although it sufficed not to bear out any bad attempt of his own as my Author observeth yet was it of force to cross the evill purposes of others and therefore speeches were cast out that he caused himself to be proclaimed King in divers Counties and much more layd in charge against him by Northumberland's contrivance who when he came to his tryall was one of his Peers upon which Triall though they acquitted him of Treason yet did they find him guilty of Felony whereupon he had Judgment to be hang'd never remembring to crave the benefit of his Clergy which is by some observ'd to be a just Judgment of God upon him for having so much wronged the Church and all learning and had his head smitten off upon a scaffold on Tower-hill After this 't was not long ere infirmities seized upon the King from whom Northumb. was little absent to ordering the matter that whil'st he languish't Guilford Dudley his 4. son did marry with the Lady Iane Grey eldest daughter to Henry Duke of Suff. by Frances daughter to Mary second sister to King H. 8. and that a Patent was sealed for the said Lady Iane's succession to the Crown for drawing whereof in excâ—uding his two sisters with fair pretences the assistance of the Lord chief Justice Mountagu and Secretary Cecill was used which Letter 's were subscribed by alâ— the Privy Councell the greatest part both for number and power of the Nobility the Kings learned Councell and all the Judges at the Common Law except Sir Iames Hales one of the Justices of the Common Pleas some being guided with particular interest for that they were possest of so much Monastery and Chantry lands which if Religion should be altered through Qu. Maryes coming to the Crown they might be in danger to loose and others by fear of or obligation to the Duke of Northumberland then so potent and almost absolute in government of the State that 't was supposed he could make any title good either by his authority or his sword And having now thus designed to himself the power of a King for no less would he have had if the Lady Iane had been Queen he contrived to get the Lady Mary into his hands causing K. Edw. to write his Letters for her coming to him in his sickness but she being made sensible of the device when she was within half a days journey of London directed her course another way after which the King immediatly dyed whereupon Northumb. causes the Lady Iane to be proclaimed Queen but the tide of the peoples affections bending to Mary the Kings eldest sister she is likewise proclaimed first by the Citizens of Norwich and afterwards in Buck. and Northampton-shires neither was there want of numbers in severall parts that began to put themselves in Armes on her behalf So that 't was no sitting still now Northumberland therefore being Queen Iane's Champion with a Commission under the great Seal marcheth out with 600. Horse to suppress any power that should appear for Queen Mary having a promise from the Lords of more forces to be sent after him but such a change did he perceive in the affections of his own Souldiers whereof many forsook himâ— that to daub up the matter he returns to Cambridge and there without either Herauld or Trumpet accompanyed with the Maior and Marquess of Northampton proclaimes Queen Mary himself in the Market-place and in token of joy threw up his Cap. All which would not now secure him for the very next day the Earl of Arundell coming thithither from the Queen arrested him of Treason whence he was with his three sons Iohn Ambrose and Henry convey'd to the Tower of London and from that place ere long to his arraignment where being condemn'd for a Traitor he suffered death at Tower-hill the 22. of Aug. and was buried in the Tower Church by Iohn Cock then Lancaster-Herauld who having been his old servant was willing to shew some respect to him dead from whom living he had received so much favour and therefore begg'd his Head onely of the Queen that he might bury it in the Tower upon which suit he had his wholy body also granted Our Historians that write of his death do say that at his end he profest the Roman Religion and I have heard that for a witness of his Faith he vouch't Dr. Heath Archbishop of York afterwards Lord Chancelour yet was he so much blinded by ambition that apprehending the alteration of Religion to be the chief means whereby he might accomplish his worldly ends he told Sir Anthony Brown afterward Visc Mountacute when he moved him for restoring the Roman Religion â—hat albeit he knew the same Religion to be true yet seeing a new Religion was begun Run Dog run Devill he would go forwards One thing have I further to observe of him which is that being arrived to such a pitch of honour and greatness he was not content with those vast possessions that he had by the bounty of the K. and his own just acquisition but finding Iohn Lord Dudley grandfather to the last Baron to be a weak man whereby he had exposed himself to some wants and so became entangled within the Usurers bonds made those money-merchants his Instruments to work him out of Dudley-Castle which Usurers accordingly getting a mortgage of part of his lands let in such room for the Duke to put in a foot that he soon justled him out of his Castle and Barony so that the poor Lord being thus turn'd out of dore and left to the Charity of his friends for a subsistence spent the rest of his days in making visits amongst them with whom he usually stayed according as he found welcome being commonly called the Lord Quondam but so soon as Queen Mary had taken off the Dukes head she bestowed the Castle of Dudley and all the lands which belong'd to the quondam Lord upon Edward his son and heir who had wedded Katherine Bridges daughter to Sir Iohn Bridges Knight Lord Chandois one of her maids of Honour During the time that this our Earl of Warwick was so possest of Dudley-Castle it being a place that he thirsted after in regard of his name and for the honourableness of the House and seat from which he was desirous the world should believe he was descended for he had thrust into his titles Dux Northumbriae Comes Warwici Mareschallus Angliae Vâ—cecomes L'isle Baro de Somery Basset Tyase Dominus de Dudley praenobilis Ordinis Garterii miles Magnus Magister Seneschallus Hospitii regis he made great repairs there and built that stately fabrick within the walls thereof on the North part which was called the New work adorn'd the Gate-house tower with the Armes of Malpas Someri and the Lyon rampant by him assumed for Sutton's coat fairly cut in large shields of stone and fixt in the wall just over the Port cullice By Iane daughter and
one of the two Justices for conservation of the Peace in this Shire as also for putting in execution the Articles contained in the Statute of Winchester In 19 E. 3. he was in Commission for arraying of men in this County and the next year following being of the retinue unto Thomas de Beauchamp Earl of Warwick at such time as the said Earl was in France and got that great honour by his valiant atchievements in the battail of Cressy and elswhere as in my story of him is shewed he bore for his Armes Or frettè sable The time of his death I do not certainly find but to him succeeded Thomas his son and heâ—r who past away his interest in this Mannour in 44 E. 3. to Alice Perers of whom our Historians make much mention in regard she was Concubine to King E. 3. Which Alice being banisht by authority of Parliament in 1 R. 2. and all her estate confiscate it was seized into the Kings hands and committed to the custody of Iohn Spenser But in 3 R. 2. she being then wedded to Sir William Windsor Kt. the King out of the singular respects that he bore towards the said Sir William for his many notable services and especially because he was at that time retained by Indenture to serve him in his Warrs with CC. men at Armes and CC. Archers under the conduct of Thomas de Wodstoke then Earl of Buck. the Kings Uncle for the expedition of Britanny in which the said Earl was to be Generall by his Letters Patent bearing date at Westminster 15. Martii wherein he reciteth that the said Alice whilst she was single purchased the third part of this Mannour in possession and two parts thereof in reversion after the death of Alice the widow of Sir Iohn Murdak Knight granted it unto the same Sir William Windsor and his heirs for ever Which Sir William dying without issue male his daughters became his heirs whereof Ioan the elder marryed to Robert Skerne of Kingston upon Thames in whose right the said Robert became possest thereof and to strengthen his title therein obtained a Release from Arnold Murdak brother and heir of Thomas Murdak son to the above-mentioned Sir Thomas bearing date 10 Febr. 6 H. 4. as was necessary for I find that there had been an Entail thereof made by the said Sir Thomas in in 37 E. 3. Which Robert in 3 H. 6. did his homage to Richard Beauchamp then Earl of Warwick for those lands held by him here of that Earl by Knights service But long it was not that Skerne continued possest thereof though how it came to passe or the direct time when he parted with it I have not seen For certain it is that about 20 H. 6. Richard Verney Esquire afterward Knight possest itâ— and built a great part of the House as it now standeth wherein besides his own Armes with marches he then set up in a fair Canton window towards the upper end of the Hall the Armes of King H. 6. Queen Margaret Hâ—mfrey Earl of Stafford afterwards created Duke of Buck. Henry Beauchamp Duke of Warwick and the Lord Zouch with some others in such sort as they are represented in the foregoing page by which it appeareth that he was one of those that adhered to the House of Lancaster This Richard Verney was the son of Iohn Verney but whence I cannot tell yet I find one Iohn Verney Eschaetor in Worcester-shire 17 H. 6. So also a Robert Verney who held half a Knights fee in great Wolford of the Baron of Stafford in 46 E. 3. and had issue William his son and heir Lâ—kewise Richard Verney of Wolverton Esquier in 12 H. 6. yet am I not sure what relation any of these had to him Most probable it is that these Verneys of Compton are sprung from Simon de Vernai who in K. Richard the first 's time wedded Agnes the sister of Hervey Bagot progenitor to the Barons of Stafford for amongst the evidences of this Family I have seen a grant of certain lands in Bromshull in Com. Staff by the said Hervey Bagot to the above specified Simon with Agnes his sister in Frank marriage but how to trace down the descent from that Simon to the said Richard passes my skill except I had more light from Record or private evidence But till 21 H. 6. I find nothing of this Richard howbeit then it appears that he began to have publique imployment in this County viz. in Commission for conservation of the Peace from that time till 14 E. 4. except for the six first years of E. 4. reign being also a Commissioner of Array in 38 H. 6. and in 39 H. 6. a Knight Which Richard departed this life in 5 H. 7. leaving Edmund his son and heir 49. years of age who had speciall Letters of Protection from Thomas Lord Stanley Steward of the Houshold to King E. 4. dated 3. Nov. 8 E. 4. exempting him from being subject to any seizure for his Corn Beeves Muttons or any thing else for the Kings Houshold provision without payment of ready money for the same and bore the office of Eschaetor for this County and Leicester-shire in 21 E. 4. In 2 R. 3. he was in Commission for arraying of men and by his Testament bearing date 24. Feb. anno 1494. 10 H. 7. bequeathed his body to be buried in the Conventuall Church of the Friers-Preachers at Warwick betwixt the Altar of our Lady and the Altar of S. Dominick on the North part appointing that by the care of his Executors a Lamp should be continually maintained burning in the Chancell of that Church before the Host and dyed 26. Feb. the same year leaving issue Richard his son and heir then 30. years of age Which Richard was in that esteem with King H. 8. that being inform'd of some infirmity in his Head he afforded him a speciall License bearing date at Grenewich 2. Ian. 8. of his reign that he should wear his Bonnet at all times and in all places aswell in the said Kings presence as elswhere according to his own pleasure without the interruption of any man whatsoever And by his Testament bearing date 2. Oct. anno 1526. 18 H. 8. bequeathed his body to be buried in the new Chapell on the North side of the Church here at Compton wherein his Monumentall stone with the portraiture of himself his wife and children in brasse are yet to be seen From whom did lineally descend Sir Grevill Verney late of this place Knight a gentleman accomplisht with singular endowments and of a Noble and courteous disposition who left three sons and one daughter as the Pedegree here inserted doth shew From the second of which viz. Richard a person happily qualified with a most ingenious inclination I have received much assistance for rectifying the Map of this Hundred as
are descended as I have already shewed Of which Sir Thomas in respect he had some publique employments of note in this County I shall say something leaving his posterity by Eliz. daughter of Richard Harecourt son of Sir Will. Harecourt Kt. whose cosin and next heire she was seated at Patshull in Staffordshire where they still continue Of which family viz. of Patshull was the famous Iohn de Astley who on the 29. of Aug. Anno 1438. 17. H. 6. maintaining a Duel on Horsback within the street called St. Antoine in Paris against one Peter de Masse a French-man in the presence of Charles the the vii K. of France pierc't the said Peter through the head and had as by the Articles betwixt them was conditioned the Helmet of the said Peter being so vanquish't to present unto his Lady And on the 30. of Ian. 20. H. 6. undertook another fight in Smyth-field within the City of London in the presence of the same K.H. 6. with Sir Philip Boyle an Arragonian Knight who having been in France by the K. his masters command to look out some such hardy person against whom he might try his skill in feats of Armes and missing there of his desires repaired hither After which combate ended being gallantly perform'd on foot with Battail-axes spears swords and daggers he was knighted by the K. and had an annuity of c. marks given him during his life Nay so famous did he grow for his valour that he was elected Knight of the Garter bearing for his Armes the Coats of Astley and Harcourt quarterly with a label of 3. points Ermine as by a very antient MS. book wherein the Ensignes of those Kts. of that honourable order are depicted appeareth But I return to the before specified Sir Will. de Astley eldest son to Thomas founder of the said Coll. Church He was in Commiss for the Peace upon the severall renuings thereof from 17. R. 2. till 6. H. 5. And in 3. H. 4. assigned to enquire concerning the disturbers of the Laws and framers of Lyes In 4. H. 4. for arraying of men In 6. to treat with the people for a loan of money to the K. and left issue one only daughter by whom the inheritance of this great House divolved to the Grey's of Ruthin But before I speak farther thereof I must add a word or two more of this family of the Astley's in reference to them as they were Barons which is that Thomas who was slain in the battail of Evesham is reputed by our Historians so to have been for before 49. H. 3. have we no particular summons to Parliament to distinguish the Barons from other great men But his son Andrew was summoned in 23 24 25 28 32 33 and 34. E. 1. Nicholas in 30. E. 1. as also in 2 and 3. E. 2. And Thomas who founded the Coll. Church in 16.22 and 23. E. 3. as appears by the Records of those times Howbeit William never had summons Which instances do shew that what is now claim'd as due by custome was not so esteem'd in those days To this William succeeded Ioan his daughter and heir first marryed to Thomas Raleigh of Farnborough in this County Which Thomas by his Testament bearing date here at Astley the Wednesday after the feast of St. Luke the Evang. 6. H. 4. bequeath'd his body to be buryed in the Quire of this Coll. Church and ten pounds for performance of his Obit and gave xx marks also to find a Priest to sing Mass for his Soul the space of 3. years He likewise bequeath'd a bowl of silver with a cover to the Lord Astley and to the Lady Ioan his wife a diamond with a silver bowl and cover To every Yeoman servant of that house vi s. viii d. and to every groom iii. s. iiii d. After whose death which hapned at that time as by the Probate of his will appeareth she marryed to Reginald Lord Grey of Ruthin whose posterity by her possest this place for divers generations and were advanced to great honour as I shall shew anon for which respect it will not be amiss to take some notice of this Reginald their common ancestor and whence he sprung He was son of Reginald Lord Grey of Ruthin son of Roger by Elizabeth the Daughter of Iohn Lord Hastings of Bergavenny and Isabel his wife one of the daughters and heirs to Will. Valence Earl of Penbroke by means whereof he became heir to the last Iohn Hastings E. of Penbroke as I shall shew more fully when I come to Fillongley Which Rog. was first summoned to Parliament in 28. E. 1. by the name of Roger de Grey Chivalier but his son Reginald had in all his summons the addition of de Ruthin the Castle of Ruthin being his seat and granted by K. Edw. 1. to Reginald Lord Grey of Wilton his grandfather Betwixt this Reginald who had great possessions in Wales and Owen Glendowr there grew some difference about a Common lying betweeen the Lordship of Ruthin and the Lordship of Glendowr-duy whereof Owen was owner and took his sirname Which Owen during the reign of K. R. 2. was too hard for the Lord Grey being then a servitour in Court to K. Ric. with whom he was at the time of his taking by the D. of Lanc. in the Castle of Flint But after K. Richard's deposall the Lord Grey as better friended than Owen entred upon the Common Whereupon Owen having many friends and followers in his Countrey as those that be great with Princes commonly have put himself in Armes against the Lord Grey whom he meeting in the field overcame and took prisoner spoiling his Lordship of Ruthin so that many resorted to him from all parts of Wales not knowing but that he was in as great favour then as in K. Ric. days others also putting in his head that now the time was come that the Britons by his means might recover again the honour and liberties of their ancestors The Lord Grey therefore thus made priâ—oner was constrain'd to ransom himself at ten thousand marks the King consenting that the Lord Rosse and Willughby with other of his friends and allies should endeavour to raise the said Fine in regard as the Record expresses the King knew him to be a loyal and valiant Kight After which viz. in 9. H. 5. he was retein'd by Indenture to serve the K. in his warrs beyond Sea for half a year with six men at Armesâ— himself accounted one and 18. Archers mounted armed and arrayed according to their severall conditions taking per diem for himself 2. s. and for each of his men at Armes 12. d. with the accustomed reward and 6. d. a piece for his Archers As also to have the benefit of all prisoners they should take excepting Kings Princes or any of the Royall blood and especially Charles the Dauphin of Uiennois or any that murthered
short and round their habit being the same with the Monks saving the scapular which reacheth but a little below the middle and is girt close to them Which Institution by Bruno was in the year 1080. as Polydore affirmeth but others say in ann 1084. Howbeit they observe the Rule of S. Benedict as to their diurnal and nocturnal offices yet have not antiently in any one Covent exceeded the number of xiii persons Into England they were first brought by K. H. 2. in ann 1181. 27 H. 2. who founded a Monastery for them at Witham in Somersetsh whereof Hugh Bishop of Lincoln was the first Prior. But now returning to this in particular I will begin with the time and occasion of its foundation Ordinis Carthusiani Monachus In the year 1381. 5 R. 2. Will. Lord Zouch of Haringworth in Northamptonsh having a desire to found a House of this Order near Coventre in honour of S. Anne obtained from Sir Baldwyn Frevile the elder Kt. 14 acres of land here at Shortley where he purposed to build the House resolving to endow it with sufficient possessions but being the same year prevented by death lying upon his sick bed he appointed that C marks per ann should be paid out of his lands untill his heirs did procure as much in Churches appropriate to be setled thereto Which Legacy his Confessor and others who were then about him thought too large and therefore prevailed with him that it should be no more than lx l. per ann The great affection that he had to the founding of this Monastery occasioned him to procure from the House of Carthusians in London three Monks viz. one Robert Palmer at that time Procurator there and the originall mover in that business Iohn Netherby then Vicar of the same Monastery and Edmund Dalling who accordingly came to Coventre on the Eve of S. Andrew the Apostle and began their abode in the Hermitage of S. Anne In which place associating to themselves three Monks from the Monastery of Beauvale in Notingham-sh and four more who were then newly profest of this Order they continued by the space of seven years But the Lord Zouch departed this life in Lent following whereupon his good intentions and fair beginnings were prosecuted by others For Rich. Luff sometime Mayor of Coventre and Iohn Botoner his fellow Citizen bestowed no less than 400. marks upon the Quire Church and Cloysters with three Cells in the east part next to the Chapter-house and making of seven ponds Iohn Holmeton of Sleford 180. li. towards the structure of the Quire and with xx li. of the goods of Will. Tilney whose Executor he was made the Cell at the West-corner of the Cloyster The fourth Cell on the East side was built by Margery Byri of Newarke who thereupon and for the Books of Isaiah and Ieremie with Coments bestowed xx li. The fift being the utmost on the said East side by the Lady Margerie Tilney of Rotston who gave x. li. also to the making of the East window of the Quire The sixt by Iohn Bokingham B. of Lincoln The seventh next to it on the same side by Thomas Beauchamp E. of Warwick And K. Rich. 2. returning from Scotland in the year 1385. about the Nativity of the blessed Virgin and coming to Coventre on Satturday within the Octaves of that Feast at the speciall instance of Q. Anne his consort with his own hands layd the first-stone of the Church viz. at the East end of the Quire publiquely protesting in the presence of his Nobles as also of the Mayor and Citizens of Coventre that he would be the Founder thereof and bring it to good perfection Neither were others slack in so pious a work For the eight Cell viz. the third on the South side was made with xx li. given as a Legacy thereto by Adam Botoner Citizen of Coventre The ninth next to it by Sir Nigel Loryng Knight at the procurement of Rob. Braybrok B. of London The tenth viz. the first in the West corner out of the goods of Will. Tilney before mentioned The eleventh by Iohn Morton Canon of Lichfeild But further I cannot go in the description of these Cells in regard I have not seene any more of the history of its Foundation Neither should I have delivered thus much but that by the care and affection of my worthy friend Mr. Iohn Langley whose delight and knowledge in Antiquities deserves greater commendation then I can in a few lines express the fragment whence I had this being a Manuscript of two leaves in Parchment and written in R. 2. time was redeemed from utterly perishing having been by some ignorant person made the Cover to a School-boy's Book I shall now therefore proceed with what I have from our publique Records wherein I find that K. Rich. 2. by his Precept bearing date 18. Martii in the said fift year of his raign directed to Sir Baldwin Frevill Kt. Rich. Dodenhale then Major of Coventre and Rich. Luff wherein he expresseth that Iohn Netherbury was assigned Prior of this House so intended to be founded in Shortleyfield within the libertyes of Coventre And declaring the bounds of those 14. acres of land so given by Sir Baldwin Frevill viz. in length from the path-way leading towards London on the East part to the river of Shirburne on the West and in breadth from the common road which goeth towards Warwick on the South part to the Mill called Bushele-milne on the North part doth command that the said Sir Baldwin Richard and Richard shall deliver possession thereof unto the same Prior and Monks Soon after which did the said K. grant license to these Monks that they might obtain advousons of Churches to be appropriated to the value of c. li. per annum over and above what should be assigned for endowment of Vicars in the same And within two years following bestowed on them the advouson of the Church of Walton super Trent in Derby-shire In 9. of his reign he gave them the advouson of the Church of Ecclesfeild in York shire In 13. he granted License to the Monks of S. George at Bauquerville in Normandy that they might settle their mannour or Priory of Edweston in Rutland upon them And in 16. in recompence for the advouson of the Church of Walton before mentioned which he had granted with the Mannour to Iohn Delves esq gave them license to purchase the Priory of Lymberg alias Limbroke in Hereford-shire with the parcells of Curtelyngton and Ashby-Mares together with the advouson of the Vicaridges all which belong'd to the Abby of Aveneye in Normandy Certain it is that the strictness of their Rule begot an exceeding regard towards them from many good people as by the increase of their possessions is evident For in 17. R. 2. they had license to purchase from the Abbot of S. Sergius and Bachus in Normandy the Mannours of Swauseye and Dry-Drayton in
which being then a wast wherein the Inhabitants of Kenilworth had Common in consideration thereof he gave them all those fields called Priors-fields lying North of the Castle I have heard some who were his servants say that the charge he bestowed on this Castle with the Parks and Chase thereto belonging was no less than 60 thousand pounds Here in Iuly an 1575. 17 Eliz. having compleated all things for her reception did he entertain the Queen for the space of xvii dayes with excessive cost and variety of delightfull shews as may be seen at large in a special discourse thereof then printed and entituled The Princely pleasures of Kenilworth Castle having at her first entrance a floating Island upon the Pool bright blazing with Torches upon which were clad in silks the Lady of the Lake and two Nymphs waiting on her who made a speech to the Q. in meeter of the antiquity and owners of that Castle which was closed with Cornets and other loud Musick Within the base-court was there a very goodly Bridge set up of xx foot wide and lxx foot long over which the Queen did pass on each side whereof were posts erected with Presents upon them unto her by the Gods viz. a cage of Wild-fowl by Silvanus sundry sorts of rare Fruits by Pomona of Corn by Ceres of Wine by Bacchus of Sea-fish by Neptune of all habiliments of War by Mars and of Musical Instruments by Phoebus And for the several dayes of her stay various and rare Shews and Sports were there exercised viz. in the Chase a Savage man with Satyrs Bear-baitings Fire-works Italian tumblers a Country Bride-ale with running at the Quintin and Morrice-dancing And that there might be nothing wanting that these parts could afford hither came the Coventre-men and acted the antient Play long since used in that City called Hocks-tuesday â— setting forth the destruction of the Danes in King Ethelred's time with which the Queen was so pleas'd that she gave them a brace of Bucks and five marks in money to bear the charges of a Feast Besides all this he had upon the Pool a Triton riding on a Mermaid 18 foot long as also Arion on a Dolphin with rare Musick And to honour this Entertainment the more there were then Knighted here Sir Thomas Cecill son and heir to the Lord Treasurer Sir Henry Cobham brother to the Lord Cobham Sir Francis Stanhope and Sir Tho. Tresham The cost and expence whereof may be guest at by the quantity of Beer then drunk which amounted to 320 hogsheads of the ordinary sort as I have credibly heard Shortly after which viz. the next ensuing year he obtained by the grant of the said Q. a weekly Mercate here upon the Wednesday with a Faire yearly on Midsummer-day But this great Earl who bore no little sway in his time as besides our Annals some yet living can testifie having wedded the Lady Lettice daughter to Sir Francis Knolls Knight of the Garter Treasurer of the Houshold to Q Eliz. and widow to Walter E. of Essex â— wanting by her any surviving issueâ— by his last Will and Testament dated at Midleburgh in Zeland 1 Aug. an 1587. being then General of the English Auxiliaries for the United Provinces gave it to Ambrose E. of Warwick his brother for life and the inheritance to Sir Robert Dudley Knight whom he then thought not proper to stile his lawfull son and to his heirs Which Sir Robert being a person of great learning and parts coming to the possession of it within little more than a year after his fathers death for his Uncle surviv'd him no more as in Warwick I have shew'd made it his seat and endeavouring to assert his legitimacy which as to very many stood somewhat dubious in regard of his said fathers marriage with the before specified Countess of Essex during the life of the Lady Douglasse his mother widow to the Lord Sheffeild and daughter to Will Lord Howard of Effingham but failing thereof travelled into Italy where he past away his right therein unto the late Prince Henry the story whereof with the circumstances forasmuch as 't is memorable in sundry respects I shall here succinctly deliver About the beginning of K. Iames his reign this Sir Robert having marryed Alice daughter to Sir Tho. Leigh of Stoneley Kt. and considering with himself that in case he made good his legitimacy not onely the title to the Earldome of Leicester as heir to his father as also that of Warwick for want of issue by the before specified Ambrose his uncle together with the dignity of Lord L'isle would rightfully accrue to him but likewise the Castle of Warwick with divers fair Lordships in this County by vertue of an entail upon his said uncles first advancement to that honour did by reason of the great Plague at that time in London obtain a Commission from the Archb. of Cant. out of his Court of Audience directed to Dr Zachary Babington then Chancellour of Litchfeild and other for examining witnesses to prove his said fathers marriage But no sooner was it discerned by the before specified Lady Lettice and her friends that the consequence thereof would much reflect upon her than that they procured Sir Edw. Coke the K. Atturney general to exhibit a Bill in the Sâ—ar-Chamber against the same Sir Rob. and Dame Alice his Lady as also against the said Lady Douglasse Sheffeild for so she was called then wife of Sir Edw. Stafford Kt. and against the before mentioned Sir Tho. Leigh Dr Zach. Babington and divers other charging them with no less than combination and conspiracy to defame the said Lady Lettice and unjustly to entitle himself to those Honours c. And upon the petition of the Lord Sâ—dney procured a command from the Lords of the Councel not onely to stop the said proceedings at Lichfeild but to bring all the depositions there taken to remain within the said Court of Star-Chamber in the Councel-chest Nevertheless did they vouchsafe liberty to the said Sir Robert to examine Witnesses in that honourable Court in order to the making good of his legitimacy Whereupon by full testimony upon â—ath partly made by the said Lady Sheffeild and partly by divers other persons who were present at her marriage with the before specified Earl it appeared that she having been first contracted in Cannon-Row within the City of Westminster about two years before was solemnâ—y wedded to him in her Chamber at Asher in Surrey by a lawfull Minister according to the form of Matrimony by Law establisht in the Church of England in the presence of Sir Edward Horsey Knight that gave her in marriage as also of Robert Sheffeild Esq and his wife Dr Iulio Henry Frodsham Gent. with five other persons whose names are there specified and that the Ring wherewith they were so marryed was set with five pointed Diamonds and a table Diamond which had been given to him the said Earl by the then Earl of
find that Henry de Neuburgh the first E. of Warwick after the Conquest in imitation of K. H. 1. who made the Park at Woodstoke containing 7 miles in compass and which was the first in England did impark it but at that time it contained no more than what now is called the Old-Park the rest having been enlarged by the succeeding Earls who had as it seems a Mannour here for so it is called in that settlement made 31 H. 3. by Iohn de Plesseâ—s E. of Warwick upon Will. Mauduit and Alice his wife And concerning this place I further find that the tythes of the assarts here as also of the paunage and venison were by Margery Maresâ—hall Countess of Warwick in H. 3. time given to the Hospital of S. Mich. in Warwick in pure alms And that in 26 E. 1. upon the extent of the lands belonging to Will. Beauchamp E. of Warwick then deceased it was certified that he had here at Wegenok besides the Park containing xx acres a little Pool and eight acres of arable land As also that in 9 E. 2. the underwood of this Park did yeild 26 s. 8 d. per an the herbage 10 s. and the paunage with the Nuts 6 s. 8 d. Howbeit in those dayes the Park was but small till Tho. Beauchamp E. of Warw. enlarged it with certain woods called Wegenok-Donele lying within the parish of Hatton and adjoyning thereto which he purchased of the Lady Scolastica de Melsa After which it continued to the succeeding Earls even to the last of that family but coming to the Crown with the rest of their lands was by K.E. 6. in 1. of his reign granted with the Castle of Warwick and divers other Mannours unto Iohn Dudley E. of Warwick upon whose attainder in 1 M. the Q. demised the herbage and paunage thereof to Henry Iernegan for 30 years at x marks per ann And Q. Eliz. in 14 of her reign past the inheritance of it together with the wood called Fernehill and the Mannour-house named Goodrest to Fulke Grevill Esq and his heirs Which Fulke being created Lord Brooke by K. Iames as I have elswhere shewed setled this and many other lands on Rob. Grevill his kinsman now sc. 1640. Lord Brooke by vertue of an entail with that Honour Touching the said Mannour-house called Goodrest first built by Tho. Beauchamp the second of that name Earl of Warwick in part of E. 3. and R. 2. time I suppose it was so called in respect that some of the Countesses of Warwick to avoyd much concourse of people retired hither when they were near the time of Child-birth for 't is plain that many of their children were born here as I have elswhere observed But all the further mention that I find thereof is that K. H. 7. the Earldome of Warwick being in his hands granted the custody of it with the Gardens and Waters in the Park to Edw. Belknap Esq of the body for life Cuckow-Church THat which beareth this name is onely certain grounds lying within Wedgnok-park where antiently stood a Chapel which was of the Earl of Warwick's patronage How long it is since that Chapel fell to ruine is uncertain but in 16 H. 7. the K. by his Letters Pat. dated 18 Martii reciting that it had been down to the ground of a long time and that the place where it stood with the Chapel-yard had also been and then was imployed to prophane uses As also that there were no Inhabitants there which should rebuild it to the intent that the same place formerly so consecrated might thenceforth be converted to pious uses bestowed it on the Dean and Chapter of the Collegiat-Church in Warwick and their successors together with xl s. yearly rent thereto belonging formerly given to the said Chapel in recompence of the glebe pertaining thereto which the Earls of Warwick had obtained in exchange for the said xl s. rent But the Village whereunto this Chapel did belong many years since depopulated was called Rykmersbery See more thereof in Beausall Blacklow-hill THere is nothing else memorable in the parish of Wotton but Blacklow-hill where the Earls of Lanc. and Warwick having at Dedington in Oxfordsh surprized Piers de Gaveston Earl of Cornwall a great Favourite to K. E. 2. beheaded him without judgement of his Peers or any course of Law on the day of S. Gervasius and Prochasius 7 E. 2. scil mense Iunii under the side of the hill in the place where since that time stood a Cross called Gaverston's-Cross Guyes-Cliffe THis being a great Cliff on the Western bank of Avon was made choyce of by that pious man S. Dubritius who in the Brittons time had his Episcopal seat at Warwick for a place of devotion where he built an Oratory dedicated to S. Mary Madg. unto which long after in the Sâ—xons dayes did a devout Heremite repair who finding the natural Rock so proper for his Cell and the pleasant Grove wherewith it is back'd yeilding entertainment fit for solitude seated himself here Which advantages invited also the famous Guy sometime E. of Warwick after his notable atchievements having weaned himself from the deceitfull pleasures of this world to retire hither where receiving ghostly comfort from that Heremite he abode till his death as by my discourse of him in Warw. shall more fully be manifested It seems that this place continued in the same condition for a long time afterwards For I find that in 8 E. 3. one Thomas de Lewes being a Heremite here had the K. Letters of protection for himself and all his goods in which Record it is written Gibbeclyve And that in 10 H. 4. one Iohn Burry at that time likewise Heremite here had C s. per ann salary for to pray for the good estate of Ric. Beauchamp then E. of Warw. as also for the souls of the father mother of the said Earl Whether it was out of respect to the memory of the famous Guy before mentioned or to view the rareness of its situation I cannot say but certain it is that K. Henry 5. being on a time at Warw. came to see it and did determine to have founded a Chantry here for 2 Priests had he not been by death prevented After which the before specified Ric. Beauchamp E. of Warw. bearing a great devotion to the place whereupon then stood nothing but a small Chapel and a Cottage in which the Heremite dwelt in 1 H. 6. obtained license to do the like sc. for 2 Priests which should sing Mass in the Chapel there daily for the good estate of him the said Earl and his wife during their lives and afterwards for the health of their souls and the souls of all their parents friends with all the faithfull deceased Of which Chantry Will. Berkswell afterwards Dean of the Collegiat-Church in Warw. and one Iohn
at the Norman Conquest and afterwards given by Geffr de Clinton the second to Gilebert Nutricius of whom I shall speak in Lemington in which grant it is called Molendinum de Chibbeâ—lide How the said Gilbert parted with it appears not but I find that Henry de Clinton son to the said Geffrey morgaged it to Randolph de Cocton for ten pounds of silver It seems that the same Geffr bestow'd it on the Canons of Kenilworth for so doth the confirmation of Henry his son made to them thereof imply whereby he grants unto them therewith both the Miller and his Children in which it is written Kibclive And yet it can hardly be said that he gave it for by his deed it appears that the same Canons discharged xx marks of silver which the said Miller was tyed to pay as also 2 marks of silver yearly to the said G. de Clinton during his life But in 7 E. 1. I find that the Prior of Kenilworth had two Mils here which after the dissolution of the Monasteries were granted to Ric. and Tho. Lawley and their heirs Milverton SOmewhat lower on the Southeast side of Avon â— stands Milverton wherein the E. of Mellent held 2 hydes excepting 1 virgat and a Mill valued at 50 s. as appears by the Conq. Survey all which was then rated at C s. having been the Free-hold of one Leuuinus before the Norman invasion but in that Record it is written Malvertone which shews that it originally had its name from some antient possessor thereof That most of the said E. of Mellent's lands in this County came to the Earls of Warwick is plain enough but how or when this place was disposed of by those Earls considering that we have so little light touching those elder times I am not able directly to shew The first most antient mention thereof that I have met with is that Roger Earl of Warwick upon his foundation of the Collegiat-Church in Warwick which was in An. 1123. 23. H. 1. gave inter alia for the maintenance of the Canons there half a hide in Mulvertone so it is there written and all the tithe of those lands there which were of his fee. What proportion of this village Geffrey de Clinton the Founder of Kenilworth-Castle had I cannot say but that he enjoyed a part thereof is certain for upon his death-bed he gave command to Geffrey his son that he should render two yard land lying here in Melvertone to Ermenfrede de Ponte his servant which was done accordingly After this and very antiently doe I find that there were three Lords of this Town viz. Astley Spigurnell and the third a Prebend of the Collegiat-Church in Warwick each possessing a distinct share as I shall shew anon And that what Astley had here was given to their family in H. 1. time as is evident from what I have already said in Astley But the first mention I find of Spigurnell is in 12. Ioh. where Rob. de Milverton levied a Fine of two yard land here to Walter Spigurnell and Celestina his wife Whether this was all that Spigurnell had here I cannot determine but I believe it was the two yard land which the above mentioned G. de Clinton possest This village hath antiently been accounted within the Parish of Wotton for in King Iohn's time G. Muschamp Bishop of Coventre upon the appropriation of the Church of Wotton to the Canons of Kenilworth granted unto them onely one mark yearly out of the Chappell of Milverton But Parishes being not perfectly setled till about the later end of that Kings raign as in Church over I have shewed this Chapell in the beginning of H. 3. time grew to the reputation of a Church for by that name did the above mentioned Walter Spigurnell and Celestina pass the advouson thereof to the Canons of Kenilworth in 16. H. 3. Which family of Spigurnell having their seat at Emscote in this Parish held that place together with Milverton of the Honour of Leicester by half a Knights fee in 55. H. 3. But Astley enfeof't Trussell of the most part that he had here which might be the occasion that Ric. Trussell took part with Thomas de Astley one of the rebellious Barons in H. 3. time for I find that the same Râ—chard was slain in the battail of Evesham with the said Thomas in 49. H. 3. Howbeit the residue of Astley's lands in this place were by Thomas Lord Astley inter alia given in 11. E. 3. for the foundation of a Chantry in the the Parish-Church of Astley â— as I have there manifested which afterwards when the said Chantry being augmented with greater possessions was changed into a Collegiat-Church were by the said Lord Astlâ—y assigned for the maintenance of one of the Canons therein and called the Prebend of Milverton In 7. E. 1. it was certified that Iohn Spigurnell Will Trussell and Raph de Hengham were Lords of Milverton and that the said Iohn held his share therein Emscote being joyned therewith of Elene la Zouch by the service of half a Knights fee. which Elene was one of the coheirs of Roger Quincy E. of Winchester who had part of the Honour of Leicester in right of Margaret his mother one of the coheirs to the last of those antient Earls By that Record it also appears that the same Iohn had two yard land here in demesn and five servants who held one yard land an half and a fourth part by servile tenure as abovesaid and 12. Cottiers holding one Carucat at the will of the Lord And that the Mill was then held by Iohn de Astele of the said Sir Andrew for the yearly rent of v. marks and a half and two strikes of Eeles to Will. Trussell And lastly that Raph de Hengham held his share of the Earl of Warwick viz. two yard land which four Freeholders then occupyed being a Prebend of the Collegiat-Church in Warwick howbeit in 9. E. 2. there was no other certified to be Lord of Milverton but Will. Trussell and yet in 20. E. 3. Maud Spigurnell answered for the sixt part of a Knights fee here and in Emscote which she held of the Honour of Winchester From which Will. descended Sir Allured Trussell Knight as in Billesley appeareth Who in 6. R. 2. entayled this Mannour for by that name it is recorded upon the heires male of his body with remainder to Sir Fouke Pembruge Knight and Margaret his wife and the heires of the said Margaret Whether the descendants of the said Sir Alured past away their right therein or if so when and to whom I cannot say for I find that they continued possest of a great part of this village till H. 8. time Thomas Trussell then dying seyzed of ten messuages xx yard land xxx acres of meadow xx acres of pasture and a water-mill all situat within the precincts thereof
leaving Alured his grandchild and heir four years of age But Spâ—gurnel's part came at length to the Hugfords by purchase as I guess for in 12. H. 4. Rob. Hugford esq obtained a Charter of Free-warren in all his demesn lands that he then had in possession or reversion here and in Edmescote To which Robert succeeded Thomas who in 10. H. 6. was certified to be Lord thereof with Emscote and that he held it by the sixt part of a Knights fee but since that time it is divolved by a daughter and coheir of Hugford to the Beaufoes as in Emscote I shall shew and continueth unto them untill this day That the Church was antiently a Chappell belonging to Wotton I have already manifested being afterwards appropriated to the Canons of Kenilworth and endowed with xv acres of land but of the Vicaridge there hath not been any Ordination considering its vicinity to Kenilworth whence the Prior usually sent a Priest to serve the Cure to whom he allowed the small tithes and offerings for his pains which in 26. H. 8. were certified to be worth vi li. per annum Emscote HEre is now no more left than the Mannour-house the rest having been long since depopulated The first mention I find thereof is that Walter Spigurnell in a grant to the Monks of Combe of certain common of pasture within his fee of Mulverton calls himself of this place then written Edulfescote which shews that one Edulfus was antiently owner thereof But upon collection of the Aid in 20. H. 3. it is written Edelmescote and so by contraction in pronouncing now made Emscote Of which family scil Spigurnell there were these that had to do here viz. Walter who lived in King Iohn's time and beginning of H. 3. Iames against whom Will. Trussell in 37. H. 3. brought an Assise for common of pasture in this villagâ— then written Edelvecote and Iohn Spigurnell in 55. H. 3. Who in 7. E. 1. was certified to be Lord thereof holding it of Elen la Souch one of the coheirs to whom part of the Honour of Leicester descended as I have intimated in Milverton by suit of Court twice a year Which Iohn held here a certain meadow then in demesn paying to Will. Trussell a mark yearly and as much to the Prioress of Grace-Dieu and had five servants holding two yard land and a fourth part by a certain Rent and performing severall services viz. reaping mowing carrying Hay and corn gathering of stubble harrowing c. And two Cottiers holding two Cottages for certain Rent and Hay-making To whom succeeded Henry Spigurnell who in 1.2.4 and 11. E. 2. was in Commission for taking Assises of Novel disseisin and for the Gaol-delivery at Warwick But after him I have not seen more of any male branch of this family nor female except Maud Spigurnell who in 20. E. 3. held the sixt part of a Knights fee here and in Milverton of the Honour of Winchester The next possessor of this mannour that I have met with was Will Revell descended from the Revells of Newbold-Revell as in the Pedegree there inserted is manifest that dyed without issue leaving Ioan his sister and heir wife to Geffrey Reynolds by whom she had issue Richard who affecting his mothers name called himself Revell Which Ioan in her widdowhood marryed to Will. Attelberge a Citizen of Coventre and party to the Covenants of Marriage betwixt the said Ric. Revell his son in law and Margery the daughter of Robert Hâ—ggeford in 7. H. 4. What this Richard Revell was by his profession or practise appears not but he kept not this Lordship long for in 9. H. 4. he levyed a Fine thereof to the abovementioned Rob. Hâ—gford his father in law and Ioyce his wife and to the heirs of the said Robâ—rt And by his deed of Release dated 18. Maii the same year wherein he calls himself Ric. filius Galfridi Reynald de Edmescote alias dictus Ric. filius Iohaâ—nae filiae Willielmi Ryvell confirmed to the said Robert Hâ—gford and Ioyce and the heirs of the said Robert all his right therein Which Robert obtained a Charter of Free-warren in all his demesn lands here and in Milverton dated 12. Dec. 12. H. 4. in whose male line it continued till the beginning of H. 7. time and then by a daughter and coheir came to Beaufo But before this Robert Hugford I have not seen anything of their name in this County howbeit in Shropshire there was an antient family of them And if I may have liberty to guess at the originall of this man's advancement to so good a fortune in Warwickshire I shall conclude it to have been through his relation to Thomas Beauchamp Earl of Warwick For it appears that in 20. R. 2. he was Custos Hospitii id est Comptroller of the houshold unto the said Earle who by his Letters Pat. for so they are termed bearing date at Warwick 26. Apr. 1. H. 4. granted unto him by the title of his beloved Eâ—quire for his good service done and to be done as well to him the said Earl as unto Richard Beauchamp his son an Annuity of 8 li. to be yearly received during his life out of the said Earles Mannour of Wike neer Pershore in Com. Wigorn. And upon the last day of the said moneth of Aprill in the same year I find that this Robert was retained by Indenture to serve the said Earl and his son Richard all his life as well in Peace as Warr receiving for his wages in time of Peace 7 li. per annum out of the issues and profits of the said Mannour of Wike but upon these further Covenants viz. to come to the said Earle or his said son whensoever he should be required in times of peace with a Groom and two Horses during his stay Rob. Hugford 20. R. 2. Iâ—cosa obiit 3. H. 5. Margeria nupra Roberto Rivel 7. H. 4. Tho. Hugford 3. H. 5. Tho. Hugford dominus de Prinsethorp 4. E. 4. Will. Hugford 4. E. 4. Ioh. Hugford 9. H. 8. Ioh. Hugford 1. E. 4. Margar. filia haeres Nich. Metley Iohanna filia haeres Humfridus Beaufo 20. H. 7. Ioh. Beaufo 20. H. 7 Ioh. Beaufo Ioh. Beaufo obiit 25. Eliz. Tho. Beaufo aetat 33. ann 25. Eliz. That in time of Warr he should receive from the said Earl or his son xx li. for his wages whereof half to be payd at the beginning of the Warr and the rest quarterly as long as he did continue therein That he should be well and sufficiently armed arrayed and horsed for the warr sutable to his degree with one Yeoman 2. Grooms and 4. Horses and to have dyet for himself and livery for his said servants and Horses but that the said Earl or his son should have the third part of whatsoever he the said Robert or his men did gain by the war
granted to them in 12 E. 1. having a Grange within the precincts thereof called Egge-Grange But it was not long ere they became Lords of more for it is evident that in 14 E. 1. the above mentioned Iohn de Morcote sold part of that he had unto them Howbeit the Abbots tenants here did antiently use to performe their suit at the Court-Leet held for the Honour of Leicester The residue of that which was of Loges his see and forâ—erly possest by the above specified Alan de Morcote being 7. messuages one toft with 7. yard land and a half was in 22 R. 2. granted by Robert de Walden of Warwick to the said Monks to find a certain Wax Candâ—e burning in the Conventuall Church of Stoneley every day at the Masse of our blessed Lady whilst the world should endure Of these lands after the dissolution of the Monasteryes a great part was disposed to purchasers viz. Edge-Grange to Ric. Andrews gent. Leonard Chamberlain Esquire and to the heirs of Andrews in 34 H. 8. Radway-Grange which is in the parish of Bishops-Ichington to Francis Goodere gent. and his heirs 13. Apr. 36 H. 8. And in 7 E. 6. another proportion to Thomas and Humfry Cocks both brethren and to the heirs of Thomas But what hands they have past through since I know not The Church dedicated to S. Peter hath been antiently appropriated to the Monastery of Stoneley In anno 1291. 19 E. 1. it was valued but at two marks and in 26 H. 8. the Vicaridge at Cxii s. over and above viii s. allowed for Procurations and Synodaells Patroni Vicariae Incumbentes Abbas Conv. de Stoneley Will. Ebern Cap. 12. Cal. Aug. 1321. Abbas Conv. de Stoneley Thomas de Radway Cap. Id. Iunii 1328. Abbas Conv. de Stoneley Ioh. le Glees Pbr. 11. Cal. Oct. 1335. Abbas Conv. de Stoneley Thomas Veysy Cap. 8. Cal. Sâ—pt 1349. Abbas Conv. de Stoneley Thomas Yous Pbr. 3. Non. Iunii 1351. Abbas Conv. de Stoneley Will. de Paylinton Pbr. 5. Cal. Iulii 1354. Abbas Conv. de Stoneley Thomas de Haluton Monachus 4. Iunii 1378. Abbas Conv. de Stoneley Ioh. de Doncaster Monach. 12. Oct. 1384. Abbas Conv. de Stoneley Edm. Chamberlain Cap. 8. Iunii 1403. Abbas Conv. de Stoneley Will. Smyth Cap. ult Nov. 1410. Abbas Conv. de Stoneley Ric. Watton Cap. 28. Sept. 1417. Abbas Conv. de Stoneley Will. Reynolds Cap. 22. Dec. 1418. Abbas Conv. de Stoneley Ioh. Roulande 11. Martii 1424. Abbas Conv. de Stoneley D. Thomas Harewode Cap. 24. Sept. 1427. Abbas Conv. de Stoneley Ioh. Fletcher Pbr. 13. Apr. 1429. Abbas Conv. de Stoneley Henr. Andrew 8. Apr. 1432 Abbas Conv. de Stoneley Nich. Swey 19. Iun. 1433 Abbas Conv. de Stoneley Ioh. Grover Pbr. 20. Nov. 1433. Abbas Conv. de Stoneley Tho. Noel Pbr. 22. Ian. 1441 Abbas Conv. de Stoneley Ioh. Clerke ult Iulii 1443. Abbas Conv. de Stoneley Ioh. Smyth Pbr. 25. Apr. 1450. Abbas Conv. de Stoneley Ric. Bishop 5. Martii 1498. Abbas Conv. de Stoneley D. Ioh. Everton 5. Iun. 1506. Abbas Conv. de Stoneley D. Ric. Ionson Cap. 22. Iunii 1529. Abbas Conv. de Stoneley D. Will. Warner Cap. 11. Apr. 1536. Thomas Mecock 6. Sept. 1574. D. Maria Regina Walt. Gâ—les 30. Maii 1575. D. Eliz. Regina Iacobus Rex Ieremias Hill Cler. 4. Oct. 1620. Tisoe FOllowing the tract of Edg-Hill it leads me next to Tisoe which stands likewise at the skirt thereof having within its precincts the Hamlets of Westcote and Kyte-Herdwyke This is a great Lordship and contaâ—ned xxiii hides in the Conq. days as appears by his generall Survey where it is written Ticheshoc being then rated at xxx li. and possest by Râ—b de Stadford a person of eminent note at which time there was a Church but before the Norman Invasion Waga of whom in Wotton I shall speak held it Continuing to the posterity of the said Robert for divers ages I find that in 7 E. 1. Nich. de Stafford held it as part of his Barony by the service of one Knights fee having at that time two carucates in demesn and xiii Tenants occupying certain proportions of land under severall Rents and divers particular services viz. Plowing Harrowing Mowing Thrashing and the like And that Robert de Stafford son to the same Nicholas held then also a good quantity of land here of his said father upon which he had xix tenants who occupying the greatest part thereof performed the like servile dutyes as his father's Tenants dâ—d At that time also it appears that the Monks of Bordsley had 3. yard land and a half withâ—n the precincts of this Lordship The Nuns of Brewood two yard land and a half The Bishop of Worcester 4. yard land The Canons of Stone 3. yard land with the advâ—uson of the Church The Canons of Kenilworth 5. yard land The Canons of Erdbury 2. carucates and the Templars of Balshall 1. carucate all of the fee and gift of the Barons of Stafford Aâ—l whâ—se Tenants except those to the Canons of Kenilworth â— and â—emplars did their suit twâ—ce a year at the Court Leet held at Kinton for that Hundrâ—d Whâ—ch Nâ—cholas Lâ—rd Stafford in 13 E. 1. had Free-warren granted to him â—n all his demesne lands here So also in 15 E. 3. had Raph Lord Stafford grand child to the same Nicholas in consideratâ—on of his acceptable services he being at that tâ—me Steward of the King's houshold a weekly Mercate granted to hâ—m and his heirs therein upon the Tuesday and a Fair yearâ—y for four dayes viz. on the Even and day of S. Peter ad Vincula commonly called Lammas and two days following As a so a Court-Leet wâ—th Wâ—â—s Sâ—rey and divâ—rs other priviledges But â—n 12 H. 8. did Edw. D. of Buck passe away this Mannâ—ur to Râ—c B. of Winchester and others to the use of Sir Wâ—ll Compton Kt. and his heirs since which time they have enjâ—y'd it the Earl of Northampton whâ—se descent in Compton-Winyate inserted being now owner thereâ—t That whâ—ch the Teâ—plars had here was granted to them by Râ—b de Staffâ—rd and Henry de Clinton being in 31 H. 2. valued at vi li. ii s. viâ—i d. But coming afterwards to the Câ—own wâ—th all other lands belonging to the Religâ—ous Hâ—uses was â—n 7 E. 6. past out by the name of a Mannâ—ur to Edw. Aeliorby of Balshall gent. and Henry Hugford of Solthull gent. and their heirs by Letâ—ers Pâ—t dated 26. Maii being now called Temple-Tisoe by way of dâ—stâ—nction from the other Lâ—râ—ship Within the precinct of that Mannour in Tishoe now belonging to the E. of Northampton but antiently to the family of
Aleyn Pbr. 7. Aug. 1368. Custos Scholares domus de Merton Will. Chapel Cap 13. Dec. 1375. Custos Scholares domus de Merton Ioh. Ragbroke 1. Iunii 1403. Custos Scholares domus de Merton Ioh. Hereward 22. Dec. 1403. Custos Scholares domus de Merton Rog. Coton 9. Sept. 1412. Custos Scholares domus de Merton Thomas Gale Pbr. 28. Novemb 1436. Custos Scholares domus de Merton Ioh. Yreby Cap. 20. Maii 1439. Custos Scholares domus de Merton D. Ioh. Capellanus 5. Iulii 1448. Custos Scholares domus de Merton D. Ioh. Dun. 14. Martii 1452. Custos Scholares domus de Merton Ioh. Pynk alias Seinbiry Cap. 28. Martii 1452. Custos Scholares domus de Merton D. Will. Wayte Cap. 18. Aug. 1462. Custos Scholares domus de Merton D. Ioh. Hylde Cap. 27. Nov. 1467. Custos Scholares domus de Merton D. Thomas Ley Cap. 20. Oct. 1479. Custos Scholares domus de Merton Magr. Ioh. Molder in art Magr. 8. Dec. 1502. Custos Scholares domus de Merton D. Guido Gourgeyne in art Magr. 8. Feb. 1524. Custos Scholares domus de Merton Ric. Powle in art Magr. 7. Aug. 1544. Custos Scholares domus de Merton Anth. Spurret Cler. 26. Martii 1572. Eliz. Angliae Regina Anth. Spurret Cler. 19. Nov. 1575. Wolford-parva IN the Conquerors time this was part of the Earl of Mellent's possessions and of him then held by one Radulphus at which time being certifyed to contain 4. hides and a half and rated at xl s. I find it written Ulwarda one Aluric having been owner thereof before the Norman invasion From the said Earl of Mellent it came to the Barons of Stafford but the direct time when the family of Ingram which to this day enjoys the greatest part of it were enfeoft thereof by any of them I cannot declare though certain it is that they had it very antiently for I find that in 3. Ioh. Engeram de Wiwarth doubtlesse one of that line levied a Fine of lands here and in 36 H. 3. it appears that the same Ingeram held half a Knights fee here of the Baron of Stafford which proportion his posterity also had as by sundry Inquisitions is evident But the Record of 7 E. 1. expresseth that one Thomas de parva-Woleward was Lord thereof and that he held it of Cecìly de Mucegros and she of Iohn de Boys and he of Elene la Zuche and she of the King which Thomas had at that time two yard land here in demesn with certain Freeholders and Cottiers Neverthelesse were the posterity of the Barons of Stafford reputed Lords of it and in 12 H. 8. did Edward Duke of Buckingham levie a Fine thereof together with the Mannours of great Wolford and Tisho unto Richard Bishop of Winchester and others as in great Wolford I have already intimated yet it seems that the Ingrams had a Mannour here for so it appears after the death of Richard Ingraham Esquier in 5 Eliz. Of which Mannour Hastang Ingram is Lord at this day At present this Village hath not many Inhabitants but antiently it consisted of 43. families Burmington IN the Conquerors Survey this place is written Buâ—dintone through mistake of the m for d and being then possest by Robert de Stadford contained v. hides wherein was a Mill rated at x s. but the value of all was certified at C s. whereof one Godwin was owner before the Norman invasion In 13. Ioh. I find it in the list of those places within this County whereof the Barons of Stafford were Lords and that it answered for one Knights Fee as part of that Honour being held in 36 H. 3. by Adam de Grenevill of Hawisia de Wulleward and by her of the Lord Stafford which Adam bore for his Armes a bend betwixt six Lions rampant and in 52 53 54. and 55 H. 3. was in Commission for taking Assizes of Novell disseisin in this County From whom descended William de Greinvill who for his Rebellion in E. 2. time forfeited this with other Mannours that he had in Wilt-shire Somerset-shire which were thereupon seized yet through the Kings favour he obtained them again and had a grant of this in tail to himself and Lucie his wife and the heirs of their two bodies lawfully begotten but for want of such issue on Iohn the son of Richard de Rodeney and his heirs After this viz. in 12 E. 3. it appears that Iohn de Wolverton and Lucia his wife levied a Fine of this Mannour as also of the Mannour of Suthwyke in Wilt-shire setling them upon Iohn de Greinvill and his heirs whereby it seemes that they were of the inheritance of her the said Lucia in respect of the warrantie against her heirs And in 17 E. 3. did William the son of Edmund de Greinvill release to the said Iohn all his right and interest in these Mannours But in 46 E. 3. I find that Umfrye Stafford of Suthwike possest it in right of his wife daughter and heir to Greinvill as I guesse From which Humfrey descended Sir Hâ—mfrey Stafford Knight who by his Testament dated 5. April 1 H. 5. gave inter alia to the Church here at Burmynton lx s. And from him Sir Humfrey Stafford of Hoke in Dorset-shire 10 H. 6. whose grandchild Humfrey created Lord Stafford of Southwike in 4 E. 4. as also Earl of Devon-shire 〈◊〉 9. of that Kings reign revolting from the King in the Battail of Banbury the same year was cut shorter by the head After whose death having no issue Alianore the wife of Thomas Strangways Esquier one of the daughters of Alice Aunt to the said Earl became a coheir to his inheritance to whom inter alia this Mannour of Burmington was alotted which Thomas had issue by her Sir Giles Strangways Knight who in 32 H. 8. levied a Fine hereof to Henry Annesley Gentleman but to what uses I know not nor through what hands it hath since past Ditchford-Frary BElow Burmington is Stoure augmented by a little stream which having its rise in Worcester-shire passes by Dichford-Frary and Stretton upon Fosse and then joyns therewith In the Conquerors time this being possest by Robert de Stadford contained two hides which one Brion then held of him with a Mill rated at lxviii d. and all valued at iv li. having been the freehold of Leuric in Edward the Confessors days But the first mention I find of it after that time is in 31 H. 2. where it appears that Adam de Standon had a suit with Roger de Dikeford for half a Knights fee here And next that in 16 H. 3. there was a Fine levied betwixt Herveus de Stafford and Vivian de Standon for the customes and services
not long after this that Iohn Throkmorton Esquier of whom I have spoke in Coughton having an affection thereto in respect of its vicinity to him obtained it by purchase viz. the one moytie from Henry Beaumont and Ioan his wife which Ioan was grandchild and one of the coheirs to William Durvassall as the descent sheweth and the other from William Vernon and Margaret his wife in 21 H. 6. it being of her inheritance though whose daughter I cannot directly affirm Since which time it hath been possest by the descendants of the said Iohn Throkmorton and continues theirs to this day Of the Church antiently but a Chapell unto Coughton I find that Henry Bishop of Worcester temp R. 1. appointed that the Canons of Studley as in the right of their Church of Coughton should have the buriall of all such the Inhabitants here as were not of a free condition and that shortly after that Ordination so made the most part of them being Tenants by bond-service dyed of a violent Pestilence in respect whereof the Lords of those lands were necessitated to dispose of them to others not of the like quality whereupon in processe of time there grew controversie betwixt the Nunns of Cokehull and the same Canons of Studley touching the said right of sepulture by reason that those Nuns had obtained the advouson of this Chapell from those Canons in 11 H. 3. But about the 30 E. 3. Reginald Bryan then Bishop of Worcester composed the difference ordering that the Canons of Studley in right of their Church of Coughton should have the buriall onely of such whose residence then was or should be upon that land formerly so held in Villenage and the Nuns of Cokehull of the rest In anno 1291. 19 E. 1. upon the valuation of the Churches then made it was certified that the portion which the Canons of Studley had at that time out of this Church amounted unto xxv s. and that of the Nuns of Cokehull xx s. But after this viz. in 38 E. 3. I find that William Witlesey Bishop of Worcester setled the matter of Tithes here betwixt those Nuns and the Parson of this Church as by his Instrument appeareth and that in 26 H. 8. the Rectory was valued at 4 li. the Synodalls and Procurations then amounting to ii s. Patroni Ecclesiae Incumbentes c. Priorissa Conv. de Cokehull Will. de Burmingham Cap. Id. Aug. 1270. Priorissa Conv. de Cokehull Gerardus Durvassall Accol 2. Cal. Iunii 1300. Priorissa Conv. de Cokehull Ioh. de Grenhulle Pbr. 18. Iulii 1339. Priorissa Conv. de Cokehull Nich. atte Sale Pbr. 3. Dec. 1345. Priorissa Conv. de Cokehull D. Rob. Floure 22. Nov. 1368. Priorissa Conv. de Cokehull Thomas Muttolow Cap. 23. Apr. 1399. Priorissa Conv. de Cokehull Ric. Bacalar 20. Aug. 1413. Priorissa Conv. de Cokehull Ric. Fernynghale 6. Oct. 1413. Priorissa Conv. de Cokehull D. Will. Pyriton Cap. 27. Aug. 1414. Priorissa Conv. de Cokehull D. Ioh. Fitz. 15. Maii 1420. Priorissa Conv. de Cokehull D. Ioh. Corbyn Pbr. 18. Maii 1427. Priorissa Conv. de Cokehull Thomas Balle Cap. 15. Sept. 1430. Priorissa Conv. de Cokehull D. Thomas Evesham Cap. 16. Febr. 1431. Priorissa Conv. de Cokehull D. Ric. Hawkslow Cap. 10. Febr. 1433. Priorissa Conv. de Cokehull D. Thomas Flecham Cap. 27. Apr. 1435. Priorissa Conv. de Cokehull D. Ioh. Wok Cap. 8. Febr. 1446. Priorissa Conv. de Cokehull D. Christoph de Wyhurst 26. Apr. 1457. Priorissa Conv. de Cokehull D. Thomas Persons Cap. 8. Nov. 1458. Priorissa Conv. de Cokehull D. Oliverus Rigby Cap. 12. Iulii 1481. Priorissa Conv. de Cokehull D. Henr. Wheler Cap. 19. Dec. 1485. Tho. Knotsford gen virtute concess Ioh. Trussell de Billefley ar Rob. Cleyfild Diac. 20. Dec. 1561. D. Episc. per lapsum Thomas Penford Cler. 23. Martii 1562. Will. Tirrie de Coughton virtute concess Cath. relictae Nich. Fortescu c. Thomas Philips ult Sept. 1575. Georgius Parsons Yeoman virtute concess Will. Fortescu ar Humfr. Style Cler. 12. Apr. 1578. Nich. Fortescu de Cokehull ar Sam. Clerke Cler. 21. Iulii 1607. Nich. Fortescu de Cokehull ar Edw. Lewes Cler. 7. Iulii 1611. In the windows of the Church these Armes The old Earles of Warwick Cheque Or and Azure a Cheveron Ermine Throkmorton Gules upon a Cheveron Arg. 5. barrs gemels sable empaling Spine Sable a Cheveron Arg. betwixt 3. Cressants Or. On a marble in the body of the Church is this Epitaph Hic jacet Willielmus Parsons vir quondam magne honestatis qui obiit anno Domini MCCCCixxxii xxviii mensis Decembris Iohanna uxor eâ—us quorum animabus misereaâ—ur Deus Amen Morton-Bagot THis in King Edw. the Confessor's days being part of the possessions belonging to Waga of whom in Wotton-Wawen I shall speak came with it also to Rob. de Stadford by the Conqueror's gift and by the generall Survey then taken was certified to contain one hide valued at xl s. and held by Herveus his undertenant But in H. 2. time Rob. fil Odonis was owner of it who had three daughters and heirs whereof Margerie the yongest marrying to William Bagod brought part thereof to him which continuing to his posterity for some descents and they residing here gave occasion that it had the addition of Bagot usually put thereto for distinction from the severall other Mortons in this County the other copartners with Bagod in this place being Trussell and de Mora descended from the said Rob. fil Odonis by his other daughters as in Loxley is manifested Of which William Trussell in 36 H. 3. was jointly certified to hold half a Knights Fee here with Robert Bagot of the Lord Stafford for it was a member of that Honour But that which Robert de Mora had in this place with the advouson of the Church which fell to his share he granted to the Canons of Kenilworth about 38 H. 3. together with all this interest in Locksle and Westcote to be held of him the said Peter and his heirs paying vi d. yearly to the Church of Locksle at the Feast of S. Michaell towards the maintenance of a Lampe there I am of opinion that William Bagot Shiriff of this County and Leicestershire in 44 and 45 H. 3. and afterwards from 47. to 56 H. 3. for the greatest part of those years was son to the before specified Robert Bagod and had his residence here at Morton Which William was certainly a person of singular fidelity to the Crown otherwise so great a trust would not have been committed to him in those turbulent times wherein his diligence appeared to be such as that the King by his speciall Precept bearing date at Kenilworth 25.
elsewhere within the King's dominions And lastly that he and his heirs should have another Faire yearly within this Town beginning on the Even of S. Dunstan and continuing for two dayes following Which ample Charter bears date at Westminster xviii Nov. in the year before specified After which ere long viz. in 28 H. 6. was he made Lord Treasurer of England but in that Office he continued not long as also a Commissioner for conservation of the Peace and assessing of Subsidies in this County but in these I presume he acted little in respect of his other great imployments being a Baron of this Realm and summoned to severall Parliaments in the said King's time By his Testament bearing date ix Apr. An. 1475. 15 E. 4. he bequeathed his body to sepulture in the Church of the Dominican Friers at Worcester in a new Chapell to be made on the North side of the Quire To which House of Friers for his buriall there he bequeathed the value of xx marks to be had in vestments and stuff besides a pair of Organs of his own residing at that time at Chelchith in the County of Midlesex Appointing that a Priest of that Friery should daily say Masse at the Altar within the said Chapell before his Tombe after the Order of a Trentall for his soul and the souls of his Father and Mother Brethren and Sisters his Children and Ancestors souls and especially for the souls of Sir Iohn Fastolf Knight Will. Botreaux and all Christen souls taking by the week for the said Masse so daily to be said viii d. for evermore Which Chapell and Tombe with his statue thereon in Alabaster he did by the said Testament ordein that his Executor should cause to be made and departed this life the same year leaving Sir Ric. Beauchamp Knight his son and heir then 40. years of age who in the private Chapell of this Mannour-house here called by the name of Beauchamps-Court having speciall License from the Bishop of Worcester wedded Eliz. the daughter of Sir Humfrey Stafford Knight by whom he had issue three daughters that were his heirs viz. Eliz. married to Sir Robert Willoughby Lord Brook first summoned to Parl. by that title in 7 H. 7. Anne to Ric. Ligon and Margaret to Will. Rede which Sir Robert had in her right this Mannour of Alcester in partition and dyed seized thereof 10 Nov. 13 H. 8. leaving Eliz. Anne and Blanch his cosins next heirs viz. daughters of Edw. Willoughby his son by the before specified Elizabeth Of which daughters so in minority Eliz. the eldest was committed to the tuition of Sir Edward Grevill of Milcote Knight who obtained her wardship as I have by tradition been informed with purpose to marry her unto Iohn his son and heir but she better affecting Fòuke the younger became his wife to whom she brought this Mannour of Alcester with other lands which Fouke much enlarged his Mannour-house at Beauchamps-Court taking stone and timber from the then newly dissolved Priory at Alcester for that purpose as also his Park with part of the wast belonging to this Lordship and bore the Office of Shiriff for this County and Leicestershire in 34 H. 8. being then a Knight so also in 1 E. 6. and departed this life 10. Nov. Anno 1559. 1 Eliz. leaving issue Fouke his son and heir and Robert a younger son which Fouke was Knighted in 7 Eliz. being then 29 years of age In 12 Eliz. he came first into Commission for conservation of the Peace in this Shire and departing this life in an 1606 4 Iac. left issu by Anne his wife daughter to Raph Nevill E. of Westmerland Fouk his son and heir Which last recited Fouk having been a servant in Court to Q. Eliz. made Under-Treasurer and Chancelour of the Exchequer by K. Iames as also one of the privy Councell and a Gentleman of his Bedchamber in 15. of that King's reign obtained a speciall Charter confirming all such liberties as had been granted to any of his Ancestors in the behalf of this Town upon a new Rent of x s. per annum then reserved to the said K. his heires successors and was created Lord Brook of Beauchamps-Court before mentioned 9. Ian. 18. Iac. with limitation of that Honour for lack of issue male of his own body unto Robert Grevill son of Fouk son of Robert before specified a younger son to the first Sir Fouk This Fouk Lord Brook obtaining the Castle of Warwick from King Iames when it was in a very ruinous condition bestowed so much cost in the repairs thereof beautifying it with most pleasant Gardens and Walks and adorning it with rich furniture that considering its situation no place in this part of England doth compare with it for statelinesse and delight But delaying to reward one Hayward an antient servant that had spent the most of his time in attendance upon him being expostulated with for so doing received a mortall stab on the back by the same man then private with him in his Bed-chamber at Brook-house in London 30. Sept. Anno 1628 5 Car. who to consummate the Tragedy went into another roome and having lock't the dore pierced his own bowells with a sword After which viz. 27. Oct. the said Lord Brook's body being wrapt in Lead brought to Warwick was there solemnly interred in a vault on the North side the Quire of S. Maries Church under that beautifull Monument erected by himself whereof I have there taken notice To whom succeeded in this his Lordship of Alcester and divers other lands of great value the before specified Robert Grevill Lord Brooke by vertue of a speciall grant whereby they were so setled I now come to speak of that Family of Botreaux which possest the other half of this Mannour till 22 H. 6. as I have intimated Robertus Corbet ..... Reginaldus Comes Cornub Regis Henrici primi nothus Henricus Filia cohaeres Henricus fil Herberti Petrus fil Herberti 6. Joh. Herbertus fil Petri 33 H. 3. Regin fil Petri 56 H. 3. Johannes Herbertus Alicia altera filiarum cohaeredum Will. Boterell Will. Boterell 6. Joh. ob s. prole Albreda fil Walteri Waleran Reginaldus de Boterell frater haeres Will. de Botereus 2 E. 1. Will. de Botereus 9 E. 2. Regin de Botereus 4 E. 3. Walt. de Botereaux obiit 41 E. 3. Joh. Botereaux aetat 6. an 41 E. 3. Margeria filia Will. Dunfrell Joh. Botreaux de Wetheley in Com. Warw. gen 10 H. 6. Thomas Botreaux 22 H. 6. Of Will. de Botreaux who married Alice one of the daughters and coheirs to Rob. Corbet I find that he confirmed to the Monks of Alcester all that they there held of his Fee and that he left issue Will. and Reginald which second Will. in 6. Ioh. gave two Horses for the great saddle
Messuages one shop xi acres of land and 4 acres of meadow lying here in Alcester But in 7 H. 4. this Chantry had an addition made thereto by two Priests Iohn Weston and Rob. Canill who gave 4 messuages and 4 acres of land thereto lying also within the precincts of Alcester so that in 26 H. 8. the value of all its revenues extended to iiii l. xiii s. viii d. per an but in 37 H. 8. to no more than iiii l. xii s. over and above reprises I Now come to the Monastery whereof there is scarce any memoriall left amongst the Inhabitants the very ruins being all dig'd up and Corn sowed where it sometime stood and that the place may not be forgotten I shall here before I come to speak of its Foundation describe where it lyes which is about half a mile North from Alcester encompassed with a moat on the West and South sides and on the North and East with the river Arrow making the site thereof a kind of Island which containeth somewhat more than two acres according to our usuall measure as I guess This at the frequent instance of Simon Bishop of Worcester and G. the then Prior being founded by Raph. Boteler of Oversley in the year of our Lord MCXL 5 Steph. upon that piece of ground so encompassed with water as I have said and therefore called the Church of our Lady of the Isle was dedicated to the Holy Trinity and to the honour of the Blessed Virgin St. Anne her mother St. Ioseph St. Iohn Bapt. St. Iohn the Evang. and All Saints for the health of the souls of K. Will. the Conquerour Maud his consortâ— K. Will. the younger K. Henry the first Q. Maud his consort K. Steph. Q. Maud likewise his consort Roger de Bellomont and Atheline his wife Rob. Earl of Mellent and Isabell his wife Rob. Earl of Leicester and Avice his wife with their sons as also of Walleran Earl of Mellent And moreover for his the said Raph. Boteler's own soul and the soul of Avice his wife with their Parents ancestors and successors souls by the advice and consent of the before specified K. Steph. Rob. Earl of Leic. and VValeran E. of Mellent and of Robert and Geffrey sons to the said Raph Robert a Monk of Worcester being constituted the first Abbot there upon Martinmass-day in the year abovesaid The same Founder then ordaining that after the death of this Abbot another should be chosen in the Chapter house at Worcester or out of this at Alcester as should be thought most meet And for the maintenance of the Monks here serving God he endowed it with the before specified Isle together with his Lordship of Cockmerse and whatsoever he did possess in Pebworth viz. 4 hides and a half and moreover with all his lands of Waltford Cunbruge and Blinchesfelde with their appurtenances excepting Lx s. yearly Rent which the Abbot of this House was to pay to the Monks of Bec in Normandy And further did he grant thereunto the Chapell of his Castle at Oversleie with the Churches of Alcester Glen Teingworth and Merston and whatsoever appertaâ—ned to them the whole Tithe of his Lorship of Oversleie in lands Vineyards Woods Parks Meadows and Fishings Half the Tithe of his Lordships of Pebworth and Cherletune Two sheaves of that of Ragley All the Tithes of Dorsinton Mulecote Brome and Whitlacesford As also his Mill of Groberi and the half of his three Mills at Oversleie Appointing that whatsoever should govern here for the future as Abbot he should not mispend the revenues of the Monastery upon his secular kindred but for the poor and in Hospitality nor grant away the inheritance of any the lands belonging thereto And which is not the least memorable he might not make any other Knights nisi in sacra veste Christi in qua parvulos suscipere modestè caveat but that maturos seu discretos tam Clericos quam Laicos providè suscipiat as are the very words of his Charter whereby 't is evident that about this time the restriction began which prohibited Ecclesiastick persons to make Knights which it seems they had antiently used to do and as by what I have said in Milcote touching the sacred and Courtly ceremonies formerly excercised in conferring that dignity appeareth Which ample Charter being confirmed by the before specified Robert Earl of Leicester his immediate Lord as also by K. Steph. and Henry the second begot a fair increase of its possessions through the munificence of sundry other persons viz. xx s. Rent yearly issuing out of Impingeham given by Geffrey one of the sons to the said founder the Church of Beoley in Worcestershire by Geffrey de Limesi the Church of Pebeworth in com Glouc. by Ric Frevill with one yard land in Merston and the Tithe of his Salt at Wiche the Church of Edbrighton by Rog. de Watervill and one hide of land in Ryeton in this County lying adjacent to Weston with a meadow situate under that town and some other lands there Neither must I omit to take notice that Simon de Cocton and Alexander de Kynewarton bestowed on these Monks each of them a load of wood for Fewell to be weekly taken out of their Woods at Cocton now Coughton with liberty for them to erect Hogs-cotes in the same Woods All which gifts were ratified by the said K. H. 2. After this viz. in 35 E. 1. had they Lx. acres of Heath or wast lying at Hinstoke in Shropshire with the advouson of the Church of Hinstoke given unto them by Will. le Boteler of Wemme with power to inclose the said wast as also Common of pasture for viii Oxen vi Kine with their calves of one year old and C C sheep in his Wasts and Woods at Hinstoke but with condition that the said Will. and his heirs might make improvement at their pleasure in those woods and wast without the lawfull contradiction of the said Monks And over and above all this was there an annuity of C s. per an given thereunto by the said Will. le Boteler issuing out of certain lands and burgages lying in Shaftesbury in com Dors. for the performance of Divine service Almes and other pious works for the health of his soul as also of the soul of K. Henr. the 4th But after this I do find very little increase of its revenues from any other Benefactors nay rather such a diminution through the ill government and negligence of some Abbots by wasting the stock upon their lands and borrowing of money that in 10 H. 6. upon a Complaint made by William the then Abbot that their debts were so great as in case they should speedily be required himself and his Covent could not possibly subsist the King upon mature advice with his Councell by his Royall authority seised the whole Monastery into his own hands and forthwith
through the heir female but by virtue of a speciall Entail made by Iohn de Hastings E. of Pembroke son and heir to the before specified Laurence whereof in Fillongley I shall speak was setled together with the Castle and Honour of Bergavenny and other large possessions upon Sir Will. de Beuchamp K t second son to Thomas E. of Warwick and his heirs Which William bearing the title of Lord Bergavenny dyed seized thereof in 12 H. 4. from whom it descended to Ric. Beauchamp Earl of Worcester his son and heir whose daughter and heir Elizabeth being wedded to Sir Edw. Nevill Knight a younger son to Raph Earl of Westmerland thenceforth summoned to Parl. as Lord Bergavenny brought it with other lands of a large extent to that noble Family wherein it hath ever since continued being enjoy'd by the right honourable Iohn Lord Bergavenny at this day The Church dedicated to St. Iohn Bapt. being given to the Canons of Studley as I have formerly intimated by the last Will. de Cantilupe in H. 3. time was in an 1291 19 E. 1. valued at xxxiii marks which grant did not stand so firme but that the heirs of Cantilupe repossest it again for in 24 E. 1. it appears that the said Canons granted to Iohn de Hastings then Lord of this Mannour lands to the value of xiii li. per an lying here in exchange for the said advouson Nay I find that after this the Family of Hastings being potent had it again from the said Canons for in 19 E. 3. did Laurence de Hastings Earl of Pembroke passe it away to Will. de Clinton Earl of Huntingdon and his heirs who immediately thereupon gave it to the Priory of Makstoke then newly by him founded whereupon the Canons of Mackstoke obtained License from the K. for appropriating it to their House which appropriation was accordingly accomplisht the same year by VVolstan then Bishop of Worcester as by his Instrument dated at Blocklegh 4 Oct. appeareth and confirmed by his Chapter by reason whereof they had a yearly Pension of xiii s. iiii d. payable on the Feast day of the Annunciation of our Lady granted to them In which year was likewise an Ordination of the Vicaridge But notwithstanding all this it so fell out afterwards that the Canons of Studley by colour of their originall title got into the possession thereof again whereupon great suits arose betwixt those of Mackstoke and them yet in the end they of Makstoke prevailed who to strengthen their title had the King's confirmation in 5 H. 4. For which they gave a Fine of Lxxi li. xi s. that they might enjoy it according to the tenor of the appropriation thereof so made to them as aforesaid In 26 H. 8. the Vicaridge was valued at x li. at which time the Synodalls and Procurations issuing out of it were x s. v d. ob Patroni Ecclesiae Incumbentes c. D. Alianora Regina Angliae Rad. de Alemannia Cler. 8. Id. Dec. 1277. D. Ioh de Hastings D. Will. de Stratford Cap. 2. Cal. Maii 1295. D. Ioh de Hastings Ioh. de Brom Accol 14 Cal. Ian. 1299. D. Ioh de Hastings Aegid de Baggeshoure Cler. 15 Cal. Apr. 1305. D. Rad. de Monthehermerii Mr. Ioh. Mauduit 4 Non. Oct. 1319. Nobilis mulier Isabella de Hastings Will. de Beresord Cler. 23 Apr. 1328. Nobilis mulier Isabella de Hastings Rob. Mauduit Cler. 2 Cal. Iulii 1330. Patroni Vicariae Prior Conv. de Makstoke Nich. de Sheldon Pbr. 17 Iulii 1339. Prior Conv. de Makstoke D. Adam de Overton Pbr. 14 Sept. 1345. Prior Conv. de Makstoke Ric. de VValford Pbr. 14 Sept. 1361. Prior Conv. de Makstoke Rob. de â—irchesley Non. Febâ— 1365. Prior Conv. de Makstoke Ric. Pulâ—eney Pbr. 22 Nov. 1369. Patroni Ecclesiae Henr. Rex Angl. per recuperat juris ad praesent de Pr. C. de Studley Thomas Burdet Cler. 25 Iunii 1402. Pr. Conv. de Studley Thomas Shelford Cler. 12 Maii 1403. Pr. Conv. de Makstoke Thomas Lucas Pbr. 15 Nov. 1407. Patroni Vicariae Pr. Conv. de Makstoke D. VVill. Drewe Cap. 27 Sept. 1409. Pr. Conv. de Makstoke D. Henr. Hurle Cap. 28 Apr. 1410. Pr. Conv. de Makstoke D. VVill. Andrew Cap. 23 Martii 1423. Pr. Conv. de Makstoke Ioh. Barun ult Maii 1425. Pr. Conv. de Makstoke D. Ioh. Salwey Cap. 18 Aug. 1427. Pr. Conv. de Makstoke D. Ioh. Hende Cap. 16 Aug. 1457. Pr. Conv. de Makstoke D. Rog. Felawe Cap. 4 Aug. 1469. Pr. Conv. de Makstoke D. Rog. Montgombry Cap. 12 Ian. 1484. Pr. Conv. de Makstoke D. Thomas Berton Cap. 16 Iunii 1486. D. Episc. per lapsum D. Rogerus ........ 8 Apr. 1491. Pr. Conv. de Coventre Petrus Irlam Cap. 23 Febr. 1531. H. Dux Suff. D. Franc. ux ejus D. Marg. Clifford Will Stanley miles cohaer Caroli D. Suff. VVill Burton Cler. 20 Dec. 1553â— Thomas Chapman ratione concess W. Stanley mil. D. Rad. Brock Pbr. 25 Sept. 1557. D. Episc. per lapsum Thom. Clerke Cler. 15 Oct. 1560 Henr. 8. Rex Angl. c. D. Thomas King Pbr. 23 Feb. 1536. Ric. Wright de Clopton sen. gen VVill. Tomlinson Cler. 29 Iulii 1622. In this Church there was antiently a certain Fraternity or Gild consisting of the Parishioners only being founded by them to the honour of God and the blessed Virgin but it had no lawfull establishment till 9 E. 4. at which time upon the humble Petition of the Inhabitants License was granted to Sir Edw. Nevill Knight then Lord of the Mannour that he should so settle and order the same as that there might be a certain Priest maintained there to celebrate divine service daily at the Altar of the blessed Virgin in the said Church for the good estate of the said K. Edw. 4. and Eliz. his Consort as also for the Brethren and Sisters of that Fraternitie during this life and for their souls after their departure hence and the souls of all the faithfull deceased which accordingly was effected and lands disposed thereunto for that purpose valued at vii li. ix s. ii d. ob per an in 37 H. 8. Armes depicted on the roof of the Chancell Gules a fesse betwixt six Crosse Crosslets Or. Beauchamp E. of Warwick Argent 3 Crosse Crosslets fiche sable upon a cheif Azure a Mullet and a Rose Or. Argent 6 Crosse Crosslets fichè Sable upon a cheif Azure two Mullets Or. Clinton Earl of Huntingdon Wilmecote IN the Conqueror's time Osbernus fil Richardi possest this place it being then certified to contain three hides which were valued at Lxs. and at that time held of him by one Urso but before the Norman invasion
of all in regard of the naturall high and steep ascent of the ground so near the bank of Arrow made choise thereof for his principall seat and built a fair Castle thereon by whose ruines the strength compasse it was of may seem to have been of no mean consideration and within lesse than a mile distant thereof viz. on the Northside of Alcester founded a Monastery for Benedictine Monks of which I have already spoke whereuntoâ— amongst other his ample concessions for its endowment he added the Chapell of this his Castle From this Raph is it that the Botelers of Oversley no lesse that Barons did deduce their descent and had here their seat till by marriage with Maud the daughter and heir of Pantolf Wemme in Shropshire with other large possessions divolved to them After which it was not long ere that by an heir female this came to Ferrers and so afterwards to Nevill and Gascoine as the Pedegree inserted in the next page sheweth To which Raph succeeded Robert his son and heir called Robertus Pincerna de Oversleia who joyned with his Father in founding the Monastery of Alcester before specified and confirmed to the Nuns of Pinley that grant which Ioh. de Pillardinton made to them of the Land whereupon that Religious House was situate it being of his Fee Which Robert had issue another Raph â— who gave the Chapell of Stocton with the Tithes to the Canons of Leicester and made head against King Iohn with the rest of the Barons for which his lands were seized and committed unto Wiâ— de Gantilupe but in 1 H. 3. the King gave command that in case he did pay xl marks for his redemption that then the said Will. should re-invest him with the possession of his lands again as it seems he did and grew into so fair an esteem with the King that he became imployed in some affaires of trust for I find that in 9 and 10 H. 3. he was constituted a Commissioner for collecting a Fifteenth in this and Leicestershire as also a Justice of Assize in this County Radulfus Pincerna de Legrecestria temp H. 1. Râ—b Pincerna de Overâ—â—eia 5 Steph. Rad. Pincerna 1. Ioh. Mauritius Pincerna 4 H. 3. Rad. le Butiller 34 H. 3. Matilda filia â—â—res Will. de Paunton filia Hâ—g de Paunton Will. le Botiller de Beatrix Wemme obiit 12 E. 1. Ioh. le Botiller fil haeres obiit 15 E. 1. s. p. Gaw nus le Botiller aet 17. an 15 E. 1. Ankareta ux 1. Will. le Botâ—ller obiit 8 E. 3. Ela filia cohaer Rog. de Herdebergh de cujus progenie vidâ— in Willey Will. le Botiller obiit 35 E. 3. Will. le Botiller Rob. de Ferrers obiit 4 R. 2. Eliz. filia haeres obiit 12 H. 4. Ioh. Saysecundus maritus 5 R. 2. Tho. Molinton tertius maritus 5 H. 4. Rob. de Ferrers ob s. p. Eliz. ux Ioh. de Greystoke 13 H. 4. Maria filia coheres 13 H. 4. Rad. Nevill mil. filius Radulsicomit's Westmerl 13 H. 4. Ioh. Nevill de Womersley ar obiit 22 E. 4. Iohanna filia haeres Will. Gascoin Will Gascoin miles consangu haeres Ioh. Nevill aer 30 an 22. E. 4. Will. Gascoin miles Will. Gascoin de Cusworth in com Ebor. miles 29 H. 8. Galfr. Pincerna dictus L'abbe To whom succeeded Maurice his son and heir one of the Justices of Assize likewise in this Countie in 13 H. 3. and in 16 H. 3. a Commissioner for assessing and collecting the fourtieth part of all mens movable goods according to the forme and order then appointed In 21 and 25 H. 3. again one of the Justices of Assize and in 19 22 and 30 H. 3. for the Gaol delivery at Warwick Which Maurice had issue Raph who wedded Maud the daughter and heir to Will. de Pantolf by whom that great Lordship of Wemme in Shropshire with other fair possessions came to this Family and was also one of the Justices for Gaol delivery at Warwick in 34 and 41 H. 3. in the last of which years he was in the Welch expedition and the next year following summoned amongst others of the Peers to be at Chester on Munday next after the Feast of S. Iohn Bapt. well furnisht with Horse and Armes to march against Lewelin Prince of Wales and his complices The like Summons and to be so furnisht did he receive the several ensuing years scil in 44 H. 3. to be at Chester on the Feast day of the Nativity of the blessed Virgin In 45 H. 3. at London on the morrow after Simon and Iude's day In 47 at Worcester on the Feast day of St. Peter ad Vincula and at Ludlow on the Octaves of the Purification of our Lady In 48 he had command with other of the Peers to attend the K. at Oxford in Mid-Lent there to yeild him Councell and thence to advance against the before specified Prince of Wales and his adherents But â—mmediately hereupon was it that the Barons put themselves in Armes against the King as our Anâ—als do manifest whose power afterwards being finally quelled in the battail of Evesham and heir estates confiscate as I have elsewhere shewed this Raph as a reward for his loyall services â—hen performed had the Lordship of Kineton in this Shire which belong'd to Nich. de Segrave bestowed upon him to hold during life upon the same termes as Segrave held it and by another Pat. bearing date but 3. dayes after had the inheritance thereof granted to him Nay so far was he in the King s favour that upon redemption of the lands according to the Dictum de Kenilworth by those which had forfeited them whereby Segrave came to repossesse this Mannour again the King in recompence thereof gave him the summe of CCCC li. to be received out of the Fines and amerciaments coming into his Exchequer But the posterity of this Raph had their residence for the most part at Wemme so that I have therefore the lesse to say of them Of these William his son and heir was a munificent Benefactor to the Monks of Alcester for he gave them Lx. acres of land viz. of his Wast lying at Hynestoke in Shropshire with power to inclose the same as also the advouson of the Church and Common of pasture for 8 Oxen 6 Kine and CC. Sheep in his Woods and Wasts belonging to that Lordship Upon his death which hapned in 12 E. 1. I find it certified that he held this Mannour of Oversley of divers Lords by several services and that there was then a Mannour House with two Gardens two water Mills xii acres of meadow xii acres of arable land ii s. vi d. Rent from two Freeholders four Cottages and three messuages held by Tenants in Villenage of the Honour of Leicester by the service of half a Knights Fee
means it is come to Iohn Mayne now of Elmedon Gentleman grandchild to the said Henry Merston-Culy IN King Edward the Confessor's time this place was possest by one Aluric who after the Norman Conquest sold it with the License of King William unto Robert de Oilgi Of which Robert Robert Venator held it at the time of the generall Survey it being then accounted for two hides having Woods which extended to four furlongs in length and one in breadth all valued at xx s. But from this time till King H. 3. reign that Hugh de Culi was owner thereof I have seen no more of it nor after that till 21 E. 3. that Sâ—r Fouk de Bermingham possest it as appears by a speciall License by him then granted unto one Ranulph Leyecroft to amortize two Mess. two yard land and xii s. Rent lying therein for the maintenance of a Priest to celebrate divine Service here every day in the Chapell of S. Leonard for the health of the soul of him the said Ranulph and of his Ancestors and all the faithfull deceased From which Ranulph who had a good proportion of lands here besides what he had so disposed of descended Robert Leecroft by whom in 22 R. 2. the whole Mannour was purchased from Thomas Roche and Eliz. his wife it being of her inheritance as daughter and heir unto Thomas de Bermingham To the descendants of which Robert it continued till H. 8. time that Anne the daughter and heir to William Lecroft of Colshill was wedded unto Iohn L'isle of Moxhull Esquire whose son and heir scil Nicholas Lâ—isle sold it in 25 H. 8. to Reginald Digby of Colshill Esquire in which line it still continues Lindon THat this Hamlet was originally so called from the situation thereof the name doth plainly manifest Lhin in the Brittish signifying a Lake or Pool and don in the Saxon a Hill for at the foot of an indifferent rising ground it standeth but the first mention I have found of it in any Record is in 34 H. 3. where it appears that Gunilda de Lynden brought an Assize of Novel disseisin against Walter de Bishopesdon and others for lands here yet is it no Mannour of it self but the lands of other Lordships reach into it whereof I shall not need to give instance Little Pakinton OF this place I find no mention in the Conqueror's Survey though it seems to have been part of the Earl of Mellent's possessions at that time for it appears that the antient Earls of Leicester were chief Lords of the Fee But certain it is that in King H. 1. time Robert de Ceraso possest it and after him Gilbert the son of Picot which Gilbert had issue William Picot unto whom Nicholas the son of Richard de Torpe released all his right therein that descended to him by inheâ—iâ—ance from the same Robert de Ceraso his grandfather This Gilbert Picot being a Knight had fair possessions in Leicestershire viz. Barow Segrave Glen c. And in 4 H. 3. was William â—icot his â—on one of the Justices for the Gaol-delivery at Warwick and Leicester both In which line of Picot it continued till about the middle of King H. 3. reign but then by daughters and heirs two parts divolved to Murdac and Ireys and the third to Nicholas Pikot which came shortly after to one Gilb. Petemon betwixt whom there grew suits for their interest here in 27 H. 3. But of these coparceners Sir Henry Murdac was the chief being Shiriff of this County and Leicestershire in 46 H. 3. and one of the Justices for the Gaol-delivery at Warwick in 56 H. 3. Which Sir Henry doing homage to Roger de Quency Earl of Winchester as Lord of the Honour of Leicester for the fourth part of a Knight's Fee that he and the other coheirs held of him here at Pakinton had authoritie given him by the said Earl to receive the homage of Thomas le â—reys and Agnes his wife as also of Nich. Pikot his fellow partners before spoken of at which time he gave to the same Earl xl s. of silver in the behalf of himself and them and his and their heirs to be released from attendance at the three weeks Court a Leicester making their appearances at hâ—â— Leet only To this Sir Henry succeeded Sir William Murdac Knight who bore for his Armes Bendè of ten pâ—â—ces Arg. and Gules and had issue Alice his daughter and heir wedded to Sir Thomas â—oyvile Knight unto whom she brought a fair inheritance of lands in Leicestershire Which Beyviles had their residence at Stokfaston in that Countie But wiâ—hin tâ—e câ—mpasse â—f that time as they had to do hâ—re they obtained one of the two other parts of this Lordshâ—p◠〈…〉 as it seems So that upâ—n the 〈…〉 three daughters and heirs of the last Iâ—hn viz. â—liz the wiâ—e o 〈…〉 Bury Hatley iâ— Com. Herâ—f abâ—â—t the laâ—â—r end 〈…〉 it unto Sâ—r Râ—bâ—rt Brâ—â—â—â—ll of Dene in Com. Northampt. Knight From whom deâ—cendâ—d Thomas Brudâ—elâ— Eâ—quâ—re afâ—erwardsâ— scil 3. Car. created Lord â—ruâ—â—ell a person much to be honoured for his great lâ—aâ—ning prudenceâ— and eminent knowledge in Anâ—â—quities who by his Deed of bargain and sale dated 19 Maii 4. Iac. past it unâ—o Sir Edward Brabazon then of Nether-Whitacre in this Câ—untie Knight whicâ— Sir Eâ—ward diâ—poâ—ed thereof to Siâ— Anthâ—â—y â—rabazon Knight his younger son tâ—e late â—wner thereof Touching that part whâ—ch Ireâ—s had I find that in 13 E. 3. Thomas le â—â—eys passed iâ— awayâ— by the name lâ—kewise of the Mannour of Pakinton-Pigot to Philip de Aâ—leston and 〈…〉 and the heâ—rs of their two 〈◊〉 but for lack of such issue to return unto the râ—gâ—t â—eirs of the said Thomas which makeâ— me 〈◊〉 that the said Kaâ—â—eâ—â—ne was his daughter Aâ—â—er this â—iz in 50 〈…〉 of whom in Maxstoke I shall speak puâ—câ—ased oâ—e third part 〈…〉 Mâ—nnâ—ur 〈…〉 and Ioane his wiâ—e but 〈…〉 were that which Philip de 〈◊〉 above 〈…〉 the othâ—r formâ—râ—y belongiâ—g to Gâ—lbert 〈◊〉 I cannot well discâ—ver Which third part continued to his posteâ—ity tiâ—l the beginniâ—g of H. 7. time though how much longâ—r I know not for in 20 H. 7. Iohn Creâ— Vicount L'isle was found tâ— dye sâ—â—zed 〈◊〉 â— by the name likewise of the Mannâ—ur of Pakinton-Pâ—got which from him divolved to â—homas Mâ—rquess Dorsâ—t his Unclâ—'s son and so consequently to Henry Duke of Suff. After whose attainder in 1 Mariae whereof in Astley I have spoke it eschaeted to the Crown and continued therein till Queen Elizabeth in the second year of her reign granted it to Edward Earl of Lincolne lâ—neaâ—l heir to the Clintons before specified which Earl sold â—t to one Sampson Baker Gentleman 30 Oct. 15 Eliz. who died seized thereof in 26 Eliz.
of an authentick Writer that St. Benedict first prescribed that Rule Benedictus cum sorore Scholasticâ primus Regularem vitam certis Legibus ordinibus cum hactenus seorsim liberè Christo inservissent inchoavit which Rule came in time to have that venerable esteem that as Baronius tells us In Liptinensi Concilio in Cameracensi Galliae agro sancitum est ut Monachi ac Nonnae juxta Regulam S. Benedicti Coenobia sua ordinarent The first Monasterie of Nuns which we had here in England was that of Berking in Essex founded by Erkenwald Bishop of London about the year of Christ DCLXVI long before the reception of St. Benet's Rule in this Nation I now come to this of Polesworth and in the first place shall take notice upon what occasion it was founded and then go on to shew the endowment thereof with lands c. King Egbert having one onely son called Arnulph who was a Leper and hearing by a Bishop which came from Ireland that the then King of Connaught had a Nun to his daughter called Modwen that healed all diseased people repairing to her sent his said son at the perswasion of that Bishop into Ireland where he was accordingly cured by the same holy Woman which great favour so pleased King Egbert that he forthwith invited St. Modwen to come into England promising that he would â—ound a Monasterie for her and her Covent Of which tender she soon after accepted forasmuch as the Religious House wherein she resided was by Wars betwixt those petty Kings of Ireland burnt and wasted and brought over with her two of her fellow Nuns Whereupon the King having a great opinion of her sanctitie recommended his daughter Edith unto her to be instructed in Religion after the Rule of St. Benet giving her a dwelling place in the Forest of Ardeâ—â—e then called Trensale where the said Edith together with St. Lyne and St. Osithe lived together in a holy manner and soon after founded a Monasterie for them on the bank of the River Anker at this place called Pollysworth the first syllable Pol importing a deepness of Water and the other scil Worth a dwelling or habitation constituting the said Edith Abbess thereof Ordinis Benedictini monialis I shall not take upon me to censure the truth of this Storie as to the substance of it but in circumstance perhaps there may be some mistakes therein for by an Author who more compendiously speaks thereof it is referr'd to King Ethelwolph son to K. Egbert whose son Alured languishing of a desperate infirmitie was thus cured by S. Modwene whereupon he gave unto her lands in this Realm for the founding of two Monasteries of Nunns one here in Arden at Polesworth wherein as he saith Osithe and Athea two holy Virgins and S. Edith sister to the said King Ethelwolph dwelt and the other at Streneshale But of their going to Oldbury and bringing back hither I shall not make any question though the appartion of S. Edith with her Crosier may be doubted forasmuch as the words of Robert Marmion's Charter and Milisent his wife do import no lesse which I have here transcribed Notum siâ— omnibus me concessisse Osannae Priorissae ad religionem instaurandam Sanctimonialium ibi Ecclesiam S. Edithae de Pollesworda cum pertinentiis it a quod Conventus de Aldeberia ibi sit manens Hence it is as I guess that this Robert Marmion and his wife are by the learned Leland accounted to have been Founders thereof in which repute I shall leave them forasmuch as it also appears that they gave the town of Polesworth totally thereto with their whole demesnes in Waverton all which were confirmed by King Stephen I shall now descend to such other Benefactors as these Nuns had the next and chiefest whereof was Walter de Hastings who gave Oldbury unto them it being a Cell to this Monasterie as I have already observed After which they had by Robert Marmion son to the before-specified Robert and Milisent the Church of Queinton in Gloucestershire which in 12 R. 2. they procured to be appropriate to them As also the Mill at Kingsburie â— called Hemlingford-Mill with certain Meadow-ground and other lands by Robert Fitz-Walter and Amabill his wife one of the coheirs unto Osbert de Arden and moreover a Mill at Hurley given by Alice sister to the said Amabil then wife of Simon de Harecurt both which were confirmed by Raphe de Bracebrigge afterwards Lord of that Mannour In Draiton in Com. Leic. they had a good proportion of land given by Picot Archer in H. 2. time and confirmed by Robert then Earl of Leicester with a farther augmentation by William de Trumpinton In Burdingburie in this Countie certain lands by Edelina sister to Robert Boteler of Ingleby for the souls health of Walter de Somervile her husband The Church of Barwell in Leicestershire by Erneburga the mother of William de Hastings the Church of Ansley in this Countie by William the son of Robert de Hardreshull Certain lands in Bromcote by William Fitz-Walkeline of Bromcote which were confirm'd by Robert his son and heir in consideration that these Nuns allowed him to have a Chantrie in his Chapell at Bromcote Whereunto Robert de Grendon in 32 E. 1. added a yard-land and certain Messuages lying in the same Village All those lands called Coppenhull neer Shuttenton given by William Burdet which Hugh his son confirmed temp H. 2. A yard land in Sirescote by Roger the son of Walter de Sumervile Certain lands in Snarkeston Com. Leic. which William de Appilby gave together with his body to sepulture in this Monasterie which were confirmed by Will. de Charnells and Clementia his wife The Mill of Freseley and a proportion of land there by Robert de Kaily with addition of more by Sir Iordan de Whitacre Knight and Will. Savage which William gave also certain lands in Dodenhale as also all the ground he had in Povele-Wood where the Chapell above S. Edith's Well was built In Bromcote they had an yearly Rent of xx s. given to them by Eustace de Mortein for the health of his soul and the soul of Hillaria his wife upon condition that if they did enjoy those lands in Shotswell whereof he made them a grant that then they should not challenge this Annuitie From Raphe Lord Basset of Draiton they had an annuall Rent of a mark of silver for the enlarging of their Diet upon the day of S. Iohn Baptist's Nativity in honour of that Festivall In Norton now Hoggs-Norton a Carucate of land given by Robert de Gresele and a yard-land by Geffrey de Greseley with certain Rents as also the Homage and services of sundry persons and in Harlaston the Rent of v s. yearly given by William de Vernun for the maintenance of a Lampe to
as good value in recompence thereof that Charter of confirmation bearing date at Wenloc 26 Maii. Of which noble person I further find that he obtained the Advouson and patronage of the Priory of Studley near this place as I have there shewed from Peter de Corbucon heir to the Founder whereunto he gave a fair portion of lands lying in Shotswell That he also built an Hospitall at the Gates of that Monastery That he bore for his Armes Gules 3 flower de lices Or as by his Seal appeareth within the compasse whereof scil towards the lower part of the Shield there is a Star with a Cressant which is a Badge as hath been observed by judicious Antiquaries of his service in the Holy warrs And that he departed this life 7 Id. Apr. 23 H. 3. being then very aged leaving issue several sons viz. William his son and heir Walter a Priest and imployed by King H. 3. as his Agent to the Court of Rome afterwards elected Bâ—shop of Worcester â— whose story I refer to Godwyn Iohn Lord of Snitfield in this Countie and Nicholas of whom I find no more than the bare mention Which Will. being a martial man as well as his father and accompanying him at raising the seige of Lincolne Castle in 1 H. 3. had in 15 H. 3. much of his father's estate past over to him for which he then did his homage to the King And in 24 H. 3. obtained a special Charter for exempting him from any suit to the County or Hundred Courts Leet Aid to the Shiriff and Hidage for all his lands in England After which viz. in 26 H. 3. he attended the King in that his French expedition which was so unprosperous and having been in 28 H. 3. sent with other of the great Nobilitie to solicite the Prelates for an Aid of money according to the Popes Letters on the King's behalf was the next ensuing year one of those that went Embassiador to the general Councell then held at Lions there to complain of the grievous exactions used here in England by the Court of Rome as well from the Clergie as Laitie and to crave remedie for the same Which William bearing a devout affection to the Canons of Studley before specified gave to the Hospital of his Father's building there lands to the value of x li. per an lying within this Lordship as also certain Rent and pasturage for Cattell in Southernkeston with the Church of Hemeston in Devonshire And having besides all this obtained a special Charter for exempting their Woods situate within the Forest of Fekenham from any view of the King's Foresters and Verderers and been Steward to the King as his Father was as also a most faithfull Councellor left issue by Milisent the daughter of Hugh de Gornay Will. his son and heir Thomas Bishop of Hereford who in 34 E. 1. was canonized for a Saint and Iulian the wife of Sir Rob. de Tregoz and departed this life in 35 H. 3. immediatly whereupon William his eldest son performing his homage and giving security for payment of his Relief which was C li. had livery of his lands Which William in 37 H. 3. obtained a pardon from the King for pulling down the Castle of Penros in Wales belonging to Iohn de Monemuth as also for five marks at which this his Mannour of Aston was amerced for protecting one Rob. de Shelfhill who had been indicted for certain misdemeanors and in 38 H. 3. was constituted Governor of Bovelt Castle in Brecknockshire To the before specified Hospitall built at the Gate of the Priory of Studley he gave the advouson of the Church here at Aston and having wedded Eva one of the daughters aad coheirs to Will. de Braose of Brecknock with whom he had the territory of Upper Went and other lands in England and Wales departed this life in the flower of his youth to the great grief of many leaving issue by her the said Eva George his son and heir and two daughters Of which George being scarce 3. years old at that time I have found very little that is memorableâ— his death hapning before he arrived to years whereby he could be qualified for any great action viz. in 1 Edw. 1. Therefore whether the marriage betwixt him and Margaret the daughter of Edmund de Lacy was ever consummated as their parents had designed when he was scarce two years old I cannot tell but sure I am that he had no issue for Iohn the son of Henry de Hastings and Milicent then the wife of Eudo or Yvo la Zouche were found to be his sisters and heirs Which Henry being in minority in 36 H. 3. and in Ward to Guy de Luzignian the King 's half brother had the benefit of his marriage then disposed of by the said Guy unto Will. de Cantilupe before specified who gave his daughter Ioane thus in wedlock to him Whereupon by partition made betwixt those coheirs the said Milisent had for her share the Castle of Totenesse in Com. Devon the Mannours of Eyton â—n com Bedf. and Haringworth in Northamptonshire â— with other fair possessions in England and Wales as also the advouson of the Priory of Studley in this County And Iohn de Hastings the son of Ioane beforementioned had Bergavenny with the Castle and Honour which were of the inheritance of Eva de Breause his grandmother together with the Castle of Kilgaran in Com. Pembr and amongst other large territories in England and Wales this Mannour of Aston then valued at Lix li. iiii s. i d. per an all which were in the King's hands at the time of the said Partition made by reason of his minority But touching the Family of Hastings I shall speak historically in Fillongley and therefore purpose to make no other mention of them here than what particularly relates to this place In 13 E. 1. this Iohn de Hastings claimed a Court-Leet with Assize of Bread and Beer Weifs Gallows and Free warren within this Mannour by Prescription all which were allowed From which time this Mannour was for divers descents enjoy'd by the posterity of the said Iohn as I could sufficiently demonstrate if need were except for so long as Will. de Clinton Earl of Huntingdon held two parts of it in right of Iulian his wife widow to Iohn de Hastings father of Laurence Earl of Pembroke After the death of which Laurence it appears that it was held of the King in Capite by the service of one Foot souldier in the Warrs of Wales with a Bow without a string and a Helmet for his head by the space of xl dayes at his own proper costs as often as there should be any hostility in Wales From which Family of Hastings it descended not to the Lord Grey of Ruthin