Beste que iai illoques le iour de ma moriant And lastly that of Simon Digby Esquire in 9 H. 8. who bequeathing his Body to sepulture in the Chancell of the Church at Colshill in this Countie hath this expression and my best Good to my Principal after the use of the Countrey But this kind of payment was converted into money by the Statute of 21 H. 8. whereunto I refer my Reader And so having herein digrest enough by the help of that learned gentleman Master Thomas Barlow of Qu. Coll. Oxon. my singular friend from whom I acknowledge that divers of the materialls whereof I have here made use were imparted to me I return To this Iohn Arden who died ...... Iunii 17 H. 8. succeeded Thomas and to him Edward son and heir to William that died in his Fathers life time in ward to Sir George Throgmorton Knight in 38 H. 8. whose daughter he afterwards married Which Edward though a gentleman not inferior to the rest of his Ancestors in those virtues wherewith they were adorned had the hard hap to come to an untimely death in 27 Eliz. the charge layd against him being no less than high Treason against the Queen as privie to some foul intentions that Master Somervile his son in Law a Roman Catholick had towards her person For which he was prosecuted with so great rigour and violence by the Earl of Leicester's means whom he had irritated in some particulars as I have credibly heard partly in disdaining to wear his Livery which many in this Countie of his rank thought in those days no small honour to them but chiefly for galling him by certain harsh expressions touching his private accesses to the Countess of Essex before she was his wife that through the testimonie of one Hall a Priest he was found guiltie of the Fact and lost his life in Smithfield Tristis hic exitus nobilis viri saith Master Cambden qui sacerdotis insidiis illectus ejusdem testimonio perculsus Lecestrii invidiae vulgò vertebatur Certum enim est illum Lecestrii invidiam nec immeritò incurrisse cui in omnibus quibus poterat se temerè objecerat quasi adultero obtrectaverat ut homini novo detraxerat Upon whose attainder his lands were given away to Edward Darcy Esquire and his heirs but Robert son and rightfull heir to that inheritance being a prudent person and well read in the Laws by virtue of an Entail made upon his marriage in his Father's life time after very long suits recovered all again this Mannour of Curdworth and Minworth excepted and living to a great age with no small reputation in his Countrey left Robert his grand-child heir to the estate Which last mentioned Robert being much accomplisht with learning and other excellent parts died in the flower of his youth whereby the inheritance of this antient Family resorted to his Sisters of whose marriages I have in the Pedegree before inserted taken notice Within this Lordship did the Abbot of Leicester in 13 E. 1. having a large proportion of land by the grant of Hugh de Arden in H. 2. time claim a Court Leet as also Infangthef with Assize of Bread and Beer and to justifie this Challenge exhibited the Charters of K. H. 2. and Ric. 1. whereby the Canons of that house had sundry generall priviledges granted to them throughout all their possessions whereupon the Jury finding that they had enjoy'd a Court-Leet with Assize of Bread and Beer time out of mind those Liberties were allowed And forasmuch as it appeared that in the time of Abbot Henry a Gallows had been set up and a Thief there taken committing Felony adjudg'd to death and hanged by his Bailiff the same Priviledge was likewise allowed The Church dedicated to S. Peter ad vincula being given to the Canons of Leicester in H. 2. time by Hugh de Arden before specified was soon after appropriated to them by Ric. Peche Bishop of Cov. and Lich. his Successors Hugh Novant and Geffrey Muschamp confirming the same And in An. 1291. 19 E. 1. valued at vii marks and a half but the Vicaridge at no more than two marks having long before been endowed with a certain proportion of Glebe and Tithes for maintenance of the successive Incumbents which Vicaridge in 26 H. 8. was certified to be worth C s. per an over and above x s. deducted for Procurations and Synodals Patroni Vicariae Incumbentes Abbas Conv. Leicestriae Mag. Râ—b de Leyrcestre An. 1283. Abbas Conv. Leicestriae Will. de Sutton Cap. 1284. Abbas Conv. Leicestriae Ioh. de Bâ—rhangre Diac. 9. Cal. Iulii 1305. Abbas Conv. Leicestriae Thomas Atteyate Cap. 19. Cal. Ian. 1350. Abbas Conv. Leicestriae Henr. Wyshaw Pbr. 17. Cal. Sept. 1361. Abbas Conv. Leicestriae Ioh. Hamund Pbr. 5 Id. Martii 1367. Abbas Conv. Leicestriae D. Ioh. Broke Cap. 5 Feb. 1404. Abbas Conv. Leicestriae Ric. Lawrence Pbr. 5 Sept. 1493. Abbas Conv. Leicestriae Ric. Singleton Cap. 8. Marâ— 1498. Edw. Arden ar Edm. Lyngard Cler. 27 Maii 1561. Iac. Rex Angl. c. ratione minoris aet Edw. Darcy ar Thomas Aylesbury Cler. 4. Maii 1618. Iac. Rex Angl. c. ratione minoris aet Edw. Darcy ar Will. Clifford in Art Mag. 23 Iulii 1619. Carolus Rex ratione ut supra Iosephus Clifford Cler. 20. Martii 1625. In a North Window of the Church these Armes Gules a Cinquefoile Ermine Old Earls of Leicester Minworth THis having been the freehold of one Godric before the Norman invasion and in the Conqueror's time possest by Turchill de Warwick was by the generall Survey certified to contain 1 hide the woods extending to half a mile in length and 3 furlongs in breadth All which with the rest were then valued at v s. In that Record it is written Meneworde â— the later syllable signifying an habitation or dwelling and the former shewing of whom though a name now out of use But farther of this Village I have very little to say forasmuch as it continued in the Ardens Family till the attainder of Edward in 27 Eliz. and was past out of the Crown therewith in 28 of the same Queens reign to Edward Darcy Esquire and his heirs That part of the Park which lyeth Northward of the River was first impaled by the before specified Edward Arden about the beginning of Q. Eliz. reign as I have heard but before the recoverie of it by Robert Arden his son from Darcy all the Trees were cut down and rid out of it Berwood THis being involved originally with Curdworth is not at all mentioned in the Conqueror's Survey neither have I seen any thing thereof till H. 2. time that Hugh de Arden gave it to the Canons of Leicester viz. locum de Berwda cum exsartis pratis for those are the
heir to Sir Edward Guilford Knight who had his Wardship as I have said he left issue 8. sons and 5. daughters viz. Henry that dyed at Bolein Iohn who had the title of Earl of Warwick in his fathers life-time as commonly Dukes sons out of curtesie have of some Earldom whereof their fathers have the honour but dyed without issue Ambrose Earl of Warwick by the favour of Queen Elizabeth as I shall shew anon Robert created Earl of Leic. by the said Q. Guilford who suffred death in 1. M. as his father did Henry slain at S. Quintines and Charles that dyed a child His daughters were these Mary the wife of Sir Henry Sidney Knight of the Garter and Lord President of Wales from whom the now Earl of Leic. is descended Kath. wife to Henry Hastings Earl of Huntingdon As also Margaret Temperance and another Katherine who dyed young In the Parliament held 1. M. was the attainder of this Duke and four of his sons confirmed viz. Iohn called Earl of Warwick Sir Ambrose and Sir Guilford both Knights and Henry Dudley Esquire Going on with the succession of these Earls I come next to Sir Ambrose Dudley abovementioned restored in blood by Queen Mary This Sir Ambrose had in 1. Eliz. a grant of the Mannour of Kibworth-Beauchamp in Com. Leic. to be held by the service of being Pantler to the Kings Queens of this Realm at their Coronations which office and Mannour his father and other of his Ancestors Earls of Warwick had In the second year of her raign he was made Master of the Ordinance In the fourth viz. 26 Dec. Baron L'isle and Earl of Warwick and the 6. of April following had a grant from the same Queen of the Castle Mannour and Burrough of Warwick with divers other Lordships in this Shire eschaeted to the Crown by his fathers attainder in which year she made him her Lieutenant generall in Normandy and during the time of his service there caused him to be chosen Knight of the Garter In 12. of her raign this E. with Edward Lord Clinton were made Lieutenants Generall of her Majesties forces in the North parts In 13. he was constituted chief Butler of England and in 15. sworn of her Privy-Councell He had 3. wives viz. Anne daughter and coheir to Will. Whorwood esq Atturney generall to King H. 8. Eliz. x daughter of Sir Gilbert Talboys Knight sister and sole heir of George Lord Talboys and Anne y daughter to Francis Earl of Bedford but departed this life without issue 21. Febr. Anno 1589. 32. Eliz. at Bedford-house in the suburbs of London and was buried in that beautifull Chapell here at Warwick called our Lady Chapell adjoyning to the Collegiat Church where his Monument is yet to be seen The next that had this title of Earl was Robert Lord Rich grandchild to Richard created Lord Rich. of Leeze in Essex 17. Febr. 1 E. 6. and made Chancelour of England 26. Oct. following which family doe derive their descent from Richard Rich one of the Shiriffs of London An. 1441 20 H. 6. This Robert created Earl of Warwick 6. Aug. 16. Iac. had two wives viz. Penelope daughter to Robert Devereux Earl of Essex and Frances daughter to Sâ—r Christopher Wray Lord Chief Justice of the Kings Bench in Q. Elizabeths time but widow to Sir George St. Paul of Snartford in Com. Linc. Knight and Baronet By the first whereof he had issue Robert Lord Rich his son and heir Sir Henry Rich Knight of the Bath and Capt. of the Guard afterwards created Baron of Kensington Earl of Holland by King Iames and chosen Knight of the Garter Lettice his eldest daughter first marryed to Sir George Cary of Cokington in Com. Devon and after to Sir Arthur Lake Knight And Essex the second to Sir Thomas Cheek of Pirgo in Essex which Earl dyed at Warwick-House in Holburne 24. Martii An. 1618. 15. Iac. and was buryed at Felstede in Essex where his Ancestors do lye To whom succeeded in this Honour Robert his eldest son who wedded Frances daughter and heir to Sir William Newport alias Hatton Knight by whom he hath issue three Sons scil Robert Charles and Henry and three daughters Anne Luce and Frances HAving thus finisht my discourse of the Earles I shall now proceed with the town of Warwick it self whereof as to its first building by Kymbeline a King of the Britans and all other passages relating thereto during the Saxons time I have already in my Introduction and Story of those Earles said as much as I can In the Conquerors time it was a Borough id est habitaculum seu locus munitus and contained CClxi houses whereof Cxxx. were possest by the King Cxii by these his Barons whose names with the particular number held by each of them I have here added viz. The Bishop of Worcester ix The B. of Chester vii The Monks of Coventre xxxvi whereof 4. were wasted for the Castles enlargement The Bishop of Constance i. The E. of Mellent xii Earl Alberic iv Hugh de Grentemaisnill iiii Henry de Ferrers ii Rob. de Stadford vi Rog de Iveri ii Ric. Venator i. Raph de Limesi ix The Monks of Malmsbury i. Will. Bonvallet i. Will. fil Corbucion ii Geffrey de Magnaville i. Geffrey de Wirce i. Gislebert de Gant ii Gislebert Povili i. Nich. Balistar i. Steph. Stirman i. Turchil iiii Harold ii Osbert fil Ricardi i. Cristina i. Luith the Nun. ii All which were belonging to the lands they held in this County and apprized with them and the residue being xix by so many Burgesses which Burgesses enjoy'd them with Soc and Sac and all Customes as they did in Edward the Confessors days In the time of the said King Edward the Shirivalty of this County with the Borough of Warwick and all the Kings Mannours in the Shire answered lxv li. in money and xxxvi Sextars of honey or xxiv li. and viii s. in lieu thereof but at the time of the generall Survey they were rated at Cxlv li. in weight in the ferm of the Kings Mannours xxiii li. for the custome of Dogs xx s. for a Sumpter horse 1 li. for a Hawk and C s. to the Queen for a Fine Besides this they payd also xxiv Sextars of Honey of the greater measure and the Borough vi Sextars viz. xv d. a Sextar whereof the Earl of Mellent had vi Sextars and v. s. The custome of this Borough then was as by the same Survey appears that when ever the King went in person in any expedition by land x. Burgesses thereof attended him in stead of all the rest And if he that was warned to give such his attendance did not go he should pay unto the King C s. but if the King did go by Sea against his enemies the whole Borough was to
have pasturing for viii Oxen and two Kine amongst his own Oxen and Kine and likewise for fifty sheep with their lambs and for his Horse It being then also determined that some one of the Inhabitants of Walton in the name of the rest should every year upon the Feast day of St. Peter and Paul offer vi d. upon the Altar of the Church of Wellesburne by way of recognition of their Parochiall subjection And as touching the sepulture of their dead it was concluded that the Inhabitants of this place might take their choice whether to be buried in the Church-yard of Wellesburne or in the Chapel-yard here And lastly that the said Will. D'aiville should yearly give vi d. and his Tenants i. d. for every yard land they held towards the repair of this Chapell This Rectory for so doth my authority call it was in 26 H. 8. rated at v l. Patroni Cantariae Capellae sive vicariae Incumbentes c. Prior Conv. de Kenilworth Walt. de Mutton 4 Non. Nov. 1292. Prior Conv. de Kenilworth D. Sim. de Walton Cap. prid Id. Ian. 1322. Prior Conv. de Kenilworth Rob. de Banburi Cap. 28. Maii 1339. Prior Conv. de Kenilworth Will. Ennoke Pbr. 10. Apr. 1370. Prior Conv. de Kenilworth Oliverus Clede Pbr. 24. Ian. 1373. Prior Conv. de Kenilworth Rob. Barleston penult Apr. 1374. Prior Conv. de Kenilworth Will. Lythorne Pbr. 20. Dec. 1374. Prior Conv. de Kenilworth Thomas Croppecol 18. Oct. 1378. Prior Conv. de Kenilworth D. Ioh. Withy Pbr. 20 Dec. 1389. Prior Conv. de Kenilworth D. Ric. Geffen Cap. 1 Ian. 1400. Iacobus Rex Angl. c. Magr. Will. Warde Cler. 20. Febr. 1618. D. Episcopus Ioh. Bursey Cler. 21. Ian. 1624. Walton-Mauduit AS Walton D'Eivill hath no distinction in the Conq â—s Survey by any additionall name neither hath this but is there certified to contain x hides having two Mills rated at xii s. and Woods of 4 furlongs in length and two in breadth all valued at x l. and then in the possession of the Earl of Mellent Howbeit in H. 1. time it was called Walton-Spilebert perhaps from one of that name that then held it at which time Roger Earl of Warwick possest it through some agreement made by Henry de Newburgh his Father with that Earl as I have often intimated But upon an Accord betwixt Godfrey de Luâ—â— Bishop of Winchester and VValleran E. of Warwick made in 2 Ioh. it was assigned by the said Earl to that Bishop to hâ—ld during the life of Maud Countess of Warwick Widow to Earl William in lieu of the Mannor of Cnoel in Wilts of her dowrie which the Bishop should have had in present possession And afterwards given by that Earl unto Alice his onely Daughter by his last wife as her Marriage portion and confirmed by K. Iohn which Alice being wedded to VVill. Mauduit of Hanslape in Buckinghamshire as in my story of the Earls is shewed who in that Rebellion with the Barons of 17. Ioh. forfeited all it was given away by the K. together with his Castle of Hanslape and all his other lands first to Falkesius de Breant but within six weeks after to Robert de Mara to hold during pleasure Yet was it not long that the said VVill. continued so dispossest thereof for in 1 H. 3. upon returning to his allegiance he had all his lands restord to him again and left issue VVâ—lliam â— who through his Mothers interest became Earl of Warwick and for eight hundred marks sterling sold this Mannour to Sim. de VVauton Bishop of Norwich reserving to himself and his heirs the service of the xxth part of a Kts. â—ee which Bishop shortly after past away the inheritance of it by deed to Iohn de VVauton his son and to his heirs reserving to himself and his heirs a pound of Cumln to be payd yearly at the Feast of St. Mich. and the said service of the xx part a Kts. fee to the chief Lord. Which Ioh. in 4 E. 1. had a Court Leet with Assize of Bread and Beer therein but departing this life shortly after left it to Maud his Daughter and heir which Maud in 7 E. 1. being in Ward to Godfrey Giffard Bishop of UUorcester was certified to be owner thereof then holding it of the Earl of UUarwick by the xx part of a Kts. fee having two Water-mils and one Wind-mill here as also two Carucats of land in demesn and divers Tenants who besides severall Rents they payd performed sundry services as mowing making and carrying Hay Reaping and binding Corn with the like for which they had at reaping time 52 Gallons of Beer and iiii s. iii d. in money by custome But after this it came to the family of Strange as UUalton D'Eivill did and so from Strange to Mordant Sir Charles Mordant being now possest thereof Long-Compton HAving now done with UUellesburne Parish out of which this Brook that hath been my guide for a while passeth into Barlichway-Hundred where it immediatly meeteth with Avon I must now ascend to the head of Stoure in the Southern nook of this Hundred in following of which stream with the branches that belong thereto I shall view the rest of those towns therein whereof I am to discourse The utmost place whose bounds extend to the Western bank of this torrent is Long-Compton lying in a deep valley whence it had originally its name In the Conq rs time Goisfridus de Mannevile being possest of this place it was certified to contain xxx hides the Woods extending to two furlongs in length and as much in breadth having a Mill rated at x s. there being then also a Church all which were valued at xxxl and before the Norman invasion possest by Asgar Sâ—alre In whose line it continued for divers descents But after the death of Will sirnamed Mandevile the last Earl of Essex of that name Maud his Sister and heir had the Honour of Essex with this Mannour and other lands of her said Brother's inheritance being first marryed to Henry de Bohun created E. of Hereford 28 Apr. 1 Ioh. and afterwards to Roger de Antessera or D'antsey which Roger and Maud in 13 H. 3. past away the one moytie of this Lordship together with the Mannour House unto Hubert de Burgo Earl of Kent and the other excepting the Mannour House to Will. Mareschall Earl of Penbroke After whose death in 15. H. 3. Richard Marshall his Brother and successor in that Earldom giving security to the K. for his Loyalty had livery thereof but discontents shortly after arising betwixt the K. and him he got unto Ireland and there raysing a flame of Rebellion was wounded and taken Prisoner of which hurts he dyed It should seem that the said Richard past
wayes have antiently bin may appear by the eminency of the persons who were imployed as Officers for taking care in the oversight of them Augustus Caesar himself not disdaining the task And sometimes the Ediles took charge of them as it appears by Caligula his causing the Edile-vestment of Flavius Vespasianus when he executed that place negligently to be publickly dawbed over with dirt and sometime that imployment was committed Collegio Quaestorum They had rules set down de muniendis struendis viis which they called Legem viariam as appears by Celius his Epist. to Cicero and these they called Viccuri for viarum curatores yea they committed the tuition of the wayes to the Gods themselves and called them Dii vii Plautus in Mercatore Act. 5. Scen. 2. calls them Lares viales And Apollo by Pausanias is termed Viarum praeses Likewise they used to sacrifice Deae vibiliae quae ab erroribus viarum mortales liberat And there is extant an antique Inscription the Copy whereof Lipsius upon Smetius hath mentioned FORTUNAE REDUCI LARI VIALI ROMAE AETERNAE Q. AXIUS AELIAN Neither were these ways without great account by our Ancestours the Saxons as may appear by the Laws of St. Edward De pace quatuor Chiminorum that is Viarum sub majori judicio viz. touching the peace of the four road-ways in some higher Court And since that time the Statute of Marlebridge forbiddeth distresses to be taken in any of the Kings High-ways or common streets And the Statute called Articuli cleri commandeth that such as abjured should not be molested while they be in the High ways But of those ways let us hear Rob. of Gloucecester in his old ryme though he be somewhat mistaken aswell in the Tract of them as in the Makers Faire weyes many on ther ben in Englonde But four most of all ther ben I understonde That thurgh an old Kyng were made ere this As men schal in this boke aftir here telle I wis Fram the South into the North takith Ermingestrete Fram the East into the West goeth Ikeneld strete Fram Southest to Northwest that is sum del grete Fram Dover into Chestre goth Watlyngstrete The ferth ot thise is most of alle that tilleth fram Toteneys Fram the one end of Cornwaile anone to Cateneys Fram the Southwest to Northest into Englondes ende Fosse men callith thilke wey that by mony town doth wende Thise foure weyes on this londe Kyng Belin the wise Made and ordeyned hem with gret Fraunchise For whoso dide therein ony thefte other ony woum He made iuggement therof and gret vengeaunce ynoum Clifton BUt I will forbear to enlarge my self any further on this subject and take a view of Clifton which standeth upon the top of an indifferent hill on the South-side of Avon having its name from the scituation 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 with the Saxons signifying not onely a rocky place but any shelving ground In Doomesday-booke it is written Cliptone the Norman Transcribers of the certificate made upon that Inquisition taken by the Countrey mistaking without doubt the Saxon letter F. which is thus written 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 for a p. In the time of K. Edward the Conf. this Town was possest by Alwine who is commonly called Alwinus vicecomes a great man in those days and lineall ancestour to that worthy and long lasting family of Arden that hath flourished ever since in this County as I shall shew when I come to Curdworth in Hemlingford-Hundred Which Alwine gave it to the Priory of Coventre for the health of his soul by the consent of the said King Edward and of his own sons but after the Norman-Conquest Earl Alberi◠Progenitor to that noble family of Vere antiently and yet Earles of Oxford unjustly seized upon it and outed the Monkes as it is certified by the Conquerours Survey in which it is found to contein five Hydes There was then a Church and two Mills the value of the whole Lordship being rated at iiii l. I have not seen by any Record how it came out of the line of this Albericus Comes but certein it is that it continued not long therein for it is evident that Ernald de Bois who lived in K. Stephens time was owner thereof And that it was given to him by Robert surnamed Bossu then Earl of Leicester is not to be doubted for upon the grant of the custody of his heir in the 7. year of K. Iohn it is said to be de fedo Saiheri de Quinci which Saierus married Margaret Sister and one of the coheires of Robert Fitz-Parnell Earl of Leicester and had by her in partition the moiety of the Honour of Leicester Hoc stemma ex codice MS. Henrici comitis Stanfordiae deductum est Ernaldus de Bosco primus Senesch comitis Leic. ...... soror Rogeri de Basingham relicta 7. Joh. Ernaldus de Bosco secundus Ernaldus de Bosco tertius Ernaldus de Bosco quartus Johannes de Bosco filius haeres obiit sine prole Magr. Will. de Bosco Isabella soror haeres Johan Lovel miles Will. la zouche de Haringworth -Matildis filia haeres Johanna uxor Thomae de Estleja This Ernauld gave to the Abby of Leicester of the said Earls foundation whose Steward he was the perpetuall Patronage of the Church here at Clifton ◠with the Chapels of Waver id est Browns-Over Rokeby and Newton To whom after severall descents succeded Iohn who in 13. E. 1. claimed by Prescription a Court-Leet here with other Priviledges and Free-Warren granted by K. H. 3. to Arnold his father all which were allowed And to him William who in 21. E. 1. setled divers mannours lying in the Counties of Warwike Leic. and Northampt upon William la Zouch and Maud his Wife and the Heirs of their two Bodies lawfully begotten in which entayl a Knights fee in this Lordship likewise passes but no mention of the Mannour So that 't is like it was granted away before and very probably in the 13. of E. 1. before the making of the Statute of Quia emptores terrarum in regard that Clifton is found afterwards to be held of the Zouches of Haringworth who were Heirs of Boys and not of the Honour of Leicester as formerly which could not I conceive have bin if it had bin after that Statute The next possessor of this Lordship was William Revell of whom and his Family I have spoke in Newbold-Revell which William in 27. E. 1. obteined a Charter of free Warren in all his Demesn Lands here as also in Newbolt and Brownswaure in this County And in 1. E. 2. entayled it upon himself and the heirs of his body but for lack of such issue on William Inge for life and after his decease on Iohn the Son of William Revell and the Heirs of his Body with divers remainders In the Male
the fee of the Earl of Winchester in regard of that part of the Honour of Leicester which he held as I have already shew'd in Clifton And in the 55. of H. 3. it appears that Ernauld de Boys of whom I have also spoken in Clifton held four Knights fees in Weston Bulkinton Clifton Wauere viz. this Wauere and Wibtoft so that it may without doubt be concluded that the possession of this Mannour belonged as antiently to the family of Boys as Clifton did How or when they parted with it I know not but in 8. E. 1. it being then written Bruneswafre was granted by Robert Hovel and Alianore his wife to Theobald Malegal and Nicholas Test Merchants of Luke to be held of the said Robert and Alianore and the heires of Alianore for ever paying 1. d. at Easter yearly for all services and for this they gave then C C. marks of Silver so that it seems to have been of the inheritance of Alianore And yet in 13. E. 1. did Iohn de Bosco of whom I have made mention in Clifton claim a Court-leet here and other liberties used by his ancestours time out of mind As also Free-Warren by the grant of K. H. 3. to Ernauld de Boys his Father exhibiting the Kings Charter for the same which was allowed But from the before specified Theobald and Nicholas was it purchased by William Revell in 20. E. 1. which William in 27. of the same K. Reign obteyned a Charter for Free-warren in all his demesn Lands here And in 35. E. 1. entayled it with Clifton as hath been there exprest When these Revells parted with it I find not nor have I seen any thing more thereof till 11. E. 4. that Thomas Bellers Gentleman released to Richard Boughton Esquire all his right therein which Richard was of Little-Lawford and dyed seised thereof 3. R. 3. leaving William his Son and Heir whose descendants there continuing have enjoyed it to this day The Chappel here dedicated to St. Michael with tythes of Corn and Hay as also one yard land and a messuage belonging to the mother Church of Clifton were given by Ernald de Boys viz. the first to the Abby of Leicester In which Chappel there is Christening and Buriall by the speciall grant of the Abbot of Leicester in regard of the distance of this village from the Mother Church of Clifton and the hindrance of access thereto by the overflowing of Avon oft times Armes in this Chappel viz. in the East Window Gules a cinquefoile ermine Old Earl of Leic. Newton ADjoyning to this Village is Newton having its name from the first plantation there which was then new it seems in comparison of the other adjacent Towns In the Conq. time Turchil de Warwic Progenitor of the Ardens held it viz. by Tenants under him the remembrance of whose names are not of consequence it then conteining 3. hydes as is certified in the generall Survey A great part of this village belonged to the Priory of Kenillworth some whereof was given thereunto by Geffrey Clinton in H. 1. time at the Buriall of Geffrey his Father founder of that Monastery as shall be shew'd in its proper place which grant Henry de Arden Grandchild of the above mentioned Turchill confirmed And the rest viz. two Hydes Ernauld de Boys of whom I have already spoken in Clifton gave which Land he the said Ernauld as by his grant appears had of Geffrey Clinton before specified The residue in K. Steph. time did Hugh Bagot purchase together with Cotes now Coton of Raphe de Duuerne And in consideration of xl s. which Ingeram Bagot his Brother gave him towards his expedition beyond Sea with Otuerus de Sulley granted them both to the said Ingeram to be held of Rob. fil Odonis the chief Lord of the Fee Which Ingeram had issue Simon who sold to the Monks of Combe three yard land here Raph de Mora one of the Heirs to Robert fil Odonis confirming the grant But of these Bagots I purpose to speak when I come to Preston Bagot where I shall insert a scheme of their descent Afterward viz. in 8. Ioh. Robert de Cotes now called Coton in the Parish of Church-Over obteyned by exchange from the Abbot and Covent of Combe all the Land that they had in Newton for Lands which he gave them in Cotes And in the 25. of H. 3. Nichola the Widow of Simon Bagot of Preston in this County released to the Abbot and Covent of Combe and their successours the whole right which she had by reason of her dowrie in all those Lands of Cotes and Neuton So that in 36. H. 3. that which the Monkes of Combe had in Newton answered for the sixth part of a Knights Fee upon payment of the aid for the Kings transfretation into Gascoine which as it seemes was viii yard Land or else they had more granted after that time to them for in 4. E. 1. they enjoyed so much In the xx of E. 3. it answered also for the sixth part of a Knights Fee But in R. 2. time by new gifts or smaller measure that which the Abby of Combe had there was rated at xi yard Land and 1. Acre accounting 48. Acres to a yard of Land Thus did this Monastery continue possessed of Newton till its dissolution After which viz. in 36. H. 8. the K. granted away with divers other Lands that which belonged to the Monks of Combe to Thomas Broke and Iohn Williams and to the Heirs of Broke by the name of the Mannour of Neuton And yet in the same year I find a Licence to Mary Dutchess of Richmund to Alien the very same Mannour to Henry Leigh Esquire And afterwards by Inquisition taken upon the death of the said Henry is it found that he dyed seized thereof 14. Apr. 3. Eliz. and that Edward his Son and Heir was xx years of age But what became of those Lands which the Pr. of Kenylworth had here I have not seen Below Newton Eastwards lyes Biggin so called of later time Biggin signifying an habitation in resemblance whereof we have the Saxon word 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 for inhabitants As also in the Northern parts the name of Biggin for a fair House or Gentlemans seat but antiently this was called Holme having been a Village in the Conq. time though now there be scarce any thing left but a Mill which name it took from the situation lying in a nook betwixt the River Avon and a small brook that comes from Shawell in Leicestershire as the Map will shew for such grounds as are in whole or for the most part compassed with waters are so called as we may observe almost every where In the Conq. time Turchil de Warwick held it by his under-tenants From whom it came with the rest of his Lands as it seemes to the Earles of Warwick for of
and Maud and for lack of such issue to the said Maud and the heirs of her body the remainder to his right heirs Which Maud was heir to the above mentioned VVilliam de Bosco as the descent in Clifton sheweth In the line of Zuche whose chief seat was at Haringworth in Northamptonshire by inheritance from Milesent de Cantilupe it continued for divers generations Guliel de Cantilupo obiit 39. H. 3. Georg. de Cantilupo obiit sine prole Johanna soror cohaeres ux Henrici de Hastings .... de Monte alto 1. maritus Milisenta alterasororum cohaeredum defuncta 27 E. 1. Eudo la Zuche 2. E. 1. Will. la Zuche filius haeres obiit 10. Martii 26 E. 3. Matilda filia haeres Joh. Lovel mil. Isabellae ux ejus sororis haeredis Will. de Bosco Eudo de la Zuche obiit vita patris Will. la Zuche aetat 30. an ad mortem avi obiit 5. R. 2. Will. la Zuche aetat 40. an 5. R. 2. obiit 3. H. 5. Will. la Zuche aetat 13. an 3. H. 5. obiit 8. E. 4. Joh. dom Zousche aetat 8. an 8. E. 4. attinctus in Parl. 7. Nov. 1. H. 7. Joh. Zouche fil haeres 23. H. 7. Ric. dom Zouche Geo. dom Zouche plenae aetat 6. E. 6. obiit 19. Junii 19. Eliz. Edw. fil haeres accrevit plenam aetatem 6. Junii 19. Eliz. In 7 E. 2. the K. granted Free-warren to the before specified VVilliam and Maud his wife in their demesn lands here at Bulkinton Weston Riton Brancote and Wolfarshull all in this Parish But afterwards do I meet with nothing more of that family relating to this place further than their dying seized thereof till Edward the principal male branch of those Barons who wasting that great Patrimony descended to him from his Fore-fathers sold this Lordship with the rest of the Hamlets in this Parish to Humfry Davenport Esq and one Richard Bucknam Gent. Which Humfrey and Richard past the one moytie thereof to Sir Christopher Yelverton Kt. one of the Justices of the K. Bench temp Iac. R. whose Grandchild Sir Chr. Yelverton of East-Neston in Com. Northampt. Kt. of the Bath now enjoys it And the other moytie to George Purefey fifth son to Michael Purefey of Caldecote Esq which George had issue Gamaliel Purefey who sold it to Anthony Stoughton now of St. Iohns in Warwick Esq the present owner thereof The Church dedicated to St. Iames being granted to the Abby of Leicester as I have allready shew'd was antiently appropriated to that Monastery and upon the endowment of the Vicaridge a pension of xxvi s. viii d. per annum was reserved out of the same In an 1291. 19. E. 1. the Rectory was valued at xxvi marks and the Vicaridge at 11 marks But in 26 H. 8. I find the Vicaridge rated at vi lib. x sol vi d. over and above ix s. vi d. allowed for Synodals and Procurations Which Rectory being in the Crown as parcell of the possessions belonging to the dissolved Monastery of Leicester was granted by Q. Eliz. in 33 of her reign to the Free-school of Uppingham in Com. Rutland Patroni Vicariae Incumbentes Abb. Conv. de Leic. Warinus de Swanington Pbr. an 1258. Abb. Conv. de Leic. Rob. de Bengrave 5. Id. Dec. 1305. Abb. Conv. de Leic. Ioh. Bernard Pbr. 4. Non. Apr. 1326 Abb. Conv. de Leic. Dom. Ric. de Chedle 4. Id. Aug. 1361. Abb. Conv. de Leic. Will. Granger Pbr. 26. Martii 1428. Abb. Conv. de Leic. Ric. Wylkyns Pbr. 21. Iulii 1430. Abb. Conv. de Leic. Hen. Awbell Pbr. 20. Aug. 1443. Abb. Conv. de Leic. Tho. Sawnder Pbr. 8. Dec. 1444. Abb. Conv. de Leic. Tho. Hille Pbr. 17. Febr. 1444. Abb. Conv. de Leic. Will. Gregg Pbr. 13. Aug. 1449. Abb. Conv. de Leic. Ioh. Webbe Cap. 22. Martii 1453. Abb. Conv. de Leic. D. Tho. Lyndon Cap. 11. Apr. 1525. H. 8. Rex Angliae ratione dissolut Abb. Leic. D. Tho. Mower Cap. 4. Sept. 1540. Hen. Waver de Coventre Mercer Will. Smyth Cler. 12. Maii 1557. Hen. Waver de Coventre Mercer Ric. Briscow Cler. 6. Dec. 1557. Hen. Waver de Coventre Mercer Edw. Iurdayne Cler. 2. Iunii 1561. Ric. Waver alias Over Walt. Enderby 6. Aug. 1575. Geo. Belgrave de Belgrave in Com. Leic. ar Henr. Bradshaw Cler. Weston in Arden THis taking its name from the Western situation from Bulkinton was also in the Conq. daies in the possession on the Earl of Mellent and then certified to contain two hydes which were valued at xl sol Since which time the possession thereof hath gone along with Bulkinton till now therfore shall I not need to make instance by particular proofs in regard that all those Records that I have made use of for Bulkinton do manifest the same Yet because there are some things peculiar hereunto onely I shall in their order take notice of them amongst which this is not the least observable that of all these places in the Parish of Bulkinton it hath not onely the priority in rank where they are mentioned together in the Records but even Bulkinton it self with the rest are accounted as members of it the reason whereof can be no other than that the Lord of them all had his Mannour-house here where the Leet being kept not onely the Inhabitants of the other Villages met but from other places both in this County and Leicestersh which were the Lord Zouches lands viz. Clifton Browns-over Wyhtoâ—t Bulkinton and Ryâ—on in Com. Warr with Ulsthorpe Elmesthorpe and Cleybrooke in Leicestersh as by Court-Rolls in H. 6. time I have seen Upon the death of the last Ernald de Boys 5 E. 1. it was found that this Mannour was by him held in capite of the heirs of the Earl of Winchester in right of their partage in the Honour of Leicester paying yearly unto them one Hound called a Brache and seven pence in money for all services Afterwards scil in 7 E. 2. Will. la Zuche and Maud his wife had Free-warren granted to them here and in divers other places as in Bulkinton hath been said Which Will. in 19 E. 3. had licence for amortizing of 8 Messuages 9 yard land and a half and xxx s. annual Rent with the appurtenances lying in Cleybroke and Leyre in Com. Leic. this Weston in Arden Merston-Iabet Coton and Ryton juxta Bulkinton Com. Warr. for the maintenance of two Priests to sing Mass daily in the Chappel of our Lady within this his Mannour of Weston for the good estate of himself whilst he lived and for the health of his soul after he should depart this world as also for the soul of William Danet and for the
souls of the father and mother with the ancestours and heirs of the said Will. la Zuche and Will. Danet and of all the faithfull deceased Concerning which Chantry the B. of Cov. and Lich. upon his Ordination thereof the next ensuing year thus declared That there having been a Chappel of the blessed Virgin Mary within this Mannour of Weston and therein divine service celebrated time out of mind which being grown ruinous was then newly fallen down Sir Will. la Zuche of Haringworth Kt. had rebuilt the same with a fair fabrick in honour of the said blessed Virgin for the good estate of himself as also of Sir Will. la Zuche of Totenes and the Lady Eliz. his wife with their children during this life and afterwards for the health of their souls and for the souls of Will. de Boys Sir Eudo la Zuche Melisent de Montalt Maud la Zuche Elene la Zuche and their children departed this life And for the souls of Will. Danet and Richard Dobyn and other Benefactors with all the faithfull deceased But whereas the first licence for amortizing the lands before mentioned was for two Priests as I have said it seems the said Sir VVill. la Zuche chang'd his purpose for I find that in 21 E. 3. he had the K. licence for the alteration thereof for one Priest onely so that the said Priest might have another under him for performance of that service Belonging to the Lord Zouch his Mannour-house here there was antiently a Park as it seems for in 46 E. 3. Sir VVill. la Zuche had licence to turn a way for the enlargement thereof Howbeit in 10 H. 6. where VVill. Lord Zouch was certified to hold this Mannour it is called Weston-Arnold for distinction from the other Westons in this County in regard that Arnold de Boys had antiently been owner thereof But after the attainder of Iohn Lord Zouch in 1 H. 7. the K. granted it to Sir Iames Blount and to the heirs males of his body nevertheless it seems that the family of Zouch afterwards regain'd it for in 6 E. 6. George Lord Zouch was possest thereof and dyed seized of it 19 Iunii 19 Eliz. leaving Edward his son and heir who sold it to Humphrey Davenport Esq. and Richard Bucknam with Bulkinton and other lands by which means it came to Sir Christopher Yelverton Kt. of the Bath and Anthony Stoughton Esq the present Lords thereof as Bulkinton did A Tradition there is that one of the Lord Zouches who much affected to reside here and wanting sufficient mowing ground for his use upon a time invited the Free-holders of Bulkinton to his house and welcoming them with very good entertainment proposed the purchasing of their several doles in a fair large meadow which lay fitly for him All which assented except one Rogers Whereupon the rest urging him to do as they had done the Lord Zouch said Let the Churle alone with his peice And so to this day the posterity of the said Rogers continue possest thereof it being called the Churles peice Rieton juxta Bulkinton THE first mention that I find of this place is in that grant of the Tithes thereof to the Abby of Leicester as a member of the Parish of Bulkinton viz. when the Church of Bulkinton was first given thereto by Roger de Watervile of which I have already spoken but that it was and is a member of Bulkinton or rather Weston where the Lord had his seat all the testimonies from Record which I have produced before do manifest and therefore I shall not need to say any more thereof Bramcote THis place in the Conq. time contained two hydes whereof one and a half then belonged to Earl Alberie of whom I have made mention in Clifton and the other half hyde to Ric. Forestarius of whom I shall speak in Chesterton But before the Conquest one Salo was owner of that which Earl Alberic had being the same man that afterwards held Bulkintone of the Earl of Mellent The other half hyde one Sexi possest It is there written Brancote perhaps from Bran the Saxon and coit or coed the British word which signifie the burnt wood That the inheritance of this Village was as antiently in Watervile as any of those before specified were I am induced to believe for Roger de Watervile gave six yard land and the Mill here to the Abby of Leicester by the consent of Robert Earl of Leicester his Lord and Founder of that Monastery which grant was afterwards confirmed by Arnold de Boys his Nephew and all the rest of the succeeding Arnolds Yet in an Inspex made by Thomas Earl of Lanc. whereby he recites divers grants to the Canons of Leic. and amongst those the same yard land in Bramcote he declares it to have been given to them by Geffrey le Abbe of whom I had occasion to make mention in Burton-Hastings and together with his confirmation thereof ratifies also the gift of two yard land more which one Ranulph held so that there being eight yard land therein belonging to the Abby of Leic. besides the Mill and what was appurtenant thereto the Canons of that House did as in other their lands in this County claim a Court-Leet and other priviledges therein in 13 E. 1. as granted by the Ks. progenitors to that Monastery for which they then produced their Charters But in 6 E. 2. I find that the heirs of Henry de Hastings held the third part of a Kts. fee here of Iohn de Hastings the elder then deceased it being then written Brompcote The like is certified as to the tenure of that third part by the heirs of the said Henry in 49 E. 3. 14 H. 6. and 16 E. 4. But what the Lord Zouch possest in this Village I am not able directly to point out howbeit certain it is that something he enjoy'd in regard the Free-warren granted to him in 7 E. 2. extended into his demesn lands here as well as in those of Weston Bulkinton and Ryton As for that which the Abbot of Leic. had it amounted to the third part of a Kts fee for in 20 E. 3. it is certified that so much he held of the Earl of Lancaster who then had the Honour of Leic. as is well known All which lands so belonging to that Abby were in 38 H. 8. granted to Edward Watson Esq and Henry Herdson and to the heirs of the same Edward who as I have heard had two daughters that were his heirs the one marryed to ..... Turner the other to ..... Lisle from which ..... Lisle descended ..... Lisle that sold his moytie to George Purefey of Wolvershill Gent. And from ..... Turner William his Grandson of whom Gamaliel Purefey son to the said George purchased the other Wolvershill THE first mention that I meet with of this place is in 21 E. 1. where it is setled
blood from those great families of Vaux Longvile and Bellers a younger branch of Moubray left issue Everard Fildyng his son and heir Shiriff of this County and Leicestersh in 21. E. 4. and in 2 H. 7. a Commander in the Kings Army at the battail of Stoke juxta Newarke So likewise at Black-heath in Kent in 12 H. 7. which Everard being made Kt. of the Bath at the marriage of Prince Arthur in 15 of that King's reign was Custos Rotulorum in the County of Leic. within two years after And by his Testament bequeathing his body to be buried before the Altar of our blessed Lady in the Black-Fryers at Northampton departed this life in 6 H. 8. leaving issue by Iellis Russell his wife VVill. Fildyng Esq. Shiriff of Rutlandshire in 11 and 12. as also in 18 H. 8. but afterwards Kt. who having been imployed about raising forces out of his Tenants and otherwise for the Wars of France and Scotland in the time of H. 8. as by severall Privy Seals appeareth assisted likewise with no lesse than xvi Horse at his own charges against the Scots as from the Registers sometime belonging to the Councell-table hath been observed As also with ten able persons most Archers and Gunners in that Navall preparation made by the same King under the conduct of the Earl of Southampt for preventing such attempts as might be exercised by the Pope or his Agents whose Supremacy he had abolished And was in such esteem with Q. Iane third wife to the said K. H. that in 29 H. 8. upon her delivery of Prince Edward she sent a Privy-Seal unto him signifying the same with desire of his congratulation and prayers This S r Will. by Eliz. Daughter to S r Thomas Pultney of Misterton K t leaving issue Basill dyed 24 Sept. 2. E. 6. which Basill was Shiriff of this County in 11 Eliz. and took to wife Godith second of the 7 Daughters and coheirs to Will. Willington of Barcheston Esq by whom he had issue William Shiriff of this County also in 31 Eliz. and thrice of Rutland viz. 24 34 and 40 Eliz. who being afterwards a K t by Dorothy the Daughter to S r Raph Lane by a Daughter and coheir to the Lord Parre of Horton had issue Basill Shiriff of this County in 9 Iac. which Basill by Eliz. Daughter to Sir Walter Aston of Tixshall K t had issue William Lord of this place an scil 1640. who being Knighted by K. Iames about the beginning of his reign and after made Custos Rotulorum in this County was in 18 thereof advanced to the dignity of Baron and Vicount Fildyng And in 20 ob generis claritatem nuptias admodum honorandas sed praecipuè ob eximiam virtutem erga nos Coronam nostram fidem as the words of that Charter importâ— created Earl of Denbigh And having been constituted Master of the great Wardrobe and Admirall at Sea in severall expeditions did likewise by his marriage with Susan Sister to George late D. of Buck. not a little enlarge the honour of this Family In another Window of the Parlour In the parlour Window at Newnham Cester-Over THis was antiently a village of many dwellings but long since depopulated so that there remains now no more than the Mannour House and that reduced to so mean a condition as 't is scarce capable of any Inhabitant other than an ordinary Feâ—mour the grounds for the most part being converted to Sheep-pasture Of later times it hath been by the vulgar called Cester-Over which occasioned Mr. Cambden in his Britannia to represent it as a place of great antiquity and no less then a City in the Romans time to which opinion the adjacency of Watlingstreet did as it seems the more encline him But that addition which is by the corrupt pronunciation of the vulgar called Cester â— should in truth be Thester for so 't is antiently written as I shall shew anon and not used neither till a long time after the Conquest for in Domesday-Book it is called Wara where the place now called Church-Over is written Waure as well as Wara and Browns-Over also Waure and Wara as I have already shew'd with the reason thereof As for this addition of Thester for distinction from the other towns before mentioned it is no more than to signify the Eastern situation thereof from Monkskirby in which Parish it is and so by contracting two words into one viz. The Easter or The Eastward for the more brief expression is called and written Th'ester Robertus temp Conq. Robertus de Waure temp H. 2. Will. de Wavere dom de Thester-Waver 3. R. 1. Will. cognom de Blith Rob. de Waver miles Emma filia Rogeri Pantolf cohaeres Will. Pantolf fratris sui Will. de Waver miles 35. H. 3. obiit 56. H. 3. Johanna haeres Rob. de Hayrun dom de Church-Lalleford Will. de Waver 35. E. 1. Alicia filia Rob. Lovet de Neuton 35. E. 1. Robertus de Thestre-Waure 20. 47. E. 3. Ioh. Waver de Thestrewaver 10. H. 6 Christiana filia .... lakes Hen. Waver miles Aldermannus Civit. Lond. obiit 10 E. 4. Joh. Waver Thomas Waver Henr. Waver fil haeres ob 19. E. 4. Will. Brown ar 1 maritus Christiana filia haeres aet 5. an 19 E. 4. ob 37. H. 8. Humfr. Dimock ar 2. maritus Ioh. Browne â—sabella Edw. Browne ar consangu haeres Christianae aet 22. an 37. H. 8â— In the Conq. dayes Geffrey Wirce of whom I have so often made mention possest it at which time being certified to contain 5. Hides and having a Mill it was valued at xl s. one Robert then holdng it of the said Geffrey which Robert was paternall Ancestour as I conceive to the family of Waure written afterwards Waver who assuming their Sirname from hence flourished here till toward the end of E. 3. time as this descent manifesteth But the first of this line touching whom I have found any thing of note is Sir Rob. de Wavere Kt. who wedded Emma one of the two Daughters of Sir Roger Pantolf Kt. Lord of Neubold-Pantolf and coheirs to Will their Brother This Sir Robert was a good benefactor to the Monks of Combe for besides the grant of 2. yard land common for 100. Sheep 24. Beasts and 30. Hoggs for xxii marks of silver he gave them 96. acres of errable land lying in this village with his Body to be buried in that Monastery appointing the like solemnity to be performed for his Obit as for a Monk of that Covent To him succeded Sir William his Son and heir who wedded Iuliana heir to Rob. Hayrun Lord of Church-Lawford Which Sir VVill. in 35. H. 3. founded a Chantry in the Priory of Monkskirby and endowed it with certain lands and Rents lying in Cosford In 38. H.
speak historically of this family which was the stock whence the Astleys of Hill-Morton and Wolvey in this County and of Patshull in Staffordsh are of younger branches descended I have set down the Pedegree so far as it relates to this place beginning with the before mentioned Philip de Estley for his fathers name I cannot discover and have fixt thereunto that part of Grey's descent as through Astley's daughter and heir became Lords thereof Philippus de Estlega 12 H. 2. Ala-Tho de Estlega 9 Ioh. Matilda soror cohaeres Rog. de Camvill Tho. de Estley miles caesus in praelio de Evesham 49 H. 3. Iohanna filia Ernaldi de Bosco Isabella ux Wil. de Bermingham Andreas de Estley defunctus 29 E. 1. Sibilla 11 E. 1. Nich. de Astley fil haeres 29. E. 1. Egidius de Astley miles 7 E. 2. Alicia filia haeres Tho. de Wolvey mil. Tho. de Astley consangu haeres Nich. 19 E. 2. fundator eccl Colleg. de Astley Eliz. filia Guid. de Bello-campo Comitis Warwici Will. de Astley miles 11 R. 2. Regin Grey de Ruthin mil. 13 R. 2. Iohanna filia haeres defuncta 27 H. 6. Tho Ralegh 1 maritus Edw. Grey miles dom de Groby jure ux 27 H. 6. Eliz. filia Henrici Ferrers filii Will. Ferrers de Groby mil. 23 H. 6. Edw. Grey Vic. L'islle 1 R. 3. Ioh. Grey Vic. L'isle duxit Murielam fil Tho. D. Norf. obiit 6 Sept. 20 H. 7. Eliz. nata post humatum patris aet 7 dierum 20. H. 7. Anna uxor Ioh. Willoughby 25. an 20. H. 7. Eliz. ux Edm. Dudley soror cohaeres aet 23. an 20 H. 7. Ioh. Grey miles filius haeres 36 H. 6. caesus in praelio S. Albani 39 H. 6. Tho. Grey mil. erectus in Marchion Dors. 18 Apr. 15. E. 4. Thomas marchio Dorset ob 22. H. 8. Ioh. Grey miles à quo Henr. Baro Grey de Groby modò Comes Stamfordiae Henr. M. Dors. erectus in D. Suff. decoll 1 M. Francisca filia Car. Brandon D. Suff. obiit 2 Eliz. Adrianus Stokes ar 2. maritus Iana ux Guilfordi Dudley mil. decollata 1 M. Kath. aet 19. an 2 Eliz. nupta Edw. Comiti Hertf. Maria aetat 13. an 2. Eliz. nupta Martino Keys ar obiit s. prole Tho. de Astley miles 2 R. 2. à quo Astlei de Paâ—shull in Com. Staff Egid. de Astley de Wolvey 18. R. 2. Sibilla ux Will. le Boteler de Werington Tho. de Estley miles caesus in praelio de Evesham 49 H. 3. Editha filia Petri Constable de Melton in Com. Norf. Thomas de Estley cui pater dedit Hil. Morton 47 H. 3. Philippus Rector eccl de Hil-Morton That they took for their Arms Azure a cinqfoile ermine which hath so near a resemblance to the bearing of the antient Earls of Leicester is very well known And that it hath been no unusual thing for younger branches or those who held their lands of such great persons or had other near relation to them so to do I could manifest by sundry examples which was the case here in part if not in all these instances for Thomas de Estley son to Philip was not onely Bayliff to Simon Montfort E. of Leic. who had that Honour conferred on him by K. Iohn in regard he had marryed Amicia the eldest sister and coheir of Rob. Fitz-Parnel E. of Leic. as appears by a Fine that he gaâ—â— to the King 9 Ioh. viz. fourscore marks and a palfrey to be discharged of the issues required of him for that Earls lands whil'st he had to do with them but held certain lands by military service of that Honour In 12 Ioh. this Tho. de Estley gave a Fine to the K. of C. marks that he might not go beyond Sea the Record expresses not whither but 't is plain that the K. went that year with a great Army into Ireland and setled that Realm in obedience to him therefore thither it was without doubt that he had command to attend him After which viz. in 17 Ioh. being in Arms against the K. with the rebellious Barons he was committed Prisoner to the Castle of Bedford whereof Falcasius de Breant then had the custody But in 1 H. 3. submitting to obedience or rather being forc't thereto by the wisdome and courage of the famous Will. Marshall then E. of Pembroke who had the tuition of the young K. and government of the Realm he had his lands which were forfeited for that offence restored to him and in 4 H. 3. was in Commission for the Goal-delivery both at Warwick and Leicester So also in 5 H. 3. for seizing into the K. hands all the demesns whereof K. Iohn was possest at the beginning of the wars with the Barons and likewise to take Eschaets as well those lands which were belonging to Normans and Britons as other strangers that either came to the K. hands or his fathers before the said war in the war or after it and to certifie the stock thereupon with the value as also in whose possession they were But after this do I find no more mention of him than that he wedded Maud one of the sisters and coheirs to Rog. de Camvile of Creek in Northamptsh and that he left issue Walter of whom K. Iohn exacted Scutage for military service in Poictou in 16 of his reign as of all others that held by that tenure Which tax being so great viz. 3 marks for every Knights fee was never paid in regard that the Barons hereupon took occasion to rebel at which time they brought in Lewes the eldest son to K. Philip of France took the City of London and grew very outragious as our Historians relate This Walter was possest of lands in Whichford which in 17 Ioh. were given by the K. to Alice de Moyun of whom I shall speak more fully when I come to that place But in 1 H. 3. he received favour of the K. as his father had done and in 19 H. 3. answered for one Kts. fee in this County two marks upon payment of the Aid for marriage of Isabell the K. sister to the Emperour To him succeeded Thomas who was a Kt. in 26 H. 3. and then constituted one of the Justices for the Goal-delivery at Warwick so also the year following in which he paid to the K. 15 l. for his Releif In 32 H. 3. he was sent with divers other great men into Gascoyne but within few years after taking part with the rebellious Barons in 47 H. 3. joyned with those that seized upon the K. profits in this County and Leicestersh which the then Shiriff Will. Bagot had in charge to receive and grew so eminent for his activeness that upon the Agreement in 48 H. 3. betwixt the said K. and the Barons wherein the K. to satisfie them submitted
the foundations of much building there discovered and a place yet called S. Nicholas-Church-yard testify But touching that Monastery of Nuns all that I find is no more but this viz. that in the year of Christ 1016. Canutus K. of Denmark and that infamous traytor Edricus invading Mercia with an Army burnt and wasted divers towns in Warwicksh at which time the said House of Nuns whereof St. Osburg a Holy Virgin had been sometime Abbess was destroyed What this Osburg was I mean for her parentage or when she lived I have not seen for Iohn Capgrave a learned man and diligent searcher after our English Saints makes no mention of her I shall therefore descend to K. Edw. the Conf. time about the beginning whereof I find that the Noble Leofrick Earl of Mercia founded a goodly Monastery for Monks in the place where the other stood which Monastery was the chief occasion of all the succeding wealth and honour that accrued to Coventre as I shall sufficiently demonstrate when I come to treat in parâ—icular thereof for of its beginning growth riches greatness honour and dissolution I purpose to speak at large and therefore referring my discourse concerning the same and all other the Religious Houses Churches c. here to their proper place I will take notice of what I find otherwise memorable touching this City And because this great Earl and his Countess were the most eminent Benefactors that ever it had I shall here make a brief Narrative of them so far at least as they had any relation to this place The first of his Progenitors concerning whom I have any historicall authority was Leofrik Earl of Chester in the time of Ethelbald K. of Mercia about 900. years agoe whose descendants to this our Leofrik the Pedegree which in this discourse I have inserted doth succinctly point out As to the time of his advancement unto the Earldom of Mercia which contains the most of the Counties in this Midland part of the Realm I can say nothing In the days of K. Ethelred he was stiled Leofricus Comes at large which might be of Chester onely by defcent from his ancestors By K. Canutus he was made Capt. Generall of his forces an 1018. and grew afterwards in high favour with the said K. In the time of Hardi Canutus he was called Merciorum Comes and though that in the beginning of Edw. the Conf. days he is stiled onely Comes Herefordiensium yet do I conceive that he had that title attributed to him in such sort as Edwyn his Grand-child had of Comes Warwici as I shall hereafter shew those Counties being included within his Mercian territories That his power was very great in the times wherein he lived appears by these instances First that after the death of Cnut and great debate who should succeed him in the kingdom he with the Barons on the North of Thannes advanced Harold sirnamed Harefoot Son to the said Cnut unto the Crown And next that Hardi Canutus being dead he was one of the chief that raised K. Edw. called the Confessor at that time in Normandy to the regall throne and afterwards with intire affection defended him from the malice of Earl Godwyn This Leofrik wedded Godeva a most beautifull and devout Lady Sister to one Thorold Shiriff of Lincolnsh in those days and founder of Spalding-Abby As also of the stock and lineage of Thorold Shiriff of that County in the time of Kenulph K. of Mercia Which Countess Godeva bearing an extraordinary affection to this place often and earnestly besought her Husband that for the love of God and the blessed Virgin he would free it from that grievous servitude whereunto it was subject but he rebuking her for importuning him in a matter so inconsistent with his profit commanded that she should thenceforth forbear to move therein yet she out of her womanish pertinacy continued to solicit him insomuch that he told her if she would ride on Horse-back naked from the one end of the town to the other in the sight of all the people he would grant her request Whereunto she returned But will you give me leave so to do And he replying yes the noble Lady upon an appointed day got on Horse-back naked with her hair loose so that it covered all her Body but the Legs and thus performing the journey return'd with joy to her Husband who thereupon granted to the Inhabitants a Charter of freedom which immunity I rather conceive to have been a kind of manumission from some such servile tenure whereby they then held what they had under this great Earl than onely a freedom from all manner of Toll except Horses as Knighton affirms In memory whereof the picture of him and his said Lady were set up in a South window of Trinity-Church in this City about K. R. 2. time and his right hand holding a Charter with these words written thereon I Luriche for the love of thee Doe make Coventre Tol-free But besides his foundation and endowment of the Monastery here at Coventre before specified of his proper patrimony was he a great Benefactor to divers other Religious-houses viz. Leominster in Herefordsh Wenloc in Shropsh S. Werburgs and St. Iohn's in Chester Worcester and Evesham both in Worcestersh to all which he likewise gave divers rich ornaments To the Abby of Burton super Trent in Staffordsh he also granted a large part of Austrey in this County and departing this life in a good old age at his house in Bromley 2 Cal. Sept. 1057. 13 Edw. Conf. was honourably interred in the Monastery here at Coventre before mentioned unto which he bequeathed it with a great quantity of Gold and Silver By some Authors he is called Comes Leicestriae but 't is plain by what I have already cited that it should be Cestriae And now before I proceed I have a word more to say of the noble Countess Godeva which is that besides her devout advancement of that pious work of his in founding this magnificent Monastery for my Author says it was instigante uxore sua Godeva omnem thesaurum saith another eidem Ecclesia contulit c. She gave her whole treasure thereto and sent for skilfull Goldsmiths who with all the Gold and Silver she had made Crosses Images of Saints and other curious ornaments which she devoutly disposed thereto Neither did her zeal to Gods service and honour rest here for over and above all this she built the monastery of Stow near Lincoln dedicating it to the blessed Virgin and endow'd it with the Lordships of Newark Flatburgh and Martinewelle giving possession of them by a fair Jewell and rich Bracelets curiously wrought as her Charter imports whereunto were witnesses K. Edw. the Conf. himself Aldred Archb. of York Wlfwi B. of Dorchester E. Leofrik her Husband with divers more great Earls and others But I am
32. H. 6. and then sc. 13 Oct. they assured to the Pr. and Covent of Sulby aforesaid the Pension of xx s. issuing out of it with 8 pound of Wax yearly due to the said Carthusians and the perpetual patronage of the Rectory which was appropriated to those Canons by Regin Bowlers B. of Cov. and Lich. 30 Aug. an 1454. 32 H. 6. there being thereupon reserved vi s. viii d. Pension to the B. and his successors and ii s. to the Arch-Deacon of Cov. to be yearly paid at the Feast of All Saints as also iii s. iiii d. per an to the poor of this parish for ever In 26 H. 8. the Vicaridge was valued at viii l. per ann being a stipend as it seems in money onely paid to the Incumbent by the Canons of Sulby Patroni Ecclesiae Incumb temp Inst. Prior Conv. de Kirby-monach Hugo Tankard Cap. 1283. Prior Conv. de Kirby-monach Magr. Henr. de Kirby Id. Dec. 1315. D. Rex ratione temporalium Priorat de Kirby in manu sua exist Tho. Breton Pbr. 6 Cal. Dec. 1325. D. Rex ratione temporalium Priorat de Kirby in manu sua exist Will. del Peek Pbr. 9 Cal. Nov. 1349. Pr. C. de Kirby-monach Ioh. de Hermesthorp Cler. 11 Cal. Sept. 1361. Rad. Co. Staff procurator generalis Pr. C. de Kirby Will. Mountaine accol 9. Cal. Martii 1365. D. Rex ratione ut suprà Ric. de Staynton 14 Cal. Feb. 1369. D. Rex ratione ut suprà Tho. de Schifford 24 Martii 1371. D. Rex ratione ut suprà Ioh. de Hopwas Pbr. 2 Cal. Nov. 1373. Pr. C. de Kirby-monach Ioh. Newenham Cap. 8. Iulii 1402. Pr. Conv. de Axholme Io. Bernard 14 Iunii 1411. Pr. Conv. de Axholme Henr. Scharyngton Cler. 24 Dec. 1418. Pr. Conv. de Axholme W. Wreo Cap. 25 Nov. 1419 Pr. Conv. de Axholme Ric. Swanland 22 Iulii 1422. Pr. Conv. de Axholme Io. Stoke Pbr. 8 Maii 1424 Pr. Conv. de Axholme Walt. Wodeward 14 Maii 1427. Pr. Conv. de Axholme Tho. Cranes Cap. 21 Iulii 1453. Patroni Vic. Abb. Conv. de Sulby Humfr. Fownes Cap. 20. Martii 1535. Edw. Sanders serviens ad legem ratione concess Abb. C. de Sulby Franc. Kymberley Cap. 9. Martii 1547. D. Regina Ioh. Hadfeild Cler. 16◠Aug. 1582. Tho. Wace son Th. Wace jun. de Wapenbury yomen Nich. Mare 3 Sept. 1586. Eathorpe THis is a little Village lying within the parish of Wapenbury and hath had its name from the situation thereof near the River Ea in our old English signifying water and thorpe a village or hamlet As it is in that parish so hath it been ever a member thereof and possest by the Lords of that Mannour howbeit till H. 6. time I have not seen any mention of it in Record but then as in Wapenbury I have shewed Ric. Stafford Esq and Raph Bellers were certified to be owners thereof Since which it hath attended the possession of that Lordship Weston subtus Wethele FUrther yet on the North side of Leame stands Weston which having the name from its situation is distinguished from the other towns in this County by the addition of subt Wethele the woods lying Northwards of it bearing the name of Wethele-woods In the Conq. time the E. of Mellent was possest of 3 hydes here excepting the third part of one virgate the woods belonging thereto containing 3 furlongs in length and one in bredth all which one Robert did at that time hold of the said Earl being valued at 50 s. But before the Norman invasion it was the Free-hold of Ulf. Which Robert held here also one yard land and a half of Turchil de Warwick whereof in Edw. the Conf. time Vluui whom I suppose to be the same Ulf above mentioned was possest Here likewise had Will. fil Corbucion 2 yard land and a half then valued at x s. and held by one Iohais But besides what he had did this Rob. also hold Napton of the said Earl and having his residence there assumed it for his sirname his posterity for a long time after continuing owners thereof In 20 H. 2. this Mannour with Napton then possest by Adam de Napton answered 22 l. to the K. imposed upon him as it seems for adhering to the Rebels Which two Mannours being originally in the Earl of Mellent as aforesaid were in 20 H. 3. certified to be held by the service of 2 Kts. fees of the Earl of Winchester in respect that that part of the Honour of Leicester came by marriage of one of the heirs female unto Quincy Of these Naptons divers bore the name of Adam whereof in H. 3. time was Sir Adam de Napton Kt. who entailed this Mannour upon his grandchild Adam and the heirs of his body Which Adam in 7 E. 1. was certified to hold it of the Earl of Boghan one of the heirs to the said E. of Winchester by the service of one Kts. fee having at the same time a Water-mill and 3 yard land and a half in demesn with as much in the hands of tenants who held by servile tenure As also 2 Free-holders holding 2 Cottages and eight more occupying 3 yard land and 3 quarters All which did suit twice a year to the Court for the Honour of Winchester At that time it was also certified that one Sylvester de Honygham held another Mannour here in Weston of Henry de Bereford and that the said Henry held the same of Iohn de Hastings that being it which Corbicon had in the Conq. time Which Sylvester had here 3 servants holding one yard land and a quarter and 2 Free-holders occupying the like proportion Touching that part which Turchil de Warwick had in the Conq. time it was likewise in 7 E. 1. held by Iohn de Wileweby of Rob. de Cumpton and by him of Sim. Basset and by him of the E. of Warwick unto whose ancestors the greatest part of Turchil's lands were given but this was no more than 1 yard land and a half then in the possession of two Free-holders Of Napton's Mannour here was that family possest till the beginning of H. 4. time though how long after I am not sure for in 1 H. 4. did Iohn de Napton and Eliz. his wife settle it with Napton on certain Feoffees But long it was not after ere that Edward Metley enjoy'd it or a great part of it for it appears that in 4 H. 4. the said Edward and Margaret his wife in right of her the said Margaret recovered seisin of 7 messuages 3 tofts ten yard land and 74 s. 9 d. rent lying here and in Napton yet whether it divolved from the said Edw. to Nich. Metley of whom I have spoke in Wapenbury and so to Sir Edw. Belknap as that Lordship did
Incumb temp Instit. D. Ioh. Paynell miles Ingeramus de Yerdle Cap. prid Cal. Sept. 1301. D. Ioh. Paynell miles Thom. de Herdwik Pbr. 3. Id. Febr. 1301. Thom. le Blount mil. Thom. le Blount subdiac 5. Id. Martii 1327. D. Will. de Clinton mil. Rad. de Melbourn Cler. 14. Cal. Nov. 1334. D. Will. de Clinton Comes Huntindon Thom. de Wyleby Pbr. 13. Cal. Iunii 1342. D. Will. de Clinton Comes Huntindon Adam de Whytington Pbr. Non. Dec. 1353. D. Iuliana de Hastings Comitissa Huntind Will. Sacry Cap. 4. Cal. Apr. 1361. D. Iuliana de Hastings Comitissa Huntind Will. Whitâ—heved Pbr. 23. Aug. 1361. D. Iuliana de Hastings Comitissa Huntind Ric. de Saldeford Pbr. Non. Nov. 1366. D. Rex ratione custod terr Ioh nuper Comit. Pembr Thom. Chapman Cap. 12. Novemb. 1391. Ioh. Hervy Ioh. Styvecle Will Wenlok Benedictus Nichole 20. Maii 1393. Ioh. Prat Ioh. Grant Cler. alii hac vice Will. Baron Pbr. 1. Iunii 1397. Margeria Olney de Weston Vnderwood Thom. Beale Pbr. 7. Oct. 1434. Margeria Olney de Weston Vnderwood Ioh. Reynald Pb. 27. Ian. 1441. Rob. Olney D. de Burdingbury Ioh. Lyke Pbr. 12. Febr. 1443. Rob. Throgmorton ar Roulandus Addyson Pbr. 15. Apr. 1495. Rob. Throgmorton ar Christoph. Masse Pbr. 1. Aug. 1497. Will. Middilmore alii ratione concess strenui viri Rob. Throgmorton mil. D. Ioh. Becheton Cap. 24. Oct. 1539. Immina Ogyll vidua D. Iac. Persyvall Cler. 12. Aug. 1549. Iasper Leeke gen Will. Clever Cler. 8. Aug. 1566. Ric. Cotton hac vice ex concess Iasp. Leeke Mauritius Roulands 18. Aug. 1570. Ioh. Shukborow Hugo Conwaie Cleric 12. Sept. 1573. D. Eliz. Regina Cutbert Terye Cler. 11. Nov. 1581. .... Shukborow ar Ric. Crispe Cleric 1. Maii 1604. Marton ABout a mile below Birdingbury stands Marton which I conceive had its name originally from the Moore or Marish-ground adjoyning the O by antient use in pronuntiation being changed into A as in the North parts of this Kingdom where the Vestigia of our old English are yet most plain to be found is yet veâ—y usuall and whereof there is frequent mention in the Conquerours Survey one of the Hundreds then in being as I have already shewed bearing the title thereof yet do not I find any particular mention of it unless it be that which is there certified to be held by Richard Forestarius and written Mortone whereof the value is certified at xx s. having been the freehold of one VViching before the Norman invasion It should seem that Robert de Craft was owner of it in H. 2. time and that he held itâ— partly of Hugo filius Ricardi of whom I have â—poke in Wroxhale and partly of VVilliam Earl of Warwick For upon the Kings confirmation of the Church to the Nuns of Eaton in this County it is expressed to be of the gift of the said Robert de Craft and of the fee of the same Hugo fil Ricardi and VVilliam Earl of Warwick Whereby I may conclude that the said Robert de Craft was Lord of the Mâ—nnâ—ur But for want of further lighâ— from Record I shall not be able to discover who were owners of it in â— perfect Series and therefore by that little glimpse I have will adventure to guess In 12 Iâ—h VValter VValeâ—â—nd held half a Knights fee here but it should seem that the Canons of Chaucumbe in Northampton-shire and all oâ— the greatest part of the Maâ—â—â—ur before the Rebellion in King Iohn's time for in 1 H. â— the Shiriff had command to give them the like possession thereof as they had before that waâ—r and of which they alleaged that they were unjustly disseised by VVilliam Bâ—sset In 20. H. 3. â—t was certifiâ—d that Raph de 〈◊〉 held a Knights fee here of the Earl of Warwick and in 36 H. 3. that Thomas de Clinton held the same of those Earls Shortly after which viz. in 50 H. 3. I find that Raph Basset of Sapcote one of the vanquisht Rebeâ—ls in the battail of Evesham had xl s. Rent here But what that was to the Mannour or part thereof I am not able to say yet this subsequent particular which I have noted may perhaps by the help of other authorities when they shall be found give some light therein viz. that in 18 E. 1. VVilliam de Hamelton had one mess and one carucat of land in this village which mess was held of Iohn Enâ—ayne and Ioan his wife who held it over of Nicholas Charnells and he of Simon Basset and he of the Earl of Warwick Now that Charnells had some relation to Craft by descent I have in Bilton shewed some probability but to draw any absolute conclusion from these premisses I shall not adventure One thing I meet withall which inclines me to think that whereas it is recorded in the Conquerors Survey that the Earl of Mellent held half â— hide in Mortone unto which one VVallef whose â—reehold it was before the Conquest was then his tenant it is meant this Marton for upon the extent of the lands of Edmund Earl of Lanc. â—n 25 E. 1. it appears that Iohn de Bishopsdon held in Merton which I take to be no other than this place the fourth part of a Knights fee as also that his tenants came to the Court-leet held for the Honour of Leicester And that which makes it more probable that this place or the greater part of it was antiently of the old Earls of Leicesters fee is not onely the grant of the Church to the Monastery of Nun-Eaton as I have already obseâ—ved which was of their foundation but that those Nuns at length were reputed to have the Seignory here as appears by the certificat in 9 E. 2. At which time I also find that Raph Bassâ—t of Sapcote held half a Knights fee therein of the Earl of Warwick Which half Knights fee was in 20 E. 3. certâ—fied to be heâ—d of the same Earls by Guy Bretton VVâ—ll lâ— Zouch and Iohn de Tewe which VVill. gave part of what he so had to the Canons of Studley Bâ—t further than what I have said can I find little relating to this place till Iohn Gold of Welton in Com. Northampt. gent. by his deed dated 2 Nov. 38 H. 8. past a certain Mannour here unto Thomas Oldfield and his heirs â—rom wâ—om descended as t is like Roul Oldfield of Twyford in Com. Sutht gent. which Roul 1. Maii 4. Iac. sold it to Iohn Davies of Watford in Com. Northampt. Câ—erke who 30. Sept. 14 Iac. aliened it to R.c. VValter father of Iohn VValter the present owner thereof As for that Mannour and lands which the Nuns of Eaton had they were 26. Iulii in 4. 5. Ph. M. past out of the Crown to Peter Temple and Mich. Cameswell which Peter and
subt Wethele made this the place of his residence his posteriâ—y continuing it for their habitation and hence assuming their sirname There are some of opinion that he was a branch of the Vernons Barons of Shipbroke in Cheshire which may very well be for the Arms of this family do dâ—ffer no otherwise in the ordinary from that than by the Escalops upon the fesse taken as 't is like in respect that in some parts of this Lordship there are stones of that kind I mean like unto Escalops found as in the next viz. Shukborough be those called Astroiâ—es Which usage in assuming such particulars for their bearing in Arms as the place where the person hath reresided was famous for hath been very antient witness the Ermines by the Dukes of Britanny being a furr wherewith that Country much aboundeth by reason of those little Beasts so called which are in those parts As also the Mascles by the Dukes of Rohan in regard the Carps in that Dutchy have such marks upon their scales as that learned Gentleman my singular friend and furtherer of this present work Edw. Bâ—she Esq in his judicious observations upon Vpton hath manifested But I return to the before specified Robert That which he had here with Weston was held of the same Earls posterityâ— by the service of two Kts. fees they having the Leet and divers other priviledges in both these places as appertaining to the Honour of Leicester But besides what the family of Napton had in this place there was much that other persons held though a perfect succession of their several interests I cannot set forth I shaâ—l therefore next take notice of what I have met with relating to the line of Napton which is historical Adam de Napton 20 H. 2 Adam de Napton 3 Ioh. Agnes una filiarum haer Rob. de Salceto 20 H. 3. Adam de Napton 40 H. 3. Isolda 40 H. 3. Adam de Napton Adam de Napton miles 13 E. 1 Rob. de Napton miles 4 E. 2. Lucia filia Guid. de Bellocampo Com. Warr. Adam de Napton def 44 E. 3. Thomasina ux Will. White Ioh. White consangu haeres Ioh. Napton Iana ux Ioh. de Shukburgh Ioh de Napton fil haeres Will. de Napton Thom. de Napton obiit sinâ— prole Joh. de Napt duxit Alic. filiam Ric. de Misterton Agnes ux Galf. Filding In 16 H. 3. the second Adam de Napton was one of the Commissioners in this County for assessing and collecting the xl part of all movables imposed upon the people for the K. use and marryed Agnes one of the daughters and heirs to Rob. de Salceto Of his son Adam I find that in 36 H. 3. he was a Commissioner for the Goal-delivery at Warwick being then one of the Coroners in this Shire from which Office he had leave to be free the same year by reason of his imployment in the service of Raph Fitz Nicholas a great man in those dayes and Steward to the K. as in Stretton-Baskervile I have intimated yet the next ensuing year was he again made Coroner but in regard of his disability to undergo it had shortly after a discharge from that Office This Adam was a Kt. in 13 E. 1. and left issue Robert who amongst many other great men in 29 E. 1. had Summons to be at Barwick upon Twede on the Feast-day of the Nativity of S. Iâ—hn Bapt. sufficiently accoutred with Horse and Arms to march against the Scots and the same year was constituted one of the Commissioners for assâ—ssing and collecting a xv in this County In 4 E. 2. he was a Kt. In 13. he was with Iohn de Langley assigned to levy and collect the Sâ—utage in this County for the expedition inâ—o Scotland and in 15. he had a Charter for a Mercate to be kept here at Napton weekly upon the Thursday and a yearly Fair to last for 3 dayes viz. the Even day and morrow after the Assumption of the blessed Virgin This Sir Robert marryed Lucia the daughter to Guy de Beauchamp E. of Warwick and had issue Adam his son and heir which Adam being dead before the 44 E. 3. left issue Iohn his son and heir and two daughters viz. Thomasine marryed to Will. White and Iane to Iohn de Shukburgh as the descent sheweth But that this Mannour of Napton divolved to the Shukboroughs by reason of that marriage though the said Iâ—ne or her descendants at length became heirs or coheirs to the family of Napton I make a question For in 1 H. 4 Iohn Napton and Eliz. his wife past it to Ric. Cosford and Ric. Geydon Priests and in 12 H. 4. Wâ—ll the son of Alice Betons of Napton and Agnes his wife levyed a Fine thereof to Will. Sâ—ukburgh and others and to the heirs of the 〈◊〉 W. Shugburgh with warranty against 〈…〉 heirs Which Will. Shukburgh â— of Shukburgh for so â—e is termed was certifiâ—â— to be Lord thereof in 10 H. 6. from whom it is by inheritance come to Sir Ric. Shukburgh now of Shukburgh Kâ— the present owner thereof And fâ—â—m an heir female to a younger branch of these Nâ—ptons are the Feildings of Newnham likewise descended as not onely by certain old quarterings in their Arms but by the Pedegree on the last page appeareth through whose right they heretofore posseâ—â— the Mannour of Misterton ir Com. Leic. out of which a Rent is still paid to them It should seem that those lands which Turchill de Warwick held here in the Conq. reign continued for some time to his posterity for in 52 H. 3. Thom. de Ardern lineal heir to Turchill was certified to hold the xâ— part of a Kts. fee in this place of the E. of Warwick In 20 H. 3. I find that Rob. de Alâ—eto held half a Kts. fee here of the Prior of Coventre and in 9 E. 2. Raph Basset of Sapcote the v. part lying on that side of Napton antiently called Napton-Boscher for which in 44 E. 3. Ric. de Compton and his tenants did answer but in whom these are now or to shew any thing more of them is past my skill Besides this Mannour whereof I have already spoke there are two other within the precincts of Napton the one commonly called Vaux his Mannour and the other Brownes of which I have here added what I have fâ—und in Record or otherwise The first of these was by a Fine levyed 9 E. 2. between Rob. de Harwedon Pl. and Iohn de Wileby Deforciant setled upon the said Rob. for life the remainder to Rob. the son of the said Iohn de Wileby and Emme his wife and the heirs of their two bodyes and for default of such issue to the right heirs of Iohn de Wâ—leby Of this in 6 H. 6. did Thom. Chaumbre and Elianore his wife
with the Lady Felicia before mentioned being gone into the Holy-land on Pilgrimage was not yet returnedâ— But it so fell out that God being moved with the sorrowfull tears and intercessions of the English sent a good Angel to comfort the King as he lay upon his bed the very night of the Nativity of S. Iohn Bapt. directing that he shoâ—ld arise early on the morrow taking two Bishops with him and get up to the top of the North-gate of that Citie staying there till the hour of Prime and then shâ—uld he see divers poor people and Pilgrims enter thereat amongst which there would be a personable man in a Pilgrims habit bare footed with his head uncovered and upon it a Chaplet of White-Roses and that he should intreat him for the love of Iesus Christ the devotion of his Pilgrimage and the preservation of all England to undertake the Combat for he should Conquer the mighty Colbrond and deliver his Realm from the Danish servitude Whereupon K. Athelstan with fervent zeal hasted betimes in the morning to Masse and sent for the Archb. of Canterbury with the Bishop of Chichester to whom he relaâ—ed his Vision taking them along to the Gate assigned About this time it hapned that the famous Guy before specified returning from his Pilgrimage in forreign parts landed at Portsmouth and being there advertised of Sâ— Heraud's absence with the occasion thereof aâ— also of Earle Rohand's death together with the great distresse that the K. and his Nobles were then in hasted towards Winchester immediatly and comming at night unto an Hospital but little distant from the North-gate of that Citie in which place afterwards the Hospital in honour of the Holy-Crosse was founded where he rested himself on the next mâ—rning he went with other poor people to the City-gate To which place the K. being come for the purpose before specified and espying one neatly clad in a white short-sliev'd Gown reaching to the mid-leg wiâ—h a Garland of Roses upon his head and a large staft in his hand but looking wan and much macerated by reason of his travailing bare-foot and his beard grown to a very great length he concluded that the same was the man described to him by the Angel and being full of joy told those that were with him as much The Palmer for so was he at that time called taking notice of the K. and Bishops put of his Chaplet and reverently saluting them entred the Gate whereupon the K. hasted down and laying hold of his Coat tendred him entertainment with desire to hear some news but the Palmer returning humble thanks answered that the hour to take up his lodging was not yet come for that he intended first to visit the Churches of that Citie and there offer up his prayers unto God but afterwards seek some food for to refresh himself withall which being done he purposed to depart thence and perform such penance as he was to do for 〈◊〉 sins Whereunto the K. replied The reason why we have here stayed hath been onely to wait upon your coming for it is the will of God that you must encounter with that wicked Colbrond the Saracen for the safeguard of us and all the English Nation and freedom thereof from the yoak of slavery for Olaus K. of Denmark and Golavus of Norway have besieged us here almost a twelve moneth and now have we concluded a truce upon condition that we must finde a man to undergo the Combate with Colebroxd their Champion and in case our Champion shall overcome him they are forthwith to quit the Land without doing injury to any and not disturb this Realm any more therefore we do desire you for the love of Christ our Saviour and for the pardon of your own sins that you will heartily undertake this Duel against that cursed Pagan for the cause of Gods Church and Christian Religion To whom the Palmer answered Oh my Lord the King you may easily see that I am not in any condition to take upon me this fight being feeble and weakned with dayly travail Alas where are your stout and hardy Souldiers who had wont to be in great esteem with you Ah quoth the K. some of them are dead and some of them are gone to the Holy-land but not yet returned I had one valiant Knight which was Earle of Warwick called Guy and he had a couragious servant named Sr. Heraud de Ardene would to God I had him here for then should this Duel be soon undertaken and the War finisht and as he spake these words tears fell from his eyes Whereat the Palmer being very sorrowfull besought him to forbear further grieving assuring him that for the love of Christ Iesus and the blessed Virgin as also for the honour of Gods holy Church and for the Soul of Guy and Heraud his companion he would in the fear of God undergo that Combat Then did they bring him into the Citie and to the Church with ringing of Bells and Te Deum was begun with cheerfull voices and entertained him with meat and drink as also with bathing putting apparel upon him and for the space of 3. weeks cheared him up with the best refreshments After which when the day appointed for that Duel was come the Palmer rose early and heard 3. Masses the first of the Holy-Ghost the second of the blessed Trinity and the third of the Holy-Crosse Which being ended he forthwith armed himself with the Kings best harness and girt the sword of Constantine the great about him and taking S. Maurice his Lance in his hand got up on the K. best Courser being accounted of all that then beheld him the most proper and well appointed Knight that ever they saw From thence rode he through the midst of the Citie towards the place assigned for the Combate which was in a valley called Chiltecumbe where he waited for Colbrond who shortly after came so weightily harnessed that his Horse could scarce carry him and before him a Cart leaded with Danish-axes great Clubs with knobs of Iron squared barrs of Steel Lances and Iron hooks to pull his Adversary to him And so soon as he saw the Palmer make towards him calling loudly he bad him get of his Horse and cast himself down with submission But the Palmer arming himself with the sign of the Crosse and commending himself to God put Spurs to his Horse to meet the Gyant and in the first encounter pierced his shield so far that his own Lance broke into shivers which so enraged the Gyant that he bore up fiercely towards the Palmer smote his horse with such strength that he cut of his head The Palmer therefore being dismounted nimbly and with great courage directed his blow at the Gyants Helmet but by reason of his height could reach no further then his shoulder Then Colbrond smote at the Palmer with a square bar of steel but he seeing his danger interposed his sheild w ch bore of the blow and on a
suddain did so vigorously lay at the corner of the Gyants target that his Club bossed with Iron fell to the ground w ch whil'st he stretched out his arm to take up the Palmer with his sword cut of his hand whereupon the Danes grew much dismayed and on the other sidâ— was there as great rejoycing by K. Athelstan and the English and yet notwithstanding did Colbrond hold out the Combate till the evening of that day that by loosing so much bloud he fainted so that Guy with all his strength fetching a blow cut of his head The victory therefore thus happily obtained occasioned the Danes with great confusion to hasten a way and the valiant Guy to give thanks unto God repairing forthwith to the Cathedral where he was honourably received with solemne Procession by the Clergy and others and offered his weapon to God and the Patron of that Church before the high Altar which my Author saith even to his time was kept in the Vestry there and called by the name of Colbrond's Ax but this being done reassumed his Pilgrims habit Whereupon the K. became most importunat with him to discover his name but he utterly refused so to do except to himself and that upon his oath not to reveal it unto which condition the K. assenting they walkt out alone in a by-path to a certain Crosse at some distance from the Citie and as soon as they came thither humbly bowing himself to the K. and saying that he was Guy Earle of Warwick the K. embraced him in his arms kissed him and promised him large rewards if he would live in his Court but he with much thankfulnesse refusing to receive any besought the K. that he would not disclose what he had said in regard his resolution was to continue in that Pilgrims state and so they there parted with tears From whence the Earle bent his course towards Warwick and coming thither not known of any for three dayes together took Almes at the hands of his own Lady as one of those xiii poor people unto which she dayly gave relief her self for the safety of him and her and the health of both their Souls And having rendred thanks to her he repaired to an Heremite that resided amongst the shady woods hard by desiring by conference with him to receive some spiritual comfort where he abode with that holy man till his death and upon his departure out of this World which hapned within a short time succeeded him in that Cell and conâ—â—nued the same course of life for the space of two years after but then discerning death to apprâ—â—ch he sent to his Lady their Wedding Ring by a trusty servant wishing her to take care of his burial adding also that when she came she should find him lying dead in the Chapel before the Altar and moreover that within xv dayes after she her self should depart this life Whereupon she came accordingly and brought with her the Bishop of the Dioces as also many of the Clergy other people and finding his body there did honourably inteâ—re it in that Heremitage and was her self afterwards buried by him leaving her paternal inheritance to Reynburn her onely son Which departure of our famous Guy hapned in the year of our Lord Dccccxxix and of his own age the seventieth To whom succeeded the Noble Reynburn Earle of Warwick through his Mothers right who haveing been stolen away in his Child-hood and carried into Russia where he gave great testimony of his singular valour in sundry Warlike feats whilst he continued in those forreign part upon his return into Engl. wedded the beautifull Lady Leonetta daughter to K. Athelstan but afterwards dying beyond the Seas was buried in a certain Island near unto Uenice and left for his successor Wegeat alias Weyth the humed a person of great courage and much honoured for his skill in martial affairs This Wegeat was a benefactor to the Monastery of Evesham by giving thereunto six messuages lying in Whitlaxford and Grafton in this County and had issue Vsa commonly called Huve the humed a most deveut man and a special friend to the Monks of Evesham for in the year Dcccclxxiiii by the consent of K. Edgar he gave them the whole Village of Whitlaxford now called Wixford and little Grafton and bequeathing his body to sepulture in that Monastery departed this life about the beginning of the reign of S. Edward the K. and Martyr To whom succeeded Wâ—lgeat who obtained a grant from those secular Canons which were possest of the Abby of Evesham upon expulsion of the Monks for 5. hides of Land in the same Whitlaxford upon an easier rent than had wont to be given conditionally that upon his death the Monastery might repossesse the same Land with all the stock that then should happen to be upon it Notwithstanding which the Monks could not get it again of a long time after till that Abbot Egelwyne purchased it a new of Earle Wigod a potent man in the dayes of K. Edw. the Conf. This Wolgeat was in special favour with K. Ethelred but for his wicked courses and oppressions had all his Lands and honour taken from him in the year M. vi Whether he had ever restitution of them or in whose hands the Earldom was thereupon put is uncertain but true it is that Warwick with a great part of the Countrey became shortly after viz. An. M. xvi much wasted by Canutus the Dane at which time the Nunnery near to the Church of S. Nicholas as also the Abby were burnt to the ground When or by whom those Religious houses were founded I never yet could finde nor any mention of them before this It seems the Abby stood on the Northwest part of the Town for the Lane there called Abby-lane argueth as much And the said house of Nuns took up all that which is now S. Nichols-Church-yard with a great part of the ground whereupon the Hospital of S. Iohn Bapt. was afterwards built the Chancel of S. Nicholas Church being the Quire thereof I now come to Wigod the hereditary successor of Wolgeat who being a potent man and a great Warriour as also a special benefactor to the Monks of Evesham lived in the times of K. Ethelred K. Edmund and of the Danish Kings and had to wife the sister of Earle Leofrik founder of the Monastery at Coventre To him succeeded Alwyne contemporary with K. Edward the Conf. and Will the Conq. This is he that in the Conq. Survey is called Alwinus Vicecomes the reason whereof I conceive to be either because that he did exercise the power and Authority of the Earle of Mercia scil Earle Leofrike his Uncle here in Warwick-shire as his ancestors had done for which respect my Author reputes him and them Earls as I have already shewed and hath ranckt them in that degree or else that he had the custody of the County to the Kings immediate use
Which Alwine left issue Turchill who likewise stands in the Catalogue of our Earls and was a great man in that age but no more really Earle than his Father and Ancestors were For if the Earldom of Mercia with which Honour Edwyn the Grand-Childe to Earle Leofrike was dignified did as it included this Shire really vest him in power and authority therein as he had in some other Counties then was this Alwyne his Vicecomes or substitute here which may seem to have been so in as much as the said Edwyne is in an ancient MS. particularly stiled Comes Warwici But that which argues him to have been onely Custos of the County to the Kings immediate use is that in Domesday-book where the profits of the Shire are set down as they were raâ—ed in Edw. the Conf. time there is nothing of the Tertius denarius reckoned to the Earle as in such where the Earle had absolute Jurisdiction is usual but all to the King By which it should seem that these hereditary Vicecomites whom we repute to have been Earles were immediately Officers to the King and not to the Earles of Mercia This Turchill residâ—d here at Warwick and had great possessions in this County when Will. D. of Normandy invaded England and vanquish't K. Harold and though he were then a man of especial note and power yet did he give no assistance to Harold in that Battail as may easily be seen from the favour he received at the hands of the Conquerour for by the general Survey begun about the 14th of K. William's Reign it appears that he then continued possest of vast Lands in this Shire and yet thereof was neither the Borough or Castle of Warwick any part as from the said Survey may be colâ—ected the Borough in Edw. the Conf. time answering a certain yearly Ferm to the King and the Castle properly belonging to the Earle of Mercia if not to the King as a special strong hold for the defence of all these parts and whereof the said Turchill being in the nature of a Governour as his Ancestors were had his denomination viz. Turchill de Warwick attributed to him by the Normans who first introduced such surnames of places here amongst us And therefore whereas my Author represents him to have been a great enlarger of Warwick-Castle his words are Castri Warwici Willâ—elmi Conquestoris and adds nam Rex Will. Conquestor ad Castella construenda totam Angliam fatigabat And what was this for but to busie their mindes and bring them low in their estates that they should neither have time nor abilities to contrive any insurrection against him as also to have places of strength in every corner for better keeping the subdued English in awe But of this Turchill I have not now much more to say besides the mention of these Lands whereof I find him possâ—st by the Conquerour's special favour as yâ—u must conclude at the time of his said general Survey which were these following all in this County and whereof I have in their due places spoken particularly scil Curdworth Bikenhull Minworth Wolthamcote Ricton Pakinton Lanâ—done Mackstoke Merston Elmedone Dosthill Wiginshille Whitacre Bercheston Badsley â—ndsor Lodbroke Caldecoteâ— Rodburn Causton Birdingbury Naâ—ton Fleckno Hodenhill Willoughby Bilton Walecote Shukborow Newton Holme Church-Over Ashow Harbury Baginton Binley Weston Brandon Lillington Radford Rotley Compton Winyatâ— Miton Wimpston Bericote Fulredy Etendone Chesterton Coughton and Nun Eaton Neither can I say that he had all these clearly to himself for in some few I finde that others had a share as where I speak of them in particular will be manifested And though he had so much respect from the victorious Norman as to possesse these during his life yet is it most clear that his Son enjoy'd none of them as his Heir but by the favour of the Conquerour or of those on whom he had bestowed them as will be found by that small remnant in comparison of all these Lordships before recited which was left him and that also to hold by military service from some of the Norman Nobility Which dealing generally in a manner by the Conquerour I have in my Introduction sufficiently made evident Leaving therefore what else I have to say of Turchill till I come into Hemlingford-Hundred in which he and his posterity afterwards resided assuming the sirname of Arden from those woody parts wherein they inhabited I shall now descend to speak of those Earls that were of the Norman race the first of which was called Henry de Novo-burgo from the Castle of Newburgh in Normandy â— the place of his birth He was the younger Son of Rog. de Bellomont Earle of Mellent but of his advancement to the Earldom of Warwick the direct time appears not yet by all circumstances I guesse that it was towards the later end of Will the Conq. time in regard there is no mention of him in the general Survey begun as I have elsewhere shew'd in 14. of his reign for my Author sayes that K. Will. having begirt Warwick with a mighty ditch for the precinct of its Walls and erected the Gates at his own charge did then promote this Henry to the Earldom and annexed thereto the royalty of the Borough of Warwick with the appurtenances which at that time belong'd to the Crown That Earls so anciently had no formal Charters of their Creation is plain enough to any that hath look't into Antiquities the manner of their investiture into that dignity being then and a good while after per cincturam gladio Comitatus as Math. Paris and others do observe it cannot therefore be expected that I should say more as to the manner of his advancement thereto howbeit that it was the Conqueror who conferr'd the same honour upon him is not onely manifest by what I have already said from the Testimony of I. Rous but from the credit of divers other noted Historians It should seem that before the King raised him to that state of Earle he was trusted with the custody of Warwick-Castle then newly built by the Conqueror or rather enlarged and more strengthened as in my discourse of Turchill hath been said and shall be further declared when I come to the particular story thereof but though he had this honour by the Conqueror's gift he was not during that Kings dayes possest of all those great Lands whereof he died seized for it is evident that K. Will. Rufus in the very beginning of his reign bestow'd on him the whole inheritance of Turchil before specified in augmentation of his Earldom so that whatsoever Turchill's posterity enjoyed thereof was but by the favour of this Earl as I have already intimated Nay so clearly did he account himself seized of all Turchill's patrimony that he laid claim to what the Monks of Abendon had in Little Chesterton and Hille both in this County of the said Turchill's gift in the days of Abbot Aldelme so
William and 40. marks more together with the land that he bought in Britlamton to enjoy till she should be marryed and no longer To Sarra his daughter C. marks for augmentation of her marriage portion To William his eldest son the Cup and Hornes of S. Hugh To the Countess his wife a Ring with a Ruby in it To Sir Roger Mortimer a Ring To Sir Bartholomew de Suley a Ring To the Friers-Minors of UUorcester xl s. To the Friers-Minors of Gloucester 1. mark To the Friers Carmelites there 1. mark To the Hospitall of St. Wolstan at Worcester 1. mark To the Hospitall of St. Oswald there x sol To the Canons of Doddeford in Com. Wigorn. 1. mark To the Church and Nuns of Cokehill and Isabell his wife x. marks To the Church and Nunns of Westwood 1. mark To the Church and Nunns without Worcester 1. mark To every Anchorite in Worcester and the parts adjacent iv s. To the Church of Salewarp in Com. Wigorn. a house and garden neer to the Parsonage for to find a Lamp continually burning therein to the honour of God the blessed Virgin St. Catherine and St. Margaret Of which Testament he constituted these Executors viz. William his eldest son Earl of Warwick Sir Roger Mortimer Sir Barth de Sudley with the Abbots of Evesham and great Malverne It seemes he lived not long after for I find that his son and heir viz. William Beauchamp Earl of Warwick before specified did his homage to the Bishop of Worcester in the Chapell of Bredon for the lands he held of him 2. Non. Maii Anno 1269. which was within 4. months after the date of this his Testament And now before I pass further will it be requisit to observe two things First that the noble Lady I mean Isabell his wife who by the death of her brother William Mauduit Earl of Warwick became heir of this great Earldom was not onely Foundress of the Nunnery at Cokehill before specified but betook herself to a Religious life there as may be plainly inferred by the Legacy wherein she is joyned with those Nunns as abovesaid And secondly that this William the Testator though the said Lady his wife the rightfull inheritrix of that Earldom was then living and that he and she both together survived the said William Mauduit her brother above a twelve month never had the title of Earl but that his son and heir was invested with that Honour before his death as appeareth by these two instances from his said Testament viz. Item Willielmo primogenito meo Cornua ciphum Seint Huwe filiae meae Comitissae uxori suae unum annulum cum lapide de Rubie And afterwards Caetera autem bona mea commisi ordinationi dispositioni dilectorum Executorum Testamenti mei D. Rogeri de Mortuomari Willielmi primogeniti mei Comitis Warewyk c. In the first whereof he calls his said sons wife Countess and in the second plainly stiles him Earl Which title he the said William did not onely use in that Instrument of Agreement made betwixt him and Alice the widow of William Mauduit the late Earl in 52 H. 3. whereof I have formerly spoke but hath the same attributed to him by the Kings Precept bearing date 9. Martii next ensuing the month of Ian. wherein the Earl his Uncle dyed his Father and Mother being both alive Where may be also discerned that he was in good esteem with the King forasmuch as by the same Mandate to the Barons of the Exchequer it appears that the King pardoned his Relief viz. C li. and at the same time acquitted him of xcv li. which William Mauduit the late Earl owed to a Jew of London That this William Beauchamp might bear the title of Earl by right from his mother she being heir generall to Mauduit considering what the custome of those antient times was as Mr Selden in his Titles of Honour hath observed I shall not need here to argue But whether he ought so to have done during his fathers life especially before his mothers decease had it not been by the Kings speciall favour I make a great question All that I shall say herein is to shew some probable reason why he was so summoned during their times which is from what I find delivered by Leland out of an old Chronicle of the gests of England written in French but with some mistake exprest The words are these The old Lord Beauchamp of Helmeley sent 3. or 4. of his sons to the battail of Eavesham to help K. Henry the third and Prince Edward against Simon Mountford and the Barons And these brether with their band did a great feate in vanquishing the hoste of Mountfort whereupon the eldest had Bellomont 's heir and the residue were highly preferred The Beauchamps afterwards kept the name of Earl of Warwick to King Edward the fourth's time Now that the substance of this is true viz. that for the service done in that battail he was by the Kings speciall favour honoured with the title of Earl I am very inclinable to believe yet that either he or his father did marry the immediat heir of Bellomont or that the Beauchamps kept the name of Earls till E. 4. time cannot be proved But I return to his Story The 9. of Febr. 52 H. 3. he did his homage as nephew and heir to the said William Mauduit Earl of Warwick for all the lands descended to him by his faâ—hers death at which time the King did express that pâ—o laudabili servicio quod dilectus fidelâ—s noster Will. de Bellocampo Comes Warwici nobis impendit for those are the words of the Writ he was contented to accept of him for those debts which weâ—e due from his father to the Exchequer xx li. per annum till they were run up And in further remuneration of his services did he the year following pardon unto him xcv li. of the same And as he stood in great esteem with K. H. 3. so also did he with K. E. 1. For mense Pasch. 2 E. 1. he was sent in Commission with Roger de Clifford William Bagod Odo de Hodenet and the Prior of S. Thomas juxta Stafford unto the ford of Montgomery in Wales to examin hear and reform the wrongs and trespasses done in those parts contrary to the form of peace concluded betwixt the said King Henry and Lewelin Prince of Wales and to rectify all things according to the tenour of that Agreement at which meeting the Prince of Wales was to be there or send Commissioners on his part to manage that business In 4 E. 1. he was constituted Captain generall of all the Kings Forces in Cheshire and Lancashire for securing those Counties against the vioâ—ence of the Welch and the next year following attended the King in that notable expedition of Wales wherein he became so victorious but in 6 E. 1. his Office of Chamberlainship of the
24. dishes and as many Saucers of silver as also two Bacyns and two Ewers with twelve pieces of silver To Isabell his daughter a thousand pounds to her marriage To Margaret his daughter a Nunne at Shouldam in Norff. a Ring and a Cup with a cover as also 40. marks in money To Katherin the daughter to his son Guy a Nunne likewise at Shouldam a gold Ring with xx li. in money and for the charges of his funerall 500. marks Hereunto adding that his Executors should make full satisfaction to every man whom he had in any sort wronged That his son William should have lands of 400. marks per annum value setled upon him and his heirs male That the Testament of his Countesse should be compleatly performed and fulâ—illed out of his goods That his Executors should new build the Quire of the Collegiat-Church in Warwick where he purposed to be buryed That with the residue of his goods his Executors should cause Masses to be sung for his soul and distribute Almes with all speed that might be especially at Bordesley Worcester and Warwick as also in other places of the Countrey unto which he had most relation And that all the vestments of his Chappell should be given to the Collegiat-Church in Warwick where he had chosen his sepulture His Jewells he thus disposed To his daughter Stafforâ— an Ouche called the Eagle which the Prince gave him all his Pearls and a Crosse made of the very wood of our Saviours Crosse a Ring with an Emeraud that his Countesse bequeathed to him another Ring whereof she herself was to make choyse a sett of Beads of gold with the buckles which the Queen gave him and the choyse of one of his Cups of gold with that silver boll which he always used himself as also his best Bed with the whole furniture thereto To his daughter Alice his next best Ouche which his Lady the Countesse gave him with a Cup of gold a set of Beads of gold and a Ring To his daughter Clifford an Ouche called the Eagle which his son Will. had bestow'd on him for a Newyears-gift with a Cup a set of Beads of gold and a Ring To his daughter Isabell a Cup with an Ewer and a Cover to it gilt and the next best Ring after his other daughters before remembred had chosen To the Bishop of Lincoln a Crosse of gold that the Lady Segrave gave him which sometimes was the good King Edwards wherein likewise was part of the very Crosse of Christ and other Reliques To his son William a Casket of gold with a bone of St. George which Thomas Earl of Lanc. bestowed on him at his Christening Touching his death the manner thereof was thus King Edward having called a Parliament at London in 43. of his reign wherein the breach of Peace by the French was discussed sent an Army into that Kingdom about the feast of the Nativity of the blessed Viâ—gin under the conduct of his son Iohn Duke of Lanc. and Humfr. de Boun Earl of Hereford to claim his right therein who being got over sea encampt at a place called the Chalkhull neer Caleys towards whom the French presently advanced but the two English Dukes delaied fighting so long as that their Army grew in want for provisions so that many dyed by famine and the plague pretending they were not strong enough to give them battail without more men In which interim our noble Earl hearing that the French Army was thus drawn out hasted away with some choyse men and sailed toward Caleys whereof the French having notice in great amazement they left their Tents with all their victuall behind them and fled And so soon as he came ashore he highly blamed those that occasioned the English to forbear fighting saying I will goe on and fight before the English bread which we have eaten be digâ—sted and thereupon presently entred the Isle of Caus which he wasted But alas in his return towards Caleys he fell sick of the pestilence and dyed on the 13. of Nov. Parem â—bi in armorum strenuitate Regi Regnique fideliâ—ate superstitem minimè derelinquens saith mine Author After which his body was interred in the midd'st of the Quire of the Collegiat Church at Warwick according to the direction of his Testament where is yet to be seen a goodly Tombe with the statues of hâ—m â—nd his Countess in white marble excellently cut viz. Katherine the daughter of Roger Mortimer before specified created the first Earl of March by King E. 3. a perfect representation whereof I have placed here in my Story of him because there being so many other Monuments in that Church to have put them altogether would not shew gracefull to the work Which noble Lady dyed before him as by what I have said appears yet not many weeks for her Testament bears date 4. Aug. the same year by which she appointed her body to be buried wheresoever the Earl her husband should think fit to whom she bequeathed her Goblet bound with gold and those Buckles of gold which she used to carry as also a Ring having an Emraud in it To Thomas her son she gave her book of Ch. To Will her other son a Tablet of gold To Maud de Clifford her daughter a Cup enameled with Doggs To Philippa de Stafford her daughter a Boll with a cover To her daughter Alice a Cup of silver gilt To Margaret Mountfort her daughter the Cross with the pedestall in her Chapell To Isabell her daughter a Cup. To Elizabeth the daughter of her son Guy a Cup. To the Covent of Friers Preachers in Worcester xx li. To the Friers Preachers of Shrewsbury xx li. To the Friers Minors there xx li. To the Friers Preachers of Northampt. xx li. To the Friers Minors of Coventre xx li. and to the Friers Minors of Lichfield xx li. Divers other Legacyes she gave to her servants and did constitute Isabell de Harley Rauf Tangele and Iohn Falvesle her executors desiring her husband to be assistant unto them in the performance thereof This Noble Earl had divers children of which I will only make a brief mention Guy his eldest son who received the honour of Knighthood in 29 E. 3. with a grant from the King of C li. per annum out of his Exchequer till his fathers inheritance should descend to him or that he could otherwise provide for his support and married Philippa the daughter of Henry Lord Ferrers of Groby by whom he had issue three daughters Elizabeth Katherine and Margaret whereof the two later were Nunns at Shouldham in Com. Norff. This Guy was a stout Souldier and upon his going into France in 33 E. 3. which I conceive was to attend the King in an expedition at that time made declared his Testament at Canterbury on the 26. of Sept. whereby he bequeathed his body to buriall where his parents should think fit To
raign straightly commanding them to carry him thither and put him in sure custody as they would be responsible body for body Whereupon this his Castle and Lordship of Warwick with divers other Mannours were given to Thomas Holland Earl of Kent and to the heirs male of his body and the rest of his lands to others as I shall shew when I speak particularly of them And the next ensuing year was his son and heir viz. Richard Beauchamp with Eliz. wife to the said Richard committed to the custody of the before specified Thomas Holland at that time Duke of Surrey who had also a speciall grant from the King of a suit of Arras Hangings containing the story of the famous Guy of Warwick and belonging to the banisht Earl Which hard measure to the Earl and his son occasioned Catherine the Nunne at Shouldam before mentioned to petition the King in her own behalf in regard she was the grandchild and heir to this Earls father by Guy his eldest son as I have elswhere manifested and enjoyed no part of her inheritance whereupon she obtained an assignation of Xl. marks per annum annuity out of the Kings Exchequer during her life howbeit the Earl continued not long a Prisoner in the Isle of Man for on the 12. of Iuly 21 R. 2. the Kings Mandate to the Constable of the Tower of London for reception of him thither bears date during the remainder of whose reigne he was kept in durance But alas upon what slippery ground the greatest earthly Potentate stands when he thinks himself surest the fall of this King and divers other whereof the Storyes of our own Nation shew us lamentable examples may sufficiently manifest for within the compass of two years or little more after he had strengthened himself by that alliance with the French fill'd his cofers with vast summs of money by loans and otherwise pull'd down and ruin'd all whose fidelity to him he thought not firm and advanced his friends favourites in that Parliament of 21. of his reign which damn'd those Acts that by the power of the great ones had been made in 11. behold the Monster multitude agitated by the wind of his enemyes malice and ambition took part with them and suddainly overwhelm him in the gulf of absolute destruction by Deposition from his throne and the murther of his person as is not unknown to those who are acquainted with the Story of those times Henry of Lancaster being crowned King in his room In the first year of whose reign a Parliament makes null and void all that had been done in 21 R. 2. so that this our Earl of Warwick was then restored to his full liberty honour and possessions having whatsoever goods in Warwick-Castle were to be found belonging to Thomas Holland Earl of Kent before mentioned bestow'd upon him and in particular that suit of Hangings containing the said Story of Guy of Warwick all which were forfaited to the new King by attainder of Holland In which year he was made a Commissioner for arraying all men in this County according to their estates and faculties but his death now approaching as I shall shew by and by it will here be proper to take notice of his pious works The first whereof that I find is in 49 E. 3. viz. the establishing an Anniversary for his father in the Collegiat Church of Warwick for the solemnizing whereof the Dean Canons and Vicars of that Church and every Priest in Warwick that should come to the Dirige and Mass was to have his dinner and 4 d. in money and vâ— s. -viii d. to be given amongst the Friers of that town iii s. iv d. to the Canons of S. Sepulchers in Warwick and xx s. amongst the poor yearly In 5 R. 2. he built one of the Cells in the Monastery of Carthusians juxta Coventre at the first foundation of that Religious house In 6. he gave the perpetuall patronage of the Church dedicated to S. Iames situat over the gate called Hongyngate in Warwick to the Gild of S. George there newly founded in a Chapell over the same Gate And in 15 R. 2. having finisht the Quire of the Collegiat Church begun by his father and newly built from the ground the whole body of the Church which very fabrik now stands he gave the Mannour of Haseloure with the advouson of the Church and the advouson of the Church of Wolthamcote both in this County together with the perpetuall patronage of the Church of Wyclesford in Cambridg-shire unto the Dean and Canons thereof and their successors to pray for the good estate of King R. 2. and of Queen Anne then his consort of himself and Margaret his Countess Sir William Beauchamp his brother and Ioane his wife during their lives in this world and for the health of their souls after their departures hence as also for the souls of their Progenitors Ancestors and all the faithfull deceased His Testament bears date at Warwick-Castle 1 Apr. Anno 1400. 1 H. 4. whereby he bequeathed his body to sepulture in the Collegiat-Church before specified and to every town whereof he was Lord or Patron of the Church xx s. in money in the name of his Principall but if he should depart this life at Warwick then did he appoint the Church of our Lady there to have the best Beast whereof he might be at that time possest For his Herse he directed CCC li. weight of Wax in six Tapers and seaven Morters to remain in the said Church and lx poor men in gowns made of white-cloth every one carrying a Torch at the solemnizing his Funerall As also that xl of those Torches after his Exequies were finished should be distributed to the poore Churches of his Patronage and the residue to remain to the said Collegiat-Church of Warwick And moreover that all his friends attending the Funerall should have good entertainment viz. a Supper over night and a Dinner on the next day and money distributed to the poor according to the discretion of his Executors as also xxx Trentalls sung for his soul with all possible speed that might be after his decease and a thousand Masses in like sort viz. of the Trinity of the Holy Ghost of the Nativity of our Saviour of the Holy Crosse of the five Festivalls of our Lady of the Resurrection of the Ascension of Corpus Christi of the Angells of All Saints and of Requiem of every Feast lxvii Masses five in the whole excepted By which Testament he likewise gave to the King an Image of the blessed Virgin with two Cruets silver and gilt made in the fashion of two Angells To the Archbishop of Canterbury a Tablet of gold To the Colledge of our Lady in Warwick before mentioned a Cross with the pedestall silvergilt and enamell'd with the Story of our Saviours Passion and a precious stone called a Berill bound with silver and enamell'd
that the Chaplet was rich with Pearl and pretious stones and in his Coat of Arms of Guy and Beauchamp quarterly having the Arms of Tony and Hanslap on his trappers and said that as he had in his own person perform'd the service those two dayes before so with Gods grace he would the third whereupon encountring with Sr. Collard Fines at every stroke he bore him backward to his Horse insomuch as the French-men saying that he himself was bound to his Saddle he alighted and presently got up again but all being ended he returned to his Pavilion sent to Sr. Collard a fair Courser feasted all the people gave to those three Knights great rewards and so rode to Caleys with great honour About this time it was that the general Councel of Constance in Germany began unto which totius Christianit at is prudentissimi Pontifices Praelate cum aliis Clericis velut innumeris confluxere as Walsingham saith the cause of which meeting was chiefly about choise of the Pope whereupon from England were sent the Bishops of Salisbury Cov. and Lich. Bath and Wells Norwich Hereford and S. Davids the Abbot of Westm. Prior of Worcester with divers other learned men and for their greater honour our Earle of Warwick themselves and their whole retinue amounting in number to 800 Horse During whose stay at Constance he receiving a Chalenge from a great Duke for his Ladies sake slew the Duke in Justing whereupon the Empresse took his livery viz. the Bear from one of his Knights shoulders and for great favour to him set it on her own shoulder but he having notice thereof made one of Pearle and precious stones which being presented to her she received with much respect Here also was it that the Emperour Sigismund gave him his sword to bear and offered him the heart of S George the English-mens tutelary Saint to bring over into this Realm but hearing the Emperour say that he would come in person into England he restored it to him again saying that the delivery thereof with his own hand would be much more acceptable Nor was it long after that the Emperour did come over accordingly and being made Knight of the Garter offered the holy Heart at Windsor which was there kept in great esteem Upon whose passage hither and return he was royally entertained at Caleys by this our Earle then Captain there his comportment being such that the Emperour told King Henry that no Christian Prince had such another Knight for Wisdom Nurture and Manhood adding that if all courtesie were lost yet might it be found again in him insomuch as ever after by the same Emperours authority he was called the Father of Courtesie In his return from Caleys at that time he took at Sea two great Carricks and shortly after sc. 5. H. 5. attended Thomas D. of Clarence General of the Kings Army into France where he further manifested his valour in divers eminent services for having taken Dampfront he first entred Cane and set the Kings Arms on the Walls with the Duke's crying a Clarence a Clarence Then laid he siege to Caudebek on the River of Seine blockt up the Citie of Roan both by land and water and afterwards won Mount S. Michael as also divers other strong Towns As a reward for which signal services the K. created him Earle of Aumarle At the siege of Roan his Tent stood betwixt the Kings pavilion and S. Katherines and S. Katherines being won he was appointed to keep Port-Martevile After this viz. in May following K. Henry imploy'd him to the K. of France attended with a thousand men at Arms to treat concerning a marriage with the Lady Kath. his daughter but to obstruct his passage the Dolphin sent the Earles of Uandosme and Lymosin with 5000 men at arms to whom the Earle gave Battail wherein both those French Earls lost their lives and one of them by E. Richard's own hands 2000 of their men being slain and taken In which Embassy he sped so well that all things were concluded for the Kings marriage to that Lady whom he wedded 3. Iunii 8. of his reign and that he should enjoy the Realm of France intirely after the death of the then K. whereupon siege being laid to those places that rebelliously opposed this agreement of which the strong Citie of Melon was one this noble Earle gained it with great honour after xiiii weeks and four dayes opposition The next ensuing year viz. the last of the victorious Henry's reign he was sent with Iohn D. of Bedford the Kings brother and other noble persons to raise the siege which the Dolphin had laid to a Citie of the D. of Burgundie's howbeit the D. hearing of their approach did not stay their coming But shortly after K. Henry departed this world having appointed by his last Will that this Earle should have the tutelage of young Henry his Son then an Infant till he were xvi years of age which the Parliament approving he accordingly had In the first year of whose reign he was by Indenture bearing date x. Iulii retained to serve as Capt. of Caleis from the 4. of Febr. past for the space of 2. years having for the custody thereof CClx men himself accounted who with his Lieutenant and the Marshall of the Town were onely to be Horst but all the rest to serve on foot to have also CC. Archers besides ten men at Arms and x. Archers belonging to the Treasurer of Caleys that were to be at his command in all things tending to the safe-guard of that place for which service he was to receive vi s. viii d. per diem for himself ii s. for his Lieutenant xii d. for his Marshall for every of his Foot-souldiers viii d. and for his Archers vi d. After which Philip D. of Burgundy besieging Caleys was by the valour of this noble Earle assisted by Humfr. D. of Glouc. and Humf. E. of Stafford forc'd to flee Nay so conspicuous was his fidelity wisdom and circumspection as the words of the Pat. do import for which respect the custody of the K. royal person as I have already intimated had been by the advice of the D. of Bedf. and Glouc. his Uncles all the Lords of the Councell committed to him as well for the security thereof as education in learning virtue that upon the death of the D. of Bedf. then Regent of France he was discharg'd of that burthen and care and in stead thereof constituted Lieutenant general of the whole Realm of France and Dutchy of Normandy whereupon with his Lady and Son taking shâ—pping for passage over and discerning great danger by a hideous tempest he caused himâ—elf with both of them to be bound unto the main mast of the ship to the intent that if they had perisht and were
Ieykyn Cap. 21. Iunii 1425. D. Episc. Cov. Lich. Will. Radchiff Pbr. 10 Dec. 1440 D. Episc. Cov. Lich. Thomas Browell Pbr. 4. Ian. 1444. Prebend de Tachbrok in Eccl. Cath. Lich. Ric. Waterton Pbr. 10 Iunii 1453. D. Episc Cov. Lich. Thomas Compton Cap. 4. Feb. 1457. D. Episc Cov. Lich. Ric. Walker Pbr. 29. Oct. 1493. Thomas Fysher ar Ioh. Antrobus 11. Iunii 1575. Timoth. Wagstaff ar Nath. VVilliams Cler. 14. Feb. 1623. Eliz. Wagstaff vidua Ric. Harvye Cler. in art Magr. 26 Iulii 1626. Tachebrooke-Malory THough this be in the Hundred of Knightlow yet because it is contained within the parish of Bishops Tachebrook I have reserved it to be here spoken of It is called Tachebrook-Malory for distinction from the other in regard the Maloryes were antiently Lords thereof as I shall shew anon and in the Conq. time was certifyed to contain viii hides except one Virgate all which were then possest by the Earl of Mellent and valued at xl s. but in Edw. the Conf. days one Baldwin was owner thereof By the said E. of Mellent â— or Robert E. of Leic. his son was Raph Boteler of Oversley first enfeoft of it as it should seem who granted it to Geffrey de Clinton Founder of the Castle and Priory at Kenilworth in H. 1. time or to Geffrey his son for by â—is gift of certain lands lying within this Lordship to the Templars it appears that he was possest thereof But in the family of Clinton it continued not long for Henry de Clinton son to the last Geffrey gave the whole Village with the Mill and services of the Freeholders to the Canons of Kenilworth in which grant it is written Tachelesbroc though in the Conq. Survey Tacesbroc It seems that before the said grant from Boteler to Clinton was made Malory had some estate in this Lordship past to him by Boteler so that in the beginning of K. Iohns time there growing dispute betwixt them touching their titles they came at length to an Agreement whereupon all was setled by a Fine in 3. Ioh. in manner and form following by the consent of Raph Boteler heir to the beforementioned Raph and superior Lord of the Fee viz. that the Canons of Kenilworth should quietly enioy the one half of this Lordship sc. that which lyes North together with the antient Mannour-house and the Mill holding it of the same Henry de Clinton and his heirs by the service of half a Kts. fee the said Henry and his heirs holding it over by the like service of the before specifyed Raph and his heirs And that all the rest of this Village should remain to Henry Malory and his heirs to be held of the same Raph and his heirs by the service of half a Kts. fee at which time divers of the Tenants here held in Villenage and being then present and privy to this Agreement acknowledged themselves to be Villains This Henry was the son of Askitell Malore who forfeited all his lands in H. 2. time for taking part with young K. Henry in that rebellion against his father but by a Fine of lx marks which he the said Henry payd to the K. in 1. Ioh. he had restitution of them again To the Monks of Combe and Canons of Kenilworth he gave certain lands in Herberbury and to the Nunns of Polesworth 3 yard land in Osbaston in com Leic. But the succession of these Maloryes for the time that they continued Lords of this place can I not exactly point out certain it is that the seat where they most resided was Walton on the Woulds in Leicestersh though they were likewise owners of Botley in this County in all which places sc. Walton Tachebroke and Botley had Iohn Malory a Charter of Free-warren granted to him and his heirs dated 17. Nov. 9. E. 3. which Iohn in 10. E. 3. had license to amortize one mess. with the appurtenances lying within this Lordship for maintenance of a Preist to sing Masse daylie in the Chapel of St Iames situate here in Tachebroke for the health of his soul and the soules of Margery his wife with all the faithfull deceased As for the two half Kts. fees which Boteler thus had here as abovesaid they were by him and his heirs held over of the Earls of Leicester descendants from the E. of Mellent before specifyed to whose Court Leet held for the Honour of Leicester the Inhabitants of this place in token of the Royalty belonging to those Earls did antiently use to appeare This Lordship continued in the family of Mallore till towards the later end of H. 6. time if not longer Whether any of them sold it to Benedict Medley Clerk of the Signet to K. H. 7. as in UUhitnash I have shewed or from whom it was that the said Benedict purchased it I am not sure but apparent it is that he dyed seized of it in 19. H. 7. leaving Will. his son and heir 23. years of age who with Raph Maxfeild then Prior of Kenilworth depopulated 8. mess. here and converted CCCX acres of land into pasture which kept six Plows so that now there is not above 4 Houses left in all the Village After the dissolution of the Monasteries that whâ—ch the Canons of Kenilworth had here was by Q. Eliz. in 4. of her reign granted to Barth Brokesby and Edw. Downing who sâ—ld the same to George Medley esq heir to the before specifyed Benedict to whom succeeded Henry Medley esq who dyed seized of the whole in 21. Eliz. leaving Henry his son aâ—d heir 14. years of age Naspes WIthin the parish of Bps-Tachebrook lyeth a place called Naspes which hath not now above 4. houses in it but antiently it was more populous The first mention I find of it is in 7. R. 1. where Ric. des Aspâ—s payd one mark to the K. for seâ—sâ—n of his lands here and in 9. E. 2. it was certifyed to be a Hamlet belonging unto Tachebrook before specifyed Barford BElow Tachebrook about 2 miles this petty rivulet falls into Avon on whose Southern bank a little below stands Barford where is now a fair stone Bridg of many Arches In the Conq. time Will. fil Corbucion of whom I shall speak in Stodley held one hide here of the K. valued at L s. but in Edw. the Conf. days at xx s. being then possest by Saulf The residue of this town at the same time held by one Hugh of Osbernus fil Ricardi was then certified to contain 4 hides and valued at xl s. having a Mill rated at ii s. in both which places it is written Bereforde I am of opinion that from the said Hugh descended that family who assumed their sirname of this place and the rather for that I find one of them in 23. and 24. H. 2. bearing the same Christen name but
one of the two Justices for conservation of the Peace in this Shire as also for putting in execution the Articles contained in the Statute of Winchester In 19 E. 3. he was in Commission for arraying of men in this County and the next year following being of the retinue unto Thomas de Beauchamp Earl of Warwick at such time as the said Earl was in France and got that great honour by his valiant atchievements in the battail of Cressy and elswhere as in my story of him is shewed he bore for his Armes Or frettè sable The time of his death I do not certainly find but to him succeeded Thomas his son and heâ—r who past away his interest in this Mannour in 44 E. 3. to Alice Perers of whom our Historians make much mention in regard she was Concubine to King E. 3. Which Alice being banisht by authority of Parliament in 1 R. 2. and all her estate confiscate it was seized into the Kings hands and committed to the custody of Iohn Spenser But in 3 R. 2. she being then wedded to Sir William Windsor Kt. the King out of the singular respects that he bore towards the said Sir William for his many notable services and especially because he was at that time retained by Indenture to serve him in his Warrs with CC. men at Armes and CC. Archers under the conduct of Thomas de Wodstoke then Earl of Buck. the Kings Uncle for the expedition of Britanny in which the said Earl was to be Generall by his Letters Patent bearing date at Westminster 15. Martii wherein he reciteth that the said Alice whilst she was single purchased the third part of this Mannour in possession and two parts thereof in reversion after the death of Alice the widow of Sir Iohn Murdak Knight granted it unto the same Sir William Windsor and his heirs for ever Which Sir William dying without issue male his daughters became his heirs whereof Ioan the elder marryed to Robert Skerne of Kingston upon Thames in whose right the said Robert became possest thereof and to strengthen his title therein obtained a Release from Arnold Murdak brother and heir of Thomas Murdak son to the above-mentioned Sir Thomas bearing date 10 Febr. 6 H. 4. as was necessary for I find that there had been an Entail thereof made by the said Sir Thomas in in 37 E. 3. Which Robert in 3 H. 6. did his homage to Richard Beauchamp then Earl of Warwick for those lands held by him here of that Earl by Knights service But long it was not that Skerne continued possest thereof though how it came to passe or the direct time when he parted with it I have not seen For certain it is that about 20 H. 6. Richard Verney Esquire afterward Knight possest itâ— and built a great part of the House as it now standeth wherein besides his own Armes with marches he then set up in a fair Canton window towards the upper end of the Hall the Armes of King H. 6. Queen Margaret Hâ—mfrey Earl of Stafford afterwards created Duke of Buck. Henry Beauchamp Duke of Warwick and the Lord Zouch with some others in such sort as they are represented in the foregoing page by which it appeareth that he was one of those that adhered to the House of Lancaster This Richard Verney was the son of Iohn Verney but whence I cannot tell yet I find one Iohn Verney Eschaetor in Worcester-shire 17 H. 6. So also a Robert Verney who held half a Knights fee in great Wolford of the Baron of Stafford in 46 E. 3. and had issue William his son and heir Lâ—kewise Richard Verney of Wolverton Esquier in 12 H. 6. yet am I not sure what relation any of these had to him Most probable it is that these Verneys of Compton are sprung from Simon de Vernai who in K. Richard the first 's time wedded Agnes the sister of Hervey Bagot progenitor to the Barons of Stafford for amongst the evidences of this Family I have seen a grant of certain lands in Bromshull in Com. Staff by the said Hervey Bagot to the above specified Simon with Agnes his sister in Frank marriage but how to trace down the descent from that Simon to the said Richard passes my skill except I had more light from Record or private evidence But till 21 H. 6. I find nothing of this Richard howbeit then it appears that he began to have publique imployment in this County viz. in Commission for conservation of the Peace from that time till 14 E. 4. except for the six first years of E. 4. reign being also a Commissioner of Array in 38 H. 6. and in 39 H. 6. a Knight Which Richard departed this life in 5 H. 7. leaving Edmund his son and heir 49. years of age who had speciall Letters of Protection from Thomas Lord Stanley Steward of the Houshold to King E. 4. dated 3. Nov. 8 E. 4. exempting him from being subject to any seizure for his Corn Beeves Muttons or any thing else for the Kings Houshold provision without payment of ready money for the same and bore the office of Eschaetor for this County and Leicester-shire in 21 E. 4. In 2 R. 3. he was in Commission for arraying of men and by his Testament bearing date 24. Feb. anno 1494. 10 H. 7. bequeathed his body to be buried in the Conventuall Church of the Friers-Preachers at Warwick betwixt the Altar of our Lady and the Altar of S. Dominick on the North part appointing that by the care of his Executors a Lamp should be continually maintained burning in the Chancell of that Church before the Host and dyed 26. Feb. the same year leaving issue Richard his son and heir then 30. years of age Which Richard was in that esteem with King H. 8. that being inform'd of some infirmity in his Head he afforded him a speciall License bearing date at Grenewich 2. Ian. 8. of his reign that he should wear his Bonnet at all times and in all places aswell in the said Kings presence as elswhere according to his own pleasure without the interruption of any man whatsoever And by his Testament bearing date 2. Oct. anno 1526. 18 H. 8. bequeathed his body to be buried in the new Chapell on the North side of the Church here at Compton wherein his Monumentall stone with the portraiture of himself his wife and children in brasse are yet to be seen From whom did lineally descend Sir Grevill Verney late of this place Knight a gentleman accomplisht with singular endowments and of a Noble and courteous disposition who left three sons and one daughter as the Pedegree here inserted doth shew From the second of which viz. Richard a person happily qualified with a most ingenious inclination I have received much assistance for rectifying the Map of this Hundred as
away his interest here to Raph Pipard for this I take to be it which was afterwards called Weston juxta Chiriton whereof I shall speak particularly anon therefore I will now go on with that Mannour which Hubert de Burgo had In 15 H. 3. he obtained a Charter to himself and his heirs for a weekly Mercate here upon the Munday and a Fair every year to begin on St. Peter's Eve and to last for three days But being raised to greater honour he experimentally found the slipperiness of that high station for the King incensed against him as our Historians do manifest not onely removed him for his office of Iustitiarius Angliae but otherwise so persecuted him that he was constrained to flee privily to the Abby of Merton in Surrey there to hide himself Nay that was not all for being sought for and fleeing to Sanctuary for his preservation he was pulled out thence by the power of armed men and carried Prisoner to the Tower of London with his feet tyed under the Horse Belly his money extorted from him and his lands seized saying what the K. permitted his wife to have for her maintenance whereupon this Lordship coming so into the K. possession Maud the widow of Henry de Bohun Earl of Hereford before specified who had the title of Countess of Essex gave a Fine of C l. for to have the benefit of the Year and Day therein which belong'd to the King and that the Houses should not be pulled down nor the Gardens spoiled in regard that it was held by the said Hubert immediatly of her and so consequently by Eschaet to fall into her hands But afterwards the K. became reconciled to him again so that he had restitution of his lands whereof Iohn de Burgo his son though he did not succeed him in the Earldome inherited the greatest part if not all I presume Amongst which he had two parts of the moytie of this Mannour and in 31. H. 3. came to an agreement with Margerie Countesse of Kent widow of Hubert before specified for her thirds all which were rated at xl l. per an upon the Extent made of them in 50 H. 3. for his then taking part with the Rebellious Barons But the said Iohn in 2 E. 1. passing away to the K. and his heirs divers Lordships lying in the Counties of Nott. Essex Suff. Norff. Cambr. Somers Dors. and Surrey amongst them granted this Mannour reserving to himself an estate onely for life So that in 7 E. 1. the King being owner thereof by the said grant had then two Carucates of land in demesn and xlii tenants holding severall proportions under certain Rents and performance of divers services as plowing mowing harrowing thrashing and the like As also a Court-Leet Gallows Free-warren and other liberties At the same time it was found that Raph Pippard had one yard land and a half in this Lordship which he held of the Earl of Hereford together with a certain Water Mill and a wood containing xii acres as also xxxi Tenants holding divers proportions of land by certain Rents and severall servile labours together with a Court-Leet Gallows and Free-warren And that the Nuns of Stodle in Oxfordshire had then a Carucate of land here granted to them by Geffrey de Craucumbe in pure Alms which Geffrey obtained it of the said Earl of Hereford As also ix tenants holding severall proportions of land by performance of servile work and three acres of land in demesn bestowed on them by Hubert de Burgo before mentioned for the enlarging of their Court and likewise a Court-Leet and Free-warren At that time likewise did the Prior of Wroxton hold 7 acres of land here in demesn which he had of the gift of Geffrey de Langley he from Gilbert Earl Marshall and he of the Earl of Hereford And likewise Iohn de Compton a Priest two yard land of one Robert Fitz-Nicholas paying to Raph Pippard a half peny for all services As also two yard land more of the Hospitall of St. Iohn in Oxford given thereunto by one Will. de Compton a Priest who obtained the same from VVill. de Mandevile for which he payd to the Nuns of Stodle vi s. viii d. per an And half a yard land of the Nuns of Hurneley in pure Alms for iii s. But being so in the K. possession it was 10. Feb. 9 of his reign granted to Eustace de Hacche to hold during pleasure for the Rent of xli li. to be yearly payd into the Exchequer And the 28 of May following unto Hugh de Plessets for life In which demise to Eustace de Hacche it is called Compton in Hennemersh but in the other Compton-magna which Hugh de Plessets and Raph Pippard did in 13 E. 1. challenge to have here in Common with the Prioress of Stodle a Court Leet Assize of Bread and Beer Gallows Weyts and to be exempted from suit to the Hundred or County Court But because it was found that they had excercised these liberties in severall they were amerc't for their false claim Howbeit after this viz. in 27 E. 1. the said K. by his Lâ—â—tâ—r Pat. bearing date at Canterbury 10 Sept. â—mâ—â—gst other lands and Mannours assigned it to Margaret â—is Queen as part of her dowrie And by another Charter bearing date at York 16. Nov. â—â—llowing granted it to Iohn de Mohun and Alâ— his wife and to the heirs of the said Iohn to be held of him the said K. and his heirs in exchange for all those lands which the same Iohn had â—â—thin the County of Kildare in Ireland or elsewhere within that Realm the value of this being then xl li. xviii s. vi d. ob per an In recompeâ—ce whereof he made other assignations to his said Queen as by his Pat. doth at large appear Touching that which Raph Pipard had here in Compton being thenceforth reputed a Mannour 〈…〉 was in 3. E. 2. inter alia granted by the same Raph. to Edm. le Bâ—ttller and his heirs to enter upon after the decease of him the said Raph and that from the said Edmund it descendâ—â— to Iames his son and heir created Earl of Oâ—mâ—nd 2 E. 3. Which Iames the same year â—â—d a Charter of Free-warren granted to him in all his demesn lands here In whose family it continued till the beginning of E. 4. time that Iames Boteler Earl of Wiltshire 〈◊〉 and heir to Iames Boteler the fourth Eâ—rl of Ormand being advanced to that Honour in the life tâ—me of â—is Father sc. 27 H. 6. adhering stoutly to the Lancastrian interest and 〈◊〉 â—â—rticipating in the hard fate which befell that House became attainted in the Parl. of 1 E. 4. But theâ— the K. by his Letters Pat. bearing date at Westm. 20 Febr. in the first year of his reign râ—ciâ—ing the notable servâ—ces which Sir VValter Devereux Kt. whom he
Justice of Peace in this Shire from 17 H. 7. till his death and sometimes likewise for Gaol delivery From whom by Iohn a second son descended the Fullwodes late of Ford Hall By Robert a third those of Little Alne in this County and by Richard his eldest Robert Which Robert in 35 Eliz. sold it unto Thomas Greswould of whose Executors in 44. of the same Queens reign it was purchased by one Thomas Spooner whose grandchild William past it in our time unto Andrew Archer of Tanworth Esq. Father to Sir Sim. Archer Kt. the present owner thereof Codbarow THis taking its name originally as I guess from the Brittish word Coed which signifieth a Wood and the Saxon Barow importing a place of defence hath been a very antient seat as may seem by the moat and belonging to the Mountforts of Lapworth Richard de Mountfort and Rose his wife being possest of it in 37 E. 3. From whom it descended to Will. Mountfort their son and heir and by partition as it seems came to Ric. Merebroke with Helen one of the daughters and coheirs to the said William Which Richard by his deed dated in 5 H. 6. entailed it for default of issue by Will his son and Alice his daughter upon Iohn Catesby and Margaret his wife and the heirs of their two bodies lawfully begotten the said Margaret being the other daughter and coheir to the above specified Will. Mountfort as in Lapworth is declared by which Entail it is stiled the Mannour of Codbarow But it descended to the issue of the said Alice by Iohn Norris her husband as the grant thereof made by Iohn Norris of Yatenden in com Berks. Kt. unto VVill. Dauntsey of the City of London Mercer and VVill. Sheldon then of the inner Temple Gentleman bearing date 27 Nov. 26 H. 8. doth import which it seems was in trust for the behoof of VVill. Willington of Barcheston Esq. as the words of his Testament do manifest whereby he gave it to Anne his daughter then the wife of Francis Mountfort Esq. and her heirs whose grandson Sir Edw. Mountfort of Bescote in com Staff Kt. sold it to Sim. Archer of Tanworth Gent. afterwards Kt. 10 Iulii 9 Iac. which Sir Simon is the present owner thereof Cheswike THis is onely a kind of old Fortification whereof the grounds wherein 't is situate assume the name and by the forme of it and depth of the trenches though the circuit thereof be not large seems to have been a Roman work the later syllable Wyke importing no less which signifieth in our old English a Castle or fortification But all that I have seen of it from any good authority is that the Family of Broughton juxta Banbury in Oxfordshire were antiently owners of it for in 29 E. 1 Iohn de Broghton had a Charter of Free-warren granted to him in all his demesn lands here as well as those at Broughton and that in 42 E. 3. Sir Thomas Broughton Kt. sold it unto Iohn Waryng and Ric. Gower the principall part whereof Gower had from whose heir it was purchased in our time by one Will. Bache Betlesworth THe first mention I find of this place is in the Charter made by Will Earl of Warwick in H. 2. time to Roger de Vlehale of that circuit of ground called Monkespathe already spoke of wherein he gives to the said Roger quicquid habuit in Betheleswortha scil totum tenementum quod Ricardus senior Ric. junior de se tenuerunt Whether this were the grant whereby that past which was afterwards reputed the Mannour I know not if not then did this continue unto the family of Ulehale and went with Monkspath as 't is like unto Iohn le Archer as involved therewith though not particularly mentioned But for that which afterwards was reputed the Mannour it was about the beginning of H. 3. time granted by Raph de Wilinton unto Rog. Durevassall Which Roger making thereat his residenc did by reason of its remoteness from the Parish Church whereunto in Winter time the ways were bad in 41 H. 3. obtain License from Pope Alex. the 4 th to build a Chapell here and to have a Priest for the celebration of divine service therein Nicholas Longespe at that time Rector of Tanworth likewise assenting thereto but reserving in consideration thereof from the said Roger and his successors to the said Mother-Church of Tanworth a Wax Candle of half a pound weight to be yearly payd on the Feast day of S. Mary Magdalen From this Rog. Durvassall descended Nicholas as in Spernoure I shall shew who together with Rose his wife were jointly seized hereof but he dying and leaving her a widow she became the sole owner of it and was married to Ric. de Mountfort Howbeit after the death of the same Nicholas Will. de Spernore his brother made entry therein and disseised the said Richard and Rose so that suits grew betwixt them yet at last they came to an Agreement whereby it seems that Mountfort was to enjoy it by which means it came to the Catesbies as the Pedegree in Lapworth will shew Robert Catesby senior being seized of it in 36 H. 6. from whom descended Ric. Catesby Esq. who in 25 H. 8. sold it to Thomas Green whose great grandchild now enjoys it Lodbrokes's Mannour THat this was antiently belonging to some of the Family of Lodbroke is not to be doubted howbeit till 8 H. 4. I have not met with any mention of it but then it appears that Thomas Beauchamp Earl of Warwick possessed it in R. 2. time and that it was held of the King as of the Honour of Peverell From which Thomas divolving to the succeeding Earls it came in 3 H. 7. to the Crown with the rest of their lands as in Warwick may be seen and continued therein till 36 H. 8. that Sir George Throgmorton purchased it with the Mannour of Tanworth since which time it hath accompanied the possession of that Lordship Sidenhale OF this place I can say little other than that there was a Family which took their denomination thereof and did bear for their Arms a Fesse betwixt three Cressants in 7 R 2. By a daughter and coheir of which Family it came in 4 E. 3. to Fulwode of Cley Hall and by one of them was sold to ..... Hugford of Henwood in whose line it continued till Iohn Hugford late of Henwood sold it to Nath. Cookes of Ingen near Stratford Crewenhale THere was also a Family that assumed their sirname from hence as antiently as H. 3. time and bore for their Armes Nebule Arg. and sable upon a Fesse gules three broad Arrow heads Or of which I have seen five descents in the male line the last whereof was Iohn de Crewenhale who had one onely daughter and heir marryed in H. 6. time to Will. Parker of Chartley in
did became Tenant thereof to the said Hugh as an antient Register belonging to the Bishops of Worcester sheweth wherein it is written Lappewrte and said to be de Soca Episcopi being held of the Bishops Mannour of Old-Stratford From hence till K. H. 3. time having no light from Record to guide me I must by what appears afterwards onely guess at the most probable course of its succession which I conceive was thus viz. that with the rest of Grentemasnill's lands it came by the daughter and heir of that Family to Rob. sirnamed Blanchmains Earl of Leicester in H. 2. time unto whom 't is manifest that she was wedded and that the ancestour of Henry Pipard who lived in H. 3. time obtained it by Feoffment from that Earl or the said Henry himself from some of his descendants for certâ—in it is that those Earls of Leicester were superior Lords hereof and that this Henry was possest of it I have testimony enough But the first particular mention relating to him that I haue met with which hath any date is in 20 H. 3. where it appears that there was a Fine levied betwixt him and Nichola his wife on the one part and Iohn Comin Geffrey Corbizon and Iulian his wife on the other of two yard land here And there is no doubt but that this was his seat for in sundry Deeds which I have seen he is not onely stiled Capitalis Dominus Feodi de Lapworth but it is evident that there was a Mannour house here in those times It should seem that he was a man of the superior rank for in â—5 H. 3. I find him in Commission for the Gaol delivery at Warwick and likewise one of the Justices of Assize so also in 26. and 31. H. 3. In 34 H. 3. he bore the office of Eschaetor in this County In 36 H. 3. he was again one of the Iustices for the Gaol delivery at Warwick and left issue two daughters his heirs viz. Dionysia the wife of Sir Rob. de Harecurt Kt. and Cecilie married to Sir Thomas de Bishopsden Kt. upon partition made betwixt which coheirs this Lordship fell to Dionysia as it seems for I find that in 49 H. 3. it was in the hands of Sim. de Mountfort Earl of Leicester in respect of the minoritie of Will. de Harecurt son and heir to the said Robert which Will. about the beginning of E. 1. time granted unto Henry de Braunteston and his heirs a certain part of his Court and Capitall mansion here viz. that lying towards the West from the great gate by the Wall which then extended to an Oak standing before the dore of the old Grange with the advouson of the Church and the homage and service of sundry Freeholders To which Dâ—ed is his Seal of Arms affixed scil Or two bars gules And after this did the said Will. grant or rather confirm unto Sâ—r. Will. de Bishopsden his nephew viz. son and heir of Sir Thomas de Bishopsden certain lands lying here which Henry Pipard before specâ—fied had formerly given to Sim. Bagot of Preston together with the advouson of the Church and divers other lands lying also here in Lapworth which the said Sir Will. de Bishopsden and Sir Thomas de Bishopsden Father of the said Will. had obtained from sundry other persons for which grant he reserved to himself and his heirs the Rent of one barb'd Arrow to be payd yearly at the Feast of Pentecost for all services D. Hugo de Brandeston miles obiit 27 E. 1. Henricus de Brandestone 11 E. 2. Petronilla 11 E. 2. Hugo de Brandeston defunctus 36 E â— Sibilla Nich. Dur vassall 1 maritus Ronsia una filiarum cohaer Ric. de Miteforti nothus 47 E. 3. D. Petrus de Monteforti dominus de Bellodeserto Will. Montfort fil haeres 14 R. 2. Agnes Margareta filia haeres Ioh. Catesby de Ashby-Legers in com Northamp Will. Catesby miles Philippa filia una haered Will. Bishopsden mil. Elena uxor Ricardi Merebroke Thomas Montfort Agnes uxor Philippi de Ailesbury postea Joh. Bukmore Rog. Ailesbury de Lapworth Beatrix monialis apud Wroxhale Leticia Magister Henricus de Brandestone 7 E. 1. Of Henry de Brandeston above mentioned I find that he was a Priest or professor in some learning for he hath the addition of Magister and that he granted this Mannour to Hugh de Brandeston his brother and Margaret his wife and to the heirs of their two bodies lawfully begotten which Hugh being a Knight in 13 E. 1. had in 21. E. 1. a Charter of Freewarren granted to him in all his demesn lands here from 23 till 27 E. 1. was every year one of the Commissioners for the Gaol delivery at Warwick But after the death of Edmund Earl of Lancaster in 25 E. 1. it was certified that the said Sir Hugh held this Mannour of him by the service of half a Kts. fee doing homage and suit to the Court held for the same Honour of Leicester every three weeks and that all his Tenants did use to repair to the Court Leet belonging to that Honour And upon his death which hapned in 27 E. 1. it appears that the extent of what he had here in Lapworth over and above the Mannour was 3 Carucates of land every Carucate containing 3. Virgates and every Virgate xvi acres Henry his son and heir being then 16 years of age Which Henry in 11 E. 2. acquired from Hugh de Lodbroke Parson of Blaby in Leicestersh the inheritance of another Mannour here whereof Latice daughter to him the said Henry had an estate for life by grant from the said Parson But after this it was not long ere that the same Henry past away one of these Mannours to Sir Iohn de Bishopsden Kt. as appeaâ—s by his deed and a speciall Mandate directed to all his Freeholders and Customary Tenants here in Lapworth for to attourn unto him which I conceive to be that called Bushwood Hall for at Bushwood there written Bispwode doth the same bear date in 14 E. 2. To which Henry succeeded Hugh his son and heir whom I find frequently stiled Dominus de Lapworth having in 11 E. 3. obtained a Lease thereof from Sir Iohn de Bishopsden Kt. for xl years In 33 E. 3. being constituted one of the Commissioners of Array in this County he bore for his Armes two Bars with a bendlet over them and dyed in 36 E. 3. as it should seem for then doth it appear that Sibilla his wife was a widow leaving issue 3 daughters viz. Beatrice a Nun at Wroxhall Agnes wedded to Philip de Aylesbury and Rose to Richard de Montfort betwixt which two last mentioned daughters his inheritance here became divided in 43 E. 3. and that of Letice their Aunt in 47 E. 3. Which
Commoning was it seems upon some barren and course land in regard he covenanted with them that if any part thereof should be reduced to tillage by himself his heirs or any of his Tenants the said Monks might have free liberty to put on their Cattell upon it after the Corn sowed should be cut and carried away So likewise had Will. de Cantilupe but what or how I have not yet discerned for I have seen a grant of his made to the said Monks of Bordesley as also to Will. de Burley Will. de Edricheston and to the Freeholders of Burley and Edricheston and their successors giving them anthority to divide their fields in those towns into three parts and dispose of them as they should think fit saving to him the said Will. de Cantilupe his heirs and Tenants Common in those fields during the Fallow year and after the crop cut and carried away provided that the said Monks with their Tenants of Burley and Edricheston should have the like in those fields belonging to the before specified Will. de Cantilupe and his Tenants But after this it was not long ere that it came to Sir Nich. Cyfrewast Knight though by whom or when granted I have not certainly found To which Nich. succeeded Will. his brother and heir who past it away to Henry de Bray and his heirs reserving a Clove gilliflower to be yearly payed to himself and his heirs for all services Which Henry soon convey'd it to Walter de Ailesbury and his heirs for a penny of silver payable yearly to himself and his heirs at the Feast of S. Michael for all services these grants being both without date howbeit the last of them was before 13 E. 1. for in the Plea Roll of that year I do find it recorded In the male line of which Family it continued for divers ages and at length by a daughter and heir came to the Somerviles who enjoy it at this day as the Descent here insetted extracted from their originall evidences manifesteth Walt. de Ailesbury 17 32 E. 1. Rog. de Ailesbury miles 10 E. 3. Orabella 10 E. 3. Philippus de Ailesbury 28 E. 3. 12 R. 2. Agnes filia cohaer Hugonis de Brandeston Rog. de Ailesbury ar 6 R. 2. 1 H. 5. Hawisia 11 H. 6. Joh. de Ailesbury arm 1 E. 4. Johanna relicta 16 E. 4. Joh. Ailesbury 19 E. 4. Elizabethâ— 2 E. 4. Johanna filia haeres superstes 1 H. 8. Thomas Somervile dominus de Aston Somervile in Com. Glouc. obiit 16 H. 7. Rob. Somervile ar ob 13 Dec. 29 H. 8. Maria filia Joh. Grevill de Milcote ar Joh. Somervile ar obiit 1 Apr. 20 Eliz. Eliz. filia Willâ— Corbet de Lâ—â— ux 1. Ioh. Somervile fil haer aet 18. 20 Eliz. attinct 25 Eliz. Margar. filia Edw. Arden de Parkhall ar Eliz. ux Thomae Warwick Philippus Warwick Alicia ux ... Arden Will. Somervile miles obiit an 1616. Eliz. filia Humfridi Ferrers de Tamworth castro eq aur Will Somervile eq aur obiit an 1628. Cecilia filia cohaeres Joh. Shirley de Isfield in Com. Suâ—â— eq aur Will. Somervile posthumus duxit Annam filiam Rob. Tracy de Todington in Com. Glouc. eq aur modò vicecom Tracy Of these Ailesburies I find that in 13 E. 1. Walter obtained a Charter of Freewarren to himself and his heirs in all his demesn lands at Roulton in Shropshire as also at Wydenay and here at Edrichston in this County and that in 21 E. 1. he had a particular pardon granted to him for not receiving the order of Knighthood at the time appointed by the King 's speciall Precept as also that at the instance of Edmund Earl of Cornwall he obtained such favour that he should not be distrained to take upon him that dignity against his own liking whilest he lived It seems he had some special relation to that Earl for in 29 E. 1. he was constituted Governour of the Castle and Honour of Walingford belonging to the same Edmund as also of the Honour of S. Valerie In the same year he had Summons amongst many other persons of great quality to be at Barwick upon Twede on the Feast day of the Nativity of Saint Iohn Baptist well accoutred with Horse and Armes to attend the King in person into Scotland and bore for his Armes Arg. a plain Crosse Azure as by his Seal and other authorities appeareth To whom succeeded Roger in the possession of this Mannour yet I think he was not his eldest son but rather Sir Philip de Ailesbury Knight whose posterity fixed in Buckinghamshire and bore the same Armes that Walter did for Roger's coat had a Labell of 3. points for dâ—stinction Which Roger in 15 E. 2. was one of the four Commissioners assigned to choose out 600 able Foot-Souldiers within this County and Leicestershire and one of the two to conduct them unto Newcastle upon Tine so that they might be there well armed and arrayed on the Even of S. Iames the Apostle to march in the King's service towards Scotland In which year I find that he was joyned with Peter de Montfort and VVill. de Beauchamp in the custody of the City of Worcester and in 18 E. 2. that he with Thomas Hastang of whom I have spoke in Leminton were appointed to choose and arme 400 Footmen in this County whereof C. to have Aketones and Hauberts and CCC with Haketones and Bacinets besides those which ought to be armed according to the Statute of Winchester As also in 1 E. 3. that he was one of the Knights for this Shire in the Paâ—l then held at Westm. and afterwards the same year constituted Shiriff of this County and Leicestershire so likewise in 4 E. 3. in which Office â—e continued till 6 E. 3. and being that year in the North parts of this Realm with the Earl of Warwick attending the King upon special services there had his accompt which he should have made at Michaelmasse respited till the Quinzieme of Easter following In 7 E. 3. it appears that he and Ric. de Eggbaston were assigned Commissioners for the choosing and arraying of certain Foot souldiers within this County and Leicestershire to march against the Scots and that in 10 E. 3. he was one of the Commissioners appointed for the receiving a Tenth from all the Towns Citties and Boroughs of this Countie granted to the King in his great Councell held at Notingham the same year for the defraying such costs and charges as had been sustained in defence of the Realm against the Scots in which year he was likewise in Commission of Oyer and Terminer concerning Felons and persons notoriously suspected In 11 E. 3. the King calling a Councell at Westminster for preservation of the peace and tranquility of the Realm whereunto were summoned w by speciall writt and
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
means it is come to Iohn Mayne now of Elmedon Gentleman grandchild to the said Henry Merston-Culy IN King Edward the Confessor's time this place was possest by one Aluric who after the Norman Conquest sold it with the License of King William unto Robert de Oilgi Of which Robert Robert Venator held it at the time of the generall Survey it being then accounted for two hides having Woods which extended to four furlongs in length and one in breadth all valued at xx s. But from this time till King H. 3. reign that Hugh de Culi was owner thereof I have seen no more of it nor after that till 21 E. 3. that Sâ—r Fouk de Bermingham possest it as appears by a speciall License by him then granted unto one Ranulph Leyecroft to amortize two Mess. two yard land and xii s. Rent lying therein for the maintenance of a Priest to celebrate divine Service here every day in the Chapell of S. Leonard for the health of the soul of him the said Ranulph and of his Ancestors and all the faithfull deceased From which Ranulph who had a good proportion of lands here besides what he had so disposed of descended Robert Leecroft by whom in 22 R. 2. the whole Mannour was purchased from Thomas Roche and Eliz. his wife it being of her inheritance as daughter and heir unto Thomas de Bermingham To the descendants of which Robert it continued till H. 8. time that Anne the daughter and heir to William Lecroft of Colshill was wedded unto Iohn L'isle of Moxhull Esquire whose son and heir scil Nicholas Lâ—isle sold it in 25 H. 8. to Reginald Digby of Colshill Esquire in which line it still continues Lindon THat this Hamlet was originally so called from the situation thereof the name doth plainly manifest Lhin in the Brittish signifying a Lake or Pool and don in the Saxon a Hill for at the foot of an indifferent rising ground it standeth but the first mention I have found of it in any Record is in 34 H. 3. where it appears that Gunilda de Lynden brought an Assize of Novel disseisin against Walter de Bishopesdon and others for lands here yet is it no Mannour of it self but the lands of other Lordships reach into it whereof I shall not need to give instance Little Pakinton OF this place I find no mention in the Conqueror's Survey though it seems to have been part of the Earl of Mellent's possessions at that time for it appears that the antient Earls of Leicester were chief Lords of the Fee But certain it is that in King H. 1. time Robert de Ceraso possest it and after him Gilbert the son of Picot which Gilbert had issue William Picot unto whom Nicholas the son of Richard de Torpe released all his right therein that descended to him by inheâ—iâ—ance from the same Robert de Ceraso his grandfather This Gilbert Picot being a Knight had fair possessions in Leicestershire viz. Barow Segrave Glen c. And in 4 H. 3. was William â—icot his â—on one of the Justices for the Gaol-delivery at Warwick and Leicester both In which line of Picot it continued till about the middle of King H. 3. reign but then by daughters and heirs two parts divolved to Murdac and Ireys and the third to Nicholas Pikot which came shortly after to one Gilb. Petemon betwixt whom there grew suits for their interest here in 27 H. 3. But of these coparceners Sir Henry Murdac was the chief being Shiriff of this County and Leicestershire in 46 H. 3. and one of the Justices for the Gaol-delivery at Warwick in 56 H. 3. Which Sir Henry doing homage to Roger de Quency Earl of Winchester as Lord of the Honour of Leicester for the fourth part of a Knight's Fee that he and the other coheirs held of him here at Pakinton had authoritie given him by the said Earl to receive the homage of Thomas le â—reys and Agnes his wife as also of Nich. Pikot his fellow partners before spoken of at which time he gave to the same Earl xl s. of silver in the behalf of himself and them and his and their heirs to be released from attendance at the three weeks Court a Leicester making their appearances at hâ—â— Leet only To this Sir Henry succeeded Sir William Murdac Knight who bore for his Armes Bendè of ten pâ—â—ces Arg. and Gules and had issue Alice his daughter and heir wedded to Sir Thomas â—oyvile Knight unto whom she brought a fair inheritance of lands in Leicestershire Which Beyviles had their residence at Stokfaston in that Countie But wiâ—hin tâ—e câ—mpasse â—f that time as they had to do hâ—re they obtained one of the two other parts of this Lordshâ—p◠〈…〉 as it seems So that upâ—n the 〈…〉 three daughters and heirs of the last Iâ—hn viz. â—liz the wiâ—e o 〈…〉 Bury Hatley iâ— Com. Herâ—f abâ—â—t the laâ—â—r end 〈…〉 it unto Sâ—r Râ—bâ—rt Brâ—â—â—â—ll of Dene in Com. Northampt. Knight From whom deâ—cendâ—d Thomas Brudâ—elâ— Eâ—quâ—re afâ—erwardsâ— scil 3. Car. created Lord â—ruâ—â—ell a person much to be honoured for his great lâ—aâ—ning prudenceâ— and eminent knowledge in Anâ—â—quities who by his Deed of bargain and sale dated 19 Maii 4. Iac. past it unâ—o Sir Edward Brabazon then of Nether-Whitacre in this Câ—untie Knight whicâ— Sir Eâ—ward diâ—poâ—ed thereof to Siâ— Anthâ—â—y â—rabazon Knight his younger son tâ—e late â—wner thereof Touching that part whâ—ch Ireâ—s had I find that in 13 E. 3. Thomas le â—â—eys passed iâ— awayâ— by the name lâ—kewise of the Mannour of Pakinton-Pigot to Philip de Aâ—leston and 〈…〉 and the heâ—rs of their two 〈◊〉 but for lack of such issue to return unto the râ—gâ—t â—eirs of the said Thomas which makeâ— me 〈◊〉 that the said Kaâ—â—eâ—â—ne was his daughter Aâ—â—er this â—iz in 50 〈…〉 of whom in Maxstoke I shall speak puâ—câ—ased oâ—e third part 〈…〉 Mâ—nnâ—ur 〈…〉 and Ioane his wiâ—e but 〈…〉 were that which Philip de 〈◊〉 above 〈…〉 the othâ—r formâ—râ—y belongiâ—g to Gâ—lbert 〈◊〉 I cannot well discâ—ver Which third part continued to his posteâ—ity tiâ—l the beginniâ—g of H. 7. time though how much longâ—r I know not for in 20 H. 7. Iohn Creâ— Vicount L'isle was found tâ— dye sâ—â—zed 〈◊〉 â— by the name likewise of the Mannâ—ur of Pakinton-Pâ—got which from him divolved to â—homas Mâ—rquess Dorsâ—t his Unclâ—'s son and so consequently to Henry Duke of Suff. After whose attainder in 1 Mariae whereof in Astley I have spoke it eschaeted to the Crown and continued therein till Queen Elizabeth in the second year of her reign granted it to Edward Earl of Lincolne lâ—neaâ—l heir to the Clintons before specified which Earl sold â—t to one Sampson Baker Gentleman 30 Oct. 15 Eliz. who died seized thereof in 26 Eliz.
Thursday the first Mass of the Holy Ghost by Note as also the high Mass of the day On Friday the first Mass of the B. Virgin by Note and the high Mass of the holy Cross the same day by Note also On Satturday the first Mass of S. Iohn the Evangelist by Note and the high Mass of the glorious Virgin Mary And that every Priest in his severall Mass should specially pray for him the said Sir William and all the persons before recited both living and dead as also that in his Memento for the living speciall mention being made of them as aforesaid they should pray for the good estate of the Church and Kâ—ngdom and all the Benefactors to the said Chantrie And lastly that after his decease they should in the first place remember him next his Father and Mother Brother and their wives aforesaid and afterwards the rest before expressed with the Benefactors to the saâ—d Chantrie and after them whom they should think fit and then all the faithfull deceased Which Ordination so made bears date at Fulbroke in this Conntie 21 Iunii anno 1332. 6 â— 3. and was ratified by the before specified Bishop the sixt of Iuly following The Priorie BUt as this worthy person became advanced to further honour and riches so was his heart much enlarged for works of pietie for within the space of fâ—ur years next following having obtained Lâ—cense from the Kingâ— for the Foundation of a Monastery of Canons-Regular of S. Augustin's Order and for amortizing of the Churches of Maxstoke and Long-Ichinton thereto with xx li. lands per an of his own proper estate he began the fabrick thereof whereby the Chantrie before mentioned became dissolved and was incorporated to that Religious House And being then newly created Earl of Huntendon procured from the said King a most ample Charter of Liberties and priviledges thereto constituting by his own Charter most solemn and exact Rules for the government of those his Canons In which Charter having declared his Dedication thereof to the honour of the holy and individuall Trinity the blessed Virgin S. Michaell th'arch Angell and all Saints he expresseth his said Foundation and endowment to be for the good estate of himself and Iulian his wife as also of Edw. 3. then K. of England Laurence de Hastings Roger Bishop of Cov. and Lich. Henry Prior of Coventre Richard Dean of Lichfield as also of the Monks of Coventre and Canons of Lichfield during this life and for the health of his soul together with the souls of the said Iulian K. Edward the rest as aforesaid after their departures out of this world the souls of Iohn de Clinton his father Ida his mother Iohn his brother and their children living dead and moreover for the souls of all the Kings of England Lords Hastings Bishops of Cov. and Lich. Priors Deans Monks and Canons of the places before recited his Parents Benefactors and of all the faithfull deceased Appointing that there should be therein an elective Prior with a Covent of xii Canons besides there living religiously and regularly according to the Rule of S â— Augustin wearing both in Summer and Winter for their upper garment a black Cope and Hood with a Surplis under the said Cope and such other garments as all other Regular Canons then used And that upon the death of the Prior the Covent should within five or six days proceed to the election of another without seeking for any License of him his heirs or successors Likewise that none should be admitted as a Canon in this Monastery but a Free-born man and so reputed as also of good conversation competently learned for the state of such a Canonâ— having a fit voice to sing being xviii years old at least and fit to receive the Order of Priesthood when he should come of meet age and at the end of the first year after such his entrance that should read or cause to be read openly in his presence all and singular the things contained in the said Charter of Foundation promising his faithfull observance of them And further declared that whereas he had endowed the said Monastery with Lands and Rents to the value of CC li. per an lying within the precincts of Maxstoke and Long-Ichinton before specified when there should happen to be x. marks yearly increase of that revenue either by himself or any other Benefactor or through the industry of the said Prior and Covent within one month after another Canon might be added to their number and so still more Canons as their revenues should proportionably augment And likewise that no yearly Pension should be granted to any one by the Prior except for the certain advantage of the House whereof the Bishop of the Dioces to be Judge As also that the Accounts of all the Officers belonging to the Monasterie should be yearly exhibited to the Prior and Covent or three persons by them nominated and openly read before the whole Covent to the end that every one might thereby know the true state of the House and by Indenture to be then deposited in their Treasurie And hereunto did he adde that after his departure out of this life his Anniversarie should be yearly celebrated by the said Prior and Covent with Placebo and Dirige as also solemn Mass in the Quire and the whole Office of the Dead for the health of his soul with the souls above specified and all the faithfull deceased And that upon the same day there should be a Dole to an C. poor people viz. of Maxstoke and other places to each a Loaf weighing L s. and every day at dinner time over and above the accustomed Bread allowed to the poor one white Conventuall Loaf and a mess of meat out of the Kitchin together with a flagon of Beer assigned to one of the poorest people in Maxstoke or from some other place according to the discretion of the Prior or his Almoner for the health of the said Founder's soul and the souls of the persons above named and all the faithfull deceased And that the Mass of the blessed Virgin the Chapter-Mass and the Mass of the day should be daily celebrated at the houres and in the places accustomed in other Monasteries so that in all those Masses except on the greatest Festivalls mention should be made of him and of Iulian his wife as also of the said King Edward and the persons before recited during their lives in this world and afterwards in such sort as is usually done for the dead And moreover that every Prior before his installation should cause all the particulars contained in the said Charter of Foundation to be openly read promising his faithfull observance of them to his utmost power And after Mattens of the blessed Virgin finished in the Quire and the Mass of the same and at the end of every houre the Pâ—iest celebrating the Mass and the performer of the Office with the same voice that he
by his speciall Pat. then bearing date appeareth Howbeit sub tali pacto fuit restitutus ut si fortè quoquo tempore residaveret sine spe restitutionis foret exhere dandus saith my Authoritie Et ad hoc tenendum tam per Sacramentum prestitum corporale quam per Cartam suam se Domino Regi gratis obligaverit But of that pardon he had no benefit partly for that the said sum was not accordingly payd and partly by reason of his second defection For the next Spring after he made head again in the Northern parts of Derbyshire contra Sacramentum suum cum copioso Excercitu unto which the King's forces under the conduct of Henry eldest son to the King of Almain shortly advanc'd and at Chesterfield on Whitson-Eve routed all his power whereof many were slain and of those that escap'd by flight he himself being one was hid in a Church but by the trecherie of a woman discovered and brought up Prisoner to London by the said Henry The authorities whereof I have been necessitated to make use for the better illustration of this Storie do I confess somewhat differ in point of time to reconcile them therefore I have followed those which have most agreed with our publick Records Hereupon in the Parliament held the same year at Westminster he was disherited according to the tenor of his obligation before specified and Edmund the King's son invested with his Earldome of Derby as my said Authoritie expresseth and as those that have written touching the succession of our English Earls do affirm but that he really was so though he had the greatest part of his lands and excercised perhaps the power of Earl in that Countie I am not satisfied forasmuch as I cannot find that the said Edmund had any Patent of Creation unto that Honour as he had to those of Leicester and Lancaster nor any other till Henry of Monmouth his grand-son who was afterwards made D. of Lancaster Which Edmund soon after viz. 28 Iunii next ensuing had a grant from the King of all the goods and Chattells whereof the said Robert Earl of Derby was possest upon the day of the skirmish at Chesterfield before mentioned and on the fift of August following of all the Castles and lands belonging to the same Earl to hold during pleasure It seems that this Robert continued a Prisoner for the space of three years or thereabouts for of his enlargement I find no mention till the beginning of May 53 H. 3. but then there was such mediation made for him that the King accepted of securitie whereby he might receive satisfaction for his misdemeanours committed in the turbulent times before spoken of and commanded the said Edmund to make restitution to him of his lands Hereupon as I guess was that agreement made betwixt them viz. that to quit all his interest in those Castles and lands so granted to him he should receive fifty thousand pounds all upon one day for payment whereof the said Earl procured Henry son to the King of Romans William Valence Earl of Pembroke Iohn Earl of Warren and Surrey William de Beauchamp Earl of Warwick Roger de Someri Thomas de Clare Rob. Walraund Rog. Clifford Hamon le Straunge Bartholmew Sudley and Robert Bruse all great Barons to be bound unto whom he passed by way of counter-securitie all his Castles and lands excepting Chartley in Staffordshire and Holbroke in Derbyshire which sum being not accordingly payd those his sureties past over their title therein unto the said Edmund and his heirs But hereupon there arose great suits in Law betwixt them about the beginning of King Edward the first 's time the Earl pleading that according to the Dictum de Kenilworth he was capable of redeeming his lands lying in the Counties of Stafford Derby Leic. and Lancaster excepting Chartley in Com. Staff and Holbroke in Com. Derb. for the sum of fifty thousand pounds and that they were both formerly so agreed In answer whereunto the said Edmund exhibited a certain writing made and enrouled in the Chancerie by which it appeared that he was to hold those lands untill the Earl did pay that sum at one intire payment Unto which the Earl replied that the said Writing ought not to oblige him forasmuch as it was made per dures but upon full hearing of the cause Judgement was given against him whereupon he lost Tutburie Castle and other vast possessions which came thereby to the said Edmund then Earl of Leicester and Lancaster as hath been shewed But this was not all for he lost his Earldome likewise All that I have seen farther memorable of the before specified Robert Earl Ferrers is that by his Letters Patent bearing date at Yoxhall on the Tuesday next after the Feast of St. Fabian and Sebastian in 46 H. 3. he gave libertie unto Sir Walter de Raleg and his heirs inhabiting at Uttoxater in Staffordshire to hunt and course the Fox and Hare within the precincts of his Forrest of Needwood in that Countie with eight Braches and four Greyhounds To which grant his Seal of Armes is affixed wherein it appears that upon his Shield and the Caparisons of his Horse waiving the border of Horse-shoos used by his Father he bore onely Varrè Or and Gules which Armes were afterwards continued by his posteritie the Lords Ferrers of Chartley so long as that line lasted and since according to the usage of later times by the principall male branch now remayning of this great and noble Family seated at Tamworth-Castle in this Countie As for the time of his death I cannot directly point it out but in sted thereof shall close up his story with the words of the M S. before cited viz. Robertus Comes de Ferrariis Christum dominum Regem viz. suum dominum Henriâ—um infestavit sine causa non tantum semel sed sepins precipuè cum esset Pax domini Regis per Regnum proclamata Ipse verò Robertus pauper obiit nichil praeter podagram possidens haereditatis sc. his Father's and Grandfather's infirmitie Two wives he had Mary the first neice to King Henry the third sc. daughter to Hugh le Brun Earl of Angolesm his brother by the mothers side being married very young he at nine and she at eight years of age And Alianore though whose daughter I cannot prove For the health of whose souls and his own he gave to the Canons of St. Thomas juxta Stafford two Messuages in Chartley before mentioned as also xvii acres of land and the advouson of the Church of Stow juxta Chartley appointing his body to be buried in the Priorie of St. Thomas whensoever he should depart this life To this Earl succeeded Iâ—hn his son and heir within age in 9 E. 1. but somewhat of his Father's spirit it seems For in
outrages in England returned at whose entrance his good Subjects took courage and prevailed over the Rebells in every place against whom Rhese Prince of Wales came also with a great power and besieged Tutburie-Castle whereupon this Robert Earl Ferrers apprehending what danger he was in hastned to the King then at Northampton and to obtain his favour rendred the said Castles of Tutburie and Duffeild giving securitie for his future fidelitie but so little did the King trust him that though he received him to outward favour he caused those Castles to be demolished This Robert was a Benefactor to the Abby of Dore in Herefordshire and by Sibilla his wife daughter to William de Braose left issue another William Earl Ferrers who not onely confirmed to the Monks of Geroldon the inclosed ground at Hethcote and pasture for C. Sheep there which his Father had given to them but added another piece of Inclosure adjoyning thereto with pasturage for CC. sheep more at six score to the Hundred five Kine and a Bull and six Oxen. And in 1 Richard 1. gave to the Monks of St. Denis in France for the health of his soul and the soul of Sibill his wife one Wax Taper yearly price xiii d. as also a Stag and a Boar in their proper seasons to be sent thither annually at the Feast of St. Dennis by the Messengers of him the said Earl and his heirs And likewise to the Monks of Lenton all his right to the Church of Woodham in Essex specially for the health of the souls of those that were with him at the burning of Nottingham which belike was the time that his Father made such spoil there as I have before exprest But this William was outed of his Earldomes of Nottingham and Derby by King Richard 1. in the first year of his reign as it seems for upon the said King's first arrivall in England after his Father's death I find that he bestowed them with divers other upon Iohn Earl of Moreton his brother yet I hardly think that the said William continued long so dispossest of them for it appears that the same year he attended King Richard in the Holy Voiage and died at the siege of Acon an scil 1190 2 R. 1. leaving issue William his son and heir Of the great misfortunes that befell that King in his journey by being taken Prisoner I shall not here stand to tell forasmuch as our Historians speak so fully thereof nor of the advantage which Iohn Earl of Moreton before specified made upon it in seizing divers Castles here into his hands reporting that his Brother was dead whereupon he layd claim to the Crown But shall observe that upon the King's enlargement and return order was given for the siege of those Castles whereupon our William Earl Ferrers joyned with the Earl of Chester in besieging of Nottingham Castle which after a while was rendred and for his fidelity was made choice of by the same King to sit with the rest of the Peers in that great Councell held there on the 30 th of March next ensuing At the second Coronation of which King he was one of the four that carried the rich silken Canopie over his head With the Earls of Clare Chester and others of the great Nobilitie he swore Fealtie to King Iohn in the first year of his reign but conditionally that he should render to each of them his own At the Coronation of that King in the Church of St. Peter at Westminister on Ascension day he was also present and one the seventh of Iune following being solemnly invested Earl of Derby by a speciall Charter then dated at Northampton was girt with the Sword by the said King 's own hands having a grant likewise of the Tertium Denarium de omnibus Placitis confirm'd to him and his heirs In 5 Ioh. he obtained a speciall Mandate to Geffâ—ey Fitz-Piers then Iusticiarius Angliae for livery of those lands in Stapleford in Com. Leic. that belong'd to the Vidame of Chartres and were of his Fee which Vidame died in a voyage to the Holy land and was a Ferrers though he bore for his Armes a Bend betwixt six Martlets This Earl was very loyall to King Iohn even in his greatest distresses for in 14 of his reign when that the Pope had deposed him of his Kingdome and that Pandulfus his Legate came over to treat with him the French King being then upon the Seas with a powerfull Navie threatning an Invasion so that King Iohn's condition was so desperate as that he became necessitated to yeild to what termes he could get he manifested his great affection to him in becomming one of the four that gave his solemn Oath for the King's performance of those Articles whereunto he had submitted which Agreement was made 13 Maii the same year as also a witness to the Charter of K. Iohn dated within two days following whereby he gave up his Realm to the Pope Of whose favour to him I cannot omit to take notice of this singular instance viz. that on the 27 th of Iune following he had a speciall grant to himself and his heirs sitting at Dinner upon all Festivalls in the year when they should solemnly celebrate those days with his Head uncovered and without any Cap having a Garland thereon of the breadth of the said Kâ—ng's little Finger In 16 Ioh. he had the Castle of Hareston in Com. Derb. committed to his charge and the next year following when the Barons put themselves in Armes and seized divers Castles having raised Forces on the said King's behalf he took from them by assault the Castles of Bolesover and Pec in Derbyshire whereupon he had a speciall Patent constituting him Governour of them And upon the death of King Iohn stood so firm to the young King Henry the third as that with the rest of the loyall Nobilitie he not onely assisted at his Coronation on Simon and Iude's day but immediatly after Easter accompanied the famous William Maâ—shall then Governour of the King and Kingdome the Earls of Chester Albamarle and many other gâ—eat men to the siege of Mountsorell Castle in Lecestershire then held out by Henry de Braibâ—oke and ten other stout Knights The same year he was also with those noble persons at raising the siege of Lincoln which the Rebellious Barons with Lewes K. of France whom they brought into the Realm had madâ—â— And having new Patents from the King for the custody of those Castles held the government of them for full six years But in the second year of this King's reign he made a jâ—urney to the Holy Land with Ranulph Earl of Chester and some others appointing his Steward viz. Raphe Fitz-Nicholas to transact aâ—l businesses concerning him which should relate to the Exchequer till his return from
Pilgrimâ—ge And in 8 H. 3. was constituted Governour of the Castle and Honour of Lancaster Tâ—â— nâ—xt observable passage relating to this stout Earl â—â—â—rewith I have met is that upon the dâ—fference 〈…〉 the Kâ—ng and Richard Earl of Cornwall his Brâ—ther in 11 H. 3. whâ—re up â—n the King gavâ— away thâ—â—aid Earl of Cornwall's Castle of Berkhamsted he with others more resentinâ— the injury which he thought was ofâ—â—â—ed to the said Earl than the obligation of loyaltie to his sovereign stuck not to put himself in Arms on that Ear'ls paâ—t but the King wisely discerning that unavoidable mischief might have ensued by clashing with his Nâ—bilitie which were then so pâ—tent attributed the fault to hâ—â— Chieâ— Justice and fairly composed the business Nay thâ—s was not all for they threatned him that if he would not restore to them that Charter tâ—uching the Lâ—berties â—f the Forâ—h which he had lately cancelled at Oxford ipsi illum gladâ—is discurrentibus compellerent saith my 〈◊〉 but in all these things the King gave them satisfaction at Northampton in August f. â—â—â—ving In 13 H. 3. this Wâ—llâ—â—m Earl Ferrers was imployed by the Kâ—ng in his service of Wales In 8 H â— he had lâ—verie of the lands lying between Ribbel and Merse which belonging unto Ranâ—lâ—â— Earl of Chester 〈◊〉 wives Brâ—â—hâ—r were assâ—â—â—d â—nto Agnes 〈◊〉 wâ—â— in part of her pâ—rtion of the inheritance belonging to her self and her other sisters and coheirs â—â—r which he and she were then bâ—uâ—d to pâ—y yearly unto the Kâ—ng's Excâ—equer a Gosh 〈◊〉 xl s. In 21 H. 3. he was one of the three châ—ef Councellors recommended to the King by the Barons upon that reconciliation of their discontents for the violation of Magna Charta the King then renewing his promise for the strict observance thereof and those his Councell making Oath that they would not for any respects give him other than wholesâ—me advice which so well contented the people that they gave him a xâ—xth part of all their moveable goodsâ— excepting of Gold Silver Horse and Arms. But in 31 H. 3. scil 10 Cal. Oct. he died vir bâ—nâ—â— plenus dierum Math. Westm. calls him and Mâ—th Paris vir pacificus justus saying that he had lain long afflâ—cted with the Gout His Countess departing e this life the same month ejusdem aetatis famae bonitatis They had been man and wife at least Lxxv. years if my Author mistake not for he affirmeth that St. Thomas of Canterbury celebrated the marriage betwixt them who died in 18 H. 2. But I have seen an autograph mentioning their marriage to have been in an 1192. 4 R. 1. which falls short no less than xx years thereof To which Earl succeeded William his son and heir a discreet and good man saith M. Paris but troubled with his Father's infirmitie who the next year following viz. 32 H. 3. did his Homage and had liverie of Chartley-Castle and all other the lands of his Mothers inheritance and the same year sate in that Parliament held at London where the King made so stout an answer to the high demands of his impetâ—oâ—s Barons This Earl gave to the Canons of Derley in Derbyshire the Church of Bolesover â—n that Countie for the health of his â—oul whose grant Robert and William his two sons afterwards confirmed But there is no other matter memorable that I have seen of him till his death which hapâ—ed to be violent 9 Cal. Apr. 38 H. 3. for being carried in a kind of Chariot by reason of his Gout which through the unskilfulness of the Driver fell off the Bridge at S. Neots his limbs were so broke and body bruised that he quickly died thereof and was buried in this Abby of Merevale leaving issue by Margaret his second wife Robert his son and heir and William for by Sibill his first he had none but Daughters as the Dâ—scent sheweth Which Robert being then in minoritie for the custodie of whose lands the Queen and â—eâ—er de Savâ—â— gave six thousand marks till he should accâ—mpâ—ish his full age had the ill hap to be the last Earl of his Family for no sooner was he come to mans estate but that meeting with a discontented Nobilitie who under many fair and specious pretences infused into him all principles of disloialty his high and hot spiritted youth grew so inflamed as that in 47 H. 3. when the combustions of Civill war began to break out none was more forward to increase them than he yet nec â—iâ—us Regi neque Baronibus quasi non in Baronum numero saith Math. Paris but a world of mischief he did for having got a power of Souldiers at his heels he entred Worcester demolished that place there called the Jewrie plundred the Reâ—igâ—â—us Houses as well as other and destroyed the King's Parks thereabouts To retaliat which outrage the King sent Edward his eldest son down into Stafford and Derbyshires with a good Army where he wasted his lands and Mannours with Fire and Sword and demolished his Castle of Tutburie The next remarkable thing relating to him whereof our Historians make mention is that after the King and Prince were made Prisoners by that unhappy defeat of the Royall Army at Lewes and that Clare Earl of Gloucester grew discontented at the Earl of Leicester's assuming the rule of all to himself he secretly adhered to Clare Of which Leicester having notice layd hold on him but notwithstanding Clare stoutly adventured his life afterwards for the Royall interest yet did this Earl Ferrers no whit incline that way for though he were not in the battail of Evesham yet did he act otherwise with all the power he had so that being highly taken notice of for a most malevolent man to the King he was involved in that generall Sentence of disherison pronounc'd at Westminster on the Feast day of St. Edward's translation sc. 13 Oct. against the King's adversaries and being thereupon in person called into the Court before the King and charg'd with many high Crimes not daring to adventure that Judgement which he foresaw would be delivered against him de vita membris terris tenementis suis gratiae Regis se totaliter submisit saith the Record Whereupon the King out of his gracious disposition in consideration of a Cup of gold adorned with precious stones obtained by the said Earl from Michael de Toni for which he mortgaged to the said Mich. the Mannour of Pirie in Northamptonshire and for fifteen hundred marks to be payd at four severall payments within the compass of a twelve month pardoned his misdemeanours and undertook to secure him against Prince Edward and all others against whom he had been injurious at any time during the troubles untill the 5 th of Dec. 50 H. 3. as