Rosthorne to wit quartam partem Villae quam Petrus Chanu Avunculus meus tenuit For which was a Suit per Breve de morte Antecessoris between the said William Chanu Demandant and William de Massy and Margery his Wife Tenants Testibus Philippo de Orreby tunc Justiciario Cestriae Willielmo Venables Hamone de Massy c. Sub initio Hen. 3. Ego Ricardus de Rotherston Filius Ricardi Clerici de Rothesthorne dedi Margeriae Filiae Homfridi de Rothesthorne Clerici unam Bovatam Terrae in Rothesthorne quam Petrus Chanu tenuit scilicet quartam partem Villae Pro qua Margeria dedit quatuor Marcas Argenti And so released to Richard all Covenants which had been between Richard and his Father and Wimar his Sister on the one Part and the said Margery and William her Son and Amabilia her Daughter on the other Part Testibus Philippo de Orreby tunc Justiciario Cestriae c. SCiant praesentes futuri Quod ego Rogerus de Hale Carpentarius dedi Thomae de Massy Filio Domini Willielmi de Massy totam Terram meam Tenementum meum tam in Molendinis quam in Terris quod habui in Villa de Rosthorne Faciendo inde Servitium Dominis illius Villae quod continetur in Charta Originali quam sibi deliberavi quando istam Chartam sibi feci c. Testibus Ricardo de Wilbraham tunc Vicecomite Cestershiriae Ricardo de Vernon Willielmo de Massy Willielmo de Carrington tunc Ballivo de Doneham c. This Deed was made 1270. OMnibus Christi fidelibus Willielmus Filius Willielmi Filii Gilberti de Tabley salutem Noveritis me remisisse Roberto de Massy Domino de Tatton totum jus meum in omnibus Terris quae fuerunt Margeriae Proaviae meae in Villa de Rosthorne c. Sub. Edw. 2. Richard Bruncroft gives to Richard Massy Son of Sir William Massy Knight certain Lands in Rosthorne in exchange for Lands in Quiter-hall towards the Bounds of Norshagh in Tatton Testibus Willielmo de Venables c. The Prior and Convent of Norton give to Sir Richard Massy Knight the Homage and the Service of the Lands of Henry the Hunter in Rosthorne Testibus Hamone de Massy Roberto le Grosvenour tunc Vicecomite Cestershiriae c. This was made in Anno 1286. or thereabout Robert Massy Lord of Tatton and John Legh of Booths make an Agreement and Partition to each a Moiety of Rosthorne-Mill and to each the Mulcture of their own Tenants They exchange Land and release Rent to each other and Legh is to hold a fourth Part of Rosthorne of Robert Massy in Fee by the yearly Rent of Twelve pence Testibus Hugh de Heelegh Chief-Justice of Chester * This was Hugh de Audley of Heeley-Castle in Staffordshire c. 1315. So far out of Mr. Halsey's Notes Inter les Fines Cestriae 18 Edw. 3. Finalis Concordia coram Henrice de Ferrars Justiciario Cestriae Johanne de Arderne Radulfo de Vernon Petro de Thorneton Willielmo Boydell Militibus Johanne de Wetenhale Willielmo de Praers Thoma Danyers Inter Ricardum Filium Hugonis Massy de Tatton Aliciam Uxorem ejus quaerentes Hugonem Filium Willielmi Massy de Tatton deforciantem de Mannerio de Rosthorne cum pertinentiis c. So that Massy of Tatton was Lord of the other Moity of Rosthorne ever since the Reign of Edward the First if not the Royalty of the whole How these Lands descended to the Earl of Bridgewater see the Pedegree in Tatton Charterers in Rosthorne 1666. 1. George Massy of Denfield whose Ancestors descended out of the Massies of Tatton under Edward the Third 2. Edward Allen of Rosthorne Runcorn Superior Inferior THese two Townships now distinguish'd into Over-Runcorn and Nether-Runcorn are Mized together in our Common Mize-book and are very hard Mized Here at Runcorn that Magnanimous Virago Elflede Countess of Mercia and Widow to Ethelred the Chief Governor of Mercia and Sister to King Edward the Elder did build a Town Anno Domini 916. as Florentius Huntington and other our Historians do affirm A Town and Castle saith Stow pag. 81. Probably it was then in a more flourishing condition than now it is For now it is a very poor Village and seems to be Waste in the Conqueror's Time for it is not mentioned in Doomsday-book Both these Townships comprehend not fully 300 Cheshire Acres upon a Survey of the Assessors made by estimation in the Time of our late War These little Villages are both of the Fee of the ancient Barony of Halton and were formerly Copy-hold Land to the Manor of Halton until the several Owners bought out their Lands in Fee-farm to hold in Free and Common Soccage of the Mannor of Enfield in Middlesex the King 's Grant bearing date the ninth day of September 4 Car. 1. 1628. as you may see also above in Moore Some Lands in these Townships are ancient Free-hold Land For Sir Hugh Dutton of Dutton by Office taken at Frodsham 22 Edw. 1. 1294. was found to hold seven Bovates of Land in Runcorn with other Lands of the Honor of Halton which are termed The third Part of Over-Runcorn in the Feodary of Halton Vide supra at the end of Halton But these Lands were sold lately by Gilbert Lord Gerard unto Savage of Rock-Savage in the Reign of King James Here is seated on the Bank by the Riverside an ancient Parish-Church Alhallowes of Nether-Runcorn Dedicated to All-Saints William Son of Nigell Baron of Halton founded here a House of Canons Regular Anno Domini 1133. And afterwards William Constable of Cheshire the younger Son of William Son of Nigell removed their Habitation unto Norton about the Reign of King Stephen All which Donations of William Constable of Cheshire the younger and of the Churches of Runcorn and Great-Budworth and many other things Henry the Second confirms to the Canons of Runcorn as you may see the Charter in Monasticon Vol. 2. pag. 186. Ratified also by the Charter of Edward the Third wherein he Confirms Donationem quam Hugo de Duttona Filius Hugonis de Duttona fecit per Chartam suam praedictis Canonicis de duobus Solidis octo Denariis de redditu de Pulseya ac de Terra de Frodsham cum pertinentiis de Terra de Pulles-eya cum Capella tota Terra Assartata Pastura ad sexaginta animalia ibidem ante Publicationem Statuti praedicti de Terris ad manum mortuam non ponendis editi Datum apud Glocester 30 die Augusti 3 Edw. 3. See more of the Priory of Norton of the Order of St. Augustine supra in Norton The Church of Runcorn seems to be before the Norman Conquest For we read in the ancient Roll That Nigell Baron of Halton gave the Church of Runcorn to Wolfaith a Priest his Brother in the Reign of the Conqueror This Church hath now for its Patron Christ-Church College in Oxford For after the Statute of Dissolution
c. to stand to the Ordinance of Sir Thomas Dutton Hugh Venables of Kinderton Sir John Massy Parson of Stopport Thomas de Whyllok Thomas Fitton of Gawesworth William de Stanley Robert le Grosvenour John de Olton John de Damport and David de Calveley to wit That the said John Domvil and Cicely his Wife and John Leycester shall put all their Right in the Manor of Mobberley to the Ordinance of the Persons aforesaid And another Point is That the said John Domvill Cicely his Wife and the said John Leycester shall shake hands and charge the Arbitrators aforesaid as they will answer it to award nothing on either Part but according to Right And also that neither Party do make Grievance one to the other till the said Arbitrators have made their Ordinance and also that the said John Domvill and Cicely make no delay by reason they have got the Possession of the Manor but may hold what the Award shall render according to all their Power And if any of the Persons aforenamed be contrary to Reason that the rest of them shall chuse other reasonable Men in their place And also that if these Persons abovesaid cannot agree of their Ordinance then to take others at their choice where they please The Original is in French but hath no date and remains among the Evidences of Leycester of Toft 1672. M. num 5. Lib. C. fol. 15. So that I conjecture Cicely was the onely Sister to Sir Rafe by the first Wife of William de Mobberley for otherwise the other Sisters of Sir Rafe would have challenged Mobberley Lands as well as Cicely which other Sisters were Daughters of William de Mobberley by Maud Downes of Chorley his later Wife and shared their Mothers Land in Chorley as Co-heirs whereunto I find not that the said Cicely ever made any Claim Lib. C. fol. 21. C. num 16 17 18 19. But how that could avoid the Settlement on John Leycester by the Chaplains enfeoffed by Sir Rafe Mobberley before-mentioned or what was the Award of the Arbitrators elected between John Leycester and John Domvill and Cicely his Wife at Knotsford I find not positively and directly Onely I find so it was That John Domvill and Cicely his Wife did levy a Fine at Chester die Martis proximè post Festum Sancti Petri in Cathedrâ Anno primo Ricardi secundi that is in January 1377. unto John Brunstath Parson of Mobberley John Brereton Chaplain Thomas Fitton of Gawesworth and Robert Grosvenour of 35 Messuages 627 Acres of Land 100 Acres of Wood 20 Acres of Pasture 120 Acres of Moor the Rent of two Pair of Gloves two Parts of a Water-mill tertiâ parte unius Molendini Fullonici with the Appurtenances in Mobberley and Tatton together with the Homages and Services of Rafe Leycester John Lawrenson of Mobberley Roger del Bower In January 1377. and William Dawson and their Heirs c. Lib. C. fol. 14. M. num 2. After this I find that the said John Leycester Son of Nicholas Leycester releaseth unto John Domvill of Mobberley and Cicely his Wife all his Right and Claim to all those Lands which the said John Domvill and Cicely do hold of the Inheritance of the said Cicely in Mobberley Tatton Plumley Somerford juxtà Swetenham Od-Rode and elsewhere in the County of Chester and also in the Advowson of the Church of Mobberley Witnesses John de la Poole Judge of Chester John Woodhouse Chamberlain of Chester Thomas de Dutton and Geffrey de Warburton Knights Hugh Venables de Kinderton John de Holford and William del Mere. Dated at Chester on Tuesday next after the Feast of St. Mark the Evangelist In April 1378. Anno primo Ricardi Secundi Also the said John Leycester Son of Nicolas Leycester releaseth all his Right to Thomas Fitton of Gawesworth Robert le Grosvenour John Brunstath Parson of the Church of Mobberley and John Brereton Chaplain in all those Lands which the said Thomas Robert John Brunstath and John Brereton had of the Grant of John Domvill of Mobberley and Cicely his Wife in Mobberley and Tatton by Fine levied thereon at Chester In April 1378. c. Dated also at Chester in April 1 Rich. 2. 1378. Lib. A. fol. 130. kk These two last preceding Deeds are enrolled among the Pleas at Chester in the Prothonotary's Office in the Castle of Chester corà m Johanne de la Poole Justiciario Cestriae die Martis proximè post Festum Sanctae Margaretae Virginis 5 Rich. 2. And two days after these Releases made by John Leycester the same Feoffees to wit Thomas Fitton of Gawesworth Robert le Grosvenour John Brunstath and John Brereton do grant to Rafe Son of Nicolas Leycester and to the Heirs Males of his Body an Annual Rent of Fifteen Pounds for the term of the Lives of John Domvill and Cicely his Wife issuing out of all the Lands in Mobberley and Tatton which the said Feoffees had of the Grant of the said John Domvill and Cicely his Wife by the Fine levied at Chester Dated at Chester on Thursday next after the Feast of St. Mark the Evangelist In April 1378. 1 Rich. 2. Lib. C. fol. 14. M. num 3. Afterwards three of the same Feoffees to wit Thomas Fitton John Brunstath and John Brereton grant to John Domvill and Cicely his Wife 15 Messuages two parts of one Messuage 316 Acres half an Acre half a quarter of an Acre 10 Perches and half of one Perch of Land 16 Acres of Wood one quarter and five Perches 8 Acres of Moss the third part of a Watermill and the third part of all the Wastes of the same Town not measured at the making of this Deed together with the Rent and Services of Rafe Leycester and William Dawson with the Appurtenances in Mobberley To hold for the Lives of the said John Domvill and Cicely his Wife and after the death of John Domvill and Cicely then to remain to Rafe Leycester and the Heirs Males of his Body And if Rafe die without Heir Male then to remain to the right Heirs of the aforesaid Cicely for ever Witnesses John Massy of Tatton William de Legh Knights William de Mere Hamon de Ashley Robert de Toft and others Dated at Mobberley on Tuesday in the Feast of St. Petronill the Virgin 31 Maii 1379. 2 Rich. 2. Lib. C. fol. 18. Three fair Seals very perfect This Deed was enrolled before Thomas Felton Judge of Chester on Tuesday next after the Feast of the Epiphany 3 Rich. 2. The Original in Latin remains among the Evidences of Leycester of Toft 1672. M. num 34. And these are the Lands in Mobberley belonging to Leycester of Toft at this day 1672. who are descended from Rafe Leycester abovesaid about a third part of Sir Rafe Mobberley's Moiety of Mobberley So that upon the whole matter John Leycester of Tabley selleth or giveth away all his Right to those Lands in Mobberley upon some Composition but what Composition either from Domvill or from
and Nether-Tabley I believe this Town was Waste in the Conqueror's time Ex Chartulis Daniell of Over-Tabley I find little mention thereof before Henry the Third about that time Robert de Bexton seems to be possessed of a moiety thereof at least for he and Sibill his Wife by the consent of Matthew de Bexton their Son and Heir do give to Randle Son of Thomas de Picmere with Margery their Daughter totam quartam partem medietatis totius Villae de Bexton Reddendo annuatìm unum Denarium Argenti ad Nativitatem Beati Johannis Baptistae Lib. C. fol. 240. e. John Son of Matthew de Bexton releaseth to Adam de Tabley and Beatrix his Wife all the Lands which Maude Mother of the said John held in Dower in Bexton under Edward the Second Whereunto another John de Bexton is Witness Lib. C. fol. 241. f. Adam de Tabley was Lord of half of Bexton 1304. as appears by the Agreement made inter Johannem de Lostocke Dominum medietatis Villae de Bexton ex unâ parte Adamum de Tabley Dominum medietatis ejusdem Villae ex alterâ supèr Clausturas bladorum suorum de Bexton Datum apud Knotsford Anno Domini 1304. Lib. C. fol. 241. h. And then Adam de Tabley Son of the other Adam settles his Dominium Parcenarium de Bexton after his death on Thomas Son of Thomas Daniell 35 Edw. 3. 1361. Lib. C. fol. 241. k. Since which time the moiety of Bexton hath belonged to the Daniels of Over-Tabley even to this present 1666. Concerning this Adam de Tabley see more in Over-Tabley In a loose Paper among the Evidences of Daniell of Over-Tabley I find a Copy of a Deed wherein John de Bexton gives Ricardo filio Johannis de Croxton Margeriae Uxori ejus filiae meae tertiam partem totius medietatis Villae de Bexton excepto Capitali Messuagio Habendum sibi Haeredibus inter eos Remanere Hawisiae Elianorae Filiis meis remanere rectis Haeredibus meis Testibus Willielmo de Massy Johanne de Legh Militibus Rogero de Leycester c. Sub Edw. 3. Memorandum Quòd praedicta Hawisia nupta fuit Willielmo de Moulton Et Elinora nupta fuit Willielmo Filio Roberti de Winnington This Memorandum was writ in the bottom of the Paper Lib. C. fol. 244. p. This John Bexton I take to be the same with John Lostock above-named and called Bexton from the Place of his Residence I find also John de Bexton gave to William Son of Robert de Winnington and to Elianour his Wife totam tertiam partem totius medietatis Villae de Bexton tempore Edw. 2. John Booth's Book Lib. H. pag. 117. h. The Original penès Leycester of Toft And Hugh Toft of Toft grants to Sir Hugh Venables of Kinderton all his Land in Kinderton apud Rushford and a place of Land in Sproston in exchange pro sextâ parte Manerii de Bexton 24 Edw. 3. 1350. Lib. C. fol. 226. l. Penès Leycester of Toft In an ancient Feodary of Halton we read Johannes de Bexton tenet medietatem Villae de Bexton pro vicesimâ parte unius Feodi Militis And over the head of John de Bexton are writ Thomas Daniel Raufe Hulse and Thomas Croxton These last as I conceive as the Present Tenants about Henry the Sixth's time when that Rental was renewed the other as he stood in former Records of Edw. 1. or Edw. 2. Lib. C. fol. 86. Thomas Holford of Holford held Land in Bexton of the Baron of Halton in Knight-Service as appears by his Office 12 Eliz. a small Parcel So Robert Bromfield of Witton died seised of Land in Bexton held of the Barony of Halton in Knight-Service by Office taken 12 Eliz. but this Land was sold afterwards by Bromfield to the Lady Mary Cholmondley of Holford who gave it to Hugh Cholmondley her younger Son Sir Randle Manwaring of Over-Pever had Land in Bexton and Baggiley found by Office Anno 5 6 Phil. Mar. to be held of Edward Legh of Baggiley by Fealty and rendring a Red Rose yearly Sir Raufe Leycester of Toft had Land in Bexton and Plumley found by Office 14 Eliz. to be held of the Honour of Halton Paver of Northwich had a Messuage in Bexton found by Office 5 Eliz. to be held of the Barony of Halton and so Anne Pavers Office 40 Eliz. Thomas Winnington of Ermitage nigh Holmes-Chappel had Land in Bexton found to be held of John Croxton by Office 34 Eliz. a small Parcel William Croxton of Ravenscroft died seised of the third part of the Mannor of Bexton found to be held of Halton by the third part of the twentieth part of a Knights Fee by Office taken 32 Eliz. and John Croxton's Office 41 Eliz. tenuit medietatem totius Villae de Bexton But Croxton's Land in Bexton was sold to the Lady Mary Cholmondley of Holford aforesaid who gave those purchased Lands in Bexton to her younger Son Hugh Cholmondley whose Son and Heir Robert afterwards became Heir to all Cholmondley-Lands and is now Lord Viscount Kelles in the County of Meth in Ireland and living 1666. So that now Anno Domini 1666. the Town of Bexton is possessed by these Persons following 1. Robert Lord Cholmondley Lord of the moiety of Bexton He hath about 70 Cheshire Acres in possession of his Tenants there who pay one Shilling Chief to Halton yearly 2. Thomas Daniell of Over-Tabley Esquire Lord of the other moiety of Bexton He hath about 65 Acres in possession of him and his Tenants there 3. George Leycester of Toft one Tenement in Bexton in possession of William Highfield about 20 Acres 4. Thomas Deane of Nether-Pever one Tenement in possession of George Swinton about 30 Acres This formerly belonged to one Hulse of Middle-wich * Of Clyve near to Middle-wich and payeth a Chief to Cholmondley and also to Halton 5. Thomas Cholmondeley of Holford Esquire a small Cottage about four Acres in possession of Hugh Woodward his Tenant This anciently belonged to Holford before the Lady Mary Cholmondley purchased any Lands in Bexton Bollinton THis Town hath its Name from the River of Bollin which runneth along after the side thereof It is not mentioned in the Record of Doomsday-book so that it seems to be Waste in the time of the Conqueror Hamon de Massy Baron of Dunham-Massy gave unto Geffrey Dutton Son of Geffrey Dutton all his Land in Bolinton to wit all the moiety of Bolinton with Agnes his Daughter in Free-marriage Rendring yearly a Pair of Gilded Spurs at the Nativity of St. John Baptist About the beginning of Henry the Third Lib. C. fol. 150. a. The same Agnes in her Widowhood by the name of Agnes de Nechel perhaps meant for Etchells late Wife of Sir Geffrey de Chedle gave unto her eldest Son Geffrey de Chedle all that Land of Bolinton which she had of the Gift of Hamon Massy her Father Lib. C. fol. 150. b. William
Vernon of Hulme in Allostock At this day 1666. Cogshull is possessed by these Persons following which were all bought of the King in Fee-farm Rent 1612. being formerly Copy-holders to Halton Elinour Ashton Widow formerly Booth's of Cogshull âšœ and before that Massy's of Cogshull descended from Massy of Rixton Thomas Merbury of Merbury Esq hath Land here Edward Piggot of Cogshull Edmund Massy of Cogshull John Richardson of Cogshull Pownall of Barnton No House Green of Sanbach In possession of Richard Perceivall George Low of Hartford One Close Comberbach ROger Constable of Cheshire and Baron of Halton about the Reign of Richard the First granted Deo Beatae Mariae Fratribus servientibus beatis Pauperibus Sancti Hospitalis de Jerusalem totam medietatem de Comberbach illam scilicèt quam Willielmus de Comberbach de me tenuit unà cùm salina in Northwich quae pertinet ad Astonam juxtà Budworth in puram perpetuam Elemosynam Et si Ricardus Fitton vel Haeredes sui praedictum feodum super me vel supèr Haeredes suos recuperaverit Ego Haeredes mei praedictam donationem praedictis Hospitalariis Warrantizabimus Willielmo Comberbach Haeredibus suis Tenendum de praedictis Hospitalariis in Feodo Haereditate Reddendo eis annuatìm sex denarios pro omnibus quae ad Domum ad Fratres ejusdem Domus pertinent Hiis Testibus Henrico Priore de Norton Ricardo Capellano Ricardo Fratre Constabularii Hugone de Boydell Radulfo Filio Symonis Thomâ Dispensatore Hugone de Dutton Adâ de Dutton Radulfo Filio Rogeri Alexandro Filio Radulfi Liulfo Vice-Gomite Bertramo Camerario Johanne Burdon Hugone de Eccleston Ricardo Filio Henrici Roberto de Pulle Johanne Filio Aluredi Gilberto de Lymme Willielmo de Gamul Alano de Waley Willielmo Filio Matthaei Ricardo Filio Johannis Ricardo Filio Gilberti Aytropo Ricardo Starkey Ricardo de Whitley Willielmo de Tabley Waltero de Toft Johanne de Comberbach Henrico Fratre suo toto Hundredo de Haltonshire Lib. C. fol. 274. num 1. Out of the Book of Legh of Swineyard's Deeds num 1. now in his possession John Son of Henry de Comberbach gave to Adam Son of William de Litley in Aston juxtà Budworth all his Lands in Comberbach unà cùm reversione dotis Elenae Matris praedicti Johannis Piscariâ suâ in Lacu de Budworth c. Entailing these Lands first on the said Adam and the Heirs of his Body and in default of such then on Robert Brother of the said Adam Dated at Comberbach die Lunae Sancti Petri ad Vincula which is the first day of August Anno Domini 1335. 9 Edw. 3. Ibidèm num 28. The Moyety of Comberbach is now 1666. in possession of 1. Richard Legh of Swineyard hath two Tenements Their Tenants do at this day pay the Chief-Rent of Six-pence at Tatton-Vurt 2. Mrs. Ashton of Cogshull two small Cottages Their Tenants do at this day pay the Chief-Rent of Six-pence at Tatton-Vurt 3. Mr. Warburton of the Grange nigh Weverham three little Tenements 4. John Gleyve of High Legh one little Tenement which Thomas Gleyve of High Legh purchased from Thomas Sonkey of Little Sonkey in Lancashire 37 Hen. 8. 1545. Lib. C. fol. 269. num 2. 5. Robert Venables of Anterbus in Over-Whitley one Cottage about two Acres 6. Sir George Warburton of Arley five small Cottages not two Acres in all The other Moiety of Comberbach was granted to the Priory of Norton After the Dissolution of Abbies by Henry the Eighth the King sold all those Lands which belonged to the Priory of Norton unto John Grimsdich of London Gentleman 36 Hen. 8. 1544. then in possession of Robert Merbury George Hulme Randle Worral Agnes Walker Randle Low Lawrence Persivall Roger Grymshaw and George Eaton out of which 7 s. 7 d. ob Chief-Rent is reserved to the King And these were sold by Grimsdich to Robert Eaton and lastly bought by George Low of Hartford from John Eaton of Over-Whitley about fourteen or sixteen Years ago Other two Tenements then in possession of Homfrey Shakeshaft and Thomas Highfield out of which the yearly Rent of 2 s. 1 d. was reserved to the King were bought by Mr. Merbury of Merbury and are lately sold to Edward Piggot of Cogshull who is now Owner of the same 1666. Daresbury THis Town is of the Fee of the Ancient Barons of Halton I find that in the Reign of Henry the Third and before there was a Family of the Daresberies seated here whence they took their Sir-name but whence originally sprung I find not Rogerus de Hiberniâ that is Roger of Ireland grants unto Beatrix Daughter of William de Daresbery and to the Heirs which shall be begotten on her Body by Robert of Ireland Ex Chartulis Daniell de Daresbery 1649. Son of the said Roger all his Land of Leverpool in Lancashire Testibus Domino Roberto de Atherton Vice-Comite Lancastriae Domino Henrico de Thorbock Roberto le Sauvage tùnc Ballivo Comitis intèr Ribble Mersey Domino Willielmo Parsonâ de Waleton Willielmo de Waleton Serviente Domini Regis Willielmo de Molineaux c. Lib. C. fol. 184. a. Anno 1291. Henry le Norreys was Lord of Daresbery which Mannor he had in right of Margery Daresbery his Wife Ego Margeria Domina de Daresbery dedi Alano Filio meo Mabiliae Filiae Ranulphi de Merton quem idem Alanus ducet in Uxorem totum Manerium meum de Daresbery cùm suis pertinentiis unà cùm Dominio Villae de Over-Walton 7 Edw. 2. 1313. Lib. C. fol. 185. e. So in the Feodary of Halton under Edward the Second we read Alanus le Norreys tenet Villam de Daresbery Villam de Wolton superiori pro medietate unius Feodi Militis This Alan le Norreys had a Son called also Alan le Norreys and Clementia Daughter and Heir of Alan the Son married William Danyers Son and Heir of Sir John Danyers of Daresbery 1344. Lib. C. fol. 185. g. h. In which Family commonly now called Daniell it hath continued to this present John Daniell of Daresbery Esquire being now possessed thereof 1666. It seems that Daniell had Land in Daresbery before the Marriage of William Daniell with Clementia Norreys For Henry le Norreys Lord of Daresbery and Margery his Wife howbeit the Original Deed hereof calls her Margaret being miswrit for Margery for so she is called in all other Deeds granted to William Daniers the Elder one Messuage in Daresbery with all the Land which William More formerly held in the same Town and one Water-mill with a Croft called Wallmore and one Wood called The Common VVood also one Wood and Land called Daresbery-Cliff containing 60 Acres by estimation Dated on our Lady-day 1291. 19 Edw. 1. Reddendo unâ—am libram Piperis vel septem Denarios sex Porcos qui Pesonam fecerint per Annum Lib. C. fol. 184. d. Afterwards Sir John Danyers of Daresbury married
Matthew Legh marrying Margery Daughter and Heir of Richard de Sworton in High-Legh had the half of Sworton 1369. 3. Peter Legh of Northwood in High-Legh He is descended from Gawen Legh younger Son of Matthew Legh of Swineyard This Gawen Purchased his Land in Northwood from the Leghs of West-Hall and married Margaret Daughter of Thomas Grimsdich of Hallum in Newton juxtà Daresbury which Gawen and Margaret were living 32 Hen. 8. 4. Mr. Millington of Millington He had about thirty Acres in High-Legh which Land came to his Ancestor Aytrop de Millington in Marriage with Margery Daughter of Richard de Legh in the Reign of Henry the Third Lib. C. fol. 273. num 3. The Original remained among the Evidences of Mr. Millington aforesaid 1665. But this Land is now sold to Mr. Geffrey Cartwright of Baggiley This was Parcel of the Moiety belonging to Legh of the West-Hall from whose Ancestor it came 5. Thomas Dichfield of Swineyard 6. Widow Wilkinson 7. Pownall of Barnton hath Land in the Mosse-houses 8. Widow Harper of Northwood in the Lord Bridgewater's Part. 9. John Bentley of Northwood in the Earl of Bridgewater's Part. So much of the Charterers We are now to take notice That Agnes de Legh Daughter and Heir of Richard de Legh Lord of the Moiety of High-Legh had three Husbands Her first Husband was Richard de Limme younger Son of Hugh de Limme Lord of the Moiety of Limme by whom she had Issue Thomas de Legh of the West-Hall in High-Legh Sirnamed de Legh from the Place of his Birth and Residence as was very usual in those Ages which Sir-name of Legh his Posterity ever since retained to this day Her second Husband was William Venables of Bradwell younger Brother to Sir Hugh Venables Baron of Kinderton by whom she had Issue John de Legh Sirnamed also from the Place of his Education and Residence which Sir-name of Legh his Posterity also ever since retained This John de Legh purchased Knotsford-Booths cùm Norbury-Booths from William de Tabley 28 Edw. 1. 1300. And from this John de Legh are the Leghs of Booths nigh Knotsford descended The third Husband of Agnes was William de Hawarden by whom she had Issue Raufe de Hawarden which Raufe had the Half of the Moiety of High-Legh given him by his Half-Brother Thomas Legh of the West-Hall and Raufe sold his Part to Sir Richard Massy of Tatton 1286. All which will better appear by these Evidences following a. SCiant Ego Ricardus Filius Ricardi de Legh dedi Ricardo Filio Hugonis de Limme dimidiam Bovatam Terrae illam quam Gilbertus Filius Walteri Bek tenuit cùm Agnete Filiâ meâ in Libero Maritagio c. Testibus Hugone de Limme Thomâ Fratre suo Adâ de Lehe Hugone Filio suo Madiou de Sworton Rogero Parsonâ de Limme c. The Original now in possession of Legh de West-Hall 1666. Lib. C. fol. 268. 30. Sub Hen. 3. b. SCiant Ego Agnes de Legh quondà m Uxor Ricardi de Limme in meâ propriâ viduitate dedi Gilberto Glaive de eâdem Avunculo meo pro Homagio Servitio suo totam medietatem de quodam Assarto quod vocatur Le Park cùm Morâ quae vocatur Le Park-Moor c. Reddendo inde annuatìm unum Par Cheirothecarum vel unum Denarium ad Nativitatem Sancti Johannis Baptistae pro Omnibus Testibus Domino Willielmo de Massy Domino Johanne de Sonbach tùnc Rectore Ecclesiae de Rosthorne c. Lib. C. fol. 270. 14. The Original in Possession of John Gleyve of High-Legh 1666. c. SCiant Ego Radulfus Filius Willielmi de Hawerthin dedi Thomae Fratri meo Haeredi totam Terram unà cùm Bosco in Territorio Villae de Legâ in Schirley-Hey exceptis quatuordecem Acris Terrae quas dedi Johanni Fratri meo Filio Willielmi Venables c. Testibus Domino Willielmo de Venables Domino Hamone de Massy Domino Ricardo de Massy Militibus Roberto le Grosvenour tùnc Vicecomite Cestershiriae c. about Anno Domini 1286. Lib. C. fol. 267. num 17. The Original Penès Legh de High-Legh de West-Hall 1666. d. SCiant Quòd ego Thomas de Legh dedi Johanni Filio Willielmi Venables Fratri meo pro Homagio suo sexdecem Acras dimidium Terrae in Villâ de Legh juxta Swineyard in Escambio pro quatuordecem Acris Terrae quas habuit ex dono Radulfi Fratris sui apud Schirley Testibus Hamone de Massy Ricardo de Massy Militibus Hugone de Leye Aitropo de Millington c. Lib. C. fol. 271. num 4. e. OMnibus Christi fidelibus Willielmus Filius Willielmi Venables de Bradwell Salutem Noveritis me remisisse Johanni de Legh de Terris Tenementis in Rosthorne quae praedictus Johannes habet ex dono Willielmi Patris mei Testibus Domino Petro de Warburton Willielmo de Baggelegh Militibus Willielmo de Mobberley tùnc Vicecomite Cestershiriae Roberto de Massy de Tatton Hamone de Ashlegh c. Datum 13 Edw. 2. 1319. Lib. H. of John Booth's Collections pag. 122. g. Which Lands in Rosthorne Legh of Booths hath at this day 1666. f. UNiversis Christi fidelibus Johannes Filius Johannis de Legh Miles salutem in Domino Sciatis me remisisse Roberto de Legh Fratri meo Sibillae Uxori ejus totum jus in Terris quas praedictus Robertus habuit ex dono Feoffamento Johannis de Legh Patris mei in Villâ de Legh in Parochiâ de Rosthorne Datum apùd Mannerium de Boothes die Martis proximè post Festum Sancti Jacobi Anno Domini 1336. 10 Edw. 3. Lib. C. fol. 271. num 6. Which very Tenement in High-Legh continued in the Possession of the Leghs of Adlington until Sir Vrian Legh of Adlington not very long since sold the same to John Legh of Aldford who sold it to his Brother Richard Legh of Swineyard in High-Legh 45 Eliz. 1602. whose Heirs now enjoy the same Lib. C. fol. 270. num 19 20. By all which it appears first That Richard de Limme married Agnes Daughter and Heir of Richard de Legh of High-Legh de West-Hall a. b. That Thomas de Legh John de Legh Son of William Venables and Raufe Hawardyn were Brothers c. d. That this John de Legh was afterwards Legh of Boothes e. Which he purchased from William de Tabley 21 Edw. 1. 1300. as you may see above in Over-Knotsford That Robert Legh was younger Son of this first John Legh del Boothes from whom the Leghs of Adlington f. Now followeth the Descent of the Leghs of the West-Hall in High-Legh II. Hugh de Limme Lord of the Moiety of Limme Son of Gilbert lived 1258. Emma Uxor ejus He had Issue Alan Lord of Limme Richard de Limme another Son Simon another Son and Beatrix a Daughter Lib. C. fol. 272. 9. 269. 4. 263. d.e. 264. 2 3 4. III. Alan de Limme had Issue Gilbert and Agnes Soror
which he gave to his Brother Patrick during his Life which Moiety was confirmed to John Son and Heir of Augustine by Sir Richard Aldford and also by Randle Earl of Chester sirnamed Blundevill about the Reign of King John as appears by the Enrollment aforesaid whose Posterity enjoyed the said Moyety until Sir Raufe Mobberley having no Lawful Issue of his Body Estated all his Lands by Chaplains entrusted according to the manner of those Times on John Leycester of Tabley his Nephew with the Advowson of the Church of Mobberley also 1359. 34 Edw. 3. For Sir Raufe had often protested That he would not have his Lands mangled among his Sisters but that his Nephew John Leycester should have them wholly as appears by the Certificate of Sir John Winkfield Dated at London the eleventh day of June 35 Edw. 3. 1361. Lib. A. fol. 129. ff gg hh Afterwards upon some Composition John Leycester releaseth all his Right in Mobberley's Lands and in the Advowson of the said Church unto John Dumbill of Mobberley and to Cicely his Wife 1 Rich. 2. 1378. yet so as John Dumbill and Cicely should settle 15 Messuages 316 Acres of Land 16 Acres of Wood 8 Acres of Moss the third part of a Watermill and the third part of all the Wastes in Mobberley unmeasured to be understood of Mobberley's Moiety after the death of John Dumbill and Cicely to descend to Raufe Leycester younger Brother of the said John Leycester and to his Heirs for ever which by Chaplains entrusted was settled accordingly 30 die Maii 2 Rich. 2. 1397. Lib. A. fol. 130. mm. which was either Conditioned in the Agreement of John Leycester or the Reversion thereof bought by the said Raufe Leycester from which Raufe are descended the Leycesters of Toft who do now enjoy these Lands Anno Domini 1666. about one third part of the Moiety of Mobberley The other two Parts of this Moiety of Mobberley which John Dumbill had descended to Sir Hugh Hulse in Marriage with Margery Daughter and Heir of the said John Dumbill and Cicely And afterwards Margery Daughter and Heir of Thomas Hulse married John Troutback Esquire which Margery died 35 Hen. 6. and had Issue William Troutback whose Son Sir William dying without Issue Adam Troutback Brother of Sir William had Issue Margaret Daughter and Heir married to John Talbot Lord of Albrighton in Shropshire from whom the Talbots of Grafton in Worcestershire whose Posterity afterwards came to be Earls of Shrewsbury The other Moiety of Mobberley Sir John Arderne of Aldford granted to John Legh of Booths with Wardships and Freedom from Appearance at his Court of Nether-Alderley Rendring eight Pounds yearly for his Life And after the death of John Legh then to remain to John Legh Son and Heir of the other John Legh aforesaid and to Maud Daughter of the said Sir John Arderne and to their Heirs for ever Rendring a Rose at Midsommer for all Service And if John Legh Son of John died before he married Maud then William Brother to John Legh Son of John was to marry her Witnesses of this Deed were Sir John Orreby and Sir Richard Massy Knights Robert de Pulford Philip de Egerton Richard de Fowleshurst Thomas de Legh William de Mobberley Roger de Leycester William de Mere Adam de Tabley William Danyers Master Roger of Alderley Hugh Clerke and others Lib. A. fol. 122. a. The Original remaining among the Evidences of Mr. Robinson of Mobberley 1664. This Deed was made about 1303. 31 Edw. 1. Richard Ratcliffe of Urdeshall in Lancashire married Maud Daughter and Heir of John Legh Son and Heir of Sir John Legh by Maud Arderne and had these Lands of her Grandmothers to wit the Moiety of Mobberley whose Heirs enjoyed the same till they sold out certain of their Tenements in Mobberley to their Tenants there And what remained together with the Services of such Tenants as were formerly sold out of this Moiety Sir John Ratcliffe of Urdeshall sold unto Mr. Robert Robinson of Mobberley about the beginning of King James's Reign over England Lib. A. fol. 122. b. c. Now followeth the Descent of Mobberley of Mobberley Argent two Cheverons Gules in a Canton of the second a Cross Croslet Fitchée Or. John Son and Heir of Augustine Lord of the Moiety of Mobberley lived in the Reign of King John Lib. A. fol. 124. a. Raufe Mobberley of Mobberley Lord of the Moiety of Mobberley lived in the Reign of Henry the Third but I cannot prove him Son of John William Mobberley of Mobberley Son of Raufe was Lord of the Moiety of Mobberley and Patron of Mobberley-Church He bought the Moiety of Nether-Pever from Richard Bonstable Anno Domini 1281. G. num 21. The Original in my possession This William had Issue William Mobberley John Mobberley to whom his Father gave all his Lands in Nether-Pever and Tatton 31 Edw. 1. 1303. G. num 65. But John dying without Issue those Lands reverted to William his Brother Richard Mobberley another Son made Parson of Mobberley by his Father 1306. slain by Richard Son of Richard de Mobberley 1320. 14 Edw. 2. Lib. A. fol. 124. w. 131. Alice a Daughter married William de Tabley Lord of Over-Tabley and Knotsford She was Widow 27 Edw. 1. 1300. This William died about the beginning of Edw. 2. William Mobberley of Mobberley Son and Heir of William married Maud Daughter and Heir of Robert Downes of Chorley juxtà Werford unto which Robert Edmund Fitton gave all his Lands in Chorley in Free Marriage with Margery his Sister Lib. A. fol. 127. t. v. This William was Sheriff of Cheshire 13 Edw. 2. 1319. and had Issue Raufe Mobberley Cicely married John Dumbill of Mobberley Son and Heir of John Dumbill of Oxton in Wirrall Elizabeth married Sir Hugh Venables of Kinderton Margery married Richard Bold of Bold in Lancashire Emme married Robert Grosvenour of Houlme in Allostock who purchased the Moiety of Nether-Pever from this William de Mobberley Mary another Daughter married Nicolas Leycester Son and Heir of Roger Leycester of Tabley Joan married William Athurton of Athurton in Lancashire Ellen married Richard Bromhale of Bromhale in Cheshire and Agnes never married Lib. A. fol. 127. w. x. y. z. a. fol. 128. cc. fol. 129. kk This William Sealed usually with his Coat of Arms to wit Two Cheverons and in a Canton a Cross-Croslet Fitchée Lib. A. fol. 124. y. z. as is before expressed in the beginning of this Descent He died 1 Edw. 3. 1327. Lib. C. fol. 103. num 9. Maud his Widow afterwards married John Dumbill senior Lib. A. fol. 128. ff Sir Raufe Mobberley of Mobberley Knight Son and Heir of William was Ward to Sir John Arderne of Aldford 3 Edw. 3. Lib. A. fol. 128. cc. who gave the Marriage of this Raufe unto John Pulford of Pulford Son of Sir Robert Pulford sinè disparagatione 1329. This Sir Raufe married Vincentia Daughter of John Pulford Lib. A. fol. 128. bb and
all the old Rents reserved to Radcliff amounting in the whole to 23 l. 00 s. 00 d. yearly or thereabout by Deed dated the 19 of April 4 Jacobi 1606. for which he paid 1530 l. Purchase-Money Randle Blackshaw This was bought from Sir John Radcliff of Ordsall by Deed dated the eighth day of August 1611. and is said to be the Ancient Demain-House of Mobberley which did belong to Radcliff Peter Legh of Booths Es Esq hath three Tenements in Radcliff's Part now in Tenure of George Leycester Cookson and the Fox-house John Gleave of High-Legh Owner of Holden-Cliff-House in Mobberley Roger Symcock lately Purchased from Mrs. Martha Hurleston formerly Oldfield's Lands Homfrey Cherry lately Purchased from Mrs. Martha Hurleston formerly Oldfield's Lands William Coppock lately Purchased from Mrs. Martha Hurleston formerly Oldfield's Lands Rafe Shaw lately Purchased from Mrs. Martha Hurleston formerly Oldfield's Lands Richard Parker for Mere-House sold away by Mr. Robinson Richard Yarwood for Bowers John Anson sold by Mr. Robinson Richard Seddall of Wood-end Richard Bruch formerly Duncalf's Thomas Hield of the Broad-Oak in Mobberley John Strethull late Bateson's House Roger Hewet of Pavement-Lane Henry Hasselhurst Richard Rowlinson of Roanes pro Fox-house VVilliam Hobson George Stubs John Symcock of the Dub'd-Hedge Daniel Yarwood formerly Oldrinshaw's Homfrey Lea. John Baggiley of the Mosse-side Widow Strethull of the Town-Lane John Holland of Dam-head hath certain Parcels of Land in Ratcliff's Part sold away by Mr. Robinson 1639. Urmeston's Lands in Mobberley bought for Pious Uses Thomas Whitchcot late John Radford's Peter Bradbury of Brook-bank a Cottage Robert Ridgeway a Cottage More THis Town of More is of the Fee of Halton Roger Lacy Constable of Cheshire and Baron of Halton had a Brother called Richard to whom he gave the Town of More and afterwards the said Richard became Leprous and was buried in the Chapter-house of the Canons of Norton Monasticon Vol. 1. pag. 860. This was about the Reign of King Richard the First The Name More signifieth a more barren Ground than Marshes be a Miry and Moorish Soil yet serveth not to get Turfs thereon Coke upon Littleton fol. 5. a. The Inhabitants of More and Runcorn were formerly Copy-holders to the Barons of Halton but have lately bought out their own Land to hold in Fee-farm in Free and Common Soccage of the Mannor of Enfield in the County of Middlesex the Kings Grant bearing date the ninth day of September 4 Car. 1. 1628. save onely these Persons following who now are and their Ancestors anciently before them were Free-holders in the Mannor of More and not Fee-farmers as followeth Free-holders or Charterers in More 1666. 1. Henry Porter of More This hath continued in the Name of Porter since Edward the Fourth This Free-hold before belonged to one Peter Arderne in the Reign of Edward the First as by the Deed now in Possession of this Henry Porter appeareth 2. Sir Richard Brooks of Norton Baronet hath now about twenty Cheshire Acres of free-Free-Land in More as late belonging to the Priory of Norton and also about six Acres more of Free-hold Land adjoyning lately bought from Crosby of Over-Whitley 3. These were all purchased from Brook of Norton and Brook bought them of Harper of Newton Robert Pickering of Thelwall Esquire Counsellor at Law hath one Janion's House Richard Rutter hath also other Free-hold Land Richard Dutton of Mosse-end other Free-hold Land 4. Widow Harper hath now also certain Free-hold Land in More Newton juxta Daresbury THis Town according to its Name is not of so great Antiquity For I find it granted by Parcels and Enclosures and Closes some in Henry the Third's Time some under Edward the First and some in the Reign of Edward the Second by the Ancestors of VVarburton of Arley before they had relinquished their proper Sir-name of Dutton who were Lords thereof from King John's Time unto this present 1666. The Charterers now in Newton 1666. Sable a Cross engrailed Ermine And in 11 Edw. 4. 1471. Thomas Chickford and Elizabeth his Wife Daughter and Heir of Robert de Hallum Son and Heir of William de Hallum sold the Mannor of Hallum to Sir John Nedham sometime Judge of Chester who setled the same upon Robert Nedham his younger Brother whose Line failing at last for want of Heirs Males it descended to Robert Nedham of Shenton Esquire 21 Eliz. from whom the Lord Kilmorie now Owner of Hallum 1666. I speak here out of the Lord Kilmorie's Evidences 2. Rafe Starky of Morthwait in Newton Lawyer whose Ancestor Thomas Starky married Agnes Sister and Heir of Thomas Harper and Daughter of Richard Harper of Newton 32 Hen. 6. Lib. C. fol. 205. g. 3. Grimsdich of Grimsdich in Nether-Whitley hath also Lands in Newton which Thomas Grimsdich then of Hallum by Lease bought of John Daniell of Daresbury 12 Hen. 8. Lib. C. fol. 194. num 44 46 47. And which Lands John Daniell Ancestor of the said John had in Marriage with Jonet Daughter and Heir of Thomas Hallum of Newton 1 Hen. 6. Lib. C. fol. 193. num 36 37. 4. Robert Venables of Anterbus in the Lordship of Over-Whitley hath Lands in Newton 5. John Starky of Newton Norton THis Township of Norton was given by William Constable of Cheshire the younger Son of William Fitz-Nigell unto the Canons of Runcorne in exchange for Lands in Runcorne and so he removed the Canons of Runcorne to Norton about the Reign of King Stephen Anno 1135. Monasterium de Norton in Comitatu Cestriae Fundatur à Willielmo Filio Nigelli Constabulario Cestriae Historia Aurea Johannis Tynemytensis lib. 19. cap. 41. A Manuscript in the Publick Library at Oxford inter Libros Juris v. 4. num 4. Wherewith also agreeth Polychronicon lib. 7. cap. 17. Monasticon Vol. 2. pag. 187. tells us William Fitz-Nigell Founded a Religious House of Canons Regular at Runcorne Anno Domini 1133. And afterwards William Constable of Cheshire the younger removed them from Runcorne to Norton Which agrees with the Deed Lib. B. pag. 199. num 1. After the Dissolution of Abbies in England by Henry the Eighth Richard Brooks Esquire Purchased from the King the Mannor of Norton with its Members and Appurtenances to wit Norton Stockham Acton-Grange and Aston-Grange in Cheshire and Cuerdly in Lancashire with other Lands The Charter is dated decimo die Decembris 37 Hen. 8. 1545. whose Heir now enjoyeth these Lands 1666. There is a certain Hamlet or Place called Endley now belonging to the Township of Norton and enjoyed as Part and Parcel of the same which William Fitz-Nigell Baron of Halton held as a distinct thing by it self in the Conqueror's Time as appears by Doomsday-book This afterwards came to Aston of Aston For Richard Aston of Aston Son of Gilbert gave to God and St. Mary and to Randle Prior of Norton all his Land of Hendeley with all its Appurtenances about King John's Reign Lib. B. pag. 200. num 8. Here was anciently a Church belonging to
s. 8 d. and had also nine Tenants at Will paying in all 8 l. 11 s. 10 d. Rent In the Office after the death of Alice the Widow of Sir John Massy of Tatton 6 Hen. 6. 1427. she was found to hold the Mannor of Owlarton of John Ratcliffe of Urdeshall in Lancashire nigh Manchester How it descended from Massy of Tatton to the Earl of Bridgewater see the Pedegree in Tatton Charterers in Owlarton 1666. 1. Legh of Booths now under Age hath about fifty Cheshire Acres in Owlarton in Lease in possession of Randle Cadman John Wainwright John Ridgeway del Oake Richard Ward William Baggiley's Cottage and Robert Partington's Cottage 43 Edw. 3. Isabell the Widow of Sir John Legh del Booths died seized of the sixth Part of Owlarton which was then found to be held of Hugh Massy of Tatton 2. Edmund Howe of Owlarton hath a good Freehold there 3. Richard Wright of Ashley hath Land in Owlarton 4. William Baggiley junior about four Acres of priest-Priest-land 5. Downes of Shropshire but late of Toft four Tenements in Owlarton in possession of Philip Ridgeway Roger Cadman John Smith and John Clerke These 4 pay Chief to the Lord of Nether Alderley as held of Arderne 6. John Norbury of Harborough in Over-Alderley hath one Tenement in Owlarton and three Cottages These 4 pay Chief to the Lord of Nether Alderley as held of Arderne 7. Humfrey Duncalf bought of Page of Yerdshawe These 4 pay Chief to the Lord of Nether Alderley as held of Arderne 8. John Swinton of Nether-Knotsford hath two Tenements in possession of James Ridgeway and Richard Banks These 4 pay Chief to the Lord of Nether Alderley as held of Arderne 9. Lawrence Barlow one Cottage bought of John Merriman in possession of Hugh Manwaring another in possession of Elizabeth Huet 10. Randle Cadman bought from John Hall of Norley lately Partington THis Township of Partington was anciently of the Fee of the Barons of Dunham-Massy a. Hamon Massy gave to Hugh Bodon Clerk the sixth Part of Partington about Edw. 1. Hugh Bodon Clerk gave to Aytrop de Millington cùm Mabiliâ Nepte meâ sextam partem totius Villae de Partington Rendring to Hamon Massy and his Heirs one Pair of Gloves at Midsummer b. Hamon de Massy gave to Adam Sunderland all the Moiety of his Land in Partington which he bought of Geffrey Holdene Salvo Servitio Homagio Ricardi Bolour in eâdem Villâ videlicèt sextam partem totius Villae de Partington Reddendo dimidiam Marcam Argenti An old Copy of a Deed no Witnesses This is conceived to be the Copy of Mr. Hadfield's Deed of Derbyshire who now holdeth a sixth Part of Partington and pays 6 s. 8 d. yearly to Mr. Crew of Crew 1666. c. Geffrey Son of Robert de Walley gave to John his Brother all his Land in Partington which he had of the Grant of Sir Hamon Massy Rendring yearly to Hamon Massy and his Heirs one Pound of Cummin in Festo Johannis Baptistae that is Midsummer-day about Edw. 1. Lib. B. pag. 211. num 3 4 5 6. The Originals among the Evidences of the Lord Delamere at Dunham-Massy d. In an ancient Rental of Dunham-Massy 3 Hen. 4. Georgius Carington Chivaler tenet Manerium suum de Carington medietatem Villae de Ashton tertiam partem Villae de Partington pro duabus Partibus Feodi Militis So that now Anno Domini 1666. the Mannor of Partington is shared as followeth 1. George Lord Delamere of Dunham-Massy is Lord of a third Part of Partington in Possession which was Carington's of Carington and also Chief Lord of the other two third Parts which are originally held of the Barons of Dunham-Massy 2. John Hadfield of Over-Cliffe in the County of Derby hath now a sixth Part of Partington according to the Original Deed made by Hamon Massy supra b. 3. Thomas Warburton of Partington hath another sixth Part according to the Purchase thereof made by Thomas Flixton from Hamon de Massy tempore Henrici tertii Rendring yearly four Shillings Which Rent idem Thomas Warburton payeth to the Lord of Dunham-Massy at this day Idem Thomas Warburton hath an eighteenth Part of Partington more id est a third Part of a sixth Part which his Ancestor William Son of Peter Warburton had from Richard le Harper of Partington and Agnes his Wife by Fine at Chester 13 Edw. 2. 1319. Lib. B. pag. 212. num 6 7. The Originals now remaining with the said Thomas Warburton of Partington 4. John Warburton of Partington Have another sixth Part lately Purchased from John Millington of Millington according to the Original Deed of Hamon Massy supra a. Who now pay one Penny yearly in lieu of the Gloves to Dunham John Owen of Partington Have another sixth Part lately Purchased from John Millington of Millington according to the Original Deed of Hamon Massy supra a. Who now pay one Penny yearly in lieu of the Gloves to Dunham 5. John Partington of Partington hath two Parts of the three of a sixth Part or two third Parts of a sixth Part of Partington which with Thomas Warburton's third Part of a sixth Part makes up the other sixth Part. Over-Pever IN the Time of the Conqueror Ranulphus the supposed Ancestor of the Manwarings held this Township of Over-Pever or the greatest part thereof and also the Hamlet or Place called Cepmundwich in Over-Pever as a distinct thing by it self as appears in Doomsday-book This Roger Manwaring was Son of Raufe Manwaring Judge of Chester about the Reign of Richard the first In the Reign of Henry the Third Roger Manwaring of Warmincham in Cheshire gave unto his younger Son William Manwaring Totum Tenementum Redditum Boscum quae praedictus Rogerus habuit in Villâ de Pever Salvo Capitali Domino debito consueto Servitio per manum dicti Rogeri Haeredum suorum Reddendo indè annuatìm praedidicto Rogero Haeredibus suis unum Nisum Sorum ad Festum beati Petri ad vincula pro omni Servitio Lib. B. pag. 2. c. The Original Penès Sir Thomas Manwaring of Over-Pever Baronet 1666. Sealed with an Escocheon of Six Barrulets This William Manwaring fixed his Habitation at Over-Pever where his succeeding Heirs have ever since continued to this day and do now pay yearly unto Mr. Crew of Crew Lord of Warmincham one Sore-Sparrow-Hawk or two Shillings in lieu thereof according to the Deed aforesaid In this Township are now onely two Charterers 1666. Ex Chartulis ejusdem Johannis Swinton 1. John Swinton of Nether-Knotsford for Radbrook-House in Over-Pever In the Reign of Edward the First William Manwaring then Lord of Over-Pever gave unto Thomas his younger Son illam Terram quae vocatur Radbroc integram Reddendo ad Nativitatem Sancti Johannis Baptistae unum Denarium vel unum par albarum Cheirothecarum Testibus Domino Thomâ de Manwaring * That was Manwaring of Warmincham Domino Warino Filio suo Domino
seised of this Moiety whose Son Hugh had three Daughters Isabel Alice and Margaret 1343. Lib. B. pag. 52. num 6. And in Anno 1356. he settles his Mannor of Picmere for want of Heirs-Males of his Body on Hugh Bruyn of Stapleford and Margaret his Wife Daughter of the said Hugh Picmere Lib. B. pag. 53. num 12. Margaret the Widow of Hugh Bruyn of Picmere grants to Hugh Hulse of Picmere all her Lands of Picmere 42 Edw. 3. Lib. B. pag. 52. num 10. This Hugh Hulse was Lieutenant-Justice of Chester 20 Rich. 2. to Thomas Earl of Nottingham and married Ellen Daughter and Heir of Hugh Bruyn and Margaret 36 Edw. 3. The Marriage and Wardship of Ellen was granted by Margaret her Mother to David Hulse Vicar of Great-Budworth to marry Hugh Son of Sybill Daughter of William Son of Hugh de Norbery 36 Edw. 3. Lib. B. pag. 52. num 11. pag. 54. num 21. This Sir Hugh Hulse dying 3 Hen. 5. or thereabout it was found by Inquisition That he died seised of seven Messuages in Picmere 200 Acres of Land and 20 Acres of Wood ibidem quae tenentur de Willielmo Leycester ut de Manerio suo de Wethale sed per quod Servitium ignoratur Inter Recognitiones Scaccarii Cestriae Bundle 3 Hen. 5. Afterwards John Troutback Esquire married Margery Daughter and Heir of Thomas Hulse in the Reign of Henry the Sixth Lib. B. pag. 53. num 17. And Margaret Daughter and Heir of Adam Troutback married John Talbot of Albrighton in Shropshire from whom the Talbots of Grafton in Worcestershire descended whose Posterity at last came to be Earls of Shrewsbury And George Talbot Earl of Shrewsbury sells all his Lands in Picmere to wit the Moiety of Picmere unto his Tenants there Anno 1620. every Tenant buying his own and so are become particular Free-holders at this day Thomas Starkey's Lands now in Picmere were Purchased from Raufe Bostock of Moulton by John Starkey his Father 14 Aprilis 7 Jacobi 1609. and was originally given by Henry de Picmere unto Richard his younger Son 1192. A Parcel thereof was given to the said Richard by Hugh Picmere his Elder Brother 1308. Lib. B. pag. 58. a. b. c. Plumley ROger Manwaring gave Plumley to the Abby of St. Werburge in Chester when he made his Son Wido a Monk there William and Randle his Sons being Witnesses Which Grant with many others Richard Earl of Chester confirmed 1119. 19 Hen. 1. In the Feodary of Halton about Edw. 2. we read Thomas de Vernon tenet Villam de Lostock cùm Parvâ-Lostock medietatem de Plumley pro medietate unius Feodi Militis This Thomas de Vernon was second Husband of Joan de Lostock in whose Right he held these Lands Her former Husband was William de Toft younger Son of Roger Toft of Toft The Posterity of which William assumed the Sir-name of Holford from the Place of their Residence at Holford according to the Custom of those Ages This Place or Hamlet called Holford lieth Part in Plumley and Part in Lostock-Gralam and hath its Name from the Ford which runneth under the Mannor-Hall which because it is situate in a Derne Hole was therefore called Holford as if you should say A Ford in a Hole Or else from the old Word Hale which we now call Hall and so denotes as much as A Ford under the Hall Or possibly from the old Word Holt A Wood quasi Holt-Ford for that the Ford anciently was environed with a Wood round about All the Tenants of Plumley at this day do Suit of Court to the Mannor of Barnshaw which formerly belonged to the Abby of St. Werburge in Chester but was bought by Manwaring of Carincham since the Dissolution of Abbies in England Agnes the Daughter of Walthef de Plumley by Henry her Son Attornatum positum ad lucrandum perdendum by Fine at Chester 2 Edw. 1. 1274. passeth the eighth Part of Plumley unto Thomas the Smith of Plumley and to William his Son This William in his Seal calls himself Willielmus Filius Ceciliae de Plumley And by another Fine 2 Edw. 1. the same Agnes passeth over one other eighth Part of Plumley unto Richard Sladehurst of Plumley and Lettice his-Wife which Lettice in her Seal calls her self the Daughter of William de Plumley Lib. A. fol. 157. h. k. The Originals Penès Manwaring of Carincham 1666. I find also that William Mobberley of Mobberley had certain Lands in Plumley about Edward the Second Lib. A. fol. 124. y. which were held of the Baron of Halton by the yearly Rent of a Pair of White Spurs or Six Pence See suprà in Halton And Sir Raufe Mobberley of Mobberley gave his Mannor in Plumley unto Thomas Toft and Margaret his Wife and their Heirs 1357. 32 Edw. 3. Lib. A. fol. 129. II. One half of these Lands now belong to Leycester of Tabley and the other half to Bradshaw of Marple as you may see more at large in Mobberley So that now Anno Domini 1666. the whole Township of Plumley is enjoyed by these Persons following âšœ Thomas Cholmondley of Holford Esquire and James Holford of Newborough in Dutton have one Moiety of Plumley between them The other Moiety is enjoyed by these Persons following 1. Sir Peter Leycester of Nether-Tabley Baronet hath five Tenements here now in Possession of Robert Massy Geffrey Wright William Ridgeway Thomas Wright and Thomas Hough 2. Mr. Bradshaw of Marple a good Farm in Possession of Thomas Buckley 3. The Land late Litler's of Wallers-cote nigh Northwich three Tenements in Possession of Hugh Yanes Homfrey Mere and Widow Bebington 4. George Leycester of Toft Esquire one Tenement in Possession of William Highfield 5. Robert Venables of Anterbus in Over-Whitley hath three Closes in Plumley in Possession of Raufe Henshaw 6. Reynolds of Middlewich late belonging to Bostock of Moulton one Tenement in Possession of Raufe Newhall at the end of Plumley-Moore 7. John Hall of Norley one Tenement in Plumley in Possession of John Kirkman 8. Manwaring of Pever's Land sold to Holford of Holford one Tenement at the side of Plumley-Moore in Possession of Richard Eaton 9. Earl of Bridgewater a small Parcel about four Cheshire Acres Now followeth the Descent of Holford of Holford Argent a Greyhound Passant Sable Hugh de Runchamp Lord of Lostock Lib. C. fol. 126. ll Ricardus de Runchamp Gralanus Filius Ricardi de Runchamp in memory of whom the Town was called Lostock-Gralam for distinction He gave the Town of Lees unto Lidulf of Twamlow about the Reign of King John Lib. C. fol. 227. z. This Gralam also sold Houlme juxtà Nether-Pever to Richard Son of Randle * Ranulfi con Radulfi Grosvenour 1234. Lib. C. fol. 120. a. Gralam de Lostock Letitia Uxor ejus Tempore Hen. 3. Galfridus de Lostock â—ui Frater dedit medietatem de Rode Gralam de Morton Robert de Lostock Lib. C. fol. 182. b. Richard Son of Gralam de Lostock married
I. num 5. Sir Nicolas Leycester died 23 Edw. 1. 1295. He bought out all the Freeholders or Charterers in Nether-Tabley the principal whereof was that of William Heart of Nether-Tabley and so made that Township entirely his own I. num 38. num 60. num 43. Anno Christi 1296. he had the third part of Over-Tabley cum Sudlow by the Grant of Sir John Grey Son of Sir Reginald Grey and which Sir John Grey had of the Grant of William de Tabley Lord of Over-Tabley and Knotsford F. num 1. This Roger married Isabel Daughter of _____ and had Issue Nicolas Leycester Son and Heir Roger Leycester and Margaret married to Adam de Moldesworth 17 Edw. 2. 1323. Which Adam was Sheriff of Flint 5 Edw. 3. I. num 60. num 83. Lib. C. fol. 206. c. fol. 207. i. His Seal of Arms was A Fesse between three Flower de Luces inscribed about thus SIGILLUM SECRETUM I. num 26. and many others Sub Anno Domini 1325. Roger Leycester died about 1349. and survived his Father fifty three years III. Nicolas Leycester Son and Heir of Roger had to Wife Mary Daughter of William Mobberley de Mobberley and one of the Sisters and Co-heirs to Sir Raufe Mobberley married about 15 Edw. 2. 1322. R. num 23. and had Issue John Leycester Son and Heir Raufe Leycester younger Son from whom the Leycesters of Toft in this Hundred of Bucklow and Elizabeth the second Wife of William Manwaring of Over-Pever the Elder from whom are descended the Manwarings of Over-Pever She was Widow 38 Edw. 3. 1364. and was living 6 Hen. 4. 1404. S. num 2. I. num 68. Lib. C. fol. 126. KK II. Lib. B. pag. 9. h. Nicolas Leycester died 1349. 23 Edw. 3. Lib. A. fol. 127. y. For he survived his Father very little if he died not before him IV. John Leycester of Nether-Tabley Son and Heir of Nicolas and Mary served in the Wars of France under John of Gaunt Duke of Lancaster 1373. 47 Edw. 3. of whose Puissant Army our Histories do make mention Walsingham tells us That when he enter'd France at Calice triginta amplius millia Equorum in Comitatu habuerat But of these thirty thousand Horse very few were brought alive to Burdeaux being starved for want of Victuals so that this Voyage proved unsuccessful It appears by the Account of this John Leycester before John Tilly Clerk and other Auditors of Sir Thomas Felton who was at that time Judge of Chester dated at Southampton on the Eve of St. John 49 Edw. 3. 1375. where he accounted for 266 l. 13 s. 4 d. allowed unto him for the Payment of Jenkyn Mobberley Esquire and other Soldiers who served under the said John Leycester and also for his own Pay that he had allowed for himself for 210 days Pay beginning on St. Michael's day 47 Edw. 3. to the first of May then next following at 3 s. per diem 31 l. 10 s. 00 d. And there was also pardoned unto him remaining of his Account the Sum of 38 l. 10 s. 00 d. which I conceive was for a Reward or Gratuity Whereupon he gave to the Lady Felton a White ambling Palâ—rey I. num 85. Sir Raufe Mobberley his Uncle setled on him by Feoffment of Chaplains entrusted as was the manner of those Times all his Lands in Mobberley with the Advowson of the Church of Mobberley and other Lands Dated at Mobberley 1359. 33 Edw. 3. For Sir Raufe often protested having no Lawful Issue but eight Sisters expecting to share his Inheritance that all his Lands should descend to his Nephew John Leycester and that his Estate should not be shattered and divided as appears by the Certificate of Sir John Wynkfeld Knight dated at London 1360. 35 Edw. 3. A. fol. 128. ff fol. 129. hh Yet did John Leycester after release all his Right in these Lands unto John Dumbill of Mobberley and Cicely his Wife and also to the Advowson of the Church of Mobberley Dated at Chester 1 Rich. 2. 1378. Which Cicely was one of the Sisters of Sir Raufe Mobberley aforesaid Lib. A. fol. 129. kk But so conditioned and agreed between them That Dumbill and Cicely should settle 15 Messuages 316 Acres of Land 16 Acres of Wood 8 Acres of Mossing the third part of a Water-mill and the third part of all the Wastes not measured to be understood of that Moiety of Mobberley belonging to Sir Raufe Mobberley to descend after the death of John Dumbill and Cicely his Wife unto Raufe Leycester younger Brother of the said John Leycester and to his Heirs for ever Which was so setled accordingly 2 Rich. 2. 1379. Lib. A. fol. 130. ll.mm. and are at this day 1666. enjoyed by Leycester of Toft as Heirs of the said Raufe about a third part of Mobberley's Moiety of Mobberley This John Leycester also sold away his Mannor of Hield in Aston to William del Hield and Goditha his Wife in Fee-farm 1355. 29 Edw. 3. which Manor reverted back again to Leycester of Tabley to wit one Moiety purchased 1500. and the other Moiety purchaâ—ed again 1601. as shall be observed in their due places M. num 13 14. This John built the Manor-Hall of Nether-Tabley within the Pool in that place where it now standeth about Anno Domini 1380. 4 Rich. 2. before which time it stood a little higher out of the Compass of the Pool in a certain place adjoining to the Saffron-yards where there is yet a Trench to be seen which environed the Old Hall about with Water which Old Hall I conjecture was the Seat of the Hearts of Nether-Tabley whose Free-hold was bought out by Roger Leycester as I have told you before The Colours of the Coat at this day received are Azure a Fesse Gules between three Flower-de-Luces Or The Crest A Swans Head Couped Proper with little Drops upon the Neck Gules He married Joan Daughter of Robert Touchet of Nether-Whitley 5 Rich. 2. A. num 2. and had Issue William Leycester Son and Heir Raufe Leycester another Son living 14 Rich. 2. I. num 74. 6 Novembris 1387. Concessa fuit Licentia Johanni Leycester pro Oratorio suo apud Tabley per unum Annum Regist Ricardi Scroope apud Lichfield fol. 123. b. This is Mr. Dugdale's Note This John Leycester died 1398. 22 Rich. 2. about the Age of 58 Years and survived his Father 49 Years He was one of the Justices of Peace of Bucklow-Hundred in the Reign of Henry the Fifth and Sealed with a Seal of his Coat of Arms and Crest in all points like that of his Fathers save onely the Form of the Mantle was a little different R. num 10. and many others Lib. B. pag. 115. He had two Wives The first was Agnes Dutton Sister to Sir Piers Dutton of Dutton and Daughter of Edmund Dutton whom he married Anno Domini 1398. 22 Rich. 2. A. num 5. By her he had Issue John Leycester Lawrence Leycester Geffrey Leycester living 5 Hen.
Lands of Thelwall 2. John Martinscroft of Thelwall This hath for long time continued in the Name of Martinscroft an ancient Freeholder 3. Robert Legh of Thelwall bought from Sir Edward Moores 4. Peter Drinkwater formerly one Massies 5. Raufe Caldwell Fee-Farmer 6. John Rowson Fee-Farmer 7. Randle Bood Fee-Farmer 8. Margaret Hogge Widow 9. John Legh of Oughtrington in Limme bought Lands in Thelwall from Sir Edward Moores 10. Katharine Mosse one Close 11. Thomas Thomason Fee-Farmer 12. John Dunbabin a Meadow 13. Sir George Warburton of Arley half an Acre of Meadow Here is a Chappel of Ease called Thelwall-Chappel situate near to the Mannor-House of Thelwall and within the Parochiall Chappelry of Daresbury but both within the Limits of the Mother-Church of Runcorne This I conceive was built by Thomas Brookes Esquire and was lately repaired by Mr. Pickering aforesaid 1663. Timperley IN the Rentall of Dunham-Massy 3 Hen. 4. Ranulfus Manwaring tenet de jure Uxoris suae medietatem villae de Timperley cum clausura in eâdem vocata Chenall in Soccagio reddit per annum termino Johannis Baptistae duodecem denarios Et de Stuth alias dictum Sheriffe-Tooth 2 d. ob This Randle Manwaring of Over-Pever married Margery the Widow of Richard Buckley of Chedle and so in her Right during her Life held the Moiety of Timperley which belonged to the Buckleys of Chedle and at this day 1666. belongs to Buckley of Chedle being anciently of the Fee of the Barons of Dunham-Massy The other Moiety formerly belonged to the Ardernes of Timperley which Moiety Charles Arderne younger Son of John Arderne of Harden in Maxfield Hundred Esquire had by the Marriage of Elizabeth the Daughter of Richard Ratcliffe Lord of Backford Sir William Booth of Dunham-Massy bought certain Lands in Timperley and the fourth part of Timperley-Mosse from John Parr junior and Alice his Wife in exchange for Lands in Stoke Picton and Chester 2 Edw. 4. 1462. Lib. C. fol. 253. l. And Timperley-Mosse and Common was divided October 28. 15 Edw. 4. 1475. one fourth part to Sir William Booth another fourth part to John Arderne Son and Heir of of Charles Arderne late deceased by Elizabeth his Wife then Widow surviving and the other half of Timperley-Mosse and Common to William Buckley Esquire ibidem fol. 253. m. The Originals among the Evidences of the Lord Delamere of Dunham-Massy 1666. So that the Lord Delamere hath now the fourth part of Timperley and another fourth part now belongs to Sir Amos Meredeth in Right of Anne his Wife Daughter of Robert Tatton of Witthenshaw in Cheshire Esquire On which Anne and her Heirs Mrs. Barlowe one of the Sisters and Coheirs to Thomas Brereton late of Ashley deceased hath setled her part unto whose share the Lands of Timperley which belonged to Brereton are solely with other Lands allotted These Lands came first to Brereton by Sibill Daughter and Heir of William Arderne of Timperley Wife of George Brereton of Ashley William Arderne died August 28. 26 Eliz. 1584. And the other Moiety of Timperley belongeth to Buckley of Chedle as aforesaid Charterers now in Timperley 1666. 1. Thomas Gerard of Riddings in Timperley Gentleman These Freehold-lands belonged to Vawdrey of Riddings and were not long since purchased by the said Thomas Gerard. These Lands were originally granted away by John Arderne of Timperley and Thomas his Son and Heir unto Thomas Vawdrey and his Heirs rendring yearly 1 l. 13 s. 4 d. Dated the tenth of August 13 Hen. 7. 1498. Lib. B. pag. 37. The Original in the possession of Thomas Gerard aforesaid 2. William Steele of Nether-Knotsford hath three Cottages in Timperley These formerly belonged to the Riddings 3. George Ward of London one Cottage formerly belonging to the Riddings 4. Peter Parker of Altrincham hath about an Acre in Timperley formerly belonging to the Riddings 5. Robert Hield of Etchells one Cottage in Timperley Toft THis Township of Toft is not found in Dooms-day Book wherefore it seems to be Waste at that time The word Toft signifies a parcel of Land wherein a House hath stood Cambdens Remains pag. 120. and in that sence it was taken by the Judges and expounded 2 3 Philip Mary Plowdens Commentaries Hill envers Graunge pag. 170. This Town gave Name to the Family of the Tofts who in ancient Time were seated here One Moiety thereof is held of the Barony of Halton in Soccage by the yearly Rent of seven Shillings and the other half is held of the ancient Barons of Dunham-Massy in Soccage by the yearly Rent of five Shillings for so I find it in John Leycester of Toft's Office 2 Hen. 8. and in other Offices downwards which Rents are paid at this day 1672. Howbeit in an ancient Feodary of Halton under Edward the Second it is said Rogerus de Toft tenet Villam de Toft pro vicesima parte unius Feodi Militis Yet I find among the Evidences of Toft T. num 14. a little Parchment about the time of the beginning of Edward the Third's Reign in Latin and by me here rendred in English as followeth HUgh de Toft confesseth that he holdeth of the Earl of Lancaster Lord of Halton the one Moiety of the Township of Toft by the twentieth part of a Knight's Fee by Homage and Fealty and the yearly Rent of Seven Shillings to be paid to Halton on Martlemas-day and that he oweth Suit of Court to Halton for the same de Quindena in Quindenam that is every Fortnight upon notice And will appear at the Court of Passage or Fare and ought to pay 12 d. to the Serjeants of Halton and 4 d. for Market-Gold And I find alsa among the Evidences of Toft that the Moiety of Toft belonging to the Barons of Dunham-Massy was scattered into several Parcels For Hamon de Massy granteth to Arnold de Toft the Third Part of his Moiety of Toft rendring the yearly Rent of Twenty Pence about the Reign of King John T. num 3. This third Part of that Moiety Benedict the Son of Orme the Son of Arnold de Toft released unto Roger de Toft Anno 18 Hen. 3. 1234. T. num 6. Confirmed by Hamon Massy T. num 4. Gervase Son of Hugh of Mobberley also releaseth to Walter de Toft the Right which he hath to the sixth Part of the Township of Toft T. num 1. And after releaseth to Roger Son of Walter Toft all his Right in the whole Township of Toft about 15 Hen. 3. 1230. T. num 2. Robert Son of Wentlyan releaseth also to Roger Son of Walter de Toft his Moiety of another third Part of the whole Moiety of Toft about 1230. T. num 8. This Moiety of a third Part Robert Son of Wentlyan had in Free-Marriage with Alice his Wife Daughter of one Hugh de Toft T. num 7. And by this Deed it appears that this Hugh de Toft then had the other Moiety of that third Part in his possession So that now Roger Son
by the appointment of the King's Council T. num 80. So ended the Family of Toft of Toft The Descent of Leycester of Toft collected carefully out of the Evidences of that Family 1672. The first of the Issue of Joan that possessed the Mannor of Toft whom I meet withal was Robert Leycester Son of Robert Son of this Rafe and Joan and that 2 Edw. 4. 1462. T. num 51. for that till about this time Robert Toft Father of Joan survived or Roger his Son When John Leycester of Nether-Tabley sold away all his Right and Title to the Moiety of the Mannor of Mobberley with the Advowson of the Church of Mobberley unto John Dumvill of Mobberley and Ciceley his Wife 1 Rich. 2. 1377. which Lands were Setled on the said John Leycester by Sir Rafe Mobberley of Mobberley his Uncle by Feoffees intrusted Anno Domini 1359. M. num 32. and M. num 33. and T. num 31. It was then agreed That one third part of that Moiety should descend to Rafe Leycester his Brother after the death of John Dumvill and Cicely which was Estated accordingly by Thomas Fitton of Gowesworth and other Feoffees intrusted after division thereof made by the Name of 15 Messuages two parts of a Messuage 316 Acres half an Acre half a quarter of an Acre ten Perches and half a Perch of Land sixteen Acres of Wood one quarter and five Perches eight Acres of Moss the third part of a Water-Mill and the third part of all the Wastes of Mobberly then unmeasured together with the Rent and Services of the said Rafe Leycester and William Dawson in Mobberley to hold to John Dumvill and Cicely his Wife for their Lives and after their Deaths then to remain to Rafe Leycester and the Heirs-males of his Body and if Rafe die without Heir-male of his Body then to remain to the right Heirs of Cicely aforesaid for ever Dated at Mobberley on Tuesday in the Feast of St. Petronill the Virgin 2 Rich. 2. 1378. M. num 34. And Rafe Leycester had 15 l. 00 s. 00 d. annual Rent Estated on him during the Lives of the said John Dumvill and Cicely out of all the Lands in Mobberley by Fine Levied to the said Feoffees 1 Rich. 2. M. num 2. M. num 3. which Lands of Mobberley so Setled on this Rafe Leycester are now in possession of Leycester of Toft 1672. So that it seems Rafe Leycester aforesaid had one Messuage in Mobberley by the Grant of Nicholas Leycester his Father and Mary his Mother before these other Lands were Estated on him in Mobberley M. num 39. and he purchased William Dawson's Land in Mobberley after the Settlement aforesaid to wit 3 Rich. 2. M. num 27 28. But the third part of the Mill in the Settlement mentioned Robert Leycester sold to John Troutback 18 Hen. 6. M. num 13. This Rafe Leycester and Joan his Wife had Issue Robert Leycester who succeeded Heir and Roger Leycester living 18 Rich. 2. E. num 1. among the Evidences of Leycester of Tabley Now that this Rafe Leycester was younger Brother to John Leycester of Nether-Tabley appears by their Examinations taken on the part of Robert Grosvenour of Hulme against Scroop concerning the bearing of a Coat of Arms Anno Domini 1386. 10 Rich. 2. where John Leycester is said to be then forty six years old and Rafe Leycester forty years old Lib. C. fol. 126. KK II. The Original upon Record in the Tower of London called The Bundle inter Scroop Grosvenour A Copy of which Record transcribed in a great Book remains now with Grosvenour of Eaton-boate in Cheshire As also that the ancient Lands of the Leycesters remain at this day 1672. in the possession of Leycester of Tabley which must have descended to the Heirs of this Rafe if he had been the elder Brother Again in the Deeds of Toft M. num 10. mentioning the Partition of the Lands in Mobberley between John Dumvill and Cicely his Wife on the one part and John Leycester and Rafe his Brother on the other part for if Rafe Leycester had been the elder Brother it would have been said betwixt Rafe Leycester and John his Brother And lastly That Leycester of Toft beareth his Coat of Arms at this day with a distinction from the Coat-Armour of Leycester of Tabley by adding a Fret upon the Fess and omnis additio probat minoritatem But of this enough which I rather mention least any should judge me partial in my own Cause without certain Grounds of Truth This Rafe Leycester had Lands in Chorley juxta Warford by the Grant of Mary his Mother II Robert Leycester Son and Heir of Rafe married _____ and had Issue Robert Son and Heir Randle second Son and John third Son living 11 Hen. 4. C. num 11. This Randle Leycester second Son married Isabel Daughter and Coheir of David Crew of Pulcroft from whom the Leycesters of Poole in Nantwich Hundred are descended as appears by the Evidences of that Family This Randle died Anno Dom. 1438. whose Posterity continued here until Richard Leycester late Mayor of Chester and Alderman of that City having no Issue gave all his Lands in Poole to Sir Henry Delves of Dodington Baronet in Marriage with Mary his Neece Daughter of Randle Leycester his late Brother This Lady Mary Delves was second Wife of Sir Henry and was Widow 1666. but had no Issue by Sir Henry But these Lands are Setled to descend to another Leycester sprung from that Family after the Death of the said Mary without Issue III. Robert Leycester of Toft Esquire Son of Robert is the first of this Family whom I find stiled De Toft and possessed of the same to wit 2 Edw. 4. 1462. T. num 51. He married Jane Daughter and Coheir of Rafe Booth younger Son of Sir Robert Booth of Dunham-Massy whom the said Rafe begot on Margaret his Wife Daughter and Heir of Thomas Sibell of Sandwich in Kent This Robert had Issue Rafe Leycester Robert another Son living 1 Hen. 7. John another Son 12 Hen. 8. Agnes a Daughter married to John Birtles of Birtles nigh Over-Alderley 6. Edw. 4. 1466. M. num 14. Lib. A. fol. 133. e f g h i k. This Robert Leycester and John Legh of Booths committed an Assault on Dennys Holland Servant to Sir Geffrey Massy of Tatton in the night-time and chased and destroyed his Deer in Tatton Park for which they paid 20 l. apiece 20 Hen. 6. T. num 79. by Award IV. Rafe Leycester Son and Heir of Robert married Agnes Daughter of Robert Ratcliff 17 Edw. 4. 1477. and had Issue John Leycester Son and Heir and James Leycester living 1 Hen. 7. Lib. A. fol. 133. H I K L. This Rafe died in the Life-time of his Father to wit 1 Hen. 7. 1485. V. John Leycester of Toft Esquire Son and Heir of Rafe married Elinour one of the Daughters and Coheirs of Sir James Harrington of Wolfage in Northamptonshire M. num 37.
at Chester 8 Edw. 2. had five Acres of Land and half of the Manor of Over-Walton cum pertinentiis granted unto him by Henry Son of Richard de Walton Lib. B. pag. 204. num 7. whereby it may seem that Standish now had all Over-Walton except the Capital Messuage and the Fishing in Mersey River But afterwards I find Isabel Daughter of Thomas de Elton making Richard Lestwich her Attorney to take possession in her Name of the Manor of Over-Walton and of certain Lands in Nether-Walton together with the Reversion of the Lands of Idonea Grandmother of Thomas Son of Randle Merbury in Hatton 34 Edw. 3. Lib. B. pag. 204. num 13. Not long after Merbury was possessed of Over-Walton for William Danell of Daresbery having the Wardship of the Heir grants to Alice Widow of Randle Merbury two parts of the Manor of Over-Walton during the Minority of Hugh Son of the said Randle Merbury now deceased for the yearly Rent of 01 l. 06 s. 04 d. Dated 3 Hen. 4. 1401. Lib. B. pag. 204. num 14. Since which time the Merburies of Walton enjoyed the same until Sir Peter Brooke of Mere now living 1666. lately bought the same from Thomas Merbury of Walton Gent. with all his whole Estate Charterers now in Over-Walton 1666. 1. John Dunbabbin of Over-Walton 2. Richard Rutter 3. Richard Webster These Lands formerly belonged to Sir Richard Brooke of Norton 4. Thomas Warburton of Partington lately bought from Thomas Merbury late of Walton Nether-Walton THis Town as well as the other Walton seems to take their Name from the multitude of the Springs therein for the ancient Saxons called a springing Water A Wawe for which we now use the word Well Geffrey Dutton of Chedill gave to Richard Son of Robert Massy of Sale all his Lands in Nether-Walton in exchange for his Mannor of Ashley in the Reign of Edward the First Lib. C. fol. 150. f. Sir Hugh Dutton of Dutton 22 Edw. 1. is found to hold half of Nether-Walton of the Baron of Halton Lib. C. fol. 156. bb And in the Feodary of Halton sub Ed. 2. Dominus Petrus de Warburton tenet medietatem de Walton inferiore pro decima parte unius Feodi Militis And in the Offices of Massy de Sale Massy is found to hold half of Nether-Walton of Warburton of Arley But Massy of Sale hath sold his Moiety of Nether-Walton except one Cottage as followeth 1666. 1. Thomas Massy of Nether-Walton This was bought from his Landlord Massy of Sale 2. William Ford of Nether-Walton bought from Massy of Sale 3. John Hatton of Nether-Walton bought from Massy of Sale 4. Richard Massy of Sale Esquire hath now one Cottage in possession of William Wilson 1666. 5. John Dumbill 6. William Norman The other Moiety of Nether-Walton which formerly belonged to Dutton of Dutton is now belonging to Sir Peter Brooke of Mere which he purchased lately from Merbury of Walton as also all his Lands in Over-Walton Appleton Hull Stockton The Mannor-House is situate in Over-Walton but part of the Demain now thereunto belonging lieth in Nether-Walton Warburton HEre is an ancient Free Chappel at Warburton now usually taken for a Parish Church whereof Warburton of Arley Lord of the Town is Patron This Parish comprehendeth onely the Township of Warburton which in our Mize-Book is Rated at 00 l. 12 s. 00 d. The words of the Institution and Induction of the present Parson are Ad liberam Capellam de Warburton medietatem Rectoriae Ecclesiae de Limme So that Warburton hath the Gift of half of Limme as well as of Warburton wholly and he is Presented here to both and ought to supply Warburton every Sunday and Limme every other Sunday by course In the time of William the Conqueror William Fitz-Nigell Baron of Halton held one Moiety of Warburton which Ernui formerly held And Osbern Son of Tezzon surmized to be the Ancestor of the Boydells of Dodleston held the other Moiety of Warburton which Ravene formerly held Adam de Dutton younger Son of Hugh Dutton of Dutton became possessed of both these Moieties of Warburton towards the Time of King Rtchard the First One Moiety he had by Agnes his Wife Daughter and Heir of Robert Fitz-Alured and I take it to be that Moiety held of Boydell Which Adam by the Consent of Agnes his Wife gave to the Religious House of Canons of the Order of Premonstrants here at Warburton about the Reign of King John in these Words Ego Adam de Dutton assensu Agnetis Sponsae meae dedi Deo Sanctae Mariae Sanctae Werburgae de Werburton Canonicis Premonstratensis Ordinis ibidèm medietatem totius Villae de Werburton in liberam Eleomosynam pro salute Animae Johannis Constabularii Antecessorum suorum pro salute Animae Corporis Rogeri Constabularii Sponsae suae pro Animâ Patris mei Matris meae pro Animâ Rogeri Filii Aluredi de cujus Feodo haec est Antecessorum suorum pro Animâ Johannis Filii mei cujus Corpus ibì sepultum est pro salute Animae meae Sponsae meae omnium Antecessorum meorum Testibus Hugone de Dutton Galfrido Fratre suo c. Extracted by me from the Original remaining among the Evidences at Dutton Lib. C. fol. 136. b. This Saint Werburge was the Daughter of Wolfere King of Mercia a Holy Virgin whose Feast is celebrated usually on the sixteenth day of June Some Almanacks place it to the 21 of June And probably from the Church or some Religious House founded here anciently unto the Honour of this Virgin it had the Name of Warburton Certain it is that it gave the occasion of the Sir-name of Warburton to the Lords and Owners thereof For the Posterity of that Adam de Dutton coming to reside at Warburton under Edward the Second Peter de Dutton was then stiled Peter de Warburton from the Place of his Residence as was the manner and custom of those Ages which Sir-name of Warburton his Heirs have ever since wholly retained to this day See more of this suprà in Budworth But to return to the Moiety of Warburton of the Fee of Boydell which was confirmed to Adam de Dutton by Hugh Boydell in the Reign of Richard the First or thereabouts in these Words NOverint universi tà m praesentes quà m futuri quòd ego Hugo de Boydele dedi concessi hâc praesenti Chartâ mea confirmavi Adae de Dutton pro homagio servitio suo totam terram meam in Warburton scilicet totam dimidiam partem ejusdem villae cùm omnibus pertinentiis jure haereditario illi haeredibus suis Tenendum de me haeredibus meis liberè pro XII solidis annuatìm reddendis scilicèt sex solidis ad Festum Sancti Johannis sex solidis ad Festum Sancti Martini unum hominem ad Castellum operantem ad suam expensam pèr octo tantùm dies annuatìm inveniendo