obtain'd a Charter for a Mercate every Saturday at his Mannor of Mâ—reâ—on in Com. Devon and two Fairs one on the Eve Day and Morrow after the Feast of St. Andrew the Apostle and the other on the Eve Day and Morrow after the Feast of St. Margaret In 16 E. 3. being then Earl of Devon he was in that Expedition then made into Bâ—itanâ—y with one Banâ—ret twelve Knights thirty six Esquires and sixty Archers on Horseback of his Retinue And in 19 E. 3. the War continuing still there receiv'd command to prepare himself and all his Retinue well fitted with Horse and Arms to attend the King thither In 21 E. 3. being so infirm as that he was not able to go Personally in that Expedition then made beyond-Sea William de Boâ—un Earl of Northampton joyn'd with Hugh de Courtney his Son in moving the King that he might be excused from coming to Parliament or any Councils and had their Request granted After which recovering he obtain'd leave in 24 E. 3. to travel for one whole year And about this time was elected into that Honourable Society of the most Noble Order of the Garter then newly instituted In 26 E. 3. he together with Thomas de Courtney his Brother were assigned by the King to Arm and Array all Persons both Knights Esquires and others within the Counties of Devon and Cornwall and to conduct them to the Sea-Coasts in opposition of an Invasion then feared from the French And in 30 E. 3. was sent into Britanny with other English Lords upon the King 's special Service Whilst his Father lived he resided at Colcumbe and had the Lordships of Wellesdene and Coker for his Support And having married Margaret the Daughter of Humphrey de Bohun Earl of Hereford had by her Issue six Sâ—â—s viz. Hugh born xi Cal. Apr. Aâ—no MCCCXXVII 1 E. 3. Thomas Edward William Philip and Peter and five Daughters scil Ioan Margaret Elizabeth Catherine and Anne And departing this Life upon Saturday nâ—xâ— preceding the Feast of the Invention of the Holy Cross in 51 E. 3. was buried in the Cathedral Church at Exeter Of which Sons Hugh being called Hugo de Courtney junior whilst he lived went in thâ—â— Expedition made into France in 20 â— 3. In 21 â— 3. being in the Tournament at Eâ—tham he had a Hood of White Cloth embroider'd with 〈◊〉 and button'd with large Pearls then given him by the King And enjoy'd the Mannor of Woddesden in Com. Buck. with the Advowson of the Church in Right of Maude his Wife Daughter of Thomas Holland Earl of Kent Which Maude in her Widowhood afterwards married to Waleraâ— Earl of St. Paul But this Hugh died in 48 E. 3. his Father then living Thomas the second Son died also before his Father So likewise did Edward the third Son who married Emeline the Daughter of Sir Iohn D'aâ—ney Knight and left Issue two Sons viz. Edward who in 51 E. 3. was found Nephew and Heir to Earl Hugh his Grandfather and at his death xxi years of age and Sir Hugh Courtney of Baunton Knight who married Philippâ— one of the three Daughters and Coheirs of Warine Arcedekene and Elizabeth his Wife Daughter and Heir to Iohn Talbot of Ricards Castle William the fourth Son was Archbishop of Canterbury Philip the fifth was of Pouderham from whom the Courtneys of that House are descended Which Sir Philip for he was a Knight being in that Fight at Sea in 1 R. 2. against the Spaniard was sore wounded and fled After which viz. in 7 R. 2. he was constituted Lieutenant of Ireland for ten years Sir Piers de Courtney Knight the sixth Son was unmarried This Sir Piers being also in that Sea-fight against the Spaniard in 1 R. 2. was there sore wounded and taken Prisoner but for his Enlargement had a Grant from the King of the Benefit of the Marriage of Richard the Brother and Heir of Thomas de Poynings In 7 R. 2. he had Licence to send into France by Northampton Herald and Anlet Pursuivant eight Cloths of Scarlet of Black and Russet to give to certain Noblemen of that Realm as also two Horses six Saddles six little Bows one Sheaf of large Arrows and another Sheaf of Crossbow-Arrows for the King of Franâ—e's Keeper Likewise a Greyhound and other Dogs All which were for Presents to the French in respect of the great Honour the King of France had done unto him at such time as he combated there with a Knight of that Realm In 11 R. 2. this Sir Piers Courtney was made Chief Chamberlain to the King And the same year had Licence again to go to Calais with Iohn Hoboldâ—d Esq to challenge the French for the Performance of certain Feats oâ— Arms and behaved himself bravely there But in 13 R. 2. being at Calais he receiv'd a Message from the King of England that he should forbear to exercise any Feats of Arms with the French without the special leave of Henry de Percy Earl of Northumberland which it seems he had for he did then notably manifest his Military Skill and Valour in a Tournament held there to his high Renown In 14 R. 2. he was made Constable of Windsore-Castle And after this viz. in 16 R. 2. when divers Knights came out of Scotland to challenge the English to certain Feats of Arms one ... Darell challenging him they ran with sharp Spears This Sir Piers died in 10 H. 4. ¶ As to the Daughters of the before-mentioned Eâ—â— Hugh Margaret was the Wife of Iohn Lord Cobham Elizabeth 〈◊〉 married to ... Vere and afterwards to Andrew Lutterell and Catherine first to William Lord Harrington and next to Sir Thomas Engaine Knight But I return to Margaret their Mother This Margaret continued a Widow till her death and by her Testament bearing date 28 Ian. 14 R. 2. bequâ—ath'd her Body to be buried in the Cathedral Church at Exeter near to her Lord and Husband appointing that there should be no other Herse for her than plain Bars to keep off the Preass of People and onely two Tapers of five pounds apiece the one at her Head and the other at her Feet without any Torches or other Lights Likewise That upon the day of her Funeral xx l. in Money should be given amongst poor People viz. to every one a Groat And that for the Soul of her Husband and her own Soul CC l. should be distributed amongst the Daughters of Knights and Gentlemen towards that Marriage-Portions and to poor Scholars at School To Margaret the Daughter of her Son Philip she bequeath'd C Marks in augmentation of her Portion To William Archbishop of Canterbury her Son a gilt Chalice and
Ancestors Which William his son and heir succeeding him in his honor married the Lady Frances one of the daughters of Henry late Earl of Holand by whom he hath had issue three sons viz. VVilliam his son and heir who married Frances the daughter to Francis Pierpoint late of Notâ—ingham Esquire a younger son to Robert Earl of Kingston super Hull And seven daughters 1. Isabell who died unmarried 2. Lettice wedded to Sir Richard Hampden of Great-Hampden in Com. Buck. â—squire 3. Elizabeth yet unmarried 4. Frances married to Rouland Hunt of Boreatton in Com. Salop. Esquire 5. Penelope to Philip Foley of Prestwood in Com. Staff Esquire 6. Diana to Henry Asâ—â—urst Citizen of London and 7. Anne who died unmarried Lord Darcie of Chich. 5 Edw. 6. THat this Family is a branch of that which hath long florisht in the Counties of â—incoln and York whereof I have in the first Volume of this Work already discourst there is no doubt at all to be made though I never could yet find when it first came thence Nor seen any thing memorable thereof till 8 H. 5. that Robert Darcie was Eschaetor for the County of Essex Who having been first a Clerk to a Lawyer afterwards married a rich Mâ—rchants Widow of Maâ—don that had a parâ— in three or four ships at Sea and purchased Lands in those parts Which widdow called Aliâ—e being daughter and coheir to ... Fâ—â—z-Langlâ—y died in 26 H. 6. and was buriâ—d in the Chapel of the Hâ—ly Trinity within the Church of All Hallows in Maldon with this Robert her Husband who left issue two sons viz. Sir Robert Darcie of Danberie Knight and Iohn Darcie of Tolshunt Which Sir Robert departing this life in 9 E. 4. left issue Thomas Squyer for the Body to King Henry 6 th and King Edward 4 th who died in 1 H. 7. And he Roger Squyer of the Body to K. Henry the 7 th who by Elizabeth his wife daughter of Sir Henry VVentworth K t had issue another Thomas who in 36 H. 8. being then a Knight was constituted Master of the King's Artillery now called Master of the Ordinance within the Tower of London as also Gentleman of the Privy-Chamber in 37 H. 8. And in 5 E. 6. being then Vice-chamberlain of the King's Houshold Captain of the Guard and one of the four principal Knights of his Privy-Chamber upon the fifth of April was advanced to the dignity of a Baron of this Realm by the name of Lord Darcie of Chiche whereupon he had summons to the Parliament then sitting and took his place upon the 23 d of Ianuary accordingly But in An. 1558. 5 4 Ph. M. being then Knight of the most Noble Order of the Garter and residing at Wivenhoâ— in Com. Essex he declared his Testament whereby as to his Interrment and Funeral he committed it wholly to the Order of Holy Church and dying within less than two years after 〈◊〉 for the Probate thereof bears date 14 Martii â—â—60 was buried at St. Osythes leaving issue by Elizabeth his wife daughter to Iohn Earl of Oxford Iohn his son and heir as also two other sons Alberic who died at Newâ—aven and Robert And two daughters 〈◊〉 married to Richard Suthwell of Wood-Rysing in Com. Norff. Esq and Constance to Edmund Pyrton of Bentley in Com. Essex Which Iohn being summon'd to Parliament in 1 Eliz. took his place there 25 Ian. the same year and in 16 Eliz. accompanied VValter Earl of Essex into Ireland This Iohn having married Frances daughter of Richard Lord Rich Lord Chancellor of England departed this life in 23 Eliz. leaving issue Thomas his son and heir and Iohn a younger son who died unmarried as also Mary a daughter wife of Robert Lord Lumley Which last mention'd Thomas upon the fifth of Iuly An. 1621. 19 Iac. was created Vicount Colchester for life with remainder to Sir Thomas Savage of Rock-Savage in Com. Cestr. Knight and Baronet and to the heir male of his body by Elizabeth his wife eldest daughter to him the said Thomas Moreover upon the fourth of Nov. 2 Car. 1. he was advanc'd to the dignity of an Earl by the title of Earl Rivers with remainder to the said Sir Thomas Savage for lack of issue male of his own body And having wedded Mary the daughter and heir of Sir Thomas Kitson Kt. had issue by her one only son called Thomas and four daughters Which Thomas married the daughter and heir to Sir Iohn Fitz of South â—avistoke in Com. Devon Knight widow of Sir Alan Perci Knight and died in his life-time without issue His four daughters were these Elizabeth married to the before-specified Sir Thomas Savage Mary to Roger Manwood Esquire son to Sir Peter Manwood Knight of the Bath Penelope first to Sir George Trenchard son and heir to Sir George Trenchard of UUolveton in Com. Dors. Knight after to Sir Iohn Gage of Fixley in Com. Suss. Baronet and Susan who died unmarried This Earl Rivers died at London 21 Feb. An. 1639. 15 Car. 1. and was buried in the Church of St. Osythes at Chich before-mentioned Iohn Lord Williams of Tame 1 Mariae BEfore I come to the advancement of this Iohn unto the degree and dignity of a Baron it will not be improper to take notice by what steps he ascended to that honour As to his Parentage he was of the same Family with Sir Richard Williams Knight who assumed the surname of Cromwell in the time of King Henry the Eighth viz. second Son to Sir Iohn Williams of Burfeild in Com. Berks. Knight by Elizabeth his Wife Daughter and Co-heir to Richard More of Burfeild Esquire the name of his elder Brother being Reginald Williams The first mention I find of him in reference to his preferment is in 18 H. 8. he being then a servant to that King having also ten pounds per annum granted to him by Patent for the keeping of a Greyhound And in 27 H. 8. was Clerk of the Kings Jewel-house By which means geting interest at Court he obtained a Patent for the office of Master or Treasurer of the same Jewel-house But Thomas Cromwell then Secretary of State being too strong for him forced him to surrender it and to accept of another jointly with himself so as to share the profits thereof betwixt them and the survivor to enjoy it wholly By which and other means geting wealth in 30 H. 8. he purchased the Mannors of great Ricott and little Ricott in Com. Oxon. from Giles Heron of Shakelwell in Com. Mid. Esquire Son of Iohn Heron sometime Treasurer of the Chamber to King H. 8. to whom Sir Richard Fowler Knight Son to Richard Chancelor of the Dutchy of Lancaster had formerly
same consideration the like Grant of the Forestership of Thornwoods on the Southern part of Shirewoâ—â— in that County with the Fee of four pence a day for executing that Office Nevertheless no sooner did the Earl of Richmund land in this Realm though but with a very slender strength that that he with his six valiant Brothers viz. another Sir Everard then also of Tilton Iohn Digby of â—etilby Rouland Digby of Welby both in Leicestershire Lybeus Digby of Luffâ—am in com Rotel Thomas and Benjamin not forgetting the old Lancastrian Interest came in freely unto him and fought stoutly on his part at Bosworth-Field against King Richard where the Victory falling to that Earl being thenceforth King by the name of Henry the Seventh he advanced Iohn and Thomas to the dignity of Knighthood making the former also Knight-Marshal of His Houshold and the other one of the Gentlemen Huishers of His Chamber conferring on him the Bailywick of â—â—ney in com Buck. and Keepership of the Park there where he thenceforth made his residence But none of them had better advantages for their faithful services to that King than Simon for in the first year of his Râ—ign he obtained the Stewardship of certain Lordships in com Rutl. viz. Uppingham Preston Barouâ—hdon Esenden and Greteham and of all the Lands formerly belonging to George Duke of Clarence to hold for life as also the like Office and Receivership for the Mannor of Bâ—dale in com Ebor. And having in the second year of his Reign been a Commander in His Army at the Battel of Stoke had in consideration of his acceptable services a Grant of the Mannor of â—avysbâ—ry in the parish of Micham in com Surr. and to the heirs male of his body and the next ensuing year a Grant of the Office of Comptroller of the Petty-Customes in the Port of London as also of the Forestership of Thornwoods in Shirewood formerly conferred upon him by King Edward the 4 th and in 11 H. 7. of the Lordship of Coâ—eshill before-specified in special Tail being at that time Deputy to Iohn Earl of Oxford Constable of the Tower of London Which Lordship came to the Crown by the attainder of Sir Simon Montfort Knight for his adherence to Perkâ—n Warbeck After this in 12 H. 7. he had a Commission to exercise Marshal-Law in the Counties of Devon and Cornwall against divers Malefactors and having been Sheriff of the Counties of Warwick and Leicester in the first and ninth years of King Henry the Eighth by his Testament bearing date 22 Aug. 9 H 8. bequeathed his body to be buried in the Chancel of the parish Church of Coleshill under a fair Toâ—b there erected in his life time and departed this life 24 Febr. 12 H. 8. leaving issue by Alice his wife daughter and heir to Iohn Waleys of Est Raddon in com Devon Esquire Reginald Digby his son and heir as also a younger son called Thomas from whom the Digby's of Mansfeild Woodhouse in com Nott. are descended Which Reginald by Ann his wife daughter and coheir to Iohn Danvers of Cothorpe in com Oxon. Esquire had issue Iohn who took to wife Ann the daughter of Sir George Throkmorton of Coughton in com Warr. K t And he George who being at the siege of â—utphen in 28 Eliz. had there the honor of Knighthood conferred on him and by Abigail his wife daughter to Sir Arthur Heveningham of ... in com Norff. Knight left issue l three sons Robert Philip and this Iohn Which Robert being afterwards a Knight and taking to wife Lettice the Grandchild and heir female to Gerald Earl of Kildare in Ireland left issue Robert his son and heir created Lord Digby of Geashill in that Realm by K. Iames whose descendents do still enjoy that honor As to the advancement of this Iohâ— it was his own meer merits which brought it to pass For having first been a Fellow-Commoner in Magdalen-Colledge Oxon. and afterwards travelled into France and Italy whereby he became singularly qualified upon that designed Insurrection on Dunsmore Health in Warwickshire by those Unparallel'd Gunpowder-Conspirators about the beginning of November 3 Iac. in order to the surprisal of the Princess Elizabeth the King's daughter then residing at Combe in that County whereof the Lord Harington her Guardian had private intimation he was by that Lord dispatcht to the Court to acquaint His Majesty therewith Where his abilities and fidelity being amply discern'd by that prudent King he was admitted Gentlâ—man of the privy-chamber and one of His Majesties Carvers Also upon the sixteenth of March 4 Iac. Knighted at Whitehall And in the moneth of April An. 1611. 9 Iac. imployed Embassador into Spaine so likewise in October An. 1614. 12 Iac. Moreover 3 April An. 1616. 14 Iac. made Vice-Chamberlain of his Majesties Houshold and one of his Privy Council And the next ensuing year 15 Iac. being sent again into Spaine upon his return was advanced to the dignity of a Baron of this Realm 25 Nov. 16. Iac. by the title of Lord Digby of Shireburne in com Dors. After which scil An. 1620. 18 Iac. he was sent Embassador to the Arch Duke Albert and the next year following to Ferdinand the Emperor as also to the Duke of Bavaria Whence returning in October An. 1621. he was again scil in An. 1622. 20 Iac. employed Embassador extraordinary to the Spaniard touching a Marriage betwixt Prince Charles and the Lady Maria daughter to Philip the Third then King of that Realm and created Earl of Bristol 15 Sept. the same year He married Beatrice daughter to Charles Walcot of Walcot in com Salop. Esq widdow of Sir Iohn Dive of Bromham in com Bedf. Knight by whom he had issue two sons George born at Madrid in Spaine in the month of October An. 1612. and Iohn born in England in March An. 1617. who dyed in France unmarried As also two daughters Mary married to Sir Arthur Chichester now Lord Dunegal in Ireland and Abigal to George Freake â—ldest son of Iohn Freake of Shroughton in â—om Dors. Esquire And departing this life at Paris in France 16 Ian. An. 1653. was there buried in the common burial place of the Hugâ—enots in that City To whom succeed George his son and heir installed Knight of the Garter An. Apr. 1661 which George married Anne daughter to Francis late Earl of Bedford and by her had issue two sons viz. Iohn his son and heir who first married Alice the only child of Robert Bourne of Blake-Hall in the Parish of Bovenger in com Essex Esquire by whom he had no issue secondly Rachel daughter of Sir Hugh Windham Knight one of the Justices of the Court of Common-Pleas the name of his second son was Francis slain in that sharp Fight at Sea
his Mannor of Etham as also one carucate of Land in Achestede with a wood called Acholte He likewise gave to the Abby of S. Stephen at Caen in Normandy all his Lands lying in Stavell which grant he made in the presence of King Henry and his Barons And having wedded Maude the daughter of Roger Bigot with whom he had ten Knights Fees in Norfolk left issue three Sons viz. William Nigel and Oliver It is farther observable of this William that assisting at the solemne Exequies of Mande his wife with great lamentation he gave to the Monks of Wymundham the Mannor of Hapesburg in pure Almes and made livery thereof unto them by a Cross of Silver in which were placed certain venerable Reliques viz. part of the wood of the Cross whereon our Lord was Crucified part of the Manger wherein he was laid at his Birth and part of the Sepulcher of the Blessed Virgin as also a Gold Ring and a Silver Chalice for retaining the holy Eucharist admirably wrought in form of a Sphere unto which pious donation were Witnesses amongst others his Sons William Nigel and Oliver A Daughter he also had called Oliva Wife to Raphe de Haya a great Baron in that time as appeareth by that confirmation which William Earl of Chichester her Brother made to the Monks at Essay in Normandy of the Church of Bisentone with the Lands and Tithes thereunto belonging given thereto by the said Raphe de Haya upon the day that he married her The time of the death of this William de Albini I finde not but that he was buried before the high Altar in the Abby of Wymundham which he had founded and that the Monks of that House did usually pray for his Soul by the name of William de Albini the Kings Butler ¶ I now come to William his Son and Heir who was called William with the strong Hand in regard that amongst his valiant exploits he slew a fierce Lion the occasion thus It hapned that the Queen of France being then a Widow and a very beautiful women became much in love with a Knight of that Countrey who was a comely person and in the flower of his youth And because she thought that no man excelled him in valor she caused a Tournament to be proclaimed throughout her Dominions promising to reward those who should exercise themselves therein according to their respective demerits and concluding that if the person whom she so well affected should act his part better than others in those Military Exercises she might marry him without any dishonor to her self Hereupon divers gallant men from forrain parts hasting to Paris amongst others came this our William de Albini bravely accoutred and in the Tournament excelled all others overcoming many and wounding one mortally with his Lance Which being observed by the Q. shee became exceedingly enamoured of him and forthwith invited him to a costly Banquet and afterwards bestowing certain Jewels upon him offered him Marriage But having plighted his troth to the Queen of England then a Widow refused her Whereat she grew so much discontented that she consulted with her Maids how she might take away his life and in pursuance of that designe inticed him into a Garden where there was a secret Cave and in it a feirce Lion unto which she descended by divers steps under colour of shewing him the Beast And when she told him of his feirceness he answered that it was a womanish and not manly quality to be affraid thereof But having him there by the advantage of a folding dore thrust him into the Lion Being therefore in this danger he rolled his Mantle about his Arm and putting his hand into the mouth of the Beast pulled out his Tongue by the root which done he followed the Queen to her Palace and gave it to one of her Maids to present to her Returning thereupon into England with the fame of this glorious Exploit he was forthwith advanced to the Earledome of Arundel and for his Arms the Lion given him Nor was it long after that the Queen of England accepted him for her Husband whose name was Adeliza Widow to King Henry the first and Daughter to Godfrey Duke of Lorein Which Adeliza had the Castle of Arundell and County in Dowry from that King Whereupon residing there and bearing a great respect to Maude the Empress Daughter to King Henry he sollicited her coming into this Realm and received her together with Robert Earl of Gloucester her Brother at the Port of Arundell in August ann 1139. 4 Steph. Most probable therefore it is that for this great service he was by her advanced to the Earldome of Arundell for in the report which is made of K. Steph. taking of William de Mandevil at S. Albans in an 1142 7 Steph. it is said that before he could be laid hold on he underwent a sharp Skirmish with the Kings party wherein the Earl of Arundell though a stout and expert Souldier was unhorsed in the midst of the water by Walkeline de Oxeai and almost drowned After which viz. in anno 1150. 15 Steph. he wrote himself Earl of Chichester but in 18 Steph. was stiled Earl of Arundell upon a very memorable occasion viz. that when Henry Duke of Normandy afterwards King by the name of Henry the second having invaded England and coming to releive Wallingford-Castle then beseiged by King Stephen which caused the King to draw his Army together to give battle to the Duke It hapning that the King being in the head thereof his Horse so reared that he overthrew him and that when he got up again he served him so a second and third time It caused no little astonishment to all the beholders whereupon this Earl William expressed himself thus in effect It is apparent from what we have now observed that it will not be safe for us to give Battle to the Duke first in regard that the justness of the quarrel is on his side and next that those who are disherited will fight the more desperately Moreover if it be considered that there are in each Army not only Kinsmen and Nephews but Brothers against one anothr If we joyn Battle it cannot be avoided but many will be guilty of little less than parricide Let therefore this pernicious fury of a Civil Warr be set aside and fit persons chosen to compose all difference with a cessation of Armes for the present to the end these animosities may be calmely appeased Which Speech relished so well with the King and all others then there that upon a Treaty shortly after ensuing Peace was concluded betwixt them And after the death of King Stephen when Henry enjoyed the Crown of this Realm he stood so fair in his favour that he did not only obtain the Castle and Honor of Arundell to himself and his heirs but a confirmation the Earldom of Sussex for
of Age Ioane his Wife surviving who by her Testament bearing date 3 Dec. an 1485. 1 H. 7. bequeath'd her Body to be buried in the Parish-Church of All-Hallows at Herst Monceaux near to the grave of Sir Richard Fenys Kt her Husband And to Elizabeth Lady Clinton her Daughter Wife of Iohn Lord Clinton and Thomas Fenys her Son gave all her Chattels and Jewells to be divided betwixt them Which Thomas accomplishing his full age in 7 H. 7. had Livery of his Lands Shortly after which viz. in 10 H. 7. he was made Knight of the Bath upon the Creation of Henry the Kings second Son Duke of Yorke And in 8 H. 7. appeared in Arms against the Cornish-men who had then made a great Insurrection So likewise shortly after when the Scots had laid Siege to Norham-Castle he marcht with the Earl of Surrey to the raising thereof This Thomas having been summon'd to Parliament from 11 H. 7. to 21 H. 8. by his Testament bearing date 1 Sept. an 1531. 23 H. 8. bequeath'd his Body to be buried in the Parish-Church of Herst Monceaux on the North-side of the high Altar Appointing that a Tomb should be there made for placing the Sepulcher of our Lord with all fitting Furniture thereto in honour of the most blessed Sacrament Also that towards the Lights about the same Sepulcher C l. in Wax should be imploy'd in Tapers of ten pound weight a piece for to burn about it Likewise that his Funeral should be solemnized according to the degree of a Baron and a Tomb set over his Grave to the end it might be known where his Body resteth Moreover that an honest Priest should sing there for his Soul by the space of seven years taking annually for his Salary and to find Bread Wine and Wax xii marks sterling And died in an 1534. 26 H. 8. as it seems for then doth the Probate of this his Testament bear date leaving Thomas his Cousin and Heir Apparent to succeed him Which Thomas in an 1541. 33 H. 8. being seduced by some extravagant persons to course in the night time in Laughton-Park in Com. Suss. belonging to Nicholas Pelham Esq by the way at a place called Pikehay met with three persons betwixt whom and those of his Company there hapned a fray wherein one of them was mortally wounded and died soon after Whereupon he was indicted of murther for the same and being found guilty thereof upon Tryal by his Peers upon the xxix th of Iune being St. Peters day was carried from the Tower of London to Tiburn and there hang'd After which his Body was buryed in St. Sepulchers Church near Newgate he being then not above xxiv years of Age. Whose death was much lamented in regard of his youth noble disposition and the King 's inexorable rigour It is said that this Manslaughter for it was no other was committed by those who were of his Company at that time he not being present And that being call'd in question he was through the subtilty of some Courtiers who gaped for his Estate perswaded to acknowledge the Murther for that the Indictment charg'd him with and to submit himself to the King's mercy Unto which advice imprudently hearkning he had Sentence of death and suffered accordingly leaving Issue Gregory his Son and Heir and a Daughter called Margaret Which Gregory with his Sister being restored by Act of Parliament in 1 Eliz. accompanied the Earl of Lincoln in 14 Eliz. then sent Embassador to the King of France at Paris Where the League not long before concluded on at Bloys was fully ratified This Gregory Lord Dacres dying without Issue 26 Sept. an 1549. 36 Eliz. was buried at Chelsey leaving Margaret his Sister his sole Heir Which Margaret being Married to Sampson Lennard Esq and making claim to the Honour it was declared and adjudg'd by the Lords Commissioners for exercising the Office of Earl Marshal of England in the second year of King Iames with the privity and assent of the King that she the said Margaret ought to have and enjoy the name state degree stile honour place and precedency of the Barons Dacre to have and to hold to her and to the Issue of her Body in as full and ample manner as any of her Ancestors did enjoy the same As also that her Children might and should take and enjoy their place and precedence respectively as the Childern of her Ancestors Barons Dacre formerly had and enjoyed This Sampson also by the special favour of the King in 10 Iac. obtaining a grant to himself during his Life for to take place and precedence as the eldest Son to the Lord Dacres of the South had Issue by her the said Margaret Henry his Son and Heir to whom the Title of Lord Dacres was afterwards confirm'd Which Henry died 10 Aug. an 1616. 14 Iac. and by Chrysogona his Wife Daughter of Sir Henry Baker of Sissinhurst in Com. Cantii Knight left Issue three Sons Richard Edward and Fienes And two Daughters Margaret Married to Sir ... Wildgoose Knights and Philadelphia to Sir Thomas Parker of Willington in Com. Suss. Knight Which Richard Lord Dacre departed this Life at Herst-Monceaux 18 Aug. an 1630. 6 Car. 1. leaving Issue by Elizabeth his first Wife Daughter and Coheir to Sir Arthur Throkmorton of Paulere Perie in Com. Northt Knight four Sons viz. Francis Richard Thomas and Henry of which Sons Richard and Henry died young And by Dorothy his second Wife Daughter of Dudley Lord North one Son called Richard and Catherine a Daughter To whom succeeded Francis his Eldest Son who Married Elizabeth Daughter of Paul Vicount Banning and died in an 1662. leaving Issue by her two Sons Thomas advanced to the dignity of Earl of Sussex by Letters Patents bearing date at Westminster 5 Octobris 26 Car. 2. and Henry Fienes Lord Say 25 H. 6. ¶ I Now come to Iames the second Son of the before-specified Sir William de Fienes Kt. This Iames being a valiant Souldier in 6 H. 5. obtain'd a grant from that Victorious King of the Lordship of De la Court le Comte within the Bayliwick of Cauâ— in Normandy part of the possessions of the Lord of Lymers and likewise of all those Lands lying within the Bailiwick of â—oben and Cauâ— which did belong to Roger Bloset and his Wife The next year following upon the render of Arqueâ— he was constituted Governour there And in 8 H. 6. attended the King into the France for the better defence of those parts In 15 H. 6. he was made Sheriff of Kent So likewise in 17 H. 6. of Surrey and Sussex And in 18 H. 6. being Esquire for the Body to that King had a grant of Câ— yearly Pension to
Eliz. took his place there upon the second of April In 15 Eliz. he was one of the Peers upon the Tryal of Thomas Duke of Norff. And the same year upon the League made by Queen Elizabeth with the States of the United Provinces was one of the Lords then sent into France with Edward Earl of Lincoln Lord Admiral for ratifying thereof In 29 Eliz. he was also one of the Peers which sate at Fotheringhay upon Tryal of the Queen of Scots Likewise in 43 Eliz. upon that Insurrection made in London by Robert Earl of Essex he was one of those Lords which appear'd with him therein and thereupon suffered Imprisonment This William Married two Wives First Christian Daughter of ... Anslow Esq by whom he had Issue one Son called William And to his second Wife Catherine Daughter of Edmund Lord Chandos by whom he had Issue one Daughter named Elizabeth Married to Sir Edwyne Sands Knight Son and Heir of Miles Sandys of Latimers in Com. Buck. Esq Master of the Kings Bench Office and departed this life 29 Sept. an 1623. 21 Iac. To whom succeeded William his said Son and Heir Which William took to Wife Alathea eldest Daughter and Coheir of Iohn Panton of Brinneskiâ— in the Parish of Hanthlan in Com. Denb Esq and died 12 Nov. an 1629. 5 Car. 1. without Issue Whereupon William the Son of Colonel Henry Sands Son of the said Edwyn and Elizabeth which Colonel being mortally wounded on the Kings part in the Fight at Bramdene near Alâ—ford in Com. Sutht 29 Martii 1644. died 6 Apr. next ensuing becoming Heir to this Honour had Summons to Parliament accordingly And having Married Mary the youngest Daughter to William late Earl of Salisbury died in an 1668. without Issue This last mention'd William had three other Brothers viz. Henry Miles and Edwyn and six Sisters Hesther Married to Humphrey Noy Son to William Noy sometime Attorney General to King Charles the First Alathea to Francis Gofton of Alderidge in Com. Sutht Esq Mary to Dr. Henry Savage Principal of Baliol-Coll in Oxford Iane to Iohn Harris of Old-Wodstoke in Com. Oxon. Esq Margaret to Sir Iohn Mill of Tachbury in Com. Sutht Baronet and Margery to Sir Edmund Fortescue of Fallowpitt in Com. Devon Baronet Which Henry now Lord Sandys Brother and Heir of William is yet Unmarried Vaux of Harwedon 15 H. 8. THis Family whose Seat hath been at Harwedon in Com. Northt for more than two hundred and fifty years do derive their Descent from Robert de Vaux a great man in the North of this Realm in the days of King Stephen and Henry the Second being then Founder of the Priory of Laâ—ercost in Cumberland as I have elsewhere shewed Being thus fix'd there William Vaux in the time of those great and sharp contests betwixt the Houses of Yorke and Lancaster lost all for his adherence to King Henry the Sixth but at length Henry Earl of Richmund obtaining the Crown Nicholas his Son and Heir had restitution thereof Whereupon he fought stoutly for that King in the Battel of Stoke near Newark in 2 H. 7. against Iohn Earl of Lincoln and his Adherents then in Arms on the behalf of Lambert Simnel set up as a Counterfeit Son to George Duke of Clarence for which good service King Henry being there Victorious he receiv'd the honour of Knighthood And in 17 of the same Kings Reign at that great Solemnity of Prince Arthur's Marriage wore a Gown of Purple Velvet adorn'd with pieces of gold so thick and massy that beside the Silk and Furs it was valued at a thousand pounds as also a Collar of SS weighing eight hundred pound in Nobles In 1 H. 8. this Nicholas being made Lieutenant of the Castle at Guisnes in Picardy in 5 H. 8. was at the Siege of Therouene In 10 H. 8. he was one of the Embassadors then sent into France for confirming the Articles of Peace betwixt King Henry and the French And in 11 H. 8. in order to that famous Enterview near Guisnes between King Henry and the King of France was one of the Commissioners at that time sent thither to make preparation for the same After which he grew in such high esteem at Court as that in 15 H. 8. 27 Apr. he was advanced to the dignity of a Baron of this Realm the solemnity of his Creation with some others then being at the King 's Royal Palace of Bridewell in the Suburbs of London But he lived not long to enjoy that Honour For having by his Testament bearing date the same year by the Title of Lord Harowden bequeath'd his Body to be buried at Harowdon in case he should depart this life in Northamptonshire if in London then in the Black-Fryers and if at Guisnes in the Church there appointing that C l. should be bestow'd upon Priests Clerks and poor People at his Funeral and ordained a Chantry for one Priest to sing Mass in the Parish-Church of Harowden for the Souls of his Grandfather Father and Mother as also for the Souls of his two Wives his Children and other his Ancestors Souls And having likewise bequeath'd to his Daughters Margaret Bridget and Maud five hundred pounds a piece for their respective Marriages and to his Sons Thomas and William all his wearing gere except Cloth of Gold Cloth of Silver and Tissue he departed this life soon after as by the Probate of that his Testament which beareth date 3 Iulii next ensuing appeareth This Nicholas had two Wives First Elizabeth Daughter and Heir to Henry Lord Fitz Hugh Widow of Sir William Parr Knight by whom he left Issue three Daughters viz. Catherine Married to Sir George Throkmorton of Coughton in Com. Warr. Knight Anne to Sir Thomas Strange of Hunston in Com. Norff. Knight and Alice to Sir Edward Sapcote of Elton in Com. Hunt Knight Secondly Anne Daughter of Thomas Greene of Green's-Norton in Com. Northt Esq by whom he had Issue two Sons Thomas and William and three Daughters Margaret Wife of Francis Pultney of Misterton in Com. Leic. Esq Maud of Sir Iohn Farmer of Eston juxta Touceter in Com. Northt Knight and Bridget of Maurice Welsh of Sudbury in Com. Glouc. Esq Which Thomas his Son and Heir in 19 H. 8. was one of those who attended Cardinal Wolsey when he went Embassador in such great state beyond-Sea to make Peace betwixt the Emperour King Henry of England and King Francis of France In 22 H. 8. being summon'd to Parliament he took his place there 19 Ian. And in 24 H. 8. waited on the King to Calais and thence to Boloine In 25 H. 8. upon the Coronation of Queen Anne Bullen this Thomas was one of the Knights of the Bath then made for the honour of that Solemnity He was also Captain