards taking part o most traiterously with the Scots he was surprised by this Anthony Lord Lucie and sent up to London where being degraded of his Honour he had sentence of death Moreover in 1 Edw. 3. this Anthony was again made Governour of the Castle and Town of Carlisle So likewise in 2 Edw. 3. Furthermore in 5 Edw. 3. there being divers Hostile Iâcursions made by the Scots upon the Marches to retaliate those injuries he entred Scotland and by fire and plunder did much mischief there About this time he was also constituted Justice of Ireland and in 8 Edw. 3. made Governour of the Town and Castle of Barwick upon Iwede as also Justice of all the King's Lands in Scotland having with him thirty men at Arms in that service where he continued till the twelfth of Edw. the Third and then was constituted Sheriff of Cumberland as also Governour of the Castle of Carlisle He was summoned to Parliament from 14 Edw. 2. until 17 Edw. 3. inclusive and in 17 Edw. 3. leaving Issue Thomas his Son and Heir Which Thomas having married Margaret the 3 Sister and one of the Coheirs to Iohn de Multon of Egremund in 8 Edw. 3. made Partition with them of the Lands of their Inheritance and in 11 Edward 3. had Livery of them accordingly By which Partition he had certain Lands in Distington in Com. Cumbr. parcel of the Mannor of Egremând as also the third part of the residue of the Mannor of Egremund the third part of all the Lands in Ullayk and Scalgill in Derewentâell with the third part of the Mannors of Beusolaz and Flete in Com. Linc. In 12 Edw. 3. this Thomas being in the King's service in Flanders had an Assignation of forty Sacks of Wooll for his better support therein and in 13 Edw. 3. a confirmation of an Annuity of fifty pounds per Annum granted to his Father in 9 Edw. 3. to be received out of the Exchequer until he should have Lands or Rents of Inheritance to that value In 17 Edw. 3. he was one of those by whose Martial conduct and special Valour the Siege of Lough-maban-Castle which the Scots had made was happily raised being the same year joyned in Commission with Henry Lord Percy and Maurice Lord Berkley to treat with William Douglas and to receive him to the King's obedience And upon that Truce then made with the French wherein the Scots were likewise included was constituted one of the Commissioners to see the same firmly observed throughout all the Marches of Scotland Thus far during his Father's life After which in 17 Edw. 3. having done his Homage and had Livery of the Lands of his Inheritance in 19 Edw. 3. upon that Invasion of the Scots near Carliââe he joyned his strength with the Bishop of Carliââe and so allarm'd them in the night time by frequent entring into their Quarters that at length they fled into their own Country Whereupon a Truce shortly after ensuing he was joyned in Commission with that Bishop and others to see the same duly observed and likewise constituted Sheriff of Cumberland as also Governour of the Castle at Carlisle Moreover in 20 Edw. 3. he went into France with King Edward for raising the Siege of Agâyllon and upon his return hither joyned with the Bishop of Carlisle and others in the Wardenship of the West-marches Furthermore the next ensuing year the Scots being not quiet he was associated with the Lord Dacre to treat of Peace with them In all which services he behaved himself so well and especially in that signal Battel of Durham in which the King of Scots was taken prisoner that he obtained from the King a joynt Grant together with Raphe Lord Nevill who had likewise been an eminent Commander in that Battel of Durham to settle his Mannors of Caldebek Ulbedale and Alpatrik in Com. Cumbr. upon Reginald de Lucie his Son and Euphemiâ his Wife daughter of him the said Raphe and the Heirs of their two bodies lawfully begotten for ever After which viz. in 25 Edw. 3. he was again in Commission with the Lord Percie and others to see the Peace kept betwixt the Scots and us in the Marches and the next ensuing year constituted one of the Commissioners for the arraying of men in the Counties of Cumberland and Westmerland for the defence of those parts the French then threaâning an Invasion In 27 Edw. 3. he was associated with the Bishop of Durham and Carlisle and some other persons of note to treat with certain Embassadors from Scotland about the enlargement of David de Bruys their King then prisoner in England So likewise with Raphe Lord Nevill and others for guarding the Marches towards Cumberland and Westmerland In 28 Edw. 3. he was again associated with the same Bishop of Durham and others to see all things performed according to the Articles concluded on for the delivery of the before â specified David de Bruys from his Imprisonment And in 30 E. 3. again constituted a Commissioner for the defence of the Marches as also Governour of the Casâle of Carliââe So likewise in 39 E. 3. for the custody of the Marches and the same year in contemplation of his former merits retained to serve the King during his whole life He was summoned to Parliament from 15 until 38 Edw. 3. inclusive But before the Revolution of that 39 th year viz. on the Eve of S. Nicholas the Bishop he dyed leaving Issue by Margaret his Wife before-mentioned Anthony his Son and Heir then 24 years of age being at that time seised in his Demesn as of Fee of the Mannor of Rodeston in Com. North ton as also of the Castle of Langley in Com. Northumb. Likewise of the Castle and Honour of Câkermouth the Mannor of Eglesfield the Hamlets of âhornethwayt Ullaike and Emelton the Mannor of Papcastre the Hamlet of
William de St. Iohn then in Arms with the Barons for his better Support in the King's Service And some years after this viz. in 10 H. 3. upon that Demand made by Otto the Pope's Legate in the Great Council then held at Westminster for Supply of his Holinesses Necessities of two Prebends in every Cathedral and of a certain Portion out of every Monastery whereunto the Prelates gave no suâficient Answer coming thither with some other Messengers from the King who then lay sick at Merleberge he straitly forbad them to subject their Lay-Fees to the Church of Rome whereby the King might be deprived of the Services due to him for them In 14 H. 3. upon Collection of the Scutage of Kery he answered xxxv Marks for the moytie of the Fees of Hubert de Rie To the Canons of Walsingham in Com. Norff. he gave the Advowson of the Church of Tymelthorp Also to the Knights Templars one Hide of Land in Roele And having married Aliva the Sister and Heir to Isabell de Crâssi departed this Life in 19 H. 3. leaving Issue Iohn his Son and Heir who doing his Homage and giving Security for his Relief had Livery of his Lands viz. of the Mannor of Haselbergh in Com. Somerset Hengham and Folsham in Com. Norff. and Norton in Com. Northampt. Which Iohn died in 27 H. 3. Whereupon William his Son and Heir had Livery of his Inheritance Of which William all I have seen is That in 49 H. 3. he took part with the Rebellious Barons and died at that time leaving two Sons viz. Iohn and William then under Age who in 50 H. 3. through the Mediation of William de Say obtain'd the King's Pardon for their Father's Transgression and had permissions to enjoy his Lands with what other Possessions they had by the Gift of Aliva their Grandmother or any other This last-mentioned Iohn died in 12 E. 1. being then seised of two Parts of the Mannor of Messingham in Com. Linc. the third Part thereof being held then in Dower by the Wife of David Son of Gryffin as also of the Mannor of Asâekebâ in the same County Hokeryng the Head of the Barony of Rye Buxton Swanton Bantham Folesham with the Advowson of the Church Hengham and the Advowson of the Church of Binetre all in Com. Norff. leaving William his Son and Heir then five years of Age. Which William in 34 E. 1. was in the Wars of Scotland and had Summons to Parliament amongst the Barons from the second to the seventh year of King Edward the Second's Reign inclusive and departed this Life about that time leaving Issue Iohn who in 7 E. 2. attended Queen Isabell into Scotland and the next year following doing his Homage had Livery of his Lands lying in the Counties of Norff. and Linc. But died in 10 E. 2. being seisâd of the Mannor of Assakby in Com. Linc. Hokeryng and Buxton in Com. Norff. held of the King in Capite by Barony as of the Barony of Rye as also of the Mannor of Hengham in the same County leaving Hawise his Sister and Heir then the Wife of Robert de Morle fifteen years of age Which Robert doing his Fealty the same year had Livery of the Lands of her Inheritance and Ela his Wife surviving who had for her Dowrie an Assignation of the Mannors of ãâã and Hângham and the third part of certain Lands in Aslakby Anthorpe Greyby Milnthorpe Leighton and Kirkby paying xix l. yearly to the before-specified Robert and Hawise out of the Mannor of Hengham Which Ela afterwards became the Wife of Robert Fitz-Payn ¶ I now come to William Mareschall Brother and Heir to that Iohn who died in the time of King Richard the First as hath been already observed The first mention I find of this William is in 28 H. 2. at which time young Henry who had behav'd himself rebelliously towards the King his Father lying on his Death-bed with great Penitence and thereupon receiving Absolution from the Bishops there present delivered to him his Cross as his most familiar Friend to carry to Hierusalem This William obtain'd from King Ric. 1. upon his first coming into Enâland after the Death of his Father King H. 2. Isabell the Daughter and Heir to Richard Earl of Strigul in Marriage together with that Earldom And being thus advanced to that Honour bore the Royal Scepter of Gold with the Cross on the Head of it at the solemn Coronation of that King Moreover soon after this King Richard purposing a Journey to the Holy-land having constituted Hugh Bishop of Durham and William Earl of Albemarle Chief Justices of England amongst others as Assistants in the Government he assigned this Earl for one and at the same time made Henry Mareschall his Brother Dean of Yorke who afterwards was Bishop of Exeter Shortly after which upon that Agreement made betwixt King Richard and the King of France for their joynt engaging in that Holy War which was concluded on in a great Council held at London with the Embassadors of the King of France this Earl William was one of those who by Oath undertook for King Richard's Performance of what was then agreed on viz. to meet at Uiseliac in the Clause of Easter next ensuing and thence to go forwards on that Journey Furthermore in 2 R. 1. upon the Reconciliation of that great Contest which was betwixt Iohn Earl of Moreton the King's Brother and William de Longchamp Bishop of Ely then Chancellor of England and left Principal Governour of this Realm in King Richard's absence the Custody of Notingham-Castle was committed to this William But that Accord not being observ'd on each part the Chancellour procur'd the Pope's Excommunication against those who favoured the Earl of Moreton amongst which this Earl William was one Who thereupon being sensible of the danger which might ensue by these Differences went to the King then in Sicilie on his Journey for it appears that the King thereupon sent the Archbishop of Roan over into England who had Wintered with him giving command by his Letters That in case those things which had been reported to him of the Chancellour's Insolencies were true he should be substituted Vicegerent in his stead as also that this Earl and Geffrey Fitz-Piers should be associated to him for their Assistance in that great Trust. But when he came into England he durst not deliver those his Letters to the Chancellour In 2 R. 1. this Earl William gave a Fine of two thousand Marks to the King for the moytie of the Lands of Walter Giffard sometime Earl of Buckingham And thereupon obtain'd a Grant together with Richard
to its Succession afterwards it is to be noted That the before-specified Henry by Ada the Sister of William Earl Warren had Issue Malcolme and William both Kings of Scotland successively as also a third Son called David And That Malcolme in 3 H. 2. giving up to King Henry the City of Carlisâe together with the Town of New-castle and Castle of Bamburgh in Com. Northumb as also the whole County of London in Scotland had thereupon this Earldom of Huntendon restored to him Simon the Son of Simon de St. Liz the second who had been formerly Earl being then in Minority It is likewise farther to be observed That this Malcolme died without Issue in Anno 1165. 11 H. 2. and that thereupon William his Brother succeeded him as well in this Earldom as in that Kingdom and as a Member thereof possess'd Fodringhey in Com. Northampt. But it was not long after viz. Anno 1173. 19 H. 2. ere that this William invaded Northumberland which he challenged as his Right from David his Grandfather but was repulsed with no small loss Nevertheless the next ensuing year he made a new Attempt but the Great Men of the North raising the Power of the Country gave him Battel at Alnwick and there vanquishing his Army with much slaughter carried him Prisoner to the Castle of Richmund and thence brought him to Northampton to King Henry with his Legs tied under the Belly of an Horse After which being sent to Faleise in Normandy upon the sixth of December Anno 1175. 22 H. 2. he made his Peace with King Henry upon these Terms viz. That he should do Homage to him for the Kingdom of Scotland and for all other his Territories and Lands Also That all the Bishops Earls and Barons of that Realm from whom King Henry requir'd it should do the like According to which Agreement being brought back into England both he and his Brother David came to Yorke and there did Homage to young Henry the King's Son And for the better observance of all Points of that Accord delivered up the Castles of Roxborough Berwic Geddeworth Edenburgh and Stryvelin with David his Brother and divers of the Nobles of Scotland for Hostages But this Story is otherwise told by the Monk of Iorevaulx viz. That King Henry making an Expedition to Tholouse in the fifth year of his Reign Malcolm King of Scotland went with him and for that respect had this Earldom of Huntendon given him Also That after his death William his Brother and Successor in the Kingdom of Scotland held it until he rose in Arms with young Henry against King Henry the Father And then that David his Brother besieging the Castle of Huntendon King Henry being in Normandy appointed That the Nobles of England should march thither with an Army and deliver it to Simon de St. Lize together with the Earldom as the right Heir thereto Moreover That thereupon Simon laid Siege to it until the King of Scots then in it gave him the Keys thereof And That afterwards this Difference occasion'd such an Animosity betwixt them in the King's Presence that he told them both in great wrath That neither of them should have it and thereupon caused that Castle to be demolish'd but express'd that Simon should enjoy the Earldom Likewise That not long after Simon departing this Life without Issue the King gave the same Castle to this William and that thereupon he bestow'd it on David his Brother Whether he did or did not during the Life of King Henry II. I shall not here stand to argue but certain it is That in Anno 1190. 1 R. 1. this William obtain'd from King Richard a Restitution of the Castles of Roxborough and Berwick and whatsoever else King Henry the Second had taken from him when he was his Prisoner As also all his Demâsns and Fees in the County of Huntendon and all other Places to hold to him and his Heirs as freely as Malcolme his Brother had ever enjoy'd them or ought to have enjoy'd them And as certain it is That David his Brother soon after possess'd it for it appears That King Richard the First by his Charter bearing date 24 Iunii in the first year of his Reign granted and confirm'd to this David whom he calls Earl David Brother to the King to Scotland all the Liberties which David King of Scotland his Grandfather and King Malcolm his Brother had in the Honour of Huntendon in the time of King Henry Grandfather to King Henry Father of the said King Richard or in the time of the said King Henry his Father Being thus setled in this Earlâom of Huntendon that which I next find memorable of him is That in 6 R. 1. he attended that King in his Expedition then made into Normandy And next That he took to Wife Maud the Daughter of Hugh Revelioc Earl of Chester and eldest Sister and Coheir to Ranulph Blundevile the last Earl of that Family With whom he had in Frank-marriage by the Gift of the same Earl her Brother the Lordship of Badewen in Com. Essex Graham in Lindessei in Com. Linc. Also all his Lands in Golgesby Emungeby and Cisterby in that County with xv Knights Fees By which Maud he had Issue three Sons Henry David and Iohn and four Daughters viz. Maud the Wife of Iohn de Monmoâth Margaret the Wife of Alan of Galloweie Isabel of Robert Lord Brus of Anandale and Ada of Henry de Hastings In 17 Ioh. command was given to S. Earl of Winchester to make Livery of the Castle of Fodringhey to this Earl David he doing his Homage but in case he should die before his performance thereof then to give it up to the King It seems that soon after he adhered to the Rebellious Barons for plain it is that in 1 H 3. William Marshall the younger obtain'd a Grant of all his Lands for his better support in the King's Service It is said That he died in Anno 1219. 3 H. 3. at his Mannor of Yerdley in Com. Northampt. now called Yardley Hastings and that he was buried in the Abby of Sawtre in Com. Hunt Maud his Wife surviving him who thereupon had inter alia the Mannor of Kemmeston in Com. Bedf. assign'd to her for her Maintenance until her Dowrie should be set forth And giving Security That she would not marry again without Licence she had Livery of the Maunors of Graham and Hemingby in Com. Linc. and Totham in Com. Midd. which were part of her Frank-marriage As to his Sons it appears That in 5 Ioh. he gave a thousand Marks Fine to the King that Henry the eldest might have leave to marry Maud de Cauz with her Inheritance But this Henry and David died both of them
the Honour of Braeles alias Broeneis and that the same year disobeying the King's Commands as also stubbornly departing the Court without leave the King discharged all his Subjects and in particular those of Cornwall from having any thing to do with him Howbeit soon after through the Mediation of the Bishops of Norwich Winchester and Exeter as also of Hubert de Burgh then Justice of England and some others giving up the Castle of Launceston and the County of Cornwall with all the Homage and Services thereto belonging as fully as King Iohn enjoy'd them at the beginning of the War which he had with his Barons his Peace was then made with a Salvo jure c. saving the Right he pretended to for that Country wherein the King was to do him Justice when he should come of age But that as it seems was never done for certain it is that the King did not arrive to his full age till long after the death of this Henry it being evident that he died about two years after viz. in 6 H. 3. Whereupon Command was given to the Sheriff of Cornwall That he should permit his Executors to enjoy all his Goods and likewise the Rents of all his Lands whereof he was possess'd when he went to Hierusalem for the full Term limited to all those who were signed with the Cross. It is by some thought that this Henry succeeded his Father in the Earldom of Cornwall in regard that King Henry the Third in the first year of his Reign granted to him the County of Cornwall with all its Appurtenances as is above expressed But considering that the Title of Earl was never attributed to him after that time I cannot conceive any thing more passed by that Grant than the Barony or Revenue of that County For `t is observable That in the Patent to Richard Duke of Gloucester by King Edward the Fourth whereby he grants him Castrum Comitatum Honorem Dominium Richmundiae there passed no more than the meer Seignorie otherwise he would not have omitted the Title of Earl thereof amongst his Stiles The like may be noted of Raphe Earl of Westmorland who had Castrum Comitatum Dominium Honorem Richmundiae granted to him by King Henry the Fourth yet never enjoy'd the Title of Earl of Richmund William de Ipre Earl of Kent TOuching the Parentage of this William there is much difference amongst Authors one affirming him to be an illegitimate Son to Philip Earl of Ipre in Flanders begotten on the Daughter of William Laon Viscount of Ipre second Son to Robert sirnamed the Frison Earl of Flanders Another That he was Son to Robert Marquess of the Parts of Picardy Of his memorable Aâchievements it appears That in Anno 1127. 28 H. 1. having intelligence that Charles Duke of Flanders upon his coming to Bruges to hear Mass being in the Church there devoutly kneeling was shamefully murthered with most of his Company by Burchard de L'isle and his Souldiers he so highly resented that barbarous Act as that he forthwith laid Siege to the same Castle until Lewes King of France came thither who taking it by Storm threw down all those wicked Man-slayers from a very high Tower Likewise That having opposed William Duke of Flanders who had Besieg'd the Castle of Alost and at length falling into his hands he was committed Prisoner to Amalric de Montford but after a while through the Mediation of Friends had his Enlargement and a fair Reception to Friendship Moreover That in Anno 1137. 2 Steph. King Stephen having Wars with Maud the Empress in Normandy and the Countries adjacent standing firm to that King he endeavour'd to give Battel to the Anjovins but that the Normans through envy refusing to assist him he passed the Seine and went to the King who embracing him with those Flemings he brought put his chief affiance in them Furthermore That in Anno 1138. 3 Steph. he marcht into Normandy with Waleran Earl of Mellent there to give assistance to those who were oppressed by the adverse Party and first encountred with Roger de Tonei commonly called Roger de Concâis whom âânding too strong for him he thereupon wasted a great part of the Country Also That getting to his assistance Raphe de Parrona with CC Souldiers and other Auxiliaries he designed to march into Anjou And in Anno 1139. 4 Steph. when Roger Bishop of Salisbury who had born a great sway in the time of King Henry the First much favouring the Title of Maud the Empress with his two great Nephews the then Bishops of Lincoln and Ely did much annoy their Neighbours which occasion'd Gâaleran Earl of Mellent and Robert his Brother Earl of Leicester to raise a Tumult at Oxford whereby they took that Bishop with Alexander of Lincoln and that the Bishop of Ely escaping fled to the Devires in Com. Wilts then strongly fortified where he did the utmost he could to Man it against the King he was sent thither to take it if possible Having therefore been thus faithful to King Stephen and shew'd such Testimonies of his Valour he was in Anno 1141. being the sixth year of his Reign advanced by him to the Earldom of Kent But before the end of that year King Stephen meeting with his Adversaries at Lincolne and having there all the Strength he could raise divided his Army into three Parts in the Front whereof he placed the Flemings and Britons under the Command of this Earl and Alan de Dinant who encountring the Welch put them to the rout But the Earl of Chester on the other side charging in with his Troops forthwith so disordered the Royallists that they were constrain'd to give ground Whereupon this Earl seeing the Day lost being a Person of great integrity and an expert Souldier fled with purpose to reserve himself for better Times The Victory therefore being thus obtain'd by the Earl of Chester and other the great Champions for the Empress and King Stephen himself with the chief of his Friends made Prisoners she was forthwith acknowledg'd for Sovereign in all Parts of the Realm excepting in Kent where the Queen and this Earl had special Power Which did so highly elate her that she carried things with too high a hand and thereby within a short time lost the Hearts of the People The Queen therefore taking advantage of so fit an Opportunity through the help of the Londoners levied new Forces and by the assistance of this Earl with some other of the Nobles raised another Army which soon after by that signal Victory obtain'd at Winchester where Robert Earl of Gloucester and many others were taken Prisoners turn'd the Scale so that the King was set at liberty It is reported of this Earl That in those times of Hostility betwixt Maud the
ãâã that King the Honour of Berâtaple with xv Knights Fees part of the Possâssions of Wiââiam de ãâã He ãâ¦ã other Lands which did belong to the same William de Brââs For it is said That in ãâã 1215. 17 Iâh Giles de Brâos Bishop of Herefârd ãâã âim out of the Territoriâs of ãâã and ãâã which Herbert his Father held after the Banishment of William de Braos out of England Nevertheless notwithstanding all this he fell off from King Iohn For in 18 Ioh. his Lands at Alcester were seised into the King's hands and given to William de Camvill And in 1 H. 3. Oliver Fitz. Reginald one of the illegitimate Sons of King Iohn whom the King calls his Brother obtain'd all other the Lands of this Peter for his Support in his Service But before the end of that year returning to Obedience he had Restitution of the Castle of Blenleveny as also of all his Lands belonging to the Honour of Breknoâ whereof he had been thus dispossess'd by reason of the War as the Record expresseth command being given to Reginald de Braos to yield them up to him And in 5 H. 3. was with that King at the Siege of Bithum-Castle After this viz. in 12 H. 3. he obtain'd a Charter of Free-warren for the Fox Hare and Goat in his Lordships of Wulfretone Akele and Haâtone as also throughout all his Lands in the Hundred of Clere And Licence to erect a Gate upon the Causey at Lechlade-Bridge before the Hospital there founded by him After which viz. in 19 H. 3. he departed this Life Isabell his Wife surviving who doing her Fealty had Livery of the Lands of her Inheritance and in particular of that Mannor of Lechlade in Com. Glouc. leaving Herbert his Son and Heir who doing his Homage had also Livery of his Lands Which Herbert granted to the Monks of Breknoc liberty of Fishing in his Mere with a Boat for the space of three days every Week and every day during the time of Lent and Advent He likewise bestow'd on them all his Lands of Pentenavell and St. Paulins and five Marks yearly Rent for the Tithes of his Castle at Blenleveny In 26 H. 3. he had Summons to fit himself with Horse and Arms and to attend the King into France And in 28 H. 3. in consideration of C l. due to the King for his Relief obtain'd leave to pay it in the space of four years by the Hands of Robert de Mucegros This Herbert died in 32 H. 3. leaving Reginald his Brother and Heir who doing his Homage had Livery of his Lands lying in the Counties of Suthampt. Wiltes Glouc. Berks. Salop. Heref. Essex Norff. Ebor. and Wales But the King thereupon disposed of his Honours of Blenleveny and Bulkedynas to Walerand Teys Which Reginald in 42 H. 3. had Summons to fit himself with Horse and Arms and to attend the King at Chester upon Munday preceding the Feast of St. Iohn Baptist to resist the Incursions of the Welch And in 44 H. 3. as one of the Barons-Marchers receiv'd command to reside in those Parts with all his Power to prevent their farther Hostilities In 45 H. 3. he was made Sheriff of Hantshire and Governour of the Castle at Winchester and continued Sheriff of that County for the three next ensuing years Moreover in 47 H. 3. he receiv'd farther Command to furnish himself with Horse and Arms and to be at Hereford on Munday next after the Feast of the Purification of our Lady to march against the Welch In 48 H. 3. he was one of those Barons who undertook for the King's Performance of what the King of France should determine touching the Ordinances of Oxford And in 14 E. 1. departed this Life Whereupon Ioane his Widow had an Assignation of the Mannor of Bedhamton with the Hamlet of Brokhamton in Com. Suthampt. and of the Mannor of Wolfretone in the same County as also of the Mannor of Stanford in Com. Berks. Ugeleye in Com. Essex Chiriton in Com. Wilts Frethorpe in Com. Norff. and Wihton in Com. Ebor. for her Dowrie To this Reginald succeeded Iohn his Son and Heir who in 22 E. 1. amongst other eminent Men of that time had Summons to attend the King to consult about the important Affairs of the Realm Soon after which he receiv'd command to repair to Portsmeuth upon the first of September well accoutred with Horse and Arms thence to pass with him into France And had Summons to Parliament amongst the Barons of this Realm from 25 E. 1. till 1 E. 2. inclusive But forasmuch as that Honour continued not to any of his Descendents I shall not take any farther notice of them closing up my Discourse of this Family with this Observation viz. That from Peter a Brother to this Iohn the Earls of Pembroke are said to derive their Descent ¶ I come now to Matthew a younger Son to the first Herbert as hath been observed This Matthew was Sheriff of Sussex in 12 Ioh. for three parts of that year and so continued till the seventeenth inclusive In which year the Barons being prevalent and forcing the King to submit the Rule of the whole Realm to the Sway of xxv of themselves he was one of those who then undertook that the King should conform thereto And having stood firm to that King in his greatest Troubles continued so to his Son and Successor King Henry the Third being Sheriff of Sussex from the first to the twelfth year of his Reign inclusive In which year obtaining the Wardship of William Painell he had Livery of the Mannor of Hunspill in Com. Devon which Alice de Mohun the Mother of the same William had held in Dower And in 18 H. 3. was made Governour of the Castle of Lydeford In 27 H. 3. he manifested his Valour to admiration in that memorable Battel at Xantoigne against the French where the English obtain'd a glorious Victory And the next ensuing year was sent with CCC Horse to restrain the Hostilities of the Welch in the Parts near Montgomerie But before sufficient Preparations could be made for that Expedition the Scots giving the Enemy assistance they defeated the English Whereupon he attempted the Welch the next day following but was beaten back with loss It is said by some that he was stain near Margan and buried in the Abby there ¶ This Mathew had Issue Peter as I guess who died in 39 H. 3. without Issue Whereupon Iohn his Brother paying C l. for his Relief had Livery of his Lands Which Iohn in 41 H. 3. upon that Expedition then design'd into Wales amongst other of the Great Men of that time had Summons to be at Bristol upon
de Longchamp Bishop of Ely Chancellour of England Governour of the Realm in King Richard's absence and an utter Enemy to the Earl of Morcton accused him of harbouring and abetting Thieves which robb'd Merchants going to Stanford-Fair and likewise of High-treason because he declin'd upon Summons to appear before the King's Justices when he was sent for to answer that Charge and said That being a Reteiner to Iohn Earl of Moreton he would be tried in his Court and no other He was also charg'd with adhering to the said Earl of Moreton and other of the King's Enemies in taking the Castles of Notingham and Tikhill and notwithstanding he denied all was outed not onely of his Constableship of Lincoln-Castle and Sheriffalty of that County but of his own Lands So that upon the return of King Richard he was constrain'd to give two thousand Marks to be repossess'd of he own Estate and to obtain the King's Favour And Nichola his Wife a Fine of CCC Marks for liberty to marry her Daughter to whom she pleased so that he were not an Enemy to the King But it was not long after that Iohn Earl of Moreton upon the death of King Richard his Brother obtain'd the Crown and restored this Gerard to the Sheriffalty of Lincolâshire And in consideration of a thousand Pound Fine gave him the Widow of Thomas de Verdon for Wife to Richard his Son viz. Eustachia Daughter and Heir of Gilbert Basset with her whole Inheritance In 2 Ioh. this Gerard was one of the Peers in that Parliament at Lincoin where William King of Scotland did Homage to King Iohn for that Realm From which time till the end of the seventh year of King Iohn he had the Sheriffalty of Lincolnshire And in 6 Ioh. had special Licence to hunt the Hare Fox and Wild-cat throughout all the King's Forests In 7 Ioh. as a Coparcener with Fulk de Oyri and others in consideration of CCC Marks Fine to the King he obtain'd Licence for measuring the whole Marsh betwixt the Waters of Spalding and Tid in that County so that each Hundreder might have his Proportion thereof according to their respective Carucates In. 10 Ioh. he was one of the King 's Justices-Itinerant in Lincoln shire And by Nichola his Wife left Issue Richard above-mention'd Which Richard in 7 Ioh. gave MM Marks Fine and ten Palfreys for the Livery of the Lands of his Wifes Inheritance as Daughter and Heir to Gilbert Basset In 16 Ioh. this Richard had Livery of Middleton-Castle in Oxford shire part of his own Inheritance by Descent from his Father And in 2 H. 3. gave MM Marks Fine for Livery of all the rest But more of him I have not seen than that he left Issue Idonea his Daughter and Heir who became the Wife of William de Longespe Son of William de Longespe Earl of Salisbury Nor of her than that in 17 Ioh. she had Livery of all the Lands which were of the Inheritance of Eustachia her Mother Likewise in 10 H. 3. of those which were her Fathers and in 15 H. 3. of whatsoever were belonging to Nichola her Grandmother who then departed this Life ¶ Of William one of the Brothers to this last-mention'd Gerard it appears that he had Issue by Albreda the Daughter and Heir of Geffrey Marmion three Sons viz. Geffrey William and Thomas as the Descent sheweth Which Geffrey in 43 H. 3. was acquitted for his Scutage of Wales for xxviii Knights Fees he held in Right of Maude his Wife Cousin and Heir to Henry de Tracy scil Daughter of his Daughter for that part of the Honour of Berstaple which formerly belong'd to Oliver de Tracy In 22 E. 1. this Geffrey had Summons to attend the King at Portsmouth well fitted with Horse and Arms thence to go with him into Gascoyne And having sate in the several Parliaments of that King from 23 until 34 of his Reign inclusive departed this Life in 2 E. 2. seised in Right of the said Maud his Wife as Tenant by the Courtesie of England of the Lordship of Fremyngton Bovy-Tracy Nymet-Tracy Barnstaple the fourth part of the Mannor of Toriton and of the Hamlet of Nymet-St George as also of the Lordship of Clifton-Camvile in Com. Staff which he held by the Service of three Knights Fees leaving William his Son and Heir then xl years of age Which William had also Summons to Parliament in 2 and 4 Edw. 2. But farther of him I cannot say Botreanx THE first mention of this Name wherewith I have met is in 6 Steph. where Geffrey Boterell Brother to Alan Earl of Richmund is worthily extoll'd for his Valour against the Forces of Maud the Empress then Besieging the Castle of Winchester The next is of Hamon Boterell Which Hamen in 2 H. 2. paid xx l. into the Exchequer for the Farm of Bigarte-Forest in Hantshire Then William Boterell who in 3 H. 2. was Sheriff of Devonshire so likewise in 4 5 and 6 of that King's Reign And in 33 H. 2. residing in Cornwall answered vii l. x s. for xii Knights Fees in regard he had not been in that Expedition made by the King himself into Galwaie in Scotland the preceding year This William married one of the Daughters of Sir Robert Corbet Knight Unto which Robert King Henry the First gave the Lordship of Alcester in Com. Warr. by reason that he had a Daughter whom that King made one of his Concubines And having bestow'd on the Canons of Hertland in Com. Devon the Churches of Gunstane Moland and Forbiri and on the Monks of Alcester in Com. Warr. certain Lands in that County as appeareth by King Henry the Second's Confirmation thereof departed this Life leaving Issue two Sons William and Reginald Which William in 6 R. 1. upon Collection of the Scutage then levied for the King's Redemption paid ix l. for that which belong'd to the Honour of Geffrey de Ver and C s. for that of the Honour of Eudo Dapifer And in 1 Ioh. gave to the King a Fine of CCC Marks and two Goshawks for Livery of his Lands in Cornwall scil Penhel with its Appurtenances with the moytie of the Lordship of Alcester in Com. Warr. and for Confirmation of the Grant which Reginald Earl of Cornwall had made to him of those Lands In 5 Ioh. he was made Sheriff of Cornwall in which Office he continued for the space of four years and gave two Horses for the Great-Saddle and one Norway-Goshawk to the King for Licence to marry Albreda the Widow of Iohn de Ingeham Daughter to Walter Waleran over and above CCC Marks paid by her for the like permission In 5 H.
in Barony by the Service of three Knights Fees de veteri Feoffamento that is to say whereof his Ancestor had been Enfeoffed by King Henry the First As also âix Ox-gangs of Land in Bamburgh paying seven Sâillings per Annum to the Farm of that Borough Which six Ox-gangs King Henry the Second gave to Iohn the Son of Odoard his Ancestor before-mentioned This last Iohn died in 29 H. 3. being then seised of the Mannors of Emeldon Staunford Dunston Craucester and Warnerham so held as aforesaid leaving Rameâ the Wife of Eveverard Teutonic or Tyes his Daughter and Heir Which Everard then doing his Homage had Livery of the Lands of her Inheritance his Relief being acquitted And surviving him married again to Hereward de Marisco In whose time viz. 39 H. 3. Sir Richard Morin came to Staunford and in the presence of him the said Hereward and her as also of the whole Court of Sâaunford and by the consent of him and her took possession of the whole Barony of Emeldone together with the Mannor of Fentone and all other the Lands of her Inheritance for and on the behalf of Simon de Montfort then Earl of Leicester saying That she the said Ramet should go to Hâreboâle and reside there until that Earl did otherwise provide for her On the morrow also he went to Fenton and took the like possession there in the presence of that whole Town Which being done they both of them released to the said Earl and his Heirs all their Right and Title to that Barony which did accrue to her the said Ramet by Inheritance from Iohn le Vicount her Father But long it was not that this Earl enjoy'd it For having in 49 H. 3. forfeited all by his Rebellion it was given by the King to Edmund his younger Son and his Heirs Montacute IN 2 H. 2. Richard de Monteacute paid xxl. into the King's Exchequer for the ancient Pleas and in 7 H. 2. xx Marks for the Knights Fees he then held upon the Collection of the Scutage at that time levied To this Richard succeeded Dru de Montacute commonly called young Dru who in 12 H. 2. upon the Assessment of the Aid for marrying the King's Daughter certified his Knights Fees to be in number nine an half and third part de veteri Feoffamento and one de novo besides one whereof he was dispossess'd by Henry Lovel For all which in 14 H. 2. he paid ten Marks And died ... Aliva his Wife surviving him who was afterwards married to Richard Talbot her Lands in Pidleton being then valued at xvl. per Annum To him succeeded William de Montacute Which William upon that Pacification made in 3 R. 1. betwixt Iohn Earl of Moreton and William de Longcamp Bishop of Ely then Chancellor of England and Vicegerent in the King's absence was one of those that undertook for the Earl of Moreton's performance of the Award then made thereupon And in 6 R. 1. upon Collection of the Scutage for the King's Redemption paid for his Knights Fees in Somersesh vi l. xx d. and in Devonshire iv s. vi d. Moreover in 1 Ioh. he gave C l. to the King for Livery of the Hundreds of Chaldesei and Piddeltune and in 7 Ioh. executed the Sheriff's Office for the Counties of Dorset and Somerset So likewise the two next ensuing years And in 13 Ioh. upon Collection of the Scutage of Wales answered xxi Marks viii s. xi d. for those then Knights Fees an half and third part which he at that time held But in 17 Ioh. being one of the Chief of those Rebellious Barons then in Arms the King gave to Raphe de Ralegh all his Lands in the Counties of Somerset and Dorset except Câellesey which he had bestow'd on William de Brimere Shortly after which he died as it seems for in 1 H. 3. it appears that the King granted the Wardship of his Lands and Heir with the Benefit of his Marriage to Alan Basset The Name of which Heir was William Son to another Dru de Montacute as is manifest from a Grant made in 11 H. 3. to the same Alan then Guardian of the Heir of Dru de Montacute Heir also to William de Montacute of the Lands of him the said William de Montacute in Cheddeley which William de Briwere the elder held of the Gift of King Iohn The Lands of which William Son of Dru in 17 H. 3. were seised by vertue of the King's Precept in regard he repaired not to Court at Whitsontide to receive the Dignity of Knighthood as he was required to do But the next ânsuing year doing his Homage command was given to the Sheriff of Somerset and Dorsetshires to make Livery of them to him the King pardoning his Relief After which I have not seen any more of him till his death which hapned in 31 H. 3. leaving Issue two Daughters his Heirs viz Margerie then the Wife of William de Echingham and Isabell afterwards married to Thomas de Audham I next come to William de Montacute Son of another William In 41 H. 3. this William had Summons amongst others to attend the King at Chester upon the Feast-day of St. Peter ad Vincula well furnish'd with Horse and Arms thence to march into Wales against Lewelin ap Griffith at that time in Hostility So likewise on Munday next after the Feast of St. Iohn Baptist in 42 H. 3. To this William succeeded Simon de Montacute his Son and Heir Which Simon in 10 E. 1. was in that Expeâition then made into Wales and in 18 E. 1. obtain'd a Grant from the King of the Mannor of Shipton Montague with the Woods thereto belonging situate in the Forest of Selewode as also of the Mannors of Ierlington Chedeseye Gethulle Knolle Thurlebere and the More all in Com. Somerset of the Mannor of Swere with xx l. Rent in Pudletune xx l. Rent in Lullwrich x s. Rent in Blakemore with the Woods of Blakemore in Com. Dorset Likewise of the Mannors of Woneford in Com. Devon Aston Clinton in Com. Buck. and Kersington in Com. Oxon. with Remainder to William and Simon his Sons and the Heirs of their Bodies In 22 E. 1. the King designing an Expedition into France this Simon had Summons amongst other the Great Men of that Time to repair unto him to advise about the important Affairs of the Realm And soon after that receiv'd command to attend the King at Portsmouth upon the first day of September well fitted with Horse and Arms thence to sail with him into Gascoine In 25 E. 1. he was again in Gascoine and in 26 E. 1. in the Scottish-Wars Moreover in 27 E. 1. he was constituted Governour of Corff-Castle
Son to Edmund Earl of Arundell Philippa of Roger de Mortimer Earl of March Elizabeth of Giles Lord Badlesmere and Agnes I come now to William the Son and Heir to this deceased Earl This William being in Minority at his Father's death was committed to the Tuition of Iohn de Somerton and Thomas Waryn And in 20 E. 3. in that great Expedition then made into France attended the King at whose Landing at Hoggs in Normandy he receiv'd the Honour of Knighthood Shortly after which he was with him at the Siege of Caen and consequently at that famous Battel of Cressy which hapned the same year as may be presumed In 21 E. 3. he was again in the Wars of France So likewise in 22 E. 3. And in 23 E. 3. though not then of full age had such favour from the King as that he obtain'd Livery of the Reversion of all the Lands of his Inheritance But before the end of this year making proof of his age upon the death of Katherine his Mother he had Livery of the Mannors of Sweyneston and Brighteston in the Isle of Wiht which she held for term of her Life In 24 E. 3. having been in that famous Sea-fight near Winchelsey against the Spaniards where the English obtain'd a glorious Victory he was made choice of for one of the Knights of that Renowned Order of the Garter first Instituted at that time by King Edward the Third And in 27 E. 3. 24 Oct. did his Homage to the King in the New Chamber of his Royal Palace at Westminster in the presence of Prince Edward for his Barony of Denbygh in North-Wales In 29 E. 3. the King having assign'd the Datchy of Aquitane to Prince Edward with the Earls of Warwick Suffolk and Oxford he attended him into those Parts taking Shipping at Plymouth upon the Festival of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin for which respect he had Letters to the Seneschall of that Country for his special Protection so that he should not be question'd for any of his Ancestors Debts during the term of two years Whence with those Earls he rode over the Hills of Languedoâ within two days Journey of Avinion burnt the Suburbs of Narbone destroy'd Karkason and the Parts adjacent and return'd to Burdeaur over the Country of Ermoniak without Battel In 30 E. 3. being again in the Wars of France with the Earl of Suffolk he commanded the Rereward of the English Army in that famous Battel of Poytiers In the heat of which Fight it is said that he strove with the Earl of Warwick which of them should most bedew the Land of Poytiers with French Blood In 31 E. 3. he continued still in the Wars of France So likewise in 33 E. 3. the King himself then being there as also in 34 E. 3. In 42 E. 3. he was at the Truce-making betwixt King Edward and the King of France And in 43 was sent with the Earl of Warwick and others to Calais with Five hundred Men at Arms and five hundred Archers the Dâke of Lancaster being then General In 46 E. 3. he attended the King in his Flâet at Sâa taking Shipping at Suthampton and sailing towards Kochel for the relieving of Thouars after nine Weeks at Sea cross'd with contrary Winds return'd for England Shortly after which upon a Rumor that Yrevan Prince of Wales was upon the English Coast with a great Power and ready to Land this Earl with William Nevill and Sir Philip Courtney set sail with forty Ships having with him Three thousand Men at Arms besides Archers from the Coast of Cornwall and coming to St. Malo burnt seven large Spanish Ships in that Harbour Thenââ passing to Brest besieged by the French he reliev'd that Garrison and so resolving to defend the Frontiers of Britanny and Normandy receiv'd Supply from England of a thousand Men at Arms and two thousand Archers Whereupon returning to Brest with purpose to give Battel to the French then lying before it and finding that they were drawn off to other Sieges he came to Terms with that Garrison viz. to render it up to him in case they had not Relief within xl days and for performance of that Agreement gave Hostages After which upon his Arrival he sent to the Constable of France either to give him Battel or return the Hostages but refusing both this Earl Victual'd the Castle and went to Sea defending the Frontiers as he had formerly done This being the time that he was by Indenture retain'd to serve the King in his Fleet at Sea with CCC Men at Arms and CCC Archers xx Knights and CClxxix Esquires In 48 E. 3. he was one of the Embassadors sent with the Duke of Lancaster the Lord Cobham and others to Bruges in Flanders to treat of Peace with the French And in 50 E. 3. was constituted Admiral of the King's Fleet from the Mouth of Thames to the Westwards Moreover in 51 E. 3. he was one of the Commissioners for Arraying of all able Persons within the County of Dorset to withstand the Attempts of the French then threatning an Invasion and the same year was joyn'd in Commission with the Bishop of St. Davids then Chancellour of England and others to treat of Peace with Charles the Fourth King of France But shortly after this returning into England he repair'd to the King at Shene who there lying sick departed this Life about that time In 1 R. 2. being again retain'd by Indenture to serve the King in his Wars beyond the Seas under the Conduct of Iohn of Gant Duke of Lancaster then King of Castile with Cl Men at Arms Cl Archers one Banneret xx Knights and the rest Esquires the Duke not adventuring as was designed this Earl with the Earl of Arundell by his persuasion put to Sea and Landed in Normandy and had the Town of Cherburgh belonging to the King of Navarre then an Enemy to the French delivered up to him on the behalf of the King of England upon condition to defend it against the French Which being done he return'd into England But before the end of this year he was again in the Wars of Fraâce And the next year following made Governour of Calais Soon after which marching into the adjacent Country he took much Plunder from the Inhabitants and plentifully Victualled that Garrisor In this year upon the Marriage of his Son viz. Sir William de Montacute Knight with Elizabeth Daughter to Richard Earl of Arundell he setled the Mannor of Keninghale in Com. Norff. upon them and the Issue of their two Bodies lawfully begotten But this Sir
exchange his Castle of Werke unto Raphe de Nevill for other Lands was imploy'd in the Parts Beyond-Sea in the King's Service In 21 R. 2. doing his Homage 6 Febr. he had Livery of all the Lands descended to him from William de Montacute late Earl of Salisbury then deceased whose Heir he was viz. Son of Sir Iohn de Montacute Knight Brother to that Earl and being a great Favourite to King Richard the Second was one of those whom he suborn'd to impeach Thomas of Wodâtoke Duke of Glouc. as also the Earls of Warwick and Arundell in the ensuing Parliament And then bearing the Title of Earl of Salisbury obtain'd from that King a Grant to himself and the HeirsâMale of his Body of the Mannors of Cheddeworth and Ledeney in Com. Glouc. Haddesore Shzabeley Koke and Kibbesford in Com. Wigorn. with xx l. yearly Rent in Worcester As also of the Mannors of Saham and Paneworthall in Com. Norff. with the Hundreds and Advowsons of the Churches belonging to those Mannors then seised into the King's Hands by the Attainder of Thomas de Beauchamp Earl of Warwick Moreover in 22 R. 2. he was constituted Marshal of England in the absence of Thomas Holand Duke of Surrey then imploy'd into Ireland Furthermore in the Parliament then held at Westminster he obtain'd a Scire facias against the Earl of March for the Lordship of Denbigh Shortly after which he had Licence to go into France and soon after that was joyn'd in Commission with the Bishop of St. Asaph and others to treat of Peace with the Scots Likewise before the end of that year he attended the King into Ireland But upon the News of the Duke of Hereford's arrival in England he was dispatch'd thence with a great Power whilst King Richard going to Waterford might get his Fleet together and Landed at Conway in North-Wales Where being advertised that the D. of Hereford had obtain'd the greatest part of the Realm all the Lords being gotten to him he summon'd in the Welch and likewise the Cheshire-Men to the number of Forty thousand who seeing nothing of the King whom they supposed to have been at Conway they dispersed themselves leaving this Earl almost alone Whereupon the Duke of Hereford advancing towards him he withdrew to Conway to which Place the King was by that time come and advised him to go to Beaumares It is reported of this Earl That though upon the deposal of King Richard the Second to whom he had been most obsequious he had such fair respect from King Henry the Fourth that his Life was not brought in question nevertheless he confederated with the Earls of Huntendon and Kent in designing his destruction and accordingly came with them to Windsore-Castle upon the Sunday next after the Feast of the Circumcision of our Lord under the disguise of Christmass-Players with purpose to murther him and his Sons and to restore King Richard But finding that their Plot was discovered they fled by Night to Cirencester in Com. Glouc. Whereupon the Towns-men being much affrighted at their coming thither with such numbers at that unseasonable time stopping up all the Avenues to prevent their passage out there grew a sharp Fight betwixt them which held from Midnight until three of the Clock the next morning so that being tired out they yielded themselves desiring that they might not suffer death till they could speak with the King which was granted But that a Priest of their Party setting Fire on the Town to give them opportunity for escape so irritated the Inhabitants that neglecting to quench the Fire they brought them out of the Abby in great sury and Beheaded them about break of the day Being thus put to death his Body was buried in the Abby at Cirencester and there rested till 8 H. 5. that the King upon the humble Petition of Maude his Widow gave her leave to translate it to the Abby of Bustlesham in Com. Berks. of his Ancestor's Foundation This Earl married Maude the Daughter to Sir Adam Francis of London Knight Widow of Iohn Aubrey Son of Andrew Aubrey Citizen of London Widow also of Sir Alan Buxhull Knight and had Issue by her two Sons viz. Thomas at the time of his death xii years of age and Richard who died issueless as also three Daughters viz. Anne first married to Sir Richard Hankford Knight secondly to Sir Iohn Fitz-Lewis Knight and thirdly to Iohn Holand Earl of Huntendon and Duke of Exeter Margaret to William Lord Ferrers of Groby and Elizabeth to Robert Lord Willoughby of Eresby This is that Iohn de Montacute who was one of the Chief of that Sect called Lollards in his time and the greatest Phanatick of them all saith my Author being so transported with Zeal that he caused all the Images which were in the Chappel at Schenele there set up by Iohn Aubrey and Sir Alan Buxhull his Wives former Husbands or any of their Predecessors to be taken down and thrown in obscure places onely the Image of St. Katherine in regard that many did affect it he gave leave that it should stand in his Bakehouse His death as is above-expressed hapned upon the fifth day of January viz. the Eve of the Epiphany 1 H. 4. being then seised in Fee-tail of the Mannor of Stokenham with the Borough of Chydelington the Hundred of Colrigge the Mannor of Yolhampton with the Borough of la Nasse the Mannors of Okeford and Pyworthy the Mannors of Woneford Clift â St. Mary with the Advowson of the Church the Mannor of Lantyan all in Com. Devon and Cornwall with two Parts of CC Marks yearly Rent issuing out of the Cunage of Tin in Com. Cornub. Likewise of the Mannors of Huniton and Warblyngton of the Castle of Christ-Church-Twynham with the Borough the Mannor of Westoure and Hundred of Christ-Church the Mannors of Kyngewode and Ebbelorde with the Advowson of the Churches of Kyngwode and Shaldeflut of the Mannor of Erlestoke and xx l. Rent of the Farm of the County of Wiltes of the Honour of Sherneton and divers Knights Fees thereto belonging with the view of Frank-pledge and Hundred of Sherneton as also of the Advowsons of the Churches of Wynterborne and Todeworth Meles with three Knights Fees in Upton Skydemore c. all in Com. Suthampt. and Wiltes Also of the Mannors of Knolle Thurlebere la More one Knights Fee in Pontyngton one Knights Fee in East Chelleworth of the Advowson of the Priory of Montacute with the Cells of Careswell St. Carric and Malpas Likewise of Cxx l. yearly Rent to be received of the Farms of those Priories and Cells of the Mannor of Swere with the Advowson of the Church xx l. Rent in Hilleworth x s. Rent in Blakemore with the Wood of Blakemore and Mannor of Blakemore called Neuland
Margaret and for want of such Issue to his Right Heirs of the Mannor Castle and Honour of Cnaresburg Oldborough and Burrow-brigg in Com. Ebor. with the Knights Fees Soke and Forest thereto belonging paying C l. per annum into the Exchequer Having likewise by the same Grant the Gift of Ten thousand Marks due to the King from the Heirs of William de Stutevill and charg'd upon that Castle and Honour Furthermore he was then made Governour of the Castle at Bristoll and upon the Collection of the Scutage of Kery at that time answered for fifty six Knights Fees an half and tenth part of the Fees of Henry de Essex Likewise for Fifty Fees of the Honour of Hagenet and for xxxi and an half for those of the Honour of Peverel London But before the end of this thirteenth year about Michaelmass the King having a Rendezvouz at Portesmorth of the greatest Army that had been seen in this Realm it consisting of English Irish Scotch and Welch designing therewith the recovery of what his Father had lost in Forein Parts and expecting all things in readiness with Ships for their Transportation but finding not half so many as would suffice for that purpose he wholly attributed the fault to this Hubert and publickly calling him Old Traytor told him That he had taken Five thousand Marks as a Bribe from the Queen of France and thereupon drawing out his Sword would have kill'd him had not the Earl of Chester and some others prevented it but displaced him from his Office of Justice whereupon he withdrew till the King grew better pacified as it seems he soon was For the next ensuing year when divers valiant Knights coming to the King out of Normandy earnestly besought him to land Forces in that Country assuring him that it might be easily recovered this Hubert wholly disswaded him from attempting it anâ prevail'd with him to make an Expedition into Gascoigne and Poiââou where he succeeded so well that having little opposition he freely received the Homages of the Inhabitants of those Countries Moreover upon the death of Gilbert de Clare Earl of Gloucester this year he obtain'd the Custody of all his Lands And in 15 H. 3. procur'd a Grant to himself and the same Lady Margaret his Wife and the Heirs of their two Bodies in augmentation of the Honour of Kaermerdin and Cardigan which the King had then given them of the Homage and Service of Iohn de Braose due from him for the Honour of Goher As also Licence to himself and the said Margaret and their Heirs to build a Castle at Hadleg part of the Honour of Keylegh the Inheritance of which Honour he had formerly obtain'd from the King And about that time having Intelligence that the Welch had committed divers Outrages especially in the Parts about Montgomery he march'd thither and out of that Castle sent a Party of Soldiers who flew many of them and brought in divers Prisoners whose Heads for terrour to others he caused to be cut off and sent to the King Which Cruelty so far provoked Leoline Prince of Wales that he raised all the Power he could and retaliated the like to the English setting fire also on the Churches by which means many who fled thither for Sanctuary were burnt whereof some were Gentlewomen of good Quality And yet continuing his Interest the next ensuing year he procur'd a special Charter of Privilege viz. That in case he should thenceforth be employ'd in the King's Service beyond-Sea or on Pilgrimage or otherwise or that he should happen to be infirm and weak in Body at any time so that he could not in Person undergo that High Office of Iustice of England that then he should have power to assign a Substitute to be approved of by the King Soon after which he obtain'd a Grant of the Office of Iustice of Ireland for life as also of the Custody of the Tower of London with the Castles of Odyham âindfore and Wardenship of that Forest answering for the same as had been accustomed In which year Pandulse the Popes Legate absolv'd him of his Vow of Pilgrimage to the Holy Land But soon after this the King's Favour towards him declined apace his Affections being wholly captivated by others for the very same year through the instigation of Peter de Rupibus Bishop of Winchester who then bore the chief sway at Court he was first totally displaced from that Great Office of Iustice of England as also from the Custody of the Castles of Dovor Canterbury Rochester Windsore Odiham Hertford Colchester and the Tower of London Stephen de Segrave being put in his stead in all these Trusts And not only so but strictly required to give an Account of all the King's Treasure wherewith he had at any time medled and of the Debts owing as well to King Iohn as to that King As also of all the King's Lands from the day of the death of William Mareschall Earl of Pembroke Governour of the King and Kingdom whilst he lived both in England Wales Ireland and Poictou and likewise of the Liberties in the King's Forests Warrens and all other Places how they were kept or aliened Moreover of the Fifteenth Sixteenth and other Revenues which had been brought into the Exchequer the New-Temple at London or any other place Likewise of Prizes made for releasing the King's Right as well in Lands as Moveables Also of whatsoever else had been lost through his negligence and for many other Particulars whereof for brevity I omit the mention Whereunto he answered That as to what was charg'd upon him relating to King Iohn's time he had a general Charter of Release from any Account which might be required of him that King having so great a confidence in his Integrity that he expected none at all Unto which the Bishop of Winchester replied That such a Release could not be of any validity after the death of King Iohn But these were trivial things in comparison of what his Enemies afterwards objected against him For they farther laid to his charge 1. That when the King had sent Embassadors into Austria in order to a Marriage with the Daughter of that Duke he wrote Letters to the Duke dissuading him from yielding thereto 2. That he dissuaded the King from making a Military Expedition into Normandy for the recovery thereof so that much of the King's Treasure was vainly lost 3. That whereas King Iohn had given him the Custody of the Daughter of the King of Scotland to the end he should marry her he on the contrary most Traiterously defiled her by getting Children upon her in Fornication and afterwards married her in hopes
Moreover he built the Castle and made the Haven at Brugge-walter and began the Structure of that fair Stone-Bridge there consisting of three great Arches which was afterwards finish'd by one Triveth a Gentleman of Devonshire And having married Beatrix de Valle a Concubine as 't is said to Reginald Earl of Cornwall which is probable for in a Grant made by Henry Son to the same Reginald unto this William of the Mannor of Karswell and Land of Hakford he calls him his Brother he had Issue by her two Sons viz. Richard who died in his Life-time as it seems and William as also five Daughters viz. Graecia married to Reginald de Braose Margaret to William de Ferte Isabell first to ... Dovre and afterwards to Baldwin Wake Alice to Reginald de Mohun and Ioane to William de Percy and departing this Life in 11 H. 3. was buried before the High-Altar in the Abby of Dunkeswell before-mention'd Of which Richard all I have father seen is That in 13 Ioh. upon the Collection of the Scutage of Wales he answered for xv Knights Fees of the Honour of Moreton which were formerly belonging to Walter Briton and in 15 Ioh. that doing his Homage he had Possession of the Mannor of Cestrefeld in Com. Derb. which his Father held I now come to William called William Briwere junior whilst his Father lived In 17 Ioh. this William obtain'd a Grant from the King of the Lands of Hugh Peverell of Erminton to hold during pleasure and in 7 H. 3. was constituted Sheriff for the County of Northumberland So likewise for Devonshire in 8 H. 3. And upon the death of his Father in 11 H. 3. gave a Fine to the King of Six hundred Marks for Livery of the Mannor of Cestrefeld with the Wapentake of ãâã in Com. Derb. Likewise of the Town of Sâointon in Com. Nott. and Fishing of Kingswere in Com. Somerset as also of the Town of Axeminster with the Hundred in Com. Devon and the Lordship of Stoke in Com. Northampt. all which William his Father then deceased held and that he might be discharg'd of his Relief for all his Lands But all that I have seen otherwise of him is That he gave to the Canons of Torre his Lands at Ylsham and Coleton as also all his Meadow lying on the West-side of the Causey which goeth from the Abby of Torre towards the Sea and betwixt that Causey and Cokyngton-Meadow And having married Ioane the Daughter of William de Vernon Earl of Devon with whom he had Fifty Pounds per annum Lands at Crust in the Mannor of Cruk with the Advowson of the Church he departed this Life in Anno 1232. 16 H. 3. without Issue Ioane his Wife surviving who had for her Dowrie an Assignation out of all the Lands whereof he died seised excepting the Mannor of Bruges which was to remain in the King's Hands Whereupon those of his five Sisters who were living and the Heirs of those who were dead succeeded in the Inheritance and had for their Purparties these Lordships and Lands shared amongst them viz. Alice de Mohun the Mannors of Thorre Waggeburgh Kadele Hulborotoâ Acford Braworthy and Axeminster in Com. Devon as also the Mannor of I le and iv s. vii d. ob Rent issuing out of the Mannor of Trente in Com. Somerset William de Percy on the behalf of his Daughters Ioane his Wife being then dead the Mannor of Langestoke and Rissel in Com. Sutht Blithesworth in Com. Northampt. Foston in Com. Leic. xxv s. vii d. ob Rent in Snainton in Com. Nott. the Mannor of Raddon in Com. Devon and xxxix s. ii d. ob Rent issuing out of the Mannor of Trente in Com. Somerset And Margaret de la Ferte the Mannors of Sumburne and Stokbrigg in Com. Suthampt. the Mannor of Stoke in Com. Northampt. and xx l. iv s. ob Rent in Snainton in Com. Nott. What I have else seen of this Family which is memorable being this viz. That Alice the Wife of Reginald de Mohun gave towards the New Fabrick of the Cathedral at Salisbury all the Marble for twelve years And That William Briwer Bishop of Exeter Cousin to the before-mentioned William Briwer the elder lieth buried under a flat Marble in the Cathedral Church at Exeter with this Epitaph Hic jacet Willielmus Bruer Episc. Exon. primus fundator quatuor dignitatum hujus Ecclesiae Fitz-Piers THE first of this Name of whom I find mention is Geffrey This Geffrey in 30 H. 2. in Right of Beatrix his Wife Daughter and Coheir to William de Say shared with William de Bocland and Maud his Wife the other Daughter and Coheir in the whole Inheritance of the same William de Say By which Partition made in the King's Court at Melkesham upon the Feast-day of the Conversion of St. Paul in the presence of Ranulph de Glanvil Robert Marmion Raphe Fitz-Stephen Hugh de Morewic Hugh Bardulf Robert de Whitefeld Rannulfe de Geddinges and William Fitz-Rein fride then the King's Justices and other Barons there also present they the said William de Bocland and Maud had the Mannor of Brunnington to them and their Heirs with the Services of William de Reigni and Raphe Fitz-Bernard and likewise of the first Eschaet or Perquisite of them the said Geffrey and Beatrix x l. per annum Lands Whereupon they did totally remit to them the said Geffrey and Beatrix and to the Issue of the Body of her the said Beatrix all the Remainder of that Inheritance of William de Say After this upon the death of William de Mandevile Earl of Essex in 2 R. 1. without Issue much Controversie arose touching his Barony and Lands Beatrix de Say his Aunt and Heir in the first place laying claim thereto and being at that time very aged and decrepit sent Geffrey de Say her younger Son to the King then at Canterbury to transact the Business for Livery of that great Inheritance this Geffrey Fitz-Piers then also insisting upon the Right of Beatrix his Wife eldest Daughter to William de Say elder Brother to the said Geffrey Howbeit Geffrey de Say who then had great Friends in Court in consideration of Seven thousand Marks promis'd to be paid at certain days obtain'd an Instrument in Right of his Mother under the King's Seal for that whole Barony But Geffrey de Say not paying the Money accordingly and finding that his Sureties were liable to make it good deliver'd it up unto William de Longchamp Bishop of Ely then Vicegerent in England King Richard being gone towards the Holy-Land as a Pledge till the Money were accordingly brought into the Treasury Whereupon this Geffrey Fitz-Piers being a Man of great wealth came
to the Bishop and representing to him That this Barony was the rightful Inheritance of his Wife as also promising the Money which the other had neglected to pay obtain'd Livery thereof and procured the King's Confirmation of his Title And having so done came to Waldene where the Abbot to congratulate this his Possession met him with much Reverence and desired him to go into the Church and salute the Monks But in stead of so doing he turn'd his Face scornfully from them Howbeit the Abbot seeming to take no notice thereof still rode along with him and at length brought him into the Church Where looking about him with a sowr Countenance he staid but a while scarce saying his Prayers and thence entring the Cloyster went to the Chapter-house-door and told the Abbot That he and his Monks had disherited him and his Posterity by procuring that Priory to be made an Abby The Abbot therefore seeing him thus displeased endeavoured to qualifie him all he could but to no purpose for he threatned them much at his departure and the next morning sent four of the Tenants to forbid them any more to meddle with those Lands which Earl William de Mandevile as they affirmed had formerly given them causing other of his Tenants and Servants to make seisure of the same For which violent Act the Monks making complaint to Richard Bishop of London he forthwith Excommunicated those Tenants and Servants and Interdicted the Parochial Church of Waldene from all Divine Offices Whereupon this Geffrey Fitz-Piers went to the Bishop not with any desire of Absolution from the Excommunication but for a Release of that Church from the Interdict and had it fulfill'd In this distress therefore they represented their Condition to the Bishop of Ely then the King's Vicegerent and obtained Restitution of those Lands Which so irritated this Geffrey as that being armed with the Power of Chief Iustice he entered upon them again by force Their next Refuge therefore being to the Pope they humbly address'd themselves to his Holiness by Letters of Complaint who thereupon summon'd him to answer but without success he refusing to yield any Obedience therein to his Authority About this time it was that Beatrix his Wife died in Child-bed with her Child also and was buried in the Chapter-house at Chiâsand Howbeit her Corps rested not long there for this Geffrey her Husband having founded a Monastery of the Gilbertine-Rule at Shouldham in Norfolk of which Order he was a great Admirer translated it thither About the same time also died old Beatrix de Say Sister to Geffrey de Mandevile the first Earl of Essex who had always been a special Friend to the Monks of Waldene Sheâdeparting this Life at her House at Rikelings 13 Cal. Maii Anno 1207. and was buried at Walden with great Honour And not long after this King Richard return'd The Monks therefore to leave no probable means unassayed made their complaint to him of the wrong to them done by this Geffrey in taking away those Lands which Earl William de Mandevile had so piously given them But in answer thereto with great confidence he told the King That they had absed him with a false Information affirming That they had quietly enjoy'd all those Lands so pretended to be taken from them since the death of Earl William without any disturbance though they had no lawful Right thereto boldly adding with an Oath That the Charter whereunto they pretended was made when the Earl lay on his Death-bed or after he was dead Whereupon divers Witnesses being produc'd to justifie the making thereof when he was of good and perfect memory the King made choice of three onely viz. Richard de Mortimer the then Abbot Richard Ruly a Priest and Sir Richard de Montiney Knight who all clearly testified That it was made the very day of his Recovery from a former Sickness Notwithstanding which Testimony the King did not determine the business But at length addressing to the King again with a farther Complaint they obtain'd his Letters to him on their behalf which were to desire him that he would make some friendly Restitution to them of what they so claimed Adding That what he intended to the House of Shouldham which he had unadvisedly began to Found he might do well to confer on these Monks of Waldene With which Perswasions being somewhat moved he told them That he would give them C Acres of what they so claimed as also C s. yearly Rent out of the Mannor of Weâthamsted Whereupon they express'd That for quietness sake they would accept thereof for the present not delivering up their Charter But in stead of any Fruit of what they expected he thenceforth fed them onely with dilatory Promises Shortly after this viz. upon the death of King Richard and King Iohn Crowned this Geffrey was made Earl of Essex And having by the favour of that King obtain'd a special Grant of the Patronage of the Abby of Waldene upon the Eve of St. Iames the Apostle he came to his Castle adjacent with a great Attendance Whence he sent notice to the Monks That he would visit them the next day and did accordingly Whereupon all the Covent in their best Array met him and went in Solemn Procession before him with their Books of the Gospels richly covered their Censers Banners and all other things of splendor used upon High-days But though they seemed to sing in this their Procession some of them wept bitterly Being come into the Church which was with great Ringing of Bells likewise he kneel'd before the Altar and at his rising offered a Silver Cup. This done the Monks began the Hymn of S. Ambrose called Te Deum and that ended went into the Chapter-house a multitude of People following expecting to hear what Reconciliation would be there made betwixt him and them But in stead thereof he shew'd them the King 's Grant of the Patronage of their House causing it to be publickly read And upon his return visiting the Abbot in his Bed-chamber then very old and infirm he put all others out of the Room and enquir'd much from him of the State of the Abby as also whom he would recommend to be his Successor there And after this upon S. Laurence-day sending for the Prior and one of the Monks he acquainted them That he would in kindness bestow upon the Covent C Acres of Errable Land with a Meadow and a Mill and accordingly did give them that Mill and Meadow situate towards Piriton with the Tillable Land lying betwixt the Abby and the Town of Waldene excepting
onely certain Acres thereof which his own Tenants after the Disseisâ of the Monks had demised to them for Tillage Thus much as to what is reported of him by these Monks of Waldene I come now to what is else Historical which I shall here relate in order of time In 1 R. 1. in that General Council then held at London wherein the King purposing a Voyage to the Holy Land conferr'd on Hugh Bishop of Durham and William Earl of Albemarle the Office of Justice of England he associated to them this Geffrey with some others as their Assistants in that Trust. In which year he had a Grant from the King of the Lordship of Sutton a Member of Clarenâeford which rendred to the Exchequer Seven Pounds per annum as also Five Shillings per annum which was the Goldsmiths and Five Acres of Land which appertain'd to the Beadle of King Henry the Second to hold by the Service of the fourth part of a Knights Fee Of which Lands c. Iohn Burhount acknowledg'd him to be Heir and whereof he had pass'd to him the Inheritance All which King Henry the Second gave to Robert Fitz-Raphe and Alice Burhunt his Wife He had likewise about that time a Grant from Iohn Earl of Moreton of Kirketon with the Honour Moreover in the Second year of King Richard the First 's Reign upon that Complaint made to the King then at Messana against William de Longchamp Bishop of Ely at that time Chancellor and left Vicegerent here in King Richard's absence special Command was sent from the King to Longchamp That he should thenceforth in all things take the Advice of Walter Archbishop of Roan and some others whereof this Geffrey was one who in those great Contests betwixt Longchamp and Iohn Earl of Moreton the King's Brother so much favoured the Earl that Longchamp caused him to be Excommunicated by the Pope About this time he gave CC Marks for the Wardship of the Heirs of Hubert Bland and their Inheritance and the same year paid xlix l. iii. s. iv d. upon Collection of the Scutage of Wales As also Three thousand Marks for Livery of the Lands of Earl William de Mandevill of the Inheritance of Beatrix de Say his Wife having the King's Charter for the better fortifying his Title to himself and her as next Heirs to the same Earl And from 31 H. 2. to 1 Ric. 1. as also from 4 to 6 Ric. 1. inclusive was Sheriff of Northamptonshire And from 3 R. 1. to 6 R. 1. inclusive for the Counties of Essex and Hertford In 6 R. 1. he was one of the Justices of the King's Court. And in 9 R. 1. Hubert Archbishop of Canterbury then Justice of England being set aside he was advanc'd to that eminent Office in his stead And the same year marching with a great Power into Wales in aid of the Tenants of William de Brause whom Gwenwynwyn Lord of the higher Powys had besieg'd in Maude-Castle after a great Fight and much Slaughter of the Welch reliev'd them Furthermore upon the death of King Richard the First being then Justice of England he was sent with Hubert Archbishop of Canterbury and others into England to keep the Peace there And accordingly meeting at Northampton with those of whose fidelity they most doubted assured them That they should have no wrong but that every Man should possess his own in peace Upon the day of King Iohn's Coronation and not before he was by that King girt with the Sword of the Earldom of Essex though he had formerly the Title of Earl and Administration of the Earldom and then serv'd the King at his Table And the same year obtain'd the King's Charter for a Weekly Market on the Friday and likewise a Fair every year on the Eve of St. Andrew and two days following at his Mannor of Kynebochton in Com. Hunt The next ensuing year he obtain'd another Charter for a Market every Week at Agmundesham in Com. Buck. and likewise for a Fair every year And in 5 Ioh. had a Grant of the Custody of the Honour of Angre in Essex In which year King Iohn extorting from his Nobles a vast Sum of Money made use of him in executing his will upon the Laytie who spared none And underwent the Office of Sheriff for the County of Yorke for the first second fifth and sixth years of King Iohn's Reign For the County of Staff from the first to the sixth inclusive For the County of Westmoreland the second year And for the Counties of Buckingham Bedford Hants Wiltes Salop. and Stafford from the third to the sixth inclusive And about this time was signed with the Cross in order to an Expedition to the Holy-Land but considering the turbulency of Mens Spirits which occasion'd the King to be in fear of a Rebellion so that he could not then spare him he wrote to the Pope to respite his Journey for four or five years promising That then he would send him and all those other who were so signed with the Cross. In 7 Ioh. he had a Grant from the King of the Castle and Honour of Berkhamsted with the Knights Fees thereto belonging in Fee-farm for C l. per annum to hold to him and the Heirs of his Body by Aveline then his Wife And in 10 Ioh. of the Haven called Quâen-Hithe in the City of London in Fee-farm also for the Rent of xxx l. per annum to be paid to the King's Exchequer and Lx s. per annum to the Lepers in the Hospital of St. Giles in the Suburbs of London Moreover about this time he obtain'd a Confirmation of the Mannor of Morton with the Advowson of the Church which Hugh de Courtney had granted to him to hold of him the said Hugh and his Heirs by the Service of half a Knights Fee And in 11 Ioh. gave to the King ten Palfreys and ten Goshawks that he might be exempted from the Tuition of the Daughters of the King of Scotland But in 14 Ioh. I find him rank'd by our Historians of that Age amongst the King 's Evil Counsellors the King then refusing to submit to the Pope's Dictates for which respect his Holiness absolved all his Subjects of this Realm from their Fidelity Lastly In 15 Ioh. he procur'd a Grant in Fee of the Forest of Huntendon As to his Works of Piety I find That he granted to the Brethren of the Hospital of St. Thomas of Acres in the City of London the Guardianship of the Hospital of St. Iohn Baptist in Berkhamstede and likewise of the Hospital of St. Iohn the Evangelist of Lepers there Moreover that he founded an Hospital at Sutton in Com. Ebor. to the Honour of the Holy Trinity and the Blessed
habiliments of War viz. Coat-armour Penon Gyron c. To Ralph his Son and Heir he gave all his Houshold-goods then being in his Manor-house at Hinderskelfe as also in his Houses at Morpeth and Greystoke his Plate and Jewels excepted and to Elizabeth his Wife a Ring and a Broach of Gold with a Saphire and a Diamond Appointing that each of his other Sons viz. Thomas Richard and William should each of them have four marks yearly for their maintenance for term of their respective lives To every Gentleman then serving him forty shillings to every Yeoman twenty shillings and to every Groom thirteen shillings four pence To the repair of Newminster Abbey twenty pound to the Church of Greystoke all his new Vestments with the Ornaments thereto appertaining Of which Testament he constituted his Executor Ralph his Son and Heir and upon the Eighth of Augnst next ensuâng departed this life being then seised of the Mannor of Thingden in Com. Northamp Wiboldeston in Com. Bedf. Duffeton in Com. Westm. Graystoke in Com. Cumber the Castle and Mannor of Morpeth with its Members in Com. Northumb. Of the Mannors of Burnham Grimthorpe Hilderskelfe and Gaunthorpe in Com. Ebor. And in right of Elizabeth his Wife one of the Daughters and Co-heirs to Sir Robert Ferrers of Wemme in Com. Salop. Knight of the Mannors of Norburgh in Com. Leic. and Wemme Lopington and Hynstoke in Com. Salop. Ralph his Son and Heir before-mentioned being then twenty two years of age and Elizabeth his Daughter married to Roger Thornton Esq. Which Ralph had Livery of his Lands the same year his Homage being respited And in 27 H. 6. was joyn'd in Commission with Iohn Vicount Beaumont and others to treat with the Commissioners of Scotland upon a Truce So likewise in 30 H. 6. to treat with Iames de Douglas upon all those Articles by him signed Also in 3 and 5 E. 4. to treat with the Commissioners of Scotland upon such injuries as had been done by the Subjects of either Kingdom contrary to the Truce formerly made In 10. 12. and 13 of E. 4. he was again employ'd as a Commissioner in the like Treaty He was also summon'd to Parliament from 15 H. 6. to 1 H. 7. inclusive And having married Elizabeth Daughter to William Lord Fitz-Hugh for which Marriage he had a special Dispensation in regard they were within the Third and Fourth Degrees of Consanguinity departed this life 1 Iunii Anno 1487. 2 H. 7. leaving Robert his Son and Heir of whom I have seen nothing but his death which hapned 15 Kal. Iulii Anno 1483. 1 R. 3. in the life-time of his Father and that he left issue Elizabeth his sole Daughter and Heir married to Thomas Lord Dacres Which Elizabeth in 22 H. 7. as Cousin and Heir to Ralph Lord Greystoke had a special Livery of all his Lands Lexinton OF this Family so named from Lexinton now called Laxton near Tuxford in Com. Nott. I find no mention till King Iohn's days but then viz. in 13 Ioh. that Lordship was in the King's hands and reputed a Barony it consisting of Thirteen Knights Fees and a Fourth part It seems that Richard de Lexinton about that time possessor of it had incurred the King's displeasure as many others then did in arming against him under colour of asserting their antient Rights and Liberties but in 17 Ioh. giving an Hundred marks and Two Palfreys he made his peace To this Richard succeeded Robert de Lexinton who in 8 H. 3. was made Governour of the Castles of Pec and Bolesover in Com. Derb. and in 13 H. 3. of Oxford Castle being then in such esteem with that King as that he obtain'd his Letters swasory to Aliva the Daughter of Alan Fitz-Iordan to grant her Mannor of Tuxford which was held in Capite unto him intimating that in case she would so do he should take it for a favour Which Letters were so prevalent that he had his desire and the next year following did his Homage for it but soon after passed it together with the Mannor of Warsop near at hand to Iohn de Lexinton his Brother with condition That if the said Iohn did die without issue that then those Lordships should return to him and his Heirs This Robert de Lexinton being a person learned in the Laws was a Justice Itinerant in 9 H. 3. in the Counties of Northampt. Rutl. Nott. Derb. Linc. Ebor. Northumb. Cumb. and Westmor In 10 Hen. 3. in the Counties of Nott. Derb. Warw. Leic. Wigorn. and Glouc. Afterwards also in other Counties until 26 H. 3. being then one of the Justices of the Court of Common-Pleas and departed this life 4 Cal. Iunii Anno 1250. 34 H. 3. leaving Sir Iohn de Lexinton Knight his Brother and Heir Which Sir Iohn Lexinton in 3 H. 3. when the Bishop of London declared to the Prelates and Clergy of England that the Pope required the Third part of all the Livings of the Beneficed Clergy and the one half of all the Non-residents was sent by the King to prohibit them from giving obedience to such an intollerable exaction In 37 H. 3. this Iohn was made Chief Justice of all the Forests North of Trent as also Governour of Bamburgh Castle in Comitat Northumb. and of Scardeburgh and Pikering in Com. Ebor. but died in 41 H. 3. without issue Whereupon Henry de Lexinton Bishop of Lincoln his Brother was found his next Heir who thereupon doing his Homage had Livery of all his Lands lying in the Counties of Nottingham and Derby Which Henry departed this Life the next ensuing year leaving Richard de Markham and William de Sutton his Nephews and next Heirs Richard de Markham being at that time fifty years of age and William de Sutton forty who thereupon doing their Homage had Livery of his Lands Fouke de Breant THis Fouke being a Norman by birth and a Bastard of mean extraction was Sheriff of Glamorgan-shire in 10 Iohn and soon grew in such favour with the King that he was reputed one of his Evil Counsellers Whereupon in 15 Iohn he obtain'd a Grant of the Castle and Honor of Chilham in Kent and in 17 Iohn the contest betwixt the King and many of the Barons growing high was made Sheriff of Oxfordshire as also Governour of the Castle at Oxford Moreover in 18 Iohn he was authorized by the Kings Letters Patents to receive all those rebellious and male-contented Subjects into protection who should apply themselves unto him for that favour About which time he took the Castle of Haâslape in Com. Northampt. belonging to William Maâduit then one of the rebellious Barons Furthermore King Iohn at that time
pretence of going against their Enemies the Welsh but really fearing that the King and his Brothers who were Poictovins would bring in strangers against them Moreover they caused Guards to be set upon all the Port-Towns pretending great danger from Aliens which might invade the Realm But being thus met and discerning their strenght they then boldly required the Kings Confirmation of that Charter of Liberties which had been granted by King Iohn and which he had frequently before that time allowed They likewise required such a Justice of England as might do equal right as they expressed to rich and poor To all which the King being well aware of their power assented though Iohn Earl Warren William de Valence and many others refused Having thus gotten head they caused the Sea-Ports to be more strictly kept as also the Gates of London to be shut up every night And continuing the sitting of that Parliament in the House of the Dominican Fryârs at Oxford they there established certain Ordinances as they called them and concluded that those who were Aliens should have nothing to do in matter of Rule or Council Whereupon most of the places of strength being put into the hands of those Barons William de Valence refusing to deliver up his this Earl told him plainly that he should either give them up or lose his head Before the end of this year viz. An. 1258. 42 Hen. 3. there being a Parliament to be held at Cambray to treat of certain Matters betwixt the Kings of England France and Almaine this Earl Simon was with the Bishops of Worcester and Lincoln and Roger Bigod Marshal of England sent thither And the next ensuing year scil An. 1259. 43 Hen. 3. he was imployed with the Earl of Ciare and others by the advice of the Parliament then sitting to the Great Convention of the Estates of France met in Parliament there to treat of the most important affairs of both Realms Moreover in An. 1260. 44 Hen. 3. he came to Oxford with other the Barons of that party fully armed So likewise did William de Valence and the rest of the Poictovins who being then required to submit to those Ordinances called the Provisions of Oxford formerly framed by this Earl and his party and not strong enough to make head against them fled away by night But shortly after this the King having obtained from the Pope an Absolution from his Oath as to the observance of those Ordinances this Earl and his party foreseeing the consequence thereof put themselves forthwith in Arms and came to Winchester he being at that time their cheif Commander Notwithstanding which there then hapned no act of Hostility nor until the forty seventh of Henry the Third that having made choice of the King of France as a Judge of their differences he gave Sentence against them annulling those their Ordinances so made at Oxford as abovesaid But then they raised new Forces and in An. 1264. 48 Hen. 3. plundred all of the Kings party who were within their power especially those Aliens who had been brought into England by the Queen at which time this Earl laid siege to Glocester and took it in four days and so advancing to Worcester Bruges and Shrewsbury took them with little trouble and thence marching Southwards brought all those Countreys to their obedience Furthermore confederating with Leweline Prince of Wales he had the Castle of Windeshore delivered up into his hands But soon after that hapned the defeat at Northampton where the Kings Soldiers took divers of the Barons party prisoners The War being thus begun whereof this Earl was the cheif Ringleader to the end they might the more easily captivate the people the Earl of Clare joyning with him they sent Letters to the King professing their loyalty to him and that they did thus put themselves in Arms as well against his Enemies as their own Unto which the King returned that their intentions were soul though thus disguised with those specious pretences and therefore he set them at defiance in being then the twelfth of May and he at Lewes in Sussex Whereupon this Earl forthwith marched thitherward with all the power he could make the Londouers coming in to him with great numbers but sent Messengers before him for a peaceable accommodation with condition that the Ordinances of Oxford should punctually be observed To which receiving no satisfactory answer approaching near Lewes he quartered the greatest part of his Army in a Town called Fleruenge about six miles distant and preparing for Battle girt Gilbert de Clare Earl of Glocester his principal associate with the Sword of Knighthood And when he came within two miles of Lewes ascending the Hill he placed his Chariot in the midst of the Carriages with a strong guard about it and advanced his Standard thereon and having brought with him four Citizens of London who had conspired to betray him when he lodged in Southwark not long before he there set a guard upon them resolving in case of ill success to make his best advantage by them Then putting his Army into Battle Array he caused White Crosses to be fixed on the Brest and Back of every Soldier to the end they might be distinguished from those of the Kings party publickly professing that he fought for Justice The King therefore discerning this their preparation drew out his Army and divided it into three parts the Van to be led by Prince Edward the Battle by Richard King of Almaâne and the Rear by Himself This Earl disposing of his Army into four parts the first commanded by his Son Henry and the Earl of Hereford the second by Gilbert de Clare the third wherein the Loâdoners were by Nicholas de Segrave and the fourth by himself Upon the Alarm given Prince Edward fiercely charged the Loâdoners and routing them utterly pursued the Chase many miles presuming that the other part of the Kings Army had succeeded as well But not returning timely the Barons prevailed so that after great slaughter the King himself his Horse being killed under him Iohn Earl Warren William de Valence and Guy de Liziniaâ as also Richard King of Almaine with many other brave Men were taken prisoners Hereupon when the Prince returned and saw their unhappy condition he went to the Castle to inquire for the King his Father and thence to the Priory where he found him a prisoner And hearing that the Barons had in vain assaulted the Castle resolved by the help of those he had left therein and his own scattered men to adventure another encounter on the mârrow
Earls of Cornwal OF this County Richard a younger Son to King Iohn for he calls him Filiâs noster had the Title of Earl in the time of King Henry the Third Of him the first mention I find is in 16 Ioh. the King then directing his precept to Peter de Rupibas Bishop of Winchester at that time Justice of England for Livery though then very young of all the Lands of Roese de Dovor whom he had married she being in the custody of William de Brewer But not long after this notwithstanding his tender years he was in 1 H. 3. constituted Governour of Chileham Castle in Kent and the next ensuing year obtain'd a Grant from the King of the Honour of Walingford Moreover in 5 H. 3. he had a Grant of the Honour of Eye to hold during pleasure which shortly after was rendred to the Duke of Lovain the right owner thereof And in 9 H. 3. had the like Grant of the custody of the County of Cornwal id est the Sherevalty during the Kings pleasure Henry de Berkering being his Substitute In this 9 th year of H. 3. he was girt with the Sword of Knighthood upon Candlemas-day with ten other Noble Persons who were design'd for his service and soon after accompanied William Longespe Earl of Salishbury his Uncle into Gascoine having Letters of recommendation from the King to the Archbishop and Citizens of Burdeaur who gladly welcoming him thither assisted f him with their best advice for recovery of those lost Territories Whereupon he raised forces in all those parts having had from the King before he set out of England a Grant of the County of Cornwal with all Poictou for which respect he was generally called Earl of Poictou and marching into the Countrey in a short time subjugated all those places by force which declined to do Homage to him receiving a supply of Five hundred Welsh from hence with a large sum of money It is reported that whilst he lay at the Siege of the Castle of Riole hearing of the approach of the Earl of March he divided his Army and with part thereof keeping the Siege with the rest gave him Battel and obtain'd an absolute Victory whereby he gained all their Baggage and took many prisoners And not long after this having merited so well by these his successful beginnings upon the third day of Pentecost id est 3. Cal. Iunii 11 H. 3. was advanced to the title and dignity of Earl of Cornwal at Westminster with great solemnity But within a while after there grew much difference betwixt him and the King his Brother touching a certain Lordship given to Waleran Teutonic id est Ties by King Iohn which he alledged to be parcel of the Earldom of Cornwal and caused possession to be taken of it for himself Whereupon Waleran making complaint the King first wrote to him about it and then sent for him commanding the render thereof which he refused to do challenging the judgment of his Peers as to matter of right Whereat the King took such offence that he required him forthwith to do it or depart the Realm Unto which he answered that he would not deliver up the Land nor without the sentence of his Peers go out of the Kingdom and in great discontent departing went to his own house Which breach betwixt the King and him caused Hubert de Burgh then Justice of England and in chief power at Court to advise the King to surprise him in his bed the next night following lest he should raise a disturbance in the Realm But being privily advertised of that design be fled immediately away making no stop till he got to Reading and thence hasting to Marleburgh there found his trusty Friend William Mareschal Earl of Dembroke unto whom having made relation of what had passed they took their course to the Earl of Chester and being thus got together through the power and interest of their Friends raised a potent Army making their Rendesvous at Stanford whence they sent a minatory Message to the King but imputing all the fault to Hubert de Burgh requiring a confirmation of that Charter of the Forest which had been cancell'd at Oxford The King therefore discerning this cloud appointed a meeting at Northampton upon the third of the Nones of August next following assuring them that he would there do full right unto all Where meeting accordingly for their better satisfaction amongst other his condescensions he gave a this Earl Richard his Mothers Dowry with all the Lands in England which did appertain to the Earl of Britany as also those which belonged to the Earl of Bolein then deceased Whereupon he had Livery of the whole County of Rutland And in 15 H. 3. obtained another Grant of the Inheritance of the Honour of Walingford with the Castle and all its appurtenances as also of the Mannor of Watlington to hold by the service of three Knights Fees Likewise of all the Lands in England which Queen Isabel the Kings Mother held in Dower and of those which belonged to Robert de Drewes and to the Duke of Lorrain at that time seised into the Kings hands to hold until such time as the King should restore them Moreover he then procured another Grant of the whole County of Cornwal with the Stanneries and Mines to be held of the King and his Heirs by the service of five Knights Fees bearing at that time the title of Earl of Cornwal and Poictou And before the end of that year viz. in the moneth of April the solemnity of the Feast of Easter being finished took to Wife Isabel Countess of Gloucester Widow of Gilbert de Clare Earl of Gloucester and Sister to William Mareschal then Earl of Pembnoke Likewise the same year he obtained a Grant of the Mannor Castle and Honour of Cnaresburgh in Com. Ebor. to himself and the issue of his body by the same Isabel to hold by the service of two Knights Fees Nor was he less eminent for his military knowledge than for those his great advancements in Riches and Honour for in 20 H. 3. Ambassadors from the Emperour came to the King to desire that he might be sent to make War on his behalf against the French But the King though then married having no child answered That it could not stand with reason or safety that a person so young and especially at that time being the Heir apparent to the Crown should be employed on such an hazardous adventure offering them the choice of any other Nevertheless before the end of that year this Earl with Gilbert Marshal then Earl of Pembroke and divers other Great Men took upon him the Cross for a
London so that this Duke and the rest who thought to have accomplish'd their work as they had design'd coming thither on the Sunday evening next after New-years-day in the twilight with about four hundred Men in Armes found that they were disappointed of their purpose Whereupon they went away much displeased But dissembling his discontent he rode to Sunning near âeading where King Richard's Queen then was and in the presence of divers of her servants signing himself with his right hand on the fore-head said Bless me What is the reason that Henry of Lancaster who âath so much boasted of his valor doth thus shun me Adding My Lords and Friends be it known to you all that Henry of Lancaster who pursued me is now fled to the Tower of London with his sons and friends and that it is my purpose to go to King Richard my rightfull King who being escaped out of prison lieth at Pontfract with an Hundred thousand Men. And that the more credit might be given to what he said he pull'd King Henries Badges from some of his servants necks with disdain saying That hereafter none such should be used and tore off the Cresents from the Armes of such Gentlemen as wore them And so having cheered up the Queen though all in vain rode to Walingford and so to Abenton exhorting the people to put themselves in Armes for King Richards And at length came to Cirencester in the dark of the night with the like report But the Townsmen suspecting all this to be but counterfeit blockt up the Avenues the place whereunto they came and about midnight when they attempted to get privily away with Bowes and Arrowes hindred their passage Discerning therefore the danger he and the rest Arm'd themselves supposing they might easily conquer those Rusticks which after three houres fight seeing they could not do they submitted intreating that their lives might be spared till they could speak with the King But so it fell out that during this bustle a Priest of their Company presuming that if he could set some Houses on fire the Inhabitants would be so busied in quenching them that they might then have an opportunity to escape thereupon presently did so though to no purpose For the people by reason thereof grew the more enraged and letting the houses burn took this Earl with the Earl of Salisbury out of the Abby and beheaded them This hapned on Wednesday after the Feast of the Epiphany Which done they sent his Head to London where it was fet upon the Bridge But so much favour did Ioane his Wife daughter to Huge Earl of Stafford shortly after obtain that upon the second of March next ensuing she procured the King's precept to the Sheriffs of London to take it down and to deliver it to her to the end she might bury it wheresoever she should think fit And afterwards obtained farther leave that his Body interred at Cirencester might be taken up and carried to the Priory of Moutgrace before-mentioned so founded by him as before is expressed whereupon in the Parliament held the next ensuing year being attainted his Lands were seised But Ioane his Widdow obtained some favor having in 3 H. 4. for her better support a Grant for life of the Mannor of Ashford in Com. Derb. then valued at forty pounds per annum and of the Mannor of Allerton in Shirewod of the value of twenty pounds per annum of the Fee-Farm of the City of Chichester in Com. Suss. amounting to thirty six pounds per annum of the Mannor of Sutton in Com. Surr. valued at twenty pounds per annum which Grant she surrendred and in lieu thereof had an assignation of an hundred fifty eight pounds eight shillings out of the Exchequer during her life As also of two hundred Marks to maintain three Priests to celebrate Divine Service for the Soul of her said Husband and forty pounds to reward her Servants Likewise of two hundred Marks more for her self until she should have Livery of her own Lands After which she lived many years and departing this life 1 Oct. 21 H. 6. leât Hamphrey Earl Stafford her Cousin and next Heir ãâã Son of Edmund her Brother thirty six years of age To this last mentioned Thomas for he dyed without Issue succeeded in the Title of Earl of Kent Edmund his Brother which Edmund for his better maintenance being then in minority obtained a Grant of two hundred Marks per annum payable out of the Mannor of Cotingham in Com. Ebor. till he should accomplish his full age Which being to slendeâ an allowance about two years after representing to the King that he had no more then an hundred Marks per annum paid out of the Exchequer by vertue of an assignation from King Richard the Second as also the said sum of two hundred Marks per annum so granted as abovesaid to be paid out of the Mannor of Coâingham and likewise certain Lands of forty pounds per annum value which came to the Crown by the death of the Lady Ioane Heseâyk Widdow he obtained another Grant of an hundred pounds per annum more to be paid out of the Revenues of the said Mannor of Coâingham Moreover before the end of that year as Heir in tail to all those Castles Mannors and Lands whereof the before-specified Thomas his Brother died seised excepting only the Castle and Mannor of Donyngton in Coâ Lâic the Wapentak of Risâe in Com. Derk the Wapentak of Allerton in Com. Nott. the Mannor of Gretham with certain Lands in Staynwell the Mannors of Horblyng Segebrok and Thorley with the Free-Court of Hay and Knights Fees in Com. Linc. he obtained a special Livery by vertue of an old Entail formerly made of them to his Ancestors In 8 H. 4. this Edmund took to Wife the Lady Lucie Daughter to the Duke of Millaine in the Priory of St. Mary Overy in Suthwarke and kept his Wedding Feast in the Bishop of Winchesters House In 9. H. 4. he was constituted one of the Commissioners to Treat of Peace betwixt the King and the Duke of Britamy and was also made Lord Admiral of England But soon after this besieging the Castle and Isle of Briak in Britanny he received a mortal wound on his Head by an Arrow from a Cross-Bow 15 Sept. the same year Whereupon his Corps was brought over into England and buried with his Ancestors he being then seised of the Mannors of Ware in Com. Hertf. Ryale in Com. Rutl. Torpel Uptan juxta Castre and Eston juxta Coly-Weston in Com. North. Castre with the Soke in Com. Line Cotingham Hemelington Atan and Weton in Com. Ebor. Ashford in the Peke in Com. Derb. Allerton in Shirewode in Com. Nott. leaveing Edmund the Son of Aliamore late Countess of
Iaques whence he went to Bayone whereupon all that he had in Gallicia was again recovered by the French in fifteen days After this the King of Castâle sent to him to Treat of a Marriage betwixt his own Son and his Daughter And at the request of the Duke of Berry a Truce was made by him in the parts of Tholouse and âvergue In 11 R. 2. he had commission to Treat of Peace with the King of Spaine and the same year was constituted Lieutenant of the Dutchy of Aquitane In 12 R. 2. during his absence he obtained divers priviledges in his Dutchy of Lancaster viz. for a Chancery Court there and to have Writs for that Office under his own Seal as also Justices for Pleas of the Crown as well as other with all Royalties belonging to a County-Palatine in as ample manner as the Earls of Chester ever had Likewise for an Exchequer with Barons and other necessary Officers and power to make Justices-Itinerant for pleas of the Forest c. Besides Câistance his Wife there was Catherine his Daughter by her as also his two other Daughters by Blanch his first Wife viz. Philippa then unmarried and Elizabeth Countess of Pembroke who had left her young Husband behind in England by reason whereof he caused a Divorce betwixt himself and her and Married the Sister of the Earl of March which Elizabeth had been formerly Wedded to Sir Iohn Holand but his Daughter Philippa he Married to the King of Portugal and Catherine to the King of Spaine Whereupon that King making agreement with him he came back into England in November An. 1389. 13 R. 2. with much Treasure for it s said that he had forty seven Mules laden with Chests full of Gold for his second payment and divers great Men of Spaine as Pledges for the yearly payment of sixteen thousand Marks for his life and in case his Wife should survive him she to have twelve thousand Marks yearly In his return from those parts he releived Breât in Britanny then Besieged by the French Being thus come home by the consent of the Lords and Commons then assembled in Parliament 2 Martii the same year he was Created Duke of Aquitane by putting a Cap upon his Head and giving him a Rod of Gold to hold it of the King as of the Realm of France In An. 1390 14 R. 2. he had a great and noble Hunting in Leicester-Forest and all the Parks thereabouts divers eminent persons then accompanying him And in 15 R. 2. being constituted Lieutenant of Picardy went thither for the defence of those parts In the same year also being the chief of the Commissioners appointed to Treat of Peace with the French he concluded the same for one whole year Moreover the next ensuing year he was sent again as one of the Ambassadors to Treat of Peace with them and coming to the King of France at Amiens agreed with him for a Truce by the space of two years Whereupon after seventeen days stay there he returned accompanied by the Bishop of Durham the Earl of Rutland Son to the Duke of Yorke with a thousand Horse bravely appointed In 17 R. 2. he was again sent into France to Treat of Peace with the Dukes of Berry and Burgundy Unkles to the King of France In the time of whose absence Constance his Wife died and was buried at Leicester with great Solemnity upon the Sunday next after the Feast of the Apostles Peter and Paul About this time he was again constituted the Kings Lieutenant of Picardy as also joyned in Commission with Edmund Duke of Yorke to ratifie the Truce betwixt England and France which was agreed on for four years the Scots being also included therein In 18 R. 2. he obtained a Charter for divers Priviledges in his Hundreds of Gallow and Brothercrosse in Com. Norff. viz. Fines Amerciaments and Redemptions of his own Tenants as also year day and Waste Felons goods Return of Writs c. And in Autumne the same year went into Aquitane with a great power for the subduing of that Country But in 19 R. 2. after he had spent a vast summe of Money to gain the affections of the Inhabitants of those parts having been made Duke of Aquitane as is before observed the people rejected him Whereupon being recalled he came back and repaired to the King then at Laâgle where he kept his Christmass But though in shew he had an honorable reception he did not find it cordial he therefore hasted to Lincolne where his old Friend Catherine Swinford lay and Married her on the Octaves of the Epiphany whereat there was no little admiration in regard of her low birth After which he attended the King into France being with him at Guynes upon the meeting then had with the King of that Realm In 20 R. 2. he was again made Lieutenant of Picardy and shortly after that went again into Gascoine In which year the Parliament then convening at London he procured an Act for the legitimation of those children which he had begot on Catherine Swineford the Widdow of Sir Hugh Swineford Knight and Daughter to Sir Paen Roet Knight alias Guyen King of Arms which Children were these viz. Iohn sirnamed Beaufort afterwards Earl of Somerset Henry Bishop of Winchester and Cardinal as also Lord Chancelor of England Thomas Earl of Dorseâ and afterwards Duke of Eâeter Ioane first married to Sir Robert Ferrers of Oversley and afterwards to Raphe Earl of Westmorland In 21 R. 2. he had a special Commission to raise three hundred Men at Arms and six hundred Archers and to bring them to the next Parliament to be held at Westminster for the Kings Guard And in 22 R. 2. was constituted Lieutenant in the Marches towards Scotland from the beginning of the Truce betwixt both Realms for twenty eight years Before the end of which year he departed this life some say at his Castle of Leicester others at Ely House in Holburne and was honorably buried on the Northside of the Quire of St. Pauls Cathedral in London with Constance his second Wife where they had a noble Monument which was utterly destroyed in the time of the late usurpation Shortly after which Raphe Earl of Westmorland and Thomas Earl of Worcester with other his Executors procured Licence to found a Chantry there of two Priests to celebrate Divine Service for the health of his Soul as also for the Soul of Constance his Wife and all the faithful deceased But Catherine Swinford his third Wife surviving him departed this life upon the tenth day of May in the year 1403. 4 H. 4. and lyeth buried under a fair Tombe of Marble in the Quire of the Cathedral
then told him of the rumor which had been spread amongst the People throughout England that he was not son to the Prince of Wales but rather to a Priest or Chanon For said he I have heard of certain Knights who were in the Princes House mine Vncle how that he knew well that his Wife had not truly kept her Marriage Your Mother quoth he was Cosin-german to King Edward and the King began to hate her because she could have no Generation Also she was the Kings Gossip of two Children at the Font and she that could well keep the Prince in her bandon by craft and subtilty she made the Prince to he her Husband And because she could have no childe and doubting that the Prince should be divorced from her she did so much that she was with childe with you and with another before you As of the first I cannot tell what to judge but as for you your conditions have been seen contrary from all Nobleness and Prowess of the Prince therefore it is said that ye be rather son to a Priest or Chanon for when you were gotten and borne at Burdeaux there were many young men Priests in the Princes house This is the bruit in this Country and your workes have well followed the same for ye be alwayes inclined to the Pleasures of the French-men and to take with them Peace to the confusion and dishonor of the Realm of England And because mine Vncle of Glocester and the Earl of Arundel did counsail you truly and faithfully to keep the honor of the Realme and to follow the steps of your Ancestors ye have Traytrously caused them to die As for me I have taken upon me to defend your life so long as I may for pitty and I shall pray the Londoners and the heritors of them that you have slain and banished to do the same Cousin I thank you quoth the King I trust more in you than in any other It is but right that you should do so quoth this Duke for if I had not been ye had been taken by the People and deposed with great confusion and slain by reason of your evil deeds ¶ I come now to the other Sons of Iohn of Gant Duke of Lancaster by Catherine Swinford his third and last Wife Which Sons were surnamed Beaufort from the Castle of Beaufort in France that came to the House of Lancaster by Blanch of Artois Wife to Edmund Crouchback the first Earl of Lancaster Of these sons so Legitimated as before hath been observed the eldest is Iohn who in 15 R. 2. by the name of Sir Iohn Beaufort Knight had License to travel beyond the Seas and in 18 R. 2. accompanied his Father into Gascoine In 20 R. 2. the Lord Chancellor declaring in Parliament that the King had created this Iohn Earl of Somerset he was brought in betwixt two Earles the Earl of Huntington and the Earl Marshall in a Vesture of Honor his Sword with the pomel Gilt carried before him Where the Charter of his Creation being openly read he was girt with the same Sword and doing his Homage placed between the Earl Marshall and the Earl of Warwick Moreover upon Saturday the Festival of St. Michael th' Arch-Angel the next ensuing year he was also in Parliament Created Marquess Dorset by girding with a Sword and a Circle put upon his head according to usage But his Charter of Creation to that Honor was soon vacated having in lieu thereof another bearing date the same day whereby he was Created Marquess of Somerset Nevertheless though that was the last and the other Cancelled he ever after bore the Title of Marquess Dorset and by that appellation was made Constable of Walingford-Castle and Steward of the Honor of Walingford and St. Waleries upon the 22 th of November following as also Constable of Dovor-Castle and Warden of the Cinque-ports 5 Febr. In the same year likewise he was constituted the King's Lieutenant of Aquitane and obtained a Grant to himself and Margaret his Wife and to the heires of their two bodies lawfully begotten of the Mannors of Drayton Basset Waâeshale Pyrie Hamstede and Barre in Com. Staff Bukby in Com Northampt Chyriel and Hinton in Com. Wilts and Neketon and Cressyngham in Com. Norff. part of the possessions of Thomas de Beauchamp Earl of Warwick then attainted In this year also 2 Febr. he was made Admiral of all the Kings Fleet both to the North and West-wards But in I H. 4. the Scene being then chang'd having been one of the Accusers of Thomas de Woodstoke Duke of Glocester his right to the Title of Marquess Dorset was made void by the Authority of that Parliament then held so that then he had no other than that of Earl of Somerset by which appellation he was the same year 7 Nov. advancâd to the Office of Lord Chamberlain of England and in 2 H. 4. retein'd by Indenture to serve the King in the Governourship of the Town of Kaermeâdyn As also fully admitted to his favour and his former estate notwithstanding the Judgment so given against him the preceding year Likewise made Captain of Calais and the Marches thereof extending into Picardy Flanders and Arâoys And in 3 H. 4. imployed with the Bishop of Worcester and some others to treat and accord with the Duke of Gueldres upon a League of amity betwixt the King of England and him whereupon that Duke was to do the King Homage for all his Dominions and Lands But in 4 H. 4. the Commons in Parliament petitioning for his Restitution he seemed unwilling to it in regard the name of Marquess was an Honor of such a late erection yet at length accepted it and by that Title in 8 H. 4. was constituted Admiral of the King 's whole Fleet as well for the North as West And in 5 H. 4. had an Assignation of the Isle of Thanââ in Kent for the support of himself and his soldiers then abiding in the Garrison of Calais as also constituted Ambassador to Treat of Peace with the French In this year likewise he was appointed one of the Commissioners to receive all such sums of Money as were then unpaid for the Ransome of Iohn King of France taken Prisoner in the time of King Edward the Third And in 10 H. 4. the Seneschal of Henault then coming into England to seek adventures in Armes he answered him This Iohn took to Wife Margaret daughter of Thomas and one of the sisters and coheirs to Thomas Holand Earl of Kent and had for her purpartie of the Lands which by Inheritance descended to her and the other coheires an Assignation of the Mannor of Deping in Com. Linc. excepting certain Lands in Berham and Stowe Also of a certain Pasture called Cranemore three Water-mills in East Deping and West Deping Fourscore
Sentence by this William Who was at that time in such reputation with the Commons in Parliament that being made their Speaker upon the Deposall of that unhappy King he published in the Name of the whole House a Disclaimer of their Allegiance to him and in 1 Edw. 3. was constituted Eschaetor-General on the South of Crent But soon after this being an Adversary to Roger de Mortimer who through his interest with Q. Isabell bore no little sway about the beginning of King Edward the Thirds Reign he was constrained to flee beyond Sea and there to stay until Mortimers fall which hapned about three years after and then viz. in 4 E. 3. was again constituted Eschaetor on the South of ârent In 7 E 3. this William was made Constable of the Castle at Beaumares in Angleley and in 8 E. 3. one of the Commissioners assigned to treat with those which were sent by Philip King of France concerning a Truce betwixt both Realmes In 9 E. 3. he was Eschaetor North of Trent and in 12 E. 3. in consideration of his great services as well beyond Sea as otherwise in recompence thereof obtain'd from the King the gift of a Thousand pounds In 13 E. 3. he was Admiral of the Royal Navy from the mouth of Thames to the Westwards and in 15 E. 3. being then a Knight was in that Expedition then made into Fianders The same year likewise he was in the Scotish wars and of the retinue with Henry Earl of Derby And in 16 E. 3. being in that great Expedition then made into France was constituted Admiral of all the Fleet from the mouth of Chames to Barwick upon âwede his residence being then at Cublesdon In this year he had summons to Parliament amongst the Barons of this Realme but not afterwards nor any of his posterity And in 17 E. 3. being again in the wars of France had an allowance of Thirteen shillings four pence per diem for his wages from the time of the Kings last passage into Britanny In 18 E. 3. he was again in France and in regard of his great and acceptable services obtained the grant of a Thousand pounds more to be paid out of the Exchequer Before the end of which year he was also sent Embassador with the Prior of Roâhester into France to treat of a marriage betwixt the eldest son to the King of Castâle and a daughter of King Edward Whereupon he had an allowance of a Marke for every day during his passage through England and Twenty shillings per diem as long as he should abide beyond Sea And in 20 E. 3. or near that time sate with Sir William Thorpe then Chief Justice of the Kings Bench at the Tower of London upon Tryal of the Earls of Fyfe and âentetâe Whereupon the Earls of Mentethe was hanged drawn and quartered but the Earl of Fyfe spared After him viz. in 37 E. 3. there was another William Trussel who being a diligent attendant on Prince Edward commonly called the Black-Prince in the battel of Poytiers in consideration of that and other services done and to be done obtained from him the grant of Forty pounds per annum for life to be paid out of his Exchequer at Chester at Easter and Michaelmas by even portions but died at Cubâesdon 20 Iunii the same year leaving Margaret the wife of Fulke de Pembruge his daughter and heir Fourteen yeares of age Which Fulke doing his Homage had Livery of the Lands of her Inheritance Longvilers 16 Edw. 3. IN 25 E. 1. Iohn de Longvilers departed this life being then seised of the Mannor of Tokesford in Com. Nott. and Gloseborne in Com. Ebor. leaving Thomas his brother and heir nineteen years of age Which Thomas had summons to Parliament in 16 E. 3. amongst the Barons of this Realme but never after and died in 48 E. 3. leaving Agnes his sister then married to Robert the son of Raphe Cromwell his next heir of full age Vghtred 18 Edw. 3. OF this Family which hath been of great antiquity in Yorkshire was Robert Vghtred who in 28 E. 1. obtained a Charter for Free-warren in all his Demesn-lands at killingwâke juxta Pokelyngton and at Munketon in the More in Com. Eâor and died in 3 E. 2. being then seised of the Mannors of Colton Skakelthorâ and Styveton in that County leaving Thomas his son and heir Twenty three yeares of age Which Thomas became a person of great note in his time For in 8 E. 2. he was imploy'd into Scotland on the behalf of William de Latimer and in 10 E. 2. and 13 E. 2. in the wars of that Country In 15 E. 2. he was made Governor of Scardeburgh-Castle and in 7 E. 3. being again in the Scotish wars on the behalf of Edward Baliot King of that Realm who having done Homage to King Edward the Third as superior Lord thereof had aide from him against his opponents merited so well for his service there done that in the first year of his Reign he obâained from him a grant of the Mannor of Boucââ and all other the Lands of Sir Iohn Stiward Knight lying in that Realme which by his forfeiture were eschaeted to the Crown In 9 E. 3. he was again in those Scotish wars and in 10 E. 3. made Admiral of the Kings whole Fleet from the mouth of Thames to the Northwards In 11 E. 3. he served again in Scotland So likewise in 12 E. 3. Also being at that time a Banneret and Governor of St. Iohâs Town otherwise called Perth he had an Assignation of the sum of Five hundred eighty five pounds six shillings six pence half peny for the wages due to him and his men at Armes Hobelars and Foot-soldiers there imployed and for his other expences in fortifying thereof But in 14 E. 3. he went into Flanders and in 19 E. 3. served in the wars of France in the retinue of Thomas de Beaâchamp Earl of Warwick So likewise in 20 E. 3. and 21 E. 3. In consideration whereof he obtain'd a grant of Two hundred pounds per annum during his life In 23 E. 3. he was retein'd to serve the King in his wars beyond Sea with Twenty Men at Armes and Twenty Archers on Horseback taking after the rate of Two hundred pounds per annum for his wages during the continuance of the war and in time of peace as other Bannerets used to do And in 26 E. 3. the French threatning an Invasion whereupon all the Counties in England arrayed and arm'd their ablest Men he was appointed one of the Commissioners in Yorkshire for that service In 28 E. 3. he had a confirmation of
in the Wars of France So likewise at Sea in 2 R. 2. And in 3 R. 2. was constituted one of the Commissioners to treat with Iohn Duke of Brittanny and the Earl of Montfort for a League of Friendship with King Richard being the same year in that Expedition made into Ireland with Edmund Mortimer Earl of March Thus far as to his Military Actings all that I have now farther to say of him is That he founded a Chantry for four Priests to sing divine Service every day in the Chappel of our Lady within his Mannor of Slapton in Com. Devon and that he endowed it with Lands of Ten pounds per annum value as also with the Advouson of the Church of Slapton Likewise that he was summon'd to Parliament from 24 E. 3 till 13 R. 2. inclusive And lastly that having married Elizabeth daughter to William de Montacute Earl of Salisbury Widow of Hugh de Despenser the third he departed this life on Wednesday next after the Feast of the Assumption of the blessed Virgin in 14 R. 2. being then seised d of the Mannor of Northam in Com. Devon as also of the Mannors of Slapton and Torre Brien in reversion after the death of Philippa wife of Iohn chaundos leaving Philippa wife of Iohn Devereux son of Sir Iohn Devereux son of Sir Iohn Devereux Knight and Elizabeth then the wife of Robert son of Sir Iohn Lovell Knight his Cosins and next heirs viz. daughters of Guy his son who died in his life time the said Philippa then being Twelve years of age and Elizabeth Nine Which Philippa making Proof of her age in 20 R. 2. and doing her Homage had Livery of her Lands He had also another son called William who was a Knight and Captain of the Castle of Merk in the Marches of Calais but died in 21 R. 2. without issue being then seised of the Mannors of Donheâd Batheneston and Shokewyke in Com. Somerset leaving the before-specified Philippa the wife of Iohn Devereux and Elizabeth the wife of Robert Lovel his next heires Which Philippa afterwards married to Sir Henry le Scrope Knight Of the Lands of this Sir Guy and Sir William his son thus deceased Philippa the wife of Sir Henry le Scrope Knight had for her Furparty an Assignation of the Mannor of Bathneston and Shokerwyke in Com. Somerset Pompknolle in Com. Dorset Northam in Com. Devon with the alternate presentation to the Church of Pompknolle And Elizabeth the wife of Robert the son of Iohn Lovell the Mannor of Donhed in Com. Somerset with the like presentation to the Church of Pompknolle as also the Isle of Louday with the Lordships of Dertemouth Clifton and Hardeness in Com. Devon Musgrave 24 Edw. 3. OF this antient Family whose seat now is at Harkâa-Castle in Com. Westmorl and Edenhale in Cumberland there hath only been one that was summon'd to Parliament amongst the Barons of this Realme viz. Sir Thomas Musgrave Knight son I presume to that Thomas who in 6 E. I. with Ranulph de Dacre obtain'd the King's Charter for a Market every week upon the Wednesday at Overton in Com. Westmorl as also for a Faire yearly on the Eve Day and Morrow of Simon and Iude And in 4 E. 2. was in the Scotish Wars Which Thomas the son upon that Invasion of the North made by David de Brus King of Scotland putting himself in Armes with the Barons of those parts was one of the Commanders in the Van of that Army which gave him Battel near Durham upon St. Lukes day in 20 E. 3. where his whole Army being utterly routed that King with divers of his Nobles were taken Prisoners In this year likewise he was associated with the Bishop of Carlisle and others in guarding the West-Marches towards Scotland And in 21 E. 3. made Governor of Barwick upon Twede as also sole Justiciar throughout all the Lands in Scotland whereof King Edward the Third had then possession After this viz. in 26 E. 3. upon the danger of an Invasion by the French he was joyn'd in Commission with Thomas Lord Lucie to Array and Arme all the Knights Esquires and others in Com. Cumbr. and Westmorl for the defence of the adjacent Sea-Coasts And in 27 E. 3. associated with Raphe Lord Nevill and the same Thomas Lord Lucie in the Wardenship of the West-Marches In 28 E. 3. he was constituted a Commissioner with the Bishop of Durham and others to see all things perform'd which had been agreed on touching the delivery of David de Brus king of Scotland still prisoner in England and in 29 E. 3. accompanied Raphe Lord Nevill in the Scotish wars In 30 E. 3. he received Command to reside upon his Lands in the Marches toward Scotland for the defence of the Country against any Incursions And in 32 E. 3. obtain'd a Charter for Free-warren in all his Demesn-Lands at Mulgrave and Souleby in Com. Westmorl with power to imparke his Woods called Hevenings in Mâlgrave containing Two hundred Acres In 33 E. 3. he was made Sheriff of Yorkshire and Governor of the Castle at York So likewise in 37 38 E. 3. And in 39 E. 3. upon some danger of an Incursion by the Scots receiv'd command to repaire to his Lands in the Marches for the better safeguard of those parts In 42 E. 3. he was constituted Eschaetor for the Counties of Yorke Northumberland Cumberland Westmorland and in 44 E. 3. having married Isabel the Widow of Robert the son of Robert Lord Clifford obtaind not only a Remission of all the Profits of two parts of the Castle and Mannor of Skypton in Craven for the time they held the same during the Minority of the heirs but for his good services had a Great of One hundred Marks per annum to be received out of the Exchequer Moreover in 46 E. 3. he was associated with the Bishop of Carlisle and others in the Office of Warden of the West-Marches And in 47 E. 3. again made Governor of Barwick upon Twede So likewise in 49 E. 3. for one year and in 50. E. 3. for three years more In 2. R. a this Sir Thomas Musgrave being still Governor of Barwick and desirous to find out the Scots Marcht with his son then a Knight also from Mauros towards Morlane leaving the River of Twede on their left hand Whereupon the Earl Douglas being near seeing he must fight Knighted his son Iames and caused him to raise his Banner The like therefore did this Thomas to his son and divers of his House but a sore Battel ensuing he was taken prisoner with his son and One hundred twenty men at Armes whereupon the procured Iohn de Nevill Sir Iohn Heron Knight Alan de Shottre Robert de Haggerston and Robert de Grey of
Throgmorton Iermyn Earl of St. Albans 19 Car. 1. IT cannot I persume be easily forgot that the distresses into which our late Sovereign King Charles the First was miserably cast by that grand defection of his Subjects in the year 1642. were such as that the âidelity of those who in those turbulent times stood firm and stedfast to him rendred it self the more estimable Of which number Henry Iermyn second Son to Sir Thomas Iermyn of Rushbroke in Com. Suff. Knight and Treasurer of the Houshold to that King of blessed memory was not the least who being then Master of the Horse to the Queen spared neither pains nor charge in obtaining Arms and Ammunition from Foreign parts in order to his service besides the exposal of himself to no little hazard in attending on her royal person into England landing her at Burlington in Yorkshire and thence with all the power he could there raise in conducting her safe through the Enemies Quarters unto his Majesty at Oxford For which respect he was by Letters-Patent bearing date at Oxford 8 Sept. in the nineteenth year of his Reign advanced to the dignity of a Baron of this Realm by the Title of Lord Iermyn of St. Edmundsbury in Com. Suff. with limitation of that Honour for lack of Issue Male of his own Body lawfully begotten unto Thomas his elder Brother and the Heirs Male of his Body As also since that time attending her again out of England and with great fidelity and prudence governing her small Family in those woful times for full sixteen years Being likewise one of the Privy-Council to our present Soverign King Charles the Second in Foreign parts where he was imploy'd in sundry Embassies to the King of France which he perform'd with great diligence wisdom and fidelity in consideration thereof he was by other Letters-Patent bearing date at Breda in Brabant 27 Apr. an 1660. in the twelfth year of his Reign and but few weeks preceding his happy Restoration Created Earl of St. Albans in Com. Hertf. and afterwards constituted Lord Chamberlain of his Majesties Houshold Lord Byron 19 Car. 1. TOuching the Ancestors of this worthy Family who many Ages past were Barons of this Realm by Tenure having in the first Volume of this work already spoke I now come to the principal remaining branch thereof viz. Sir Iohn Byron of Newsted in Com. Notingh made Knight of the Bath at the Coronation of our late Sovereign King Charles the First Who being a person of most loyal principles manifested his fidelity to that King in an eminent measure putting himself in Arms on his behalf with what Forces he could âaise upon that grand Defection in an 1642. which under divers specious pretences tended to no less than the utter ruine of Monarchy and terminated in the barbarous murther of that excellent King of blessed memory In which turbulent times being made Field-Marshal of all his Majesties Forces in the Counties of Worcester Salop. Chester and North-Wales he acted his part against those powerful Fanaticks with notable valour in divers sharp encounters at Worcester Kineton Brainford Roundway-Downe and Newberie of which posterity will I presume have in due time a more full account from our Annals his six valiant Brothers also at that time following this his loyal example In consideration whereof he was by Letters Patents bearing date at Oxford 24 Oct. 19 Car. 1. advanced to the degree and dignity of a Baron of this Realm by the Title of Lord Byron of Rochdale in Com. Lanc. with limitation of that Honour for lack of Issue Male of his own Body lawfully begotten to every of his Brothers and the Issue Male of their respective Bodies viz. Richard William Thomas Robert Gilbert and Philip. This Iohn Lord Byron First took to Wife Cecilie Dâughter of Thomas Lord la Warre and afterwards Eleanore Daughter of Robert Vicount Kilmurrey in Ireland but departed this life at ... in France ... an 1652. without Issue To whom succeeded Richard his Brother and next Heir who Married twice First Elizabeth Daughter of George Rosel of Ratcliffe upon ârent in Com. Nott. Esq Widdow of Nicholas Strelley Esq by whom he hath Issue William his Son and Heir and Catherine a Daughter yet unmarried His second Wife is Elizabeth the youngest Daughter to Sir George Booth of Dunham Mâssy in Com. Cestr. Baronet Which William by Elizabeth his Wife Daughter to Iohn Vicount Châworth of Armagh in Ireland hath Issue one Son called William and four Daughtârs Elizabeth Catherine Mary and Anne Lord Vaughan 19 Car. 1. IN the eighteenâh year of King Iames Iohn Vaughan Son and Heir to Walter Vaughan of Golâen-âroâe in Com. Caermârthen Esq being a person of an antient Family and ample fortune did in respect of his services in Ireland towards the end of Queen Elizabeth's Reign there râceive the Honour of Knâghthood at the hands of Robert Eârl of Eâsex then Lord Lieutânant of thât Kingdom and after that by reason of his faâther meâits being made Compâroller of the Houshold to Prince Charles was in 18 Iac. raised to the degree oâ a Baron in that Realm by the Title of Lord Vaughan of âolingâr as also by King Charles the âirst to the dignity of Earl of Carbery This Iohn Married two Wiveâ First Margaret Daughter of Sir Gilly Mârick Knight by whom he had Issue three Sons Walter who died young Richard who ãâã him in his Lands and Honours and Iohn who also died young Likewise Mary a Daughter Married to Sir Francis Llhoyd of âasâveiyn in Com. Cardigan Knight And to his second Wife Iane Daughter of Sir Thomas Palmer Knight but by her had no Issue Which Richard was made Knight of the Bath at the Coronation of his Majesty King Charles the First and standing firm in his loyalty to the same King of blessed memory in the time of that grand defection in this Realm which hapned in the year 1642. through the Interest he had in South-Wales there raised what power he could for the better security of those parts In consideration where of being made Lieutenant-General for the Counties of Caermarthen Pembroke and Cardigan and acting vigorously in that trust he was for his farther encouragement in that service advanced to the dignity of a Baron of this Realm by the Title of Lord Vaughan of Emlyn by Letters Paâents beaâing date at Oxford 25 Oct. 19 Car. 1. And shortly after the happy Restauration of his Majesty King Charles the Second constituted Lord President of the whole Principality of Wales and Marches thereof as also one of his Privy-Council This Richard Married thrice First Bridget Daughter and Heir to Thomas Llhoyd of Llanlleer in the County of Cardigan Esq by whom he had Issue four Sons who died in their Infancies Secondly Frances one of the Daughters and Coheirs to Sir Iohn Altham of Oxhey in Com. Hertf. Knight by whom he hath had Issue three Sons viz. Francis who Married the Lady Rachel one of the Daughters and
affinity The same year also he was constituted Admiral of the Kings Fleet to the Westwards and in 20 Edw. 3. did again attend the King in his Wars of France being one of the cheif Commanders under Edward the Black Prince in that famous Battle of Cressie where the English obtained lasting honor In 22 Edw. 3. he was constituted one of the Kings Commissioners to treat with certain Flemings and likewise with the Earl of Flanders touching certain differences then betwixt them As also one of the Ambassadors sent to confer with the Ambassadors of Philip de Valois in the Popes presence concerning thâ form of that Truce which had been made betwixt King Edward and the same Philip. And in 26 Edw. 3. was charged with eighty Lanciers out of his Territories of Oswaldstry Clun and Chirke well armed and arrayed for service in France He was likewise constituted one of the Commissioners for guarding the Sea Coasts in Surrey and Sussex as also for the arraying of Men in the Counties of Saloy and Stafford And the next year upon the Twenty fourth of October did his homage to the King in the Palace at Westminster for his Barony of Bromfield and Yale In 28 Edw. 3. by Indenture made betwixt this Earl and Roger de Mortimer Earl of March it was agreed that Edmond his Son and Heir should take to Wife Alice the Daughter of the âame Roger and that she should have three thousands marks for her portion viz. one thousand at the Sealing of that Agreement upon their Marriage at seven years of age one thousand marks more and at their accomplishing the age of thirteen years the remaining thousand marks And the same year was again sent to Rome to see that Agreement ratified by the Pope which had been made betwixt the Kings of England and France wherein was contained That the King of England should enjoy all his Lands in the Dutchy of Aquitane which the French had unjustly detained in case he did totally quit his claim to that Realm Moreover in the Parliament held this year it being adjudged that Edmund Earl of ârundel his Father was unjustly put to death in 1 Edw. 3. He was thereupon fully restored as Heir unto him And in 34 Edw. 3. in consideration of the great expence he had been at in guarding the Sea Coasts of Sussex when the French threatned an Invasion there was exempted from the charge at which his Mannor of Medmenham had been then taxed for arraying of Men at Arms and Archers for the Kings service at Sea In 46 Edw. 3. with the Prince the Duke of Lancaster and divers other of the Nobility he again attended the King into France for the relief of Thouars but being crossed by contrary Winds after nine weeks stay at Sea returned And in 47 Edw. 3. was retained by Indenture together with Iohn his Brother to serve the King in his Fleet with forty Men at Armes and forty Archers for one whole year Of which Men at Arms four to be Knights and thirty four Esquires In 49 Edw. 3. this Earl procured License from the King to Found a Chantry in his Chappel at Arundel for a certain number of Priests and Clerks and to endow it with Rent of one hundred and seven marks per annum out of his Lordships of Augemering Wepham and Warncamp in Com. Suss. And by his Testament bearing date 5 Dec. the same year bequeathed his Body to be buried in the Chapter-House of the Priory at Lewes near to the Tomb of Eleanor de Lancaster his Wife appointing that his Funeral should be solemnised without any Men at Arms Horses Herse or other Pomp likewise to have but five Torches with their Mortersâ as was about the Corps of his Wife and no more then five hundred marks to be expended thereon Moreover he bequeathed two hundred pound to purchase Lands and Rents for the Monks of Lewes or else one or two Churches to be appropriated to that Monastery for the maintenance of two Monks to celebrate two Masses perpetually every day for the Souls of his Father and Mother his Wife with their Children and Successors and all Christian People in the Chappel of S. Thomas the Martyr in that House or else in the Chappel of our Lady on the North of the great Church the one Mass of our Lady the other of the Holy Ghost And that every Prior of that House at the first entrance upon his Government should swear to see the same punctually performed Likewise a thousand marks to purchase Lands of one hundred and seven marks per annum value for the maintenance of six Priests and three Choristers to celebrate Divine Service every day by Note in the Chappel of his Castle at Arundel and pray for the Souls of his Father and Mother his Wife and Children their Successors and all Christians And to rise every day in Summer at the Sun-rising and in Winter at break of the day to their Mattins by Note as also to perform their Masses high and low and other Divine Services according to the direction of his Executors By this Testament he gave to his Son Thomas then Bishop of Ely two thousand marks To his Son Iohn five thousand marks with all the stock upon his Lands at his decease To Ioane his Daughter two thousand marks To Alice his other Daughter three thousand marks To Iohn the Son of his Son Iohn five hundred marks To Wilâiam likewise another Son of his Son Iohn five hundred marks To the eldest Daughter of his said Son Iohn a thousand marks To Henry and Edward younger Sons of his Son Iohn each five hundred marks To his Nephews and Neices the Sons and Daughters of Sir Roger le Strange and to his Sister Aleyne la Strange Wife of the said Roger a thousand and a hundred marks over and above a thousand marks more paid to them already To Richard his Son and Heir his best Coronet charging him on his Blessing to keep it during his life and then to leave it to his Heir and so to remain from Heir to Heir Lords of Arundel in remembrance of him To Ioan his Daughter his second Coronet with the like charge to keep it all her life and then that it continue to her Heir and so from Heir to Heir as abovesaid And to Alice his Daughter his third Coronet upon the like conditions And departed this life 9 Kal. Febr. An. 1375. 49 Ed. 3. By Isabel his first Wife whom he repudiated as hath been observed he had issue a Daughter called Philippa married to Sir Richard Sergeaux of ... in Com. Cornub. Knight And by Eleanor his second Daughter to Henry Earl of Lancaster Widow of Iohn Lord Beaumont three Sons viz. Richard who succeeded him in his Lands and Honors Iohn of whom I shall speak further by and by and Thomas Bishop of Ely but afterwards Archbishop of Canterbury and
Chancellor of England and four Daughters viz. Alice married to Thomas Holland afterwards Earl of Kent to whom and the Heirs of their two Bodies in 38 Edw. 3. the King granted the Mannors of Kirkby Moresheved Buttercramp and Cropton She is likewise said to have been the Wife of Henry de Beaufort who was afterwards the rich Cardinal before he took orders Eleanor died young Ioane Wife of Humphrey de Bohun Earl of Hereford and Mary wedded to Iohn Lord Strange of Blackmere Which Iohn his second Son was afterwards a Banneret and in 1 Rich. 2. retained to serve the King in his Fleet at Sea for a quarter of an year with two hundred Men at Arms and two hundred Archers whereof twenty nine Knights and one hundred seventy Esquires he being then also Marshal of England and of the Retinue unto Thomas of Woodstock Earl of Buckingham Uncle to the King This Iohn took to Wife Eleanor the Daughter of Iohn Lord Maltravers Sister and Heir to Henry Lord Maltravers and was summoned to Parliament in 1 2 3 Rich. 2. in the last of which years being sent with divers Knights and others in aid of the Duke of Britanny he perished by Shipwrack about the Feast day of S. Nicholas It is reported that before he hoised Sail he plundered the Countrey people and being utterly cursed by them for so doing this miserable fate soon overtook him By the said Eleanor his Wife he left issue a Son called Iohn Which Iohn had likewise issue Iohn Son and Heir who upon the death of Thomas Earl of Arundel without issue being his next Heir-male possessed the Castle of Arundel and divers other Lordships by vertue of an Entail made by Richard Earl of Arundel in 21 Edw. 3. as I shall more fully shew anon and by reason thereof had the title of Earl of Arundel But I return to Richard Son and Heir to the last Earl Richard This Earl Richard being constituted Admiral of the Kings Fleet to the Westwards in 1 Rich. 2. and soon after that to the Southwards was retained by Indenture to serve the King at Sea for one quarter of an year in the Company of Iohn Duke of Lancaster King of Caâââle And in 7 Rich. 2. was in that expedition then made into Scotland About which time he procured License of the King to imploy what Agents he should please to the Abbess and Covent of Almenesches Alien to treat and conclude with them for the purchase of certain Lands part of the Possessions of the Priory of Leveminster in Sussex belonging to those Nuns As also a Charter for a weekly Market at his Mannor of Estangmering in Sussex upon the Saturday and a Fair yearly upon the Eve and Day of the Apostles Peter and Paul He also obtained the Kings farther License to travel into Forein parts and there to continue as long as he should think fit But if he did then travel he staid not long abroad for in 8 R. 2. he was retained by Indenture to serve the King in his Wars of Scotland And in 9 R. 2. joyned in Commission with Thomas D. of Lancaster for the tryal of Michael de la Pole and some other of the Kings Favorites whom the Commons in Parliament had then charged with divers high crimes Whereupon De la Pole was adjudged to suffer death and his estate to be confiscate In 10 Rich. 2. being made Admiral of the Kings whole Fleet to the West and Northward he received the moity of that Tenth then given to the King in Parliament by the Clergy as also the moity of that Fifteen given by the Laity for the Publick service of the Realm in a Naval expedition And putting to Sea upon Sunday the Eve of our Ladies Ascension encountred with a great Fleet of Flemings French and Spaniards and after a sharp fight got the victory wherein he took of Ships great and small no less then an hundred all laden with Wines containing Nineteen thousand Tuns which he brought into the Port of Orwell and other Havens And after this having new rigged his Navy arrived at Brest in Britanny where he soon took one of those Forts which the French had newly raised against the Castle there and burnt the other And having then victualled that Castle for a year and recruited the Garrison with all necessaries returned into England with great honor though much envied by the Duke of Ireland and others that bore great sway at Court who did all they could to deprave him by speaking sleightly of these his noble exploits And not only so but growing more insolent the King being totally guided by them they conspired the death of divers great persons of which this Earl was one So that now there being no other help but that either those haughty spirited men must be supprest or many of the most eminent Noblemen ruined This Earl with the Earls of Warwick and Derby resolved to put themselves in Arms. The King therefore discerning their purpose forthwith deliberated how he might destroy them before they had united their distinct Forces and to that end sent the Earl of Northumberland and others with him to Rigate Castle where this Earl then was with resolution there to surprise him But when Northumberland got thither and saw what strength he had he returned without any attempt upon him After which some were sent to take him by night and bring him to the King or at least to murther him The Lords therefore being in this strait having raised a great power soon met at Haringay Park near Highgate in Com. Middl. wherewith the King being alarmd and mediation made for a peaceable composure of these discontents they came to Westminster and upon expostulation with them by the King touching this their Insurrection told him it was for his and the Kingdoms advantage and to take from him those Trayterous persons viz. The Duke of Ireland and other his favorites who were enemies to the Commonwealth the issue whereof for the present terminated in the ruine of divers who had so mis-guided the King as in due place I shall shew The tide therefore then running with these Lords this Earl was by general consent in the Parliament of 11 Rich. 2. made Governor of the Castle and Town of Brest in Britanny as also the Kings Lieutenant in those parts And shortly after being Admiral made Lieutenant as also Captain-General of his Fleet at Sea with Commission to treat of Peace with Iohn de Montâort then Duke of Britanny and hoising sail after Whitsontide soon met with the Enemy of whose Ships he sunkâ and took fourscore entred the Isle of Bâas which he burnt and spoiled and likewise the Islands