and Apuly with a Ring sent from the Pope by the Bishop of Romania 1255. 39 Hen. 3. Mat. Paris But it was a meer delusion for he never had it He had the Castle of Kenilworth given him 16 Decembris 51 Hen. 3. Lib. C. fol. 71. f. And the Savoy-House in London by the Gift of Queen Elinor his Mother 24 die Februarii 12 Edw. 1. 1283. Lib. C. fol. 72. n. And the Castle of Chartley he had by the Grant of his Brother King Edward the First 26 die Julii 4 Edw. 1. 1276. Lib. C. fol. 72. k. Anno Domini 1271. 55 Hen. 3. in the Month of May Prince Edward Son of King Henry with Edmund his Brother and four Earls and so many Barons and many other Gentlemen took a Voyage into the Holy Land So Mat. Paris Edmund Earl of Lancaster married to his first Wife Aveline Daughter and Heir to William de Fortibus Earl of Albemarle and Holderness and Widow to Ingram de Percy Aveline and all her Issue died before her Parents but left no Issue by her Vincent upon Broke pag. 293. He married her the eighth day of April 1270. Mat. Paris pag. 1006. of the Edition by Wats sed cùm totâ prole illa mortem Parentum praevenit Walsingham in his Hypodigma Neustriae placeth her Marriage with Edmund Anno 1269. His second Wife was Blanch Queen of Navarre the Widow of Henry de Champaigne King of Navarre and Daughter of Robert Earl of Artois Brother of St. Lewis King of France in whose Right Edmund was Earl of Champaigne 7 Edw. 1. So as he was now Earl of Lancaster Leycester Derby and Champaigne and High Steward of England Vincent on Broke Tit. Lancaster pag. 293. By Blanch the King of Navarre had Issue Joan married to Philip the Fair King of France Vincent pag. 293. Blanch married Edmund Earl of Lancaster Anno Domini 1276. and by him had Issue three Sons Thomas Earl of Lancaster the eleventh Baron of Halton in Right of his Wife of whom I have spoken before who Rebelled against his Prince and died without Issue Henry de Lancaster Lord of Monmouth second Son afterwards Earl of Lancaster and Heir to his Brother Thomas And John third Son who lived with the Queen of France his Half-Sister and died there without Issue Hypodigma Neustriae pag. 473. Lib. C. pag. 73. a. b. Vincent pag. 293. will have the Queen of Navarr's Name here to be Elinour and not Blanch from a Record which he there voucheth Quaere if that Record be not mistaken for I find her called Blanch in sundry Deeds in the Register-Books of the Duke of Lancasters Evidences in the Dutchy-Office called The two Couchir-Books Anno Domini 1296. 24 Edw. 1. this Edmund the King's Brother and Henry Lacy Earl of Lincoln went into Gascoyn with a strong Army where many Castles were delivered unto them but when they came within two Miles of Burdeaux the French Army coming out of Burdeaux as it were unawares upon them after a sore Conflict retreated to the City and the Earls burned a great part of the Suburbs And shortly after Edmund died Hypodigma Neustriae pag. 483. Ob. 1296 XII Henry of Lancaster Lord of Monmouth sir-named Grismond second Son of Edmund Crook-back and Brother and Heir to Thomas Plantagenet Earl of Lancaster was restored to all his Brothers Lands and Honors 1 Edw. 3. Anno Domini 1326. and then his Titles were thus Henricus Comes Lancastriae Leycestriae Seneschallus Angliae Lib. C. fol. 74. k. 13 Edw. 3. And he was the twelfth Baron of Halton He married Maud Daughter and sole Heir of Sir Patrick de Chaworth or de Gadurcis Lord of Kidwelly in Caermarthenshire and of Ogmore Castle in Glamorganshire Cambden's Britannia Printed 1607. pag. 619. sub Titulo Lancastriae Lib. C. fol. 73. d. This Maud was formerly given to Edmund Son of Henry Lacy Earl of Lincoln by Edward the First Anno 1282. being then a Girl but five Years old which Edmund died very young before he came to Maturity without Issue as you may see above in Henry Lacy. Henry Earl of Lancaster had Issue by this Maud onely one Son Henry made Earl of Derby in his Fathers Life-time to wit 1336. 11 Edw. 3. Hypodigma Neustriae and Vincent pag. 297. And six Daughters Blanch married Thomas Lord Wake of Lidell Maud married William Lord Burgh Earl of Ulster in Ireland and after to Sir Rafe Ufford Joan married John Lord Mowbray of Axholme Isabel was Abbess of Ambersbury Elinour first married to John Son of Henry Lord Beaumont and Earl of Bughan in Scotland after to Richard Earl of Arundel And Mary sixth Daughter married Henry Lord Percy of Alnwick So Broke in his Catalogue of Nobility This Henry of Lancaster with others was sent by the Queen into Wales where the King then sculked to take King Edward the Second her Husband whom they took with Hugh Spenser the Son Robert de Baldock and Simon de Reading The King was committed to the Custody of this Henry of Lancaster This was in Anno 1326. Soon after this was the King deposed and Edward his young Son made King by the Name of Edward the Third Which young King was Knighted by this Henry Earl of Lancaster Walsingham Hist Ang. Edw. 2. pag. 125 126 127. But this Henry was in nothing more infamous than in betraying his Lawful Sovereign Obiit 1345 Anno Domini 1345. obiit Henricus Grismond Frater Thomae Comitis Lancastriae Jacet apud Leycestriam X Calendas Octobris which is the twenty second of our September 19 Edw. 3. A Manuscript in the University Library at Oxford among the Books given by Archbishop Laud of an ancient Character noted G. 9. fol. 125. And Walsingham's Hist Ang. Edw. 3. pag. 165. thus Anno 1345. 19 Edw. 3. obiit Henricus Comes Lancastriae Pater Henrici Comitis de Derby Sepultus est Leycestriae in Monasterio Canonicorum Praesentibus Rege Reginâ tà m antiquâ quà m novâ Archiepiscopis Episcopis Comitibus Baronibus quasi totius Regni Filius ejus eo tempore in Wasconiâ ut praefertur actus bellicosos strenuos exercebat quamobrèm interesse non potuit exequiis Patris sui XIII Henry of Monmouth sir-named Tort-Coll or Wry-neck onely Son of Henry Grismond succeeded his Father in all his Lands and Honors and was the thirteenth Baron of Halton He was Earl of Derby in his Fathers Life-time Created 16 Martii 11 Edw. 3. After his Fathers death his Title was thus 21 Edw. 3. 1346. Henricus Comes Lancastriae Derbiae Leycestriae Seneschallus Angeliae Lib. C. fol. 75. o. He was Created Earl of Lincoln 23 Edw. 3. and then his Stile was 1349. Henricus Comes Lancastriae Derbiae Leycestriae Lincolniae Seneschallus Angliae Lib. C. fol. 75. P. Lastly He was Created Duke of Lancaster 6 Martii 25 Edw. 3. 1350. Vincent pag. 297. Selden's Titles of Honour pag. 754. But Walsingham placeth his
dishonour of the King's Person which the Duke of Norfolk denied Whereupon they had a Combat granted by the King to have been fought at Coventry on the seventeenth day of September both of them entring the Lists courageously But the King took up the Matter causing it to be Proclaimed That the Duke of Hereford had honourably performed his Part and presently after Banished the Duke of Hereford for ten Years and the Duke of Norfolk for ever So Stow and Walsingham But this Duke of Hereford returning into England Deposed Richard the Second causing the King to read his own Resignation of the Crown to this Henry publickly in the Tower before the Nobles of England Walsingham's Hist pag. 359. Cursed Traytors And so by force of Arms made himself King by the Name of Henry the Fourth So was the Dutchy of Lancaster and the Barony of Halton united to the Crown of England John of Gaunt had also Issue by Blanch two Daughters Elizabeth married John Holland Duke of Exeter and after to Sir John Cornwall Knight of the Garter and Baron of Fanhope Philippa the other Daughter married John King of Portugal After the death of Blanch he married Constantia Daughter and Co-heir to Petro late King of Spain and Edmund Earl of Cambridge his Brother married Isabella the other Daughter Anno Domini 1372. 46 Edw. 3. Stow and Walsingham Lib. C. fol. 78. f. And from this time he writ himself King of Castile and Leons By this Constance he had Issue Katharine married to Henry Son of John King of Spain 1389. Upon the Marriage of Katharine a Peace was concluded between John of Gaunt and the King of Spain John of Gaunt was to have ten thousand Pounds yearly for his own Life and the Life of Constance his Wife Walsingham Who before in the Year 1367. had routed the Spaniards in a great Battel between him and Henry the Bastard who had ejected Peter King of Spain Constance died Anno Domini 1394. Walsingham John of Gaunt relinquishing his Title of King of Castile and Leons was Created Duke of Aquitain by Consent of Parliament 2 die Martii 13 Rich. 2. 1389. And then his Title Anno 1394. 18 Rich. 2. did run thus Johannes Filius Regis Angliae Dux Aquitaniae Lancastriae Comes-Leycestriae Lincolniae Derbiae Seneschallus Angliae Couchir-Book in the Dutchy-Office Tom. 2. Comitatus Southampton num 36. For he had Honorem de Tickhil 46 Ed. 3. while he was stiled King of Castile and Leons and Duke of Lancaster Castrum Leucatam de Pevenese inter alià in exchange for the Earldom of Richmond 46 Edw. 3. And by his Brother the Black Prince Earl of Chester he had 100 Marks yearly given him out of the Exchequer at Chester during his Life by the Name of John by the Grace of God King of Castile and Leons and Duke of Lancaster 47 Edw. 3. 1373. Lib. C. fol. 78. e. After the death of Constance his second Wife the Duke went into Aquitain scilicet Anno 1396. 19 Rich. 2. to have obtained the Good-will of the Inhabitants having the Title of Duke of Aquitain conferred upon him before by his Father but was suddenly called back into England by the King And as soon as he returned into England he married Katharine Swynford his old Concubine to the wonder of all Men which Katharine formerly waited on Blanch his first Wife Stow and Walsingham This Katharine was the Daughter of Payn Roet alias Guyen King at Arms and Widow of Sir Otes Swynford by whom John of Gaunt had Issue before he married her Sir John Beaufort the eldest was Earl of Somerset and Marquis Dorset which Marquis-ship was taken away by Parliament 1 Hen. 4. Henry de Beaufort was after Bishop of Winchester Cardinal of St. Eusby sive Euscbii and Chancellor of England Thomas Created Earl of Dorset 21 Rich. 2. Joan de Beaufort was second Wife of Raufe Nevill the first Earl of Westmorland after she married Robert Ferrers Lord of Owseley They were all sir-named de Beaufort because they were born at Beaufort in France All which were Legitimated by Parliament 1397. 20 Rich. 2. to all Purposes Honors State and Dignities exceptâ Dignitate Regale as you may see in the Record transcribed by the Lord Cook in his Jurisdiction of Courts pag. 37. Lib. C. fol. 82. P. Walsingham put out by Mr. Cambden calls Thomas Beaufort Comitem de Somerset all along pag. 354. 550. for Dorset unless the Title of Somerset and Dorset were promiscuous See Vincent on Brooke pag. 169. Katharine Synford died in May 4 Hen. 4. 1403. Stow. This John procured the County of Lancaster to be made a County Palatine to whom his Father King Edward the Third by his Charter granted Jura Regalia And when he hath reckoned up the Good Service which the said John of Gaunt his Son had done for his Countrey at home and abroad he addeth Concessimus pro nobis Haeredibus nostris praefato Filio nostro quod ipse ad totam vitam suam habeat infra Comitatum Lancastriae Cancellariam suam ac Brevia sua sub Sigillo suo pro Officio Cancellarii deputando consignanda Justiciarios suos tam ad Placita Coronae quam ad quaecunque alia Placita Communem legem tangentia tenenda Cognitiones eorundem quascunque Executiones per Brevia sua Ministros suos ibidem faciendas Et quascunque alias libertates Jura Regalia ad Comitatum Palatinum pertinentia adeo libere integre sicut Comes Cestriae infra eundem Comitatum Cestriae dignoscitur obtinere c. 28 die Februarii Anno Edw. 3. Angliae 51 Franciae 38. Couchir-Book of the Dutchy-Office Tom 1. fol. 430. num 16. Confirmed to him and his Heirs by Consent of Parliament 16 die Febrùarii 13 Rich. 2. Ibidem Tom. 1. fol. 52. Many are the Acts of this John of Gaunt Recorded in our Annals and Histories I will reckon up some of the most memorable Anno Domini 1373. 47 Edw. 3. John Duke of Lancaster went with a Puissant Army into France He passed by Paris to Burgundy and so through all France no Man daring to oppose him but at last leaving France he came into the Desart Mountains of Avernia where there was neither Meat for Horse nor Man and so lost most part of his Army through Famine and Pestilence whence he came to Burdeaux scarce with forty Horse whereas he entred France with thirty thousand Horse attending him Walsingham Anno 1377. he was threatned to be killed by the Londoners for some high Word spoken against their Bishop of London they had burned his House called The Savoy but that the Bishop interceded Whereupon the Duke fled to Kensington and hating the Londoners caused the Mayor and other Officers to be put out and new ones chosen Shortly after Richard the Second before his Magnificent Coronation at Westminster reconciled the Citizens and the Duke of Lancaster Anno 1376. the King sent again for
Dux was slain in Battel against the Danes with many other Noblemen of England Florentius pag. 388. IV. Edric sirnamed Streon a most perfidious Man was made Duke or Governor of Mercia by King Ethelred Anno 1007. in which Year the King of England agreed to pay thirty six thousand Pounds Tribute-money to the Danes so as they would desist from their Rapines Florentius pag. 373. with whom also agrees Huntington Hoveden and Polychronicon Onely Westminster saith he was made Duke of Mercia Anno 1003. He was the Son of Egelricus of low Kindred and to whom nevertheless his eloquent Tongue and crafty Wit procured great Riches and Honor and for Envy Florentius pag. 373. Falshood Pride and Cruelty exceeded all Men at that time He had to his Brothers Brihtric Alfric Goda Agelwin Agelward and Agelmer See Hoveden pag. 450. Father of Wulnoth Father of Godwin Earl of the West-Saxons He married Edgitha Daughter of King Ethelred Hoveden pag. 430. Stow calls her Edina pag. 90. b. and had Issue Wulfege and Wegete two Sons His unworthy Acts Historians Record thus Anno 1006. he murthered Duke Alfhelme whom VVestminster calls Ethelstane by a Wile for having invited him to a Banquet at Shrewsbury about the third or fourth day of his Entertainment he took him along with him on Hunting and led him into a Wood where he had laid in ambush a Butcher of Shrewsbury called Godwin Porthund whom he had hired to kill Alfhelme This Godwin spying his opportunity when all the rest of the Company were busied in Hunting fell upon Alfhelme and murthered him And shortly after King Ethelred caused the Eyes of Edric's two Sons VVulfeage and VVegate to be put out at Cocham or Cosham where the King then lived Florentius pag. 372. Anno 1015. he guilefully got Sigeferth and Morcar Sons of Earngrime into his Chamber where he caused them to be killed secretly and also endeavored secretly to have slain Edmund Prince of England And not long after having gotten forty Ships well Manned with Danish Soldiers he revolted to Canutus King of the Danes Florentius pag. 382. Hoveden pag. 433. Sigeferth and Morcar are stiled Earls of Northumberland by VVestminster whose Lands the King seised as forfeited by their Treason To omit many other of his Treacheries Anno 1016. Edric most perfidiously caused King Edmund sirnamed Ironside to be murthered for he caused his Son to thrust a sharp Knife into the King's Fundament as he was at the House of Office exonerating himself And this was done when the King lodged at Oxford on the last day of November Matt. VVestminster pag. 401. But Malmesbury pag. 72. saith Edric corrupted two of the King's Bed-chamber to thrust an Iron Hook into his Fundament as he was exonerating himself so was the common Fame saith he Howbeit Florentius and Hoveden both tell us That King Edmund died at London about the Feast of St. Andrew the Apostle At last this Edric had a just Reward for all his Villanies for Anno 1017. Cnut the Danish King caused him to be Beheaded after he had told him what he had done to King Edmund and set his Head upon the Tower of London for he said he would make him higher than all the Noblemen of England Others say That for fear of Tumult he was privately strangled and his Body thrown into Thames So VVestminster pag. 402. Vide Ingulphum pag. 892. By Edric's Counsel Cnut banished Edwine Brother to Edmund Ironside and also Edward and Edmund Sons to King Edmund Ironside V. Leofric is the next Governor of Mercia I meet with He is the first that I find stiled Earl of Chester in express words Henry Huntington lib. 6. pag. 366. Leofricus Consul Nobilissimus Cestriae He is also stiled Earl of Leycester by Ingulphus pag. 891. Howbeit in truth he was now Earl of all Mercia whereof those Counties were Members or Branches and was one of the Primest Counsellors among all the Nobles of England and very gracious with his Prince He lived in the several Reigns of King Cnut Harald sirnamed Harefoot Hardy-Cnut and Edward sirnamed The Confessor But give me leave here by way of Digression to explain the Title of Earl which we give unto them for hitherto before this Leofric they have most usually by ancient Authors been stiled Duces Merciae But from Leofric downwards they are usually stiled Comites Merciae Wherefore it is to be observed That under the Saxons the subordinate Titles of Temporal Honour were those of Ethelinge Ealdorman and Thane or Theigne The Thanes were answerable to our Barons The Ealdormen usually stiled Aldermanni in the old Latin Translations of the Saxon Laws were such as had Provinces or Counties under their Government and signifies as much as Senior or Senator in Latin expressed sometimes by Subregulus Regulus Patricius Princeps Dux and in Saxon by Heretoga sometimes by Comes and Consul Selden's Tit. Hon. pag. 605. Ethelinge was a Title attributed to those of the Blood-Royal Sons and Brothers to the King and signifies as much as Nobly Born which in the times of the Saxons was in Latin expressed Clyto from the Greek Word 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 which signifies Famous Noble or Eminent About King Ethelstan's Reign the Word Earl was received in England as a Syncnima to Etheling and so denoted the Sons or Brothers of the King and not an Earl as at this day it is used for a Special Dignity Selden Tit. Hon. pag. 604. The word Earl coming into England with the Danes in whose Language Erlig at this day signifies as much as Noble or Honourable And after the Danish Power encreased in England under King Cnut the Name of Earl was fixed on those who before were by the Saxons called Ealdormen and the Saxon Title Ethelinge no more expressed by the word Earl The Title of Ealdorman continued until about the Year 1020. expressed by these words in Latin Duces Principes Comites c. Selden Tit. Hon. pag. 609. But from the Norman Conquest Earl and Comes most usually have translated each other And therefore because these Governors of Mercia first stiled Duces were also afterwards stiled Comites and Consules I give them the Title of Earls Howbeit in truth the Titles of Dux and Comes used by the ancient Historians of our Nation and also frequently found in old Latin Charters under our Saxon Kings about 800 Years after Christ did then signifie with us no other than Chief Governors of Provinces and Counties under the King and promiscuously used in that Age for the same Title So were also Consul and Subregulus But though Dux and Comes were promiscuously used by Florentius Huntington Hoveden and other old Authors yet I find in Latin Chartes of those Ages many stiled Duces and others Comites in the same Charters as we find in Ingulphus Nay you may observe in the Subscriptions of those Ages this Order First Bishops then Abbots then Duces then Comites then Minister which in those Chartes denotes a Thane or Lord
Willielmi omnium nostrûm ùt nullus post nos aliquid libertatis vel quietis addere possit Et quandò nos hanc Chartam confirmavimus nullum opus nullum servitium nullam consuetudinem nullam rem omninò praeter Orationes in terrâ Sanctae Werburgae retinuimus praeter hoc solùm quòd si Abbas hujus loci superbiâ inflatus nollet facere rectum Vicinis suis Comes constringeret eum ad rectum faciendum hoc in Curiâ Sanctae Werburgae Ideóque volumus quòd Sancta Werburga habeat per omnia Curiam suam sicut Comes suam Et ut haec omnia rata essent stabilia in perpetuùm Ego Comes Hugo Barones mei confirmavimuus ista omnia corà m Anselmo Archiepiscopo non solùm Sigillo meo sed etià m Sigillo Dei Omnipotentis id est Signo Sanctae Crucis ✚ ità quòd singuli nostrûm propriâ manu in testimonium Posteris Signum in modum Crucis facerent ✚ Signum Hugonis Comitis ✚ Signum Ricardi filii ejus ✚ Signum Hervei Episcopi ✚ Signum Ranulfi Nepotis Comitis ✚ Signum Rogeri Bigod ✚ Signum Alani de Percey ✚ Signum Willielmi Constabularii ✚ Signum Ranulfi Dapiferi ✚ Signum Willielmi Malbedeng ✚ Signum Roberti filii Hugonis ✚ Signum Hugonis filii Normanni ✚ Signum Hamonis de Massy ✚ Signum * * Alii Bigot de Loges hic legunt Vide Monasticon pars 1. pag. 200 202. Roberti de Loges Anno Domini 1098. 11 Willielmi Rufi this Hugh Earl of Chester and Hugh de Montgomery Earl of Shrewsbury took Anglesey They slew many of the Welsh some they gelded and put out their Eyes Hoveden also Brompton pag. 994. The Welshmen called Hugh Earl of Shrewsbury Hugh Gogh that is Hugh the Red because of his red Head and Hugh Earl of Chester they called Hugh Vras that is Hugh the Fat Powel's Notes on the History of Wales pag. 155. Some refer the Structure of the Castle and Walls of the City of Chester to Hugh Lupus Cambden in his Britannia in Cheshire saith thus Cum jà m Templum Conditum esset Normannici Comites moenia Cestriae scilicet Castrum adjecerunt But I see not how this agrees with Ordericus pag. 516. for there we find that in Anno Christi 1069. which was one Year before Hugh Lupus was made Earl of Chester the Cheshire Men and the Welsh Besieged Shrewsbury at which time William the Conqueror brings his Army to Chester suppressing all the Commotions through Mercia He then built a Fort or Castle at Chester Munitionem condidit and in his Return another at Stafford both which he Garrison'd with store of Men and Victuals unless by Munitionem we understand onely a Garrison of Men But condere Munitionem signifies to erect a Fortification which must be either a Castle or Walls or both for the Garrisonning thereof with Men and Victuals he speaks of afterwards Again we find that Elflede the Countess of Mercia with Ethelred her Husband repaired the City of Chester Anno 908. which the Danes had demolished and erected new Walls there enlarging the Town very much so that the Castle situated near to the River which before stood without the old Walls was now within the compass of the new Walls Polychronicon So before this there was a Castle and Walls So that the Norman Earls did not first erect the Castle and Walls of Chester Probably the Conqueror might re-edifie the Castle according to Ordericus And it is likely that Hugh Lupus and the succeeding Earls have by degrees beautified and added to the Structure both of the Walls and Castle The Wife and Issue of Hugh Lupus HE Married Ermentrude Daughter of Hugh de Clarimont Earl of Beavoys in France by whom he had onely one Child called Richard who succeeded Earl of Chester after his Father's death Ordericus pag. 522. pag. 787. His Base Issue Robert made Monk of Utica in Normandy Anno Christi 1081. Ordericus pag. 602. and afterwards made Abbot of Edmundsbury in Suffolk in England Anno 1100. Ordericus pag. 783. Othuerus or Ottiwell Tutor to the King's Children to wit the Children of Henry the First Malmesbury calls him Frater nutricius Richardi Comitis Cestriae pag. 165. that is Bastard-Brother * For that such were educated with legitimate Children usually in those Ages which Phrase I have often seen used in Old Deeds for the same He was drowned with his Brother Richard Earl of Chester Anno 1119. saith Ordericus but most other of our Historians do place that unfortunate Accident Anno 1120. When he saw the Ship sinking he clips the young Earl of Chester in his Arms and so both were drowned together Ordericus pag. 870. Philip another Base Son whom Miles in his Catalogue of Honor affirms he hath seen mentioned as a Witness to a Charter of William the Conqueror Geva a Base Daughter married Geffrey Riddell to whom Earl Hugh her Father gave Drayton-Basset in Staffordshire as appears by this Deed taken out of a Manuscript in Arundel-house in London Anno 1638. wherein the old Deed belonging to the Bassets of Drayton-Basset in Staffordshire about the Reign of King Richard the Second were enrolled Ibid. fol. 67. a. RAnulphus Comes Cestriae Willielmo Constabulario Roberto Dapifero omnibus Baronibus suis Hominibus Francis Anglicis totius Angliae Salutem Sciatis me dedisse concessisse Gevae Riddel Filiae Comitis Hughes Draitunam cùm pertinentiis in libero Conjugio sicut Comes Hughes ei in libero Conjugio dedit concessit teneat benè in pace honorificè liberè ut meliùs liberiùs tenuit tempore Hugonis Comitis aliorum meorum Antecessorum eisdem consuetudinibus libertatibus Testibus Gilberto filio Ricardi Adeliza Sorore mea Willielmo Blundo Alexandro de Tresgor Regero de Bello Campo Willielmo de Sais Roberto de Sais Ricardo Filio Aluredi Hugone Filio Osberti Henrico de Chalder apud Saintonam She Founded the Monastery of Canwell in Staffordshire within four Miles of Lichfield as appears by this Transcript which I received from Mr. Dugdale The Original remained with Sir William Peshale of Suggenhill in Staffordshire Anno 1638. It is also in Monasticon 1 Pars pag. 439. UNiversis Sanctae Dei Ecclesiae fidelibus Geva Filia Hugonis Comitis Cestriae Uxor Gaufridi Ridelli Salutem Noverint tà m posteri quà m praesentes quòd ego Geva Concilio Religiosarum Personarum Authoritate Rogeri Episcopi Cestriae Assensu Ranulfi Comitis Cestriae Cognati mei pro salute Animae meae omnium Antecessorum Parentum meorum Fundavi quandam Ecclesiam in honorem Sanctae Mariae Sancti Egidii omnium Sanctorum in loco qui dicitur Canwell ad opus Monachorum ibidèm Deo Servientium Et Concedo eis in Elemosynam terram de Stichesleia unum pratum quod vocatur Little-Mersi
molendinum de Fareslei Praetereà concedo eis in Duntona Manerio meo quatuor Virgatas terrae unam Virgatam ex dono Osberti Capellani mei cùm omnibus quae ad eas pertinent in eâdem Villâ unum Molendinum quod dicitur Le Corre Et volo concedo ut praedicti Monachi teneant haec omnia benè in pace liberè quietè ab omni Servitio Seculari ad me vel ad Haeredes meos pertinente Et habeant omnes consuetudines libertates suas in nemore plano pratis Pascuis ità quòd nullus eis nequè pro Pannagio nequè pro aliquâ occasione molestiam vel injuriam faciat Hanc quoquè Donationem feci concessione Haeredum meorum scilicèt Gaufridi Ridelli Radulfi Basset Hujus Concessionis sunt Testes Radulfus Decanus de Blabi Gaufridus Decanus de Butneswella Gubertus Canonicus de Legercestria c. This Deed was made about the Year 1120. or soon after And though she here writes her self Uxor Gaufridi Ridel yet truly was her Husband then lately drowned Ordericus pag. 870. with many others of the Nobility Neither could she have made a Deed legally without her Husband had he been alive And because of the Civility of those Ages she was stiled onely Daughter of Earl Hugh not Base Daughter whence some suppose her a Legitimate Daughter But if she had been Legitimate then must her Issue have inherited the Earldom of Chester and not Earl Randle for as much as a Sister is inheritable before an Aunt Besides Ordericus tells us in express Words That Earl Hugh had no other Child by Ermentrude but onely Richard nor doth it appear by any Record or Ancient Historian that he ever had any other Wife besides Ermentrude But Ordericus saith E Pellicibus plurimam sobolem utriusque Sexûs genuit quae diversis infortuniis absorpta penè tota periit pag. 522. But these before-named are so many of them as I haue hitherto collected or met withal As for the usual Custom in ancient Times of omitting that infamous Title of Bastard Robert Earl of Glocester Base Son of Henry the First is termed onely Brother of Maud the Empress by Hoveden pag. 553. Also in a Charter made by Maud the Empress her self he is stiled Brother not Bastard-Brother Selden Tit. Hon. pag. 649. Reginald Earl of Cornwal another Bastard of Hen. 1. is called Uncle to Henry the Second not Base Uncle by Hoveden pag. 536. Infinite other such Examples we meet with The Death of Hugh Lupus THis Hugh Earl of Chester died the 27 day of July Anno Christi 1101. Obiit 1101 in the first Year of the Reign of King Henry I. almost expired So Ordericus Vitalis p. 787. Anno 1101. Intereà Hugo Comes Cestriae in lectum decidit post diuturnum languorem Monachatum in Caenobio quod idem Cestrae construxerat suscepit atquè pòst triduum sexto Calendas Augusti obiit Polychronicon thus Anno 1102. Hugo Comes Cestrensis Nepos Regis Willielmi Conquestoris ex parte Sororis obiit But for the most part the Year is very uncertainly put down in the Margent and many times omitted by him He was Earl of Chester one and thirty Years This Hugh had Whitby in Yorkshire given him by the Conqueror and he gave the same to William de Percy who Founded an Abbey there Monasticon vol. 1. pag. 172. Earl Hugh gave also to the Prior of Whitby the Church of St. Peters of Whitby and also the Church of Flemesburgh Monasticon vol. 1. pag. 73. This Earl also Founded the Abbey of St. Severus in the Bishoprick of Constance in Normandy Monasticon vol. 2. pag. 950. He gave also to the Abbey of Bek in Normandy the Mannor of Atherstone in England in Warwickshire Ibid. vol. 2. pag. 954. Robert de Beaumont Earl of Mellent in France and this Hugh Earl of Chester were the principal Supporters of Henry the First in advancing him to the Crown of England Ordericus pag. 783. CHAP. II. Of Richard Earl of Chester G. Crusilly Or a Wolfs Head erased Ar. He was but seven years old when his Father died saith the Monk of Chester in his Polychronicon lib. 7. cap. 13. with whom agrees Knighton the Monk of Leycester pag. 2376. And I find in an old Leiger Book of the Monastery of Abbington a Manuscript in Cotton's Library at Westminster in London noted Claudius c. 9. fol. 147. of the whole Book but lib. 2. fol. 45. of that particular part De Historiâ Ecclesiae Abbendonensis speaking of this Richard's Grant of Wudmundsley to the said Abbey and Church of Abbington Ipse Comes benefactum extulit suo descripto roboravit quod descriptum Sigillo quidem matris Signari constitit nondùm enim militari Baltheo cinctus materno Sigillo literae quaelibet ab eo directae includebantur hâc de re quod eò annotatur Comitissae potiùs quà m Comitis Sigillo Signatur Cujus Forma haec fuit Ricardus Cestrensis Comes Ermentrudis Comitissa mater ejus Nigello de Oilli Rogero filio Radulfi omnibus Baronibus de Oxenford Scirâ Salutem Amicitiam Sciatis quià pro amore Dei animâ Patris mei remissione nostrorum Peccatorum Concedimus hidam illam quam Droco de Andeleiâ dedit Ecclesiae Abbendonensi quae est in loco qui dicitur Wudemundeslai Nos eidem Ecclesiae Concedimus auctorizamus perpetuò habendam solidam quietam ab omni nostro servitio Et Rogerus filius Radulfi Successores ejus sint quieti in nostro servitio quantum ad illam hidam pertinet Et defendimus ùt nullo modo Rogerus vel alius per eum inquietet habitantes in terrâ illâ Hoc autèm fecimus testimonio nostrorum Baronum scilicèt Willielmi filii Nigelli Hugonis filii Normanni Ricardi Balaste Willielmi filii Auskitilli Ricardi filii Nigelli Domini Goisfridi Capellani aliorum Hoc actum est in sexto Anno Regni Henrici Regis in mense Maii 6 Hen. 1. 1106. in die Pentecostes This was in May Anno Christi 1106. Earl Richard being then about twelve years old By the words nondùm militari Baltheo cinctus I suppose the Monk meaneth that the Earl was a Child and under the Tuition of his Mother and for that reason used her Seal to this Charter and also to other his Letters Of which opinion likewise is Selden in his Titles of Honor pag. 786. The Law saith he being such that whosoever was Knighted though before the Age of one and twenty he was esteemed as of full Age in regard of any Wardship or other Tuition and the Use being that such Great Lords were often Knighted before they were of full Age. Now this Earl as yet not having received that Honour of Knighthood but being under Age used the Seal of his Guardian to make the Act more authentick and valid and that he was but a Child when his
the King to consider least the Earl had a Design to ensnare him telling him That it was not safe for him to bring his Army into the midst of so barbarous a Countrey through mountainous and steepy places where he might be entraped on every side besides it were a very rash part to go into his Countrey who had taken from him the greatest part of his Kingdom for although he might seem to incline to the King yet there was no certainty of his Fidelity nor Pledges of Assurance And that if he would have the King's Assistance he should first deliver up what he had unjustly taken which if he refused then presently he should be seized on as the King's Enemy and be imprisoned till he made Restitution But Randle when he heard the Conditions which he was to perform before he could have the King's Aid answer'd That he came not to the Court for that purpose neither had he any notice of this beforehand whereby he might have advised thereon and uttering many high words he was laid hold on by the King's Officers and imprisoned The Nobles who took part with Earl Randle Petitioned the King for his Enlargement and offered Sureties or any Security the King should demand for the delivering up of those Castles which were of Right belonging to the King so that the Earl might be released And thereupon Randle Earl of Chester having given Pledges and taken a solemn Oath that he would never hereafter take up Arms against the King was restored to his Liberty But as soon as he was released he violated his Oath and raised an Army against the King prosecuting his wrathful indignation with revenge of Fire and Sword wheresoever he came and as my Author saith In omnem aetatem in omnem Sexum Herodianam Tyrannidem Neronianam truculentiam exercebat He came often with a Party of Soldiers in view of the Town of Lincoln where now the King had placed the Flower of his Soldiery and had many Skirmishes with them sometimes he was put to the worse sometimes by the smiling Success of Fortune he victoriously triumphed over the King's Party He likewise blockt up the Castle of Coventrey which also he had delivered up to the King till Stephen came to relieve it with Victuals whereof it was in some distress and that was done with great difficulty to the King by forcing his Passage through Randle's Army where by the Way he had many Conflicts In the first Skirmish the King having received some slight Wound was forced to retreat but as soon as he was recovered he fell upon the Earls Army took many wounded others and the Earl himself put to flight and almost slain The King then pulls down the Castle of Coventrey which had been delivered to him before and victoriously proceeds to other Castles in Randle's possession sometimes blocking them up sometimes burning and destroying all about them and ever after became a sore Enemy to Randle and his Adherents Thus much ex Gestis Stephani Anno Domini 1150. David King of Scotland Entertained Henry Son of Maude the Empress at Carlisle very magnificently about Whitsuntide and Knighted him there in the Presence of Henry Son of King David and Randle Earl of Chester which Randle was then appeased concerning his Claim of Carlisle and Cumberland as his Patrimony and did Homage to King David for there was some Speech amongst them that for Carlisle Randle should have the Honour of Lancaster and that Earl Randle's Son should Marry one of the Daughters of Henry Prince of Scotland And so King David and Henry Duke of Normandy and Earl Randle were agreed to unite their Forces against King Stephen And King David with his Son Henry came to Lancaster with their Forces where Earl Randle promised to meet them with his but Randle failing of his Promise they returned back Johannes Prior Hagustaldensis pag. 277 278. Anno 1151. Randle Earl of Chester having been imprisoned which Imprisonment Radulfus de Diceto Chronica Gervasii John Bromton Chronica Normanniae Mat. Paris and Mat. Westminster do all place in Anno 1145. but Hoveden in Anno 1146. and having given his Nephew Gilbert de Clare for his Hostage was released But falsifying his Word and endangering his Hostage he sendeth for Henry Duke of Normandy into England promising him all Assistance Whereupon Henry came into England to whom Robert Earl of Leycester and many of the wisest Noblemen of England then resorted Idem Johannes pag. 278. What a tumultuous Age this was and how the Great Men of the Kingdom divided the Spoils may appear by the Agreement made between this Randle Earl of Chester and Robert sirnamed Bossu Earl of Leycester about the Year 1151. the Original whereof remains in Cotton's Library in Westminstsr Haec est Conventio intèr Ranulfum Comitem Cestriae Robertum Comitem Legrecestriae finalis Pax Concordia quae fuit Concessa divisa ab eis corà m Secundo Roberto Episcopo Lincolniae hominibus eorum ex parte Comitis Cestriae Ricardo de Lovetot Willielmo filio Nigelli Ranulfo Vice-Comite Ex parte Comitis Legrecestriae Ernaldo de Bosco Gaufrido Abbate Reginaldo de Bordineio Scilicèt quòd Comes Ranulfus dedit Concessit Roberto Comiti Legrecestriae castrum de Mountsorell sibi haeredibus suis Tenendum de eo haeredibus suis haereditariè sicùt Charta ipsius Comitis Ranulfi testatur Et ità quòd Comes Leycestriae receptare debet ipsum Comitem Ranulfum familiam suam in Burgo Ballâ—s de Mountsorell ad guerrandum quemcunque voluerit ut de feodo suo Et ità quòd Comes Leycestriae non potest indè forisfacere Comiti Ranulfo pro aliquo Et si necesse sit Comiti Ranulfo corpus ipsius receptabitur in Dominico Castro de Mountsorell Et ità quòd Comes Leycestriae portabit ei fidem salvà fide Ligei Domini sui Et si oportuerit Comitem Leycestriae ire super Comitem Cestriae cùm Ligeo Domino suo non potest ducere secum plus quà m viginti milites Et si Comes Leycestriae vel isti viginti milites aliquid ceperint de rebus Comitis Cestriae totum reddetur Nec Ligius Dominus Comes Leycestriae nec aliquis alius potest forisfacere Comiti Cestriae nec suis de Castris ipsius Comitis Leycestriae nèc de terrâ suâ Et ità quòd Comes Leycestriae nec potest proptèr aliquam Causam vel proptèr aliquem Casum impedire Corpus Comitis Cestriae nisi eum desidaverit quindecem dies anteà Et Comes Lycestriae debet juvare Comitem Cestriae contrà omnes homines praetèr Ligium Dominum ipsius Comitis Leycestriae Comitem Simonem Comitem Simonem potest juvare hoc modo quod si Comes Ranulfus forisfecerit Comiti Simoni ipsâ— Comes Ranulfus noluerit Corrigere forisfactum proptèr Comitem Leycestriae tunc potest eum juvare Et si Comes Simon forisfecerit
first 39 Kings of Scotland which some Scotch Historians do reckon up are but vain and fabulous as Dr. Heylyn truly accounts them in his Cosmography pag. 335. Kings of Scotland before the Conquest of the Picts when the Scots had but one Part of Scotland and the Picts the other Part. Ann. Dom. 404 1. Fergus King of the Scots and Durstus King of the Picts slain in Battel against the Romans and Brettans Anno Christi 420. Buchanan 2. Eugenius or Euenus eldest Son of Fergus 3. Dongard Brother of Eugenius 4. Constantine Brother of Dongard and youngest Son of Fergus 5. Congall Son of Dongard 6. Goran Brother of Congall 7. Eugenius II. Son of Congall 8. Congall II. Brother to Eugenius 9. Kinnatel In his time Aidan Son of Gorran came into Scotland who two Years before came out of Ireland and was now by St. Columba brought to Kinnatel who left the Kingdom to Aidan having onely Reigned 14 Months 10. Aidan Son of Gorran had his Kingly Robes put on by Columba Deadly Feuds began between him and Brudeus * Brudeus was Son of Meilocon Ordericus l 8. p. 702. King of the Picts Aidan was routed by Ethelfrid King of Northumberland Anno 603. Bede lib. 1. cap. 34. So that he never came again into Scotland 11. Kenneth I. was elected King He Reigned but 4 Months or ut alii 12 Months 12. Eugenius III. Son of Aidan 13. Ferchard I. Son of Eugenius 14. Donaldus Brother of Ferchard 15. Ferchard II. Son of Ferchard He was wounded by a Wolf 16. Maldwine Son of Donwald He was strangled by his Wife upon suspicion he had lain with a Whore and she was burned for it 17. Eugenius IV. Son of Dongard 18. Eugenius V. Son of Ferchard 19. Amberkeleth Son of Findanus Son of Eugenius IV. 20. Eugenius VI. He married Spondana Daughter of Garnard and commanded the Acts of Kings to be Registred in Abbies 21. Mordac Son of Amberkeleth 22. Etfin Son of Eugenius VI. He forced Galloway to pay Tribute 23. Eugenius VII Son of Mordac was murthered by his Nobles 24. Fergus II. Son of Etfin was strangled by his Wife when he was asleep 25. Solvathius Son of Eugenius VII a good Prince 26. Achaius Son of Etfin first entred into a League with France Hungus King of the Picts obtains 10000 Scots of him 27. Congall III. Cosin to Achaius 28. Dongall II. Son of Solvathius 29. Alpin Son of Achaius slain in Battel by the Picts who challenged that Kingdom in right of his Mother Sister to Hungus King of the Picts and his Heir also 30. Kenneth II. Son of Alpin utterly subdued and destroyed the Picts and slew Drusken their last King extending thereby the Scottish Kingdom from one Sea to the other over all the Bounds of Modern Scotland Kings of Scotland after the Conquest of the Picts 1. Kenneth II. the first sole King of all Scotland conquered the Picts Anno 838. He promoted his Kingdom from the Isles of the Orcades to Adrian's Wall Buchanan 2. Donald II. Brother of Kenneth died at Scone Anno 858. 3. Constantine II. Son of Kenneth slain by the Danes 4. Ethus Brother of Constantine sirnamed Alipes à Pedum celeritate 5. Gregorius Son of Dongall a stout Prince He overcame the Danes Brettans and English subdued Cumberland and Westmorland entred Ireland with an Army in the time of Duncan or Donat or more truly Dunach King of Ireland a Child and overcame Brien and Cornelius General of the Irish Forces 6. Donald III. Son of Constantine II. 7. Constantine III. Son of Ethus 8. Malcolme I. stiled Milcolumbus in Latin Son of Donald III. had Cumberland and Westmorland by the Gift of Edmund King of England upon condition that every succeeding King of Scotland should swear Fealty to the King of England as the Supreme Sovereign 9. Indulf an Intruder 10. Duffe Son of Malcolme was murthered 11. Culen Son of Indulfe murthered by one Rohard a Thane or Nobleman 12. Kenneth III. Brother of Duffe 13. Constantine IV. Son of Culen sirnamed Calvus or The Bald a Usurper of the Crown 14. Grime Son of Duffe was slain in Battel by Malcolme Prince of Cumberland 15. Malcolme II. Son of Kinneth III. murthered by his Nobles in the Castle of Glammis in Angus 16. Duncan Son of Grime succeeded Malcolme II. Malcolme had no Issue Male but two Daughters Beatrix Married to one Crine a Nobleman Thane of the West-Islands and Ruler or President over the rest of the Thanes whom that Age called A-Thane Doaca the other Daughter married the Thane of Angus of whom he begat Macbeth So Buchanan And Duncan had by the Daughter of Siward the Great Earl of Northumberland two Sons Malcolme Cammoir and Donald sirnamed Ban that is White 17. Macbeth Grandson to Malcolme II. by Doaca his Daughter 18. Malcolme III. sirnamed Cammoir that is Great-Head Son of Duncan He enjoyed Cumberland and Westmorland with the Dominion of Scotland and married Margaret the Sister of Edgar Atheling Right Heir to the Crown of England but kept out by William the Conqueror by whom he had Issue six Sons Edward Edgar Alexander David Edmund and Ethelred These two last were driven into England by Donwald their Uncle and died in Banishment saith Buchanan Malcolme had also two Daughters Maud Wife to Henry the First King of England and Mary another Daughter of Malcolme married to Eustace Earl of Boloine Ordericus pag. 702. Buchanan pag. 215. This Malcolme with Edward his eldest Son was slain by Morell or Morkell an Officer under Robert de Moulbray Earl of Northumberland the 13 day of November 1093. near the River Alne in Northumberland Roger Hoveden pag. 463 464. as he was coming home peaceably towards Scotland Ordericus vitalis lib. 8. pag. 701 702. 19. Donald IV. sirnamed Ban Brother to Malcolme was beaten out of Scotland by Duncan II. after that he had Reigned six Months 20. Duncan II. base Son of Malcolme III. set up by the Scots and murthered by Macpendirus Earl of Merne Buchanan 21. Edgar Son of Malcolme III. by the help of William Rufus King of England recovered Scotland which Forces were procured by the Mediation of Edgar Atheling his Uncle Hoveden pag. 466. He built an Abbey at Coldingham consecrated to Ebba the Virgin * Anno 1102. afterward translated into the Name of Cutbert But Edgar died without Issue Anno 1107. 6 Idus Januarii Buchanan pag. 216. Matt. Paris pag. 63. Hoveden pag. 471. sub Anno 1108. 22. Alexander Brother of Edgar was sirnamed Acer or The Fierce He built the Temple of St. Michael at Scone and also a Temple in honour of Columbus in the Isle of Aemona He married Sibilla Daughter of William the Conqueror but left no Children by her So Buchanan But the Conqueror had no such Daughter that I can find either in Ordericus or Stowe who name all his Daughters She was base Daughter of Henry the First Ordericus pag. 702. Ann. Dom. 1124 23. David Brother of Alexander married Maude
performed Earl Leofric granted the Townsmen a Freedom by Charter Polychronicon lib. 6. cap. 26. Westminster pag. 424. which Charter Mr. Dugdale in his Warwickshire pag. 86. conceives rather a Freedom from Servile Tenure than onely Toll This Illustrious Leofric died at his own Town of Bromley the last day of August Obiit 1057 Anno Domini 1057. So Florentius and Hoveden pag. 444. and also Matt. Westminster and was buried at Coventry in the Monastery which he had built there the richest Monastery then in England VI. Algar Son of Earl Leofric succeeded his Father in the Earldom of Mercia Anno Domini 1057. Hoveden pag. 444. and is stiled Earl of Chester by Huntington pag. 366. and also Earl of Leycester by Ingulphus pag. 898. Anno Domini 1053. the Earldom of the East-Saxons which before Harold Son of Earl Godwin held was given to this Algar And in the Year 1056. he was banished by Edward the Confessor but by the aid of Griffith King of Wales after the Slaughter of many he was reconciled to his Prince and received his Earldom In the Year 1058. being the Year after his Father's death he was again banished for Treason but by the help of King Griffith and the Norwey Navy he recovered his Earldom by force He had to Wife the Sister of William Mallet as Burton in his Antiquities of Leycestershire affirmeth pag. 168. and had two Sons Edwine Earl of Mercia and Morcar Earl of Northumberland and two Daughters Aldith first married to Griffith King of Wales and after to Harold King of England and Lucio who had three Husbands Ivo Talbois Earl of Angeau the first Husband of Lucy Roger de Romara Son of Gerold the Second Husband of Lucy by whom she had Issue William de Romara Earl of Lincoln Randle de Meschines Viscount Baieux in Normandy Lord of Cumberland in England and afterwards Earl of Chester was the third Husband of Lucy by whom she had also Issue But she survived all her Husbands Ingulphus pag. 898. Hoveden pag. 443 444. Ingul pag. 902 903. Ordericus vitalis pag. 511. 871. Cambden's Britannia in Leycestershire Obiit 1059 Anno Domini 1059. Algar died and was buried at Coventry Ingulphus pag. 898. VII Edwine Son of Algar succeeded Earl of Mercia Anno Domini 1059. He and his Brother Morcar stoutly opposed William the Conqueror Anno 1066. But the Conqueror prevailing he lost his Earldom He lived to the fourth Year of the Conqueror's Reign Anno 1070. Obiit 1070 When fearing to be imprisoned he conveyed himself secretly from the Court of William the Conqueror and rebelled against him and unable to withstand he intended to have gone to Malcolme then King of Scotland but being betrayed by his own Men was slain by the way Ordericus pag. 521. Florentius pag. 437 438. Some say Morcar was taken by the Conqueror and died in Prison Howbeit Ingulphus pag. 901. saith Comites Edwinus Morcarius ambo à suis per insidias trucidati I find no mention of any Issue either of Edwine or Morcar Finis Primae Partis Of the Earls of CHESTER Since the Norman Conquest PART II. CHAP. I. I. AFter that William Duke of Normandy had vanquished King Harold in Battel and obtained the Crown of England which hapned Anno Christi 1066. as all our Histories unanimously declare he by degrees conferred many great Patrimonies and large Possessions upon his more noble Barons as just Rewards for their Service by whose assistance he had got a new Kingdom So Ordericus Vitalis a Writer who lived near to those Times lib. 4. Eccles Hist pag. 521 522. as it is set out with other Histories by Andrew du Chesne and Printed at Paris Anno Domini 1619. tells us in these words Rex Guillielmus dejectis Merciorum maximis consulibus Edwino scilicèt interfecto Morcaro in vinculis constricto Adjutoribus suis inclytas Angliae Regiones distribuit ex infimit Normannorum Clientibus Tribunos Centuriones ditissimos erexit Amongst those of the meaner sort newly raised the principal were Geffrey de Clinton Rafe Basset with some others which Ordericus expresseth more at large pag. 805. II. But concerning the distribution of his Counties in England to his greater sort of Nobles and Barons who accompanied him in this Service see Ordericus pag. 522. Among others Anno 1070. the King gave to William Fitz-Ozberne Dapifero Normanniae that is High Steward of Normandy the Isle of Wight and the County of Hereford Which William with Walter Lacy and other tried Champions the King set as a Curb to the Welsh whose boldness first Invaded Brachavianos or Brecknockshire and slew Risen and Caducan and Mariadoth three Welsh Kings with many others Chester and the County thereof the King had but lately given to one Gherbod Gherbod first Earl of Chester after the Norman Conquest a Nobleman of Flanders who had gallantly behaved himself as well against the English as Welsh and afterwards being sent for by his Friends whom he had left in Flanders and to whom he had committed his hereditary Honour there he obtained liberty of King William the Conqueror to go thither and to return very quickly again but by misfortune he fell into the Hands of his Enemies when he came into Flanders and there endured a long and tedious Imprisonment In the mean time that is to say sub Anno Domini 1070. King William gave the Earldom of Chester to Hugh de Auranges Son of Richard sirnamed Goz. This Hugh with Robert of Rothelent and Robert of Malpas and other cruel Potentates spilt much of the Welshmens Blood And the Castle of Stutesbury now called Tutbury in Staffordshire which Hugh de Auranges held before was given to Henry Son of Walceline de Ferrars And divers other Lands were conferred on other Persons as you may see more at large in Ordericus III. But before I proceed to our Norman Earls of Chester it will not be amiss to note out of Ordericus who that Robert of Rothelent was whom I mentioned before with Earl Hugh for both he and the above mentioned Robert of Malpas were of the prime of the Noblemen and Barons belonging to Hugh Earl of Chester This Robert of Rothelent or Ruthelan is described by Ordericus pag. 669. thus He was a valiant and an active Soldier eloquent Facundus formidabilis but of a stern Countenance liberal and commendable for many Vertues Hic Edwardi Regis Armiger fuit He was one of those who attended the Person of King Edward the Confessor from whom he received the Honor of Knighthood Touching his Descent his Father was Umfrid de Telliolo Son of Amfrid of the Progeny of the Danes His Mothers Name was Adeliza Sister of Hugh de Grentemaisnill of the famous Family of the Geroians He was Commander in Chief at the Siege at Rochester 1 Willielmi Rufi At which time Griffith King of Wales Invaded the Coasts of England and had made a great Destruction about Rothelent For his Works of Piety he
but were overcome in Battel by Henry the Second at which time these with many others of the Nobility of Britain were forced to retreat to the Castle of Dole But the Braibants whereon King Henry relied besieged them on every side the 13 of the Calends of September being Tuesday The King hereof being certified came to Dole on the Friday following So the Earl of Chester and the rest that were in the Castle seeing themselves unable to defend it surrendred both themselves and it to the King on the Sunday following being the 7 of the Calends of September or the 26 of our August The Names of such as were taken Prisoners in that Castle are more at large set down by Hoveden pag. 535 536. So was Hugh Earl of Chester taken Prisoner 1173. But in Anno 1177. at a Parliament at Northampton in January both Robert Earl of Leycester and Hugh Earl of Chester were restored to all their Lands by the King Hoveden pag. 560. II. This Hugh confirmed to the Abbey of St. Werburge in Chester Granisby in Wirrhall which Richard de Rullos had given thereunto Teste Matilda Matre meâ Ricardo de Rullos Roberto Fratre suo Roberto Basset R. Capellano multis aliis The Original hereof was among the Evidences of that Church at Chester Anno 1644. He gave also the Church of Prestbury to the same Abbey in these words HUGO Comes Cestriae Constabulario Dapifero Justiciario Baronibus Vicecomitibus Ballivis omnibus Hominibus suis Clericis Laicis Francis Anglis tà m presentibus quà m futuris Salutem Sciatis me dedisse cùm Corpore meo Deo Sanctae Werburgae Ecclesiam de Prestbury cùm omnibus pertinentiis c. Deo teste omnibus Sanctis Joh. Priore de Trentham Samsone Canonico Radulfo Barba appellato R. Clerico de Wicho Ranulfo de Wicho Radulfo de Menilwaringe Radulfo Filio Warini Gilberto Filio Pincernae Roberto Fratre ejus Frombaldo Bertramo Camerario G. Filio Eliae Haec Charta facta fuit corà m Comitissa Matilda Matre Comitis Bertreia Comitissa Sponsa ejus Ranulpho Haerede suo concedente Some other Chartes of this Hugh I have met withal which I have also here transcribed as followeth Charta Hugonis Cyveliok HUGO Comes Cestriae Justiciario Constabulario Dapifero Vice-Comiti The Original of this was in possession of Mr. Townsley of Carre in Lancashire 1657. omnibus Baronibus suis omnibus Ministris suis omnibus Hominibus suis Francis Anglicis tà m praesentibus quà m futuris Salutem Sciatis me dedisse in puram perpetuam Elemosynam pro salute Animae meae pro Animâ Patris mei pro Animabus Antecessorum meorum Abbatiae de Benedicto loco de Stanlaw Monachis ibidèm Deo servientibus quietantiam Theolonei in Villâ meâ Cestriae de omnibus quae praefati Monachi ibi emerint ad opus suae Dominicae Domus de Stanlaw Testibus Abbate Cestriae Johanne Constabulario Radulfo Filio Warini Hugone de Dutton Johanne Burd Martino Angevin Adam de Dutton multis aliis Apud Cestriam A very fair Seal The Earl on Horseback UNiversis Sanctae Matris Ecclesiae Filiis Hugo Comes Cestriae Salutem Ex Libro signato L Penes Rogerum Dodsworth Ehoracensem fol. 24. Sciatis me Concessisse hâc praesenti Chartâ meâ Confirmâsse Deo Abbathiae Sanctae Mariae de Coventrey Monachis ibidèm Deo servientibus pro salute Animae meae Patris mei Ricardi Fratris mei cujus Corpus in praedictâ Abbatiâ sepelitur donationem illam quam Pater meus Ranulfus Comes Cestriae eis fecit Chartâ suâ confirmavit scilicèt Capellam Sancti Michaelis de Coventrey cùm omnibus pertinentiis suis quae sita est in Feodo meo liberè quietè in perpetuum possidendam sicut Charta mea eis testatur ut concessio rata firma permaneat eam praesentis scripti Autoritate Sigilli mei testimonio confirmavi Testibus Edmundo Archidiacono Coventriae Johanne Priore Trentham Ricardo Avunculo meo Filio Comitis Glocestriae Rogero Malfylaste c. HUGO Comes Cestriae Constabulario suo Dapifero omnibus Baronibus suis omnibus Hominibus suis Francis Anglicis tam futuris quam praesentibus The Original of this remained in possession of Sir Simon Dewes Baronet 1649. noted EE num 6. Salutem Concedo Sanctimonialibus de Bolintona stagnum meum de Dunintona firmum terrae meae sicut fuit tempore Henrici Regis in perpetuam Elemosynam pro animâ meâ Patris mei meorum Antecessorum Et praecipio omnibus hominibus meis quòd habeant meam firmam pacem ità quòd nullus indè praedictis Sanctimonialibus injuriam vel contumeliam faciat Teste Roberto Dapifero de Monte alto Filippo de Kima Simone Filio Osberti Willielmo Patric Radulfo Filio Warneri Rogero de Maletot Johanne Priore de Trentham Orm ejus Canonico Rogero Monacho de Hambi Willielmo Clerico Comitis qui Chartam scripsit apud Beltesfort multis aliis A fair Seal with the Impression of the Earl on Horseback written about Sigillum Hugonis Comitis Cestriae ROBERTO Dei Gratiâ Lincolniensi Episcopo Capitulo Sanctae Ecclesiae Lincolniae totique Clero illius Praesulatûs Hugo Comes Cestriae Salutem Ibidem EE num 4. Nec non Constabulario Dapifero Baronibus Ministris Famulis Hominibus suis omnibus tà m Clericis quà m Laicis salutem similiter Vos scire volo me concessisse confirmâsse Sanctimonialibus de Grenefelt illam terram quam Willielmus Filius Otuheri eis in Elemosynam perpetuam dedit quam verò Pater meus Comes Ranulphus eis Concessit Cartâ suâ confirmatam Eaproptèr volo praecipio quòd praefatae Sanctimoniales terram illam perennitèr benè quietè liberè habeant possideant Testibus Matilda Comitissâ Matre meâ Simone Filio Willielmi Rogero Capellano Ricardo Capellano aliis multis Apud Beltesford Valete A very fair Seal with the Impression of the Earl on Horseback and on the back part of the Seal two lesser Impressions of a Man holding or setting something on a Form or Stool inscribed about Contra-Sigillum ComitÃs Cestriae III. The Wife of Hugh Cyveliok HE Married Bertred Daughter of Simon Earl of Evereux in Normandy Vincent upon Brook pag. 105. That her Name was Bertred and that she survived her Husband take this Deed to prove it in the Couchir Book in the Dutchy-office in Grays-Inn London Tom. 2. Honor sivè Soca de Bolingbroke num 7. pag. 112. OMnibus hoc scriptum audituris visuris Bertreya Comitissa Cestriae Salutem Noverit universitas vestra me Concessisse hâc meâ praesenti Chartâ confirmâsse Radulfo Carbunel de Haltuna Haeredibus suis pro Homugio Servitio suo Feodum dimidii Militis quod tenet de me in Haltona * Halton in Lincolnshire
pro tribus Solidis annuatìm mihi Haeredibus meis ad duos terminos reddendis de illo de Haeredibus suis pro omni Servitio Exactione scilicèt ad Nativitatem Sancti Johannis Baptistae decem octo denarios ad Natale decem octo denarios In hujus autem rei Testimonium praesenti scripto Sigillum meum apposui Hiis Testibus Radulfo Filio Simonis Simone de Seis Andrea Filio Willielmi Willielmo de Maletoft Willielmo de Haghe Ricardo de Bunington Ricardo de Harderna Alano Filio Ramgoti aliis The Issue of Hugh Cyveliok by Bertred The Legitimate Children of Hugh 1. RAndle the Third sirnamed Blundevill He died without Issue and his four Sisters shared his Inheritance 2. Maude eldest Daughter of Hugh Married David Earl of Huntingdon Brother to William King of Scotland of whom he begot John sirnamed The Scot Earl of Chester in his Mother's Right She had the Earldom of Chester and the Lands in North-Wales to her share 3. Mabill second Daughter of Hugh by Bertred Married William d' Albiney Earl of Arundel She had the Manor of Barow with 500 l. Lands This was Barow in Leycestershire 4. Agnes third Daughter of Earl Hugh by Bertred Married William Ferrers Earl of Derby She had the Castle of Chartley * Chartley in Staffordshire with the Castle and Manor of West-Derby and all Earl Randle's Lands between the Rivers of Ribbel and Mersey in Lancashire Buckbroc in Northamptonshire and Navenby in Lincolnshire Claus 17 Hen. 3. Memb. 1. and the Lands in that part of Wales anciently called Powys She confirmed to the Church of St. Mary at Mirival the Manor of Great-Hole and part of the Wood of Alteker which William her Husband had before given One of the Couchir Books in the Dutchy-Office Tom. 1. fol. 133. Claus 17 Heâ— 3. memb 17. Pipe-Rolls 17 Hen. 3. Lincolnshire 5. Hawise fourth Daughter of Earl Hugh by Bertred Married Robert Quency Son and Heir of Saher de Quency Earl of Winchester She had the Earldom of Lincoln to wit the Castle and Honour of Bolingbroke and all the Lands of Earl Randle in Lindsey and Holland in Lincolnshire for which she gave 50 l. for Relief On Hawise was Estated for Joynture Bukby Grantesset Bradeham and Herdwick as appears by this Deed in the Couchir Book of the Dutchy-Office Tom. 2. Honor sivè Soca de Bolingbroke num 26. pag. 508. SAherus de Quency Comes Wintoniae omnibus Hominibus Amicis suis praesentibus futuris salutem Sciatis me concessâ—sse dedisse praesenti Chartâ meâ confirmâsse Roberto de Quency Filio meo Haeredi ad dandum in liberum Donarium Hawisiae Sorori Comitis Cestriae Uxori ejusdem Roberti Bucehebeiam Grantesset Bradeham Herdewich cùm omnibus earundem terrarum pertinentiis pro centum Libratis terrae Et si hae praedictae terrae non valeant per Annum centum Libras Ego in aliis terris meis de propriâ Haereditate meâ in Anglia ei tantum perficiam quòd plenariè habeat centum Libratas terrae per visum considerationem legalium Militum hominum videlicet Comitis Cestriae meorum Et praetereà Dedi eidem Roberto Feoda duorum Militum scilicet Feedum Matthei Turpin in Winterslawa in Wilteshire pro servitio Feodi unius Militis ad dandum simul cùm terris nominatis praedictae Hawisiae Uxori suae in liberum donarium Testibus his Comite Davide Willielmo Comite de Ferrars Philippo de Orreby Roberto de Basingham Ricardo de Lindeseia Willielmo de Grumpington Henrico de Braibroc Willielmo de Syelford David Giffard Willielmo Picot Hugone Thoma Henrico Dispensariis Waltero de Coventrey Waltero Daivilla multis aliis This Hawise had the County of Lincoln * To wit all the Lands of Earl Randle in Lincolnshire given unto her by her Brother Randle a little before his death about 16 Hen. 3. 1232. in these words which Deed is transcribed in one of the Couchir-Books in the Dutchy-Office Tom. 2. Honor sive Soca de Bolingbroke pag. 500. num 11. It is also transcribed by Vincent in his Corrections upon Brooke pag. 317. which he affirmeth he took from the Original it self in Cotton's Library thus RANULFUS Comes Cestriae Lincolniae omnibus praesentibus futuris praesentem Chartam inspecturis vel audituris Salutem in Domino Ad universitatis vestrae notitiam volo pervenire me dedisse concessisse hâc praesenti Chartâ meâ confirmâsse Dominae Hawisiae de Quency Sorori meae Charissimae Comitatum Lincolniae scilicet quantum ad me pertinuit ut indè Comitissa existat Habendum tenendum de Domino meo Rege Angliae Haeredibus suis liberè quietè plenè pacificè integrè jure Haereditario cùm omnibus pertinentiis suis cùm omnibus libertatibus ad praedictum Comitatum pertinentibus Et ut praesens scriptum Perpetuitatis robur obtineat illud Sigilli mei appositione roborare dignum duxi Hiis Testibus Venerabilibus Patribus P. Wintoniae Alexandro Coventriae Lichfeldiae Episcopis R. Marescallo Comite Pembroke Willielmo de Ferrars Comite Derbiae Stephano de Segrave Justiciario Angliae Simone de Monteforti Willielmo de Ferrariis Philippo de Abiniaco Henrico de Aldith Willielmo de Cantilupo aliis Hawise transfers the Earldom of Lincoln to John Lacy and the Heirs of his Body which he shall beget on Margaret his Wife Daughter of the same Hawise 1 Patent Anno 17 Hen. 3. memb 9. num 35. It is also in the Register of the Dutchy of Lancaster Honor sive Soca de Bolingbroke pag. 500. num 10. HENRICUS Dei Gratiâ Rex Angliae Dominus Hiberniae Dux Normanniae Aquitaniae Comes Andegaviae Omnibus ad quos praesentes Literae pervenerint Salutem Sciatis quòd ad Instantiam Hawisiae de Quency dedimus concessimus dilecto fideli nostro Johanni de Lacy Constabulario Cestriae illas viginti Libras quas Ranulphus quondà m Comes Cestriae Lincolniae recepit pro tertio Denario Comitatus Lincolniae nomine Comitis Lincolniae quas praedictus Comes in vitâ suâ dedit praedictae Hawisiae Sorori suae Habendas tenendas nomine Comitis Lincolniae de nobis Haeredibus nostris ipsi Johanni Haeredibus suis qui exibunt de Margareta Uxore suâ Filiâ praedictae Hawisiae in perpetuum Et in hujus rei Testimonium has Literas nostras Patentes ei fieri fecimus Teste meipso apud Northampton 23 die Novembris Anno Regni nostri 17. IV. The base Issue of Hugh Cyveliok PAganus Dominus de Milton whom I have seen Witness to a Deed Subscribed thus Filius Bastardus Hugonis Comitis Cestriae Roger Witness to a Deed of his Brother Randles to the Abbey of St. Werburge whom I conceive was a Bastard Amicia the Wife of Raufe Manwaring sometime Judge of Chester
Filiis Ranulfus Comes Cestriae Salutem Notum sit vobis me dedisse Deo Beatae Mariae Monachis de Stanlaw quietantiam de Bestiis Sylvestribus occisis vel attinctis in terra ipsorum Monachorum portandis usque ad Cestriam quod dicti Monachi eorum homines non ideo causentur propter aliquam Bestiam aliquo casu mortuam inventam in terra eorum nisi fuerit aliquis Sakerbor qui de hoc loqui voluerit adversus dictos Monachos aut eorum homines quod sint quieti de servientibus Forestariis Testibus hiis Rogero Constabulario Cestriae Warino de Vernon Hamone de Massy Philippo de Orreby Willielmo de Venables Ricardo de Aldford Adam Hugone de Dutton Petro Clerico Thoma Dispensatore Collino de Quatuor-Maris Radulfo de Munfichet Gaufrido de Dutton Adam de Byri multis aliis Apud Frodsham RANULFUS Comes Cestriae Constabulario suo Dapifero Justitiae Vicecomiti Baronibus Ballivis suis Salutem Sciatis me pro Dei amore pro salute Animae meae dedisse in perpetuam puram Elemosynam Deo Sanctae Mariae Monachis loci Benedicti de Stanlaw quietantiam de Tolneio per totam terram meam de Sale de omnibus aliis rebus quas emerint vel vendiderint ad usus suos proprios tà m per aquam quà m per terram c. Testibus hiis Rogero Constabulario Cestriae Philippo de Orreby tùnc Justiciario Cestriae Warino de Vernon Willielmo de Venables Petro Clerico Adam Hugone de Dutton Liulpho Vicecomite Alexandro Filio Radulfi Bertramo Camerario Josceramo de Hellesby multis aliis Apud Cestriam Both these Deeds aforesaid were Sealed with the Impression of a Lion in an Escocheon or rather a Triangular form like a Heart Couchir Book in the Dutchy-Office Tom. 2. Honor sive Soca de Bolingbroke pag. 116. num 17. OMnibus tà m futuris quà m praesentibus Petrus Cantor de Quarendona Salutem Sciatis me remisisse quietum clamâsse de me de Haeredibus meis Domino meo Ranulfo Comiti Cestriae totam terram meam quam habebam in Weinflet aliam terram meam totam in Lindseia quae pertinet ad terram praedictam de Weinflet Tenendas praedicto Comiti Cestriae Haeredibus suis Haereditariè in Dominico suo c. Hiis Testibus Thoma Dispensario Willielmo Picot Waltero de Coventreya Juhello de Loningneio Johanne de Pratell Helya Pincerna Gaufrido de Sancto Bricio Engeramo Pisce Henrico Dispensario Willielmo Filio Hamonis Henrico de Civile multis aliis Apud Baronam But when Gilbert de Gant Earl of Lincoln was taken Prisoner who had then forfeited both his Lands and Honour in taking part with the Rebellious Barons against the King of England which Title Lewis King of France conferred upon him a little before to wit Anno 1216. then was Randle Earl of Chester made Earl of Lincoln by King Henry third 1217. 1 Hen. 3. for so was the Writ directed to the Sheriff of Lincoln dated at Lincoln 23 Maii 1 Hen. 3. Claus 1 Hen. 3. Memb. 17. commanding him quòd habere faciat Comiti Cestriae tertium Denarium de Comitatu Lincolniae qui eum contingit jure Haereditario ex parte Ranulphi patris sui Where if Vincent hath not mis-writ the Record it should have been Avi sui not Patris For Randle the Second sirnamed Gernons Earl of Chester was half-Brother by the Mother to William de Romara Earl of Lincoln as whose Heir upon this Forfeiture Henry the Third now grants the Earldom of Lincoln to Randle Blundevill Another Writ was dated at Worcester 15 Martii Claus 2 Hen. 3. memb 9. 2 Hen. 3. directed to the same Officer Praecipimus tibi quòd recipias Clericum illum quem fidelis noster dilectus Ranulphus Comes Cestriae Lincolniae ad te miserat per Literas suas ad eundum tecum per Comitatum Lincolniae ad recipiendum tertium Denarium de Placitis Comitatus ejusdem nomine Comitis Lincolniae ad opus ipsius Comitis sicùt eidem illum tertium Denarium concessimus Vincent upon Brooke pag. 316. Mat. Paris pag. 296. And from this time to the time of his death he was usually stiled in all his Charters Ranulphus Comes Cestriae Lincolniae Some Deeds I shall insert here proving the same Couchir Book in the Dutchy-Office Tom 2. Honor sivè Soca de Bolingbroke pag. 111. num 5. of Lands in Lincolnshire OMnibus praesentibus Gilbertus de Beningeworth Salutem Noverit universitas vestra me dedisse Ranulpho Comiti Cestriae Lincolniae Haeredibus suis totum Manerium meum de Halton in Dominicis in Hominibus c. homahomagium Radulfi de Gousle de Feodo unius Militis in Yreby c. totum Manerium meum de Kynthorp c. Pro hâc verò donatione dedit mihi praedictus Ranulphus Comes ducentas Libras Sterlingorum Et adquietavit me versùs Elyam Filium Martrinae Judaeum Lincolniae de octiès viginti decem Marcis Argenti c. Hiis Testibus Radulfo Filio Simonis Gilberto Cusyn tunc Seneschallo c. Ibidem pag. 111. num 6. SCiant praesentes futuri quod ego Gilbertus de Beningworth quietè clamavi Ranulpho Comiti Cestriae Lincolniae haeredibus suis totum Manerium de Stepinge quod est de feodo ipsius Comitis cum tota terra de Halton cum Advocatione Ecclesiae de Stepinge c. Pro hâc verò donatione quietâ Clamatione dedit mihi praedictus Ranulfus Comes ducentas marcas Esterlingorum c. Many other of his Charters might be produced but let these suffice IV. Now for his Wives His first Wife as you have already heard was Constance the Widow of Geffrey fourth Son of King Henry the Second and Daughter and Heir of Conan Duke of Little Britain and Earl of Richmond She was Married to Randle Anno 1187. 33 Hen. 2. as is before proved But upon the Divorce of Constance Anno scilicet Christi 1200. 2 Johannis Regis he Married Clemence Sister of Geffrey de Filgiers in Normandy and Widow to Alan de Dinnam Ferne in his Lacy's Nobility pag. 58. and Powel on the Welsh History pag. 296. most absurdly call her the Daughter of Ferrers Earl of Derby And the Translator of Polychronicon lib. 7. cap. 32. calls her Daughter of Rafe de Filgiers who in truth was her Grandfather But she was Daughter of William de Filgiers and Sister to Geffrey See Monasticon 2 Pars pag. 997. And for farther proof hereof take these two subsequent Deeds Couchir Book in the Dutchy Office at Gray's Inne Tom. 2. Comitatus Northampton num 3. OMnibus tam futuris quam praesentibus ad quos literae praesentes pervenerint Gaufridus de Filgeriis Salutem Notum sit vobis me concessâ—sse dedisse Ranulfo Comiti Cestriae cum Clementia Sorore mea in
Johannis apud Westmonasterium die Lunae proximè post Quindenam Paschae Anno Regni ipsius Henrici vicesimo tertio recognovi concessi quietum clamavi de me Haeredibus meis dilecto Fratri meo Simoni de Monteforti Comiti Leycestriae totam partem Honoris Leycestriae cùm omnibus pertinentiis in Regno Angliae adeò plenè integrè sicut Comes Simon Pater noster vel Robertus Comes Leycestrensis illam unquà m meliùs pleniùs liberiùs tenuerunt Habendum tenendum eidem Simoni Fratri meo Haredibus suit de Corpore suo procreatis de praedicto Domino Henrico Rege Haeredibus suis in perpetuùm c. Actum apud Westmonasterium Anno Die praenominatis 1239. Which the King at that very instant confirmed unto him But this was after the death of Randle Earl of Chester and Lincoln Howbeit this Simon lost the same again by his Rebellion and was slain at the Battel of Evesham 4 Augusti 49 Hen. 3. 1265. Randle sirnamed Blundevill was Earl of Chester 51 Years These followidg Notes I received from Mr. Dugdale This Earl of Perch was slain at the Battel of Lincoln 1217. Mat. Paris pag. 296. of the Edition put out by Wats A. Dom. 1640. THis Earl Randle was but of low stature as we may observe by the Earl of Perch his words to him at Lincoln What said he have we staid all this while for such a Little Man such a Dwarfe To whom Earl Randle replied I vow to God and our Lady whose Church this is that before to Morrow Evening I will seem to thee to be higher than that Steeple So Walter de Wittlesey a Monk of Peterborough a Manuscript now in possession of the Dean and Chapter of Peterborough King John gave to this Randle Newcastle-under-Lyme in Staffordshire to hold by the Service of one Knights Fee Chart. 17 Johannis num 25. and also the Custody of all Simon Montfort's Lands with the Forests to the use of the said Simon Ibidem Membrane 19. Pat. 1 Hen. 3. mem 4 mem 7. Pat. 2 Hen. 3. mem 10. 1 Hen. 3. the King gave to this Randle the Custody of the Honour of Lancaster and the Castle of Montsorrel which Randle demolished 2 Hen. 3. the King gave him the Custody of the Honour of Brittany in the Counties of Cambridge Norfolk and Suffolk And he executed the Office of Sheriff by his Deputies in the Counties of Salop and Stafford 2 3 4 5 7 Hen. 3. and in the County of Lancaster 3 4 5 6 7 Hen. 3. as by the Pipe-Rolls of those Years appeareth Pat. 11. H. 3. mem 6. 11 Hen. 3. the King gave him all that part of the Honour of Richmond which he formerly had of the Grant of King John to hold for Randle's Life upon condition that he should make no Agreement with the Earl of Brittany to surrender the same up to him unless the Earl of Brittany could obtain those Lands in Normandy which the Earl of Chester had lost in the Service of King John CHAP. VII Of John sirnamed The Scot Earl of Chester Or three Piles Gules His Father David Brother of William King of Scotland was Knighted by King Henry the Second 1170. Hoveden pag. 518. and made Earl of Huntington 1184. Hoveden pag. 622. and David died about Anno 1219. So that John Scot was Earl of Chester and Huntington Take here the Charte remaining among the Evidences of St. Werburge Church in Chester as followeth OMnibus Christi fidelibus praesens scriptum visuris vel audituris Johannes de Scotia Comes Cestriae Huntindoniae salutem in Domino Sciatis me concessisse confirmasse Deo Domni Sanctae Werburgae de Cestria Abbati Monachis ibidem Deo servientibus in puram perpetuam Elemosynam pro salute meâ Comitissae meae pro Animâ Comitis Davidis Patris mei Comitissae Matildae Matris meae pro Animâ Ranulfi Comitis Avunculi mei pro Animabus omnium Antecessorum meorum omnes Donationes Dignitates Libertates quas Comites Antecessores mei Barones eis dederunt Insupèr ego ipse do concedo praesenti scripto confirmo praedictis Abbati Monachis quietantiam de tribus Panibus quos aliquando solebant dare diurnè ad Turrim Castelli mei de Cestria quietantiam de Putura servientium in Villis suis scilicèt Huntington Cheveley Idinchale Wyrvin tempore Pacis Prestbury Gostrey in perpetuùm c. Testibus Domino Ricardo Phiton tùnc Justiciario Cestriae Domino Warino de Vernon Willielmo de Venables Hamone de Massy Hamone de Phitton Willielmo de Malo-passu Willielmo de Boydell Ricardo de Sonbach Ricardo de Wibinberie tùnc Vice-Comite Cestershiriae aliis This was made about 18 Hen. 3. 1233. II. This John Earl of Chester and Huntington conceiving that an Earl might not lawfully be Summoned in any other County than that whereof he was Earl did except against the Summons in Northamptonshire upon a Writ De rationabili parte brought against him there by the other Co-heirs to Randle Blundevill but was ordered to answer The Record I have here transcribed as it is cited by Selden in his Titles of Honour pag. 643. ex Fragmentis tempore Hen. 3. quae in Archivis Arcis Londinensis servantur Orta est ista lis in 18 Hen. 3. quod satìs constat ex placitis 18 Hen. 3. Rot. 14. NOrthampton Johannes Comes Cestriae Huntingdoaiae summonitus fuit ad respondendum Hugoni de Albiniaco Willielmo Comiti de Ferrariis Agneti Uxori ejus Hawisiae Comitissae Lincolniae quarè deforciat eis rationabilem partem suam quae eos contingit de Haereditate Ranulfi quondà m Comitis Cestriae undè ipse obiit Seisitus in Comitatu Cestriae computâ cùm eisdem Hugone Willielmo Agnete Hawisia parte suâ rationabili de Terrâ quam nùnc tenet alibì de eâdem Haereditate Et Comes aliàs respondit quòd noluit respondere ad hoc Breve nisì Curia consideraverit consideratione Parium suorum per summonitionem factam in Comitatu Northamptoniae de Terris Tenementis in Comitatu Cestriae ubi Brevia Domini Regis non currunt Et quià usitatum est hùc usquè quòd Pares sui alii qui libertates habent consimiles sicùt Episcopus Dunelmensis Comes Mareschallus respondent de Terris Tenementis infrà libertates suas per summonitionem factam ad Terras Tenementa extrà libertates suas Ideò consideratum est quòd respondeat III. This John Scot Earl of Chester carried the Sword before King Henry the Third at the Marriage of Queen Elianour Anno Domini 1236. 20 Hen. 3. at which time all the Great Men of this Kingdom used those Offices and Places which had of ancient Right belonged to their Ancestors at the Coronation of the Kings and is mentioned by Matthew Paris in these words
And if any ask me what other Barons were in the time of Hugh Lupus I answer Robert of Rothelent was one of Earl Hugh's Barons and not the meanest for he was the principal Commander of all the Forces in Cheshire and the prime Governour of the County under Earl Hugh his Cosin Ordericus pag. 670. But we find no mention of his Posterity in succeeding Ages among us and therefore not reckoned as a Baron among those whose Heirs and Posterity have by long continuance obtained the Title and Honour as it were hereditarily under the successive Earls And the like perhaps may be said of some others Neither must I here forget a touch of Vincent whose Corrections need a Corrector in his Review of York's second Edition pag. 661 662 where he saith That he believes the Barons of Cheshire are not so ancient as the time of Hugh Lupus But whether he believe it or no it is most certain they were stiled Barons in the Charter of Hugh Lupus of the Foundation of the Monastery of St. Werburge in Chester Anno 1093. which Charter I have at large transcribed above in the second Part of this Book VII As to the Baron of Stockport mentioned in the last place by Spelman it is much to be doubted whether he were any of the ancient Barons to the Earls of Chester howbeit his Arms are put up in the Exchequer at Chester among the Barons but all those Arms were but of late times put up there and where the Baron of Monte-alto is most unjustly placed above the Baron of Halton It is certain that in Dooms-day Book we find not any Person that held Stockport whereby it may seem then to be waste and not inhabited And as concerning Sir Richard de Stockport and his Family we find little or no mention before the Reign of Henry the Third in which King 's Reign the ancient Earls of Chester were extinct So that the Family of Stockport could be none of the ancient Barons VIII I shall conclude this Chapter with the Charter of Randle the Third sirnamed Blundevill to his Barons of Cheshire made about the Year of Christ 1218. granting them many Priviledges transcribed by me out of a little Parchment Book in Quarto remaining among the Records in the Dutchy-Office at Gray's-Inne London Fol. 107. RANULFUS Comes Cestriae Constabulario Dapifero Justiciario Vicecomiti Baronibus Ballivis omnibus Hominibus suis Amicis praesentibus futuris praesentem Chartam inspecturis audituris Salutem Sciatis me Cruce signatum pro amore Dei ad Petitionem Baronum meorum Cestershiriae concessisse eis haeredibus suis de me haeredibus meis omnes libertates in praesenti Chartâ subscriptas in perpetuùm tenendas habendas Scilicèt quod unusquisque eorum Curiam suam habeat liberam de omnibus Placitis quaerelis in Curiâ meâ motis Exceptis Placitis ad Gladium meum Pertinentibus Et quòd si quis hominum suorum pro aliquo delicto captus fuerit per Dominium suum sinè redemptione replegietur Ità quòd Dominus suus eum perducat ad tres Comitatus eum quietum reducat nisi Sacraber eum Sequatur Et si aliquis Adventitius qui fidelis sit in terras eorum venerit ei placuerit ibidèm morari liceat Baroni ipsum habere retinere salvis mihi Advocariis qui Sponte ad me venerint aliis qui pro Transgressu aliundè ad Dognitatem meam venerint non eis Et unusquisque Baronum dùm opus fuerit in Werrâ plenariè faciat Servitium tot Feodorum militum quot tenet Et eorum milites liberè tenentes loricas aut Haubergella habeant Feoda sua per Corpora sua defendant licèt milites non sint Et si aliquis eorum talis sit quod terram suam per Corpus suum defendere non possit alium sufficientem in loco suo ponere posset Nec ego Nativos eorum ad arma jurare faciam sed Nativos suos qui pèr Ranulfum de Davenham ad advocationem meam venerint alios Nativos suos quós suos esse rationabilitèr monstrare poterant ipsos quietos Concedo Et si Vicecomes meus aut aliquis Serviens in Curiâ meâ aliquem Hominum suorum inculpaverit Per Thiertnic se defendere poterit proptèr Shirife-Tooth quod reddunt nisi Secta eum sequatur Concedo etià m eis quietantiam de Garbis Oblationibus quas Servientes mei Bedelli exigere solebant Et quòd si aliquis Judex aut Sectarius Hundredi aut Comitatus in Curiâ meâ Misericordiam inciderit per duos solidos quietus sit Judex de Misericordiâ Sectarius per duodecem denarios Concedo etià m eis libertatem assertandi terras suas infrà divisas Agriculturae suae in Forestâ Et si Landa aut Terra infra divisas villae suae fuerit quae priùs culta fuit ubi nemus non crescat Liceat eis illam colere sinè herbergatione Et liceat eis Housbote Haybote in nemore suo Capere de omni genere Bosci sinè visu Forestarii Et mortuum suum Boscum dare aut vendere cui voluerint Et Homines eorum non implacitentur de Forestâ de superdicto nisi cùm manuopere inveniantur Et unusquisque omnia Maneria sua Dominica in Comitatu Hundredo per unum Seneschallum praesentem defendere possit Concedo etià m quòd mortuo viro Uxor sua per quadraginta dies pacem habeat in Domo suâ haeres suus si aetatem habuerit per rationabile relevium haereditatem suam habeat scilicèt feodum militis per centum solidos neque Domina neque Haeres maritetur ubi disparagetur sed per gratum assensum Generis sui maritetur Et eorum Legata teneantur Et nullus eorum nativum suum amittat occasione si in Civitate Cestriae venerit nisi ibi manserit per unum annum unum diem sinè Calumniâ Et proptèr grave Servitium quod in Cestershiria faciunt nullus eorum extrà Limam Servitium mihi faciat nisi per Gratum suum ad Custum meum Et si milites mei de Anglia Summoniti fuerint qui mihi Wardam apud Cestriam debent venti sunt ad Wardam suam faciendam exercitus aliundè inimicorum meorum non sit in praesenti nèc opus fuerit benè liceat Baronibus meis interìm ad Domos suas redire requiescere Et si exercitus inimicorum meorum promptus fuerit de veniendo in Terram meam in Cestershire vel si Castellum assessum fuerit praedicti Barones cùm toto exercitu suo avisu suo statìm ad Summonitionem meam venient ad removendum exercitum illum ad posse suum Et cùm exercitus ille de Terrâ meâ recessus fuerit praedicti Barones cùm exercitu suo ad Terras suas redire poterint quiescere dùm
Dutton to the said John And all the rest of Hatton Lands he continued and gave to Raufe Dutton Lib. C. fol. 168. b. John Dutton of Dutton died the thirtieth day of January 6 Jacobi 1608. at Dutton Obiit 1608 aged seventy Years See the Office taken 7 Jacobi XX. Thomas Dutton of Dutton Esquire Son and Heir of John married Thomasin Daughter of Roger Anderton younger Brother of Anderton of Anderton in Lancashire and Widow to John Singleton of Stany in Lancashire by whom he had Issue John Dutton who married Elizabeth eldest Daughter and Coheir of Sir Thomas Egerton late Son of Sir Thomas Egerton Lord Chancellor of England 3 Jacobi 1605. Lib. C. fol. 163. bb But this John died without Issue the ninth day of February 6 Jacobi 1608. at Tarvin in the Life-time of Thomas his Father Also Elinour a Daughter who became sole Heir to her Father This Thomas Dutton of Dutton was Sheriff of Cheshire 1611. 9 Jacobi and died 1614. 12 Jacobi aged forty six Years Lib. C. fol. 163. dd ee Elinour his Daughter and Heir being then aged eighteen Years Thomasin his Widow afterwards married Sir Anthony St. John younger Brother to the Earl of Bolingbroke but had no Issue by him She was second Wife to Sir Anthony and he was third Husband to her XXI Elinour sole Daughter and Heir of Thomas Dutton married Gilbert Gerard Son and Heir of Thomas Gerard Lord Gerard of Gerards-Bromley in Staffordshire 7 Jacobi 1609. she being then but thirteen Years old Lib. C. fol. 163. cc. Gilbert was afterwards Sir Gilbert Gerard Knight of the Bath 30 Maii 1610. at the Creation of Henry eldest Son of King James into the Title of Prince of Wales and Earl of Chester And after the death of Thomas Lord Gerard his Father he was then Gilbert Lord Gerard 1618. and had Issue Dutton Lord Gerard and Thomas who died in his Infancy Also Alice eldest Daughter born in Chester 12 Junii and Baptized 18 Junii 1615. She married Roger Owen Son and Heir of Sir William Owen of Cundor in Shropshire who died 1660. and Alice his Wife after married Henry Heylyn of Oxfordshire 1663. Nephew to Dr. Peter Heylyn Frances second Daughter married Robert Nedham Son and Heir of Robert Viscount Kilmorcy by whom he had onely one Child called Elinour which died young 1643. Frances was Buried at Great Budworth 25 Maii 1636. she died in Child-bed And Elizabeth third Daughter born at Gerards-Bromley in Staffordshire Anno Christi 1620. married Peter Leycester of Nether-Tabley in Cheshire Esquire 6 Novembris 1642. afterwards Sir Peter Leycester Baronet 1660. the Author of this Book After the Death of Gilbert Lord Gerard who died 1622. Elinour his Lady married Robert Nedham of Shenton in Shropshire Viscount Kilmorey in Ireland She was second Wife of Robert and had Issue by him Charles Nedham afterwards Lord Kilmorey who died at London 1660. George second Son died at Chester without Issue 1644. Thomas Nedham third Son now living 1669. Arthur another Son died an Infant over-laid by his Nurse Anne died in her Infancy Elinour first married Peter Warburton Heir to Arley Estate 1638. she was then but eleven Years old But Peter dying without Issue and under Age of the Small Pox at Oxford Anno 1641. she married afterwards John Lord Byron of Newstede in Nottinghamshire Anno 1644. then Governor of Chester who died in France without any Issue by her Anno 1652. This Elinour a Person of such comely Carriage and Presence Handsomness sweet Disposition Honour and general Repute in the World that she hath scarce left her Equal behind died at Chester the twenty sixth day of January 1663. about the Age of thirty six Years and was Buried in Trinity Church in that City Susan third Daughter married Richard scriven of Frodsley in Shropshire Esquire 1652. She died in August 1667. at Frodsley Katharine the fourth Daughter died unmarried at Dutton 11 Martii being Sunday 1665. Mary fifth Daughter now living and unmarried 1669. Penelope sixth Daughter married Randle Egerton of Betley in Staffordshire Esquire 1653. Dorothy seventh Daughter died unmarried at London in June 1669. And Elizabeth youngest Daughter now living and unmarried 1669. Robert Viscount Kilmorey died at Dutton 12 Septembris 1653. So that the Lady Elinour Kilmorey survived both her Husbands in whose Custody Hudard's Sword as Tradition hath it now remains whereof I made mention in the beginning This Lady Elinour died at Dutton the twelfth day of March 1665. aged sixty nine Years and her Daughter Katharine also dying at Dutton the day before were both Interred at Great Budworth together on the Fryday following being the sixteenth day of March 1665. So ended the Family of Dutton of Dutton Gropenhale THis Town of Gropenhale in the Conqueror's Time belonged to Osbern Son of Tezzon Ancestor to the Boydells of Dodleston in this County Afterwards it seems to be given to William Son of Samson who released the same to Hugh Boydell about the Reign of Richard the First in these words Ex Chartulis Thomae Merbury de Merbury de Merbury juxta Great Budworth Armigeri 1666. Notum sit Ego Willielmus Filius Samsonis dedi omnino relaxavi Domino meo Hugoni de Boydell pro defectu Servitii sui quod retrò est Gropenhale cùm omnibus pertinentiis suis in Bosco Plano c. Salvo forinseco scilicèt dimidiâ Parte trium Partium de Feodo unius Militis Et pro hâc Donatione meâ Dictus Hugo de Boydele Dominus meus valentiam trium Marcarum mihi donavit Testibus Radulpho de Manwaringe tùnc Justiciarto Cestriae Hamone de Massy c. Lib. C. fol. 280. bb After this Sir John Boydell in the Reign of Edward the First gives Caterich a certain Place in Gropenhale unto Robert his younger Son who granted the same to Thomas Son of Sir Hugh Dutton of Dutton but Thomas Dutton releaseth it unto William Son of Sir William Boydell of Dodleston 16 Edw. 3. 1342. Lib. C. fol. 280. cc. 6 Edw. 2. the King granted to William Boydele liberam Warrennam in Dominicis Terris suis de Dodleston Gropenhale Lachford Lib. C. fol. 282. r. This William Boydell married Maud Daughter of Raufe Vernon and had Issue Raufe Boydell who died without Issue and so the Inheritance of Boydell was shared by the two Sisters and Co-heirs of William Boydell aforesaid to wit Margaret Wife of Owen Voil a Welshman and Joan Wife of Sir John Danyell of Gropenhale younger Son of Thomas Danyers of Bradley in Appleton senior and afterwards Heir to his Father Howel ap Owen Voil released to Sir John and Joan all his Purparty of Gropenhale-Wood 25 Edw. 3. Lib. C. fol. 291. f. The Original hereof is now among the Evidences of Legh of Lime 1666. 42 Edw. 3. Sir John and Joan Levied a Fine of the Mannor of Gropenhale To remain to the Heirs Males of the said John and Joan and if Sir John had no Heir by Joan then
one half of Gropenhale should revert to the Heirs of Sir John and the other half to the Heirs of Joan. Lib. C. fol. 242. v. fol. 290. a. Sir John Daniell had Issue by Joan a Daughter and Heir called Nicolaa Mother of Margaret Wife of Alan de Rixton in Lancashire which Margaret dying without Issue 6 Rich. 2. Margaret the Wife of John Savage of Clifton Daughter and Heir of Sir Thomas Daniell of Bradley the younger elder Brother of the said Sir John Daniell had the Purpart of the said Lands as one of the Heirs of Margaret late Wife of Alan de Rixton 9 Rich. 2. And Thomas Boydell Son of William sir-named Boydell Son of Howell Son of Margaret Sister of Joan Mother of Nicolaa was the other Heir Lib. C. fol. 290. c. whose Land was after divided as anon shall appear Margaret Wife of John Savage afterwards married Piers Legh of Maxfield 1388. 12 Rich. 2. younger Son of Robert Legh of Adlington and she gave unto Peter Legh of Lyme her Son the Moiety of Gropenhale 4 Hen. 4. in her Widowhood which she had as Heir to Margaret late Wife of Alan de Rixton from whom the Leghs of Lime now Lord of the moiety of Gropenhale 1666. Lib. C. fol. 290. d. The Originals Penes Legh of Lime The other Moiety of Gropenhale descending to Thomas Boydell aforesaid Ex Chartulis Merbury de Merbury juxta Great Budworth came to the Part of Hugh Reddish of Caterich younger Son of Reddish of Reddish in Lancashire in Right of Margaret his Wife Daughter and Co-heir of Thomas Boydell by Partition made of all Thomas Boydell's Lands 5 Hen. 5. Lib. C. fol. 282. I. Isabell the other Daughter and Co-heir of Thomas Boydell married John Alburgham whose Son Gilbert had also two Daughters and Heirs Constance Wife of Henry Byrom of Byrom in Lancashire and Isabel Wife of James Holte 3 Hen. 7. The Part belonging to Reddish of Caterich came to William Merbury of Merbury Esq in Right of Maud his Wife Daughter and Heir of Thomas Reddish of Caterich in Gropenhale Anno 1556. Lib. C. fol. 284. P. whose Heirs have ever since enjoyed the same to this present 1666. In this Township hath been anciently and yet is a Parish-Church Dedicated to St. Wilfrid whose Feast of Dedication was usually Celebrated the twelfth day of October yearly and hath onely two Townships in its Parish to wit  The Mize  l. s. d. Gropenhale 00 14 00 Lachford 00 10 00  01 04 00 I find Gropenhale Church was a Rectory in the Reign of Henry the Third Lib. C. fol. 283. x. and had then the Boydells of Dodleston for its Patron who were Lords of Gropenhale and Lachford both But now Byrom of Byrom in Lancashire hath the Advowson hereof 1666. Sir William Boydell of Dodleston built a Chappel in this Church wherein William Boydell his Son and Heir swore to find an honest Chaplain to pray for the Souls of the said Sir William and Nicolaa his Wife for evermore 8 Edw. 3. 1334. She was Daughter of William de Doncaster Lib. C. fol. 285. d. e. Charterers now in Gropenhale 1666. 1. John Middlehurst 2. William Morris of Gropenhale 3. Richard Davys 4. Thomas Blackborne of Lachford now hath got half of Davys's Land Hale THis Township of Hale was held by Hamon Massy in the Conqueror's Time as appears by Doomsday-book So that it is anciently of the Fee of the Barons of Dunham-Massy In this Town were Seated the Massies of Hale anciently who were propagated Originally out of the Massies of Dunham-Massy which Family continued for many Ages but is now extinct 3 Hen. 4. there were fourteen Free-holders or Charterers in Hale At this day 1666. there are twenty three Free-holders The Lord Delamere is now Chief Lord of the one Moiety of Hale and John Crew of Crew Esquire is Chief Lord of the other Moiety Here is a Hamlet in Hale called Ringey wherein is situated a Chappel of Ease called Ringey-Chappel within the Parish of Bowdon of which I have little to say save that it was much frequented in the late War by Schismatical Ministers and as it were a Receptacle for Non-Conformists in which dissolute Times every Pragmatical Illiterate Person as the Humor served him stepp'd into the Pulpit without any Lawful Calling thereunto or Licence of Authority Halton THis Town in common Pronunciation is called Hauton and is as much as A Town upon a Hill for Hawe and Howe is an old English word for A Hill Howbeit in our Norman way of Writing it is usually written Halton in Doomsday-book it is written Heletune Here is yearly a Fair kept on the Feast of the Nativity of St. Mary which is the eighth day of September and hath been very anciently for I find it mentioned in an Old Deed made towards the latter end of the Reign of Henry the Third Lib. C. fol. 164. b. It is now a poor Town or Village and the Inhabitants that have any Lands of Inheritance there are all Copy-holders to the King as Baron of Halton save two small Cottages now 1666. in possession of John Jackson and Richard Jennings which are of the Fee of St. John of Hierusalem The Castle was built by the Barons of Halton presently after the Norman Conquest and by degrees Repaired and Enlarged who being Seated here flourished for a long time and were Constables of Cheshire in Fee that is to them and their Heirs by Descent as it were after the manner of Lord High Constables of England so were the Barons of Halton to the Earls of Chester and in their Ancient Charters did always stile themselves by the Title of Constabularius Cestriae Constables of Cheshire and were the Highest in Place and Dignity next to the Earl himself and above all the other Barons of Cheshire In the Reign of Henry the Third their Posterity became Earls of Lincoln And upon the Death of Henry Lacy Earl of Lincoln 1310. all his Lands and Honors came to the Earl of Lancaster with Alice his Daughter and Heir in Marriage And at last Henry of Bolingbroke Son of John of Gaunt Duke of Lancaster was so Great a Subject and so Popular that he drew unto his Part most of the Nobility of England and thereby most Traiterously and Rebelliously Deposed Richard the Second and made himself King of England by the Name of Henry the Fourth So was the Barony of Halton annexed to the Crown All which will better appear by the following History of these Eminent Barons of Halton till this Barony came to the Crown In this Town of Halton was formerly a Chappel of Ease within the Parish of Runcorne situated near to the Castle as I well remember the same 1625. But it is now totally in decay 1666. Barons of Halton This Nigell if we may believe Pecham in his Compleat Gentleman pag. 189. was the Son of Ivo Vice-Comes or Governor of Constantia in Normandy by Emme Sister to Adam Earl of Bretagne
8. John Bentley of the Hole in Mere. 9. George Bentley of Mere-Heys 10. William Grantham of Mere a small Parcel 11. Edward Allen of Rosthorne one small Tenement in Mere. 12 John Barker of Little-Legh one small Tenement in Mere. Middleton-Grange THis is but one Farm so called lying in Aston juxtà Sutton Vide suprà in Aston juxtà Sutton Millington IN the Time of William the Conqueror William Son of Nigell Baron of Halton held Millington in Bucklow-Hundred So we read in Doomsday-book John Constable of Cheshire and Baron of Halton in the Reign of Henry the Second gave to Wrono of Stretton half of Millington to wit that which he had in his Demain Rendring yearly a little Irish Nag called A Hobby at Midsommer Whereunto Hugh Dutton and Adam his Son with several others were Witnesses Lib. C. fol. 154. c. out of Vernon's Notes Whereby it should seem he had then but half of Millington in his Fee if these Words Quam habuit in Dominico suo be understood of his Fee Unless Dominico here be understood of his Demain or in his own Hands not given away from him as the other Moiety was which very probably is so meant here For Hugh de Millington being seised of Lands here before the Grant made by John Constable to Wrono de Strettonâ gives unto Wrono Punterling called also Wrono de Stretton duas Bovatas Terrae in Millington Faciendo Servitium Forense quantum pertinet aliis duabus Bovatis undè octo Bovatae faciunt octavam partem Militis in eâdem Villâ Hiis Testibus Hugone de Duttonâ Adâ Filio suo Ranulfo Filio Gilberti Gilberto Filio suo Tobaldo Avunculo Comitis Hereberto de Punterling Liulfo de Twamlow Ranulfo de Davenham omni Hundredo Haltonae Which John Constable also confirmed Lib. C. fol. 273. num 1 2. The Originals Penès Millington of Millington 1666. So the Office of John Millington of Millington 37 Elizabethae finds he held one half of Millington of the Honour of Halton by the eighth part of a Knights Fee and the other half of Millington he held of the Honour of Halton in Soccage by the yearly Rent of two Shillings Possibly the yearly Rent in tract of time might be continued in lieu of the Irish Hobby aforesaid But to return Certain it is That Aytrop de Millington whom I take to be the Son of Hugh married Christian Daughter and Heir of Wrono de Stretton aforesaid about the Reign of Henry the Second Lib. B. pag. 200. num 6. and so he came to be possessed of all Millington This Town gave Sir-name to the Family of the Millingtons Seated here near to the Time of the Conqueror A very ancient Family of Gentlemen and continuing at this day William Millington of Millington Gentleman being now Owner thereof 1664. He died in June 1666. Aytrop de Millington Son of the first Aytrop as I take it gave unto Robert Blund of Bexton pro finali Concordiâ intèr nos factâ de fine Duelli unam dimidiam Bovatam Terrae in Villâ de Mulinton Rendring three Pence at Martlemas yearly Philip Orreby being then Judge of Chester c. sub initio Hen. 3. Lib. C. fol. 274. num 6. The Original in possession of Millington of Millington Charterers in Millington 1666. 1. The Lord Delamere of Dunham-Massy Two Tenements bought from Millington 2. Venables of Agden one Tenement in possession of Hugh Gandy but part of Gandy's Tenement lieth in Agden That Parcel lying in Millington was given by Aytrop de Millington to the Priory of Norton about King John's Time Lib. B. pag. 200. num 6. Afterwards scilicèt 1329. Robert de Millington bought it of Agnes Daughter of William de la Booths and sold it to William de Aketon or Agden from whom it descended to Venables of Agden 3. Geffrey Cartwright Gentleman hath lately bought the Shaw-house in Millington from Millington of Millington Mobberley MObberley-Church was Dedicated to St. Wilfrid a Holy Archbishop of York who died Anno Domini 708.4 Idus Octobris Bede de Hist Angliae lib. 5. cap. 20. ad finem And Mobberley-Wakes were formerly Celebrated on the twelfth day of October though at this day those Dedication-Feasts are not so strictly observed Mr. Mallory of Mobberley is now Patron hereof and this Rectory is conceived to be fully worth 120 l. per Annum This Parish onely comprehendeth the Township of Mobberley which is 1 l. 18 s. 00 d. in the Mize-book I find in Monasticon the second Volume pag. 320. That one Patrick de Mobberley Founded here a small Priory of Regular Canons of the Order of St. Augustine in Honour of God the Virgin Mary and St. Wilfrid to abide and dwell for ever in the Church of Mobberley whereunto he gave all that half of the Church of Mobberley with its Appurtenances which belonged to his Grant so as the Parsons of the other half of the Church of Mobberley which was not of his Grant might challenge no Right in the said Tenements And he Constituted one Walter a Canon the first Prior thereof This was in the beginning of King John's Reign about Anno Domini 1206. By the half of the Church of Mobberley seems to be included here the half of the Mannor of Mobberley for in the end of the Grant is Liberty given to keep Courts there as freely as ever the said Patrick kept the same But not long after Patrick was Convented before Randle Blundevill Earl of Chester as appears by this Inrolment following a Copy whereof I received from old John Booth of Twamlow PAtricius de Mobberley Conventus à Johanne Filio Augustini de Brethmete Fratris sui Primogeniti in pleno Comitatu Cestriae corà m Domino Comite Ranulpho Philippo de Orreby tùnc Justiciario Cestriae Cognovit se nihil Juris Haereditarii habuisse in illâ medietate de Mobberley quam tenebat nisi tantùm in vitâ suâ ex permissione Fratris sui Augustini Primogeniti sicùt pleniùs continetur in Cheirographo intèr memorato Augustinum Patricium Fratres habito Et cùm saepè dictus Augustinus tùnc viam Universitatis ingressus fuit memoratus Johannes ejus Filius Haeres seizinam praefatae Terrae recuperavit Homagium suum fecit indè Domino Ricardo de Aldford qui ei fecit Chartam suam Confirmationis quam tamèn Terram praefatus Patricius tenebat in vitâ suâ de ipso Johanne ex permissione ipsius Johannis Nepotis sui Et sicut praemonstratum est à Domino Ranulpho dicto Johanni per Chartam suam confirmata est irrotulatur in testimonium veritatis There was a Doomsday-book in our Exchequer at Chester formerly wherein many Deeds and Records were Enrolled but this Book of Record is now lost I suppose this Priory continued not long the said Patrick having no further Estate in the half of Mobberley than onely for his Life The Advowson of the whole Church was Invested in the Heirs of
Father died take the Authority of Ordericus lib. 10. pag. 787. Richardus autem pulcherrimus Puer amabilis omnibus Consulatum Cestriae scilicèt tenuit II. He Married Maude Daughter of Stephen Earl of Bloys in France by his Wife Adela Daughter of William the Conqueror and had no sooner tasted the Pleasures of his Marriage Bed but he with his young Countess were by the churlish Waves not onely prohibited their mutual Love Embraces and hopes of future Posterity to succeed them but were deprived of their Lives also as they were Sailing for England Anno Domini 1119. Ordericus pag. 787. So that he was about the Age of twenty five years when he was drowned Milles in his Catalogue of Honour hath clearly mistaken the Name of this Earl's Wife calling her Lucy in stead of Maude vouching no Authority a gross Absurdity in a Herald III. But because this lamentable Accident is memorable for the destructive influence it had upon many of the Nobility of England I will collect the whole Story out of Ordericus and as briefly as I may lib. 12. pag. 868 869 870. The Master of the Ship was Thomas the Son of Stephen who came to King Henry the First then in Normandy and ready to take Shipping for England and offered him a Mark of Gold in elder Ages valued at six Pound in Silver Rot. Mag. Pipae de Anno 1 Hen. 2. and as others say ten Marks of Silver 6 l. 13 s. 4 d. desiring that as Stephen his Father had Transported the Conqueror when he Fought against King Harold in England and was his constant Mariner in all his Passages between England and Normandy so that he himself likewise might now have the Transportation of King Henry with all his Attendance as it were in Fee for he had a very good Ship called Candida Navis or The White Ship well furnished for that purpose The King thanked him but withal told him he had already made choice of another Ship which he would not change yet he would commend him to his two Sons William and Richard with many others of his Nobility whereat the Mariners much rejoiced and desired the Prince to bestow some Wine upon them to drink He gave them Tres Modios Vini three Hogsheads of Wine wherewith they made themselves sufficiently Drunk There were almost three hundred in this unfortunate Ship for there were fifty skilful Oars or Galleymen had they not been intoxicated with Wine which belonged to the Ship besides the young Gallants which were to be Transported but now being neither able to govern themselves nor the Ship they suffered it to be split on a Rock and so all were drowned except one Beâ—olde a Butcher of Roan in Normandy who was took up the next Morning by three Fishermen into their Boat after a cold frosty Nights Shipwrack and with much ado recovered and lived twenty years after There were saith Hoveden in this Ship Militaris numeri 140. Nautarum 50. cùm tribus Gubernatoribus with many Noblemen and Women The Names of the more eminent Persons who then perished of whom Huntington thus Omnes velferè Omnes Sodomiticâ labe dicebantur irretiti I have here collected out of Ordericus viz. pag. 869. William and Richard two Sons of King Henry the First Rafe Rufus and Gilbert de Oximis pag. 870. Maude Daughter of Henry the First Wife of Rotron Earl of Morton Richard Earl of Chester juvenis multâ probitate benignitate laudabilis with Maude his Wife Sister to Tedbald Earl Palatine of Blois Othuerus also Brother to Richard Hugonis Cestriae Comitis filius Tutor Regiae Prolis Paedagogus ut fertur dùm repentina fieret ratis Subversio nobiliumque irreparabilis dimersio adolescentulum meaning Richard Earl of Chester illicò amplexatus est cùm ipso in profundum irremeabilitèr prolapsus est also Theodoricus Puer Henrici Nepos Imperatoris Almannorum also two brave Sons of Ivo de Grentemaisnill and William of Rothelent their Cosin who by the King's Command were coming to receive their Father's Inheritances in England William sirnamed Bigod with William de Prior the King's Steward Geffrey Ridell and Hugh de Molinis Robert Malconductus or Malduit and Nequam Gisulfus Semba Regis aliique plures multae ingenuitatis And in Page 649. he names two more Engenulfe and Goisfred Sons of Gilbert de Aquilâ And in Stowe we find named Walter de Curcy and Geffrey Archdeacon of Hereford in all 160 Persons Of which Shipwrack an excellent Rhimer of those Times composed these Verses Ordericus pag. 869. Accidit Hora gravis Thomaequè miserrima navis quà m malè rect aterit rupe Soluta perit Flebilis Eventus dùm nobilis illa Juventus est immersa mari Perditione pari Jactatur Pelago Regum Generosa Propago quosque Duces plorant monstra marina vorant O Dolor immensus nec Nobilitas nequè Census ad vitam revocat quos maris unda necat Purpura cùm bysso liquido putrescit abysso Rex quoquè quem genuit Piscibus Esca fuit Sic sibi fidentes ludit fortuna Potentes nunc dat nunc demit hinc levat indè premit Quid numerus Procerum quia Opes quid Gloria Rerum quid Guillelme tibi forma valebat ibi Marcuit ille Decor Regalis abstulit aequor quod factâ—s fueras quodque futurus eras Inter Aquas istis instat Damnatio tristis nî Pietas gratìs caelica parcat eis Corporibus mersis animae si dona Salutis nactae gauderent moesta procul fierent Certa salus animae verùm dat tripudiare his benè qui charos Commemorant Proprios Hinc Dolor est ingens humana quòd inscia fit mens An Requies sit eis quos capit uda Thetis The Place or Haven where they took Shipping is called Barbaflat that is Harefleet in Normandy the time 7 Calend. Decemb. 1119. So Ordericus But Hoveden Huntington Paris and Judicious Cambden do all place it in Anno 1120. Hoveden expresseth the very Day of the Week Anno 1120. in Scopulos dictos Chaterase fracta est Navis 6 Calendas Decembris feriâ quintâ noctis initio apud Barbefleet where he computes the Night to the Day following Ordericus to the Day past IV. I cannot but take notice here of the Printer's Error in Ordericus as it is set out by Andrew du Chesne with other Authors and Printed 1619. We read Page 787. Ricardus autem pulcherrimus Puer quem Solum ex Ermentrude filiâ Hugonis de Claromonte genuit Consulatum ejus ferè 12 annis Amabilis omnibus tenuit where the number 12 should have been 19. for if this place be conferred with Page 870. then Richard by exact computation out of Ordericus was Earl of Chester just eighteen Years and four Months But if you place the time of this Shipwrack in Anno 1120. as most Authors do then must he have held the Earldom nineteen Years and four Months I shall close all concerning this Earl with