preferred to a Schollars place in the University grew such a proficient that the Monks resolved to make him a Sollicitor for managing their Law-suits and to that purpose from the University placed him at the Inns of Court where he grew so skilfull in his profession that finding King H. 7. politiquely resolving to raise great summs of money by taking the forfaiture of penall Lawes which he conceived would be much more plausible to his subjects than the exacting from them by Loans Subsidies and such other ways of tax as his predecessors had used applyed himself to his service wherein being very officious and bringing store of money to the Kings Coffers he obtained a grant of the Wardship and Marriage of Elizabeth daughter and heir to Edward Grey Visc. L'â—sle before mentioned whom he made his wife That the later part of this Story is true I find testimony enough but that the father of Edmund was a Carpenter is not very likely in regard he marryed so eminently viz. Elizabeth one of the daughters and coheirs to Iohn Bramshot Eâ—quier seized of the Mannours of Gatton Calbourne and Whitwell in the Isle of Weight as also of Bramshot in Hant-shire which Eliz. dyed 12. Oct. 14 H. 7. leaving Edmund her son then 36. years of age the other coheir called Agnes being the wife of Iohn Pakenham whence I conclude that he was a Gentleman as some others of the name of Dudley in severall parts of England are though perhaps not of the Baron of Dudley's line therefore how this formall Story of the Carpenter should rise I cannot well imagine unless the grandfather or great-grandfather of Edm. had been of that trade for it is no wonder to see those that are sprung from as poor Mechanicks by their activeness in the world to get wealth and assume the title of Esquire or Gentlemen without controull yea and be allowed so do Neither do we often find that those which are in truth of right noble extraction will boggle at matching their children with them But I return unto Edmund Dudley He was a man well vers't in the Law and one of the Privy Councell to that prudent Prince King H. 7. chosen in the first year of his raign propter prudentiam singularem fidem gravitatem saith Polydore In 19 H. 7. he was Speaker of the Parliament and should the same year have been made a Sergeant at Law on the 13. of November but for what reason I will not take upon me to assign he desired that he might be discharged from assuming that degree whereupon the King directed his Precept to Will Bishop of London then Lord Keeper of the great Seal commanding his forbearance of making out any Writ to him for that purpose In 22 H. 7. he had the Stewardship of the Rape of Hastings granted to him by Patent and wrote a Book called Arbor Reipublicae Whether he with Richard Empson another Lawyer but a Sive-makers son in Touceter as our Historians affirm discerning King Henry to be of a frugall disposition did project unto him the taking aduantage of such as had transgrest by exacting the forefaitures of penall Statutes or whether the King seeing so fair a gap open for him to rake vast summs of money from his subjects and finding those persons to be sit Instruments for his purpose did put them upon such courses of filling his Coffers 't is hard to say certain it is that these were the men he constituted his Iudices fiscales Dudley being an eminent man and one that could put hatefull business into good language as Sir Fr. Bacon saith and after he had long made use of their service to that end exposed them to those advantages which the discontented people could justly take for their abhominable extortions For their course was to proceed secretly to the Outlary against men and then seize their estates And besides that they had packt Jurors upon all occasions who were sure to them in any verdict which served for their purpose but at last found they a just reward for such their service for King H. 8. in the first year of his raign being desirous of popularity made known by his Proclamations that whosoever had received injury by the unjust oppressions of any should upon complaint to him have redress which liberty did so so animate the vulgar who were sufficiently imbittered against them that nothing then would satisfy but their lives so that the King to appease the multitude gave way that they might be legally proceeded against which accordingly was done Dudley being thereupon arraigned in Guild-Hall London on Munday next after the xv of S. Iohn Baptist 1 H. 8. before Edward Duke of Buck. Henry Earl of Northumberland Thomas Earl of Surrey George Earl of Shrewsbury Thomas Earl of Derby Thomas Prior of S. Iohns of Hierusalem in England Charles Somerset of Herbert Knight Stephen Iennings Knight Mayor of the City of London Iohn Fineux Knight Robert Rede Knight William Hodie Knight Robert Brudnell Humfrey Coningesby Iohn Fisher Knight Iohn Boteler William Grevill Thomas Lovell Knight Edward Poynings Kt. Henry Marney Knight Thomas Englefield Knight and Robert Drury Knight Justices to enquire c. Where the said Edmund being indicted of divers high Treasons was on wednesday next before the Feast of S. Margaret the Virgin attainted in Parliament and had his head cut off on Tower Hill with Empson who was tryed at Northampton through the peoples clamours and for their satisfaction 18. August 2 H. 8. by vertue of the K. speciall Writ for that purpose Having said thus much of the parentage of this Iohn Earl of Warwick I will now go on with my story of him At his fathers death he was scarce eight years old having to his Guardian Edward Guilford Esquire of the Body to the King who by his Petition exhibited in Parliament 3 H. 8. obtained an Act for the repeal of the said Edmund's attainder and the restitution of this Iohn in name blood and degree to enjoy all his said fathers lands Being therefore thus young it was a great while ere he came to appear in any publique employments so that till 24 H. 8. I have not yet seen any farther mention of his name but then I finde he was a Knight though how long he had been so I am not certain After which about ten years he was created Visc. L'isle viz. 12. Martii 34 H. 8. in respect of his descent on the mothers side as I have shewed and the same year made Lord Admirall of England for life Of person he was very comely and of a Spirit highly aspiring saith my Author neither wanted he skill industry nor resolution to attempt great matters In 36 H. 8. he landed the Kings Army at Leith in Scotland with a Fleet of CC. sail on which after they had wasted Edenburgh they also set fire The
the name of Kenilworth was then in two parts the one called Optone certified to contain three hides being then held immediatly of the King by Albertus Clericus in pure Almes upon which were resident two Priests the woods whereof conteyned half a mile in length and four furlongs in breadth This being that part of Kenilworth which now the Inhabitants call the High-town and situate upon the ascent on the North part of the Church But the other which in the same Record is written Chinewrde and possest by Rich. Forestarius did then contain no more than three virgats besides the woods which were certified to be half a mile in length and four furlongs in breadth Haec duo membra saith Domesday-book jacent ad Stanlei manerium Regis That the name originally did proceed from some antient possessor of it whose habitation was there is not to be doubted the syllable Wrde which should be Wrâ—e id est Worthe and signifieth a mansion or dwelling place manifesting as much but whether his name was Kenelm or Kenulph for antiently it was written Kenilworth or whether it were the above mentioned Rich. Forestarius who had his seat there which Richard in some very antient authorities that I have seen is called Rich. Chineu I cannot positively determine and therefore will not insist longer on conjectures Certain it is that it continued in the Kings hands till H. 1. time and then was given to Geffrey de Clinton a Norman who doubtless had his first abode in England at Clinton now vulgarly called Glinton in Oxford-shire and thence assumed his sirname This Geffrey if we may credit our Countrey-man Rous was grandson to Will. de Tankervile Chamberlain of Normandy and Maud his wife daughter to Will de Arches whose descent is derived from Wevia sister to Gunora Dutchess of Normandy but of the certainty thereof I much doubt considering that an authentique Historian his Contemporary renders him to have been of very mean parentage and meerly raised from the dust by the favour of the said King Henry from whose hands he received large possessions and no small honour being made both Lord Chamberlein and Treasurer to the said King and afterwards Justice of England which great advancements do argue that he was a man of extraordinary parts It seems he took much delight in this place in respect of the spacious woods and that large and pleasant Lake through which divers petty streames do pass lying amongst them for he it was that first built that great and strong Castle here which was the glory of all these parts and for many respects may be ranked in a third place at the least with the most stately Castles of England Neer unto which he also founded at the same timeâ— a goodly Monastery for Black Canons of which Order it will not be amiss to take a brief view before I go on with my discourse of this particular Monastery The most received opinion is that these Canons Regular had their first institution from S. Augustin Bishop of Hippo wherefore I will succinctly deliver the occasion and ground thereof This Augustin was born in the City of Tagaste in Africa and betaking himself to the study of Philosophy in his younger years grew to be an excellent Schollar and a famous Rhetorician for which he became so eminent that being sent for to Millain there to teach Rhetorique by the preaching of S. Ambrose then Bishop of Millain he was reclaimed from the Heresy of Manicheus wherewith he had been tainted And afterwards coming to Hippo at the solicitation of a great person was by Valerius then B. of that place ordayned a Priest in which City he shortly instituted a Covent of Clerks and lived according to the Rule constituted by the holy Apostles instructing them in the Evangelique perfection viz. love of Poverty Obedience and Chastity After which upon the death of Valerius he became B. of Hippo but notwithstanding being desirous to continue his Religious Course of life he founded a Monastery of Clerks within the precincts of his Church Divers sorts of Religious persons have taken him for their Law-giver viz. the Heremites called Augustines Canons Regular c. making all profession under his Rule Their habite as Polyd. Virg. affirmeth is a white coat and a linnen surplis under a black cloak with a hood covering their head and neck which reacheth to the shoulders having under it doublet breeches white stockings and shoos or slippers and when they walk out a black corner'd cap or a broad Hat their Crowns being shaven but not so much as other Monks Thus much as to the Order With this Monastery so founded by the said Geffrey de Clinton I will now proceed in regard it was so signall a Monument of his piety reserving my story of the Castle till anon By his Foundation Charter it appeares that he gave to the Canons of this House for the redemption of his sins as also for the good estate of King Henry whose consent he had thereto and of his own wife and children all the lands and woods of this Kenilworth excepting what he had reserved for the making of his Castle and Park Together with the Mannors of Salford Itlicote and Neunham in this County The Church of Wotton with a hide of land thereto belonging Two hides in Lilenton with the Churches of Clinton in Oxford-shire and Barton in Northhampton-shire Granting further unto them of pasturage viz. that wheresoever his own Cattell Hoggs should be whether within his Park or without there also might theirs have liberty to feed And their tenants Hoggs to have the like freedom in all other except his inclosed woods and Park as his own tenants had Adding by another Charter the gift of a full tenth of whatsoever should be brought to his Castle viz. either to his Cellar Kitchin Larder Granary or Hall-garth as well of all bought or given either in Corn Hay Hoggs Muttons Bacon Venison Cheese Fish Wine Hony Wax Tallow Pepper and Cumin though they had been tithed elswhere before as of his own proper revenue Together with all his Lambskins throughout every his Mannours as well those as should be kill'd to eat as of others that might dy casually Canonicus Regularis S â— Augustini To these large and munificent gifts he added the Mannour of Hichenden in Com. Buck. which he had by the bounty of King Henry and the Church of Stone in Stafford-shire which he procured of one Enisan within whose Lordship it lay by the consent of Nich. de Stafford it being founded in his fee. But that which I call here the Church of Stone was a small Monastery founded in memory of Wolfade and Ruffin slain by King Wolpherus their father in respect that they became Christians being converted from Paganism and baptized by that holy man S. Chad B. of Lichfield near a thousand years since And besides these particulars did he likewise give
Exchequer was seized into the Kings hands by reason of some misdemeanour therein committed by one William de Bradecote his Clerke howbeit the King taking into consideration his speciall services before exprest made a quick restitution of it again I find that this Earl had great suits with William de Breause for the dominion of Gowher in Wales wrongfully alienated by King Iohn 4. Ioh. to Will. de Breause great-grandfather of this William whilst Henry Earl of Warwick was in his minority but could not recover it In 15 E. 1. he was again imployed into Wales at which time he beseiged the Castle of Drosselan and had ccxl li. delivered to him by the Bishop of Ely then Treasurer for the defraying his charges in that service At that time the King being in France had constituted Edmund Earl of Cornwall his lieutenant here in England during his absence who taking great care to preserve all things in quiet here whilst the King was away directed his speciall Precept to this Earl of Warwick and other great men requiring them most strictly that they should not ride with armed power in any part of the Kingdom for any respect whatsoever to the terrour of the Kings leige people and disturbance of the Peace but if that any diffâ—rence did arise betwixt them and others they should make it known unto the said E. of Cornwall who would apply a timely remedy thereto In 23 E. 1. being again in Wales with the K. he performed a notable Warlike exploit which was thus Hearing that a great body of the Welch were got together in a plain betwixt two woods and to prevent any danger had fastned their pikes in the ground sloping towards their assailants he marcht thither with a choyse company of Cross-bow-men and Archers and in the night time incompassing them put betwixt every two Horsemen one Crossbow-man who killing many of them that supported those Pikes the Horse charged in suddainly and made so great a slaughter that the like hath seldom been heard The next ensuing year he received command to be at New-castle upon Tine on the first of March furnisht with Horse and Armes for an expedition into Scotland and afterwards was sent with Iohn Earl of Surrey to recover the Castle of Dunbar trecherously gained by the Scots In which action they were constrained to cope with the whole Scotch Army that came to raise the Siege but at length after a sharp dispute obtained a glorious victory wherein the number of slain were supposed to be ten thousand which success made the Castle suddainly to render In 25 E. 1. he had command to be at London upon the Sunday next after the Octaves of S. Iohn Bapt. well provided with Horse and Armes to attend the King into Flanders but it seemes he had other direction to stay behind for I find that he was one of those who were made Governours to Prince Edward then in minority during the Kings absence whom the King had constituted his Lieutenant during that time In the same year he was made Governour of the Castle and Forrest of Rokingham in Com. Northampt. And in Oct. following again appointed to be at New-castle upon Tine on St. Nicholas day to march against the Scotts with Prince Edward But that proved an unhappy business the English Army being for the most part destroyed in attempting to pass the Bridge at Sterling This year it was and on Holy-Rood day being in perfect health that he made his Testament whereby he disposed his body to sepulture in the Quire of the Friers-Minors aâ— Worcester in case he should depart this life within the compass of the four Engâ—ish Seas but if otherwise then in the next House of Friers-Mâ—nors to that place where his death might happen and his Heart wheresoever the Countess his dear consort should resolve to be herself interred To which place when his body was to be buried did he bequeath two great Horses viz. those which at his funerall should carry his Armour for the celebration whereof he gave CC li. which was as much as three thousand in these times For the maintenance of two Souldiers in the Holy-land he gave C li. To Maud his Countess all his silver vessell with his Cross wherein was contained part of the wood that had been of the very Cross whereupon our B. Saviour dyed As also the Vestments belonging to his Chapell to make use of during her life but afterwards the best suit to remain to Guy his eldest son His second suit to his Chapell of Hanslape and the third to his Chapell of Anneley To Guy his son a gold Ring with a Ruby in it together with his blessing To his said Countess a Cup which the B. of Worcester gave him but all his other Cups together with his lesser sort of Jewells and Rings he bequethed unto her to distribute for the health of his soul where she should think fittest And to his two daughters which were Nunns at Shouldham in Com. Norff. a Monastery of their great-grandfather's foundation by the mother side he gave fifty marks He was a benefactor to the Monastery of Thelesford in this County Ratified the grant of Warmington made by Henry de Neuburgh sâ—metime Earl of Warwick to the Monks of Preaux in Normandy bore for his Armes gules semé of Cross-crosslets with a fess Or which Cross-crosslets were by him added to his Coat for his father used them not but whether as a badge of any Pilgrimage that he made unto the Holy-Land or vow so to do I will not take upon me to determine Wedded Maud the eldest of the four sisters and heirs to Richard Fitz-Iohn son of Iohn Fitz-Geffrey Justice of Ireland and widow of Gerard de Furnivall which Maud had for her purpartie of his lâ—nds the Mannours of Chiriel in Com. Wilts Potters-Piri in Com. Northampt. and Querndon in Com. Buck. assigned to her And departed this life either in May or the beginning of Iune Anno 1298. 26 E. 1. leaving Guy his son and heir then 26. years of age who did his homage the 25. of September following and had livery of his fathers lands And 2. Iunii following performed the like homage for the lands descended to him by the death of Maud his mother who dyed the same year This Guy had his Christen name out of doubt in remembrance of the warlike Guy Earl of Warwick in the Saxons time and was a martiall man as well as his Ancestors The same year that his father dyed he had summons with many other great men to be at Carleol on the even of Pentecost well furnisht with Horse and Armes to march into Scotland this being the time that the King made a personall expedition thither and obtained a great victory at Fawkirk in which Battail he behaved himself so gallantly that the King rewarded him with all the Castles
from the Conqueror ingentia praedâ—a in Anglia as W. Malmesh observes Amongst which this Village of Arlescote being part he devoutly bestowed it on the Mâ—nks of Preaux before specifiedâ— together with the Mannour of Toftes in Norfolk as also the Church and Tithes of Cherlenton in Com. ...... Of which Monastery at Preaux Humfry de Vetulis grandfather to this Robert began the Foundation whereof Roger de Bellomom his son father to ouâ— Earl of Mellent was so great a lover that he not onely perfected the work but plentifully endowed it and afterwards bidding farewell to the vain pleasures of this transitory world became himself a Monk therein choosing it for his sepulture But I return to Robert Earl of Mellent who was a man of an haughty spirit as it seems for in an 1090. sc. 3. Will. Rufâ— being exceedingly puft up with rewards and promiâ—es by the King he came to Roan and boldly required of Robert Curthose D. of Normandy the Castle of Ivery To whom the Duke anâ—wered that he had gâ—ven to his father the Castle of Brion for it which was an equall exchange whereupon he replyed I allow not of that bargain but what your father gave to my father that will I have otherwise by S. Nichasius I shall do that which will displease you At which words the Duke growing very angry caused him to be layd hold on and imprisoned whereof so soon as the crafty old man his father heard he sent the Duke a Present hasting afterwards himself to him and with fine flattering expressions obtained his sons liberty Being a faithfull adherer to King Henry 1. against his brother Robert Curthose before specified he was thereupon advanced to the Earldom of Leicester in England and had also other rich gifts but how he got that Earldom let us â—ear Ordericus Vitalis tell Vâ—bs Legrecestria quatuor dominos habucrat saith he Regem Epiâ—copum Lancolniae Simonemque Comitem Yvonem Hugonis filium Praefatus autem Consul de Mellâ—nto per partem Yvonis qui municeps erat Vice-Comes firmarius Regis callide intravit auxilio Regis suaq callidiâ—ate totam sibi civitatem mancâ—pavit inde Consul in Angliae factus omnes Regri pâ—oceres divitiis potestate praecessit penè omnes parentes suos transcendit Now what the particulars of this cunning and dâ—ceitfull dealing were I shall briefly here rehearse This Yvo having begun a Rebellion in England wherein he had done much mischief by firing some Houses of his neighbours and being through the Kings excessive indignation towards him fined at a vast summe made his addresses to this Earl of Mellent qui praecipitus erat inter Consiliarios Regis saith my Author hoping by his means to obtain some favour who subtilly advised him to perform a long Pilgrimage for effecting whereof he would help him to 500. marks of silver keeping his lands in pawn for xv years with promise that at the end of that terme they should be wholy restored to Yvo his son and not onely so but that he would give him his brothers daughter viz. Henry Earl of Warwick in marriage For the performance of which Agreement the Earl of Mellent gave his oath the King himself also assenting thereto But in this Pilgrimage Yvo departing the world his son neither enjoy'd the woman as was promised nor any of his paternall inheritance Other particulars I shall for brevity omit winding up my discourse with this Satiricall Character w ch an eminent Author of that time hath of him Fuâ—t igitur Robertus Consul de Mellento in rebus secularibus sapientissimus omnium hìnc usque in Hierusalem degentium Fuit scientia clarus eloquio blâ—ndus astutia perspicax providentia sagax ingenio versipellis prudentia insuperabilis consilio profundus sapientia magnus Possessiones igitur magnas varias quas vulgò vocant Honores urbes Castella Vicos Villas flumina silvas praedictis adquisierat instrumentis Erant autem Honores ejus non solum in Anglia verùm in Normannia in Francia pro libitu igitur suo Reges Francorum Anglorum nunc concordes muniebantur nunc discordes praeliabantur Si adversus aliquem insurgebat contritus humiliabatur si proâ—sse volebat gloriosus exaltabatur Hinc thesauri copia auri scil argenti gemmarum palliorum incredibiliter ei confluxit Cum igitur in summo statu gloriae suae degeret contigit quendam alium Consulem sponsam ei tam factione quam dolosis viribus arripuisse unde in senectuâ—e sua mente turbatus angaria obnubilatus in tenebras moeroris incidit nec usque ad mortem se letum vel ylarem sensit Cum igitur post dies dolori dedicatos in infirmitatem mortis praenuntiam incidisset rogatus est ab Archiepiscopo Sacerdotibus cum ei Confessionis purgatorium impenderent officium ut terras quas vi vel arte multis abstulerat poenitens redderet erratum lacrimis lavaret Quibus respondens aâ—t Si terras quas aggregavi multifariam divisero quid miser filiis meis relinquam Cui contra Ministri Domini Sufficient filiis tuis haereditates pristinae quas juste terras adquisisti caetera redde alioquin animam devovisti Gehennae Respondit autem consul Filiis omnia tradam ipsi pro salute defuncti miserecorditer agant Eo autem defnncto filii ejus magis injustè congregata injustè studuerunt augere quam aliquid pro salute paterna distribuâ—re Liquet igitur summam viri sapientiam in fine quasi laus canitur non solum in summam stulâ—â—tiam sed in coecam devenisse insaniam This great man wedded Ysabell daughter to Hugh Earl of Uermandoys by whom he had issue Robert that succeeded him in the Earldome of Leicester and Walleran Earl of Mellent both twins with another son called Hugh sirnamed Pauper Earl of Bedford and divers daughters one whereof viz. Elizabeth was a Concubine to King H. 1. And departing this life on the Nones of Iune anno 1118. 18 H. 1. lyeth buried in the Monastery of Preaux before mentioned All that now rests in relation to this place is to enquire what became thereof after the generall dissolution in King Hen. 8. time wherein I find that it was inter alia past out of the Crown 17. Iunii 34 H. 8. to Ric. Andrews gentleman and Leonard Chamberlain Esquier and to the heirs of Aâ—drews As for the three virgates in case Werlavescote and this be all one it appears that Geffrey de Clinton had them of the Earl of Warwick's grant and that he bestowed them on the Monks of Stoneley immediatly after the Foundation of that Monastery which was in King Stephens time Ratley FOllowing the ascent of Edg-Hill Westward I come next to Ratley which by the Conquerors Survey is certified to contain five hides
be there buried and of that his Testament constituting Rauf Boteler Lord Sudley then Treasurer of England his Overseer departed this life the same year as appears by the Probate thereof leaving Alianore his wife surviving Thomas his son heir and Iohn a younger son from whom the Throkmortons of Gloucestershire are descended Which Thomas his said mother in 26 H. 6. gave lands of six marks per annum value to the Monks of Evesham for the maintenance of a Priest to sing divine service perpetually at the Altar of our Lady in their Conventuall Church at Evesham for the good estate of King Henry the 6. Q. Margaret his royall consort and of them the said Alianore and Thomas during this life and for the health of their souls after their departure hence as also for the souls of the said King's father and grandfather late Kings of England of Katherine late Queen of England and for the soul of Iohn Throkmorton before specified Thomas his father and Anne his mother with their Ancestors and all the faithfull deceased Which King also in consideration of the good service performed by the said Iohn Throkmorton deceased to himself and to Henry the fourth and fift his father and grandfather late Kings of England in the Office of Chamberlain of the Exchequer gave further license to them the said Thomas and Alianore that they or either of them or the heirs of the longer liver of them might found a Châ—ntry of one Priest to sing divine service every day during the woâ—ld at the Altar of the B. Virgin in the Parish-Church of Fladbury before specified for the good estate of him the said King and of all those above mentioned and to endow the same with lands to the value of x li. per annum Till the time of the said Thomas Throkmorton it seemes that this family was not wholy possest of Coughton but then did Iohn Tracy son and heir of Alice the other daughter and coheir of Sir Guy Spine by his Deed bearing date 29. Maii 27 H. 6. grant unto him the said Thomas and his heirs that moitye thereof by inheritance belonging to him Of which Thomas all that I have seen further memorable is that in 5 E. 4. he underwent the Office of Shiriff for this County and Leicestershire and that he departed this life in 12 E. 4. leaving Robert his son and heir xxi years of age whom I find a Justice of Peace in this County from 2 R. 3. till towards his death as by the renewing of those Comissions at severall times appeareth In 2 H. 7. this Robert made the Park here at Coughton inclosing therewith a certain Common ground called Wike-wood whereunto he afterwards added Samburn-heath and Spiney's-Leys lying within the said Lordship of Samburne and the same year was a Commander in the Kings Army at the battail of Stoke In 5 6 15 17 21 and 23 H. 7. he was in Commission for the Gaol delivery at Warwick In 6 H. 7. for arraying of men against the preparation made by Charles the eight King of France then threatning England with an Invasion In 10 H. 7. he received summons with divers other persons of quality to appear before the King in person upon the Feast day of All Saints the same year to receive the Order of Knighthood upon advancement of Henry the Kings second son to the Dukedome of Yorke and creating him Knight of the Bath in honour whereof these were to be made Knights of that Order yet do not I find by any Comission that he had the title of Knight attributed to him till 17 H. 7. That he was a man of singular piety the sundry bequests contained in his Testament do sufficiently manifest and of no lesse devotion as may seem by his Pilgrimage to the Holy Land which in 10 H. 8. having setled his estate he undertook but dyed beyond Sea in that journey By which Testament bearing date on the Feast day of S. Philip and Iacob anno 1518. 10 H. 8. he bequeathed his body to be buried in the Parish Church here at Coughton under the Tombe in the midst of the Church in case he should dye within this Realm appointing that not above vi li. xiii s. iv d. should be spent at his said buriall and Months mind and that to be given to Priests celebrating thereat nor any entertainment in meat and drink for other than such Priests and Clerks with poor people that lived by Almes And further directed that forthwith after his buriall there should be said for his soul in the Monasteries of Studley and Evesham xxx Masses of Iesu every Priest saying such Masse to have iv d. for his labour And moreover wiâ—led that the East window of the Chancell at Coughton should be glased at the charge of his Executors with the story of the Dome as alâ—o that xx s. should be given to the glasing of the East window of the North I le there with the representation of the seven Sacraments and as much for the East window of the South I le that to be of the seven works of Mercy He also willed that the Image of our Lady should be set on the North side at the end of the Altar in the said South Ile and the Image of the Angell Gabrael on the same side of the I le at the pillar between the I le and the Chancell with a Roll in his hand of greeting looking towards our Lady And at the South end of the said Altar the Image of S. Raphael painted and gilded And that in the North I le at the North end of the Altar the Image of the Trinity to be placed and at the South end the Image of S. Michael all which Images to be richly painted and gilded And besides this he further willed that certain lands to the then value of xvi li. per annum purchased by him of sundry persons there named should be put into the hands of Feoffees to the use of a Priest to sing perpetually in the North I le of Coughton Church for his soul and the souls of his Ancestors and that thenceforth the said Ile should be called the Trinity Chapell and the Priest the Trinity Priest which Priest also to teach a Grammar School freely for all his Tenants Children and to have yearly thereof viii li. and his Chamber but the residue of the said xvi li. to be payd monthly to five poor men dwelling in the Almeshouse here in Coughton viz. every one vii d. a week and his Houâ—-room for ever the residue viz. viii s. viii d. to go to the reparation of the Almeshouse And that the said Priest should every Sunday say a Masse of the Trinity Wednsday Masse of Requiem and Friday Masse of Iesu in case he were disposed and once in the week Dirige for his soul and all Christen souls except the dayes before rehearsed fell upon
had routed he lost the day and was made their Prisoner But having elsewhere toucht the particulars of this Story I will now go on with what concernes this Peter de Montfort and that it may appear how he was one of the most considerable persons in that Rebellious pack shall give severall instances from the speciall trust and imployment he then had in the sway of the Realm Shortly after this Victory at Lewes so obtain'd they agreed amongst themselves that ix Persons shouâ—d be nominated to exercise Regall power whereof three at least to be constantly resident in Court for disposing of the custody of all Castles and other affaires with the nomination of the Chancelour Justices Treasurer and all other Officers great and small tending to the government of the Kingdom of which number this Peter was one which persons so appointed made use of the great Seal transacting all things touching the state of the Realm in the King's name and amongst other their doings constituted Commissioners to the King of France and the Popes Legate to reforme as they term'd it and settle the Kingdom whose names I shall here recite viz. Henry de Sandwich Bishop of Londonâ— Walter de Cantilupe Bishop of Worcester Iohn of Oxford Bishop of Winchester Hugh Despenser Justice of England Peter de Montfort before specified and Richard de Mepham Archdeacon of Oxford In which Commission bearing date at Canterbury the Saturday after the Feast of the Nativity of our Lady scil 8. Sept. there was a more especiall power given to our Peter than any of the rest that is to say that whatsoever he should swear to do the King must be bound 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 for these are the words thereof And after this by another Commission bearing date at Dover 24. of the same month of September was the said Peter singly sent to the before specified Legate to treat with him privately about those things with desire that he might make as quick a return as might be the intent of all this application to the Legate being no other than to daub up their disloyall dealings towards the King with fair and specious pretences to the Pope least he should thunder out his Curses against them But besides these eminent imploymenâ—â— I find that by the same authority of the King 's great Seal he had the custody of Whytenton Castle in Shropshire committed to his charge by a Patent dated at Woodstoke 19. Decembris and the next day following of Hereford Castle to which about the midst of May they removed the King and on the twentieth of that month made out a Precept to Walter de Evereus then Shiriff of Herefordshire for delivering the issues of that Countie to this our Peter for the better strengthning of that Castle And that nothâ—ng for conveniency to him in these his high transactions should be wanting he had by the same authoâ—â—ty a grant of Prince Edward's lodgings at Westminster But loe the instability of earthly greaâ—nessâ— eâ—pecâ—aâ—ly such as is raised by dâ—slâ—yalâ— subâ—ects upon the designed ruine of their rightfull Soveraign for it was not many days after that the 〈◊〉 making his eâ—cape from this Castle of Hereford like a suddain flash of lightning broke through a cloud raised such a powerfull Army that on the day before the Nones of August following he came upon the whole strength of those Rebellious Barons at Evesham in Worcestershire like terrible thunder where obtaining a compleat Victorie this our famous Peter de Montfort with divers more of the principall persons in that Tragedie was slain Whereupon the then Shiriff of this County sc. William Bagot had command to extend this Lordship and the rest of his lands in these parts but propter resistentiam inimicorum as the Record expresseth being not able to do it the K. directed a Commission to the Abbot of Bordesley and Prior of Studley to take notice of the particular number of acres of Land Meadow Wood and Pasture and the value of each as also of those that held in villenage with the Rents and services of the Freeholders and to certifie the same into his Exchequer This Peter wedded Alice the daughter of Henry de Aldithley and left issue Petâ—r William and Robert which William had the Mannour of Uppingham in Ruâ—l of his Fathers gift and Robert other lands in that Countie who notwithstanding his activenesse on the Barons part with his Father was afterwards received into grace with the King Having now done with his Story I can do no lesse than observe that in him was this Family in the Meridian of its glory which thenceforth daily faded for being the fourth in descent from Thurstane who was first inrich't with such fair possessions by his kinsman the Earl of Warwick's gift and honoured with many imployments of speciall trust through the great favour of his soveraign being puft up with blind ambition which prompted him to a confederacy with the Rebellious Barons of that age he became partaker of that deserved destruction which befell them After which the lustre of his descendants though no whit abridg'd of their antient Patrimony in regard af that indulgent Decree called Dictum de Kenilworth which admitted them to grace upon favourable termes began daily to diminish till in the like fourth descent his male line was in a manner extinct much of the antient inheritance with this Castle their principall seat then divolving to other Families by daughters and heirs and the memorie of his name preserved only in an illegitimate ofspring as by the Pedegree is cleerly shewed I now come to Peter his eldest son This man siding with his said Father in those Rebellious actions before specified was with him taken prisoner at Northampton in 48 H. 3. being as it seems the Commander in Chief of the Forces there met for no lesse doth an Historian of that time testifie Horum erat praecipuus Petrus de Monteforti junior saith he qui ad castrum confugerat sed in crastino reddidit se Neverthelesse being enlarged as I have already shewed the next mention I find of him is that he was again taken in the battail of Evesham wherein his Father lost his life and thereupon comitted to Thomas de Clare unto whom his forfeited lands were granted whereof he the said Thomas received the benefit according to the Dictum de Kenilworth before mentioned but shortly after notwithstanding these his demerits was not only admitted to grace and favour with the King who by a speciall Patent dated 28. Ian. 51. of his reign released unto him omnem indignationem animi rancorem ratione turbationis c. for those are the words but besides his
at Dublin for his support in his service But I must not here stand to trace down the descent of that Family in Ireland it being besides my business and therefore shall pass it by with this onely note that in 12 E. 2. when Edward de Brus raised a rebellion in those parts and caused himself to be crowned King of Ireland through the singular valour and prudent conduct of Iohn de Bermingham then Commander in chief for the King against those Rebells the said Edw. de Brus with a multitude of his party were slain and the rest routed for which signall service he the said Iohn was created Earl of Loveth whose posteritie do continue there in great honour till this day bearing the antient Armes of this Family before exprest with a Castle in the sinister part of the Shield for a distinction Willielmus Petrus de Bermingham 12 H. 2. Will. de Bermingham Will. de Bermingham occcisus in praelio de Evesham 49 H. 3. Isabella filia Thomae de Estelegh Will. de Bermingham 11 E. 1. Isabella 32 E. 1. Will. de Bermingham 2 E 2. Matilda relicta 1 E 3. Will. de Bermingham miles 5 E. 3. Will. fil Will. Coleson de Walshall 2 maritus Fulco de Bermingham miles 16 E. 3. Eliz 50 E. 3. Iohanna 5 E. 3. Baldw. de Berming 13 R. 2. s. p. Will. de Bermingh miles 40 E. 3. ob s. p. Cath. filia einiscia cohaer Will. de la Planch 30 E. 3. Ioh. de Berming miles 6. R. 2. ob s. p. Eliz. altera fil cohaer Will. de la Planch ob 2 H. 6. Ioh. de Clinton miles 3. maritus Thom. de Berm mil. 2 R. 2. Isabella fil Ioh. fil Ric. de Whitacre Eliz. filia haeres Thomas de la Roche Elena ux Edm. Ferrers domini de Chartley 2 H. 6. Eliz. ux Georgii Longvile ar Ioh. de Bermingham 5 E. 3. Will. de Bermingham Will. de Berm mil. 27. H. 6. duxit Isab. fil haer W. Hilton Will. de Bermingham ob 7 Iunii 15 H. 7. Nich. Bermingham Edw. Bermingham aet 3. an 15 H. 7. Eliz. posteà nupta Will. Ludford de Ansley gen deinde Will. Askeric gen 2. 3. Ph. M. Anna filia haeres ux or Ric. Atkinson Will. Bermingham 14 H. 7. Henr. Bermingham Will. Bermingham obiit 10 Aug. 1 Eliz. Ioh. de Berm mil. 38. H. 6. Eliz. filia haer ux Baldw. fil Ric Bracebrig 19 E. 4. Thomas de Bermingh Arm. pro corp Regis 24 H. 6. Henr. de Bermingmiles 3 E. 3. ob s. p. D. Petrus de Bermingham defunctus 2 E. 2. Ela filia una haer Will. de Odingsells â— E. 2. Ioh. de Bermingham Com. de Lovâ—th in Hibernia 12 E. 2. Petrus de Bermingham 18 H. 3. I now come to Will. de Bermingham son and successor to the last mentioned William In 25 H. 3. he had a suit for certain lands lying in this place with Iohn the son of Robert de Hathewy for determination whereof certain Justices of Assize were then constituted In 34 H. 3. he was by a speciall Pat. exempted from serving on Juries and the next year following had a Charter for a Faire to be annually held here by the space of four days beginning on the Eve of the Ascension commonly called Holy Thursday as also Free warren in his Mannour of Hoggeston in Com. Buck. Not long after this I find that there grew some dispute betwixt Rog. de Someri Baron of Dudley of whose Fee Bermingham was held and this Will. de Bermingham touching the services due by him to the said Roger for this Mannour with the members thereto belonging for which he required that the same Will should perform the service of eight Knights Fees a half and fourth part and also do suit to the Court at Dudley for the Knights fees belonging thereto once every three weeks whereupon they came to an Agreement in 46 H. 3. viz. that the same Will should do service for so many Knights fees as aforesaid and appear at the Court at Dudley onely twice every year scil at that held next after Michaelmass and that likewise after Easter And moreover that whensoever the King 's Writ of Right should be executed there id est that when of necessitie all the Kts. and Peers of the same Court holding by service military were to be called thither to give Judgement in cases of difficultie as also for triall of a Theif upon reasonable Summons he should not neglect to make his appearance Upon which Agreement the before specified Roger de Someri released to him his suit of Court from three weeks to three weeks But the next thing memorable that I find of this Will. de Bermingham is that he sided with his Father in Law Thomas de Astley and the other Barons in that grand Rebellion against King H. 3. and that being slain in the battail of Evesham in 49 H. 3. and his lands extended this his Mannour of Bermingham was rated at xl l. and the inheritance of it given by the K. with divers Lordships more forfeited by others unto Roger de Clifford for his faithfull service Howbeit by vertue of the Dictum de Kenilworth whereof I have there spoke the greatest part of all mens lands so confiscate being liable to Composition this with the rest upon satisfaction made according to the tenor of that Decree was repossest by Will. de Bermingham son and heir to the Rebell who in 11 E. 1. obtained a Charter of Freewarren throughout all his demesn lands here as also within his Mannour of Stokton in Worcestershire Shetteford in Com. Oxon. Maidencote in Berkshire Hoggeston in Com. Buck. and Cristelton in Cheshire which last viz. Cristleton was given by Thomas de Estley with Isabell his daughter in frank Marriage to Will. de Bermingham Father to the present William In 13 E. 1. this Will upon a Quo Warranto brought against him and all others who excercised or claimed any Liberties or Priviledges within their Lordships exhibited K. Henry the 2. Charter for the Thursday Mercate Toll Tem Sak Sok and Infangenthef And for the Faire and Freewarren K. H. 3. Charter pleading Prescription for Weyfâ— Gallows Court Leet with Assize of Bread and Beer all which were allowed The next year following he had Letters of protection upon the King 's purposed transfretation whom he was to attend therein Whether at that time he went bâ—yâ—nd Sea considering it doth not appear by our Historians that the King himself was out of England I am uncertain but in 25 of the same King's reign it is manifest that he was in Gascoin in his service under the conduct of the Earl of Lincolne and Iohn de S. Iohn of Basing a great Baron where intending to relieve Bellagard then besieged by the Count of Arras the said Earl and Baron divided their forces the Lord S. Iohn leading the Van
Esquier And to manifest that he was a person eminently qualified in 18 E. 2. he served in the Parliament then held at London as one of the Knights for this Shire having ii s. vi d. allowed him per diem for his expences during that imployment But in 1 E. 3. upon a strong suspition of Heresie suggested against him to the King a Commission to Will. de Clinton bearing date 3 Maii was forthwith issued out not only to arrest and take him but to seize on all his lands goods and Chattels of which being advertised he submitted himself to prison and brought in sureties to stand to a lawfull triall therein viz. Raph. de Crophull of Notinghamshire Walt. de Heselarton of Yorkshire Edm. de Shireford David de Caunton Rog. le Pledour and Iohn de Alspath of this County whereupon he was set at liberty and his lands and goods restored to him as by the King 's special Precept bearing date at Notingham 3 Sept. appeareth After which viz. in 5 E. 3. the said Lord Basset received his full accompt for all the time he had served and reâ—eined to him and gave him a generall Acquittance To whom succeeded Iohn who for the lands in Blaggreve which sometime belong'd to Rob. de Blaggreve his grandmothers Father obtained a Release from Sir Baldwin Frevill Knight heir â—o Marmion as to the suit due to his three weeks Court at Stipershull and all other services for that land during his own life and the life of Maud his wife saving to the said Sir Baldwin his homage and a pair of gilt spurs at the Feast of S. Edith yearly This Iohn in 30 E. 3. payd to Sir Iohn de Arden Kt. and Henry his brother Executors to Raph de Arden their father the sum of vi s. viii d. for reasonable Aid due upon the marriage of Sibill his eldest daughter in respect of the lands in Moxhull which he held of him by military service and at the same time xxxiii s. iiii d. for a Relief due to the before specified Raph for those lands and bore for his Armes three Eglets displayed gules as by his Seal and an old Glasse window in Bentley Chapell appeareth which coat or part thereof at least was assumed by Henry his Father for I have seen a Seal of his with one Eglet displaied within the compasse of a roundle and not in a Shield a course very antiently used before they put their Badges into Shields as I have observed in the Families of Beke of Eresby and Darcy the first of which bore their Crosse sarcilè so and the other their Cinquefoile Which Iohn bearing a singular reverence to the Monks of Merevale desired that his body might be there buried as may appear by certain land and Rent that he assigned to some friends in trust for the finding of divers wax Lights to burn every Sunday and Holiday in the Chapell of our Lady adjoyning to the gate of that Abby for which respect he had a special grant from Robert de Atherston Abbot of that House and his Covent under their publick Seal bearing date the Wednsday after Lammas 33 E. 3. of a certain proportion of ground within the said Chapell of our Lady containing seven foot square where he and Maud his wife at the death of each should have sepulture And that upon all great Festivall days aswell as Sundays five waxen Lights should be burning there as also that he the said Iohn and Maud should have liberty to set up Images in the same Chapell in honour of the blessed Virgin Henricus de Insula Will. de Insula 21 H. 3. Margareta Nicholaus de Insula 36 H. 3. Amieâ—a 41 H. 3. Iuliana filia haer Rob. de Blaggreve 1 E. 1. Ankitellus de Insula 22 E. 1. Christiana ux 2 obiit 33 E. 1. Philippus de Insula Rector Eccl. de Wishaw 4 E. 2. Henr. de Insula 4 E. 2. Iohanna 9 E. 2. Philippus de Insula Rector Eccl. de Cavendish 9 E. 3. Henr. de Insula 9 E. 3. Ioh. de Insula 9 E. 3. Matilda relicta 47 E. 3. Idonea 1 R. 2. Ioh. de Insula 6 H. 4. Margeria 13 H. 4. Will. de L'ile ar 29 H. 6. Iuliana filia Rob. Midlemore de Eggebaston Henricus de L'isle ob 20 H. 7. Eliz. filia Will. Morgan Iohannes L'isle obiit 29 H. 8. Anna filia haeres Will. Lecroft de Colshull 12 H. 8. Nich. L'isle obiit 32 H. 8. Anna filia Thomae Swinerton de Hilton in Com. Staff Thomas L'isle ob 23 Aug. 8 Eliz. Anna filia Georgii Masterson una sororum cohaer Thomae Ioh. L'â—sle obiit 24 Ian. 36 Eliz. Dorothea filia Georgii Willoughby filii Hugonis Wiloughby mil. Franciscus L'isle obiit infra aet 38 Eliz. Ioh. L'isle ar Brigitta filia Ioh. Knotsford de Studley Ioh. L'isle Maria filia Mathei Cradock de Caverswall-castro in Com. Staff ar Regin L'isle de quo illi de Bremor in Com. Suthâ— To which Iohn succeeded Iohn his son who in H. 5. time was retained by the Earl of Warwick amongst other of his Esquires to serve him with one Lance and one Archer at the seige of Caleis for which he was to receive xxl per an besides his diet And to him William and to William Henry who gave the Rectorie of Wilmecote with all the Tithes thereto belonging to Thomas Clapton Master of the Gild at Stratford super Avon to the intent that the Priest singing the first Masse every day in the said Gild should say De profundis before the holy Lavatorie for the good estate of him the said Henry and Elizabeth his wife and for their souls after their departure hence as also for the soules of his ancestors and successors Which Henry was Shiriff of this County and Leicestershire in the second and nineteenth years of K. H. 7. reign and by his Testament dated 13 Sept. 20 H. 7. bequeathing his body to be buried within his own proper Chapell in the Church of S. Chad at Wishaw before the Image of Henry the sixth sometime King of England departed this life about that time for the Probate of his Will beareth date the next month following Unto which Henry succeeded Iohn his son and heir who taking to wife Anne the daughter and heir of Will. Lecrofte had with der divers Houses and a great proportion of land lying in Colshill and other places Of this Iohn I find that upon the birth of Elizabeth second daughter to King H. 8. afterwards Qu. of England he received a special Letter from Qu. Anne dated at Greenwich 7 Sept. 25 H. 8. advertising him of the good speed she had in her deliverance and desiring his congratulation unto God for it as also his Prayers for the good health prosperity and continuall preservation of the said young Princesse To whom succeed Nicholas and to him Thomas who wedded
made in 2 E. 1. betwixt the daughters and heirs of Cantilupe came to Eudo la Zouche with Milisent his wife This Thomas de Clinton was a man of fair possessions for it appears that he held five Kts. fees of the Earl of Warwick In 32 H. 3. I find that he had a great suit with Hugh de Culi touching Common of pasture here in Colshill which the said Hugh claymed as belonging to his lands in Merston-Culi adjacent and that in the same year he was one of the Justices for the Gaol-deliverie at Warwick as also in 35 H. 3. constituted the King's Eschaetor in this Countie in those days an Office of great note for performance whereof he made Oath in the presence of Henry de Wengham afterwards Chancellour of England and the Shiriff of the Shire and had a speciall precept to the same Shiriff to exempt him from serving on Juries by reason of that imployment which held till 37 H. 3. In 38 H. 3. he obtained a Charter of Free-warren in all his demesn-lands here In 45. and 49 H. 3. he was again in Commission for the Gaol-deliverie at Warwick and bore for his Armes onely a Chief which I conceive was Azure the feild being Argent in regard that his posteritie retained the same ordinarie with those colours and wedded Mazera the daughter and heir of Iames de Bisegg Lord of Badsley in this Countie by whom he had issue divers children as the Descent sheweth whereof unto Iohn whom I take to be his second son he gave the inheritance of this Mannour with all his right in the advouson of the Church reserving to himself an C l. sterling during his own life in consideration thereof and the performance of such service to his heirs as to the Chief Lord of the Fee was due and accustomed as also after his own decease 1 d. yearly to be payd at Christmass to his heirs for all services except forrain entailing it upon his other son Osbert and his heirs in case the same Iohn should die without issue which grant was made in 44 H. 3. as appears by the Fine then levied for confirmation thereof This Iohn adhering to the Barons against K. Henr. 3. was one of those that held out Kenilworth-Castle touching the siege whereof I have elsewhere spoke for which offence this Mannour being inter alia seized on was bestowed upon Roger de Clifford but thereof was he not long out of possession through that favourable Decree called Dictum de Kenilworth after which he grew in such esteem for his fidelitie that from 6 E. 1. till 20 of the same King's reign he was sundry times in Commission for the Gaol-deliverie at Warwick and in 25 E. 1. intrusted together with Andrew de Astley a great person in these parts to choose and retain all such Knights and Esquires within this Countie as they should think fit for the service to attend Prince Edward then the King's Lieutenant in England with Horse and Armes at London on the Octaves of S. Mich. to be imployed as he the said Prince and the King's Councell should direct In 13 E. 1. he claimed by Prescription within this his Lordship of Colshill Assize of Bread and Beer Gallows Pillorie Tumbrell a Court-Leet Infangthef â— and Utfangthef Mercate Faire and Free-warren but it being demanded of him how he could justifie the said claim he replied that thereto he was not bound to make answer without the King 's speciall Writ to enquire of his Ancestors being seized thereof whereupon there was no more at that time said and bore for his Armes Argent upon a chief Azure two flower de Lices Or as by his Seal and Monument in an arch of the Wall of Colshill-Church where he lieth in male cross-leg'd is yet to be seen which kind of Buriall was onely used by those that had taken upon them the Cross to serve in the Holy-land as Mr. Cambden observes To him succeeded Iohn de Clinton his son and heir who being afterwards a Kt. and in 28 E. 1. constituted one of the Conservators of the Peace in this Countie the next year following had summons amongst dâ—veâ—â— great men to be at Barwick upon Twede on the Feast of the Nativitie of St. Iohn Bapt. well furnisht with Horse and Armes to attend the King in his Scotch expedition So also in 34 E. 1. to be at Carleol in the quinzime of the Nativitie of St. Iohn Bapt. with the King's Army to march against Robert Brus then in Armes in Scotland and in 16 E. 2. had the custodie of the passage from England towards Scotland from Whitoff haven unto Creshopheved This Sir Iohn bore for his Armes Or three piles Azure and a Canton Ermine as by his Seal and other authorities appeareth and wedded Alice the daughter of Sir Rob. de Grendon Kt. by whom he had issue Iohn his son and heir who in 5 E. 3. was a Kt. and bore for his Armes Argent upon a Chief Azure two flowre de Lices Or as his grandfather did and departing this life in 27 E. 3. left issue by ..... daughter of Sir Roger Hillarie Kt. Ioane his daughter and heir within age who first became the wife of Sir Iohn Mountfort Kt. by which means this Lordship of Colshill divolved to that Family secondly of Sir Iohn Sutton Kt. Lord of Dudley and thirdly of Sir Henry Griffith of Wichnoure Kt. Which Sir Iohn de Montfort was the illegitimate son of Peter de Montfort of Beldesert in this Countie but by reason of his said marriage made his residence here and in 35 E. 3. served in the Parliament at Westminster as one of the Kts. for this Shire In 38 E. 3. he was one of the principall Commanders of those few English forces which having besieged the Castle of Doverey in France encountred Charles de Bloys with neer thrice that number which he routed slew the said Charles with neer a thousand others took Prisoners two Earls 27 Lords besides xv men at Armes and left issue Sir Baldwin de Montfort Kt. But Ioane his widow held this Lordship during her life and in 45 E. 3. being then Sir Henry Griffith's wife entailed it upon his issue by her and for lack of such issue upon Iohn the son of Sir Iohn de Sutton and the heirs of his bodie and for lack of such issue upon Baldwin the son of Sir Iohn de Montfort her first husband with divers other remainders Whence I observe that her husband Griffith though he was the last became the first in her respects and Montfort the first set in the last place But all that I have seen worth observance of this Sir Baldwin is that he was one of the Commissioners of Array in this Countie in 8 R. 2. as also that he attended
Friery where residing he died in an 1625. The Gild. OF this Gild forasmuch as it consisted of the Inhabitants of the whole Parish I have spoke in Manceter The Free-School THis was founded in 15 Eliz. by Sir William Devereux Kt. who then residing at Merevale obtained License to purchase lands and to give them thereunto the substance whereof are situate in Dosthill near Kingsburie And farther of this Town I have not to say than that it gave birth to one of our late famous Poets scil Michaell Draiton who being one of the Esquires that attended Sir Walter Aston of Tixhall in Com. Staff Kt. when he was made Kt. of the Bath at the Coronation of K. Iames lieth buried in the South Cross Isle of Westminster-Abby with this Epitaph on his Monument Doe pious Marble let thy Readers know What they and what their Children owe To Draiton's name whose sacred dust We recomend unto thy trust Protect his memorie and preserve his storie Remain a lasting Monument of his glorie And when thy ruins shall disclaim To be the Tresurer of his name His name that never sades shall be An everlasting Monument to thee Feldon-Bridge AT the further side of Atherston field stands this Bridge over Anker which being ruinous in 6 E. 3. License was granted to Edmund de Shireford to take Toll of all vendible commodities passing over it by the space of three years towards the charge in repairing thereof Merevale WEstwards from Atherston scarce a mile stands Miravale of which there is no particular mention in the Conquerour's Survey in regard it was involved with Grendon lying on the other side the River whereto it then belonged as an Out-wood and therewith became possest by Henry de Feriers a great man in these parts as I shall shew anon whose grandson Robert Earl Feriers having a reverend esteem of the Cistertian Monks which in his time began to multiply in England made choice of this mountainous and woody Desert as fittest for solitude and devotion to found therein a Monasterie of that Order which was begun accordingly in the xiiith year of K. Stephen's reign and being propagated with Monks from Bordesley-Abby in Worcestershire had by reason of such its situation the name of Miravalle attributed thereto the lands wherewith he endowed it being these viz. all his Forest of Arden id est his Out-wood in that part of the Woodland which then bore the name of Arden and also what he had in Whitington together with the Mannour of Overton now called Orton on the Hill in Com. Leic. as also Herdwike in the Peake of Derbyshire unto Cranokesdune with Câ—mmon of pasture in Hertendon and Pillesburie for Sheep and other Cattell as the words of his Charter do import But besides this it had severall other Benefactors of which the principall were these scil Gerard de Limesi Walt. de Camvile Raphe de Baskervile and Pain de Baskervile as K. H. 2. Charter whereby he ratified their grants manifesteth So that about 30 H. 2. there were the Granges of More now More-Barne Broile Seile Litle Petling the Church of Overton on the Hill with the Chapells of Grendon Twicrosse Gopfhull and Baxterley some in this Countie and some in Leicestershire belonging thereto as the Bull of Pope Lucius the third whereby he confirmed them doth manifest Divers lands had these Monks afterwards bestowed on them also through the bountie of sundry other persons viz. in Litle Sheyle by Henry de Appelby and others In Overton subt Ardern by Iohn de Overton and Rob. Stapleton In Brantingthorp by Rob. de Brantingthorp and others In Shepye by Nich. de Temple and others In Hertyndon as parcell of the Mannour of Pillesburie they obtained Cxx. acres of land more from Thomas Earl of Lancaster in lieu of xx s. yearly Rent which they usually did receive at his Exchequer of Tutbury In 2 E. 3. they had a grant of two Messuages three Shops and xii s. Rent in Leicester by Petronill Oliver of Leicester to finde a Priest for celebration of Divine service in the Conventuall Church of Miravale for the soul of her the said Petronill her ancestors and all the faithfull deceased In 11 E. 3. they had more lands bestowed on them lying in Overton Peatling and Brantingthorpe before specified by sundry persons In 18 E. 3. they purchased xvii Messuages and divers lands in Atherston Bentley and Baxterley with the moytie of the Mannour of Baxterley In 31 E. 3. they had a Messuage and a yard land in Bentley bestowed on them by Iohn de L'isle then Lord of that Mannour to find xv Tapers in the Chapell of our Ladie near the Gate of the Abby In 10 R. 2. they purchased six other Messuages in Atherston and certain Rents in Whitington and Baxterley In 16 R. 2. four Messuagâ—s and certain lands in Tamworth â— and Wilmecote as also two Messuages more in Atherston And in 28 H. 6. they obtained the Church of Manceter with an appropriation thereof The value of all which lands and all other their possessions amounting unto CCLiiii l. i s. viii d. as appears by the Survey of 26 H. 8. preserved it from him when the lesser Houses went to wrack in 27 H. 8. But in 30 H. 8. it was overwhelm'd in the generall deluge being surrendred to the King's use by the then Abbot and Covent as their publick Instrument under the Conventuall Seal dated 13 Oct. the same year whereunto their names are particularly subscribed doth manifest whose Pensions during life as they were by Patent granted to them I have here also added Willielmus Arnold Abbas xl l. Ioh. Ownsbe Sub-Prior v l. vi s. viii d. Edm. Bromley alias Crockell v l. vi s. viii d. Will. Tunman v l. vi s. viii d. Rob. Fenne v l. Thomas Benson v l. Will. Robynson Sacrista v l. vi s. viii d. Ioh. Dunne v l. vi s. viii d. Will. Bron v l. Ioh. Spey Liii s. iiii d. After which viz. 2 Dec. 32 H. 8. was the site hereof with the lands and woods adjacent together with New-House-Grange and Pinwell-Grange in Com. Leic. As also Owsthirn-Grange in this Countie granted to Sir Walt. Devereux Kt. Lord Ferrers of Chartley and to the heirs male of his body so that there being a reversion in the Crown for defect of issue male in 4 E. 6. he obtained another Patent being then arrived to the dignitie of Vicount Hereford for the same site and the other lands to himself and his heirs generall Which Walter disposed thereof to Sir Will. Devereux Kt. his younger son as it seems for he it was that patcht up some part of the ruins here and resided thereon as I have heard And by his Testament bequeathing it to Ioan his wife for life gave the remainder to Walter Vicount Hereford his nephew and his heirs Which Walter afterwards created Earl of Essex left issue Robert
Earl of Essex attainted in 43 Eliz. Whose son and heir Robert being restored now scil an 1640. possesseth the site thereof and much of the lands Of the Abbots I have not found the names of any more than these three Ioh. Buggeley 12 H. 6. Thomas Arnold 23 H. 8. Will. Arnold 26 H. 8. 30. H. 8. THough I have now done with this Monasterie and should according to my method proceed to Wedington which is next in order to be spoke of yet in respect that the Family of the before specified Robert Earl Ferrers have had for many ages such large possessions in this Countie and that the principall male branch now remayning of it with another fair stemme do flourish here to this day as in Tamworth and Badsley-Clinton is manifested I shall here digress a little in speaking historically thereof The first of them that setled in this Realm was Henry de Feriers son to Gualcheline de Feriers a Norman which Henry having a great proportion of land by the Conqueror's gift lying in the Counties of Berks. Wiltes Northampt. Hereford this of Warwick Leicester Glouc. Nottingham Derby Essex and Stafford seated himself at Tutburie Castle in Staffordshire near unto which he founded a goodly Monastery for Cluniac Monks endowing it with large possessions But there is little else at this distance that I have seen memorable of him saving that he was amongst other of the great Nobilitie one of the witnesses to King William the Conqueror's Charter made to the Monks of St. Edmundsburie in an 1181. 14. of his reign whereby he confirmed the lands and possessions which they had by the grant of former Kings and that he gave to the Monks of Abingdon the Tithes of Laking To which Henry succeeded Robert for it seems that Eugenulfus and William died without issue which Robert was a witness unto the Charter of King Stephen's Laws made in the first year of his reign and having brought in and commanded the Derbyshire men in that famous Battail near North-Alverton in 3. Stephani where the King had a glorious Victorie against David King of Gualchelinus de Ferrariis Normannus Henricus de Ferrariis intravit Angliam cum Will. Conquestore Bertha Eugenulphus Willlelmus Robertus de Ferrariis erectus in Comitem Derbiae 3 Steph. Robertus Comes junior de Fâ—rrariis de Nottingham Fundator Abb. de Miravale â—3 Steph. Will. Comes de Ferrariis Derb 12 H. 2. Margareta filia haeres Will. Peverell de Nottingham Rob. Comes de Ferrariis 19 H. 2. Sibilla filia Will. de Braosa Will. Co. de Ferrariis obiit in obsid. civitatis Acon 2 R. 1. Sibilla Will. Comes de Ferrariis obiit 31 H. 3. Agnes una filiarum cohaer Ranulphi Comitis Cestriae Will. Comes de Ferrariis obiit 38 H. 3. Margareta una filiarum cohaer Rogeri de Quâ—ncâ— Câ—m Wintoniae Will. de Ferraris de Groby 25 E. 1. Henr. de Ferrers obiit 15 Sept. 17 E. 3. Isab. una fil haer Theob de Verdon Margar. una fil haer Rob. de Ufford Comitis Suff. ux 1. Will. de Ferrers obiit 45 E. 3. Margaâ—eâ—a filia Henrici de Peâ—â—i relicta Rob de Unâ—ranvill fiâ—ii Gilb. Com. Aâ—gusiae Will. de Ferrers miles obiit 11 R 2. Johanna filâ—a .... dom ni Poinings Will. Ferrers de Grobi miles obiit 23 H. 6. Henricus Ferrers obiit vivo patre Eliz. consanguinea haeres Will. Ferrers de Grobi mil. ux Edwardi Grey mil. Tho. Ferrers arm quo Ferrers de Tamworth Maria filia Hug. le Brune Comitis Angolesmi ux 1. Robertus de Fâ—râ—ariis ultimuâ— Comes Dâ—rb Alianora Johannes de Ferrariis de Chartley miles 27 E. 1. Hawisia filia haer Rob. de Muscegrosâ— Robertus de Ferrariis miles 16 E. 3. Joh. de Ferrariis miles 30 E. 3. Eliz. relicta Fulconis filii Ioh. â—e Strange Rob. Ferrers miles 12 R. 2. Edmundus Ferrers de Chartley miles 5 H. 6. vide de posteris in Castle-Bromwich Rob. de Ferrers duxit Eliz. filiam haer Will. le Boteler de Wemme Oversley Will. Comes de Ferrariis obiit 38 H. 3 Sibilla una fil haer Will. Marescalli Comitis Pembr ux prima Agnes ux Will. D. Vesci Isabella 1. nupta Gilb. Basâ—eâ— postea Reg. de Mohun Matilda 1 ux Wâ—ll de Kime 2. Will. de Vinonia 3. Emercio de Rupe Canardi Sibilla ux Franc. de Bohun de Midherst Iohanna 1. ux ... Aguilon postea Ioh. de Mohun Agatha ux Hug. de Mortuomaâ—i de Châ—lmarsh Alianora 1. nupta Will. de Vallibus 2 Rog. de Quâ—â—ci Coâ—iti Winton 3. Rog. de Leiburne .... ux Walchelini Maminot Matilda ux Bertrami de Verdon Walchelinus dâ— Ferraiis Hugo de Fâ—rrariis duxit ... fil haer Hugonis de Say obiit s. prole Will. de Ferrariis Ysabella ux ..... de Mortuomari heres Fratri 6 Joh. Scots was for that good service advanced to the Earldome of Derby but died the year following sc. an 1239. leaving issue Robert his son and heir who stiled himself Robertus Comes junior de Ferrariis and likewise Comes junior de Nottingham Which Robert gave the Church of Bredon in Com. Leic. with the Tithes of his Tenants in Tonge Andreskicke and Wivelestone as also the Chapells of Worthington and Stanton and the Tithes of Newbold and Dichesworth of his Fee to the Canons of Nostel in Yorkshire which Church of Bredon became thenceforth a Cell to that House of Nostell And having been also the pious Founder of the before specified Abby of Merevale in 13 Steph. lyeth there buried wrapt in an Oxe hide To whom succeeded William as appears by that Certificate made in 12 H. 2. of the Knight's Fees he then held which amounted to Lxxix And to him another Robert of whom the first mention I find is in 19 H. 2. at which time hearing how the King's territories in France were invaded by the adherents of young Henry who through the assistance of the King of France then brake out into high Rebellion against his Father and of some ill successes which his said Father's forces had in those parts joyning with the Earls of Chester Leicester Norfolk and other great men here in England in the like hostile Actions manned the Castles of Tutburie and Duffeild against his sovereign and not onely so but raysing the power of Leicestershire marcht early in the morning to Nottingham which then was kept for the King by Reginald de Luci and having without any great difficulty entred the town burnt and plundred it slaying and taking Prisoners most part of the Inhabitants But the year following the King having notice of these
the Record expresseth by the K. Councell discharg'd of one In 33 E. 3. I find him in two Commissions with sundry persons of the best quality in this County for arraying of Souldiers according to the Statute of Winchester In 40. and 42. one of the Kts. for this Shire in the Parl. then held In 45. Shiriff of these Counties and the same year one of those that was assigned for the assessing of a subsidy then granted to the K. in Parl. The next year following for the assessing of a x. and xv in this Shire In 50 E. 3. Shiriff once more which office he also bore again in 1 R. 2. but in 5 R. 2. he sold this Lordship to Sir Will. Bagot Kt. Two wives he had viz. Alice daughter of Sir Giles Astley Kt. by whom he had his issue and Mary who overliv'd him and dyed in 13 R. 2. leaving Will. his Grandchild his heir ten years of age which Will. in 2 H. 4. had livery of his inheritance the K. then respiting his homage but deceased the year following without issue leaving Eliz. his aunt and heir first marryed to Edm. Cokeyn Esq. of Ashburne in Derbysh. but then the wife of Iohn Franceys of Inggelby who having issue by her had livery of her lands doing his homage but of such her issue purposing to speak in Pooley I return to Sir Will. Bagot as Lord of this Mannour the estate therein being convey'd to him by divers feoffees into whose hands the said Sir Ric. had past it Sir Iohn Cokeyn son and heir to the said Edm. and Eliz. releasing also to him his interest This Sir Will. being a branch of that antient family of the Bagot 's in Staffordshire as may seem by the observation of one well verst in the antiquities of that County in 6 R. 2. wrote himself of this place and the next year following was constituted Shiriff of these Counties In 11. of that K. reign he served in the Parl. held at Westm. as one of the Kts for this Shire and in 12. in the Parl. held at Cambridge So also in 14 again at Westm. in which year he was likewise in Commission for conservation of the peace in this County and the next year following a Commissioner of Array In the severall Parl. viz. of Winchester in 16 R. 2. of Westm. 17.18 and 20 R. 2. he served again as one of the Kts. for this Shire And upon renewing the Commissions for the peace in 20 and 22. R. 2. was joyned therein In that notable Parl. of 21. R. 2. wherein the K. became so powerfull as our Historians do shew he was a forward ambitious and active man and being one of his chief favourites and Councellers in that turbulent time when Henrry D. of Lanc. who had been formerly banish't landed at Ravenspur in Yorksh. fled with the rest of his fellows to Bristoll there hoping to protect himself in that strong Castle but the discontented Lords taking advantage of the K. absence then in Ireland quickly rais'd an Army of no less than 60000 and besieging that Castle in short time took it and therein all of them except this Sir Will. Bagot who having made his escape fled into Ireland and of those so taken forthwith beheaded Will. le Scrope L. Treasurer Sir Iohn Bushy and Sir Henry Green All which fell out in the 22. and last year of K. R. 2. whose desposall soon after ensued It seems that this Sir Will. came back again into England with K. Ric. for within a month after the new K. began his reign he committed him prisoner to the Tower of London viz. 22. Nov. yet on the 24. of Dec. following the Shiriff of this County received command for speciall reasons thereunto moving the K. as the Writ saith that he should permit the B. of S. Davids and other the feoffees of his lands in this County amongst which this Mannour of Bagington is mentioned in the first place to have possession of them howbeit though for what reason I know not the 23. of Ian. following he superseded the Shiriff as to that restitution But this displeasure of the K. continued not very long for the 12. of Nov. following he gave command to the Constable of the Tower for his enlargement It seems he was still popular for in the Parl. held at Westm. the same year the Commons petitioned that he might be restored to his lands whereunto the K. answered that as he had allowed him pardon so would he otherwise shew him Justice which extended to his reception into grace for in 4 H. 4. he served in the Parl. at Westm. as one of the Kts. for this Shire And the next ensuing year the clouds being over had a full Release from the B. of S. Davids and other his feoffees of all their interest in this Mannour and the rest of his lands But after this he lived not long for on the 6. of Sept. an 1407. 8 H. 4. he departed this world as may seem by that part of his Monumentall Inscrip here at Baginton where he lyes interred with Margaret his wife the sister and heir of Rob. de Whatton of Notinghamsh leaving issue Isabell his onely Daughter marryed to Tho. Stafford of Pipe in Staffordsh son of Sir Tho. Stafford K. nephew and heir to Edm. Stafford B. of Exeter and one of the Kts. for this Shire in the Parl. held at Leicester 2 H. 5. as also one of the Esquires retain'd for life with Ric. Beauchamp E. of Warwick Which Tho. resided here at Baginton whil'st it continued unsold but that was not long for Sir Iohn Bagot Kt. one of the feoffees of Sir Will. Bagots lands by his deed dated upon Palm-Sunday 5 H. 5. wherein making mention of the last Will and Testament of the said Sir Will. Bagot made and published by which he appointed that Margaret his wife should hold this Mannour during her life the remainder to the aforenamed Tho. Stafford and Isabell and the heirs of the body of the said Isabell lawfully begotten and in case she should dye leaving no such issue then to be sold and the money received for the same disposed and distributed for the health of the souls of him the said Will. and Margaret did with the consent of the said Margaret Tho. Stafford and Isabell sell and grant the reversion of this Mannour which ought as he there expresseth to have come to him the said Sir Iohn Bagot after the decease of the said Margaret Tho. and Isabell without issue unto Ric. Beauchamp E. of Warwick Will. Mountfort and others their heirs and assigns for ever the same Tho. Stafford by his deed dated the Friday before the feast of St. Luke the Evang. in the same year confirming the grant Which Earl by his last
find that Henry de Neuburgh the first E. of Warwick after the Conquest in imitation of K. H. 1. who made the Park at Woodstoke containing 7 miles in compass and which was the first in England did impark it but at that time it contained no more than what now is called the Old-Park the rest having been enlarged by the succeeding Earls who had as it seems a Mannour here for so it is called in that settlement made 31 H. 3. by Iohn de Plesseâ—s E. of Warwick upon Will. Mauduit and Alice his wife And concerning this place I further find that the tythes of the assarts here as also of the paunage and venison were by Margery Maresâ—hall Countess of Warwick in H. 3. time given to the Hospital of S. Mich. in Warwick in pure alms And that in 26 E. 1. upon the extent of the lands belonging to Will. Beauchamp E. of Warwick then deceased it was certified that he had here at Wegenok besides the Park containing xx acres a little Pool and eight acres of arable land As also that in 9 E. 2. the underwood of this Park did yeild 26 s. 8 d. per an the herbage 10 s. and the paunage with the Nuts 6 s. 8 d. Howbeit in those dayes the Park was but small till Tho. Beauchamp E. of Warw. enlarged it with certain woods called Wegenok-Donele lying within the parish of Hatton and adjoyning thereto which he purchased of the Lady Scolastica de Melsa After which it continued to the succeeding Earls even to the last of that family but coming to the Crown with the rest of their lands was by K.E. 6. in 1. of his reign granted with the Castle of Warwick and divers other Mannours unto Iohn Dudley E. of Warwick upon whose attainder in 1 M. the Q. demised the herbage and paunage thereof to Henry Iernegan for 30 years at x marks per ann And Q. Eliz. in 14 of her reign past the inheritance of it together with the wood called Fernehill and the Mannour-house named Goodrest to Fulke Grevill Esq and his heirs Which Fulke being created Lord Brooke by K. Iames as I have elswhere shewed setled this and many other lands on Rob. Grevill his kinsman now sc. 1640. Lord Brooke by vertue of an entail with that Honour Touching the said Mannour-house called Goodrest first built by Tho. Beauchamp the second of that name Earl of Warwick in part of E. 3. and R. 2. time I suppose it was so called in respect that some of the Countesses of Warwick to avoyd much concourse of people retired hither when they were near the time of Child-birth for 't is plain that many of their children were born here as I have elswhere observed But all the further mention that I find thereof is that K. H. 7. the Earldome of Warwick being in his hands granted the custody of it with the Gardens and Waters in the Park to Edw. Belknap Esq of the body for life Cuckow-Church THat which beareth this name is onely certain grounds lying within Wedgnok-park where antiently stood a Chapel which was of the Earl of Warwick's patronage How long it is since that Chapel fell to ruine is uncertain but in 16 H. 7. the K. by his Letters Pat. dated 18 Martii reciting that it had been down to the ground of a long time and that the place where it stood with the Chapel-yard had also been and then was imployed to prophane uses As also that there were no Inhabitants there which should rebuild it to the intent that the same place formerly so consecrated might thenceforth be converted to pious uses bestowed it on the Dean and Chapter of the Collegiat-Church in Warwick and their successors together with xl s. yearly rent thereto belonging formerly given to the said Chapel in recompence of the glebe pertaining thereto which the Earls of Warwick had obtained in exchange for the said xl s. rent But the Village whereunto this Chapel did belong many years since depopulated was called Rykmersbery See more thereof in Beausall Blacklow-hill THere is nothing else memorable in the parish of Wotton but Blacklow-hill where the Earls of Lanc. and Warwick having at Dedington in Oxfordsh surprized Piers de Gaveston Earl of Cornwall a great Favourite to K. E. 2. beheaded him without judgement of his Peers or any course of Law on the day of S. Gervasius and Prochasius 7 E. 2. scil mense Iunii under the side of the hill in the place where since that time stood a Cross called Gaverston's-Cross Guyes-Cliffe THis being a great Cliff on the Western bank of Avon was made choyce of by that pious man S. Dubritius who in the Brittons time had his Episcopal seat at Warwick for a place of devotion where he built an Oratory dedicated to S. Mary Madg. unto which long after in the Sâ—xons dayes did a devout Heremite repair who finding the natural Rock so proper for his Cell and the pleasant Grove wherewith it is back'd yeilding entertainment fit for solitude seated himself here Which advantages invited also the famous Guy sometime E. of Warwick after his notable atchievements having weaned himself from the deceitfull pleasures of this world to retire hither where receiving ghostly comfort from that Heremite he abode till his death as by my discourse of him in Warw. shall more fully be manifested It seems that this place continued in the same condition for a long time afterwards For I find that in 8 E. 3. one Thomas de Lewes being a Heremite here had the K. Letters of protection for himself and all his goods in which Record it is written Gibbeclyve And that in 10 H. 4. one Iohn Burry at that time likewise Heremite here had C s. per ann salary for to pray for the good estate of Ric. Beauchamp then E. of Warw. as also for the souls of the father mother of the said Earl Whether it was out of respect to the memory of the famous Guy before mentioned or to view the rareness of its situation I cannot say but certain it is that K. Henry 5. being on a time at Warw. came to see it and did determine to have founded a Chantry here for 2 Priests had he not been by death prevented After which the before specified Ric. Beauchamp E. of Warw. bearing a great devotion to the place whereupon then stood nothing but a small Chapel and a Cottage in which the Heremite dwelt in 1 H. 6. obtained license to do the like sc. for 2 Priests which should sing Mass in the Chapel there daily for the good estate of him the said Earl and his wife during their lives and afterwards for the health of their souls and the souls of all their parents friends with all the faithfull deceased Of which Chantry Will. Berkswell afterwards Dean of the Collegiat-Church in Warw. and one Iohn
Kt. brought it to that family in which it rested till the attainder of Humfrey Stafford Esq 1 H. 7. whereof with what else I have found memorable I purpose to speak in Lemington-Hastang And being thus come to the Crown it was given by the K. inter alia to Sir Edw. Poynings Kt. and to the heirs male of his body But whether the same Sir Edw. dyed without issue or was compounded with I cannot directly affirm for I find that after the restauration of Humfry Stafford son and heir to the said Humfry in 6 H. 8. that family of Stafford were again possest thereof and so continued till Iohn Shukburgh of Birdingbury one of the six Clerks in Chancery purchased it from Sir Humfry Stafford of Blatherwik about the later end of Q. Eliz. reign whose great grandchild Thomas Shukburgh still enjoys it In an 1291. 19 E. 1. the Rectory was valued a xii marks but in 26 H. 8. at xix l. xvii s. ii d. over and above ix s. vi d. allowed for Procurations and Synodals Patroni Ecclesiae Incumbentes c. Rob. de Garshale Thom. de Ravensthorp Pbr. 10 Cal. Nov. 1332. D. Rob. Burdet de Honecote miles Rob. Burdet Cap. 4 Id. Apr. 1347. D. Eliz. de Burgo domina de Clare ratione minoris aet Rob. fil haer Rob. Burdet mil. Will. de Dynton Cap. 12. Cal. Apr. 1357. Execut. Testam D. Eliz. de Burgo ratione ut suprà Nich. de Brunne Pbr. 10. Kal. Iulii 1361. Execut. Testam D. Eliz. de Burgo ratione ut suprà Ioh. Chateriz Cler. 9 Cal. Oct. 1361. Rob. Burdet de Honecote Rog. de Shepesheved Cler. 3 Id. Dec. 1367. Humfr. Stafford ar Nich. Mayne Cler. penult Sept. 1413. Humfr. Stafford de Grafton miles Ioh. Laykan 14 Decemb. 1432. Edw. Poynis miles Will. Skinner art Magr. 9 Iunii 1501. Humfr. Stafford miles D. Tho. Wyrley in art Bac. 28 Martii 1533. D. Maria Regina Ric. Hutton Cler. 8 Iulii 1554. Anth. Skynner ar rat concess Humf. Stafford mil. Henr. Skynner Cler. 23. Iulii 1555. D. Humf. Stafford de Blatherwik miles Iac. Tanfeild Cler. 16 Oct. 1557. D. Humf. Stafford de Blatherwik miles Will. Goddard Cler. 16 Feb. 1558. D. Humf. Stafford de Blatherwik miles Ric. Proude Cler. 20 Ian. 1561. Ioh. Shukburgh ar Will. Gilbert Cler. 28 Sept. 1596. Will. Gilbert S. Theol. bacc ratione advoc sibi concess per Henr. Shukburgh ar Ioh. Gilbert Cler. 13 Apr. 1629. Draycote OF this place I have not seen any mention at all in Record till 5 Ioh. that Iohn de Draicote levyed a Fine of a yard land lying therein unto Ric. Corbicun and touching the denomination thereof shall onely deliver my conjecture which is that it had its original from one Drogo heretofore a name in use but commonly called Dru and that thence by corrupt pronunciation it came to be written Draicote It should seem that upon partition of that inheritance betwixt Garshale and Verdon whereof in Bourton I have spoke Verdon had this Lordship and resided here I shall therefore proceed with what I have found historical relating to that family beginning with Robert grandchild to Ioan one of the daughters and co-heirs to Henry de Burton This Rob. de Verdon was in Commission for the Goal-delivery at Warwick in 1 2 3 and 6 E. 1. In 7. Shiriff of Warwicksh and Leicestersh and in 8 9 11 12 and 14 E. 1. again in Com. for the like Goal-delivery So also in 25. E. 1. for assessing the Nones of all moveable goods then given to the K. in Parl. upon his confirmation of the great Charter and Charter of the Forrest In 29. summoned with divers other persons of great quality to attend the K. at Barwick upon Twede on the Feast-day of the Nativ of S. Iâ—hn Bapt. furnish'd with Horse and Arms to march against the Scots In 1 E. 2. he was one of the two that were joyn'd in Commiss with the Shiriff of this County for conservation of the peace and bore for his Arms Azure a plain cross Or frette gules To him succeeded Iohn de Verdon his son whoâ— with Rob. Burdet in 20 E. 3. answered for half a Kts. fee in Bourton and this place hold of the heirs of Theob de Verdon Which Iohn was one of the Kts. for this Shire in Parl. an 29. and 37 E. 3. And in 45 E. 3. in Commiss with others for assâ—ssing the Subsidy of 1061 l. 7 s. within this County In 43 E. 3. upon the purchase of Brandon by Sir Iohn Delves he made attournment to him for this and Draicote as held thereof and left issue Nicholas who had his residence here and sold this Lordship as I believe to Sir Will. Bagot of Baginton For amongst other the lands of the said Sir W. Bagot which were in the hands of the Bishop of S. Davids and the rest of his Feoffees and wherof they the said Feoffees released their interest to the said Sir VV. in 5 H. 4. this is mentioned After the death of which Sir Will. Isabell his daughter and heir with her husband Tho. Stafford Esq aliened it to Iohn of Ganâ— D. of Lanc. whereby it descended to Henry of Bullenbroke his son and heir afterwards K. of England by tâ—e name of Henry 4. who by his Letters P. bearing date 23. Iulii 13 of his reign gave it to the Dean and Chapter of the Collegiâ—t-Church in Leic. called New-worke and their successors for ever reserving the rent of x maâ—ks to be yearly paid by them out of the same to the Chantry-Priests in that Church to celebrate divine servâ—ce for the good estate of him the said K. and for the health of the souls of his father 〈◊〉 D. of Lanc. before mentioned and Constance his mother whose body lay interred there Unto which Coll. Church it continued till its dissolution but then did K. E. 6. by his Letters P. dated 24. Apr. 3 of his reign pass it inter alia unto Tho. Hawkins alias Fisher of Warw. and his heirs who by his Deed of bargain and sale dated 27 Iulii 3 E. 6. granted it to one Iohn Smyth then Fermour thereof Which Iohn dyed seized of it 20. Martii 7 E. 6. leaving Alice Agnes and Margerie his daughters and heirs Of these Agnes was marryed to Ric. Mathew but dyed without issue Margerie to Tho. Worcester and Alice to Tho. Flamell which T. Worcester and Margerie had issue Will. who purchased the other half from Flamell so that T. VVorcester son and heir to the said Will. is now possest of the whole Frankton THE next parish is Frankton wherein I find that Rog. E. of Shrewsbury of whom I have spoke in Wolston held in the Conq. time four hydes excepting one virgat valued at lx s. which was
that the succeeding Abbot for quiet enjoyment thereof was glad to come to a new agreement with him and give him a mark of Gold to purchase his good will whereupon he confirm'd the same in the presence of his Barons of which are specially named Richard fitz-Osbern and Thurstan de Montfort Torf Turchetillus Auschetillus de Harecurt Turulsus de Ponte Audomari Wevia soror Gunnorae Comitissae ' Uxoris Ric. primi Norm Ducis Joscelina Hugo de Montegumerico Rog. de Montegumeri primus comes de Salopia post conq Angliae Humfridus de Vetulis Robertus de Bellomonte Rogerius de Bellomonte a consiliis Willielmo duci Norm Rob. Comes de Mellento postea in Com. Leicest erectus Eliz. sive Isabella filia Hug. magni Comitis Viromandorum Adelina ux Hâ—g de Monteforti Robertus Comes Leicestriae Amicia filia Rodulfi Comitis Nor. wic Gualeranus Comes de Mellento Hugo cogn Pauper Bedfordiae Comitatum obtinuit Henricus cogn de Novoburgo erectus in Comitem Warwici obiit 23. H. 1. Margareta soror Rotroci Comitis de Pertico Rog. Comes Warwici obiit 18. Steph. Gâ—â—â—reda filia Will. 2. Comitis de Warenna Willielmus Co. Warw. obiit s. p. Matilda filia una haered Will. D. Perâ—y ux 1. Margareta D'eivile ux 2. Walerannus Co. Warw. ob 6. Ioh. Margareta filia Huâ—ntr de Bohun Comitis Heref ux 1. Henricus Co. Warwici ob 13. H. 3. Margeria filia Henrici D'oyâ—i ux 1. Thom. Co. Warwici ob 26. H. 3. Ela filia Willielmi Longspe Co. Sarum Ioh. Mareschallus 1. maritus Margeria soror haeres ob s. p. Ioh. de Plessetis Co. Warwici ob s. p. 47. H. 3. Henricus Co. Warwici ob 13. H. 3. Philippa filia una cohaer Thom. Basset de Hedindon postea nupta Ric. Siward Walerannus Gundreda monialis apud Pinley Walerannus Co. Warw. ob 6. Ioh. Alicia filia Rob. de Harecurt relicta Ioh. de Limesei ux 2. Alicia Will. Mauduit de Hanslap Regis Camerarius Isabella soror haeres Will. Beauchamp fil Walt. B. de Eâ—nley in Com. Wig. Will. de Bellocampo comes Warwici Will. Mauduit Co. Warw. ob s. p. 52. H. 3. Alicia filia Gilb. de Segrave Henricus Agnes uxor Galf. de Clinton Henricus Rotrocus episc Ebroâ—censis Robertus monachus in Abbat de Becco Gaufridus Walleranus Comes de Mellento Adelina Buda vx Will. de Molinis Hugo comes de Meliento militiam Christi assumpsit in coenobio de Becco By which instance we may partly see how hardly the native English were dealt with as in my Introduction is shewed viz. not to enjoy their inheritances though they did not at all oppose the Conquerors title as by that trust committed to this Turchill for enlarging of Warwick-Castle may be inferred Nay so imperious were the Normans in these their acquisitions that they would not permit the Religious houses to possess what was formerly granted to them by the English as may seem by that claim which this Earle Henry made to those Lands above-specified so given to Abingdon by Turchill which puts me in minde of the answer that Iohn Earle Warren about the later end of H. 3. time made to Rog. Zouch then chief Justice when being questioned by what right he held his Lands produxit in medium gladium antiquum evaginatum saith my Author ait Ecce domini mei ecce warantum meum Antecessores mei verò cum Will. Bastardo venientes conquesti sunt terras suas gladio easdem gladio defendam à quocunque eas occupare volente non enim Rex terram per se devicit subjecit sed progenitores nostri fuerunt cum eo participes coadâ—utores c. So that having helpt him to get it by the sword they esteemed themselves well worthy to share with him But I return to Earle Henry Of whom that which I find most memorable is that he was one of those great men who in An. 1081. 14. Vill. C. by fair perswasions qualified the anger of K. Will. conceived towards Rob. Curthose his eldest Son so that a fair composure then ensued betwixt them That he was also of great familiarity with Henry the K. youngest Son and one that stuck closest to him upon the death of Will. Rufus for his obtaining the Crown and so likewise ever afterwards Moreover amongst the witnesses to that notable Charter of K. Henry 1. whereby he confirmed the Laws of Edw. the Conf. as K. Will. had new moulded them and granted many other favours to the Church as also to the Peers and other subjects of this Realm he is recorded to be one of which Charters so many were sent through England as there were particular Counties to remain in the several Monasteries of those Shires This Earle began the making of Wedgnock-park near his Castle of Warwick whereof I have already spoke following therein the example of K. Henry who made the first Park at Woodstocke that ever was in England He founded the Priory at Warwick gave the Church of Compton Murdac to be a Prebend in the Church of our Lady at Warwick before it was made Collegiat with other benefits As also the Town of Warminton in this County to the Monks of Preaux in Normandy of all which I shall speak more fully as I come to discourse of them in particular and therefore for a close I will deliver the Character which an eminent Historian who lived at the same time hath of him scil that he was dulcis quieti animi vir qui congruo suis moribus studio vitam egit clausit He wedded Margaret the daughter to Rotrode Earle of Perch and had issue by her Roger who succeeded him in the Earldom of Warwick Henry Geffrey Rotrodâ— Bishop of Eureux Robert that inherited his Fathers possessions in Normandy who was Sewer and Justice of that Dukedom and a great benefactor to the Abby of Bec in which he afterwards was shorn a Monk and departing this life xiiii Kal. Septemb. An. 1158. had sepulture in the Chapter-house there Two daughters he also had but their names I finde not nor whether they were ever married and died xx Iunii An. 1123. 23. H. 1. lying interred in the Abby of Preaux before specified Of Margaret his Countesse who survived him above 20. years I finde that she was a special benefactresse to the Knights Templars for in the year 1156. 2. H. 2. she bestowed the Town of Lammadok in Wales upon them and to the Canons of Kenilworth quitted her interest in the moyety of the Lordship of Salford in this County by the consent of Rotrode Bishop of Eureux Roger Earle of Warwick Râ—b de Newburgh Geffrey and Henry her sons but the direct time of her
death I have not discovered To Henry succeeded Roger his son in the Earldom of Warwick who amongst other of the great Nobility was a witnesse to the Charter of K. Steph. Laws in 1. Steph. but for his military actions I finde no great commendation of him Nay it is reported by an Author of that time wherein he lived that he was vir mollis deliciis magis quam animi fortitudine affâ—uens Neverthelesse being one of those that adhered to Maud the Empresse he was with the Earle of Glouc. and divers other great men at the siege of Winchester in 6. Steph. at which time their Army being utterly routed by the Royallists most of the chief Nobility were taken prisoners but I do not finde that he had much prejudice thereby in regard K. Steph. who had been taken prisoner before in the battail at Lincoln was set at liberty upon condition that the Earle of Glouc. taken then at Winchester with the rest of those that were of his party should also stand in the same condition of freedom as they were before that overthrow And besides this is he reputed to have been the Conqueror of Gowher-land in Wales which his posterity for a long time afterwards enjoyed and wherein he founded a little Priory at Languenith annexing it as a Cell to the Monastery of S. Taurines in Normandy and to the Abby of Nethe gave certain Lands and fishing lying in Glamorgansh within his said Territories of Gouher-land The foundation of the Priory here at Warwick begun by his Father he perfected and did himself found the Collegiat Church of S. Mary in Warwick whereof together with its endowment I shall hereafter speak more fully as also S. Michaels Hospital for Lepers there together with the House of Templars beyond the bridge To divers other Monasteries was he also a benefactor viz. to Bruere in com Oxon. whereunto he gave the Lordship of Mersedene To Pipwell in Northamptonsh by confirming the grant of Causton in this County thereto which as his Charter testifieth he did for the Souls of his Father and Mother Rotrode his Uncle and all his Ancestors To Kenilworth by confirming the grants of the Mannours of Saltford and Newnham thereto and bestowing on the Canons of that House certain Lands in Warwick with the Churches of Brailes Welsburn in this County To the Monks of Preaux in Normandy by giving to them two Hides of Land in Walton To the monastery of Geroudon in com Lâ—ic by conferring thereto the Town of Badsley Endsor in this County which was afterwards given up by those Monks to Earle William his Son and Successor To the Monks of Bordsley in com Wigorn in confirming the grant of Suhanger now called Sunger near Clardon in this County which Will. Giffard had given to that House and conferring on them one Hide of Land in Oxshelve To the Monastery of Thorney in Cambridge shire by confirming the grant thereunto made of the moyety of the Mannour of Wenge by Rob. de Montfort To the Priory of Canwell in Staffordsh by granting thereto 3. yard Land lying in Hull called Hill within his Lordship of Sutton-Colfield in this County And lastly to the Nuns of Wrocheshale by confirming the Church of Shukborow with certain Lands there as also in Bourton and Radford given to them by several persons as I have elsewhere fully declared together with whatsoever was granted to them by Hugh fil Ricardi their Founder By which his several concessions as also his often journeys to the Holy-land may appear that he was a very devout and pious man He wedded Gundrede daughter to Will the second Earle Warren and sister by the mothers side to Waleran â— of Mellent by whom he had issue 3. sons viz. Will. Waleran and Henry and a daughter called Agnes which Will. and Waleran were both Earls of Warwick successively Henry had Gowher-land in Wales left to him by his father but by his death without issue it came to Earle Will. his brother Agnes his daughter was married to Geffrey de Clinton Chamberlain to the King son unto Geffrey the noble founder of the Priory and Castle of Kenilworth who had in Frank-marriage with her by the gift of Earl Roger her Father ten Kts. fees of those xvii that he the said Geffrey held of his fee for which he was to do service in the Castle of Brandon And besides all this he had a grant of this County id est the Sheriffalty of the Shire for so it appeareth by sundry testimonies to hold to him the said Geffrey and his Heirs of the said Earle and his Heirs in such sort as he the said Earle held it of the K. This Earl Roger departed the world xii Iunii An. 1153. 18. Steph. in which year Henry D. of Normandy afterwards K. of England by the name of H. 2. came into England with a great power and was very prosperous for whose better welcome Gundred the Countesse of Warwick before mentioned outed K. Steph. souldiers forth of Warwick-Castle and delivered that Fort unto him To Roger succeeded in the Earldom of Warwick Will. his Son and Heir of whom the first memorable passage that I finde relating to any certain time is the Certificate which he made in 12. H. 2. in answer to that precept he received from the K. touching the number of Knights fees then held of him whereby it appears upon calculation of the particulars that they amounted to Cv. and a half This Earle William founded the Hospitals of S. Iohn and S. Thomas both in Warwick built a new Church for the Templars there and enlarged their possâ—ssions by the gift of the Mannour of Shireburn and certain Lands in Morton both in this County ratified to the Monks of Combe a Hide of Land in Bilney granted to them by Thurbert de Bilney and made the like confirmation to the Monks of Pipwell as Earle Roger his father had done to them concerning Causton for which respect he was received into their fraternity as a Founder of that Abby To the Canons of Kenilworth did he ratifie the Churches of Loxley granted unto them by Rob. fil Odonis as also the Churches of Brayles and Wellesburne which his father gave them in consideration whereof they allowed him one Canon there presentable alwayes by himself This Earl had two wives viz. Maud the eldest of the two daughters and coheirs to Will Lord Percy and Margaret Deivill if Rous mistake not but I rather think that Mâ—ud was the later for I find that by her speciall Charter as Countess of Warwick which was doubtless in her Widowhood she gave to the Monks of Salley in York-shire the Church of Tatcaster with the Chapell of Haselwood and one Carucat of Land in Catthon
Of which Testament were Executors the Lord Cromwell the Lord Tiptoft Iohn Throkmorton Ric. Curson Thomas Huggeford Will. Berkswell Priest and Nich. Rody his Steward After which viz. ult Apr. An. 1439. 17. H. 6. he departed this life as his monumental inscription here most exactly imitated together with the true representation of his magnificent Tombe sheweth leaving issue by Eliz. his first wife daughter and Heir to Thom. L. Berkley three daughters viz. Margaret born at Good-rest in Wedgnok-park the next year after the Battail of Shrewsbury â— second wife to the famous Iohn Talbot Earle of Shrewsbury which Margaret died at Londonâ— An. 1467. 7. E. 4. and was buried under the Quire in the Cathedral of St. Paul commonly called St. Faiths Church Alianore born at Walkinston in Essex shortly after the feast of our Ladye 's Nativity 9. H. 4. first married to the L. Rosse â— and afterwards to Edm. Beaufort Marq. Dorset and D. of Somerset And Elizabeth born in Warwick-Castle wife to George Nevil Lord Latimer To his second wife he wedded Isabel daughter of Thomas le Despenser E. of Glouc. and by the death of her brother Richard and elder sister Eliz. without issue Heir to all his Lands but being the widow to Ric. Beauchamp E. of Worcest his Uncles son as in Fillongley I have shewed he had a special dispensation from the Pope to marry her The pictures of which his wives children together with his own as they stand in the East window of that stately Chapel before specified where his Monument is I have upon the next page exquisitely represented By this Isabel he left issue Henry and Anne of both which I shall speak in their order The Lands whereof he was possest were very vast as may seem by that computation of their yearly value extracted from the Accompts of his several Bayliffs through England and Wales in 12. H. 6. amounting to no lesse than 8306. Marks 11. s. 11. d. ob Which setting aside the good penniworths that his Tenants had of what they then held would in the dayes we live augment that sum sixfold at least considering that about that time Barly was sold for 4. s. 2. d. the quarter Oats at 2. s. 1. d. ob Capons at 3. d. a piece and Hens at 1. d. ob as by certain Accompts of his Houshold-Officers appeareth Of her death let us hearken to what the MS. Hist. of Tewksbury saith Isabella uxor Ricardi quinti patrona de Theokesbri rediit de Francia aliquandiu se in Monasterio Canonicorum de Southwyke resocillavit Haec Isabella sepulta est in Theokesbyri eodem anno quo obiit Ricardus quintus Comes de Warwike ejus maritus But of her Monument so designed as I have said there is no more now remaining than what I have here in this Figure exprest I now come to Henry the succeeding Earle Son and Heir to Richard by the said Lady Isabel. This Henry was born at Hanley-Castle in Worcester-shire on Thursday xi Kal. Apr. An. 1424. 3. H. 6. and baptized on the Saturday by Philip Morgan Bishop of Worcester having to his God-fathers at the font Henry Beaufort Cardinal and Bishop of Winchester with Humfry E. Stafford and to his God-mother Ioane Lady Bergavenny the same B. of Worcester being his God-father also at confirmation At his fathers death he hardly exceeded the age of fourteen years but was a person of extraordinary hopes as by the early appearance of his heroick disposition is evident for before he accomplisht full xix years of age he tendred his service for defence of the Dutchy of Aquitane in consideration whereof and to give him the more encouragement in that expedition the K. by his Charter bearing date at Dover 2. Apr. 22. of his Reign created him Primier Earle of England and for a distinction betwixt him and other Earles granted to him and the Heirs male of his body leave to wear a golden Coronet about his head as well in his own presence as elsewhere upon such great Festivals as the like used to be worn And within 3. dayes following considering the high deserts of his noble father of whom he hath this expression quem meaning Earl Richard dignissimè in Armorum strenâ—itate ut columnam immobilem belli fata pro nobis nostris magnanimiter libenter sustinentem suorum cognoscit commendat ingenia ex excellentia meritorum minimè per nos aut progenitores nostros huc usque remuncratorum c. advanced him to the title of Duke of Warwick granting him place in Parl. and all other meetings next to the D. of Norff. and before the Duke of Buck. and giving him xl l. per ann to be paid by the Sheriffe of Warr. and Leic. Shires for the time being out of the revenue of these Counties towards the better support of that Honour But this businesse of Precedency was so stomackt by Humfrey Duke of Buck. that had not the K. by Act of Parl. in 23. of his reign which was the next year ensuing the said Duke of Warwick's Creation qualified it much inconvenience had arisen upon it Therefore for appeasing the contention and strife moved betwixt them for that preheminence those are the words of the Act it was established that from the 2. of Decemb. then next following they should take place of each other by turn viz. one that year and the other the next and so as long as they lived together the Duke of Warwick to have the first years precedency and he which should survive to have place of the others heir male as long as he livedâ— And from that time that the heir male of each should take place of other according as it might happen he had livery of his lands before him After which he had a grant in reversion from the death of Humfrey Duke of Glouc of the Isles of Gerneseyâ— Iersey Serk Erm and Aureney for the yearly Rent of a Rose to be paid at the feast of the Nativity of S. Iohn Bapt. As also of the Monnour and Hundred of Bristoll in Glouchesterâ—sh for the yearly ferm of lx li. and besides this of all the Kings Castles and Mannours within the Forest of Dene for the Rent of C. l. per ann To all which Honours he had this further added viz. to be Crowned King of the Isle of Wight by the Kings own hands But this hopefull branch the onely heir male to these great Earlsâ— was cropt in the flower of his youth before the fruits of his Heroik disposition could be fully manifested to the world for upon S. Barnabas day sc. xi Iunii 1445. 23. H. 6. being but xxii years of age he died at Hanley the place of his birth and was buried in the Abby of Tewksbury about the midst of the Quire at the head of Prince Edw. Son and Heir to
De presepe Domini columpna ad quam fuit ligatus quando fuit flagellatus De petra super quam fuit vinctus post mortem De sepulchro S. Catherinae Virginis De genu S. Georgii de petra super quam sanguinavit in martyrio suo De ossibus S. Brendani De facie S. Stephani De veste capillis S. Mariae Magdalenae De rupe in qua S. Anna jacet De capillis beati Francisci De vestimento S. Agnetis De velo tunica beatae Clarae De reliquiis S. Ceciliae I now come to that fatall Survey in 26. H. 8. the fore-runner of its dissolution whereby I finde that the yearly revenues belonging thereto were then certified to be CCCxxxiiii li. ii s. iii. d. ob Out of which was allowed w per ann to the Dean for his stipend 26. li. -13 s. -04 d. To Iohn Watwood one of the Prebends called S. Peters 13-06-08 To Iohn Fisher another of the Prebends called S. Iohn Bapt. 13-06-08 To David Vaughan another of the Prebends called S. Laurence 02-00-00 To Thomas Leason another of the Prebends called S. Michaels 02-00-00 To Robert Wythington another of the Prebends called S. Iames. 02-00-00 To Robert Hoole Curate of this Parish Church 06-13-04 To ten Priests which were Vicars dayly serving in the said Collegiate Church 07-06-08 a piece To six Choristers 02-00-00 a piece The yearly Obits kept in this Church for which also there were several allowances were these Of Thomas Beauchamp the father and Thomas his son both Eaâ—ls of Warwick Of Margaret Countesse of UUarwick wife to the last Thomas Of Ric. Beauchamp E. of Warw. Of Ric. Duke of York Of Rich. Nevil Earle of UUarwick Of K. Henry 7. Of Walter Power and of William Peito As also of Iohn Young Raph Power Thom. Rowse Will. Launder Iohn Allestre and Iohn Acreman which last mentioned six were Ecclesiastick persons as it seems Henry Grey Marquesse Dorset being then high Steward of the said Colledge having an annuity of xl s. per ann Patroni Decanatus Decani Will. de Bellocampo Co. Warw. Magr. Will. de Apperleg 7. Id. Dec. 1296. Guido de Bellocampo Co. Warw. Mr. Rob. Tankard Pbr. 6. Id. Iulii 1306. Guido de Bellocampo Co. Warw. Rob. de Geryn accol post resign Ric. de Alencester ult Decani 18. Cal. Septemb 1314. Thom. de Bellocampo Co. Warw. Magr. Thom. de Lench Cler. 10. Feb. 1338. Thom. de Bellocampo Co. Warw. D. Nich. Southam Pbr. 1. Dec. 1361. Thomas de Bellocampo Co. Warw. Thom. Younge Cler. 27. Sept. 1395. Ric. de Bellocampo Co. Warw. D. Ioh. Porter Cap. 10. April 1432. Firmarii dom Regis c. terr Ric. Comit. Warw. D. Rob. Cherbury Cap. 4. Maii 1443. Nobilis praepotens D. Ric. Comes Warw. D. Will. Berkeswell 15. Dec. 1454. Nob. praepotens Ric. Co. Warw. Sarum Mr. Ioh. Southwell 11. Martii 1469. D. Episcopus Mr. Edm. Albone in medicinis Dr. Pbr. 17. Oct. 1481. Ric. Rex Angl. ratione minoris et Edw. Com. Warw. Mr. Ric Brakenburgh 18. Maii 1485. Henr. 7. Rex Angl. ratione Comitatus Warwic in manu sua exist Mr. Will. Stokdal S. Theol. professor 13. Iulii 1498. Henr. 7. Rex Angl. ratione Comitatus Warwic in manu sua exist Edw. Haseley Cap. 10. Dec. 1498. Henr. 7. Rex Angl. ratione Comitatus Warwic in manu sua exist Mr. Rad. Colingwode S. Henr. 7. Rex Angl. ratione Comitatus Warwic in manu sua exist Theol. prof 29. Maii 1507. Henr. 8. Rex Angl. ratione supra Mr. Ioh. Allestre Cler. 22. Aug. 1510. Henr. 8. Rex Angl. ratione supra Mr. Ioh. Knyghtley Cler. 15. Maii 1542. But this Collegiate Church with many more being dissolved in the Parliament of 37. H. 8. was the same year inter alia granted out of the Crown by Letters Pat. bearing date 15. May to the inhabitants of Warwick by the name of the Burgesses of Warwick and their Successors Here was one only Chantry founded by Rob. Waldene of Warwick in 2. H. 4. for a Priest to sing Masse dayly at the Altar of S. Anne for the good estate of Henry 4. then K. of England Margaret Countesse of Warwick Richard her Son then E. of Warwick and Eliz. his wife and of him the said Robert and Elene his wife during this life as also for the Souls of Thomas Beauchamp late Earle of Warwick and of Alice sometime wife of the said Rob. Waldene and likewise for the Souls of their Children Ancestors and all the faithfull deceased for the maintenance of which Priest he gave C. iiii s. iiii d. yearly Rent issuing out of divers messuages lâ—ing in Warwick Mâ—ton Longbridge Lee Bereford and Preston-Bagot all in this County Inscriptions upon the Bells in this Church 1 2 Vox domini Iesu Christi vox exaltationis 3 Aeternis annis resonat Campana Iohannis 4 Isabel Beauchamp first founded me 5 Trinitati sacra fiat haec Campaena beatae 6 Dat sonitum plenum Ihesus modulamen amoenum Ihesu have merci on me Isabell. About the skirt thereof 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Having in my Story of the Earls represented their Monuments which are within this Church Quire and our Lady Chapell I shall here exhibite the residue now remayning with such monumentall Inscriptions as be yet undefaced In the body of the Church upon Marble grave-stones with plates of brasse Hic iacent Willielmus Hopkins quondam burgensis ville Warwici qui obiit vii die Februarii Anno Domini M. CCCCliiii Et Margareta uxor eiusdem que obiit xiii die Februarii Anno Domini MCCCCli quorum animabus propitietur Dens Amen Hic iacet Ricardus Ellyn bocher quondam burgensis magister Oplde istius ville qui obiit ii die mensis Martii Anno Domini M. CCCClxvi Cuius anime propitietur Deus Amen Hic iacet Magister Iohannes Stonys quondam Canonicus istius Ecclesie ac Rector de Hanslap Bukby qui obsit xliii die Augusti Anno Domini M. CCCClxxxvi cuius anime propitietur Deus Amen Orate pro animabus Benedicti Medley et Agnetis uxoris tius Hic iacet Dominus Iohannes Walker Capellanus Cantarie gilde qui obiit vicessimo primo die Augusti Anno Domini M. CCCC nonagessimo primo cuius anime propitietur Deus Amen Hic iacet Ricardus Bothe quondam burgensis Warwici Et Alicia uxor eins quorum animabus propitietur Deus Amen Hic iacet Dominus Oliverus Alwode quondam Canonicus istius Ecclesie as Rector de Ilmyndon Bukbroke qui obiit ii die Novembris Anno Domini Millesimo CCCCxxxxi cuius anime propitietur Deus Amen Near the Belfrey-dore Quae fuit Edmundi conjux Prior Elizabetha Gregorii gentis Radclifforum edita stirpe Fratris Appollinea clari doctoris in arte Hìc placidè fatis defuncta in pace quiescit Mille novem demptis Christi numeravimus
except Kings Kings sons or any of the blood royall of France or any of the principal Commanders of the French Kings Army bearing the arms of France or of the Constables or Marshalls of France or those which were Actors in or consenting to the murther of Iohn D. of Burgoin At that time he bore his own paternal Coat quarter'd with Langley viz. Arg. a Fesse sable with 3 pellets in Cheif and for his Crest upon a Torse a pair of wings as is to be seen by the impression of his Seal In 15 H. 6. he was Shiriffe of this County and Leicester-shire and the next year following had a special Patent exempting him from the office of Shiriffe Escheator Coroner or any other as also from serving on Juries which favour the K. granted to him in recompensationem bonorum obsequiorum quae fidelis miles noster Will. Peito nobis in guerris nostris altâ—er impendit adhuc impendet as the words thereof do import In 17. H. 6. being again retained to serve the K. in his Warrs of France and Normandy for halfe a year where the said K. or his Councel there or his Lieutenant or Governour in that Realm or the Dutchy of Normandy should think most fit he was to have 50 men at Arms and 210 Archers well and sufficiently mounted armed and arrayed and in consideration thereof 2 s. per diem wages for himself 12 d. per diem for each of his men at Arms with the reward accustomed and 6 d. for his Archers as also the benefit of all Prisoners as upon his former retainer which Indenture bears date 25 Maii the same yeare After which viz. in Iune following he shipt over his forces with divers other retained in like sort and mustered by Sr. Io. Montgomery K. Io. Stanlaw Treasurer of the Dutchy of Normandy â— and Ric. Curson Esquires and being thus honourably employed spared not his own purse for advancement of the Ks. service as the large summes of mony taken up on trust for which Sr. Will. Mountfort Kt. Iohn Curson Esq Sr. Iohn Gresly Kt. Will. Lucy Rob. Franceys and Iohn Pultney Esq stood engaged with him in Statute a merchant do manifest Of this Sr. William I further find that he was Lieutenant generall of the Marshallship of France under the famous Iohn Talbot E. of Shrewsbury in An. 1448. 27. H. 6. and Captain of the Bastile before Diepe but was there taken prisoner by the French and put to ransome himself at a very great Fine for raising whereof he had the Ks. License to mortgage this Lordship of Chesterton with those of Sow and Wyrley before specifyed and in 30 H. 6. pawned them to Sr. Drew Barentine Kt. Walt. Mauntell and others for 390 li. In a Grant of his that I have seen he stiles himself Guillaume Peto chivalier maistre d'ostell de treshaut puissant Prince Mons. le Duc de Somerset general Governeur en France et Normandy But after this misfortune befell him at Diepe I have not observed any thing very notable of him so that 't is like he retired from those publike services He married Katherine the daughter of the before specified Sr. Iohn Gresly Kt. about the 4 of H. 6. and departed this life in 4. E. 4. leaving issue Iohn his Son and Heir then 30 years of age who in 32 H. 6. wedded Elianor the daughter of Rob. Mantfeld and had livery of his lands in 7 E. 4. at which time the K. respited his Homage The next year following he payd 8 l. Releife to the K. for this Mannour held by grand Sergeanty to keep the Forrest of Canok as I have already said But of him I have seen nothing further memorable than that he rebuilt the antient Mannour house of this Lordship as the Armes in a great Canton Window of the Hall which I have in pag. 377. represented do shew and that he dyed on the Even of the blessed Virgins Assumption 3. H. 7. leaving issue Edward his Son and Heir then 30 years of age which Edward had to wife Goditha the daughter of Tho. Throgmorton Esq and departed this life at Throgmorton in Com. Wigorn her fathers house as it seems for 〈◊〉 Fladbury which is the parish Church to it he lieth buried as his Monument whereof this is a true shadow witnesseth having issue Iohn 9 years old and upwards and a younger sonn called Peter a Cardinall in Q. Maries daies Which Iohn being thus in minority was committed to the tuition of Rob. Throgmorton his Uncle but afterwards had 2 wives first Anne the daughter of Ric. Cooke and secondly Margaret daughter to Sr. Iohn Baynham Kt. and left issue Iohn who married Anne the daughter of Sr. Iohn Ferrers of Tamworth Castle about the 33 of H. 8. Which Iohn dyed 11 Sep. 5 6. Ph. M. leaving Humphrey his Son and Heir then 26 years of age who in 1. M. married Anne the daughter to Basill Fielding of Newnham Esq and in 27 Eliz. dyed To whom succeeded Will. and to him Sr. Edward c. as the Pedegree before inserted sheweth Within the Precincts of Chesterton was there another Mannour whereof one Gilbert le Harpour dyed seized in 32 E. 1. but whether this was that proportion that belong'd originally to the Monks of Coventre in the Conquerors time or that which Henry de Feriers then held whereof I have already spoke or both is hard to say Evident it is that one Geffrey le Brune possessed certain lands here in H. 2. time and had a Daughter named Constance wedded to Henry del Broc from which Henry descended the same Gilbert le Harpour but the said land did not all come to him by her for it apears that Brune bestowed part of it on the Templars and that Ieffrey Fitz-Stephan the first Master of the Temple here in England in H. 2. time by the common consent of the rest of that Order in this Realm here at London gave that part so bestowed on them to the said Henry and Constance and their Heirs paying to the Knights Templars and their Successors 20 s. per Ann. Howbeit the rest that Brune had here descended as I conceive to the said Constance For I find that Rob. fil Odonis at that time Lord of Herberbury confirmed it unto the said Henry and Constance to enjoy as freely as the same Brune held it the extent thereof being 4 Messuages and 4 yard land and held of his Heires by the service of 20 s. payable at the Annuntiation of our Lady and St. Michael the Archangell by even portions Hugo Harpur temp H. 1. Hugo le Harpur temp H. 2. Rob. le Harpur tenuit Brocton in Com. Wig. Saherus le Harpur de Stoke Rog. le Harpur Gilbertus le Harpur Hugo Gilb. le Harpur temp E. 1. Isolda filia
Gascoigne under Sir Thomas Nevill in the service of King Ric. 2. and after the decease of an elder brother called Edmund that he returned into England where he was likewise entertained in the said King's service but afterwards upon the deposall of the said King Richard by Henry of Lancaster being constrained to slee into France in regard that he took part with the Earles of Huntingdon Salisbury and Kent c. against the said Henry of Lancaster after one years abode in Paris he travailed with one Robert Arden Esquire his companion into Italy where they served under Iohn Galeas Duke of Millain against the Emperour Rupert and after the death of the said Duke returned into Brabant where they met with two English Friers going to Rome from whom they received tidings that William Curson a younger son of Sir Iohn Curson and cosin Germain to the said Iohn was Abbot of S. Osithes in Essex whereupon he hasted towards England by Amsterdam and arriving at Ipswich Anno 1404. thence presently sped to S. Osithes where changing his name into Smyth but privately making himself known to his kinsman the Abbot was by him curteously entertained who bestowed upon him good means and advanced him in marriage to Milicent the daughter and heir of Robert Laynham by Alice the daughter and heir to Iohn Hend Major of London The Church dedicated to S. Peter was given to the Monks of Conchis in Normandy by Robert de Stadford before spoken of shortly after the Conquest of England by Duke William and appropriated to them by Roger Bishop of Worcester 3. Non. Nov. Anno 1178. 25 H. 2. In Anno 1291. 19 E. 1. it with the Chapells belonging thereto was valued at Lii marks the Vicars portion being at that time seven marks and a half But in 26 H. 8. the Vicaridge was valued at xii li. out of which did yearly issue x s. v d. ob for Procurations and Synodals Patroni Vicariae Incumbentes c. Procurator Abbatis de Conchis Ioh. de Wotton Diac. Non. Apr. 1306. Prior de Wawens-Wotton Ioh. fil Rob. Sutoris Cap. 3. Id. Sept. 1325. Abbas Conv. de Conchis Frater Ioh. le Tonnelier 26. Iulii 1328. Abbas Conv. de Conchis Ioh. Corpe Pbr. 5. Cal. Iulii 1335. Procurator Abb. Conv. de Conchis Petrus de Loversey Pbr. 4. Oct. 1336. Prior de Wotton Rob. Wykwane 10. Oct. 1367. Ric. Rex Angl. ratione temporal Priorat de Wotton in manu sua c. Ric. Hemery Pbr. 2. Maii 1378. Rolandus Leynthall miles D. Nich. Wedon Cap. 22. Sept. 1425. Rolandus Leynthall miles Will. Saunders Cler. 22. Febr. 1436. Prior Conv. de Wotton-Wawen D. Ioh. Berston Cap. 23. Martii 1445. Prior Conv. de Wotton-Wawen D. Rog. Wheler Cap. 22. Apr. 1446. Praepos Socii Collegii Regal Cantab. D. Ioh. Dalton Cap. 7. Martii 1449. Praepos Socii Collegii Regal Cantab. D. Ioh. Russell Cap. 17. Ian. 1458. Praepos Socii Collegii Regal Cantab. D. Will. Harryes Cap. 9. Feb. 1460. Praepos Socii Collegii Regal Cantab. Rog. Iordan in art Magr. 26. Martii 1468. Praepos Socii Collegii Regal Cantab. Brianus Esthorp in S. Theol. Scholar 3. Iulii 1489. Praepos Socii Collegii Regal Cantab. D. Ioh. Botreye Pbr. 16. Martii 1514. Praepos Socii Collegii Regal Cantab. Thomas Hartwell in S. Theol. Bac. 17. Dec. 1523. Praepos Socii Collegii Regal Cantab. Thomas Goldston in art Magr. 13. Maii 1545. Praepos Socii Collegii Regal Cantab. D. Edw. Alcock Pbr. 17. Febr. 1556. Praepos Socii Collegii Regal Cantab. D. Rad. Olton Pbr. 24. Martii 1557. D. Episc. per lapsum Will. Bolton Cler. 23. Apr. 1579. Praepos Socii ut suprà Ioh. Mascall Cler. 23. Aug. 1580. Monumentall Inscriptions upon Grave stones in the South I le of this Church In brasse upon a Marble Here lyeth the body of Lady Agnes Smyth late wife of Sir Iohn Smyth Knight one of the Barons of the Eschequer daughter of Iohn Harewell Esquier and one of the coheirs of Thomas Harewell Esquier her brother which Agnes dyed the xix â—h of February Anno 1562. Upon one of Alabaster Hic jacet Iohannes Allesbury qui obiit septimo die mensis ................... cujus anime propitietur Deus Amen The Priory I Now come to speak of that little Monastery of Benedictine Monks which sometime stood here and was one of those we call Priories Alien having been a Cell to the Abby of Conchis in Normandy â— Of which kind there were few that had any formall Foundation as in Wolston I have already shewed For the first grant to that forrein Monastery by Rob. de Tonei son doubtless unto Roger who founded Conchis and Nicholas de Stafford his son was no other than verball as it seems by that confirmation thereof which Rob. de Stafford son to the same Nicholas made in H. 2. time wherein he makes mention that his said grandfather and father gave thereunto this Church of Wotton together with the Tithes and oblations of the whole town and one hide of land adjoyning to the same Church as also another hide called Doversele and the lands which the Monks of Conchis had then in tillage here in exchange for the Mannour of Edricston now Edston which at first belong'd to those Monks But I make a question notwithstanding the first grant so made by the before specified Robert de Tonei whether any Monks setled here till after his death for in an Instrument of later time made by the Abbot and Monks of Conchis whereby they constituted a Prior here it is said to be de Fundatione nobilissimi domini Nicholai Stafford which is some argument that he first erected their Mansion here Touching the appropriation of the said Church made in 25 H. 2. to the peculiar benefit of those Monks having already spoke in Wotton I shall now endeavour the discovery of what farther augmentation they had by other Benefactors wherein I find that Robert the son of Herveus de Stafford gave unto them divers particular parcells of land lying in Ullenhale Henry de Montfort the Mill at Henley Robert de Chaucumbe divers Lands in Mockle and Ullenhale Will. de Burley a yard land with a croft and messuage in Burley with all his interest in the Chapell there Geffrey de Pauncefote and Iohn Durvassall certain lands in Buckele juxta Beldesert And to all these had they the addition of the Mannour of Monkenlane in Herefordshire which with severall other lands and Tithes in that Countie were originally granted to the said Monks of Conchis by Raph de Tonei brother to our Robert who in the confirmation of them made by Will. de Vere Bishop of Hereford in H. 2. time is called Radulfus senior de Tonei As to the originall seizures
after his Father's death as my authoritie saith he then made a new grant of the premisses to the same Lord Clinton during the minority of the heir then his Ward whereupon the said Lord Clinton in consideration of Lxx li. sterling made an assignation of the said Custodie c. unto Iohn Hales Gentleman at that time Clerk of the Hamper and a very active man in the world as in Coventre I have shewed To the posterity of which Sir Will. Compton it continued till that Will. Lord Compton his great grandchild by his Deed bearing date 3. Febr. 39 Eliz. sold it unto Sir Thomas Egerton Kt. then Lord Keeper of the great Seal from whom Thomas Dilke Esquire afterwards Knight purchased it scil 21. Iunii 41 Eliz. whose grandson William now enjoys it The Church dedicated to S. Michael was in anno 1291. 19 E. 1. valued at viii marks In 5 E. 3. Sir William de Clinton Knight purposing to found a Chantrie therein obtained License to bestow the advouson thereof inter alia upon the same with Lands and Rents to the value of xx li. per annum In pursuance whereof he gave to Iohn Lynie Priest Warden of the said Chantrie and his successors a certain piece of land lying then betwixt the road-way leading from Filongley towards Colshill on the one side and the Church-yard of Maxstoke on the other and extending in length from the Lord of Maxstoke's Quarrie to the Pale of his Park together with the advouson of the Church as by his Charter bearing date at Maxstoke on the Feast day of the Annunciation of our Lady 6 E. 3. appeareth And moreover by the same Charter granted unto the said Warden and his successors 8. Messuages six yard land lying in Long-Ichinton as also the Bodies of viii Natives dwelling there with all their Chattells and Off-spring And besides this xx s. yearly Rent payable by one William Snede and Iohn his son out of a Messuage lying in Long-Ichinton aforesaid with the reversion of the same Messuage and one yard land after their deceases and lastly 4. Acres of land lying in the said town of Ichinton together with the advouson of the Church Which endowment being so made he forthwith by the consent of Roger de Northburgh at that time Bishop of this Dioces Iohn Lynie the then Parson whom he constituted Warden as abovesaid Sir Iohn de Clinton Lord of Maxstoke his brother and Parishioner there as also all the other Parishioners of Maxstoke ordained that the said five Priests should thenceforth celebrate divine Servâ—ce daily in the same Church where the Bodies of his Ancestors lay interred for the good estate of him the said Sir William de Clinton Iulian his wife Sir Iohn de Clinton his brother Alice his wife and for the souls of Sir Iohn de Clinton his Father the Lady Ida his Mother as also for the good estate of Edward the third then Kâ—ng of England Laurence de Hastings and for aâ—l the Lords Hastings in time to come And moreover of the said Roger then Bishop of Coventre and Lichfield Henry Prior of Coventre and â—heir succâ—ssors and for the souls of all the Kâ—ngs oâ— England Lords Hastings Bishops of Coventre â—nd Lichfield Priors of Coventre Brethren and sisters Parents and benefactors and all the faithâ—uâ—l deceased Appointing that the said Warden and his successors as aâ—so the Subwarden and his should be always Priests in Orders admitted and instituted by the Bishop or Coventre and Lichfield for the time being and after the decease of him the said Sir William always presented by the said Sâ—r Iohn de Clinton his brother and his heirs having a House convenient for themselves and the other three adjoyning to the Churchyard of Maxstoke afâ—resaid there to inhabâ—te and lodge together And that the said Warden and his succâ—ssâ—rs shâ—uld pâ—â—vâ—de from time to timeâ— Bâ—â—â—ks Vâ—â—â—ments Lâ—ghts as also two Clerks fâ—r the use of himself 〈◊〉 Sub-warden and the other Priests aswell in the Church as in the Houseâ— viz. their Hall and Chamberâ— nâ—ght and day And mâ—reover that he and his said Sub-warden and thâ— othâ—r Priestsâ— shâ—â—â—d wear white Surpliceâ— with black Copes and Sâ—â—les after the manner of the Vicars-Chorall in the Caâ—hedrall of Lichfield whil'st they were about divine Service both in the Church and Quire And that the charge of the Books and Ornaments shâ—uld belong to the Sub-warden whose Office was to direct câ—ncerning the celebration of Masses viz. of whâ—m what howers and in what order by himself and the other Priests they were to be performed And that Bread Wine Water and Lights should be ready for the said Masses and divine exercises but at the charge of the Warden to be provided And further that aswell the Warden when he could fitly be at leisure and Sub-warden as all the Priests except some great occasion did hinder every day after dinner and before Vâ—â—pers should together in the said Church sing the full Office of the Dead viz. Placebo and Dâ—riâ—e except on double Fâ—â—tivalls and the time of Easter in whâ—ch theâ— ought to observe the custome of the Church of Salisbury in saâ—â—ing the said Office Aâ— also 〈…〉 and Canonicall howers with Note â— in the Qâ—â—re of the Church aforesaid admitting the Chaplains and Clerks of the same Church to sing with them if they pleased And likewise that after the Compline they should say the Commenâ—â—â—tion of the Dead â— in â—he said Quire according â—o the course above described And every Holy day in the Quire together the seven Penitentiall Psalmes and the â—v â—radualls with the Letanie and accustomed Prayers unless there were cause exprest by the Warden that they should say them out of the Quâ—re And that both the Warden and Sub-warden all the other Priests should every day celebrate their particular Masses in the said Church or Quire according to appointment except there were a lawfull impediment so that upon every Sunday the Masse of the B. Virgin should be celebrated with Note and the Mass of the day in such sort as was fit And upon every Munday one of them whom the Sub-warden should appoint to celebrate the said Mass of our Lady by Note with the Office for the Dead for the souls of the persons before recited and all the faithfull deceased And after the death of the said Sir William de Clinton and Sir Iohn his brother for their souls also And that another of the said Priests should celebrate the same day the high Mass of S. Michaell th'arch Angell Patron of that Church and of all the holy Angells with Note and the rest throughout the week thus Upon every Tuesday the Mass of S. Thomas sometime Archbishop of Canterbury by Note besides the high Mass of the day by Note also On Wednsday the first Mass of our blessed Ladie by Note and the high Mass of the said day with Note as also a memoriall of S. Katherine the Virgin On
of the Churches of the same Manors with their appurtenances parcells members nor any of them nor any parcell of them nor the right title or possession of eny persone or persones having joynt estate in the said Manors or eny of them with the seide Simond nor the right title nor possession of any persone or persones having estate in the seid Manors or any of them to the use of Baldewyn Mountfort Knight fader of the seide Simond nor eny of them nor their heirs nor assignes nor eny of the heires of the seide Baldewin or Simond which Manors bin entailled on the heirs of the body of the seide Baldewyn begotten as openly appeareth by evidens thereof redy to be shewed for the disheryting of which Baldewyn and Symond of the seide Manors Edmond Montfort Kt. Karver to Henry the vi th late K. of England in dede and not of right by the favour and might of the seide late soo King Humfrey late D. of Buck. and James late Earl of Wilteshire be full unconsciously moynes long time laboured as opunly is known to many of the estates and worshipfull peopul of this Royalme to the utterst empoverishing of the same Baldewyn and Simond Which said Sir Baldewyn the better to manifest what unjust and ill dealing had been excercised by the before specified D. of Buck. for the utter disheriting of him and his son made publication thereof to posteritie by a particular Instrument whereunto he set his hand and Seal which for that it discovers so much of the high oppression therein excercised I have here thought sit to transcribe To all true Cristen pepull to whom this present writinge shall come Baldewyn Mountfort Kt. and Prest sendeth greting c. Know ye me the forseyd Baldewyn being in my good heele and good mynd the day of the making hereof at Hampton in Arderne to say testifye and report for trouthe there being present the Priour of Maxstokeâ— with many other that all such Obligations Recoveres Relees or other writings which y made to Humfrey late D. of Buck. Humfrey late Lord of Stafford and James late Erle of Wiltes or to Sir Edm. Mountfort my brother or eny of them for or of the Manours of Coleshull Ilmyndon Rampnam or eny other parcell of my livelode which was late Sir Will. Mountforts my faders hit was done by compulcion of the seid Duke and for fere of my deth and of my son Sir Simond's For in trouth the seid Duke keped me in Coventre xiiii deyes and aftir had me to the Castel of Maxstoke and there kept meâ— And my son Sir Symond was 〈◊〉 in the Castell of Gloucester and we coude never be delivered out till we agreed to certain Articles written in a â—ill anexid to this my writinge which Articles were send bi the seid Duke and Edmond under the Seale of the said Edmond to my seid 〈◊〉 when he was in prison in the seid Castel of Gloucester rehersyng that we should suffer Recâ—verâ—s to be had ayeyne us such as the late Duke 〈◊〉 Stafford and Earl of Wiltshire or Eâ—m Mâ—unâ—fort by the advice of their Councell cowde or would devise for ther pâ—ofet and also to relece all our right which we had in the seid Mannors to the same Duke and other above rehersed and to do other things as but aâ—pâ—reâ—h more plainly in the seid Bill or els 〈◊〉 seid son should never have comen out of Prison nor y should not have abidden in my Cuntry but to have had and to have stonden in the indignacion of the Lordship of the seid Duke and other Lords above rehirsed which in thoo deys had byn too hevy and too importable for me or my seid son to have boren By the which â—ecoveres Relâ—ce and Obligations so had and made by compulcion the said Edmund my brother would disherit me and mine yssue for ever contrarie to right and consciens God knoweth For in trouth where the seid Duke seid that and if eny man would sey and prove that eny of the seid Manors were entailled to me the seid Sir Baldwyn eyther by Dede or by Fyne he wold not be about to disherit me nor myne heires for M l. and my Lady of Buckingham affirmed and seys the same since tho deth of my seid Lord late her husband all that notwithstanding the seid Edmond my brother at the time of the seid Releces or Obligacions made or eny Recoveres had ayeyne me of the seid Manors had in his kepinge all the evidences concerning the seid Manors and he sware himself and caused me to swere and my brother the Parson and Robert before the seid Duke that we saw never Dede of yntaile of the said Manors nor Fyne whereby they should be entayled where that indeed the seid Sir Edmund was forsworn and caused me and my Brether to be forsworn for he had at that time divers Dedes and Fynes in his â—epyng whereby the seid Manors were and are yntailled which byn now redy to shew Wherefore I the seid Sir Baudwyn in my last deyes requier and charge yow that he presente at the making hereof that ye informe in that ye may my seid Lady of Buckingham and my yonge Lord of Buck. and all other Gentilmen and good men of this Countrey that the seid Manors bin entaylled to me both by Dede and by Fyne which Dedes and Fynes I shew you here at this time to the intent that my Children may have their livelode according to the taille and as right and good consciens will so that they be not disherit by the hiding of the seid Dedes and Fynes and the colour and craft of my seid Brother Sir Edmond being about to hurt not onely his own soul but the soules of the seid good Lord late D. of Buck. and H. late Lord of Stafford his son and James late Earle of Wiltes with many other good and well disposid persons labourers in the same mater not understanding what they did God knoweth In witnes c. I have set my Seale and signe manuell at Hampton aboveseid the Thursday next before S. Hillarie's dey xlix th H. 6. and of the taking ayene of his royall power the first yeere This Sir Baldwyn being at length a widower betook himself to a religious course of life and entring into holy Orders in 39 H. 6. demised unto Simon his son and heir the Mannour of Hampton in Arden â— reserving onely for himself another Priest and six Children celebrating divine Service there with a competencie of meat and drink and other necessaries during his life according to their severall degrees stiling himself Knight and Pâ—iest and died in 14 E. 4. leaving the before specified Simon his son and heir who in K. H. 5. time being a servant in Court to Q. Catherine and in 35 H. 6. retained of Councell to Ric. Nevill Earl of Warwick was in 1 E. 4. a Kt. and in 4. had a Release from that King of all his right
H. 6. Ioh. de Stanford 15 E. 2. Margeria Matilda 12 R. 2. Ioh. de Stanford obiit s. p. 37 E. 3. Iohanna secundò nupta Thomae dâ— Morâ—hall his Armes Argent upon a Fesse wavy sable three Hares heads cooped Or vith a labell of three points in Chief and by his last Will and Testament bearing date the Tuesday next after the Feast of the Conception of our Lady anno 1428. 7 H. 6 wherein he stiles himself Esquier bequeathing his body to sepulture in the Church of S. Peter here at Wootton and vi li. xiii s. iv d. to the reparation of the great road-way leading betwixt the said town of Wootton and the Heremitage at Sillesburne departed this life the same year leaving issue divers Children of some whereof I shall speak anon in the mean time taking notice of what I have seen in relation to his brother Thomas In 3 H. 5. he was Eschaetor for this County and Leicestershire In 5 c a Justice of Peace for this Countie in which imployment he continued till his death And having been one of those three who with the Shiriff in 7 H. 5. made that return of the names of such gentlemen of note in this Shire which bore antient Armes from their Ancestors and had summons to serve the King in their proper persons for defence of the Realm dyed without issue in 22 H. 6. leaving Thomas son of Roger son of Iohn his brother his next heir But I return to the issue of Iohn elder brother to the said Thomas which were Roger his son and heir that enjoy'd these lands in Wootton Richard who by his Fathers Testament had the Mannour of Shoterich in this County bequeathed to him and lyeth buried before the Altar of S. Andrew the Apostle in the Church of the Holy Trinity at Stratford super Avon William sometime Lord of the Mannour of Stoâ—rton and Iohn that had Whitley Which Roger wedded Agnes the daughter coheir of Sir William Clopton of Clopton in Somersetshire and had issue by her William Harewell who by the death of Ioan daughter and heir to the before specified Richard without issue had the Mannour of Shoterich of his grandfathers inheritance This William was a trusty friend to the House of Lancaster as it seems for upon the regaining of the Kingdom by King H. 6. he had the custody of this Countie and Leicestershire and before the end of that his Shirivealtie fought stoutly on King Henrye's part at Barnet field in which battail being taken prisoner r he was thence carried to Windsor-Castle whereupon also his lands were seized by the King and bestowed on Humphrey Stafford Esquire to hold during the King's pleasure But after a while through the solicitation of his kinsman Iohn Leighton Esquire made with Iohn Talbot then Earl of Shrewsbury he was released of his imprisonment and restored to his lands For which favours the said Earl had first xl li. that the same Iohn Leighton promised to give him for obtaining his enlargment lands and xl marks more which he exacted over and above But after this in 14 E. 4. he was constituted one of the Justices of Peace in this County yet I do not find that upon the next renewing of those Commissions or ever after that he had the like imployment during King Edward's reign howbeit in 2 R. 2. he was appointed one of the Commissioners of Array in this Shire All that I have seen more of him is that in 16 H. 7. he founded a Chantrie in the Friers Preachers at Warwick of which I have particularly spoke in my discourse of that place and that departing this life 2. Dec. the same year he was there buried leaving Iohn his son and heir 30. years of age Which Iohn in 18 H. 7. being constituted one of the Justices of Peace in this County was the same year made Constable of Maxstoke Castle by Edward Duke of Buck. and by his Testament bearing date 8. Apr. Anno 1505. 20 H. 7. gave to the said Duke whom he there calls his Lord his great Dun Horse for a Heriot and by Anne his wife daughter and heir to Richard Midleton had issue two sons and five daughters whereof Thomas the elder dyed without issue before 3 H. 8. and William was a Priest whereupon the sisters came to inherit viz. Elizabeth Anne Brigit and Agnes for Maud the Eldest wife of Iohn Leighton dyed without issue before the partage was made betwixt them Of which Elizabeth first the wife of Anth. Ralegh and afterwards of Leonard Rede had for her share the Mannours of Bear-cracombe and Copland in Somersetshire and vi s. viii d. yearly Rent issuing out of the Mannour of Thongland in that County Anne wife to Iames Clifford of Frampton in Com. Glouc. the Mannours of Knoll and Broseley in the Counties of Somerset and Salop. as also certain lands in Sturmister-Marshall in Dorsetshire and Billingsley in Shropshire with iii s. annuall Rent issuing out of Fentre in Com. Salop. and vi s. per annum out of the Mannour of Thongland in that Countie Brigit the wife of Thomas Aâ—hton of Ashton in Cheshire the Mannours of Ashley Water-Eaton and Longnore in Staffordshire the Mannour of Billingsley in Shropshire and certain lands in Walkeslow before mentioned to the value of ten marks per annum with xxiii s. iv d. yearly Rent issuing out of the said Mannour of Thongland Agnes the wife of Iohn Smyth one of the Barons of the Exchequer for her part this Mannour of Wootton called Lucies Mannour and the Mannour of Shoterich as also certain lands in Stratford super Avon Henley Preston and Edstonia this Shire with divers lands lying in Mickleton in Com. Glouc. the Mannour of Milinchop in Com. Salop Lands in Hungerford Postern magna Postern parva Mounslow and Dydlebery in Shropshire and x s. iv d. yearly Rent issuing out of the before specified Mannour of Thongland the same Partition bearing date 4 Febr. 25 H. 8. From which Baron Smyth by the said Agnes is Sir Charles Smyth Knight since erected to the dignity of Lord Carington and now residing here descended as the Pedegree before inserted sheweth Of whose Family I may not omit here to observe what I have seen attested by Sir William Dethick sometime Garter principall King of Armes and Robert Cooke Clarenceux viz. that the said Iohn Smyth the Baron was grandchild to Iohn Carington and the said Iohn Carington lineally descended from Sir Michaell Carington Knight Standard-bearer to the famous King Richard the first in the Holy Land And of this Iohn Carington as to the occasion that he changed his name to Smyth they do specially certifie from the credit of an antient Manuscript written with the proper hand of him the said Iohn in K. Henry the fourth's time that in his youth he was bred up in