Episcopi Anno Domini millesimo trecentesimo quinquagesimo nono Two Seals of Red Wax appendant The Certificate of Sir John Wynkfeld rendred into English the Original whereof is in French remaining among the Evidences of Leycester of Toft 1672. M. num 33. TO all those who shall see or hear these Letters John de Wynkfeld Knight sendeth greeting M. num 33. Whereas Plea and Debate is moved between John de Leycester on the one part and Hugh de Chaderton and Margaret his Wife who saith she is Daughter and Heir of Sir Rafe de Mobberley Knight deceased on the other part concerning the Manor of Mobberley with its Appurtenances and other Lands and Tenements in the County of Chester which belonged to the said Sir Rafe The Work of this Chart is to testifie and publish the Truth so as the Knights and Sergeants who are to try the Right thereof upon the Plea aforesaid and all others who are not to meddle therewith may be instructed to which of the Parties aforesaid the Right doth appertain and that they be not inveagled by concealment of the Truth to disinherit him that hath Right thereunto to the Peril of their Souls These give you to understand That the said Sir Rafe in the beginning of his Sickness whereof he died came unto me before Reynes and said unto me That before he went into Gascoigne he had enfeoffed certain Chaplains that is to say John Spendelow and others of the said Manour and of all the other Lands aforesaid on certain Conditions comprised in certain Indentures made between them and reckoned up the Conditions to me and said the Conditions were yet depending on his Will and Ordinance And there he said in my presence That his Heritage should not be divided nor dismembred by no means but ordained then and there before me That if he died in this Voyage the said Chaplains should enfeoff John de Leycester his Nephew of all his said Heritage to him and to his Heirs as entirely as the said Chaplains were enfeoffed thereof by him And prayed me in the Work of Charity that I would Record Witness and openly declare his said Ordinance and Will to all that it might concern and to all the Deeds which he had made when time required And that in the mean time this was to be kept private because of his Wife for he said he had a Daughter which he held not to be his Daughter who should never inherit any of his Heritage nor any other save onely the said John de Leycester And afterwards a little before he died I sent a certain Messenger whom I firmly trusted to the said Sir Rafe to move him on the behalf of his Daughter to see whether he was in the same mind as formerly towards the said John de Leycester and as he was at our last Conference abovesaid By which Messenger he certified me That he had fully granted and assigned to the said John de Leycester all his Heritage in manner as before me he had ordained and is above-mentioned and that neither his Daughter nor his Wife nor any other save the said John de Leycester should ever have any of his Heritage And prayed me for the Love of God that I would see his said Ordinance towards his said Nephew might be performed in manner aforesaid as it was made before me Which Will and Ordinance was spoken before me by the said Sir Rafe as is above-mentioned And as I desire to answer it before God I have witnessed and published the same before our thrice honourable Lord the Prince and before many other Grave and Wise Men as well Judges and Men of Holy Church as before other Knights that they hold the said Ordinance good and sufficient and this my said Testimony to be true Wherefore may it please you to give faith and credence to this my Testimony which before God on peril of a Curse I avow to be faithful And in case that there may not be any who may doubt of this my Testimony made in this my Letter because I am so much employed in the Affairs of my said Lord the Prince that I cannot come speedily into those Parts if he please to travel so far as to come where I am I shall be ready to make good my said Testimony by all reasonable ways which a Man of Worth shall desire me For to do this I am bound by my own Grant made to the said Sir Rafe at the time when he shewed me his said Will and Ordinance in manner abovesaid In Testimony whereof because I cannot be present at all times to certifie and publish the things abovesaid by word of mouth I have hereunto put my Seal Given at London the eleventh day of June 11 Junii 35 Edw. 3. 1361. in the Thirty fifth Year of the Reign of King Edward the Third after the Conquest So that by this Certificate it appears a Suit was then depending between John Leycester and Hugh Chaderton and Margaret his Wife concerning Sir Rafe Mobberley 's Lands which Margaret challenged as Daughter and Heir of Sir Rafe But this Suit ended by the determination of Nicolas Aston Fryar William Jorden Friar Thomas Garlond and Fryar John de Byninton Professors of the Holy Scriptures who were requested to hear the Cause And they say That if Sir Rafe Mobberley might lawfully give sell or alienate his Lands that in case he hath given the same to Sir John Spendelow Priest and others by his Deed in Fee-simple and afterwards being in Remote Parts beyond Sea did manifestly shew that his last Will was That the aforesaid Sir John Spendelow and others should settle and give the said Lands to John Leycester his Nephew and he the said Sir John Spendelow and others understanding the last Will of Sir Rafe Mobberley to be such have given the said Lands to John Leycester aforesaid We say according to our Conscience and the Law That the said John Leycester hath clear Right to the Lands aforesaid And this we firmly hold and declare by these Presents In Testimony whereof we have hereunto put our Seals Dated on the Eve of St. Bernard the Abbot 20 Aug. 35. Edw. 3. 1361. Anno Domini 1361. Lib. C. fol. 298. The Original being in Latin and now remaining among the Evidences of Leycester of Toft 1672. T. num 31. Afterwards about the Year of our Lord 1377. another Contest fell between John Domvill of Mobberley and Cicely his Wife on the one part and John Leycester aforesaid on the other part concerning these Lands of Sir Rafe Mobberley of Mobberley which John Domvill challenged in Right of Cicely his Wife as sole Heir and Sister of the Whole Blood to Sir Rafe her Brother Whereupon the same John Leycester John Domvill and Cicely were sworn at Knotsford before Sir John Massy Parson of Stopport Thomas Fitton of Gawesworth Thomas de Whyllok John de Hatton John de Damport and many others sur la Corps de Jhesu Christ sacred
vesperam sequentis diei post Solennitatem Ego Comes Ranulfus illud idem Concedo confirmo constituens sicùt ipse constituerat ut sivè latro sivè Robbator sive aliquis malefactor venerit ad solennitatem habeat firmam pacem dùm fuerit in Nundinis nisi fortè forisfecit in illis Et si fortè aliquis forisfecerit in Nundinis omne Placitum forisfactum justitia à Ministris Abbatis à Vice-Comite Civitatis tractabuntur in Curià Sanctae Werburgae Virginis Et ùt Vicecomes intentiùs fideliùs hoc agat Computetur Tallietur ei à meis Camerariis in suam firmam quicquid Monachi ex his omnibus acceperunt Willielmus Meschines Frater meus dedit Deo Ecclesiae Sanctae Werburgae Ecclesiam de Dissard cùm omnibus pertinentiis suis Consensu Ranulphi Comitis Ranulphi Filii sui Teste Willielmo Clerico de Roelent Willielmo Flandrensi multisque aliis Mattheus de Ruelent dedit Ecclesiam de Turstaniston cùm suis pertinentiis quandò Simon Frater ejus factus est Monachus Testibus Roberto de Petroponte multisque aliis Hugo Filius Osberni dedit unam Mansuram in Cestria unum Pratum quod vocatur Kings-eye Suuein de Watenhale factus Monachus dedit duas Bovatas in Watenhale concedentibus Filiis ejus Ricardus de Cruce dedit unam Mansuram in Cestria in Vico apud Pontem partem Terrae quam habuit in Morcetone vellet Monachus fieri Teste Normanno Filio suo multisque aliis Letitia de Malpas dedit Deo Sanctae Werburgae unam Mansuram versùs Portam Clippe Teste Concedente Ricardo Domino suo Fratre suo Ricardo Mailard Nigello Chaldell multÃsque aliis Willielmus Filius Andreae dedit cùm Filio suo Monacho facto unam magnam Shoppam inter Domum Winebalt Hamundi in foro Haec sunt itaquè Dona quae data sunt à me à meis hominibus Ecclesiae Sanctae Werburgae in meo tempore Quaproptèr concedimus confirmamus tà m ego quà m homines mei non solùm haec supradicta sed ea omnia quae Comes Hugo meus Avunculus vel Ricardus Comes ejus Filius aut eorum homines dederunt Ecclesiae Sanctae Werburgae Deprecantes praecipientes cunctis nostris amicis hominibus tà m praesentibus quam futuris quatenus ea omnia sint stabilia soluta quieta ut Elemosyna ab omni re ità libera ut nihil libertatis possit eis addi ulteriùs quià nihil retinemus in his exceptis Orationibus Adhùc etià m concedimus confirmamus sicùt praedicti Comites eorum homines anteà confirmaverunt ut Beata Werburga habeat de cunctis rebus Curiam suam ità quòd Abbas illius loci non placitet usquà m contrà aliquem de aliquâ re ad Ecclesiam pertinente extrà Curiam suam Et ut ego Comes Ranulfus darem exemplum posteris veni ipse propter unum Placitum in Curiam Abbatis audiens suscipiens ibi meum judicium non à meis sed à judicibus Abbatis ut in omnibus haberet Beata Werburga jus suae dignitatis in perpetuum Et ut igitùr sìc sint omnia sicut praedictum est libera confirmamus ea hìnc Sanctae Crucis Signo ✚ hinc meo Sigillo hinc horum virorum testimonio scilicèt Willielmi Meschini Willielmi Constabularii Radulfi Dapiferi Hugonis Malbanc Ricardi Banaster Hugonis Filii Osberni Osberni Filii Hugonis Roberti de Mascy Roberti Filii Bigot Adae de Praers Gaufridi Capellani Turgicii Doctoris Ricardi Filii Nigelli Signum ✚ Ranulfi Comitis Signum ✚ Willielmi Meschini Signum ✚ Willielmi Constabularii Signum ✚ Roberti de Palmas Signum ✚ Radulfi Dapiferi Signum ✚ Hugonis Malbanc Signum ✚ Ricardi Banaster Signum ✚ Hugonis Filii Osberni Signum ✚ Osberni Filii Hugonis Signum ✚ Roberti de Mascy IV. The Wife of Randle the First HE Married Lucy the Widow of Roger de Romara Son of Geroldus Ordericus pag. 871. She was the Daughter of Algar the Saxon Earl of Mercia and Sister to the two great Earls Edwine Earl of Mercia and Morcar Earl of Northumberland who stoutly opposed William the Conqueror This Lucy had three Husbands and survived them all The first was Ivo de Talbois Earl of Angeau The second was Roger de Romara Son of Gerold by whom she had Issue William de Romara Earl of Lincoln The third was this Earl of Chester Cambden in his Britannia at the end of Leycestershire This Lady Lucy Countess of Chester and Lincoln Founded the Priory of Spalding in Lincolnshire where in times past were Monks of Anjou in France So Leland a Manuscript in Oxford Library pag. 86. See Monasticon Vol. 1. pag. 307 308. Vol. 2. pag. 871. The same Lucy with her two Sons Randle Earl of Chester and William de Romara Earl of Lincoln Founded a Priory of Nuns at Stikeswold of the Order of Cistertians in the County of Lincoln Idem Leland ibidem pag. 87. See Monasticon Vol. 2. pag. 809. V. The Issue of Randle the First by Lucy THis Randle the First had Issue by Lucy Randle the Second who succeeded Earl of Chester Ordericus pag. 871. William another Son Earl of Cambridge who was Witness with his Brother Randle the Second to a Charter of Alexander Bishop of Lincoln of the Island of Haferholm to the Nuns of St. Maries of the Order of Cistercians dated 1139. 4 Stephani Also Agnes a Daughter the first Wife of Robert de Grentemaisnil Ordericus pag. 692. Afterwards he married Emme Daughter of Robert de Stotevill and his third Wife was Lucy Daughter of Savaricus Son of Canus Adeliza another Daughter of this Randle Married Richard Son of Gilbert de Clare of whom he begot three Sons which Richard was slain by the Welsh Will. Gemeticensis lib. 8. cap. 38. Monasticon Vol. 1. pag. 118. Obiit 1128 Matt. Westm sub Anno 1073. calls him Comes Ranulfus de Micenis Randle the First died Anno Domini 1128. after he had been Earl eight Years Polychronicon lib. 7. cap. 17. He is called Comes Cumbriae Monasticon Vol. 1. pag. 397. but erroneously and by mistake for they were stiled Domini Cumbriae not Comites as Cambden observes And I doubt whether in these elder Ages there was any Earl of Cumberland at all properly to be understood This Randle the First gave to the Abbey of St. Mary's at York the Church of St. Michael and the Church of St. Laurence of his Castle of Apelby with all their Appurtenances id est which belonged to his Castle of Apelby in Westmorland Monasticon Vol. 1. pag. 399. in the Reign of King Henry the First âšœ Randle Meschin gave also to the Abbey of Kaldra in Cumberland that Land of Kaldra wherein the Abbey was Founded and Bemertone Holgate unam Mansuram in Burgo de Egremunt duas Salinas de Withane
Margaret and Emme M. num 16. and so this Land of Heild continued to their Heirs until the one Moiety thereof was purchased again by Thomas Leycester of Tabley Esquire Anno Domini 1500. M. num 19. and the other Moiety was purchased by Dorothy Leycester Widow from Richard Sutton of Sutton nigh Maxfield Esquire Son of Francis Sutton Anno Domini 1601. 43. Elizabethae M. num 60. So that the whole is now reverted again to Leycester There is also another Place in this Aston called The Mannor of Wethale which the aforesaid Geffrey Son of Geffrey Son of Adam de Dutton gave unto Margaret his Daughter aforesaid and to her Heirs with all Commons and Easements of the Town of Aston Et Sciedum est quòd ipsa Margareta Haeredes sui Homines eorum qui manebunt in Wethale habebunt Housebote Haybote sufficientèr ad ardendum ad aedificandum de Bosco de Aston sinè visu Forestariorum praedicti Galfridi haeredum suorum habebunt etià m omnes Porcos suos proprios ubicunquè fuerint nutriti in eodem Bosco sinè Pannagio as the very words of the Deed do run R. num 3. At which time also he gave her the Town of Nether-Tabley by another Deed and this about the latter end of the Reign of Henry the Third for in these Ages Gentlemen used to give a large proportion of Lands with their Daughters in Marriage rather than a small Sum of Money Land being then but of little value All which Lands descended to her Heirs by Sir Nicholas Leycester And Peter Dutton Son of the said Geffrey released all his Right in Nether-Tabley Wethale and Heild unto Roger Leycester Son of Sir Nicholas Anno Dom. 1296. 24 Edw. 1. I. num 6. and do now remain in possession of Sir Peter Leycester of Tabley Baronet and his Tenants at this day 1669. The Mannors of VVethale and Heild in Aston juxta Budworth do contain about a third part of the Town of Aston the Demaine Land of Arley being taken out and excepted All the rest of this Town hath been enjoyed by the Ancestors of the VVarburtons of Arley from the time of Adam de Dutton aforesaid even to this present save onely the Lands granted away by them unto the Predecessors of these Charterers following and now 1666. in possession of 1. The Widow Garstid of Chester called Litley Lands formerly belonging to Hayes of Litley and was possessed by Adam Son of William de Litley Anno Domini 1335. 2. Daniel of Tabley hath two small Tenements in Aston 3. Raufe Vernon of Aston called Wethale Farm 4. Gerard of Wimbles-Trafford late Picton's Land 5. Philip Antrobus of Over-Pever one small Tenement in Aston 6. Berry's Tenement in Aston which formerly was the Inheritance of Sneyd of Bradwell and sold by William Sneyd unto Gawen Legh of Northwood younger Son of Matthew Legh of Swineyard in High-Legh 35 Hen. 8. afterwards Richard Legh of Northwood sold it to Peter Leycester of Tabley Esquire 1633. and lastly Sir Peter Leycester of Tabley sold it to his Servant Thomas Jackson of Heild 1 Aprilis 1669. 21 Car. 2. In this Aston is situated the Hall of Arley now the chief Mansion-house of the Warburtons of Arley which House was built by Piers Warburton of Arley Esquire who died 10 Hen. 7. 1495. wherein of late a Ground-Room hath been converted into a Chappel But see more in Budworth of the ancient Places of Habitation of Warburton In the Feodary of Halton about the beginning of Edward the Third we read thus Galfridus Warburton Johannes Fitton tenet Villas de Budworth Aston juxtà Budworth tertiam partem de Tabley Superiori duas bovatas Terrae in Tabley Inferiori bovatam Terrae in quartâ parte de Comberbach unam bovatam Terrae in manu Prioris de Norton in Budworth totam Terram de Lythe ultrà Dee juxtà Cestriam pro uno Feodo Militis pro Relevio l. s. d. 05 00 00 Where Geffrey Warburton is put over the Head as then Tenant to the Baron of Halton for those Services when this Feodary was made the other possibly as it stood in former Rentalls Here should follow the Descent of Warburton of Arley but Sir George Warburton denied me the perusal of his Evidences so as it could not exactly be performed wherefore I have omitted the same Baggiley Or three Lozenges Azure The three first named I take to be Gilbert Venables Baron of Kinderton Ranulfus supposed to be the Ancestor of the Manwarings and Hamon Massy Baron of Dunham-Massy Sunderland is Locus cognitus within the Town of Dunham-Massy About the Reign of King John Hamon Massy then Lord of Dunham-Massy and Descended from the other Hamon before named gave unto Matthew de Bromhale Bromhale Duckenfield and two parts of Baggiley which the Father of the said Matthew held of the said Hamon as his Inheritance in Knights Service to him and his Heirs Faciendo praedicto Hamoni Haeredibus suis liberum Servitium Feodi unius Loricae Quitting all other Service de aratro hosterio * Houe Gallice an Instrument of Husbandry to break up the Earth Segibus secandis Feu †Feu Gallice Fire Fewel Colligendo Homagio faciendo de Averiis de Pannagio Salicher * Salicher puto pro Saligerio carrying of Salt from the Wich a Service in those Ages very usual de omnibus aliis consuetudinibus c. Lib. C. fol. 258. c. as I had it from Mr. Vernon's Notes Certain it is that this Town gave Name to the Family of the Baggileys who were Seated here Sir VVilliam Baggiley was Lord of Baggiley 13 Edw. 2. 1319. and John Baggiley his Son made a Feofment of the Mannor of Baggiley in Cheshire and of his Mannors of Hyde and Leveshulme in Lancashire unto Sir John Legh of Booths nigh Knotsford Covenanting that Sir John shall Settle them on the said John Baggiley and the Heirs Males of his Body and for default of such then to Settle the Mannor of Hyde on Sir John Hyde and his Heirs and to Settle the Mannors of Baggiley and Leveshulme upon William John and Geffrey Sons of the said Sir John Legh and to the Heirs Males of their Bodies in order one after another the remainder to Thomas Son of Richard Massy then to John Son of Robert Legh then to William Son of Piers Legh then to Robert Son of Robert Massy of Kelsall Lib. C. fol. 270 a. The Original in French now remaining with Edward Legh of Baggiley Esquire 1666. a fair Seal with Sir John Legh's Coat of Arms to wit a Bend over two Bars the other Seal is demolished to wit Baggiley's Coat three Lozenges with a Bear 's Head for the Crest There is no Date put to the Deed but Sir John Legh did Settle them accordingly with the Services of all the Freeholders in Baggiley to wit Richard Son of VVilliam Richard Hod Robert Son of VVilliam
1403. He was made Lieutenant or Deputy in the Office of the Seneschalcy of the County of Chester by Elizabeth Countess of Salisbury while they both should live and to be of Council with her for which Service she gave him two Marks Annual Rent which he ought to pay her for his Lands of Little Legh held of her Castle of Harden during the Term aforesaid 1408. 10 Hen. 4. Lib. C. fol. 164. b. Great Contention fell between this Sir Peter Dutton and Sir William Athurton of Athurton in Lancashire insomuch that they made Inroads and Invasions one upon the other And the said Sir Piers Dutton and his Adherents to wit Sir Rafe Bostock of Bostock Richard Warburton of Budworth Thomas Warburton of Halton John Done of Utkinton junior John Manley of Manley Hugh Dutton of Hatton the elder William Leycester of Nether-Tabley Sir Peter Legh of Clifton Ancestor to Legh of Lyme and John Carington of Carington were all sued by Sir William Athurton for taking away forty of his Oxen and forty Cows out of his Closes at Athurton and for beating of his Servants But this Variance was composed between them by the Award of John Duke of Bedford Earl of Richmond and Kendall Constable of England and Regent of the Kingdom in the absence of Henry the Fifth Dated 9 Aprilis 7 Hen. 5. 1419. Restitution being awarded on both sides The Horses and Saddles taken by Sir William Athurton to be restored to Sir Piers Dutton and the Cattel taken by Sir Piers to be restored to the said Sir William Lib. C. fol. 146. n. Sir Peter de Dutton was made Parcarius de Northwood or Governor of Northwood Park in Over-Whitley during his Life with all the Fees thereof 1 Hen. 6. 1423. Vel 1 Hen. 5. Out of which he had Orders from William Harrington Chief Steward of Halton under Henry Archbishop of Canterbury and other Feoffees of King Henry the Fifth to deliver one Oak for the Repair of Witton Bridge then in decay and another for the Repair of Farnworth Chappel Dated 9 Hen. 6. Lib. C. fol. 147. w. Sir Peter died 12 Hen. 6. 1433. aged sixty six Years Obiit 1433 Lib. C. fol. 147. x. y. fol. 163. x. XIII John Dutton of Dutton Esquire Son and Heir of Sir Peter married Margaret Daughter of Sir John Savage of Clifton 6 Hen. 5. 1418. Lib. C. fol. 160. w. and had Issue Thomas Dutton Son and Heir Roger Dutton another Son afterwards Lord of Dutton John Dutton slain with his Brother Sir Thomas Dutton at Blore-Heath 1459. Stow. Robert Dutton another Son died without Issue Lib. C. fol. 180. k. Margaret married Hugh Son and Heir of Raufe Egerton 21 Hen. 6. 1443. Lib. C. fol. 147. b. Maud married Sir William Booth of Dunham-Massy 21 Hen. 6. 1443. Lib. C. fol. 164. g. Agnes married Richard Wynnington of Wynnington nigh Northwich Son and Heir of Robert Wynnington Son and Hir of Sir Richard Wynnington 25 Hen. 6. 1446. Lib. C. fol. 160. y. Ellen married Edward Son and Heir of Richard Longford of Lancashire Esq 28 Hen. 6. 1450. Lib. C. fol. 160. a. Elizabeth married John Merbury Son and Heir of James Merbury of Merbury nigh Comberbach Esquire 1458. The Original penès Thomam Merbury Armigerum 1666. Obiit 1445 This John Dutton of Dutton died 24 Hen. 6. 1445. aged forty two Years Lib. C. fol. 160. y. z. Margaret his Wife survived and was living 1450. XIV Sir Thomas Dutton of Dutton Knight Son and Heir of John and Margaret married Anne Daughter of James Lord Audley and had Issue Peter eldest Son slain with his Father at the Battel of Blore-Heath as Tradition hath it John Dutton second Son who succeeded Heir to his Father Anno married Sir Thomas Molineaux of Sefton in Lancashire Isabel married Sir Christopher Sotheworth of Sotheworth in Lancashire Lib. D. pag. 173. f. Elizabeth married Raufe Bostock of Bostock in Davenham Parish in Cheshire Esq by whom he had Issue Anne Daughter and Heir married to Sir John Savage of Clifton in Cheshire juxtà Halton which Elizabeth after the death of Raufe Bostock married Thomas Scriven of Frodsley in Shropshire and she died Anno Domini 1516. 5 die Februarii 8 Hen. 8. Lib. C. fol. 139. x. Margaret another Daughter of Sir Thomas Dutton married Thomas Aston of Aston juxtà Sutton Esquire 7 Edw. 4. 1467. Afterwards she married Raufe Vernon of Haslington in Cheshire Esquire And Elinour another Daughter married Richard Cholmondley of Cholmondley in Broxton Hundred Esq Lib. C. fol. 161. I. n. Obiit 1459 This Sir Thomas was slain at the Battel of Blore-Heath in Staffordshire September 23. 38 Hen. 6. 1459. Stow in his Annals and in the thirty eighth Year of his Age. Anne his Widow afterwards married Hugh Done of Olton in Cheshire and she died 19 Hen. 7. 1503. Lib. C. fol. 162. v. XV. John Dutton of Dutton Esquire Son and Heir of Sir Thomas and Anne was made Steward to the Prior of Norton for his Life of all the Lands and Tenements belonging to that Priory Robert Leftwich being then Abbot of Norton and for which the said John Dutton had three Pound yearly for his Fee Dated at Norton in September 38 Hen. 6. 1459. Lib. C. fol. 145. c. He married Margaret Daughter of Richard and Sister to Sir Thomas Molineaux of Sefton in Lancashire Obiit 1473 but died without Issue 13 Edw. 4. 1473. leaving Roger Dutton his Uncle to succeed in his Estate Lib. C. fol. 160. d. e. Margaret his Widow married William Buckley of Eaton junior 15 Edw. 4. Lib. C. fol. 160. b. XVI Roger Dutton of Dutton Esquire younger Brother to Sir Thomas and Heir to his Nephew John Dutton married Joan Daughter of Sir Richard Aston of Aston juxtà Sutton and had Issue Lawrence Dutton Son and Heir Obiit 1499 This Roger died 14 Hen. 7. 1499. Joan his Widow afterwards married Sir Richard Strangewaies Lib. C. fol. 162. v. fol. 164. e. XVII Lawrence Dutton of Dutton Esquire 14 Hen. 7. Son and Heir of Roger and Joan Obiit 1526 8 Hen. 8. married Joan Daughter of Robert Duckenfield of Duckenfield in Cheshire Esquire but died without any Lawful Issue Anno Domini 1526. aged fifty Years Lib. C. fol. 164. e. fol. 161. k. He had a Bastard-son called John Dutton to whom he gave the Messuage in Preston nigh Daresbery called The New Mannor for his Life 1526. Lib. C. fol. 162. s. He had also two Bastard-daughters Isabel and Joan. Upon the sailing of the Issue Male of this Line of Dutton there fell great Controversie and Suits of Law concerning this fair Inheritance of Dutton between Sir Piers Dutton of Hatton in Broxton Hundred as next Heir Male on the one part and the Daughters and Co-heirs of Sir Thomas Dutton of Dutton and their Heirs on the other part At last it was composed and ended by the Award of King Henry the Eighth Dated the sixteenth day of May 26 Hen. 8. 1534. and Confirmed by
William Son of William Venables of Bradwell and Half-Brother of this John released unto him 13 Edw. 2. 1319. Which Lands in Rosthorn Legh of Booths enjoyeth at this day 1667. This John de Legh the first Legh of Booths gave to Robert Legh his younger Son a Tenement in High-Legh which Sir John Legh elder Brother of Robert confirmed to the said Robert 1336. 10 Edw. 3. which Tenement 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 Richard Legh of Swineyard in High-Legh his Brother 45 Elizabethae 1602. And from this Robert the Leghs of Adlington are Originally descended Of which see more in High-Legh Ellen the Widow of this first John Legh purchased a Weekly Market on the Wednesday and a Fair to be kept yearly at Knotsford-Booths on Tuesday and Wednesday in Whitson-week under the Seal of the Exchequer at Chester Dated 18 die Maii 9 Edw. 3. Which Fair is at this day kept accordingly but the Market vanished long ago Lib. C. fol. 219. l. ⚜ Here should follow the Descent of Legh of Booths But because I was denied the Perusal of the Evidences by Robert Venables Esquire younger Son of Peter Venables of Kinderton Esquire who hath married the Widow of John Legh late of Booths deceased I must omit the same and therefore let Posterity blame him for it and not me Lachford WIlliam Son of Samson released Domino suo Hugoni de Boydell pro defectu Servitii sui retrò Lachford cùm omnibus pertinentiis Pro hâc donatione Hugo dedit Valentiam quatuor Marcarum Testibus Radulfo de Manwaring tùnc Justiciario Cestriae c. tempore Ricardi Primi Lib. C. fol. 286. t. The Original penès Thomas Merbury de Merbury Armigerum 1666. This was at the same time and before the same Witnesses when he Released Gropenhale also Vide Gropenhale NOverint Universi Anno Domini 1305. 32 Edw. 1. Intèr Dominum Johannem de Boydell Militem ex parte unâ Davidem Filium Haeredem Patricii de Barton ex altera super Partitione Vastorum de Lachford Praedictus David cognovit quòd tres partes omnimodi soli in eadem Villa sint jus Haereditas ipsius Johannis quarta pars est Haereditas ipsius Davidis Lib. C. fol. 285. c. The Original hereof also in possession of the said Mr. Merbury Sir John Daniell and Joan his Wife Purchased to them and their Heirs from Edward stiled The Black Prince then Earl of Chester to keep two Fairs in Lachford yearly one upon the fifth and sixth days of May and the other upon the seventeenth and eighteenth days of October and also to have two Market-days Weekly every Wednesday and Friday nisi sint ad nocumenta Vicinorum Mercatorum Datum apud Cestriam 3 die Martii 41 Edw. 3. under the Seal of the Exchequer The Original penès Merbury de Merbury Lib. C. fol. 283. f. Anno 26 Edw. 3. Partition was made of the Inheritance of William Boydell in Cheshire and Wales between Sir John Danyell of Gropenhale and Joan his Wife on the one Part and Howel ap Owen Voil on the other Part. Lib. C. fol. 282. q. William the Son of Howell called himself by the Name of Boydell and had to Wife Cicely Sister of William Belew by whom he had Issue Thomas Boydell She was Widow 8 Hen. 4. for William Boydell her Husband died 16 Rich. 2. 1392. Lib. C. fol. 286. v. 281. g. Thomas Boydell had Issue Thomas who died without Issue also Margaret married to Hugh Reddish and Isabel married to John Alburgham afterwards to Nicolas de Langton Which Margaret and Isabell divide the Inheritance of Thomas Boydell their Father 5 Hen. 5. 1416. Lib. C. fol. 282. l. And among other Lands these of Lachford were divided between them The Part belonging to Reddish came to William Merbury of Merbury Esq in Right of Maud his Wife Daughter and Heir of Thomas Reddish of Caterich in Gropenhale They were married 2 3 Philip and Mary 1556. whose Heir is now possessed of one Moiety of Lachford 1666. The Part belonging to Alburgham descended to two Daughters and Heirs 3 Hen. 7. Constance Daughter of Gilbert Alburgham married Henry Byrom of Byrom in Lancashire Isabell the other Daughter married James Holt of Griselhurst in Lancashire Francis Holt and Thomas his Son sell all their Part of Lachford unto Thomas Starkey of Stretton Esquire 25 Elizabethae Starkey sells it to Thomas Brooke of Norton Esquire 43 Eliz. and Thomas Brooks of Norton sells it to Thomas Ireland of Beusy nigh Warrington 43 Elizabethae He was afterwards Sir Thomas Ireland Thomas Ireland Son of Sir Thomas with other Brothers and Feoffees sell their Lands in Lachford unto Thomas Blackborn 5 Car. 1. whose Son Thomas Blackborn of Lachford now enjoyeth the same 1666. ⚜ Byrom's Part in Lachford was sold to the Ancestors of these Free-holders in Lachford following Freeholders in Lachford Anno Domini 1666. 1. John Longshall 2. Richard Hall 3. Widow Middlehurst pays 1 d. Chief to Blackborn 4. Peter Barker one Acre formerly Part of Widow Middlehurts 5. Peter Hall 6. Arnold Middlehurst 7. William Morris of Gropenhale 8. Legh of Lyme one Tenement 9. Widow Pierson 10. Widow Hatton now Twambroke Byrom of Lancashire retains yet the Advowson of the Church of Gropenhale Legh juxta Barterton vulgo Little-Legh THe Township of Little-Legh was held by William Fitz-Nigell Baron of Halton in the Time of the Conqueror as appears by Doomsday-Book Out of the Originals remaining among the Evidences at Dutton 1649. Simon Fitz-Osbern being possessed of this Village about the Reign of King John Grants the same unto Hugh Dutton Son of Hugh Dutton of Dutton and to his Heirs scilicèt totam Villam de Leiâ in Feu-firma Reddendo annuatìm duas Marcas Argenti ad Festum Sancti Martini Lib. C. fol. 154. f. Which Rent is paid by the Heirs of Dutton at this day 1666. as to the Mannor of Harden-Castle Roger Constable of Cheshire and Baron of Halton acquitteth Hugh Dutton of Dutton de Judice de Leghâ in Hundredo meo de Halton id est Of the Judger of Legh in his Hundred of Halton about Anno Domini 1200. Lib. C. fol. 154. g. To be Judger of a Town was to serve at the Lord's Court on the Jury for such a Town whereof Dutton was discharged for Little-Legh by this Deed. The Hamlet of Clatterwig in Little-Legh was Purchased by Sir Thomas Dutton of Dutton from Hugh de Clatterwig in the Reign of Henry the Third Hiis Testibus Domino Galfrido de Dutton tùnc Seneschallo Domino Galfrido de Budworth Filio Adae de Dutton Domino Hugone Priore de Norton Ricardo de Astonâ Rogero de Toft c. Lib. C. fol. 156. t. This Township hath ever since remained to the Heirs of Dutton even to this day 1666. and is 25 l. 18 s.
00 d. of an old Rent Charterers in Little-Legh 1666. 1. Sir Gilbert Ireland of Hut in Lancashire one Cottage in possession of Thomas Clough 2. William Touchet of Nether-Whitley Esquire one Tenement in Lease 3. William Bentley of Northwich Physician two Crofts but no House 4. Joseph Basnet of Legh formerly part of Dr. Bentley's 5. Mr. Huxley one Tenement in possession of Joseph Basnet 6. John Barker of Legh lately bought of Mr. Merbury of Merbury 7. Richard Worrall of Legh 8. John Eaton of Woolley 9. Mrs. Anne Moseley of Howes-end one Cottage in Possession of one Lawrenson In this Township is an ancient Chappel of Ease called Little-Legh Chappel within the Parish of Great-Budworth It was lately Repaired by the Inhabitants of Little-Legh Anno Domini 1664. whereunto Five Pounds was given towards the Repair thereof by the Parishioners of Great-Budworth me praesente Legh vulgo High-Legh GIlbert Venables Baron of Kinderton held this Town in the Reign of The Conqueror under Hugh Lupus Earl of Chester Ulviet Dot pro duobus Maneriis tenuerunt ibi una Hida Geldabilis ibi Presbyter Ecclesia cùm uno Villano duobus Bordariis habens dimidiam Carucam ibi Silva unius Leuvae Longitudine dimidiae Leuvae in Latitudine As you may read more at large in Doomsday-book So that it appears here was a Church at the Time of the Conquest but at this day no Prints thereof remain Here is now a Chappel of Ease in this Township called High-Legh Chappel within the Parish of Rosthorn which was built by Thomas Legh of High-Legh de East-Hall Esquire Anno Domini 1581. as I find the Year his Name and Coat of Arms engraven in the Stone on the side of the same Chappel In which very Year his Grandson George Legh married Elizabeth second Daughter of Peter Leycester of Nether-Tabley Esquire and Co-heir to the Lands of her Mother Elizabeth sole Daughter and Heir of Edward Colwich of Colwich in Staffordshire near Owsley-Bridge as appears by my own Deeds and in which Year also the said Thomas Legh died which Thomas built the New Hall of Stone in High-Legh called The East-Hall in which House his Heirs do now Inhabit the Old Hall there being pulled down Here was also another ancient Chappel of Ease in this Township belonging to the Family of the Leghs of the West-Hall in High-Legh The Fabrick is yet standing near to his House but now converted to other Uses by the Heirs of that Family This Chappel was built about the Reign of Henry the Fourth See in Limme In the Reign of Edward the First I find one Hugh de Legh Ancestor to the Leghs of the East-Hall in High-Legh possessed of the Moiety of High-Legh The Right Line of which Hugh ending about the Reign of Henry the Seventh a long Suit hapned between the Daughters and Co-heirs * Raufe Legh de East-Hall the last of that Lane had three Daughters and Heirs for Richard his Son died without Issue Jane married Randle Spurstow of Spurstow Margaret married Robert Shaw and Katharine married Thomas Legh Son and Heir of Richard Legh de West Hall but had no Issue After the married Richard Done of Flaxyards on the one Part and Thomas Legh of Northwood on the other Part which Thomas then Claimed as next Heir-Male by vertue of an Entail and Recovered of whom is descended Henry Legh of the East-Hall Esquire now living 1666. and branched out first from the ancient Leghs of the East-Hall under Edward the Third For John Legh of the East-Hall Son and Heir of Hugh Lord of the Moiety of High-Legh tempore Edw. 2. had Issue William Legh de East-Hall Son and Heir of whom the Leghs de East-Hall who continued till the Issue-Male of that Line failed under Henry the Seventh and John Legh of Alpram second Son from whom the Leghs of Northwood in High-Legh anciently descended whose Heir Thomas Legh of Northwood was adjudged next Heir-Male and from whom the Leghs of the East-Hall now in being and Lords of the Moiety of High-Legh And Matthew Legh third Son of John of whom the Leghs of Swineyard in High-Legh yet in being 1666. are descended The other Moity of High-Legh was possessed by Thomas de Legh Ancestor to the Leghs of the West-Hall in High-Legh whom I have seen subscribed as a Witness unto sundry old Deeds made in the Reign of Edward the First by the Name of Thomâ Domino medietatis Villae de Legâ But one half of this Moiety was Purchased by Sir Richard Massy of Tatton towards the middle of Edward the First 's Reign as may appear by this Partition HAEc est Partitio Terrarum in Villâ de Legh Intèr Dominum Ricardum de Massy Militem Thomam de Legh ex unâ parte Hugonem quondam Dominum de medietate Villae de Legh Johannem Filium Haeredem ejusdem Hugonis Matthaeum de Alpraham custodem ejusdem Johannis ex alterâ parte videlicèt Quòd Terrae Tenementa subscripta remaneant in perpetuùm Domino Ricardo de Massy Thomae de Legh Haeredibus eorum seu Assignatis in Campo Jordani de Verdon sex Acrae Aud so of several other Parcels Lib. C. fol. 267. 9 10. This was in the Reign of Edward the First The Original Penès Legh de West-Hall 1665. Roger de Monte alto Seneschallus Cestriae Confirms to Sir Richard Massy all the Lands and Tenements cùm Boscis Wastis which he had of the Grant of Raufe Son of William de Hawarden in the Township of Legh Robert Grosvenour then Sheriff of Cheshire being one of the Witnesses which was about Anno Domini 1286. The Original among the Evidences of the Earl of Bridgewater 1667. whose Heirs at this day enjoy the same videlicet The Earl of Bridgewater hath a fourth Part of High Legh which belonged to the Massies of Tatton and Mr. Legh of the West-Hall in High-Legh hath now one other fourth Part of High-Legh which belonged to his Ancestors of Ancient Time Charterers in High-Legh 1666. 1. John Gleyve of High-Legh This is a very ancient Free-hold For Matthew Somervyle Lord of Alpraham releaseth Gilbert Gleyve from his Service to the Court of Alpraham 1270. 54 Hen. 3. And Thomas de Legh Dominus medietatis Villae de Legh gave unto Gilbert Son of Gilbert Gleyve of High-Legh freedom of Pannage in all the Woods of High-Legh about the beginning of the Reign of King Edward the First And Agnes de Legh the Widow of Richard de Limme calls Gilbert Gleyve her Uncle which Agnes was Daughter and Heir of Richard de Legh Lord of the Moiety of High-Legh and Mother of Thomas de Legh aforesaid as shall by and by appear Lib. C. fol. 269. num 10 11 14. The Originals Penès John Gleyvè aforesaid 1664. 2. Richard Legh of Swineyard in High-Legh Gentleman This Family branched out of the ancient Leghs of the East-Hall in High-Legh under Edward the Third whose Ancestor
Edw. 4. Anno 1472. ultimo Januarii Venerabilis vir Ricardus Legh Armiger Patronus per resignationem Ricardi Vayse praesentat Nicolaum Devyas ad medietatem Ecclesiae de Limme 4 Hen. 7. Anno 1489. 14 die Augusti Thomas Legh de Legh Armiger Patronus praesentat post mortem Nicolai Devyas ultimi Rectoris Hamonem Legh ad medietatem Ecclesiae de Limme 16 Hen. 7. Anno 1501. in July Thomas Legh Armiger Patronus praesentat Johannem Heton Capellanum post mortem Hamonis Legh ultimi Rectoris ad medietatem Ecclesiae de Limme Concerning the other Moiety of the Church belonging to Warburton of Arley 1 Edw. 3. ANno 1327. 11 Calendas Aprilis Robertus de Warburton Miles Patronus medietatis Ecclesiae de Limme praesentat Willielmum Warburton Clericum post mortem Roberti de Dentene ad medietatem pradictam 41 Edw. 3. Anno 1367. 2 Nonas Octobris Johannes Daniell Miles Johanna Uxor ejus praesentant Petrum de Shawe post mortem Willielmi de Warburton ultimi Rectoris 14 Rich. 2. Anno 1391. 28 die Junii Dominus Johannes Massy de Tatton Miles Patronus hâc vice ratione Custodiae Petri Warburton minoris aetatis in manu dicti Johannis praesentat post mortem Domini Petri de Shagh ultimi Rectoris Johannem Berkin Presbyterum ad medietatem Ecclesiae de Limme 10 Hen. 6. Anno 1432. 7 die Octobris Galfridus Warburton Miles Patronus praesentat Rogerum Dumbill utriusque Juris Bacalaurium per resignationem Johannis Berkin ultimi Rectoris ad medietatem Ecclesiae de Limme 36 Hen. 6. Anno 1458. 7 die Maii Hugo Calveley Philippus Egerton Armigeri Johannes de Hogh hâc vice ratione Feoffamenti Petri Warburton Armigeri praesentant * One of these Names is mistaken by Vernon either Richard Chounall or Thomas Chounall Richardum Chounall Capellanum ad medietatem Ecclesiae de Limme 1 Hen. 7. Anno 1486. 24 die Februarii Rogerus Chapman per mortem * One of these Names is mistaken by Vernon either Richard Chounall or Thomas Chounall Thomae Chounall vacante medietate Ecclesiae praedictae In the Feodary of Halton under Edward the Second it is said Gilbertus de Limme tenet medietatem Villae de Limme pro medietate unius Feodi Militis The Issue of this Gilbert failing Thomas Legh de West-Hall in Hig-Legh was next Heir as descended Lineally from Richard Limme Uncle of the said Gilbert And indeed at last Gilbert de Limme settles all his Lands in Limme cùm Servitiis liberorum Tenentium on Robert Dumbill Son of John Dumbill and Agnes Daughter of Thomas Legh de West-Hall and on the Heirs of the Bodies of the said Robert and Agnes Anno Domini 1342. 16 Edw. 3. from whence are descended the Dumbills of Limme This Robert Dumbill if I mistake not was younger Son of John Dumbill of Oxton in Wirrall in Cheshire John Dumbill Son of the said Robert and Agnes was retained the King's Servant and had Five Pounds yearly Pension for his Life given him out of the Exchequer at Chester Dated 21 Rich. 2. 1397. Lib. C. fol. 264. m. and was employed in the War against Owen Glendore 3 Hen. 4. and was a Soldier under Sir John Stanley Governor of Roxborough-Castle 20 Rich. 2. Lib. C. fol. 263. i. k. m. n. o. The Original in possession of Dumbill of Limme 1664. In which Family of the Dumbills of Limme hath the Moiety of the Town of Limme and the Seigniory thereof ever since continued to this present The Advowson of the Moiety of Limme-Church being formerly granted away to Thomas Legh de West-Hall by the said Gilbert de Limme 10 Edw. 2. continueth still in the same Family as I have shewed before Indeed I find the first Gilbert de Limme to have lived about King John's Time who was Lord of the Moiety of Limme which Family of Limme were Sirnamed from the Place of their Residence here and continued to the end of Edward the Third the last Gilbert de Limme and his Issue-Male then failing But whether the first Gilbert de Limme was originally a Venables or of what other Family and how this Moiety came to the Baron of Halton from the Baron of Kinderton I find no mention The Seigniory of the other Moiety hath for long time belonged to the Warburtons of Arley howbeit at this day he hath not above six or seven Tenements in possession there How it came from the Boydells to Warburton I find not precisely I conceive it came with Agnes Daughter and Heir of Roger Fitz-Alfred in Marriage to Adam de Dutton Ancestor of Warburton together with the Moiety of Warburton and other Lands about the Reign of Richard the First In this Township are now 1666. these Charterers 1. John Gandy of Over-Limme-Booths 2. John Dichfield of Stathum lately Purchased Cherry-tree-hurst formerly Daniell of Tabley's Land 3. John Legh of Oughtrington 4. Gilbert Steel of Reddish 5. Robert Gleyve of Heateley 6. John Blackburne of Limme-Booths 7. Richard Legh of Lyme Esq hath seven Tenements 8. Randle Cross of Limme nigh Agden 9. William Reddish of Stathum 10. Richard Rowlinson of Stathum 11. John Trevis of Chester formerly Daniell's of Tabley 12. Peter Davys of Oughtrington 13. James Hey of Limme-Booths 14. Nicolas Peacock of Brown-Edge in Limme 15. John Perceivall of Stathum 16. Peter Martin of Heateley formerly Daniell's 17. Richard Deane of Heateley formerly Daniell's 18. Robert Thomason formerly Daniell's 19. John Legh of Higher-Lane 20. Richard Dutton of Reddish 21. Peter Page in Stathum Marbury THis Hamlet of Marbury comprehendeth onely the Mannor-House with the Demain-Lands thereunto belonging and hath its Name from our two old English Words Mere which signifies A great Lake or Pool and Birig which signifies A House or Place covered and sometimes A Town So Verstegan And here denotes as much as A House or Dwelling by the Mere. About the very beginning of Henry the Third's Reign Warin Vernon Baron of Shibbrok confirms this Hamlet to William de Merebirie in these Words GUarinus de Vernon Omnibus Amicis hominibus suis Clericis Laicis Francis Anglis tà m praesentibus quà m futuris Salutem Notum sit vobis me concessisse hâc meâ praesenti Chartâ confirmâsse Willielmo de Merebiriâ totam Villam de Merebiriâ Tenendam de me Haeredibus meis illi Haeredibus suis cùm omnibus pertinentiis suis in Bosco in Plano in Pratis in Pascuis in Molendinis in Vivariis in Aquis in Viis in Semitis in omnibus aliis locis in omnibus Libertatibus ad praedictam Villam de Merebiriâ pertinentibus Haereditariè sicùt Ricardus Frater suus de Merebiriâ concessit ei pèr Chartam suam corà m nobis consirmavit sicùt Ranulphus de Merebiriâ Pater suus eam meliùs liberiùs tenuit habuit unquà m in vitâ suâ liberè honorificè eodem Servitio scilicèt pro sextâ parte Servitii unius
Militis Ut autèm haec nostra confirmatio futuris temporibus rata inconcussa permaneat eam Sigilli mei impressione corà m hiis Testibus confirmavi Ricardo de Vernon Matthaeo de Filio suo Gilberto de Bostock Willielmo Filio suo Hugone de Tiwâ Hamone Briton Matthaeo de Muneshull Ricardo Fratre suo Radulfo Filio Rogeri Dispensatoris Willielmo Fratre suo Willielmo Capellano de Shibbrok aliis multis A very fair Seal In a Rondlet a Lion Rampant written about thus SIGILL WARINI DE VERNUN The Original hereof remaining among the Evidences at Merbury 1666. From hence had this Family the Sir-name of Merbury and seems to be originally a Vernon Nothing more usual than in those Elder Ages to be stiled from the Places of their Habitation which After-ages retained as Sir-names This Family hath continued in this Seat ever since by the Name of the Merburies and Thomas Merbury of Merbury Esq is now Owner thereof 1666. Out of this Family branched Randle Merbury in the Reign of Edward the First whose Son Simon married Idonea Daughter and Heir of Thomas de Walton from whom the Marburies of Walton in this Hundred were propagated See more hereof in Walton Marston THis Township of Marston is not in Doomsday-book and seemeth to have its Name from the two Meres whereto it adjoineth to wit Budworth-Mere and Pickmere-Mere as it were Meres-Town or The Town abutting on the Meres It hath very anciently belonged to the Barons of Kinderton Andrew Prior of Norton and the Convent there granted unto Sir William Venables Charissimo Amico nostro to find him the Celebration of Divine Service in his Chappel at Marston during his Life-time when either he or his Wife shall be there and do also Lease to Robert his Son Clerk their Tythe of the Mill and of the Fishings there about the beginning of Henry the Third Lib. H. num 21. It seems Hugh Son of Alfred of Marston had some Parcel of Land here tempore Edw. 3. For Richard Venables releaseth to Hamon de Venables all his Right de Pueris Hugonis de Marston Ibidèm num 7. Peter Venables Esquire now Baron of Kinderton 1666. hath an old Mannor-House in Marston with ancient demain-Demain-Lands thereunto belonging and hath also all the rest of Marston Township in possession of his Tenants there except onely 1. Richard Symcock's Tenement in Marston now belonging to Sir Peter Leycester of Nether-Tabley which Tenement was sold by Sir Thomas Venables of Kinderton and Thomas his Son and Heir to Peter Leycester of Tabley Esquire 6 Elizabethae 1564. and adjoyneth to Nether-Tabley B. num 2. 2. Bromfield's Lands in Marston which anciently belonged to Bromfield of Witton but now Richard Wilcocson hath bought Part hereof and the other Part called Sim-fields Peter Kennardy of Aston juxtà Pickmere hath bought Marthall IN the Conqueror's Time in Doomsday-book I find no mention of Marthall But this Town anciently belonged to the Wynningtons of Wynnington nigh Northwich in whose Offices they are found to hold it of the Heirs of Manwaring of Warmincham in Soccage by the yearly Rent of one Penny Of which Family Richard Wynnington of Wynnington Esquire married Katharine the fifth Daughter and Co-heir to Robert Grosvenour of Houlme in Allostock Esquire by whom he had the Mannor of Pulford beyond Chester by Partition Anno 1465. and a fifth part of Allostock as Heir to her Sister Margery Grosvenour by Partition Anno 1474. and had Issue three Sons Richard Wynnington Peter and George and two Daughters Jane and Elizabeth all living 5 Hen. 7. Lib. C. fol. 125. F. 161. O. Richard Wynnington Son and Heir of Richard and Katharine married Joan Smith and had Issue two Daughters Katharine who died without Issue 23 Hen. 7. as appears by her Office taken 6 Hen. 8. and Elizabeth married Sir Piers Warburton of Arley 2 Hen. 8. being then sole Daughter and Heir For Richard Wynnington died 19 Hen. 7. Joan his Wife died 24 Hen. 7. and Sir Piers Warburton died 4 Edw. 6. and Elizabeth his Wife Daughter and Heir of Richard Wynnington of Wynnington Esquire died Anno sexto Mariae So that Warburton of Arley had by this Match all the Lands then belonging to Wynnington of Wynnington as well as the Part of Grosvenour's Lands before-mentioned which descended also whose Heir at this day 1666. is possessed of the Town of Marthall entirely there being no Free-holder or Charterer in this Township at all Mere. THis Town undoubtedly took its Name from the Mere therein and was held by Gilbert Venables Baron of Kinderton in the Time of William the Conqueror which one Ulviet held before Not many Ages after it became the Seat of the Family of the Meres who took their Sir-name from hence among whom Robert de Mere senior lived about the Reign of King John whether originally a Venables I cannot positively affirm Ex Bundello Escaetarum in Turri Londinensi 8 Rich. 2. Willielmus de Mere tenuit Villam de Mere cùm medietate Manerii de Bollinton de Hugone de Venables which Hugh was Lord of Kinderton Certain it is this Family of Mere of Mere continued in this Seat a long time together until in our days John Mere of Mere Esquire and William his Son sold this Mannor of Mere unto Peter Brooks younger Son of Thomas Brooks of Norton Esquire Anno Domini 1652. Which Peter also bought the Estate of Thomas Merbury of Walton and was after Sir Peter Brooks Knighted Anno Domini 1660. and Sheriff of Cheshire 1669. He hath Beautified and Built anew the Hall of Mere very handsomly and had three Wives The first was Alice Hulse Daughter and Heir of Richard Hulse of Killingworth in Warwickshire by whom he had Issue Thomas Brooks eldest Son who married Margaret Daughter and Heir of Henry Brereton of Eccleston in Cheshire Gentleman 1663. Richard Brooks second Son who married Margaret Daughter and Heir of Robert Charnock of Charnock in Lancashire 1666. The second Wife of Sir Peter Brooks was Frances the Widow of William Merbury of Merbury nigh Comberbach in Cheshire Esquire and Daughter of Sir Nicholas Trot of Quickshot in Hartfordshire but had no Issue by her The third Wife of Sir Peter Brooks of Mere was Mabill the Widow of Richard Clayton of Crooke in Lancashire Esquire and Daughter of William Farrington of Werden in Lancashire Esquire who with Sir Peter her Husband are now living 1669. but hath no Issue by her Charterers in Mere 1666. 1. Henry Legh de East-Hall in High-Legh Esquire pro Strethull-Farm not long since Purchased from Hugh Cocker of Pickmere 2. One Messuage in Possession of Robert Simmons given to the use of the Poor of the Parish whereof Massy of Mosse-house is a Feoffee 3. George Venables of Agden Esquire one small Tenement in Mere. 4. John Spinke of Howes-Heath in Mere. 5. William Pownall of Barnton for Granthams Lands 6. Peter Fernhead of Mere for Granthams Lands 7. John Bradburne of Mere.
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-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
after the death of Sir Robert de Monte alto his Uncle except the Rents formerly given unto Queen Isabel Dated 24 Edw. 3. Lib. C. fol. 230. y. The Original of this Deed remained among the Evidences of the late Lord Cholmondley and the Copy of the Fine Levied hereon in the same Year is Enrolled in the Leiger-Book of the Abby of Vale-Royal fol. 30. b. which Book was in possession of Thomas Merbury of Merbury nigh Comberbach Esquire 1666. Vide Tom. 2. of my own Evidences in principio In the Year of Christ 1364. die Veneris in Festo Sanctae Luciae Virginis John Pool came before Thomas then Abbot of Vale-Royal in the said Abby and did Fealty to the said Abbot for this Moiety of the Mannor of Nether-Pever which he acknowledged to hold of the said Abbot by the yearly Rent of Twelve Pence to be paid at the Feast of St. Michael onely and by paying to the said Abbot two Shillings for Relief as appears by the same Book Lib. C. fol. 230. z. From Pool of Hartington this Moiety was granted to George Holford of Holford about the Time of Henry the Seventh In which Family of the Holfords of Holford it continued till Mary Daughter and Heir of Christopher Holford Esquire brought the Inheritance of all Holford-Lands unto Sir Hugh Cholmondley of Cholmondley the younger in Marriage in the Reign of Queen Elizabeth Concerning which Inheritance great Suits fell between the said Lady Mary Cholmondley and George Holford of Newborough in Dutton uncle to the said Mary and next Heir-male of the Holfords These Suits lasted above forty Years At last towards the end of King James's Reign the matter was compos'd by Friends The Lady Mary had Holford-Demain and George Holford had the Demain of Iscoit in Flintshire near to Whitchurch in Shropshire The Lands in Nether-Pever Plumley and Lostock-Gralam belonging to the Holfords were promiscuously allotted Part to the one and Part to the other as at this day they be enjoyed So that in the Year 1659. Robert Cholmondley Earl of Leimster in Ireland Son and Heir of the said Lady Mary and James Holford of Newborough Esquire Son of Peter Son of George Holford abovesaid did enjoy this other Moiety of Nether-Pever between them In which Year the said Lord Cholmondley died without any Lawful Issue of his Body Concerning the Chappel of Nether-Pever see above in Budworth Picmere This Township of Picmere is not in Doomsday-book whereby it seemeth to be Waste at that time It was anciently of two Fees in the Reign of King John One Moiety Raufe Manwaring sometime Judge of Chester gave unto Henry de Aldithley or Audley in Free-Marriage with Bertrey his Daughter together with the Towns of Smallwood and Snelston and a Mark of Annual Rent in the City of Chester of the Land which belonged to one Fagun Unto which Deed Philip Orreby then Judge of Chester was a Witness The Original is in Cotton's Library at Westminster Lib. B. pag. 1. a. Henry of Audley by the consent of Bertrey his Wife gave to Thomas Son of Randle de Longsdon libero homini suo half of his Land in Picmere and half of his Wood there Rendring yearly 3 s. 4 d. as I find the Deed extracted in Vernon's Notes This Moiety of Picmere is now enjoyed by these Persons following 1666. 1. Thomas Merbury of Merbury Esquire hath one half of this Moiety which formerly belonged to the Cockers of Picmere ever since the Reign of Henry the Third until Hugh Cocker of Pickmere sold the Reversion hereof after his Life unto Thomas Merbury Father of Thomas aforesaid Anno Domini 1604. Probably this was that Part which Henry Audley gave to Thomas Longsdon 2. Thomas Daniell of Over-Tabley Esquire hath four Tenements here in Lease These were formerly held by William Wiche and called Wiche's Lands which upon the Attainder of Sir William Stanley of Holt-Castle Anno Domini 1495. Lord Chamberlain to Henry the Seventh Escheated to the King and were afterwards given to George Sutton one of the Grooms of the Chamber 14 H. 8. Sutton sold them to Richard Sneyd 7 Novembris 14 Hen. 8. and William Sneyd sold them to Thomas Daniell of Over-Tabley Esquire 36 Hen. 8. 3. Sir Peter Leycester of Nether-Tabley Baronet hath one Tenement here now in Possession of John Perceivall which was Part of Wiche's Lands and was sold by William Sneyd to Gawen Legh of Northwood in High-Legh 35 Hen. 8. 1543. before he sold the rest to Daniell And this Tenement afterwards Richard Legh of Northwood Gentleman sold among other Lands to Peter Leycester of Tabley Esquire 1633. whose Son now enjoyeth the same 4. John Swinton of Nether-Knotsford hath one good Tenement here But part of this lieth in Winsham formerly Crocket's Land of Nantwich 5. John Key of the Yate in Picmere Part of Crocket's Land formerly 6. Peter Deane of Over-Tabley hath Land in Picmere lately bought from Key of the Yate 7. Philip Anterbus of Over-Pever one Close belonging to his Free-hold Land in Aston juxtà Picmere 8. Sir George Warburton of Arley Baronet hath about one Acre and a half in Possession of Robert Deusbery and Thomas Starky of Feldy The other Moiety of Picmere together with the Mannor of Winsham William Venables gave to Maud his Sister in Free-Marriage to be held by the Service of half a Knights Fee whereunto Roger Lacy Constable of Cheshire is a Witness Which Roger died Anno Domini 1211. 13 Johannis Regis saith Matthew Paris in his History Lib. B. pag. 50. a. This Maud had two Husbands The first was Raufe Son of Roger the second was Hugh de Bixis or Brixis This Hugh and his Wife grant to Hugh Venables all the Land which William de Offley held of them in Picmere and the Wardship of the Children of Hugh Son of the said William de Offley till they come to such Age as to govern the said Land Lib. B. pag. 50. e. Ex Chartulis Glover de Picmere Hugh Venables grants to Hugh de Picmere and his Heirs the whole Moiety of the Village of Picmere for the same Service contained in the Deed of William Venables his Father the Donor of the same Lands This was tempore Henrici Tertii Lib. B. pag. 51. num 1. Afterwards William Son of Guy of Winsham grants to Henry Son of Hugh de Picmere all his Rent in the Township of Picmere to wit 3 s. 1 d. ob which he yearly received from Hugh de Picmere Rendring a Pair of White Gloves yearly Lib. B. pag. 54. num 19. And Pagan Son of Raufe de Wastneys Lord of Winsham releaseth to the said Henry all his Right in 3 s. 1 d. ob Rent which he received of the said Henry So that now he was onely to pay 3 s. 1 d. ob yearly from henceforward and a Pair of Gloves for all Services And this was in the Reign of Edward the First Lib. B. pag. 51. num 2. Hugh Picmere Son of Henry was
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
Newborough in Dutton Brother to Christopher Holford and now next Heir-Male of the Holfords hapned long and tedious Suits concerning holford-Holford-Lands which continued above forty Years At last the Matter was composed by Mediation of Friends and the Lands parted between them The Lady Cholmondley had the Mannor-House of Holford with the demain-Demain-Lands thereof and George Holford had the Mannor of Iscoit in Flintshire The Lands and Tenements in Lostock-Gralam Plumley and Nether-Pever were parted promiscuously as they be now enjoyed This George Holford married Jane Daughter and Heir of Charles Awbrey of Cantriff in Brecknockshire and Widow of Henry Masterson and by her had Issue Thomas Holford and John Twins Edward third Son Peter fourth Son * Peter the fourth Son waited on James Earl of Darby and married Frances Daughter of William Wolley of Warrington Mercer and Widow of one Pikford of London Haberdasher and had Issue James Peter and George and also Frances Mary Anne and Hannah George Charles and William Also Mary married to William Harcourt of Winsham Gentleman 1629. both yet living 1666. George Holford of Newborough died 1635. and Thomas Holford of Iscoit Son and Heir of the said George died without Issue-Male Wherefore his Inheritance is descended now unto James Holford †This James Holford married Margaret Daughter of Matthew Carleton of Lincolns-Inn in London and had Issue Thomas Holford a Son and Mary a Daughter James Holford died 1666 Margaret his Wife died 1662. of Newborough Son and Heir of Peter fourth Son of George for all the other Brothers of Peter died without Issue But the Mannor of Iscoit was sold by Thomas Holford eldest Brother unto one Mr. Adams of London The Lady Mary Cholmondley survived her Husband and lived at her Mannor-House of Holford which she builded new repaired and enlarged and where she died about 1625. aged 63 Years or thereabouts King James termed her The Bold Lady of Cheshire So ended the Family of Holford of Holford XIII Robert Cholmondley of Cholmondley Son and Heir of Sir Hugh and Mary Holford his Wife was Created Baronet in June 1611. and after Created Viscount Cholmondley of Kellis in Ireland about 1635. and lastly Lord Cholmondley Baron of Wich-Malbeng * Made Baron of Wich-Malbank Sept. 1. 1645. id est Nantwich in Cheshire and also Earl of Leinster in Ireland 21 Car. 1. 5 die Martii 1645. He married Katharine Sister of Charles Lord Stanhop of Harrington but had no Issue by her This Robert Lord Cholmondley died 1659. aged 75 Years without any Lawful Issue of his Body leaving Robert eldest Son of Hugh Cholmondley his Brother to succeed in his Inheritance Which Robert was Created Viscount Kells in the County of Meath in the Kingdom of Ireland 29 Martii 1661. 13 Car. 2. But this Robert Earl of Leinster estated Holford-Lands which came by his Mother on Thomas Cholmondley his Son by one Mrs. Goldston to whom as some think he was affianced though never married to her This Thomas Cholmondley died at Holford in Festo Epiphaniae the sixth of January 1667. and was buried at Nether-Pever on Thursday the sixteenth day of January following on whom Mr. Kent his Chaplain in the Funeral Sermon truly observed That he was a Loyal Subject a Good Husband a Good Father a Good Master a Good Landlord a Good Neighbor a Good Friend a Good Christian and a Good Man This Coat of Arms as it is here inserted he had granted unto him by the Patent of William Dugdale Norroy at Arms about Anno 1666. Preston juxta Dutton THis Township of Preston was Purchased by Hugh Dutton of Dutton from Henry de Nuers and Julian his Wife Rendring eight Shillings yearly at the Feast of St. Martin exceptis Foranis Servitiis propter hanc Concessionem dedit Hugo Dutton quinque Marcas Argenti praedictae Julianae de Recognitione unum Palfridum Nigrum unum Annulum Aureum as the Words of the Deed be This was about King John's Reign This Grant was Confirmed by Randle Earl of Chester sirnamed Blundevill Lib. C. fol. 155. o. p. The Originals to possession of the Lady Kilmorey at Dutton 1649. Since which time this Township hath belonged to the Duttons of Dutton Charterers in Preston 1666. 1. Thomas Barker of Preston 2. Thomas Baxter of Preston Rosthorne HEre is an ancient Parish-Church Dedicated to St. Mary their Wakes or Feast of Dedication being on the fifteenth day of August This Parish comprehendeth these Villages following besides the Parochial Chappelries of Knotsford and Over-Pever which see in their due Places  The Mize  l. s. d. Rosthorne 00 14 00 Tatton cùm Norshagh 00 11 08 Over-Tabley cùm Sudlowe 00 13 04 Mere 00 19 00 Millington 00 09 04 High-Legh with its Hamlets of Swineyard Sworton and North-wood 01 13 00 Agden one half 00 01 10 Bollington one half 00 03 00  05 05 02 That there was a Church at Rosthorne before Anno 1188. appears by this following Deed collected by Samson Erdeswick of Sond in Staffordshire out of the Evidences of Venables of Kinderton Lib. H. num 1. UNiversis Sanctae Matris Ecclesiae Filiis Willielmus de Venables Miles salutem Noverit universitas vestra me concessisse Hugoni de Venables Clerico id juris quod habui in Ecclesiis terrae meae scilicet in Ecclesia de Rosthorne in Ecclesia de Eccleston in Ecclesia de Estbirie c. Facta vero est haec Donatio Synodo apud Cestriam proxime celebrata post confectionem Venerabilis Episcopi nostri Domini Hugonis de Novant existente Custode Honoris Cestriae Domino Adamo de Aldithley Datusque est Tutor Praenominato Clerico Hugoni de Venables Adam Panton ejus Avunculus Hiis Testibus G. de Venables R. Michaele ejusdem Fratribus N. G. Capellanis Willielmo de Monte alto Magistro Philippo de Cestria Clerico R. Capellano Waltero Ecclesiae Sanctae Trinitatis Presbytero Domino Nigello Hugone Filio Andreae Husbanda Ecclesiae Sancti Johannis in Cestria Canonico Warino de Vernon R. Fratre ejus Liulfo de Crokeston Willielmo Donne multis aliis Hugh Novant was Consecrated Bishop of Coventry 1188. So Hoveden in his History But the Advowson of Rosthorne-Church came afterwards to Massy of Tatton and Sir Richard Massy of Tatton releaseth all his Right in the Advowson of St. Maries Chuch of Rosthorn unto Sir Hugh Venables of Kinderton in the Reign of Edward the First Lib. H. num 61. And ever since the Barons of Kinderton have been Patrons hereof to this day 1666. The Steeple of this Church was built in Stone Anno Domini 1533. 25 Hen. 8. as appears by the Figures cut in Stone on the South-side of the said Steeple Over these Figures is written Orate pro Anima Domini Willielmi Hardwick Vicarii hujus Ecclesiae pro animabus omnium Parochianorum suorum qui hoc sculpserunt This Town of Rosthorne was held in the Conqueror's
of Abbies Henry the Eighth gave the Rectory of Runcorn and the Rectory of Great-Budworth in Cheshire unto Christ-Church in Oxford by special Grant dated 11 die Decembris 38 Hen. 8. which before belonged to the Priory of Norton This Parish comprehendeth these Villages following over and besides the Parochial-Chappelries of Daresbery and Aston juxta Sutton within the same which see in their due Places  The Mize  l. s. d. Weston 00 11 01 Runcorn Superior Inferior 01 01 04 Clifton now Rock-Savage 00 08 00 Halton 01 02 06 Norton 00 12 00 Stockham 00 08 00  04 02 11 Sale SAle is not in the Record of Doomsday-book The Town of Sale is of the Fee of Halton for we read in the Feodary of Halton sub Edw. 2. Dominus Petrus de Warburton tenet Villam de Sale pro decima parte Feodi Militis Here is Seated the ancient Family of the Massies of Sale which branched out from the Massies Barons of Dunham-Massy about the Reign of King John For I find Richard Massy Son of Robert Massy possessed of Lands in Sale under Henry the Third which Robert was younger Son of Hamon Massy Baron of Dunham-Massy And this Family of Massy of Sale is still continuing 1666. In the Offices of Massy of Sale he is found to hold the Moiety of Sale of Warburton of Arley and some of them have been Ward unto Warburton but Wardships are now taken off by Statute Anno 12 Car. 2. cap. 24. And as Massy was possessed of one Moiety so the other Lands in Sale are possessed at this day 1666. by these Persons following 1. Edward Holt of Sale whose Lands in Sale his Ancestor John Holt Son of Robert Base Son of Geffrey de Holt had in Marriage with Ellen Daughter and Heir of Thomas Sale of Sale 21 Rich. 2. 1397. Lib. C. fol. 273. a. b. The Originals in possession of Edward Holt of Sale 1666. 2. The Lord Delamere of Dunham-Massy hath seven Tenements in Sale These were Parcel of Holt's Lands and were purchased by Sr George Booth of Dunham-Massy from Thomas Holt of Whickleswick in Lancashire and Randle Holt his Son 4 Augusti 2 Jacobi 1604. being then twelve Messuages and Cottages with 4 d. Rent yearly issuing out of the Lands in Sale then in the Tenure of George Massy and also 4 d. Rent then issuing out of Thomas Wrenshaw's Tenement now the Lands of Sir Edward Moseley of Howesend in Lancashire late deceased Lib. C. fol. 273. c. 3. Geffrey Cartwright Gentleman His Lands in Sale were formerly bought from Massy of Sale 4. William Williamson of Sale 5. Richard Wrenshaw of Sale 6. The Lands of Sir Edward Moseley lately deceased to wit five Messuages and Cottages in Sale now in Lease and pays 4 d. Chief-Rent yearly to Mr. Massy of Sale 7. Mr. Gerard of Riddings in Timperley three small Cottages in Sale now in Lease late Vawdrey's Land 8. Edward Legh of Baggilegh Esquire hath one small Cottage in Sale now in Lease 9. Robert Tatton of Wittenshaw Esquire hath certain Land in Sale now in Lease and and pays 3 s. 4 d. yearly Rent to Mr. Massy of Sale 10. James Wrenshaw of Limme one Tenement in Sale now Leased to Thomas Davys So that it seems Massy of Sale had anciently one Moiety of Sale and Holt another Moiety though now scattered as aforesaid For these other Parcels came some from the one and some from the other originally Stockham THis Township of Stockham belonged to the Priory of Norton and was Purchased from the King by Richard Brooke Esquire 37 Hen. 8. 1545 with Norton and other Lands also whose Posterity enjoyeth the same at this day 1666. See in Norton supra In Stockham is no Charterer at all Stretton THis Township of Stretton hath for long time belonged to the Starkeys Starkey of Stretton beareth for his Coat of Arms A Stork possibly in allusion to his Name scilicet Agent a Stork Sable the Bill and Legs Gules since the Reign of Henry the Second For Roger Fitz-Alured granted Stretton to Richard Starkey and his Heirs To hold as freely as any of the said Richard's Ancestors ever held the same for the Service of the tenth part of a Knights Fee Lib. C. fol. 135. a. This was was the Reign of King John This Roger Fitz-Alfred's Daughter and Heir called Agnes married Adam de Dutton the Ancestor of Warburton of Arley Wherefore in the Feodary of Halton under Edw. 2. we read Dominus Petrus de Warburton tenet Villam de Stretton pro decima parte unius Feodi Militis So that it should seem to be held originally from the Baron of Halton But I find it not mentioned in Doomsday-book probably it was then Waste And Sir Geffrey de Warburton released unto Thomas Starkey of Stretton and to his Heirs all his Claim in Villa de Stretton ceu in aliqua Parcella ejusdem ut de Wardis Maritagiis Releviis Escaetis Homagiis aut Servitiis quae praedictus Thomas aut Antecessores sui mihi seu Antecessoribus meis facere solebant Datum 4 die Aprilis 5 Rich. 2. 1382. Yet notwithstanding the said Thomas and his Heirs shall pay yearly to the said Sir Geffrey and his Heirs one Pair of White Gloves on Easter-day for all Service Lib. C. fol. 134. a. The Original hereof was in possession of Starkey of Stretton of the Lower-Hall 1650. Sealed with Warburton's Proper Coat of Arms Warbuâ—ton's Coat Argent two Cheverons Gules in a Canton of the second a Mollet Or. which he assumed upon taking the Sir-name of Warburton to wit Two Cheverons and in a Canton a Mollet inscribed about the Seal SIGILL GALFRIDI DE WARBURTON Sundry of the like I have seen to Deeds of Edward the Third's Time The Starkeys of Stretton branched into two Families here in Stretton long time ago The Lower-Hall and the Over-Hall Starkey of Over-Hall in Stretton is descended of a younger Son of Starkey of the Lower-Hall and branched out first about 16 Edw. 1. 1287. Lib. C. fol. 135. c. f. 134. h. k. Randle Starkey the first of the Family of the Over-Hall being younger Brother to Richard Starkey of the Nether-Hall Lord of Stretton living both 3 Edw. 2. 1309. So that Starkey of the Lower-Hall is the Original Root and Lord of the Mannor of Stretton but now lately in our days hath sold a good Parcel of the Demain of the Lower-Hall called Mosse-wood unto Raufe Jackson of Crowley whose Son Thomas Jackson now of Mosse-wood 1665. enjoyeth the same Also one George Webster alias Bromfield hath lately bought another Parcel of the Demain of Lower-Hall And William Southern late of Hatton hath bought several Tenements in Stretton from Starkey of the Lower-Hall So that this ancient Family * Of Starkey of the Lower-Hall is now languishing from when also branched the Starkey's of Wrenbury and the Starkeys of Olton in Cheshire and other Families originally In this Town of Stretton is an ancient Chappel
6. K. num 9. and Joan a Daughter married to Thomas Son of Thomas Starky de Wrenbury 1422. 1 Hen. 6. A. num 12. Also Cicely married Thomas Masterson of Masterson nigh Nantwich His second Wife was Pillaryne Widow to Robert Massy of Hale and Sister to Sir Richard Cradock Knight whom he married 3 Hen. 6. 1425. A. num 11. But he had no Issue by her William Leycester died Anno Christi 1428. 6 Hen. 6. E. num 3. about the Age of 50 Years and survived his Father 30 Years VI. John Leycester of Nether-Tabley Esquire the Elder Son and Heir of William and Agnes married Elizabeth Daughter of Hamon Massy of Rixton in Lancashire Esquire 10 Hen. 5. 1422. A. num 9. and had Issue John Leycester the Younger Hamon Leycester made Parson of Mobberley 1460. Randle Leycester admitted into the Hospital of Holy Trinity and St. Thomas the Martyr in Rome with all the Privileges thereof 1449. E. num 4. Nicolas another Son Henry another Son William another Son A. num 26. Maud a Daughter married to Thomas Son and Heir of Thomas Daniell of Over-Tabley Esq 1440. 18 Hen. 6. A. num 16. Alice another Daughter married to Richard Son and Heir of John Legh of High-Legh de West-Hall Esquire 20 Hen. 6. 1442. Lib. B. pag. 121. John Leycester the Elder died 2 Edw. 4. 1462. about the Age of 62 Years and survived his Father 34 Years Elizabeth his Widow was living 19 Edw. 4. H. num 20. VII John Leycester of Nether-Tabley Esq the Younger Son and Heir of John and Elizabeth married Margery Daughter of John Legh of High-Legh de West-Hall Esquire 20 Hen. 6. 1442. Lib. B. pag. 121. and had nine Sons Thomas Leycester Hamon Bryan Martin John Sir Lawrence a Chaplain Piers Roger and Godfrey Isabell a Daughter married John Glegge of Gayton in Wirrall Esquire H. num 2. A. num 25. John Leycester the Younger died Anno Christi 1496. 12 Hen. 7. Wills num 2. about the Age of 73 Years and survived his Father 34 Years VIII Thomas Leycester of Nether-Tabley Esquire Son and Heir of John Leycester the Younger had four Wives The first was Margaret sixth Daughter and Co-heir of Robert Grosvenour of Houlme nigh Nether-Pever Esquire whom he married Anno Christi 1464. 4 Edw. 4. A. num 20. and had Issue by her John Leycester Son and Heir By this Margaret Thomas Leycester had the Moiety of Nether-Pever cum Little-Pever the third part of Over Alderley the third part of Pygreve-wood in the Demain Lands of Allostock in the County of Chester and certain Lands in Hope juxta Alstonfield in the County of Stafford by Partition dated 5 Edw. 4. 1465. and Margery Grosvenour fourth Daughter and Co-heir dying without Issue 1474. John Leycester Son and Heir of Thomas and Margaret had in Right of his Mother as Sister and Co-heir to Margery a fifth part of Allostock by Partition dated 14 Edw. 4. 1474. For Margery had all Allostock to her Share But Margaret the Mother of John Leycester was now dead at the time of this later Partition made Z. num 28. V. num 1 2. She was living 9 Edw. 4. K. num 6. But she was dead 14 Edw. 4. The second Wife of Thomas Leycester was Margery the Widow of Edmund Legh of Baggilegh Esquire and Daughter of Sir John Savage of Clifton near Halton in Cheshire She was married to Thomas Leycester 17 Edw. 4. 1477. and by him had Issue Arthur Leycester and Geffrey Leycester living 1508. Lib. C. fol. 271. d. e. Lib. B. pag. 133. A. num 25. The third Wife of Thomas Leycester was Elizabeth the Widow of Peter Dutton of Hatton Esquire and Daughter of Sir Robert Fowleshurst of Crew in Cheshire whom he married 22 Hen. 7. 1506. T. num 1. The fourth Wife of Thomas Leycester was Blanch the Rich. Widow of Oliver Berdesley of Warrington whom he married 1522. 14 Hen. 8. A. num 29. But he had no Issue by her This Thomas Leycester purchased again the one Moiety of Hield 1500. 16 Hen. 7. M. num 19. which John Son of Nicolas Leycester sold away as I have shewed before Thomas Leycester of Tabley Esquire died about 1526. 18 Hen. 8. about the Age of 82 Years and survived his Father 30 Years IX John Leycester of Nether-Tabley Esquire Son and Heir of Thomas by Margaret his first Wife married Lucy Daughter of John Ratcliffe of Ratcliffe in Lancashire Esq 19 Edw. 4. 1479. A. num 26. by whom he had Issue William Leycester who married Anne Daughter of Richard Sneyd of Bradwell in Staffordshire Esquire 23 Hen. 7. 1508. A num 25. But William dying without Issue in the Life-time of John his Father Anne his Widow married Roger Hurleston of Chester Esquire 25 Hen. 8. 1533. After the death of Lucy John Leycester married Alice Daughter of Henry Henshaw de Milne-house nigh Chelford Gentleman 15 Hen. 7. 1499. Z. num 13. and by her had Issue Peter Leycester who succeeded Heir to his Father Richard another Son James Leycester third Son by Alice from whom the Leycesters of Hale-lowe in Bodon-Parish Lawrence Leycester another Son living 1577. Also Isabel a Daughter married John Ogle of Roby in Lancashire Esquire O. num 6. Wills num 3. This John Leycester had also two Bastard-sons Nicolas from whem the Leycesters now of Hield 1666. and John Leycester who died without Issue Also three Bastard-daughters Elizabeth married Thomas Swynton of Nether-Knotsford 30 Hen. 8. Joan another Base Daughter she was called Joan Birchenhead 1543. And Margaret another Base Daughter O. num 6. Wills num 3. A. num 34. John Leycester of Tabley sold Hulme-House in Over Alderley now called The Pastures unto Nicolas Hobson 18 Hen. 7. 1502. Z. num 1. This John died 35 Hen. 8. 1543. Wills num 3. and was buried at Great-Budworth in our Lady Mary's Chappel there in the appropriate Burial-place of his Family in the seventy seventh Year of his Age and survived his Father seventeen Years X. Piers Leycester of Nether-Tabley Esquire Son and Heir of John by Alice his second Wife married Alice Daughter of Sir John Holford of Holford juxta Nether-Tabley 21 Hen. 8. 1529. O. num 6. by whom he had Issue Peter Son and Heir Adam second Son William third Son from whom the Leycesters of Legh in Staffordshire B. num 28. Alice a Daughter married Geffrey Brereton Son and Heir of Sir Richard Brereton of Tatton nigh Knotsford Anno Christi 1551. 5 Edw. 6. A. num 35. Margaret another Daughter married Richard Birkenhed of Manley Recorder of Chester Elizabeth Ellen and Parnell were never married Wills num 10. E. num 7 9. Piers had also two Bastard-sons John and Christopher O. num 7. He bought the Lands of Budworth 2 Edw. 6. and Symcock's Tenement in Marston 7 Eliz. 1564. and the Lands in Northwich 13 Eliz. 1571. B. num 2. num 26. L. num 10 11. For the effecting of these he sold the Land in Hope juxta Alstonfeld in Staffordshire
Elizabeth second Daughter born at Nether-Tabley on Wednesday the sixteenth day of June 1647. married Samuel Birch younger Son of John Birch of Whitborn in Herefordshire 1666. She miscarried of a Female-Child in November 1667. and soon after died of the Small-Pox on Saturday the last of November at Whitborn aforesaid Anno Domini 1667. and was buried at Whitborn-Church Byron Leycester third Daughter born at Nether-Tabley on Saturday the sixth day of October 1655. and is yet living 1669. Sir Peter Leycester and Elizabeth his Lady are both yet living 1669. He was Created Baronet the tenth day of August 1660. 12 Car. 2. XV. Robert Leycester of Nether-Tabley Esquire eldest Son of Sir Peter and Elizabeth married Meriel Daughter and Heir of Francis Watson late of Church-Aston nigh Newport in Shropshire Esquire 6 die Junii 1667. and hath Issue Robert a Son born at Marcham in Berkshire on Friday the sixteenth day of April Anno Domini 1669. Over-Tabley THe Township of Over-Tabley was held by William Fitz-Nigell Baron of Halton in the Time of William the Conqueror We read in Doomsday-book thus Isdem Willielmus tenet Stabelei Lewinus tenuit liber Homo fuit ibi tertia pars unius Hidae Geldabilis Terra est una Caruca Wasta fuit est Silva ibi dimidia Leuva longa XL Perticis lata valuit X solidos Isdem Willielmus tenet in ipsa Villa unam Bovatam Terrae tertiam partem unius Hidae Geldabilem Segrid Ulsi tenuerunt pro duobus Maneriis liberi fuerunt Terra est una Caruca Wasta fuit est Tempore Regis Edwardi valebat septem solidos But not long after certain it is that this Township was of three distinct Fees One third Part of Over-Tabley Roger de Manwaring gave to the Monastery of Saint Werburge in Chester in the Reign of Henry the Second Lib. B. in principio This third Part came afterwards to William de Tabley * This William de Tabley writ himself Dominus de Tabley that is de Over-Tabley sometimes Dominus de Knotsford tempore Edw. 1. who gave the same to Sir John Grey Son of Sir Reginald Grey and Sir John granted it to Roger Leycester Lord of Nether-Tabley Anno Domini 1296. F. num 1. Which in all the Offices of Leycester of Tabley is found to be held of the Abby of St. Werburge And Leycester of Tabley is now possessed of this third Part at this day 1666. One other third Part was possessed by Adam de Tabley in the Reign of Edward the Third Sir William Boydell being Chief Lord thereof For William Son of John Boydell of Dodleston releaseth unto Adam de Tabley all Services due for his third Part of Over-Tabley for one Penny onely to be paid at the Nativity of St. John Baptist yearly for all Service Dated at Dodleston 17 Edw. 3. 1342. F. num 3. This Adam de Tabley I conceive was originally a Massy for he Sealed with Massy's Coat of Arms. This third Part came afterwards to Thomas Daniell younger Son of Thomas Daniell of Bradley in Appleton the Elder by Joan Norreys a second Wife in Marriage with Katharine Daughter and Heir of William Son of Adam de Tabley 27 Edw. 3. 1353. Lib. C. fol. 241. l. for which Marriage Thomas Daniell the Father gave to Adam de Tabley 46 l. 13 s. 4 d. By Katharine came also the Moiety of Bexton to Thomas Daniell the Son her Husband who was afterwards Sir Thomas Daniell of Over-Tabley 6 Rich. 2. 1382. whose Heirs are possessed of this third Part at this present 1666. One other third part remaining was possessed anciently by another Family of the Tableys called The Hall of the Wood in Over-Tabley until Matthew de Tabley was Attainted of Felony 22 Edw. 4. 1483. whose Lands by the Office taken 1 Hen. 7. were found to be held of the Honour of Halton and so were seized into the King's Hands And I find John Leycester of Nether-Tabley Esq excepting against that Office of 1 Hen. 7. and complaining to the Judges and Chamberlain of Chester and alledging That these Lands were held of him by Homage and Fealty and Twelve Pence * This 12 d. Rent is at this day paid to Leycester by Th Warburton of Tabley-Hill which Tenement is Parcel of the Hall of Wood lands yearly Rent and praying that he may be restored to these Lands as Chief Lord of the Fee C. num 31. But he had too Potent a Person to deal with And King Henry the Seventh granted these Lands to Sir William Stanley of Holt-Castle Lord Chamberlain But he being beheaded for Treason 1495. these Lands Escheated again to the King And Henry the Eighth Leased them to Randle Brereton for his Life 2 Hen. 8. And after Roger Brereton his Son had them for his Life Afterwards these Lands continuing in the King's Hands Robert Chornock and Roger Chornock of London purchased the same and sold them to Piers Leycester of Nether-Tabley Esquire for 240 l. whereof one Moiety was paid in Hand and the other he gave Bond for But Peter Daniell of Over-Tabley Esquire purchasing these Lands at 9 l. per Annum in the King's Books the Chornocks purchased them after the Rate of 18 d. in the King's Books and cheated the said Piers Leycester by a fraudulent Conveyance so that he could not enjoy these Lands It was Decreed in the Court of Requests 4 Maii 1 Eliz. 1559. That the Chornocks should restore the Money which they had received and deliver up the Bond Obligatory to be Cancelled And so Daniell had the Lands which his Posterity now enjoyeth 1666. C. num 13. Charterers in Over-Tabley 1666. 1. Edward Hewet of Mobberley hath one Tenement in Over-Tabley now in Possession of his Tenant John Kell which is within Mr. Daniell's Part. 2. There is also one other in Leycester's third Part to wit the Tenement in Possession late of Richard Duncalfe of Tabley-Hill whereunto formerly Coithurst-Meadows now part of Mr. Daniell's Demain did belong This payeth 12 d. of Chief-rent yearly to Leycester now paid by William Legh of Tabley-Hill This Free-hold was Purchased by George le Criour from Thomas Monkys 5 Ed. 4. Afterwards this Land was purchased by John Duncalfe of Mere 30 Hen. 8. After it came to Peter Hulse of Over-Tabley Hulse sells it to Whitmore of Sudlow 1604. Whitmore sold it to Peter Daniell Esquire 1611. In this Township there is an Ancient Chappel called Over-Tabley-Chappel or more generally known by the name of The Chappel in the Street for it is situate in the High-street An old pitiful Structure ill seated and now in decay This Chappel of Ease being within the Parish of Rosthorn was built about the Reign of Henry the Sixth by the Ancestors of Leycester of Nether-Tabley and Daniell of Over-Tabley for the Ease and Convenience of these two Families and of all their Tenants in Over-Tabley and Nether-Tabley Probably after the Match of Thomas Daniell and Maud Leycester which
8. John Bentley of the Hole in Mere. 9. George Bentley of Mere-Heys 10. William Grantham of Mere a small Parcel 11. Edward Allen of Rosthorne one small Tenement in Mere. 12 John Barker of Little-Legh one small Tenement in Mere. Middleton-Grange THis is but one Farm so called lying in Aston juxtà Sutton Vide suprà in Aston juxtà Sutton Millington IN the Time of William the Conqueror William Son of Nigell Baron of Halton held Millington in Bucklow-Hundred So we read in Doomsday-book John Constable of Cheshire and Baron of Halton in the Reign of Henry the Second gave to Wrono of Stretton half of Millington to wit that which he had in his Demain Rendring yearly a little Irish Nag called A Hobby at Midsommer Whereunto Hugh Dutton and Adam his Son with several others were Witnesses Lib. C. fol. 154. c. out of Vernon's Notes Whereby it should seem he had then but half of Millington in his Fee if these Words Quam habuit in Dominico suo be understood of his Fee Unless Dominico here be understood of his Demain or in his own Hands not given away from him as the other Moiety was which very probably is so meant here For Hugh de Millington being seised of Lands here before the Grant made by John Constable to Wrono de Strettonâ gives unto Wrono Punterling called also Wrono de Stretton duas Bovatas Terrae in Millington Faciendo Servitium Forense quantum pertinet aliis duabus Bovatis undè octo Bovatae faciunt octavam partem Militis in eâdem Villâ Hiis Testibus Hugone de Duttonâ Adâ Filio suo Ranulfo Filio Gilberti Gilberto Filio suo Tobaldo Avunculo Comitis Hereberto de Punterling Liulfo de Twamlow Ranulfo de Davenham omni Hundredo Haltonae Which John Constable also confirmed Lib. C. fol. 273. num 1 2. The Originals Penès Millington of Millington 1666. So the Office of John Millington of Millington 37 Elizabethae finds he held one half of Millington of the Honour of Halton by the eighth part of a Knights Fee and the other half of Millington he held of the Honour of Halton in Soccage by the yearly Rent of two Shillings Possibly the yearly Rent in tract of time might be continued in lieu of the Irish Hobby aforesaid But to return Certain it is That Aytrop de Millington whom I take to be the Son of Hugh married Christian Daughter and Heir of Wrono de Stretton aforesaid about the Reign of Henry the Second Lib. B. pag. 200. num 6. and so he came to be possessed of all Millington This Town gave Sir-name to the Family of the Millingtons Seated here near to the Time of the Conqueror A very ancient Family of Gentlemen and continuing at this day William Millington of Millington Gentleman being now Owner thereof 1664. He died in June 1666. Aytrop de Millington Son of the first Aytrop as I take it gave unto Robert Blund of Bexton pro finali Concordiâ intèr nos factâ de fine Duelli unam dimidiam Bovatam Terrae in Villâ de Mulinton Rendring three Pence at Martlemas yearly Philip Orreby being then Judge of Chester c. sub initio Hen. 3. Lib. C. fol. 274. num 6. The Original in possession of Millington of Millington Charterers in Millington 1666. 1. The Lord Delamere of Dunham-Massy Two Tenements bought from Millington 2. Venables of Agden one Tenement in possession of Hugh Gandy but part of Gandy's Tenement lieth in Agden That Parcel lying in Millington was given by Aytrop de Millington to the Priory of Norton about King John's Time Lib. B. pag. 200. num 6. Afterwards scilicèt 1329. Robert de Millington bought it of Agnes Daughter of William de la Booths and sold it to William de Aketon or Agden from whom it descended to Venables of Agden 3. Geffrey Cartwright Gentleman hath lately bought the Shaw-house in Millington from Millington of Millington Mobberley MObberley-Church was Dedicated to St. Wilfrid a Holy Archbishop of York who died Anno Domini 708.4 Idus Octobris Bede de Hist Angliae lib. 5. cap. 20. ad finem And Mobberley-Wakes were formerly Celebrated on the twelfth day of October though at this day those Dedication-Feasts are not so strictly observed Mr. Mallory of Mobberley is now Patron hereof and this Rectory is conceived to be fully worth 120 l. per Annum This Parish onely comprehendeth the Township of Mobberley which is 1 l. 18 s. 00 d. in the Mize-book I find in Monasticon the second Volume pag. 320. That one Patrick de Mobberley Founded here a small Priory of Regular Canons of the Order of St. Augustine in Honour of God the Virgin Mary and St. Wilfrid to abide and dwell for ever in the Church of Mobberley whereunto he gave all that half of the Church of Mobberley with its Appurtenances which belonged to his Grant so as the Parsons of the other half of the Church of Mobberley which was not of his Grant might challenge no Right in the said Tenements And he Constituted one Walter a Canon the first Prior thereof This was in the beginning of King John's Reign about Anno Domini 1206. By the half of the Church of Mobberley seems to be included here the half of the Mannor of Mobberley for in the end of the Grant is Liberty given to keep Courts there as freely as ever the said Patrick kept the same But not long after Patrick was Convented before Randle Blundevill Earl of Chester as appears by this Inrolment following a Copy whereof I received from old John Booth of Twamlow PAtricius de Mobberley Conventus à Johanne Filio Augustini de Brethmete Fratris sui Primogeniti in pleno Comitatu Cestriae corà m Domino Comite Ranulpho Philippo de Orreby tùnc Justiciario Cestriae Cognovit se nihil Juris Haereditarii habuisse in illâ medietate de Mobberley quam tenebat nisi tantùm in vitâ suâ ex permissione Fratris sui Augustini Primogeniti sicùt pleniùs continetur in Cheirographo intèr memorato Augustinum Patricium Fratres habito Et cùm saepè dictus Augustinus tùnc viam Universitatis ingressus fuit memoratus Johannes ejus Filius Haeres seizinam praefatae Terrae recuperavit Homagium suum fecit indè Domino Ricardo de Aldford qui ei fecit Chartam suam Confirmationis quam tamèn Terram praefatus Patricius tenebat in vitâ suâ de ipso Johanne ex permissione ipsius Johannis Nepotis sui Et sicut praemonstratum est à Domino Ranulpho dicto Johanni per Chartam suam confirmata est irrotulatur in testimonium veritatis There was a Doomsday-book in our Exchequer at Chester formerly wherein many Deeds and Records were Enrolled but this Book of Record is now lost I suppose this Priory continued not long the said Patrick having no further Estate in the half of Mobberley than onely for his Life The Advowson of the whole Church was Invested in the Heirs of