higher upon the same River In the Conq. time it was rated for 5 hydes and then held by one Rainaldus of Roger Earl of Arundell and Shrewsbury but written Leileford The lands of which Roger in these parts came afterwards to the family of D' Albany But in H. 2. time Roger Hayrun was Lord of this place in whose male line it continued till E. 2. time held of the heirs of the said Earl of Arundell So that 't is without doubt that this Roger Hayrun or his Father was first enfeâ—ffed thereof by one of those Earls And it may be that William Hayrun who lived in the beginning of K. Steph. time was Father of the same Roger. Of this family there were there 3 Rogers successively all Benefactors to the Monastery of Combe whose grants Iohn Fitz-Alan chief Lord of the Fee by descent from D' Albany confirmed The last whereof gave a piece of wast ground called Bromehill lying also within this Lordship to the Abby of Pipwell with a younger son who was admitted Monk of that house upon which those Monks built a sheep-cote and planted trees it being thenceforth called Marham As also his water-mill here with the suit of the town and their heirs thereto together with the seat of a wind-mill and bequeathed his body to be buryed in the Abby of Combe thereupon giving to the Monks in pure and perpetual alms certain lands of good value After which Agnes his widow desiring also sepulture there gave all her goods movable and unmovable with her body to that Religious House But in 36 H. 3. Will. de Waver is stiled Dominus de Lalleford in right of Iuliana his wife questionless for she is called haeres Rogeri Hayrun so also in 3 E. 1. but how this comes to pass Roger Hayrun having two sons viz. William and Iohn as the descent and what I shall say besides doth shew I cannot well imagine both which were Lords of this place successively but dyed without issue William being living in 56 H. 3. and Iohn in 9. E. 2. leaving two sisters but because the inheritance should not be divided and so diminished Iohn gave the same to Robert son to his sister Margerie Which Robert was son of William de Newnham by the said Margerie upon whom the said Iohn designing him to be his heir did by a fine levyed crast Ioh. Bapt. 1. E. 2. settle this Mannour entailing it upon him the said Robert and Eliz. his wife daughter to one Thomas Boydin of Stretton and to the heirs of the same Robert begotten on the said Elizabeth and for default of such issue to Nicholas brother to the said Robert with divers other remainders so that Robert coming thus to the estate was thereupon called Robertus de Lalleford howbeit when Iohn dyed I certainly find not It seems that this Robert de Lalleford became a man of note in his time for in 14 E. 3. he was one of the Knights for this Shire in the Parliament then held but dyed before the 20 E. 3. for in that year Iohn his son and heir released to Iohn Whitwell all his right in this Mannour during VVhitwell's life Which Iohn dyed without issue so that VVilliam his brother became thereupon heir who in 35 E. 3. granted it to VValter VVhythors and Isabell his wife and to the heirs of VValâ—er Will. Hayrun 5 Steph. Rogerus Hayrun temp H. 2. Rog. Hayrun 1 Joh. Rogerus Hayrun 36 H. 3. ... monachus apud Pipwell ... filia Margeria uxor W. de Neunham Robertus dictus de Lalleford 14 E. 2. 35 E. 3. Joh. fil haeres obiit sine prole Will. obiit sine prole Will. Hayrun fil haeres 56 H. 3. obiit sine prole Joh. Hayr 9. E. 2. obiit sine prole From whom descended Sir Raphe VVhythors Kt. who granted it to certain feoffees and their heirs which feoffees passed their title therein to Henry Earl of Derby Guy de Mâ—ne Keeper of the Kings Privy Seal Sir Henry Green Knight Sir Iohn Bagot Kt and others all great men in those daies and their heirs their grant bearing date at Bathkynton in this County the monday after the feast day of St. Dunstan 19 R. 2. What chopping there was with it for the space of xxvi years ensuing appears not to me but in 2 H. 6. I find that Nicholas Parker of Thornbury in Gloucestershire a servant to Humfry Earl Stafford passed it to the said Earl and his heirs whence I ghess that all these feoffments last mentioned were but in trust in those turbulent times for this family of Stafford In which line it continued till the attainder of Edward Duke of Buck. 13 H. 8. and by that means coming to the Crown the K. by his Letters Patents bearing date 29 Martii the same year granted it to Thomas Marquess Dorset for life and afterwards by the like Letters Patents bearing date 27. Iunii 15. of his reign to the said Thomas and to the heirs male of his body But I suppose that it came to the Crown 1. Mariae by the attainder of Henry D. of Suffolk Son to the same Thomas For in the next year the Qu. granted Licence to ... Baylye for aliening thereof unto Thomas Leigh Alderman of London and his Heirs Of whom I shall speak more when I come to Stonley After which it was in xi Eliz. setled by him on Alice his wife during her life the remainder to VVilliam Leigh his younger son and the heirs male of his body whose grand-child Francis Lord Dunsmore of whom I shall make further mention in Neunham-Râ—gis doth now scil an 1640. enjoy it In an 1291. 19. E. 1. the Church dedicated to St ..... was valued at x. marks and in 26. H. 8. at xili xv sol iiii d. the procurations and Synodalls then issuing out of it being viii sol The Patronage of this Church was antiently in the Abbot and Covent of St. Peters super Dinam in France in respect of the Priory of Wolfrichston now Wolston in this County a Cell thereto belonging but afterwards in the Prior and Covent of Carthusians near Coventre as by the Institutions may be seen and as I shall have occasion when I come to Wolston more particularly to manifest yet never appropriated to either of those religious houses Patroni Ecclesiae Incumbentes temp Instit. Procurator Abb. Conv. S. Petri super Dinam D. Ioh. de Berevill Pbr. in Festo S. Barnab Apostoli an 1300. Idem procurator Thom. le Breton Cleric ix Kl. Ian. an praed D. Rex ratione temporal Abb. S. Petr. super Dinam in manu sua existentium Petruâ— de Medburne accolitus vi Id. Dec. an 1325. Procurator Abb. Conv. S. Petri super Dinam Rob. le Venour Capell vi Kl. Ian. an 1326. Procurator Abb. Conv. S. Petri super Dinam Rog.
entayled this Mannour then called Est-Leminton upon his descendants by Eva his wife left issue Thomas who had the custody of Bishops-Castle in Shropshire committed to his charge in 15 E. 2. and in 18 E. 2. was constituted one of the Commissioners appointed for choosing out Cccc. footmen in this County excepting Warwick and Coventre as also to arme them for defence of the Kingdom In 6 E. 3. he was a Knight and in 12. in Comiss both for conservation of the Peace in this Shire and arraying of men according to the Stat. of Winchester In the time of this Sir Thomas I meet with a Richard Hastang whom being often and eminenâ—ly imployed in this County and his brother as by some circumstances may be deemed I may not pass by In 15 E. 2. he was one of the Knights for this Shire in the Parliament then held and in 17 E. 3. in Comiss. with other persons of quality to find out and arrest such Proctors as were imployed by the two Cardinalls then sent into England for disposing of Ecclesiasticall benefices that were or might become void and to bring them before the King and his Councell Concerning which business the King then wrote an excellent Epistle to Pope Clement the vi Wherein he complaineth of the great in jury done to the Church and Kingdom by those Cardinalls and such as they imployed by authority from his Holiness which with the Popes answer thereunto is well worth the reading In 19. and 20 E. 3. he was in Comiss. for arraying of Archers in this County and in 21. for levying the Subsidy imposed upon Woolls and granted to the King in Parliament for the maintenance of his Warrs in France But I return to Sir Thomas who had issue Sir Iohn Hastang a Knight in his fathers life time which Sir Iohn whilst his father lived bore for his Armes A Lion rampant with a Labell of five points as appeareth by his Seal but afterwards a Chief with a Lion rampant over all And having 2. wives viz. Blanch daughter of ....... and Maud of Sir Waryn Trussell Knight dyed in 39 E. 3. leaving Maud and Ioan his daughters and heirs both within age the Custody of whose lands were by Pat. bearing date 7. Maii 44 E. 3. granted by the King to Iohn de Beauchamp and Iohn Rous who by their Deed dated 20. Oct. 45 E. 3. past the same over to Raph Earl Stafford which perhaps might be the reason that Maud the elder of them was afterwards wedded to Raph de Stafford descended by the Staffords of Sandon and Bromshull in Staffordshire from the antient Barons of Stafford Which Maud in 49 E. 3. had livery of her lands at that time proving her age her said husband then doing fealty for them and had for her part inter alia this Mannour of Lemynton with the Mannour of Grafton in Worcestershire Her sister Ioan wife to Sir Iohn Salisbury having the Mannours of Upton-waryn in Com. Wigorn and Chebsey in Com. Staff for her part To this Raph and Maud succeeded Sir Humfrey Stafford of Grafton Knight their son and heir who being one of the Knights for this Shire in the Parl. begun at Westminster the munday before the Feast of All-Saints 7 R. 2. was in Dec. following constituted Shiriff of Staffordshire which office he also bore in 12 R. 2. This Sir Humfrey marryed Eliz. the daughter to Sir Iohn Burdet of Huncote in Com. Leic. by whom he had a fair inheritance and dyed seized of this Mannour in 7 H. 5. leaving Iohn his son and heir xx years of age afterwards a Knight Which Iohn dyed 10 H. 5. without issue whereupon his brother Sir Humfrey became his heir who underwent the Shiriffalty of Staffordshire in 5 H. 4. as also for this County and Leicestershire in 2.9 and 17 H. 6. In 18 H. 6. he was one of the Knights for this County in the Parliament then held In 21 22. and 23. in Comiss. for conservation of the peace in this shire And having wedded Alianore one of the sisters and heirs to Iohn the son of Sir Thomas Aylesbury Knight by whom the Mannour of Blatherwike in Northamptonsdire came to this family was slain by the Commons of Kent in that insurrection of Iack Cade 28 H. 6. with his brother William the Lady Alianore his wife surviving him who at length became one of the coheirs also to Iohn Cressy and in 16 E. 4. founded a Chantry for one Priest to sing Mass daily at the Altar of our blessed Lady in the Church of Bromesgrove in Com. Wigorn. for the good estate of King E. 4. Eliz. his Queen her self Thomas her son and for the health of the soul of Sir Humfrey Stafford of Grafton her late husband and all the faithfull departed To the last mentioned Sir Humfrey succeeded Sir Humfrey his son and heir who together with Thomas his brother joyned with the Lord Lovell and others in that Insurrection of 1 H. 7. begun in Worcestershire as our Historians doe observe But the Lord Lovell hearing that the King had set out a Proclamation of Pardon mistrusted his men and fled privately into Lancashire which so disheartned these two brothers that despairing of success they took Sanctuary at Colnham neer Abingdon out of which place their priviledge being viewed in the Kings Bench and judged not sufficient they were taken whereupon Humfrey suffered death at Tiburn and was buried in the Chapell of our Lady within the Gray-fryers Church neer New-gate but Thomas as being seduced by him had pardon Shortly after which ensued the attainder in Parliament of the said Humfrey whose lands being so forfeited were given away by the K. Grafton in Com. Wigorn. one of their chief seats with the Mannour of Upton-Waryn in that County to Sir Gilbert Talbot Knight and the heirs male of his body from whom the present Earl of Shrewshury who now enjoys them is descended And this of Leminton to Sir Edward Poynings Knight and to the heires male of his body But Sir Humfrey Stafford Kt. son and heir of this Humfrey being afterwards restored repossest this Lordship and departing this life 37 H. 8. lyeth buried at Blatherwik before specified From whom descended as the Pedegree before inserted sheweth Will. Stafford of Blatherwik esquire who in 5 Car. sold this Lordship to Sir Thomas Trevor Knight then one of the Barons of the Exchequer descended of a very antient family of that name in the County of Denbigh in North-wales where it hath flourished for many ages and still continueth inricht with ample possessions The Church dedicated to All-Saints having been given to the Canons of Nostell by Attrop Hastang in H. 1. time as I have already shewed was appropriated to that Monastery by
they had of his gift in this place To him succeeded Will. his son and heir who exceeded his father in bounty to those Monks for he bestowed on them above CC acres and half a yard land with pasture for 600 Sheep five Sows with their Pigs one Boar 2 teams of Oxen 5 Kyne with their Calves and one Bull 2 young Heifers with their Calves and his Sheep-cotes on the Hills for their Sheep all in this his Lordship of Rodburne Neither was Michael his son streight-handed to them nor almost any other that had Free-hold in this place as may appear by their particular grants of several parcels of land some of them therewith bequeathing their bodyes to sepulture in that Monastery Which Monks obtained divers priviledges here viz. Court-leet Assize of Bread and Beer Gallows c. as appeareth by their claim in 13 E. 1. whereunto K. E. 1. added his Charter of Free-warren dated at Westm. 18 Febr. 18 of his reign But the posterity of Arden who were Lords of this Mannour having their seat here sometimes called themselves de Rodburne as by divers Records besides these which I have in the margent pointed at might be instanced yet the last of them scil William assumed the name of Arden again and in 43 E. 3. sold all the interest he had here to Iohn the son of Will. Catesby at which time Hugh de Prestwode and Agnes his wife past their whole right therein to the said Iohn by a Fine then levyed with warranty against the heirs of the said Agnes So that it seems she was an heir and probably of the same Will. de Arden Which Catesbyes were of Ashby Legers in Com. Northampt. and afterwards had the Mannour of Lapworth in this Shire where I purpose to speak historically of them In 13 H. 4. after the death of Iohn de Catesby the purchaser I find that Enime his widow and Iohn his son had a Charter of Free-warren granted to them inter alia in alâ— their â—emeâ—n lands here And that in 21 E. 4. the Monks of Combe quittâ—d all their interest here by the name of the Mannour of Rodburne grange to Will. Catesby Esq son and heir of Sir Will. Catesby Kt. for which alâ—enation K. H. 7. granted his pardon to the said Monks in 13 of his reign But this Will. Catesby having been a great Favourite to K. Ric. 3. was attainted in the Parl. of 1 H. 7. whereupon his lands eschaeting to the Crown this was by the K. given away to Sir Iohn Risley Kt. and the heirs male of his body Whether it came again to the Crown for want of issue male by the said Sir Iohn Risley I cannot say but in 2 3 Pâ— M. the Q. granted it to Thom. Wilkes Meâ—chant of the Staple and his heirs whose brother and heir viz. Will. Wilkes dyed seized thereof 27 Sept. 15 Eliz. leaving Robert his son and heir then aged 12 years Which Rob. dyed 26 Iulii 19 Eliz. withouâ— issue whereupon his 3 sisters became his heirs as in Hodnell I have shewed But that part of this place which is called Little-Rodburne did heretofore belong to the Priory of Coventre and coming to the Crown at the general dissoluâ—ion of the Religious Houses was in 6 Eliz. granted by the Q. to Henry Goodere of Polesworth Esq and Clem. Throgmorton Esq and their heirs Which Henry by his Deed bearing date 26 Nov. 8 Eliz. released all his right therein to the said Clement and his heirs who in 15 Eliz. sold the same to Will. Catesby of Ashby-Legers in Com. Northampt. Esq and his heirs After whichâ— viz. in 43 Eliz. Rob. Catesby Thomas Leigh and others all Feoffees in trust of Catesby's lands as it seems by their Deed of bargain and sale past it to Ranulph Crew Esq afterwards Kt. and chief Justice of the K. Bench whose grandchild Iohn Crew son and heir to Sir Clipsby Crew his eldest son in Easter Term ann 1650. sold the same to Sir Iohn Dreyden of Cannons-Ashby before mentioned That the Church was very antiently appropriated to the Nuns of Henwood I have already shewed but how long they took benefit thereof I know not for it appears that the Catesbyes presented thereto as a Rectory and that in 26. H. 8. the Parson received onely iiii l. xvi s. ii d. yearly besides ix s. vi d. for Procurations and Synodals from Ric. Catesby Esq then his Patron whereby it seems that there was no Church then standing but how long it had been down I am not yet certain for our Countryman Rous complains of the depopulation here amongst the rest of the Villages in this County which in his time were ruined by inclosure Patroni Ecclesiae Incumbentes temp Inst. Ioh. Catesby ar D. Ioh. Steward Cap. 27. Apr. 1417. Ioh. Catesby ar Ioh. Watson Pbr. 22 Nov. 1431. Will. Spenser mil. ratione custodiae gard Ric. Catesby fil haer Georgii Catesby D. Thom. Palmer Cap. 24 Maii 1527. Venerab vir Ric. Catesby ar D. Rob. Holme Cap. 20. Ian. 1540. Henr. Philips ar D. Eliz. Catesby ux ejus Tho. Thackam art Magr. 20 Iulii 1573. Edw. Onley ar Gryffin Lhoyde Cler. 16. Dec. 1573. Ran. Crew miles capit Iustic ad Plac. Tho. Wilbraham jure Eliz. ux ejus Sym. Venables Cler. 6 Martii 1625. Ladbroke ABout 2 miles lower on the Northern bank of the same Torrent stands Ladbroke which I suppose had its name originally from the dirty soyl and clay where the stream runneth Llaid in the old British signifying the same with lâ—â—um and limus but it is frequently written in all antient authorities Lodebroc the a being changed into o. In the Conq. time the E. of Mellent had two hydes here then valued at 50 s. Turchill de Warwick 3 hydes with 4 yard land and better whereof one the Priest held and the other two one William whom I suppose to be progenitor of the family which afterwards assumed this place for their sirname And Hugh de Grentmaisnill three yard land with a Mill of iii s. That Turchill's lands for the most part came to Henry E. of Warwick before the end of the Conq. reign I have in Warwick sufficiently manifested but of what family he was whom the succeeding Earls enfeoft of this place I cannot certainly discover but Will. de Lodbroch the first that I find to have assumed his sirname from hence in 11 H. 2. was certified to hold a Kts. fee of Will then Earl of Warwick de veteri feoffamento that is to say whereof himself or his ancestor was enfeoft in H. 1. time so that I am induced to believe that the brother of this Will became so enfeoft For in the Confirmation which the said Will. made to the Canons of Kenilworth of the Church of Herberbury given originally unto them by G. de Clinton
counterfeited by one Thomas Bromle of Coventre whom he indicted for so doing In short after much time and money spent therein I find that the said Iohn de Catesby and Lewes Cardian together with Will. Hathewyk husband to Catherine daughter and heir to the same Lewes and Alice as the Descent sheweth entred into C l. bonds apeice to each other to stand to the Award of the Dukes of Surry and Exeter for a finaâ— end of the business which Dukes referred the examination of the evidence on both sides to Will. Gascoin Rab. Tirwhit Iohn Rede and Will. Skryne great Lawyers of that age who taking to their assistance Sir Walt. Clopton Sir Will. Thirnyâ—g Sir Iohn Cassy Sir Iohn Hulle Sir Wâ—ll Rikhull Will. Hankford and Will. Brenchesâ—e at that time Justices of both Benches and fully weighing the same made Report on the behalf of the before specified Iohn de Catesby as by their Instrument under their Seal bearing date 20 Iunii 22 R. 2. appeareth So that there is no doubt but that those Dukes determined thereof accordingly for certain it is that the said Iohn de Catesby continued the possession From whom it descended to his son Will. who in 6 H. 4. did his homage to Ric. Beauchamp E. of Warwick for the Kts. fee which he held here But this Will departing the world without issue his brother Iohn became heir who dyed before the 13 of H. 4. for in that year did the K. grant Free-warren to Emma his widow and Iohn his son in all their demesn lands here and divers other places To which last mentioned Iohn succeeded Sir Will. Cateâ—by Kt. and to him another Will who being attainted in 1 H. 7. as in Lapworth I have shewed this Mannour eschaeted to the Crown and in 3 H. 7. was granted by the K. to Sir Iohn Râ—sâ—eâ— Kt. and the heirs male of his body but by a specia◠〈◊〉 of Parl. in 11 H. 7. being restored unto George Catesby son and heir of the said Will. together with the rest of his fathers forfeited lands continued in this family till 38 Eliz. that Iohn Throgmorton and others by an Indenture tripartite betwixt Sir Will. Catesby and Sir Thom. Leigh Kts. of the first part Robert Catesâ—â— son and heir of the said Sir Will. on the second and Iohn Throgmorton and Thom. Thornton oâ— the thâ—rd part were enfeoft thereof Which Iohn and the rest did by their Deed of bargain and sale dated 8 Febr. 40 Eliz. pass the same to Sir Rob. Dudley Kt. and Dame Alice his wife daughter of the above mentioned Sir Thom. Leigh and to the heirs of the said Sir Robert Which Sir Robert having issue onely 4 daughters viz. Katherine wife of Sir Ric. Leveson Kt. of the Bath Douglasse Anne and Frances they together with Will. Wise conveyed the same to Will. Palmer Esq and his heirs by their Deed r bearing date 16 Maii 9 Car. Which Will. setled it upon Will. Palmer his second son 1 Iunii 12 Car. who afterwards scil 1 Apr. 18 Car. passed the same to Sir Will. Palmer now of Clerkenwell in Com. Midd. Kt. a branch of those Palmers of Yorksh. by a younger son that setled at Merston in Staffordshire who bear for their Arms Argent upon 2 barrs gules 3 trefoils of the first with a Greyhound in chief sable There was antiently a Bridge over the river betwixt this town and Herberbury which in 21 R. 2. being out of repair was presented to be in the default of those two Villages but upon proof made that the same had been first built by one of the Lords of this Mannour upon his own soylâ— and for the benefit of himself and his own servants the said towns were discharged The Church dedicated to All Saints was in an 1291. 19 E. 1. valued at xv marks and in 26 H. 8. at xiii l. x s. over and above ix s. allowed for Procurations and Synodals Patroni Ecclesiae Incumbentes temp Inst. D. Ioh. de Lodbrok Ioh. de Pavely 13 Cal. Apr. 1298. D. Ioh. de Lodbrok Will. de Daleby Pbr. 4 Cal. Nov. 1303. Hugo fil D. Ioh. de Lodbrok Rog. de Lodbrok 4 Id. Iunii 1319. Hugo de Lodbrok Cler. Rog. de Clifton Cap. 4 Cal. Iunii 1340. D. Hugo de Lodbroc Rect. eccl de Blaby Will. de Shulâ—on Cler. 2 Id. Iunii 1349. D. Hugo de Lodbroc Rect. eccl de Blaby Rad. de Bereford Cler. 9. Cal. Oct. 1349. D. Hugo de Lodbroc Rect. eccl de Blaby D. Petrus Bertholmew 7. Id. Martii 1358. Thomas de Lodbrok Will. de Southam Pbr. Cal. Sept. 1362. Ioh. de Catesby Ioh. Parker 6 Febr. 1388. Ioh. de Catesby Nich. Derby 1 Iulii 1409. Ioh. de Catesby Ric. Norton Cap. 2 Iulii 1413. Ioh. Catesby ar Margar. ux ejus Ioh. Grantham Pbr. 4. Maii 1433. Will. Catesby ar Ioh. Verney Pbr. 20 Dec. 1440. Ioh. Rysley miles Will. Darley in art Bacc. 1 Maii 1506. Ric. Catesby gen D. Thomas Barret 26. Maii 1529. Anth. Throgmorton de Com. Oxon. ar Cath. ux ejus Rob. Lancashire Cler. 20. Febr. 1553. Anth. Throgmorton de Com. Oxon. ar Cath. ux ejus Thom. Williams Cler. 23. Apr. 1564. Anth. Throgmorton de Com. Oxon. ar Cath. ux ejus Rog. Inkforbie S. Theol. bac 5 Iunii 1582. Edm. Tomkins gen Ric. Par S. Theol. bac 25. Aug. 1626. D. Alicia Dudley Edw. Brounker S. Theol. professor 5 Feb. 1628. Napton BEneath Lodbroke more than a mile there falls another torrent into Ichene which haâ—â— its head within the precincts of Napton whereof I am next in pursuance of my method to speak This town stands upon a very eminent ascent of which originally its name was taken cnap in the British language signifying the same with gâ—bbus or tuber for such we know all Hills are in reference to the plains and flatâ— whereon they stand Neither is the word in that sense yet wâ—rn out of use amongst us for we commonly call the top or highest part of a notable ascent the knap of a hill the c and k being omitted in the name of this place for facility of pronunciation In the Conquerors time the E. of Mellent held 3 hydes and 3 virgats here valued at iii l. one Robert being his Tenant thereto and whereof Levenot and Bundi were possessors before the Norman invasion but in the Survey then made it is written both Neptone and Eptone At the same time one Vlchetel whose inheritance it had been in Edw. the Conf. time held of the said Turchil half a hyde valued at xxx s. And the same Robert 3 virgats valued also at xxx s. which before the Conquest belonged to the said Edvinus of whom I have made mention in Flekenho Which Robert being enfeoft of certain lands here by the said E. of Mellent as he was also of Weston
a Knight in 49 E. 3. marryed Isabell the daughter and heir of Urian S. Pere Which Walter dyed 6â— H. 4. seized of the Mannour of Honyngham as tenant by the curtesy of England after the death of Isabell his wife leaving Walter his son and heir of full age whose descent I have placed in Wylie whereby may be discerned that Ioyce one of the sisters and coheirs to Sir Hugh Cokesey Knight son to the last Walter marryed to Iohn Grevill and had issue Sir Iohn Grevill Kt. that dyed seised of this Mannour 20 E. 4. leaving Thomas his son and heir 26. years of age Which Thomas assuming the name of Cokesey resided at Milcote in this County where I purpose to speak historically of him and dyed in 14 H. 7. Whereupon Rob. Russell and Rob. Winter had livery of all his lands as his cosyâ—s and heirs whose alliance to him that descent in Wyllie doth plainly shew Which Rob. Winter upon partition of that inheritance had it seemes this Mannour in Honyngham but conveyed the same to Iohn Vnderhill of Nether-Etyndon within a short space for I find that the said Iohn by his feoffment bearing date x. Iunii 5 H. 8. Wherein he recited the said grant from Rob. Winter past it into the hands of Iohn Acard gent. and others to the use of himself and Susan his wife during their lives the remainder to Thomas Vnderhill his son and Anne his wife daughter of the said Robert and the heirs of the said Thomas Which Thomas had issue Edward his son and heir who sold it to Ric. Newport gent. in 36 H. 8. From whom it descended to Iohn Neuport that dyed seized thereof 28. Apr. 8 Eliz. leaving Will. his son and heir then 6. years of age That which is now the Church being antiently but a Chapell dedicated to S. Margaret and belonging to Wapenbury was therewith appropriated to the Priory of Monks-Kirby in this County by G. Muschamp Bishop of Coventre in King Iohn's time and afterwards with Wapenbury came to the Monastery of Sulby in Northamptonshire as I have already manifested In 26 â— 8. the Glebe and Tithes thereof were valued at C s. over and above xl s. yearly allowed by way of stipend to a Priest that served the Cure who had neither Institution nor Induction Offchurch THis hath been a town of no small note in the Saxons time if we may believe Tradition for in one part of the Lordship is a place called the Berrye which signifies no less than burgus or curia and accordingly 't is said that Offa K. of Mercia in the Saxon Heptarchy had here a Palace as also that by reason of his sometime residence here the Church first and so consequently the Village had this name Whether it were so or not I will not stand to argue but that it was part of the possessions belonging to Earl Leofrike and by him given to the Priory of Coventre at the foundation thereof in 1 Edw. Conf. I am fully satisfied though it be not particularly named in that Charter of his nor in the Conquerours Survey amongst the lands belonging to that Monastery For K. H. 3. by his confirmation made to the Monks of Coventre in 51 of his reign of all the lands they then possest and that were de dono praedicto as the words are which do relate to Earl Leofrike the Founder mentioneth Ofechirch amongst the rest Having therefore thus manifested that these Monks were so antiently owners of it I will now descend to what I find afterwards observable thereof which is that in 20 H. 3. Geffrey de Wilnhale held the x part of a Kts. fee in this place of the Prior of Coventre and that in 41. H. 3. the said Prior with his Covent had Free-warren granted to them in all their demesn lands here Which Prior in 7 E. 1. was certified to hold this Lordship of the K. in Capite as a member of his Barony wherein he then had 3 carucats of lands in demesn 3 watermils 28 servants holding 14 yard land and a half at the will of the Lord performing divers servile labours as Plowing Harrowing Mowing Reapingâ— c. for the Monks As also that he had a Court-Leet Gallows Assize of bread and beer with some other priviledges After the dissolution of which Monastery the Capitall messuage here with all the demesn-demesn-lands belonging thereto were inter alia by the Ks. Letters Pat. dated 25. Apr. 34 H. 8. granted to Sir Edm. Knightley Kt. and dame Ursula his wife and to the heirs male of his body and for default of such issue to Valentine Knightley his brother the heirs male of his body but for lack of such issue to remain to the right heirs of Sir Ric. Knightley Kt. father of the said Sir Edmund c. Which Sir Edm. dying without issue male 12. Sept. the same year the said Capitall mess. and lands by vertue of the entail before mentioned came to Valentine Knightley his brother who in 4 Eliz. obtained another grant from the Crown of the said Mannour with the Mills c. being at that time a Kt. Of all which he dyed seized 8 Eliz. leaving Ric. his son and heir then of full age but did settle this Lordship as it seemes upon Edw. his younger son for the said Edw. had it and lived here and since his death Robert his son and heir who now enjoys it The Church dedicated to S. Gregory appropriated to the before specified Monastery of Coventre by R. Molend B. of Cov. and Lich. 5. Non. Martii An. 1260. 44 H. 3. having a yard land and a half belonging thereto was in An. 1291. 19 E. 1. valued at x marks and a half and the Vicaridge at â—x s. which Vicaridge being antiently endowed with 2. yard land and a half as also a competent house and croft had a piece of medowing called the Halemedo in recompence of the Tithes due from the Water-mill and the 3. holmes of medow-ground belonging to the said Mill and in 26 H. 8. was rated at vii li. vii s. vi d. over and above viii s. yearly allowed for Procurations and Synodalls Patroni Vicariae Incumb temp Instit. Priorissa Conv. de Coventre Magr. Ric. de Fillingley 14. Cal. Martii 1298. Priorissa Conv. de Coventre Rog. de Lodbroke Diac. 8. Cal. Apr. 1317. Priorissa Conv. de Coventre D. Nich. de Bramham Pbr. 5. Cal. Iulii 1319. Priorissa Conv. de Coventre Thom. de Poleye Diac. 2. Cal. Apr. 1328. Priorissa Conv. de Coventre D. Hugo de Ryby Cap. Id. Apr. 1359. Priorissa Conv. de Coventre Rob. Bilney 18. Cal. Oct. 1361. Priorissa Conv. de Coventre Ric. Gibben Pbr. 11. Cal. Apr. 1367. Priorissa Conv. de Coventre Ioh. White 11. Martii 1393. Priorissa Conv. de Coventre Ioh.
it to the abovenamed Benedict Medley 12. Maii 14 H. 7. which Benedict was Cleke of the Signet to K. H. 7. at the same time and bore for his Armes sable 2. barrs gemells Arg. upon a chief of the second three Mullets of the first and dyed 13. Oct. 19 H. 7. leaving Will. his son and heir 23. years of age who marryed Margaret the daughter of Sir Robert Wotton Kt. and had issue George Medley esq that wedded Mary the daughter of Gerard Danet which George left issue Henry Medley esquire who by Frances the daughter of Clem. Throgmorton of Haseley esq had issue Henry 14. years of age in 21 Eliz. To whom succeeded Clem. Medley who in 2 Iac. past away this Mannour to Robert Wale gent. The Church dedicated to S. Margaret was given to the Canons of Kenilworth in H. 1. time or thereabouts by Atrop Hâ—â—tang concerning which I am to observe one thing further which is that the said Atrop then confirmed 18. Acres of land that his Tenants viz. Freeholders nere in Whitnash gave thereunto at its Dedication Whereby may be discerned that so fervent was the zeal of those elder times to Gods service and honour that they freely endowed the Church with some part of their possessions and that in those good works even the meaner sort of men as well as the pious founders were not backwards Amongst divers other concessions made by G. Muschamp Bishop of Coventre to the Canons of Kenilworth in K. Iohn's time I find that one was of two shilâ—ings yearly Pension granted to them out of this Church which had been endowed of one yard land and a half as the Record expresses In An. 1291. 19 E. 1. it was valued at vi marks and in 26 H. 8. at Cix s. viii d. over and above the yearly Pension of ii s. payable to the Monastery of Kenilworth and-viii s. for Procurations and Synodalls Patroni Ecclesiae Incumb temp Instit. Prior Conv. de Kenilworth Sim. de Redeswell subdiac prid Non. Iunii 1300. Prior Conv. de Kenilworth Henr. de Compton Pbr. 3. Non. Apr. 1302. Prior Conv. de Kenilworth Osb. de Banneburi Cler. 5. Id. Dec. 1326. Prior Conv. de Kenilworth Thomas de Brayles Cap. 2. Cal. Maii 1332. Prior Conv. de Kenilworth Will. de Wigorn. Cap. 7. Id. Iulii 1336. Prior Conv. de Kenilworth Will. Comyn de Neubold Cler. 5. Cal. Ian. 1352. Prior Conv. de Kenilworth Will. de Feryby Pbr. 26. Iunii 1372. Prior Conv. de Kenilworth Ioh. Brikstok Pbr. 15. Cal. Aug. 1378. Prior Conv. de Kenilworth Thomas Durich 25. Iulii 1393. Prior Conv. de Kenilworth Ioh. de magna Cotes Pbr. 10. Iunii 1398. Prior Conv. de Kenilworth Ioh. Normanby ult Martii 1406. Prior Conv. de Kenilworth D. Walt. Smyth 1. Iulii 1445. Prior Conv. de Kenilworth Ric. Geydon Cap. 5. Oct. 1453. Prior Conv. de Kenilworth D. Ric. Benet Pbr. 8. Oct. 1492. Mr. Edw. Litleton ar T. Rowley hac vice ex concess Pr. C. de K. D. Edw. Bolyfant Cap. 12. Ian. 1354. Humfr. Riddel gen ex concess Pr. C. de K. Humfr. Weyring Cler. 10. Oct. 1554. D. Regina Eliz. Rad. Kent Cler. 16. Febr. 1572. In the Chancell is a Marble Grave-stone with this Epitaph Hoc loco sepelitur dominus Ricardus Bennet Artis sacre Magister huius quondam Ecclesie diligens Pastor qui fatis concessit octavo die mensis Februarii Anno D. M. D. XXXi cuius anime propitietur Deus Amen Leminton-Priors THis for distinction from the former called Leminton-Priors hath its name as the other had from its situation upon the same river In the Conquerors time Earl Roger. scil de Montgomeri of whom I have spoke in Wolston held it the extent thereof being then certified at 2. hides which were valued at 4 li. having two Mills rated at xxiv s. But before the Norman invasion Oluuinus was owner thereof whom I suppose to be the same man which is elsewhere written Aluuinus father unto Turchill de Warwick It seemes that one of the Bishops of Coventre and Lichfield in those days called Bishop of Chester by reason of his residence in that City possest this place in H. 1. time but which of them it was is not exprest for in the grant made thereof by Geffrey de Clinton Founder of the Castle and Priory of Kenilworth to Gilbert Nutricius of Warwick and his heirs to hold by the service of half a Knights fee in consideration whereof the said Gilbert gave to the above mentioned Geffrey ten marks with a silver cup and to Agnes his wife a Besantine of goldâ— is is said to be de feodo Episcopi Cestriae And if I may have liberty to guess how the said Bishop had it I shall not doubt but that it was given to him by the King upon the forfeiture of Rob. de Belesmo E. of Shreusbury son to the before recited Earl Roger. Whether the before named G. Nutricius dyed without issue and that thereupon this Mâ—nnour returned to Geffrey de Clinton son to the donour or whether he made any agreement by Exhange or otherwise appears not but certain it is that the same Geffrey gave it to the Canons of Kenilworth â— together with the Church and Mill of this village It seems that the service of half a Knights fee by which the said Canons held it though in the grant there be no mention thereof was by the Bishop past over to the Monks of Coventre for in 20 H. 3. the Prior of Coventre certifying what Kts. fees were held of that Monastery makes instance of half a Knights fee in Leminton juxta Warwick held by the before specified Canons The like was signified in 36 H. 3. Which Canons in 7 E. 1. had a watermill 3. yard land and a 4. part and the half of another Mill here in demesn as also ix servants holding 3. yard land and 3. quarters performing divers servile labours 8. Cottiers holding 8. Cottages and 8. acres of land and xi Freeholders which held 13. yard land and a 4. part with the other half of the Water-mill And besides all this a Court-Leet Gallows Assise of bread and beer by the grant of K. H. 3. together with the Church appropriat endowed with two yard land All which was enjoyed by them till the dissolution of the Monasteries by K. H. 8. but then came to the Crown wherein it continued till 6 Eliz. that the Q. granted it to Ambrose E. of Warwick and the heirs male of his body All that is further observable touching this place is that nigh to the East end of the Church there is a Spring of Salt-water not above a stones-throw from the river Leame whereof the Inhabitants make much use for seasoning of
and lands of Geffrey de Moubray lying in that Kingdom excepting the Mannour of Okeford neer Roxborough as also with the lands of Iohn de Strivelin and the Castle of Amesfeld with the land of Drungrey that belong'd to Andrew de Chartres which they the the said Geffrey Iohn and Andrew were seized of on the day of S. Mary Magdalen the same year that battail was fought The next year scil 27 E. 1. he was imployed beyond Sea in the Kings service In 31 E. 1. he attended the King again into Scotland and was in person with him at that memorable siege of Kaerlaverok In 34 E. 1. he had summons with divers other great men to appear at Westminster the morrow after Trinity-Sunday there to consider and advise with the King concerning an Aid for making his eldest son Knight The same year I find that he had license to entail all his lands upon Philip the son of Hugh le Despenser for lack of issue male of his own body And in 35 E. 1. the King taking into further consideration his many and great services gave unto him and his heirs Bernard-castle in the Bishoprick of Durham which eschaeted to the Crown upon the forfaiture of Iohn de Baliol King of Scotts This was the last year of King E. 1. but therein I meet with no more mention of this Earl I come now to Edw. 2. time In the fift yeare of whose reign I find that he took part with Thomas Earl of Lancaster and some other of the Nobility who being discontended that Piers de Gaveston then E. of Cornwall was so much in favour with the King put themselves in Armes and took him at Scardeburgh but the King hearing thereof desired to speak with him and that his life might be saved promising that he would in all things satisfy their requests Which motion and assurance so wrought upon the Earl of Pembroke who was one of the great men then acting in this tragedy that he undertook upon forfeiture of all he had that if they would consent to the Kings proposalls he would take care that Peirs should not escape but after conference with the King should stand to the Judgments of the Barons which was yielded unto and a day and place assigned when he should be delivered back to them Whereupon the Earl of Pembroke resolved to carry him unto Wallingford but being on the journey at Dedington in Oxford-shire where he had left a guard of his own servants to look to him himself and his Countess lodging at the next town this Guy Earl of Warwich came in the night time with a number of armed men and carryed him back to Warwick-Castle where consulting with those about him what then to do they presently determined without delay to cut off his head and accordingly did so upon a rising ground called Blacklow-hill about a mile Northwards from Warwick whereof I have elsewhere already spoke Which being done the Friers-Preachers took care of his body and conveyed it to Oxford whence after two years the King removed it to Langley in Hertford-shire causing it to be interred in the Church of the Friers-Preachers which he there founded to pray for the soul of the said Piers and his Progenitors It seems that this Piers had much angred the E. of Warwick in calling him the Black Dog of Arderne because he was of a black and swarthy complexion but what sway the great men then bore having insinuated to the people that all they did was for the honour of God and good of the Realm may easily be seen for though the King did sufficiently take this murther to heart for it was no better he knew not how to punish any one Actor in it nay so glad was he to please them that within two years after he granted to every of them a Pardon by particular name amongst which as servants or Reteinours to this Earl I finde William Trussell Piers de Limâ—sey Osbert de Clinton Rauf de Grendon Edmund le fitz Edmund Trussell Tebaud de Garton Iohn de Nasford Thomas de Clinton Iohn de Mountfort Iohn de Odingsells Hugh de Culy and Iohn de Beauchamp all of this County But however this Earl thus obtained pardon I do not find that he was heartily reconciled to the King For upon his advance that very year towards Scotland and expecting at Barwick the assistance of all those which held of him by military service he forbore then to do his duty Nay my Author says that there was latens odium inter Regem Proceres praecipuè inter Comitem de Lancastria Comitem de Warwico adhaerentes ejusdem As I cannot coÌ„mend his demeanor in these things last spoke of so do I not discern that he had any great comfort thereof himself for t is plain enough that he enjoyed not the felicities of this world full xiv months after as I shall shew by and by Wherefore coming now neer his death which hapned in the prime of his days viz. about the xliv th year of his age let us see what preparations he made for it And herein I find that for the good estate of himself and the health of his fathers and mothers souls and all his Ancestors and successorsâ— he gave to the Monks of Bordesley in Worcester-shire the advouson of the Church of Wickwane in Com. Glouâ— How far further he was a benefactor to that Monastery I cannot say but 't is very like that something more he gave for it appears that the Monks of that House by their publique Instrument in a full Chapter granted unto him and his heirs by the attribute of dilecto speciali amico nostro power to present two Monks successively in their Covent that should sing Mass daily in the Church of what Monastery for the health of his soul and of the souls of Earl William his father Maud his mother and their Ancestors for ever And besides this he was the first Founder of that Chantry or Colledge of Priests at Elmely in Worcester-shire I now come to his Testament which bears date at Warwick-Castle the Munday next after the feast of S. Iames the Apostle Anno 1315. 9 E. 2. by which he bequeathed his body to sepulture in the said Abby of Bordesley but willed that his funerall Rites should be performed without any great pomp To Alice his wife who was the sister and heir to Robert de Tony he devised a proportion of his plate with a Cristall Cup and half his bedding as also all the Vestments and books pertaining to his Chapell the other moity of his Beds Rings and Jewells to his two daughters To Maud his daughter a Cristall Cup. To Elizabeth his daughter he gave the marriage of Astley's heir whom she took to husband as in Astley I have already shewed To Thomas his son his best coat of Maile Helmet
raign straightly commanding them to carry him thither and put him in sure custody as they would be responsible body for body Whereupon this his Castle and Lordship of Warwick with divers other Mannours were given to Thomas Holland Earl of Kent and to the heirs male of his body and the rest of his lands to others as I shall shew when I speak particularly of them And the next ensuing year was his son and heir viz. Richard Beauchamp with Eliz. wife to the said Richard committed to the custody of the before specified Thomas Holland at that time Duke of Surrey who had also a speciall grant from the King of a suit of Arras Hangings containing the story of the famous Guy of Warwick and belonging to the banisht Earl Which hard measure to the Earl and his son occasioned Catherine the Nunne at Shouldam before mentioned to petition the King in her own behalf in regard she was the grandchild and heir to this Earls father by Guy his eldest son as I have elswhere manifested and enjoyed no part of her inheritance whereupon she obtained an assignation of Xl. marks per annum annuity out of the Kings Exchequer during her life howbeit the Earl continued not long a Prisoner in the Isle of Man for on the 12. of Iuly 21 R. 2. the Kings Mandate to the Constable of the Tower of London for reception of him thither bears date during the remainder of whose reigne he was kept in durance But alas upon what slippery ground the greatest earthly Potentate stands when he thinks himself surest the fall of this King and divers other whereof the Storyes of our own Nation shew us lamentable examples may sufficiently manifest for within the compass of two years or little more after he had strengthened himself by that alliance with the French fill'd his cofers with vast summs of money by loans and otherwise pull'd down and ruin'd all whose fidelity to him he thought not firm and advanced his friends favourites in that Parliament of 21. of his reign which damn'd those Acts that by the power of the great ones had been made in 11. behold the Monster multitude agitated by the wind of his enemyes malice and ambition took part with them and suddainly overwhelm him in the gulf of absolute destruction by Deposition from his throne and the murther of his person as is not unknown to those who are acquainted with the Story of those times Henry of Lancaster being crowned King in his room In the first year of whose reign a Parliament makes null and void all that had been done in 21 R. 2. so that this our Earl of Warwick was then restored to his full liberty honour and possessions having whatsoever goods in Warwick-Castle were to be found belonging to Thomas Holland Earl of Kent before mentioned bestow'd upon him and in particular that suit of Hangings containing the said Story of Guy of Warwick all which were forfaited to the new King by attainder of Holland In which year he was made a Commissioner for arraying all men in this County according to their estates and faculties but his death now approaching as I shall shew by and by it will here be proper to take notice of his pious works The first whereof that I find is in 49 E. 3. viz. the establishing an Anniversary for his father in the Collegiat Church of Warwick for the solemnizing whereof the Dean Canons and Vicars of that Church and every Priest in Warwick that should come to the Dirige and Mass was to have his dinner and 4 d. in money and vâ— s. -viii d. to be given amongst the Friers of that town iii s. iv d. to the Canons of S. Sepulchers in Warwick and xx s. amongst the poor yearly In 5 R. 2. he built one of the Cells in the Monastery of Carthusians juxta Coventre at the first foundation of that Religious house In 6. he gave the perpetuall patronage of the Church dedicated to S. Iames situat over the gate called Hongyngate in Warwick to the Gild of S. George there newly founded in a Chapell over the same Gate And in 15 R. 2. having finisht the Quire of the Collegiat Church begun by his father and newly built from the ground the whole body of the Church which very fabrik now stands he gave the Mannour of Haseloure with the advouson of the Church and the advouson of the Church of Wolthamcote both in this County together with the perpetuall patronage of the Church of Wyclesford in Cambridg-shire unto the Dean and Canons thereof and their successors to pray for the good estate of King R. 2. and of Queen Anne then his consort of himself and Margaret his Countess Sir William Beauchamp his brother and Ioane his wife during their lives in this world and for the health of their souls after their departures hence as also for the souls of their Progenitors Ancestors and all the faithfull deceased His Testament bears date at Warwick-Castle 1 Apr. Anno 1400. 1 H. 4. whereby he bequeathed his body to sepulture in the Collegiat-Church before specified and to every town whereof he was Lord or Patron of the Church xx s. in money in the name of his Principall but if he should depart this life at Warwick then did he appoint the Church of our Lady there to have the best Beast whereof he might be at that time possest For his Herse he directed CCC li. weight of Wax in six Tapers and seaven Morters to remain in the said Church and lx poor men in gowns made of white-cloth every one carrying a Torch at the solemnizing his Funerall As also that xl of those Torches after his Exequies were finished should be distributed to the poore Churches of his Patronage and the residue to remain to the said Collegiat-Church of Warwick And moreover that all his friends attending the Funerall should have good entertainment viz. a Supper over night and a Dinner on the next day and money distributed to the poor according to the discretion of his Executors as also xxx Trentalls sung for his soul with all possible speed that might be after his decease and a thousand Masses in like sort viz. of the Trinity of the Holy Ghost of the Nativity of our Saviour of the Holy Crosse of the five Festivalls of our Lady of the Resurrection of the Ascension of Corpus Christi of the Angells of All Saints and of Requiem of every Feast lxvii Masses five in the whole excepted By which Testament he likewise gave to the King an Image of the blessed Virgin with two Cruets silver and gilt made in the fashion of two Angells To the Archbishop of Canterbury a Tablet of gold To the Colledge of our Lady in Warwick before mentioned a Cross with the pedestall silvergilt and enamell'd with the Story of our Saviours Passion and a precious stone called a Berill bound with silver and enamell'd
whether Amfridus de Bereford mentioned in 26. H. 2. were the son of this Hugh I cannot positively affirm howbeit that he was the father of Walter de Bereford is most certain which Walter left issue Henry and a daughter called Dionysia married to ...... de Nasford by whom she had issue Henry de Nasford who became heir to his uncle and so consequently Lord of this Mannour From this family of Bereford did descend as I conceive that male branch who were Lords of Wishaw and Shotswell in this County But in the line of Nasford this Lordship continued not above 4 generations for to Henry de Nasford abovespecifyed succeeded Will. his cosyn and heir who had issue Iohn which was the last of that name as the descent here drawn doth shew Hugo de Bereford 23 H. 2. Amfridus de Bereford 26 H. 2. Walt. de Bereford 9 R. 1. Alicia fil Rembaldi de Cherlcote Henr. fil haeres 6 Ioh. ob s. p. Dionysia 8 H. 3. Dionysia ux ........ de Nasford Henricus de Nasford 10 H. 3. Will. de Nasford junior consanguineus haeres Henrici de Nasford 34 H. 3. Joh. de Nasford 7 E. 2. Of these were Benefactours to the little Monastery of Thelesford hard by viz. Walt. de Bereford and Alice his wife with Henry their son as also Will. de Nasford and Iohn his son which Iohn confirmed what his ancestors had so given and further added that the Canons of that House should have free liberty of Fishing in the river of Avon every day in the week except Sundays viz. from Le Mill to his Mill pool as also Common of pasture for their Cattell in the Common of Bereford In 7. E. 1. upon that Inq. then taken it appears that the said Will. de Nasford was then Lord of this Mannour and that he held it of Theobald de Verdon by the service of half a Kts. fee who held it over of Rob. de Mortimer of Ricards-Castle descended from Osb. fil Ricardi before mentioned as I have elswhere shewed at which time the said Will then had here in demesn two carucats of land a watermill and free fishing in Avon with a Court-Leet and Gallows as also 4 Tenants holding 4 yard land by base service And moreover it is evident that the Kts. Templars then held here of his fee one yard land and the Canons of Thelesford xi five whereof were given to them by Alice the wife of Walter de Bereford In 13. E. 1. the said Will. de Nasford claymed here a Court-Leet Gallows Weyfs with Assize of Bread and Beer by Prescription all which were allowed to whom succeeded Iohn his son and heir who being the last of that family as I have intimated was one of those that did partake with Guy de Beauchamp E. of Warw. and others in the murder of Piers de Gaveston for which offence he had his pardon in 7. E. 2. which Iohn about that time it seems past away this Lordship to the said Earl for in 9 E. 2. Thomas E. of Warw. was certified to be Lord thereof it being then in the Kings hands by reason of his minority And yet afterwards in 14 E. 3. do I find that the same Earl had a grant thereof from William de Clinton Earl Huntingdon unto himself and his heirs with the reversion of certain lands which Iulian his wife held in dower of the Earl of Pembrok's inheritance his Charter bearing date here at Bereford the Sunday next after the Feast day of S. Mathew the Apostle After which time it continued to the succeeding Earls of Warwick as appears by sundry Authorities till all the rest of their possessions came to the Crown as in my discourse of Anne Countess of Warwick is manifested wherein it rested till 1 E. 6. but then together with the Castle of Warwick was granted to Iohn Dudley Earl of Warwick and his heirs upon whose attainder in 1 M. it divolved again to the Crown and was by Queen Eliz. in 4. of her raign together with other lands past to Ambrose Dudley Earl of Warwick and the heirs male of his body whereof fayling it return'd to the Crown Here was also a reputed Mannour within the precincts of this parish belonging to the Collegiate Church of Westbury in Gloucestershire though how or when it came thereto I have not found but after the dissolution viz. in 35. H. 8. the King sold it to Sir Raph Sadler Knight and his heires who it seems past it to Iohn Earl of Warwick for in 6 Eliz. the Qu. granted it to Ambrose Earl of Warwick and the heires male of his body in like sort as the other Mannour whereof I have already spoke The Church dedicated to S. Peter was in K. Iohn's time given by Henry de Bereford to the Canons of Thevelesford but some Release did they make thereof to him again or to his heirs for in 4 E. 1. Will. de Nasford bestowed the Advouson of it on the Monks of Evesham for which grant they made him partaker of all their spirituall benefits In anno 1291. 19 E. 1. it was valued at xi marks and in 26. H. 8. at xii li. having never been appropriated Patroni Ecclesiae Incumb tempt Instit. Abbas Conventus de Evesham M. Ioh. de Norton 14. Cal. Martii 1280. Abbas Conventus de Evesham Will. de Wellesburn .... 1298. Abbas Conventus de Evesham Walt. Roos accolitus 1. Iulii 1339. Abbas Conventus de Evesham Ioh. de Wengrave Pbr. 20. Oct. 1363. Abbas Conventus de Evesham Ioh. Thorp 17. Sept. 1385. Abbas Conventus de Evesham Ioh. Parkere penult Nov. 1395. Abbas Conventus de Evesham D. Rob. Forster Cap. 2. Nov. 1442. Abbas Conventus de Evesham Mr. Henr. Pantry 1. Ian. 1457. Abbas Conventus de Evesham Ric. Hacker Cler. 17. Ian. 1464. Abbas Conventus de Evesham D. Baldw. Hide Cap. 15. Aug. 1466. Abbas Conventus de Evesham D. Ioh. Smyth Cap. 9. Nov. 1468. Abbas Conventus de Evesham D. Will. Ewkeston Cap. 22. Dec. 1470. Abbas Conventus de Evesham D. Rob. Adams in Art Bacc. ...... 1505. Abbas Conventus de Evesham Will. Landisdale Cap. penult Sept. 1524. Abbas Conventus de Evesham D. Rob. Kendale Cap. 21. Oct. 1526. Rog. Barlo gen ratione concess Decan C. de Westbury in Com. Gloucest Ioh. Sewell Cler. 24. Martii 1549. Steph. Hales Civis Lond. gen D. Ric. Michel Cler. 13. Ian. 1558. Edw. Combes gen Iac. Wheler Cler. ult Feb. 1576. Rowley Warde ar Magr. Tho. Warde Cler. 9. Ian. 1623. Wasperton A Little below Barford lyes Wasperton one of the towns 〈◊〉 Earl Leofrik gave to the Monastery of Coventre upon the first Foundation thereof 1 Edw. Conf.
the time when this Earl of Mellent who was advanc't to the Earldome of Leicester by King H. 1 enfeoft Raph Boteler in his part of this Lordship yet that he so did is out of doubt for in that confirmation made by the same King to the Canons of Kenilworth of those lands and Churches wherewith their Monastery was endowed the Church of this Cumton is specified and said to be de feodo Radulfi Pincerne de Legrecestria so that it is clear enough that Butler had it in his time The next possessor thereof that I find was Bigot to whom questionlesse the before specified Raph Boteler granted it for in H. 2. time Gilbert le Bigoth his son releasing to those Canons his right in the advouson of this Church acknowledges that it was de elemosina patris given to them by his father At that time also the said Gilb. quit claimed his title and interest to one hide of land lying here which his Ancestors had bestowed on them in consideration whereof he reserved the service of the fift part of a Kts. fee to be performed by the Incumbent in the said Church on behalf of the before specified Canons This Gilbert in 20 H. 2. answered vi li. to the K. for his lands here which as it should seem was by way of composition for his offence in adhering to those that were in Rebellion against the King on the part of young Henry but in that Record he is called Gilbertus Picot In 5 H. 3. there was a Fine levied of the third part of a Kts. fee here betwixt Cecilie the widow of Gilb. Bigot Ric. Bigot she clayming the said third part as her dowrie in which Record it is written Fenni-Cumpton that being the first time I find it distinguishâ— by such addition Of Bigot's portion intending to say more anon I now câ—me to speak of Turchill's share the passages whereof though I cannot by direct steps exactly trace yet am I satisfied in what road it went viz. to the Earl of Warwick as the rest of Turchill's lands did who enfeoft Turchill's posterity thereof to hold of his descendants by half a Knights fee From whom viz. one of the Ardens the Canons of Trentham in Staffordshire having a grant thereof past it to Richard Peche Lord of Wormleighton whereof I last spoke to hold by the same service all which may be inferred from that Inquis taken in 7 E. 1. whereof I shall make further mention by and by though in 20 H. 3. the Record expresses no other than that the said Ric. Peche held it immediatly of the Earl of Warwick Nor that of 36 H. 3. than that the heirs of Ric. Peche held it of Thomas de Arden and he of the Earl without any mention of the Prior of Trentham But about the beginning of E 1. time upon an Agreement made betwixt Richard Prior of Trentham and the Lady Hawisia widow of Richard Peche the title of the Canons of Trentham begins to appear for I thereby find that the said Canons at the especiall request of William Bishop of Norwich Sir Hugh de Arden Knight and other great men granted to the said Hawise the Wardship of these lands at Fenni-Compton and the Relief of Iohn her son when he should accomplish his full age which Iohn in 7 E. 1. was certified to hold this Lordship of the Prior of Trentham by the service of half a Knights fee the said Prior holding it of Thomas de Arden and he of the Earl of Warwick having one carucate of land in demesn and 5. Villains holding three yard land for which they payd severall Rents and performed suit to his Court. At the same time it was likewise found that the Prior of Clatercote held one carucate of land in demesn of the same T. de Arden by the service of the fourth part of a Knights fee and that the said Prior had also 4. Freeholders who held severall other portions I now return to Bigod By this Record doth it also appear that Robert Bigod descended from Gilbert before specified held his part of this town of Raph le Boteler by the service of half a Knights fee and he of the Earl of Leicester and that the said Robert then had xii Freeholders holding severall proportions of land under particular Rents and suit of Court And moreover that the Prior of Clatercote held two carucats of land of him in pure Almes whereof no Scutage was to be payd for more than one virgate which Robert and all his Tenants used to make their appearance at the Earl of Leicester's Court-Leet But after this I find no more mention at all of these Bigots so that I presume that what they had here was by them sold to Peche for in 13 E. 1. Iohn Peche claimed by Prescription a Court-Leet in this his Lordship together with Assize of Bread and Beer which were allowed From which family it went to Montfort by a daughter and heir as in Hampton in Arden where the Descent is drawn may be seen And by the attainder of Sir Simon Montfort 10 H. 7. eschaeted to the Crown out of which it was granted together with Wormleighton unto William Cope Esquier Treasurer of the houshold to the K. 7. Maii 13 H. 7. And past as I think from Cope to Spenser with Wormleighton for in 13 H. 8. Iohn Spenser possest it But in 22 H. 8. a Fine was levyed thereof betwixt Richard Willis gentleman plaintiff and Margery Belingham widow late wife of Sir Robert Belingham Knight daughter and heir to Iohn Beaufitz of Balshall deforciant from which Richard is descended George Willis now Lord thereof an scil 1640. That which the Canons of Clatercote had here was granted out of the Crown in 30 H. 8. unto William Petre D â— of Law and to the heirs male of his body together with the site of that Monastery and Mannour of Clatercote And in 36 H. 8. by another Patent to the same William and his heirs by the name of Sir William Petre Knight But the next year following upon exchange of lands made with the said Sir William Petre the King had it again and by his Letters Patent dated xi Dec. 37 H. 8. granted it inter alia to the Colledge of Christ-Church in Oxford of his own foundation to hold in pure Almes That the Church dedicated to S. Clare was given to the Canons of Kenilworth by Bigot in H. 1. time I have already intimated which grant Richard Peche Bishop of Coventre confirmed temp H. 2. And Geffrey Muschamp Bishop in King Iohn's time assigned xxx s. Pension to them yearly out of the fruits thereof which Alex. de Savensby his successor shortly after confirmed After which till 12 E. 1. the advouson thereof continued to those Canons but then did they passe it to Roger Molend Bishop of Coventre and Lichfield In
Earl of of Mellent contained 3 hides and was valued at iiii li. the woods whereof were a mile in extent but in Edw. the Confessors dayes it was the Freehold of one Bovi From which Earl as most of the lands which he had in this County did it came to the hands of Henry de Newburgh his brother the first Earl of Warwick of the Norman line as is evident enough And in 9 Ioh. was inter alia assigned for the dower of Alice the widow of Waleran Earl of Warwick so also in 26 H. 3. to Ela the widow of Thomas Earl of Warwick which Ela in 36 H. 3. obtained a Charter of Free-warren in all her demesn lands here and purchased certain other lands in this place of Sir Henry de Lodbroke Kt. which she gave to the Priory at Warwick After this viz. in 13 E. 1. Will. de Beauchamp claimed a Gallows with Assize of Bread and Beer in this Mannour by Prescription which were allowed And in 9 E. 2. was it assigned inter alia as part of the dowry of Alice widdow unto Guy de Beauchamp Earl of Warwick To the posterity of which Earls it continued till 3 H. 7. but then coming to the Crown with all the rest of the possessions belonging to that Earldome was by K. H. 8. in 26 of his reign leased to Rog. Walford for xxi years But King Edw. 6. 22 Dec. 1. of his reign granted the inheritance thereof together with the Castle of Warwick c. unto Iohn Dudley Earl of Warwick After whose attainder in 1 Mariae the said Q. made a Lease thereof for xl years at the Rent of xxvii li. iiii s. i d. ob to Clem Throgmorton of Haseloy Esquier But in 4 Eliz. did Ambrose Dudley then Earl of Warwick obtaine a Pat. thereof together with the Castle of Warwick c. to himselfe and the heirs male of his body who dying without issue it returned to the Crown and was afterwards purchased by Thomas Spencer Esquier a younger son to Sir Iohn Spencer of Althorpe in com Northampt. Knight Which Thomas having likewise obtained a Lease from the Dean and Chapter of Worcester of certain lands in this place built a very fair House thereupon and for the great Hospitality which he kept thereat was the mirrour of this County But having no issue male setled this Mannour inter alia upon Sir Will. Spenser Baronet son and heir of Sir Thomas and he of Sir Will. sometime of Yarnton in Oxfordshire his third brother Touching the Church dedicated to S. Michael it appeareth that Roger Earl of Warwick in 23 H. 1. gave to his Collegiate Church of Warwick then newly founded two parts of the Tithes issuing out of the Inclosures in this parish and likewise of the paunage of all the woods belonging thereto And that in an 1291 19 E. 1 it was valued at xv marks and a half the Vicars portion being then six marks and a half Which Vicaridge in 26 H. 8. was rated at vi li. the Procurations and Synodalls issuing out of it being viii li. Patroni Vicariae Incumbentes c. Archidiaconus Wigornia Ioh. de Berninton Cap. 2 Cal. Iunii 1269. Archidiaconus Wigornia Galf. de Wykwau Pbr. 5 Cal. Sept. 1283. Archidiaconus Wigornia Ric. de Stockton Pbr. 6 Non. Martii 1304. Archidiaconus Wigornia Rob. de Buynton Cap. 11 Cal. Apr. 1307. Archidiaconus Wigornia D. Ioh. de Clone Pbr. 19 Cal. Sept. 1327. Archidiaconus Wigornia Thomas Person Cap. 14 Maii 1359. Archidiaconus Wigornia Ioh. de Stone Pbr. penult Aug. 1361. Archidiaconus Wigornia Will. de Blaklow Pbr. 8 Oct. 1361. Archidiaconus Wigornia Ioh. Curteys Pbr. 19 Feb. 1373. Archidiaconus Wigornia D. Ioh. de Westbury alias Brakley 4 Oct. 1413. Archidiaconus Wigornia Henr. Andrew Cap. 3 Ian. 1423. Archidiaconus Wigornia Ioh. Fletcher Cap. 9 Apr. 1432. Archidiaconus Wigornia Ioh. Hamond Pbr. 8 Iulii 1436. Archidiaconus Wigornia D. Ioh. Reve Cap. 5 Ian. 1473. Archidiaconus Wigornia Will. Pecock art Magr. 17 Apr. 1535. D. Episc. hac vice Andr. Bassam S. Theol. Bac. 4 Maii 1536. Archidiac Wigorn. D. Ric. Todde Pbr. 3 Iulii 1543. Archidiac Wigorn. Edw. Millard Cler. 29 Iulii 1574. Archidiac Wigorn. Rob. Fynche Cler. 8 Feb. 1586. Kington THis is that place as I conceive which I find written Cinton in the Conquerors Survey and there certified to have been at that time possest by the Earl of Mellent and to contain one hide and a half which was then wast and valued at no more than v s. But the extent of the woods is not there recorded howbeit the valuation of them is put at x s. which with the rest had been the freehold of Britnod before the Norman invasion All that I have further seen of this place is that the Abbot of Bordsley had very antiently two carucates of land here for which in 4 E. 1. he was presented to have withdrawn his suit xx years before that time but by whom or when it was given I am not very sure And that after the dissolution of the said Monastery the same land by the name of the Grange Mannour or Ferme of Kington c. was granted to Clem. Throkmorton Esq and Alex. Avenon and their heirs in 37 H. 8. Which Clem. dyed seized thereof by the name of Kinton-Ferm or Grange in 16 Eliz. Langley IN the Conquerors time this being possest by Rob. de Stadford was of him held by one Iudichel and by the Survey then taken certifyed to contain 1. hide and a half having woods belonging thereto of one mile in length and half a mile in breadth all which were valued at xl s. and had been the freehold of Ernvi in Edw. the Confessors dayes Howbeit after this till 13 Ioh. I find no more mention of it and then it with Norton being part of the Honour of Hervie de Stafford in this County answered for two Knights Fees But it seems that one of the Gurleys Lords of Norton Curley was enfeoft thereof by some of the posterity of the before specifyed Robert de Stadford for in 23 H. 3. Will. de Curley confirm'd to the Monks of Bordsley all the lands which had been granted to them within the Territories of Langle of his Fee And in 36 H. 3. held one Knights Fee here and in Norton of Robert de Stafford To deduce the succession of its possessors exactly I cannot therefore what I have disjointedly found thereof must satisfy In 17 Edw. 2. Sir Henry de Lodbroke Knight wrote himself Dominus de Langele and within two years after Will. Vauhan had the same title as by his deed with his seal of Armes thereto annext viz. a Cross within a border both engrailed doth testifie And in 39 Edw. 3. was there a Fine levyed of this Mannour between Sir Baldwin Frevill
ground before there was any habitation at all In the Conq. time it was possest by the Earl of Mellent and esteemed at four hides there being then a Church and the whole rated at C s. In the generall Survey then taken it is written Snitefeld having been the freehold of one Sexi before the Norman invasion That it came to Henry de Newburgh Earl of Warwick brother to the same Earl of Mellent with the rest of those lands in this Shire which he then had there can be no doubt for in 23 H. 1. Roger Earl of Warwick son to the said Henry being owner of it gave to the Collegiate-Church at Warwick one hide of land lying here with two parts of the Tithes of all the Inclosure as also of the paunage of those woods which belong'd to this Village It seems that Hugh fil Ricardi of whom in Wroxhall I have spoke being enfeoft hereof by the same Earl Roger for in King Stephens time he gave the Church to the Canons of S. Sepulchers in Warwick granted this Mannour to Will. Cumin who in H. 2. time wrote himself Dominus de Snitenesfeld to whom succeeded Walter his brothers son as the Descent sheweth Which Walter gave to the Monks of Bordsley certain lands lying here adjoyning to Songer before specified as also in Stretton super Fosse but his son Walter being in rebellion against King Iohn forfeited his lands which were seized on for that offence howbeit in 1 H. 3. returning to obedience he had restitution of them again Of these Cumins was Will. the last male branch who being dead in 18. Ioh. Margerie his widow and an heir then took to husband Will de Hastings Which Will. Cumin left issue a daughter and heir called Margerie within age in 13 H. 3. and in Ward to Will. de Cantilupe but afterwards married to Iohn de Cantilupe a younger son to the said Will. who in 36. H. 3. was certified to hold one Knights fee here in Snitterfeld of Thomas de Clinton the said Thomas holding it over of the Earl of Warwick This Iohn having his seat here obtained to himself and his heirs of King H. 3. a Charter bearing date at Worcester 24. Sept. 41 H. 3. for a weekly Mercate at this place upon the Wednsday and a Faire once every year to hold for three days viz. the Evenâ— day and morrow of S. Kenelm After which Margerie wife to the said Iohn surviving her husband did in her widowhood release to the Monks of Bordfley the suit which by their Atturnies they had used to make to his Court at Snitfeild for the lands they held within that fee. Will. Cumin 5. Steph. Rob. Cumin Walt. Cumin 5 H. 2. Margeria Walt. Cumin 1 H 3. Will. Cumin defunctus 18. Ioh. Margeria haeres Will. de Hastings 2. maritus Margeria filia haeres Ioh. de Cantilupo 20 H. 3. Walt. de Cantilupe Rector Eccl. de Snâ—â—feild 9 E. 2. Ioh. de Cantilupe miles 9 E. 2. Alianora 17 E. 2. Thomas West 17 E. 2. Ioh. West 4. E. 3. Thomas West miles obiit 10 R. 2. Thomas West miles obiit 6 H. 4. Thomas West miles obiit 4 H. 5. s. prole Regin West frater haeres dominus la Warre obiit 29 H. 6. Ric. West aetat 19. an 29 H. 6. Ioh. de Cantilupe miles 12 E. 2. Ioh. Cumin To the said Iohn de Cantilupe and Margerie succeeded another Iohn who in 25 E. 1. received summons with divers other great men to attend Edward the Kings eldest son then Lieutenant to the King for defence of the Realm at Newcastle upon Tine upon S. Nicholas day to march against the Scots and the next year following was in that memorable battail of Fawkirk as also in 1 E. 2. assigned one of the Commissioners for conservation of the peace in this County and for causing the Articles in the Statute of Winchester to be observed so also in 3.7 and 9 E. 2. In 5 6 7.10 and 11 R. 2. he was one of the Justices for the Gaol delivery at Warwick In 9 E. 2. being a Knight he bore for his Armes 3. Leopards heads jessant flower de Lis Or. To whom succeeded Iohn his son and heir called Iohn de Cantilupe junior who in 12 E. 2. was also a Knight but after that year I find nothing of him and therefore do conclude that he dyed shortly after his father being then alive For in 17 E. 2. the said Sir Iohn de Cantilupe the elder entailed this Mannour upon Thomas West and Alianore his wife and the heirs of their two bodyes paying to him the said Sir Iohn and Maud then his wife xl li. sterling yearly during their lives with remainder for want of issue by the said Thomas and Alianore to the right heirs of the said Sir Iohn which Alianore was daughter and heir to the saidâ— Sir Iohn de Cantilupe It seems that Sir Iohn de Cantilupe dyed that very yeare for before the end thereof it appears that the same Thomas and Alianore obtained a Charter bearing date at Westminster 7. Maii for the change of the Wednsday Mercate weekly here unto Tuesday and enlarging the Faire unto eight dayes beginning on the even of S. Kenelm as abovesaid and granting also unto the said Thomas and Alianore and the heirs of their two bodyes Free-warren in all their demesn lands here which Thomas was one of the Knights for this Shire in the Parliament held at Westminster the same year To these Thomas and Alianore succeeded Thomas their son and heir who was a Knight and past away this Mannour about the beginning of R. 2. time to Sir William Beauchamp Kt. and his heirs in exchange for the Mannours of Newenton-Tony and Stretford-Tony in Wilt-shire but reserving an yearly Rent of x li. per annum out of it to himself and his heirs Which Sir William being he that was Lord Bergavenny and brother to Thom. Earl of Warwick dyed seized thereof in 12 H. 4. leaving Richard his son and heir 14. years of age But some entail there was or other settlement hereof in remainder after the death of Ioane wife to the same Lord Bergavenny upon Richard Beauchamp Earl of Warwick and his heirs for it appears that she held it during her life and the said Earl Richard afterwards By which means it came at length to the Crown through the attainder of Edward Plantaginet Earl of Warwick in H. 7. time and was inter alia granted out to Richard Morison Esquire and his heirs 29. Aug. 37 H. 8. who sold it the next year following to Iohn Hales of whom in Coventre I have spoke which Iohn being a wealthy man through a beneficiall Office that he had whereby he acquired a great estate especially in Monastery lands and living unmarried
seized into the King's hands but returning to obedience he had restitution of them in the last year of that King's reign To whom succeeded Will. who had severall imployments of much trust and note in his time within this County From 11. till 20 H. 3. he was frequently in Commission as a Justice of Assize In 16 H. 3. he with Iohn de Lodbeoc were constituted the King's Eschaetors here In 21 H. 3. he was in Commission for the collecting of a xxx th and in 56 H. 3. one of the Justices for the Gaol delivery at Warwick To him succeeded Sir Thomas de Bishopsdon Knight his son and heir and to Sir Thomas Sir William howbeit of these I find little else notable than that they were Knights But the next was Sir Iohn de Bishopsdon who served in the Parl. held at Yorke in 12 E. 2. as one of the Knights for this shire being then seized of these Lordships viz. Bishopston Bishopswode vulgò Bushwode Lapworth Thorndon in this County Larkstoke in Gloucestershire Little Cokesey Herdewyk Pepewell and Waresley in com Wigorn. in all which he had Free-warren granted to him by a special Charter bearing date at Newcastle upon Tine 26 Sept. 13 E. 2. In 14 E. 2. he was a Knight and in the Rebellion with Thomas Earl of Lanc for which in 16 E. 2. he had pardon for xl lâ— Fine In 18 E. 2. he was in Commission for conservation of the peace in this shire and to take care that the Articles contained in the Statute of Winchester were observed In 1 E. 3. he served in the Parl. at Westminster as one of the Knights for this shire and was in Commission for the levying a xv th and tenth in this County So also in 2 E. 3. for collecting of a xx th In 4 E 3. again one of the Knights for this shire in the Parl. held at Westm. and the next year following constituted one of the Justices for conservation of the Peace Frethricus de Bissopesdone temp Regis Steph. Will. de Bissopesdone 9 R. 1. Juliana filia Henrici de Monâ—eforti Will. de Bishopsdon 11 H. 3. Thomas de Bishopsdon miles 31 H. 3. Cecilia una filiarum cohaer Henrici Pipard Will. de Bishopsdon miles temp E. 1. Christiana relicta 14 E. 1. Joh. de Bishopsdon miles 14 E. 2. Beatrix filia haeres Joh. de Sheldon Rog. de Bishopsdon 14 E. 3. Alicia filia haeres ux Walt. de Clodshale Thomas de Bishopsdon 7 E. 2. Johanna filia Edm. de Grafton militis Joh. De Bishopsdon 11 E. 3. Isabella filia Ioh. Stretch militis Thomas de Bishopsdon 8 R. 2. Will. de Bishopsdon m l 5 H. 5. Philippa 17 H. 6. Eliz. filia cohaeres ux Thomae Palmer de Holt in Com. Leic. ar Philippa ux Will. Catesby mil. Bearing a special affection to the Hospitall of S t Iohn Baptist in Warwick he gave thereunto the moytie of the advouson of the Church of Morton Merhull in this County and having wedded Beatrice the daughter and heir of Iohn de Sheldon dyed in 14 E. 3. being at that time Bayliff to the K. in his Forrest of Leekhay in Worcestershire which he held by grand Sergeantie leaving Roger his son and heir which Roger bore for his Armes bendè of six pieces Or and Azure with a cantonermine and dyed leaving issue Alice his daughter and heir wedded to Walt. de Clodshale of which Walter and his family I shall speak in Saltley whereupon this Lordship of Bishopsdon came to Iohn brother to the said Roger by virtue of an Entail made in 11 E. 3. whereby Sir Iohn de Bishopsdon Knight setled it with other lands upon his issue male by dame Beatrice his wife Which last mentioned Iohn being a man of eminent parts was in 32 E. 3. constituted Chancelour of the Kings Exchequer and took to wife Isabell the daughter of Sir Iohn Stretch Knight To whom succeeded Thomas and to him Sir Will. Bishopsdon Knight Sheriff of this County and Leicestersh in 5 H. 5. and in 6 H. 5. constituted one of the Commissioners for arraying of men in this Shire Of this Sir Will. I farther find that being retained by the Earl of Warwick for the fortifying of Calais he served in that imployment with one Launce and two Archers amongst the Knights that then were under him taking for his Launce and one Archer xx li per an and for the other Archer x. marks per an without their diet but he resided for the most part at his Mannour of Alscote in Gloucestershire and having in 17 H. 6. entailed this with divers other Lordships on the issue which he should beget on the body of Philippa his wife left only two daughters his heirs scil Eliz. and Philippa the former marryed to Thomas Palmer of Holt in Leicestershire from whom likewise by a daughter and heir the Nevills of Holt are descended the other to Sir Will. Catesby Knight Who in her right had this Mannour of Bishopston which by the attainder of Will. Catesby in 1 H. 7. whereof in Lapworth I have spoke came to the Crown and in 3 H. 7. was inter alia granted by the King to Sir Iohn Risley Knight and the heirs male of his body but by a speciall Act of Parl. in 11 H. 7. was restored unto George Catesby Esq son and heir to the said Will. together with the rest of his said Fathers forfeited lands whose grandchild viz. Sir Will. Catesby K t in 24 Eliz. sold to sundry persons the particular Tenements within this Lordship amongst which one was past to Will Askew of Lapworth by the name of the Mannour which Will. afterwards sold it to Andrew Archer of Tanworth Esq from whom it descended to his son and heir Sir Sim. Archer Knight and by him was lately granted to Iohn Greene and Thomas Greene yeomen and their heirs who being Inhabitants here are yet possest thereof The Chapell here dedicated to S t Peter is very antient as may appear by the Ordination thereof made in K. Iohn's time in the presence of Maugerius then Bishop of Worcester by S r Will. de Bishopsdon Knight who gave thereunto in pure Almes of his own demesn xiiii acres of land in one field and as much in another as also 4 acres of his land held by servile tenure and pasturage for 8. Oxen in what places soever his own Oxen should graze excepting in his meadows and moreover covenanted with Mauritius then Parson of Stratford super Avon that he and his Tenants there would sustain all the charges concerning the said Chapell viz. in building it up keeping it in repair and providing the Chalice Books Lights Vestments and all other necessaries therein and that the mother Church of Stratford should
or the lande at Evertons and the xli and pray you in every place see cleerness in my soul and pray fast and I shall for you and Iesu have mercy on my Soule Amen My Lords Stanley Strange and all that blood helpe and pray for my Soule for ye have not for my Body as I trusted in yow and if my issue rejoyce my Land I pray you lett Mr. John Elton have the best Benefice and my Lord Lovell come to grace then that ye shew to him that he pray for me And uncle John remember my Soule as ye have done my Body and better and I pray you see the Sadler Hartlington be paied and in all other places After which viz. in the Parl. begun 7 Nov. 1 H. 7. ensued his attainder whereupon all his lands eschaâ—ting to the Crown this Lordship in 3 H. 7. was bestowed on Sir Iames Blunt Kt. and the heirs male of his body To this William succeeded George his son and heir who in 10. H. 7. having Livery of divers lands descended to him aswell by inheritance from Margaret his mother as from William Lord Zouch and Elizabeth his wife Father and Mother to the said Margaret and being by Act of Parl. held the year following restored to his Father 's forfeited possessions whereby this Lordship came again to that Family wedded Elizabeth daughter of Sir Richard Empson Kt. one of the great Projectors in H. 7. time and by his Testament bearing date 8 Maii 19 H. 7. bequeathed his Body to be buried in the Church of Ashby-Legers before the Image of the holy Trinity in his Chapell there appointing that two marble stones price of each vi l. xiii s. iiii d. should be brought thither one to be layd upon his Father and Mother and the other upon himself as a memoriall for him and his wife The Probate whereof bears date two years after which shews that he dyed about the latter end of 20 H. 7. leaving William his son and heir by reason of his minority in ward to Iohn Spenser of Wormleâ—ghton who departed this life about the 10 th of H. 8. leaving Richard his Brother and heir in ward also to Sir Will. Spenser Kt. in 19 H. 8. Which Richard having been one of the Kts. for this Shire in that Parl. of 30 H. 8. so fatall to the Monasteries and the next year following Shiriff and so also in 37 H. 8. being then a Knight had two wives scil Dorothe daughter to Sir Iohn Spenser Knight and Eliz. daughter to Will. Astell one of the daughters and heirs to the Lady Iane Bray and departed this life 4 Maii 7 E. 6. leaving William his grandchild and heir for his eldest son William died in his life time Which William being likewise a Knight and residing much at Bushwode underwent the Shiriffalty of this County in 20. Eliz. and by Anne his wife the daughter of Sir Robert Throkmorton Kt. had issue Robert and other sons which Robert having sold this Lordship to Sir Edward Grevill of Milcote Knight of whom Sir Thomas Holt of Aston juxta Bermingham purchased it being unhappily confederate with the Gunpowder Conspirators in 3. Iac. and thereupon slain with Percy at Holbeach-house in Worcestershire was afterwards by Act of Parl. attainted as is fully manifested by our vulgar Writers The Church dedicated to St. Mathew being given about the later end of K. H. 3. time by Will. de Harecurt son of Rob. de Harecurt of whom I have already made mention unto Iohn the son of Peter de Glen and by the said Iohn granted to the Warden and Schollars of Merton Colledge in Oxford â— was by them past over to King Edw. 1. Which King in 4. of his reign conferred it on the Provost and Canons of the Hospitall of Montchensy as by his Charter bearing date 24. Nov. appeareth But it seems that those Canons had little benefit by this grant for I find that the same K. by another Charter bearing date 4. Iunii the year ensuing rendred and restored it to the Warden and Schollars of Merton Colledge above mentioned After which viz. in an 1291. 19 E. 1. it was valued at xvii marks and a half but in 26 H. 8. at no more than x l. per an the Procurations and Synodals yearly payable out of it being x s. v. d. ob Patroni Ecclesiae Incumbentes c. D. Episc. per â—â—psum Rob. de Lutleburi Cler. 2. Id. Nov. 1286. Custos Scolares domus de Merton Ioh. de Cliva Diac. Non. Maii 1286. Custos Scolares domus de Merton Magr. Thomas de Wylton 8. Id. Oct. 1303. Custos Scolares domus de Merton Magr. Will. Waleys 3. Id. Iulii 1320. Custos Scolares domus de Merton Ioh. Heyne Cler. 19. Nov. 1349. Custos Scolares domus de Merton Ioh. Beaugrant Subdiac 9. Cal. Ian. 1367. Custos Scolares domus de Merton Rob. de Horton Pbr. 8. Iulii 1370. Custos Scolares domus de Merton Will. Rous. .... 1370. Custos Scolares domus de Merton Magr. Will. Heryngton 14. Maii 1411. Custos Scolares domus de Merton Ioh. Coke 4. Maii 1422. Custos Scolares domus de Merton Rad. Paret 13. Maii 1433. Custos Scolares domus de Merton D. Rad. Spire 29. Martii 1446. Custos Scolares domus de Merton Ioh. Hill penult Febr. 1456. Custos Scolares domus de Merton Magr. Rob. Arden in Art Magr. 10. Ian. 1488. Custos Scolares domus de Merton Magr. Ioh. Iohnson Art Magr. 7. Maii 1509. Custos Scolares domus de Merton Thomas Raynolde Pbr. 17. Aug. 1540. Custos Scolares domus de Merton D. Ioh. Raynshaw Cler. 10. Nov. 1556. Custos Scolares domus de Merton Ioh. Litton Cler. 30. Oct. 1584. Custos Scolares domus de Merton Ioh. Morley Cler. in art Magr. ult Maii 1613. Custos Scolares domus de Merton Ioh. Elly Cler. 16. Oct. 1613. In 47 E. 3. there was a Chantry founded in a certain Chapell adjoyning to this Church by Ric. de Montfort Roger de Ulbarwe Roger atte Greene of Lapworth and Richard Dolfyn a Priest and by them endowed with two messuages two carucates of land twelve acres of meadow and xvi s. Rent all lying in Toneworth for maintenance of a Priest to sing Masse there every day to the honour of the blessed Virgin S. Thomas the Martyr and All Saints which lands were then called by the name of Wodardes-Lond Heath-land â— and Lysterley-field as appeareth by the Earl of Warwick's License for amortizing of them whereby also he gave authoritie to the said Richard Montfort and the heirs male of his body to present a fit Priest thereto as often as cause should require but in
retinue to Maurice de Berkley an English Baron But about the 33 E. 3. the said Gerard departed this life leaving Iohn his son and heir under age the custodie of whose lands together with his marriage was granted in 33 E. 3. by Sir Ric. Stafford Kt. unto Ric. de Clodshale of Saltley in this Countie which Iohn by the death of Iohn de Vale his Uncle by the Mothers side without issue in 34 E. 3. was found to be one of his Cosins and next heirs and in 2. R. 2. being then a Kt. was constituted one of the Commissioners in this Countie for taxing a subsidie at that time granted to the K. in Parliament To whom succeeded Sir Thomas Burdet Kt. his son and heir a person honoured with divers great imployments in his time In 5 R. 2. he was constituted one of the Commissioners for arraying of men in this Countie being then of the retinue unto Thomas de Beauchamp Earl of Warwick In 17 R. 2. he served in the Parlâ— then held at Westm. as one of the Kts. for this Shire so also in the Parliaments of 2. and 8. H. 4. In 3. H. 5. he was made Shiriff for this Countie and Leicestershire In 6 H. 5. again one of the Commissioners of Array in this Shire and the next year following jointly intrusted together with the Shiriff and some other select persons to treat with the people for a loan of money to the King In 9 H. 5. he was in Commission for assessing and collecting a Subsidie then granted to the K in Parl. and left issue Nicholas his son and heir of whom I find that being one of those who bearing Armes from his Ancestors as the Writ and Return thereof specially intimates he had Summons to attend the King in person at Westminster upon Tuesday in the first week of Lent 7 H. 5. for defence of the Realm Shortly after which he was retained to serve the said K. in his wars for by an Indenture bearing date at Suthwike 6 Maii 8 H. 5. it appears that he received in hand from Iâ—hn Sâ—lvâ—â—â—e Treasurer at Wars to the D. of Bedford for himself two men at Arms and seaven Archers xxix l. xi s. vi d. for one quarters wages And continuing in those wars in 3 H. 6. was one of those that defended the town of S. Iames de Bevuron situate on the frontiers of Normandy towards Britany and upon the siege thereof by Arthur Earl of Richmont and Yverie Constable of France made a courageous â—ally wherein 7 or 800 of the enemy were slain 50 Prisoners 18 Standards and one Banner taken In 15 H. 6. he was a Knight but being afterwards made chief Butler of Normandy and Governour of Cureur in that Dutchy was slain in the battail of Pontoise 18 H. 6. To whom succeeded Thomas his son and heir which Thomas in 28 H. 6. being imployed in this Countie about levying the subsidie then granted to the K. in Parl. was from the 7 th to the fourteenth of E. 4. reign in Commission for conservation of the Peace But in 17 E. 4. having incurred the King's displeasure for his good affections to the D. of Clarence so strict were the eyes and ears that were set â—ver him that an advantage was soon taken to cut of his Head for hearing that the King had killed a white Buck in his Park here at Arewe which Buck he set much store by passionately wishing the Hoâ—es in his Belly that moved the K. so to do being arraigned and convicted of high Treason for those words upon inference made that his meaning was mischievous to the K. himself he lost his life for the same his Body being buried in the Chapell of All Saints within the Gray-Friers Church near Newgate with this memoriall in their Martyrologe viz. that he was valens Armiger Domini Georgii Ducis Clarenciae After the death of which Thomas their grew great suits for this Mannour and other lands betwixt Richard Burdet his son by a former wife that â—ad been for nearness of kindred divorced from him and Iohn Burdet his son by Margaret a later wife For the said Thomas by License obtained from the K. in 12 E. 4. had aliened his lands to his younger son to the disherison of the elder of which he became afterwards so sensible that as he was drawn from the Tower to the place of execution espying his eldest son in Westchepe over against St. Thomas Becket's Hospitall now Mercers Chapell he caused himself to be stayed and there asked his said son forgiveness and acknowledging the wrong he had done him concluded that to be the cause of Gods vengeance then against him But in that suit before mentioned the said Iohn the younger son prevailed Margaret his Mother holding her estate therein for life who shortly after married to Thomas Woodhill Howbeit after this it was not long ere that the before specified Ric. Burdet so wrought with his Brother Iohn as also with the said Margaret and her husband that they levâ—ed a Fine of this Mannour and other lands whereby the same Richard became vested into the present possession thereof the remainder to Thomas his son and for want of issue by him to Robert his other son and the heirs of his body and for lack of such issue to the right heirs of Richard Which two sons died young in their Fathers life time and Richard himself left no heir male The consideration whereof much moving the said Iohn forasmuch as this Mannour and the rest of those entailed lands were like to be transferred to another Familie by Anne the daughter and heir of the same Richard he exhibited a Petition in Parl. to K. H. 8. about the beginning of his reign wherein the better to ingratiate himself he set forth his adherence to Henry D. of Buckingham in the behalf of Henry Earl of Richmund afterwards King by the name of H. 7. against Ric. 3. King in deed but not of right alleadging that upon the miscarriage of that Duke in his said attempts he himself was taken at Gloucester and there kept Prisoner and moved that the said Fine should be made void so that himself and his heirs might enjoy this Mannour with the lands before mentioned in such sort as he and they should and ought to have done hat it not been levied This Iohn Burdet was one of the retinue unto Sir Edm. Howard Admirall in 4 H. 8. for scouring the Seas on the Southern coast of England and in no small favour at Court as it seems for his Petition took such effect that he pursued his claim to this Lordship and all other the lands whereof his Father was seized against Edward Conway and Anne his wife daughter and heir to the before specified Ric. Burdet as if there had been no such entail as hath been said Which suits
Eliz. filia Will. Deincourt militis Wâ—ll de Clinton miles dominus de Clinton de Say Anna filia .... domâ—ni Bâ—treaux relâ—cta Fulâ—onis Fitz Warm militis Iohannes dominus Clinton de Say 10 H. 6. Ric. Clinton ar Thom. Clinton de Amington miles duxit Iohannam fil cohaer ..... Meignill Will. de Clinton Co. Huntend duxit Julianam filiam Thomae de Leyburn mil. relictam Ioh. de Hastings obiit sinc prole 28. E. 3. Which Iohn in 17 Edw. 2. was a Knight and in 3 Edw. 3. constituted one of the Conservators of the Peace in this Countie howbeit shortly after he arrived to far greater advancement by his Brother's means as I guess for in 6 7. 8 E. 3. he was summoned to Parliament amongst the Barons of this Realm but little have I farther seen in relation to him though he lived till the twentieth year of this King 's reign at least other than that he bore for his Armes Argent upon a cheif Azure two Mullets of 6. points Or peirced gules and that he wedded Margerie the daughter to Sir William Corbet of Chadsley in Worcestershire in 18 Edw. 2. by whom he had issue Sir Iohn de Clinton Knight his son and heir but his story I shall respite for a while till I have spoke of William his noble Uncle whose great actions and eminent imployments made no small splendor amongst our English Worthies of that age This William being a Knight in 17 Edw. 2. wedded Iulian the daughter and heir unto Sir Thomas de Leybourn widow of Iohn Lord Hastings of Bergavenny in 3 Edw. 3. Which match was as I guess a great step to his farther advancement For the next year following he was constituted Justice of Chester scil 23. Oct. and within lesse than two months after Constable of Dovor Castle as also Warden of the Cinq-Ports in which high places his prudence grew so conspâ—cuous that he was thought worthy to be rankt amongst the superiour Nobiâ—ity and thereupon had summons to the Parliament held at Westminster in 5 Edw. 3. which advancement to Honour did rather increase his pietie than â—late his minde Fâ—r having that very year obtained License to amorize xx li. per annum Lands and Rents lying here in Maxstoke together with the advowson of the Church for the maintenance of certain Chantry-Priests to celebrate divine Service daily there for the soul of King Edward the third after his departure out of this life and for the souls of his Ancestors as also for his own soul and the soul of Iulian his wife about five months following he setled the number of five Priests for the purposes aforesaid In 7 E. 3. he was constituted Admirall of the Seas on the Western coast of England In 10 Edw. 3. he began the Foundation of a goodly Monastery for Canons Regular of S. Augustin on the South part of this Lordship which he amply endowed as I shall shew by and by And standing high in the King's favour became forthwith advanc't to the Earldome of Huntendon as by his Charter of Creation dated 16. Martii 11 Edw. 3. appeareth having not onely xx li. given him out of the issues of that Countie to be payd by the Shiriff at the Feasts of Easter and Michaelmasse yearly but for his better support of that Honour in consideration of his former acceptable services a grant of a thousand marks per an lands to himself and the heirs male of his bodie for ever And moreover a speciall Precept directed to Rich. de Fâ—riby late Master of the Wardrobe to account and make satisfaction unto him for his Fee and Robes due from the time that he had been retained to serve the said King as a Baneret In 12 Edw. 3. he had another Patent constituting him Constable of Dovor-Castle again So likewise in 15 E. 3. for being Admirall of the Western Seas and in 17 E. 3. for the custodie of all the King's Forests from Trent Southwards Being therefore thus honoured and muchâ— and also advanc't to such places of power and trust in 19 E. 3. he began the Foundation of a fair and strong Castle here in a quadrangular forme for the behoof of his nephew Iohn de Clinton and his heirs having no issue of his own body the Prospect whereof is represented on the next page making a Park of the Out-wood And the next year following he received the summe of 82â— li. 12 s. 04 d. of the King's gift as a remuneration of his services in the Warrs beyond Seas This noble Earl bore for his Armes Argent Crusulè fichè sable upon a Cheif Azure two Mullets Or pierced Gules which Coat differs from that of his elder brothers onely in the Crosslets having not been born by any other of this Family till of late time By his Testament bearing date 23. Aug. 1354. 28 Edw. 1. he bequeathed his body to sâ—pulture in the Priorie-Church here at Maxstoke and departed this life 25. Aug. the same year leaving Sir Iohn de Clinton Knight his brother's son his next heir then 28. years of age Which Sir Iohn from 31 Edw. 3. during all the same King's reign as also of K. Ric. 2. till his death having summons to every Parliament with the rest of the English Barons was likewise imployed in sundry affairs of trust in this County viz. in 41 E. 3. and 15 R. 2. for arraying of men in 3 5 and 6 Ric. 2. for pursuing of the Rebells and in 20 R. 2. upon the attainder and banishment of Tho. de Beauchamp E. Warwick had the Castle of Warwick with all the lands and Mannours thereto belonging committed to his custody By Idonea his first wife one of the sisters and at length coheirs unto William Lord Say he left issue Sir William and Sir Thomas de Clinton both K t s and Edward a younger son Of which Sir Thomas I shall take farther notice when I come to Aminton but Sir William the eldest died before him in 7 R. 2. His second wife was Elizabeth one of the daughters heirs to Will. de la Plaunch of Haversham in Com. Buck. having been first married to Robert Lord Grey of Rotherfâ—eld secondly to Sir Iohn de Bermingham of Bermingham in this Countie thirdly to him and lastly to Sir Iohn Russell Knight But by her having no issue he departed this life in 20 R. 2. leaving William his grandson his next heir and of full age which Lady Elizabeth held this Castle with other lands setled upon her at marriage during her life and having been a great Benefactress to the foundation of the Collegiate-Church at Knoll in 4 H. 5. at length became one of the coheirs to Sir Roger Hillarie Knight as apeareth by her Deed whereunto her Seal of
to this Mannour in regard that Sir Baldwyn his Father finding that Sir Edm. Mountfort his half brother before spoken of had backt himself with the countenance of the D. of Buck. a mighty man for the Lancastrian interest made a Feâ—ffment thereof unto this King when he was but Earl of March the better to maintain his title thereto After which viz. in 11 E. 4. he underwent the S. iâ—ffaltie of this Countie and Leicestershire and was retained by the said King to serve him in the wars of France for one whole year with five Spears himseâ—f accounted and Lx. Archers well and sufficiently armed and arrayed taking for himself ii s. per diem for the rest of the said Spears xviii d. and for the Archers vi d. a peice the King to have the third part of all prizes in war taken by him or any of his retinue In 9 E. 4. he had the Lieutenâ—ncie of the Isle of Wight and Castle of Caresbroke under Sir Anth. Widvile Kt. Lord Scales of Nucells and of the said Isle And being made a Kt. Baneret 24 Maii 11 E. 4. served in the wars of Normandie in 15 E. 4. And was in all Commissions of the Peace during the whole reign of that King as also of Array Gaol-deliverie and levying of Subsidies for the most part imployed So also in H. 7. time till the xâ— of his reign being likewise in 4. a Commissioner in this Countie for assigning and choosing of Archers for releif of the Dutchie of Brittanie which imployments do argue that he was a person of great wisdom and courage But such an unhappy fate attended him that by attainder in 10 H. 7. he lost his life whereby his possessions which were very large became confiscate to the utter ruin of his Familie The crime of Treason layd to his charge was this viz. that he sent xxx l. in money by Henry his younger son unto Perkin Warbeck who counterfaiting himself to be one of the murthered sons of K. Edw. 4. did make severall attempts for the obtaining of the Crown In the behalf of which Perkin much hath been said by some arguing that he was really the second son to K. Edward Whether he was so or not I will not stand to dispute but doubtless many did really beleive him so to be of which number this Sir Simon was one having been a stedfast friend to the House of York for it appears that upon his triall in Guild-Hall London the Friday next before Candlemass-day 10 H. 7. in the presence of Edw. D. of Buck. Thom. Marq. Dorset Thom. Earl of Arundell and others Commissioners for that purpose he denied not the charge having thereupon Judgement to be drawn through the midst of the Citie as also hang'd and quartered at Tiburne and being executed accordingly was attainted in the Parl. begun at Westm. 14 Oct. the year following which sad Catastrophe did put a period to the greatness of this antient Familie the line whereof the Pedegree before inserted doth shew till these present times but what I have farther to say thereof is in Kingshurst Upon the confiscation of whose lands this Mannour was soon disposed of by the K unto Simon Digby Deputie to Iohn Earl of Oxford then Constable of the Tower which Simon Digby brought this unhappy Gentleman to the Bar at his said Triall the Patent extending to the heirs male of his body and bearing date at Westminster 23 Dec. 11 H. 7. to whom it still continues Everardus Digby miles coesus in praelio apud Touton 1 E. 4. Everardus Digby mil. a quo Digby de Stokedrye in com Rutl. Sim Digby de Colshill ar ob 12 H. 8. Alicia filia haeres Ioh. Waleys Regin Digby ar ob 25 Apr. 3 E. 6. Anna filia cohaer Ioh. Danvers ar Ioh. Digby ar obiit 15 Nov. ult Mariae Anna filia Georgii Throkmorton de Coughton mil. Georgius Digby factus eques aur in obsid. de Zurphen in Handria per Rob. Comitem Leic. 28 Eliz. obiit 4 Febr. seq Abigal filia Arthuri Heveningham mil. secundò nupta Edw. Cordell ar Rob. Digby factus eq aur apud Dublin in Hibern per Rob. Com. Essexiae an 38 Eliz. obiit .... Maii 16 Iac. Leticia filia haeres Geraldi Fitz-Gerald fil haer Geraldi Comitis de Kildare Robertus Digby erectus in Baronem Digby de Geashill in Hibern per Regem Iac. Sara filia Ric. Boyle Comitis de Corke in Hibernia Catherina Leticia Kildare Baro Digby infra aet an 1640. Ioh. Digby erectus in Baronem Digby de Shiâ—burne Com. Bristoll per Regem Iac. Thomas Digby de Mansfeild-Woodhouse in com Not. Touching the Ancestors of which Simon I find that they having antiently their residence at Tilton in Leicestershire thereupon assumed then sirname from thence in H. 2. time but afterwards fixing at Digby in Lincolnshire were called of that place which ever since hath been the known name of this Family Of which line was Iohn de Digby one of the Commissioners for the Gaol-deliverie at Warwick in 11. 12. 14. 15 32. and 33 E. 1. But I return This Simon was second son to Sir Everard Digby of Tilton Kt. which Sir Everard and three of his Brethren lost their lives at Touton-field in Yorkshire on K. H. 6. part But our Simon after he saw that the House of Yorke prevailed carried himself so obsequiously to Edw. 4 th that in 18 of that King's reign he had a grant of an annuitie of x l. per an issuing out of Retford-Mills in Nottinghamshire in consideration of his faithfull service done and to be done as the Patent doth import And within two years after pro bono commodisero servicio quod idem Simon multimodis laboribus expensis nobis per-antea multipliciter impendit as the King expresseth had the Forestership of Thornwodes in the Southern part of Shirewood bestowed on him for life also with the Fee of iiii d. per diem for the performance of that Office Yet no sooner did the Earl of Richmund appear in England though but with slender forces than that he with his six valiant Brothers viz. Sir Everard Digby of Tilton before specified Iohn Digby of Ketelby Rouland Digby of Welby both in Leicestershire Lybeus Digby of Luffnam in Rutland Thomas and Benjamin not forgetting the Lancastrian interest came in to him and fought stoutly on his part at Bosworth-field against K. Richard After which the said Earl having obtained a glorious victorie and being there crowned King by the name of Henry the vii th advanced Iohn and Thomas to the dignitie of Knighthood making the former also Knight-Marshall of his houshold and the other one of the Gentlemen-Huishers of his Chamber conferring on him the Bailywick of Olney in Buckinghamshire and Keepership of the Park there where he thenceforth made his residence
Friery where residing he died in an 1625. The Gild. OF this Gild forasmuch as it consisted of the Inhabitants of the whole Parish I have spoke in Manceter The Free-School THis was founded in 15 Eliz. by Sir William Devereux Kt. who then residing at Merevale obtained License to purchase lands and to give them thereunto the substance whereof are situate in Dosthill near Kingsburie And farther of this Town I have not to say than that it gave birth to one of our late famous Poets scil Michaell Draiton who being one of the Esquires that attended Sir Walter Aston of Tixhall in Com. Staff Kt. when he was made Kt. of the Bath at the Coronation of K. Iames lieth buried in the South Cross Isle of Westminster-Abby with this Epitaph on his Monument Doe pious Marble let thy Readers know What they and what their Children owe To Draiton's name whose sacred dust We recomend unto thy trust Protect his memorie and preserve his storie Remain a lasting Monument of his glorie And when thy ruins shall disclaim To be the Tresurer of his name His name that never sades shall be An everlasting Monument to thee Feldon-Bridge AT the further side of Atherston field stands this Bridge over Anker which being ruinous in 6 E. 3. License was granted to Edmund de Shireford to take Toll of all vendible commodities passing over it by the space of three years towards the charge in repairing thereof Merevale WEstwards from Atherston scarce a mile stands Miravale of which there is no particular mention in the Conquerour's Survey in regard it was involved with Grendon lying on the other side the River whereto it then belonged as an Out-wood and therewith became possest by Henry de Feriers a great man in these parts as I shall shew anon whose grandson Robert Earl Feriers having a reverend esteem of the Cistertian Monks which in his time began to multiply in England made choice of this mountainous and woody Desert as fittest for solitude and devotion to found therein a Monasterie of that Order which was begun accordingly in the xiiith year of K. Stephen's reign and being propagated with Monks from Bordesley-Abby in Worcestershire had by reason of such its situation the name of Miravalle attributed thereto the lands wherewith he endowed it being these viz. all his Forest of Arden id est his Out-wood in that part of the Woodland which then bore the name of Arden and also what he had in Whitington together with the Mannour of Overton now called Orton on the Hill in Com. Leic. as also Herdwike in the Peake of Derbyshire unto Cranokesdune with Câ—mmon of pasture in Hertendon and Pillesburie for Sheep and other Cattell as the words of his Charter do import But besides this it had severall other Benefactors of which the principall were these scil Gerard de Limesi Walt. de Camvile Raphe de Baskervile and Pain de Baskervile as K. H. 2. Charter whereby he ratified their grants manifesteth So that about 30 H. 2. there were the Granges of More now More-Barne Broile Seile Litle Petling the Church of Overton on the Hill with the Chapells of Grendon Twicrosse Gopfhull and Baxterley some in this Countie and some in Leicestershire belonging thereto as the Bull of Pope Lucius the third whereby he confirmed them doth manifest Divers lands had these Monks afterwards bestowed on them also through the bountie of sundry other persons viz. in Litle Sheyle by Henry de Appelby and others In Overton subt Ardern by Iohn de Overton and Rob. Stapleton In Brantingthorp by Rob. de Brantingthorp and others In Shepye by Nich. de Temple and others In Hertyndon as parcell of the Mannour of Pillesburie they obtained Cxx. acres of land more from Thomas Earl of Lancaster in lieu of xx s. yearly Rent which they usually did receive at his Exchequer of Tutbury In 2 E. 3. they had a grant of two Messuages three Shops and xii s. Rent in Leicester by Petronill Oliver of Leicester to finde a Priest for celebration of Divine service in the Conventuall Church of Miravale for the soul of her the said Petronill her ancestors and all the faithfull deceased In 11 E. 3. they had more lands bestowed on them lying in Overton Peatling and Brantingthorpe before specified by sundry persons In 18 E. 3. they purchased xvii Messuages and divers lands in Atherston Bentley and Baxterley with the moytie of the Mannour of Baxterley In 31 E. 3. they had a Messuage and a yard land in Bentley bestowed on them by Iohn de L'isle then Lord of that Mannour to find xv Tapers in the Chapell of our Ladie near the Gate of the Abby In 10 R. 2. they purchased six other Messuages in Atherston and certain Rents in Whitington and Baxterley In 16 R. 2. four Messuagâ—s and certain lands in Tamworth â— and Wilmecote as also two Messuages more in Atherston And in 28 H. 6. they obtained the Church of Manceter with an appropriation thereof The value of all which lands and all other their possessions amounting unto CCLiiii l. i s. viii d. as appears by the Survey of 26 H. 8. preserved it from him when the lesser Houses went to wrack in 27 H. 8. But in 30 H. 8. it was overwhelm'd in the generall deluge being surrendred to the King's use by the then Abbot and Covent as their publick Instrument under the Conventuall Seal dated 13 Oct. the same year whereunto their names are particularly subscribed doth manifest whose Pensions during life as they were by Patent granted to them I have here also added Willielmus Arnold Abbas xl l. Ioh. Ownsbe Sub-Prior v l. vi s. viii d. Edm. Bromley alias Crockell v l. vi s. viii d. Will. Tunman v l. vi s. viii d. Rob. Fenne v l. Thomas Benson v l. Will. Robynson Sacrista v l. vi s. viii d. Ioh. Dunne v l. vi s. viii d. Will. Bron v l. Ioh. Spey Liii s. iiii d. After which viz. 2 Dec. 32 H. 8. was the site hereof with the lands and woods adjacent together with New-House-Grange and Pinwell-Grange in Com. Leic. As also Owsthirn-Grange in this Countie granted to Sir Walt. Devereux Kt. Lord Ferrers of Chartley and to the heirs male of his body so that there being a reversion in the Crown for defect of issue male in 4 E. 6. he obtained another Patent being then arrived to the dignitie of Vicount Hereford for the same site and the other lands to himself and his heirs generall Which Walter disposed thereof to Sir Will. Devereux Kt. his younger son as it seems for he it was that patcht up some part of the ruins here and resided thereon as I have heard And by his Testament bequeathing it to Ioan his wife for life gave the remainder to Walter Vicount Hereford his nephew and his heirs Which Walter afterwards created Earl of Essex left issue Robert
will and Testam bearing date 8 Aug. 15 H. 6. appointed that if it should please God to send him another son his Executors should pass an estate to him inter alia of this his Mannour and Castle of Bathkington and to the heirs male of his body with remainder to his right heirs for ever But departing this life ult Apr. an 1439. 18 H. 6. and leaving Hen. his son and heir afterwards created D. of Warw. the said Henry enjoy'd it and after him Ric. Nevill E. of Salisbury in right of Anne his wife sister and heir of the whole blood to the said Duke unto whom â—being also in that respect advanced to the same Earldom of Warwick the Executors to the same Ric. Beauchamp did in accomplishment of his said last Will and Testam deliver and confirm it inter alia upon condition that he the said Earl and his Countess should forthwith grant it unto the Dean and Chapter of the Collegiate Church in Warwick and their successors in pure and perpetuall alms which was accordingly performed Whereupon it continued thereto till that grand dissolution of the Religious houses by K. H. 8. but then by the Survey made in 26. of that K. reign having been valued at 34. l. 14. s. it became swallowed up in the Crown and by Letters Pat. dated 13 Apr. 36 H. 8. was thence granted unto Francis Goodere of London Gent. and his heirs who dyed seized thereof 1 E. 6. leaving Henry his son 13. years of age Which Henry being afterwards Kt. did by Indenture bearing date 20 Ian. 37. Eliz. entayl it upon the heirs male of his body but fayling of such issue and desiring that his lands might continue to his posterity and name marryed Frances his eldest daughter unto his own brothers son viz. Henry Goodere son and heir to Sir Will. Goodere then of Monkskirby Kt. and setled this Mannour on them and their descendants which Henry being afterwards Knighted and a Gentleman of the Privy-Chamber to K. Iames but not so fortunate as to augment his estate by following the Court engaged this Lordship to Sir Henry Raynsford of Clifford in Gloucestersh and others who in 16 Iac. sold it to William Bromley Esq. descended from Sir Walter Bromley of Bromley in com Staff Kt. temp R. Ioh. the now seat of the Lord Gerard whose family hath for many ages flourisht in the Counties of Staff Salop and Chester and lineall heir Male to the sometime famous Sir Iohn Bromley who in 4 H. 5. recovering the Standard of Guyen in that memorable battail of Corby then gained by the French in a fierce charge on that wing which Hugh Stafford Lord Bourchier his near kinsman then commanded had for that eminent service not onely the dignity of Knighthood confer'd upon him but lands of great value in the Dutchy of Normandy with offices of speciall power and trust in those parts as also an augmentation to his Arms viz. the same Standard of Guyen for his Crest To which Sir Iohn succeeded Sir Iohn his son and heir who by his first wife leaving none but femal issue amongst whom by reason of a speciall Entail a large inheritance was shared afterwards wedded M. daughter of Ric. Widvile E. Rivers by Iaquet Dutchess of Bedford a branch of the Imperiall family of Luxemburgh and great grandchild to K. Edw. 3. by the Princess Isabell his eldest daughter and by her had issue Thomas whose direct heir male is Will. Bromley Esq. son to the before specified William now Lord of this Mannour a person whose speciall endowments do shew that he hath not degenerated from such his worthy ancestors unto whom I have dedicated the Map of this Hundred whereof he is so great an ornament as by his Arms therein graven with that honourary Crest before mentioned which hath been born by them ever since may be seen Of the Castle sometime standing here is there now besides the moat nothing remayning except heaps of rubbish nor when it was demolisht have I yet found but this is memorable thereof viz. that when Henry D. of Hereford and Iohn D. of Norff. should have determined the difference then betwixt themselves by a personall combat upon Gosford green near Coventre in 21 R. 2. the said Henry then lodg'd thereat and from thence advanc't to the place appointed upon his white Courser barded with blew and green velvet gorgeously embroidered with Swans and Antelops of Goldsmiths work and armed at all points In an 1291. 19 E. 1. the Church here dedicated to S. Iohn Bapt. was valued at vii marks but in 26 H. 8. at viii l. xx d. over and above viii s. allowed for Procurations and Synodalls Patroni Eccl. Incumbentes c. Prior Conv. de Kenilworh Tho. de Dunton Cler. 1285. Prior Conv. de Kenilworh Will. de Shulton Cler. 4. Id. Sept. 1314. Prior Conv. de Kenilworh Ric. hatte Birches de Solihull Cap. 4. Cal. Iun. 1353. Prior Conv. de Kenilworh Ioh. Fylot Cler. 3. Cal. Feb. 1361. Prior Conv. de Kenilworh Henr. Wyther Pbr. 4. Ian. 1377. Prior Conv. de Kenilworh Will. de Stonley Pbr. 23. Sept. 1383. Prior Conv. de Kenilworh Ric. de Burley 21 Iunii 1384 Prior Conv. de Kenilworh Ioh. Porter Cap. 26. Aug. 1405. Prior Conv. de Kenilworh Ioh. Haghmund Cap. 18. Ian. 1409. Prior Conv. de Kenilworh Will. Smyth Cap. 5. Dec. 1421. Prior Conv. de Kenilworh Mag. Ioh. Sparrow in decretis baccal 14. Apr. 1506. Prior Conv. de Kenilworh Ioh. Pysfort art Mag. 11. Apr. 1511. Will. Willington de Bercheston ratione conc c. Pr. C. de Kenill Rob. Wildy Cap. 17. Febr. 1539. Henr. Porter Gen. ratione ut supra Ioh. Farmer Cler. 9. Sept. 1552. Iohanna Winter de Stonley Gen. Ioh. Hyckes Cler. 25. Martii 1555. Edw. Underhill Gen. Edm. Mylnerson 12. Oct. 1557 Ph. M. Rex R. Tho. Dagyll Cler. 9. Dec. 1558. Edw. Underhill de Bathkinton Gen. Tho. VVotton Cler. 1. Sept. 1560. Henr. Goodere ar Iac. Gybson Cler. 24. Apr. 1584. Carolus Rex ratione minoris aetat Will. Bromley Tho. Gybson in art Mag. 16. Dec. 1628. Kenilworth LIttle more than a mile below Baginton is the river of Sow more enlarged by a small brook coming from Kenilworth of which place before I pass further I am next in order to speak Before the Conquest it was a member of Stoneley being antient demesn of the Crown and had within the precincts thereof a Castle situat upon the bank of Avon in the woods opposite to Stoneley-Abby Which Castle stood upon a place called Hom-hill but was demolished in those turbulent times of warr betwixt King Edmund and Canutus the Dane By the Conq. Survey it appears that this which now beares onely
13 Dec. to go to their own houses or stay where they pleased within this Kingdome till Candlemas following carrying themselves peaceably The same Author saith that Sim. Montfort and his Mother the Countess got away privately but five dayes before the Castle was delivered and fled beyond Sea but when he so got out of the Castle is somewhat uncertain for by what I have said already it appears that he was in the Isle of Ely the K. Letter Pat. bearing date Ian. xvi after the render of the Castle importing as much Which render was upon the Feast-day of S. Thomas the Apostle so that the seige lasted full six months Whereupon the K. took his journey the next day to Osney near Oxford and there celebrated the Feast of the Nativity of our Saviour with great joy But this seige was very prejudicial to the Canons of Kenilworth and did impoverish them much for in September after it was begun though they allowed the K. 300 quarters of Corn and many other things that the rest of their goods might be protected yet were they not free from the Souldiers oppression so that to releive their wants by his Letters Pat. bearing date the 24 of Ian. next ensuing the render of the Castle he recommended the same to all their Tenants requiring them to contribute in such manner thereto as they would expect that God should bless them and himself give them thanks Neither did the Monks of Stoneley avoyd the burthen of this Leaguer but all the recompence they had was that the K. confirmed their Charters There is no question but that the charge of this seige was very vast for in 53 of this K. reign Will. Bagot who had been Shiriff for 6 years before was allowed upon his account 75 l. 13 s. 9 d. for 255 quarters of Wheat 52 Oxen and 173 Muttons which he then took up and sent in out of this County and it is not to be doubted but that besides what the Countyes adjacent suffered by extravagancies of the Souldiers they sent in proportionable provisions or money All that I have else found memorable relating thereto is the delivery of the Sword called Curtina which is used to be carryed before the K. of England at their Coronation unto the Keeper of the K. Pavilion here on Sunday next after the Feast of S. Margaret the K. being then in the Camp as a so that the Queen accompanyed the D. of Brunneswik from Windsor-castle hither the said D. then marrying the K. Neece in his presence And lastly that Philip Marmion being Constable of this Castle immediatly after the seige carryed away divers Arms Lead Iron and other things to the then value of x l. But after the Articles for render hereof were so signed as aforesaid the K. staid not long ere he disposed of it for on the 16 day of the same month his Charter bears date at Warwick whereby he gave it unto Edmund his younger son and to the heirs of his body lawfully begotten reserving to himself the advousons of the Priory of Kenilworth and Abby of Stoneley And in short space conferred certain priviledges unto him here viz. on the 28 day of December ensuing Free-chase and Free-warren in all his demesn lands and woods belonging to this Castle And the next year following a weekly Mercate upon the Tuesday and a Faire yearly to last for 3 dayes viz. the Even day and morrow after the Feast of S. Michael Which Edmund was E. of Leicester and Lancaster viz. of Leicester created 25 Oct. 49 H. 3. after the death of S. Montfort shin in the battle of Evesham and of Lancaster 31 Iunii 51 H. 3. And in 7 E. 1. held this Castle in demesn having two Mills standing upon the water of the Pool belonging thereto and several Freeholders which held of him by suit of Court and fealty As also two woods one called the Frith and another the Park then Common and containing 300 acres according to the large measure At that time it was certified that his Park here contained 40 acres of wood and the Pool half a mile in length and a quarter of a mile in bredth as also that he had here a Court-leet Gallows Assize of Bread and Beer with a Mercate on the Tuesday The same year I find that there was a great and famous concourse of noble persons here at Kenilworth called the Round-table consisting of an hundred Knights and as many Ladies whereunto divers repaired from forreign parts for the exercise of Arms viz. Tilting and martial Tournaments and the Ladies Dancing who were clad in silken Mantles Rog. Mortimer E. of Marâ—h being the chief and the occasion thereof Which Exercises began on the Eve of S. Mathew the Apostle and continued till the morrow after Michaelmas day the reason of the Round-table being to avoyd contention touching precedency a Custome of great antiquity and used by the antient Gauls as Mr Cambden in Hantsh from Athenaeus an approved Author observes As for other memorable matters relating to this place the enlargement of the Park hath next priority which was begun by Thomas E. of Lanc. son to the before specified Edmund for it appears that in 30 E. 1. Iohn Peche then Lord of Honile near adjoyning released his right of Common there so that the said Earl might hold it up inclosed with ditches and pales saving to him the said Iohn and his heirs Common of pasture for his Hogs and Cattle in two places viz. Merebroc and Bernet and in all other places not inclosed at the making of that release But after this viz. in 15 E. 2. Tho. E. of Lanc. beheaded at Pontfract being for his rebellion attainted and thereupon his lands and possessions confiscate Iohn de Somery Baron of Dudley and Raph Lord Basset of Drayton were appointed to seize this Castle for the K. use as by a special Precept dated at Tutbury 12 Martii appeareth which within 4 dayes following was committed to the custody of Ranulph Charun then his servant howbeit 24 Maii after he removed the said Ranulph and made Rob. de Stoke Governour in his stead In 16 E. 2. Iohn de Hastings had the custody of it and the next year Odo de Stoke which Odo held that command so long as his unfortunate Master had any power for in Febr. which was towards the later end of the 19 year of E. 2. the K. discerning those clouds which shortly after raised the flood of rebellion to such a height as that himself was miserably overwhelm'd therein commanded the same Odo then his Constable thereof to take and retain as many able men as he should in his discretion think fit for the garrisoning thereof But alas all too late such was the defection of most of the Nobles in their allegiance to him the cause whereof was principally attributed to his being so much swayed
at the Norman Conquest and afterwards given by Geffr de Clinton the second to Gilebert Nutricius of whom I shall speak in Lemington in which grant it is called Molendinum de Chibbeâ—lide How the said Gilbert parted with it appears not but I find that Henry de Clinton son to the said Geffrey morgaged it to Randolph de Cocton for ten pounds of silver It seems that the same Geffr bestow'd it on the Canons of Kenilworth for so doth the confirmation of Henry his son made to them thereof imply whereby he grants unto them therewith both the Miller and his Children in which it is written Kibclive And yet it can hardly be said that he gave it for by his deed it appears that the same Canons discharged xx marks of silver which the said Miller was tyed to pay as also 2 marks of silver yearly to the said G. de Clinton during his life But in 7 E. 1. I find that the Prior of Kenilworth had two Mils here which after the dissolution of the Monasteries were granted to Ric. and Tho. Lawley and their heirs Milverton SOmewhat lower on the Southeast side of Avon â— stands Milverton wherein the E. of Mellent held 2 hydes excepting 1 virgat and a Mill valued at 50 s. as appears by the Conq. Survey all which was then rated at C s. having been the Free-hold of one Leuuinus before the Norman invasion but in that Record it is written Malvertone which shews that it originally had its name from some antient possessor thereof That most of the said E. of Mellent's lands in this County came to the Earls of Warwick is plain enough but how or when this place was disposed of by those Earls considering that we have so little light touching those elder times I am not able directly to shew The first most antient mention thereof that I have met with is that Roger Earl of Warwick upon his foundation of the Collegiat-Church in Warwick which was in An. 1123. 23. H. 1. gave inter alia for the maintenance of the Canons there half a hide in Mulvertone so it is there written and all the tithe of those lands there which were of his fee. What proportion of this village Geffrey de Clinton the Founder of Kenilworth-Castle had I cannot say but that he enjoyed a part thereof is certain for upon his death-bed he gave command to Geffrey his son that he should render two yard land lying here in Melvertone to Ermenfrede de Ponte his servant which was done accordingly After this and very antiently doe I find that there were three Lords of this Town viz. Astley Spigurnell and the third a Prebend of the Collegiat-Church in Warwick each possessing a distinct share as I shall shew anon And that what Astley had here was given to their family in H. 1. time as is evident from what I have already said in Astley But the first mention I find of Spigurnell is in 12. Ioh. where Rob. de Milverton levied a Fine of two yard land here to Walter Spigurnell and Celestina his wife Whether this was all that Spigurnell had here I cannot determine but I believe it was the two yard land which the above mentioned G. de Clinton possest This village hath antiently been accounted within the Parish of Wotton for in King Iohn's time G. Muschamp Bishop of Coventre upon the appropriation of the Church of Wotton to the Canons of Kenilworth granted unto them onely one mark yearly out of the Chappell of Milverton But Parishes being not perfectly setled till about the later end of that Kings raign as in Church over I have shewed this Chapell in the beginning of H. 3. time grew to the reputation of a Church for by that name did the above mentioned Walter Spigurnell and Celestina pass the advouson thereof to the Canons of Kenilworth in 16. H. 3. Which family of Spigurnell having their seat at Emscote in this Parish held that place together with Milverton of the Honour of Leicester by half a Knights fee in 55. H. 3. But Astley enfeof't Trussell of the most part that he had here which might be the occasion that Ric. Trussell took part with Thomas de Astley one of the rebellious Barons in H. 3. time for I find that the same Râ—chard was slain in the battail of Evesham with the said Thomas in 49. H. 3. Howbeit the residue of Astley's lands in this place were by Thomas Lord Astley inter alia given in 11. E. 3. for the foundation of a Chantry in the the Parish-Church of Astley â— as I have there manifested which afterwards when the said Chantry being augmented with greater possessions was changed into a Collegiat-Church were by the said Lord Astlâ—y assigned for the maintenance of one of the Canons therein and called the Prebend of Milverton In 7. E. 1. it was certified that Iohn Spigurnell Will Trussell and Raph de Hengham were Lords of Milverton and that the said Iohn held his share therein Emscote being joyned therewith of Elene la Zouch by the service of half a Knights fee. which Elene was one of the coheirs of Roger Quincy E. of Winchester who had part of the Honour of Leicester in right of Margaret his mother one of the coheirs to the last of those antient Earls By that Record it also appears that the same Iohn had two yard land here in demesn and five servants who held one yard land an half and a fourth part by servile tenure as abovesaid and 12. Cottiers holding one Carucat at the will of the Lord And that the Mill was then held by Iohn de Astele of the said Sir Andrew for the yearly rent of v. marks and a half and two strikes of Eeles to Will. Trussell And lastly that Raph de Hengham held his share of the Earl of Warwick viz. two yard land which four Freeholders then occupyed being a Prebend of the Collegiat-Church in Warwick howbeit in 9. E. 2. there was no other certified to be Lord of Milverton but Will. Trussell and yet in 20. E. 3. Maud Spigurnell answered for the sixt part of a Knights fee here and in Emscote which she held of the Honour of Winchester From which Will. descended Sir Allured Trussell Knight as in Billesley appeareth Who in 6. R. 2. entayled this Mannour for by that name it is recorded upon the heires male of his body with remainder to Sir Fouke Pembruge Knight and Margaret his wife and the heires of the said Margaret Whether the descendants of the said Sir Alured past away their right therein or if so when and to whom I cannot say for I find that they continued possest of a great part of this village till H. 8. time Thomas Trussell then dying seyzed of ten messuages xx yard land xxx acres of meadow xx acres of pasture and a water-mill all situat within the precincts thereof
leaving Alured his grandchild and heir four years of age But Spâ—gurnel's part came at length to the Hugfords by purchase as I guess for in 12. H. 4. Rob. Hugford esq obtained a Charter of Free-warren in all his demesn lands that he then had in possession or reversion here and in Edmescote To which Robert succeeded Thomas who in 10. H. 6. was certified to be Lord thereof with Emscote and that he held it by the sixt part of a Knights fee but since that time it is divolved by a daughter and coheir of Hugford to the Beaufoes as in Emscote I shall shew and continueth unto them untill this day That the Church was antiently a Chappell belonging to Wotton I have already manifested being afterwards appropriated to the Canons of Kenilworth and endowed with xv acres of land but of the Vicaridge there hath not been any Ordination considering its vicinity to Kenilworth whence the Prior usually sent a Priest to serve the Cure to whom he allowed the small tithes and offerings for his pains which in 26. H. 8. were certified to be worth vi li. per annum Emscote HEre is now no more left than the Mannour-house the rest having been long since depopulated The first mention I find thereof is that Walter Spigurnell in a grant to the Monks of Combe of certain common of pasture within his fee of Mulverton calls himself of this place then written Edulfescote which shews that one Edulfus was antiently owner thereof But upon collection of the Aid in 20. H. 3. it is written Edelmescote and so by contraction in pronouncing now made Emscote Of which family scil Spigurnell there were these that had to do here viz. Walter who lived in King Iohn's time and beginning of H. 3. Iames against whom Will. Trussell in 37. H. 3. brought an Assise for common of pasture in this villagâ— then written Edelvecote and Iohn Spigurnell in 55. H. 3. Who in 7. E. 1. was certified to be Lord thereof holding it of Elen la Souch one of the coheirs to whom part of the Honour of Leicester descended as I have intimated in Milverton by suit of Court twice a year Which Iohn held here a certain meadow then in demesn paying to Will. Trussell a mark yearly and as much to the Prioress of Grace-Dieu and had five servants holding two yard land and a fourth part by a certain Rent and performing severall services viz. reaping mowing carrying Hay and corn gathering of stubble harrowing c. And two Cottiers holding two Cottages for certain Rent and Hay-making To whom succeeded Henry Spigurnell who in 1.2.4 and 11. E. 2. was in Commission for taking Assises of Novel disseisin and for the Gaol-delivery at Warwick But after him I have not seen more of any male branch of this family nor female except Maud Spigurnell who in 20. E. 3. held the sixt part of a Knights fee here and in Milverton of the Honour of Winchester The next possessor of this mannour that I have met with was Will Revell descended from the Revells of Newbold-Revell as in the Pedegree there inserted is manifest that dyed without issue leaving Ioan his sister and heir wife to Geffrey Reynolds by whom she had issue Richard who affecting his mothers name called himself Revell Which Ioan in her widdowhood marryed to Will. Attelberge a Citizen of Coventre and party to the Covenants of Marriage betwixt the said Ric. Revell his son in law and Margery the daughter of Robert Hâ—ggeford in 7. H. 4. What this Richard Revell was by his profession or practise appears not but he kept not this Lordship long for in 9. H. 4. he levyed a Fine thereof to the abovementioned Rob. Hâ—gford his father in law and Ioyce his wife and to the heirs of the said Robâ—rt And by his deed of Release dated 18. Maii the same year wherein he calls himself Ric. filius Galfridi Reynald de Edmescote alias dictus Ric. filius Iohaâ—nae filiae Willielmi Ryvell confirmed to the said Robert Hâ—gford and Ioyce and the heirs of the said Robert all his right therein Which Robert obtained a Charter of Free-warren in all his demesn lands here and in Milverton dated 12. Dec. 12. H. 4. in whose male line it continued till the beginning of H. 7. time and then by a daughter and coheir came to Beaufo But before this Robert Hugford I have not seen anything of their name in this County howbeit in Shropshire there was an antient family of them And if I may have liberty to guess at the originall of this man's advancement to so good a fortune in Warwickshire I shall conclude it to have been through his relation to Thomas Beauchamp Earl of Warwick For it appears that in 20. R. 2. he was Custos Hospitii id est Comptroller of the houshold unto the said Earle who by his Letters Pat. for so they are termed bearing date at Warwick 26. Apr. 1. H. 4. granted unto him by the title of his beloved Eâ—quire for his good service done and to be done as well to him the said Earl as unto Richard Beauchamp his son an Annuity of 8 li. to be yearly received during his life out of the said Earles Mannour of Wike neer Pershore in Com. Wigorn. And upon the last day of the said moneth of Aprill in the same year I find that this Robert was retained by Indenture to serve the said Earl and his son Richard all his life as well in Peace as Warr receiving for his wages in time of Peace 7 li. per annum out of the issues and profits of the said Mannour of Wike but upon these further Covenants viz. to come to the said Earle or his said son whensoever he should be required in times of peace with a Groom and two Horses during his stay Rob. Hugford 20. R. 2. Iâ—cosa obiit 3. H. 5. Margeria nupra Roberto Rivel 7. H. 4. Tho. Hugford 3. H. 5. Tho. Hugford dominus de Prinsethorp 4. E. 4. Will. Hugford 4. E. 4. Ioh. Hugford 9. H. 8. Ioh. Hugford 1. E. 4. Margar. filia haeres Nich. Metley Iohanna filia haeres Humfridus Beaufo 20. H. 7. Ioh. Beaufo 20. H. 7 Ioh. Beaufo Ioh. Beaufo obiit 25. Eliz. Tho. Beaufo aetat 33. ann 25. Eliz. That in time of Warr he should receive from the said Earl or his son xx li. for his wages whereof half to be payd at the beginning of the Warr and the rest quarterly as long as he did continue therein That he should be well and sufficiently armed arrayed and horsed for the warr sutable to his degree with one Yeoman 2. Grooms and 4. Horses and to have dyet for himself and livery for his said servants and Horses but that the said Earl or his son should have the third part of whatsoever he the said Robert or his men did gain by the war
the Free-hold of one Uluuinus in Edw. the Conf. time and the E. of Mellent one hyde rated at xx s. which Chentvin possest before the Norman invasion But in Domesday-book it is written Franchetone the k being not then used by the Norman Clerks How to reconcile this with what I find by other Records viz. that it was inter alia given by E. Leofrike to the Priory of Coventre at his foundation thereof 1 Edw. Conf. and that it continued to that Monastery even till its dissolution being reputed de Baronia Prioris de Cov. as the Record in 9 E. 2. manifesteth I do not well know That the advouson of the Church and some lands in Frankton were in other hands is apparent but these were of so small a proportion that I cannot conceive they extended to more than what the E. of Mellent had and therefore taking the liberty to conjecture I shall by the help of strong circumstances conclude that what Rog. E. of Shrewsbury had here at that time he enjoyed by intrusion upon the right of the Monks which was no strange act amongst those bold persons who had such large shares in this Kingdome upon the Conquest thereof and that the Church was founded and endowed out of the E. of Mellent's part of the probability wherof I shall make some further observation anon Touching the Priors Mannour I find that K. H. 3. granted to the Monks of Cov. Free-warren in all their demesn lands here 30 Iulii 41 H. 3. and that Rog. Meyland B. of Cov. and Lich. in an 1260. 44 H. 3. gave them immunity from payment of any tythes out of all their demesn lands lying therein Other priviledges the said Monastery had here as appeareth by the Quo VVarr Roll of 13 E. 1. whereunto I refer my Reader for satisfaction as I also do to the Leiger-book of that House f. 217. a. and 220 a. for the extent with the metes and bounds thereof After the dissolution of the Monasteries it continued in the Crown till 32 Eliz. and then was granted to Tho. Thornton and Tho. VVoodcock and their heirs who sold it to Iohn Temple which Iohn gave it unto Iohn Temple one of his younger sons whose son and heir Thomas now enjoys it I now come to the other part which the E. of Mellent held with the advouson of the Church This as most of that Earls lands did came to Hen. de Neuburgh the first E. of Warw. after the Conquest or to Rog. his son For in 12 H. 2. Will. E. of Warw. certifies that Rob. de Frankton held one Kts. fee of him de veteri feoffamento whereby 't is clear that the ancestor of the said Rob. was enfeoft thereof temp H. 1. which Kts. fee was held of the succeeding Earls by Will. de Frankton in 20 H. 3. From whom descended Raph de Frankton who past this Mannour to Rog. de Elinhale and he to Raph de Okeover and Alice his wife sister to the said Roger. Which Raph in 4 E. 2. alien'd to Ioh. le Palmere of Frankton and his heirs the said advouson of the Church with one mess. 2 yard land 3 acres of meadow and 3 s. 1 d. rent To whom succeeded Will. le Palmere which Will. in 20 E. 3. with Henry de Hinton was certified to hold half a Kts. fee here of the heirs of Rob. Champayn and he of Raph Basset and he of Will. le Boteler of Oversley and he of the said E. of Warw. So that it appears that Boteler was originally enfeoft thereof by the E. of Mellent or the E. of Warw. who possest so much of Mellent's lands and granted it to Basset and he to Champayne of whom Palmer had it In whose male line it continued till the beginning of H. 6. time and then came to Iohn Hereward by Kath. the daughter and heir of Tho. Palmer as the Institutions to the Rectory manifest But the next possessor thereof that I find was Ric. Duke of Newenton-Purcell in Com. ...... Gent. who lived in the beginning of H. 8. time whose grandchild Iohn Duke dyed seized of it in 7 Eliz. leaving Ric. his son and heir 2 years old Since which one Tho. Leeson and after him Edw. Yorke and George his son have been owners of it and so also Iohn Shukburgh Esq by the marriage of Mr Yorke's daughter as I have heard In an 1291. 19 E. 1. the Church was valued at v marks and a half but in 26 H. 8. at Cxii s. over and above viii s. allowed for Procurations and Synodals and iiii l. yearly paid to the Priory of Coventre for the use of the Sacrist Patroni Ecclesiae Incumbentes temp Inst. Rob. de Hokovere Alicia ux ejus Ioh. de Clungunford Diac. 9 Cal. Oct. 1304. Ioh. lâ— Palmâ—r Ioh. de Chaddesden Cler. 9 Cal. Martii 1338. Ioh. lâ— Palmâ—r Ioh. Palmer Cler. 4 Id. Apr. 1342. Will. le Palmer Ioh. fil Will. le Palmer Cler. 4 Non. Iulii 1346. Ioh. le Palmer Ric. Boule Cler. 16 Cal. Ian. 1350. Ioh. le Palmer Tho. le Palmer Id. Ian. 1350. D. Episcopus Tho. Barwe Cler. 8 Feb. 1372. Henricus de Wentebriggs Magr. Walt. London 5 Iunii 1404. Tho. Palmer Will. Couper Cap. 13 Febr. 1408. Tho. Palmer Ioh. Everard Cap. 1 Oct. 1410. Tho. Palmer Ric. Wodyngtone Cap. 13. Maii 1411. Ioh. Hereward uâ— ejus filia haeâ—es Tho. Palmer de Frankton Ric. Pracy Pbr. ult Ian. 1427. Ioh. Hereward uâ— ejus filia haeâ—es Tho. Palmer de Frankton Henr. Coventre Cap. 15. Febr. 1451. Reynburn Balguy alii hac vice ratione concess Ric. Duke de Newenton-Purcell gen Edw. Stretehey art Magr. 19 Apr. 1529. Will. Hancok hac vice ex concess Ric. Duke Bernardus Massy Cler. ..... 1547. Anthon. Leeson de Abthorpe in Com. Northampt. Gen. Ioh. Newton Cler. 27 Ian. 1560. Anthon. Leeson in leg bacc Tho. Dagly Cler. 7 Ian. 1563. Wilfridus Leutiâ— hac vice Will. Câ—ver 3 Dec. 1566. Henr. Clever de Herdwicke Ioh. Smyth 11 Aug. 1569. Georgius Yorke ar Ric. Shughborough Cler. art bacc 16 Iunii 1619. Cath. Densey ex concess Ric. Shughburgh G. Yorke Ioh. Biker art Magr. 20. Iulii 1626. Wapenbury NExt below on the same side of Leame stands Wapenbury one of the Lordships in this Shire given by K. Will. the Conq. unto Geffrey Wirce of whom I have spoke in Monkskirby Which Geffrey being a good Benefâ—ctor to the Monks of S. Nicholas at Angiers in France bestowed on them inter alia the greatest part of the tythes in this Village By the Conq. Survey 't is certified that this place contained 5 hydes and that there was then a Mill rated at vi s. viii d. with woods of half a mile in length and 2 furlongs broad all being then valued at Cx s.
32. H. 6. and then sc. 13 Oct. they assured to the Pr. and Covent of Sulby aforesaid the Pension of xx s. issuing out of it with 8 pound of Wax yearly due to the said Carthusians and the perpetual patronage of the Rectory which was appropriated to those Canons by Regin Bowlers B. of Cov. and Lich. 30 Aug. an 1454. 32 H. 6. there being thereupon reserved vi s. viii d. Pension to the B. and his successors and ii s. to the Arch-Deacon of Cov. to be yearly paid at the Feast of All Saints as also iii s. iiii d. per an to the poor of this parish for ever In 26 H. 8. the Vicaridge was valued at viii l. per ann being a stipend as it seems in money onely paid to the Incumbent by the Canons of Sulby Patroni Ecclesiae Incumb temp Inst. Prior Conv. de Kirby-monach Hugo Tankard Cap. 1283. Prior Conv. de Kirby-monach Magr. Henr. de Kirby Id. Dec. 1315. D. Rex ratione temporalium Priorat de Kirby in manu sua exist Tho. Breton Pbr. 6 Cal. Dec. 1325. D. Rex ratione temporalium Priorat de Kirby in manu sua exist Will. del Peek Pbr. 9 Cal. Nov. 1349. Pr. C. de Kirby-monach Ioh. de Hermesthorp Cler. 11 Cal. Sept. 1361. Rad. Co. Staff procurator generalis Pr. C. de Kirby Will. Mountaine accol 9. Cal. Martii 1365. D. Rex ratione ut suprà Ric. de Staynton 14 Cal. Feb. 1369. D. Rex ratione ut suprà Tho. de Schifford 24 Martii 1371. D. Rex ratione ut suprà Ioh. de Hopwas Pbr. 2 Cal. Nov. 1373. Pr. C. de Kirby-monach Ioh. Newenham Cap. 8. Iulii 1402. Pr. Conv. de Axholme Io. Bernard 14 Iunii 1411. Pr. Conv. de Axholme Henr. Scharyngton Cler. 24 Dec. 1418. Pr. Conv. de Axholme W. Wreo Cap. 25 Nov. 1419 Pr. Conv. de Axholme Ric. Swanland 22 Iulii 1422. Pr. Conv. de Axholme Io. Stoke Pbr. 8 Maii 1424 Pr. Conv. de Axholme Walt. Wodeward 14 Maii 1427. Pr. Conv. de Axholme Tho. Cranes Cap. 21 Iulii 1453. Patroni Vic. Abb. Conv. de Sulby Humfr. Fownes Cap. 20. Martii 1535. Edw. Sanders serviens ad legem ratione concess Abb. C. de Sulby Franc. Kymberley Cap. 9. Martii 1547. D. Regina Ioh. Hadfeild Cler. 16◠Aug. 1582. Tho. Wace son Th. Wace jun. de Wapenbury yomen Nich. Mare 3 Sept. 1586. Eathorpe THis is a little Village lying within the parish of Wapenbury and hath had its name from the situation thereof near the River Ea in our old English signifying water and thorpe a village or hamlet As it is in that parish so hath it been ever a member thereof and possest by the Lords of that Mannour howbeit till H. 6. time I have not seen any mention of it in Record but then as in Wapenbury I have shewed Ric. Stafford Esq and Raph Bellers were certified to be owners thereof Since which it hath attended the possession of that Lordship Weston subtus Wethele FUrther yet on the North side of Leame stands Weston which having the name from its situation is distinguished from the other towns in this County by the addition of subt Wethele the woods lying Northwards of it bearing the name of Wethele-woods In the Conq. time the E. of Mellent was possest of 3 hydes here excepting the third part of one virgate the woods belonging thereto containing 3 furlongs in length and one in bredth all which one Robert did at that time hold of the said Earl being valued at 50 s. But before the Norman invasion it was the Free-hold of Ulf. Which Robert held here also one yard land and a half of Turchil de Warwick whereof in Edw. the Conf. time Vluui whom I suppose to be the same Ulf above mentioned was possest Here likewise had Will. fil Corbucion 2 yard land and a half then valued at x s. and held by one Iohais But besides what he had did this Rob. also hold Napton of the said Earl and having his residence there assumed it for his sirname his posterity for a long time after continuing owners thereof In 20 H. 2. this Mannour with Napton then possest by Adam de Napton answered 22 l. to the K. imposed upon him as it seems for adhering to the Rebels Which two Mannours being originally in the Earl of Mellent as aforesaid were in 20 H. 3. certified to be held by the service of 2 Kts. fees of the Earl of Winchester in respect that that part of the Honour of Leicester came by marriage of one of the heirs female unto Quincy Of these Naptons divers bore the name of Adam whereof in H. 3. time was Sir Adam de Napton Kt. who entailed this Mannour upon his grandchild Adam and the heirs of his body Which Adam in 7 E. 1. was certified to hold it of the Earl of Boghan one of the heirs to the said E. of Winchester by the service of one Kts. fee having at the same time a Water-mill and 3 yard land and a half in demesn with as much in the hands of tenants who held by servile tenure As also 2 Free-holders holding 2 Cottages and eight more occupying 3 yard land and 3 quarters All which did suit twice a year to the Court for the Honour of Winchester At that time it was also certified that one Sylvester de Honygham held another Mannour here in Weston of Henry de Bereford and that the said Henry held the same of Iohn de Hastings that being it which Corbicon had in the Conq. time Which Sylvester had here 3 servants holding one yard land and a quarter and 2 Free-holders occupying the like proportion Touching that part which Turchil de Warwick had in the Conq. time it was likewise in 7 E. 1. held by Iohn de Wileweby of Rob. de Cumpton and by him of Sim. Basset and by him of the E. of Warwick unto whose ancestors the greatest part of Turchil's lands were given but this was no more than 1 yard land and a half then in the possession of two Free-holders Of Napton's Mannour here was that family possest till the beginning of H. 4. time though how long after I am not sure for in 1 H. 4. did Iohn de Napton and Eliz. his wife settle it with Napton on certain Feoffees But long it was not after ere that Edward Metley enjoy'd it or a great part of it for it appears that in 4 H. 4. the said Edward and Margaret his wife in right of her the said Margaret recovered seisin of 7 messuages 3 tofts ten yard land and 74 s. 9 d. rent lying here and in Napton yet whether it divolved from the said Edw. to Nich. Metley of whom I have spoke in Wapenbury and so to Sir Edw. Belknap as that Lordship did
son Whâ—ch Thomas the younger afterwards being E. of Warwick having obtained the Kings license for the same by his deed dated on Tuesday the feast of S. George 15. R. 2. inter alia pass'd it unto the Dâ—aâ— and Canons of the Collegiat-Church in Warwick and their successors for the good estate of the said King Ric. and Q. Anne as also of him the said Earl and Margaret his wife Will. Beauchamp his brother and Ioan his wife with their Children during this life and for the health of their souls after their departure hence and likewise of the souls of their Progenitors Ancestors and all the faithfull deceased Whereupon it was appropriated to the use of the said Colledge by the consent of Richard Scroope then Bishop of Cov. and Lich. ann scil 1395. 19 R. 2. xiii s. iv d. yeerly Pension being reserved out of the fruits thereof to the said Bishop and his successors for the indempnity of their Churches of Coventre and Lichâ—â—ld and ii s. to the Archdeacon of Coventre In 26 H. 8. the Vicaridge was valued at xii li. xviii s. ii d. over and above 8 s. -6 d. allowed for Procurations and Synodals Patroni Ecclesiae Incumb temp Instit. Galfr. de Langele miles Henr. Capellan An. 1248. Rob. de Langele D. Petrus de Leycestria 1299. Will. de Careswell miles Ioh. de Nayleston Cler. 3. Cal. Maii 1334. Thom. Comes Warwici Sim. de Catesby Cler. 12. Iulii 1375. Patroni Vicariae Decan Cap. Eccl. Coll. B. Mariae de Warwico Rob. Plumbe Pbr. 26. Iunii 1399. Decan Cap. Eccl. Coll. B. Mariae de Warwico Regin Carix 6. Nov. 1404. Decan Cap. Eccl. Coll. B. Mariae de Warwico Ric. Hayward Cap. 20. Ian. 1416. Decan Cap. Eccl. Coll. B. Mariae de Warwico Hugo Ruhale Cap. 15. Mart. 1416. Decan Cap. Eccl. Coll. B. Mariae de Warwico Thom. Walsham 25. Aug. 1421. Decan Cap. Eccl. Coll. B. Mariae de Warwico Nich. Segrave 27. Dec. 1432. Decan Cap. Eccl. Coll. B. Mariae de Warwico Rob. â—everley Pbr. 21. Sept. 1492. Decan Cap. Eccl. Coll. B. Mariae de Warwico Ioh. Allestre Cap. 28. Apr. 1504. Decan Cap. Eccl. Coll. B. Mariae de Warwico D. Ioh. Watwood 12. Febr. 1521. Ric. Bidle hac vice ratione concess D. Cap. Warw. D. Ioh. Fisher Cap. 13. Dec. 1542. Eliz. Regina Laurentius Bonde Cler. 9. Iulii 1586. Thom. Spenser ar Thom. Fosset Cler. 10. Iulii 1596. Thom. Spenser ar Ioh. Goode in art Bacc. 8. Dec. 1604. Thom. Spenser ar Laur. Hill Cler. 14. Iunii 1606. Rob. Raynsford de Staverton in Com. North. arm Edw. Nowell 8. Martii 1621. Rob. Raynsford de Staverton in Com. North. arm Ric. Crosse art Magr. 18. Aug. 1623. Flekenho THIS is the largest and chief of the Villages within the parish of Wolfhamcote and wherein one Leuuinus in the Conq. time held 1. hide and a half of the K. then valued at xxx s. which he purchased of Aluuine his brother As also 2. hides and half a yard land of Ulstane commonly called S. Wolstan Bishop of Worcester then likewise rated at xx s. more But the Bishop fayling to make good his title Leuuinus was at the Kings mercy for it At the same time one Oslach held here 2. hides and a half of Turchill de Warwick which were the freehold of Eduuinus before the Conquest And Ailricus one hide and half a yard land all which were valued at lx s. being part of that which Turchill's posterity enjoyed for Siward de Arden his son gave some of it to the Monks of Thorney in Cambridgshire But how long the family of Arden kept it I cannot directly say in regard I find that the Verdons who had also Wolfhamcote were possest hereof very antiently Roes de Verdon in 20 H. 3. answering for three parts of a Knights fee lying here and in Wolfhamcote Of the rest which Leuuinus held in the Conq. timâ— it seems that Musard was shortly after enfeoft and tâ—at the family of Hâ—stang had it from them as welâ— as the other lands that they held in this County And likewise that Verdon having the most of this village to make it all intirely his own obtained that which Hastang had here This is my conjecture but grounded â—pon great probabilities for I find that in 6 H. 3. Rob. Hastang clayming the service for â—alf a Knights fee here from Nich. de Verdon they came to an Agreement whereupon there was a Fine levied which expressing as much further sheweth that the said Nicholas and his heirs should perform those services to the above specified Robert and his heirs for ever Which half Knights fee in 20. H. 3. was answered for amongst the rest that Hastang held in this Shire under the title of Feoda Roberts Musard But to Nicholas de Verdon succeeded Roes his daughter and heir as in Brandon is shewed which Roes gave unto Iohn Fitz-Alan with Mâ—ud her daughter in Frank-mariage 23. mess. and 20. yard land in this place all which the said Maud Iohn Fitz-Alan her son did entail upon Rich. de Mundevill and Isabell his wife sister to the said Iohn and the heirs of their two bodyes but for lack of such issue to return the said Iohn and his heirsâ— which Richard had no issue by her as it seems so that the land reverted to the family of Fâ—â—z-Alâ—n For I find that Edmund Fitz-Alan Earl of Arundell grandchild to the before mentioned Iohn enfeoft Iohn de Segrave the elder and Christian his wife inter alia of these lands to hold for life and after their decease Stephen de Sâ—grave and Alice his wife and the heires of their two bodies lawfully begotten By which means they descended with Calâ—don already spoke of to Moubray and so to Berkley and were by Henry Lord Perkley temp Eliz. Reg. sold to Edw. Boughton of Causton esq as I have been informed Of whom the particular tenants purchased their severall Fermes so that now the reputation that it had of a Mannour is utterly lost And whether ever really it was so I make a question for the owners thereof never held any Court-Baron there but had a kind of yearly meeting for the Tenants which they called a Court whereat they usually demised their land and entred the Agreement in a Roll insted of making any formall Lease thereof as was usuall in antient time Out of which lands a yearly Rent of 3 s. 4 d. being due to the Mannour of Flekenho that was Verdon's is now payd by the Purchaâ—ers according to the proportion of the land they bought I now return to the rest that Verdon had here in Flekenho which was indeed the Mannour it self with lands of good value thereto belonging wherein I find that Iohn de Verdon son and heir of Roes before
recited in their Chapter and that after such his decease the said enlargement of Dyet for the Nuns should be changed from the before mentioned Tuesday to the day of his Obâ—t But these Hodenhulls came in process of time to be distinguisht otherwise than they were at first the one being called Hodenhull-Gurmund by reason that one Gurmundus held the 5. part of a Knights fee here of the Earl of Warwick and the other Hodenhull-Osbert from one Osbert who held the fourth part of a Knights fee of those Earles which family of Gurmund continued here for some descents for it appears that in 36 H. 3. Thomas Gurmund held the said 5. part of a Knights fee of the Earl of Warwick at which time one Simon de Hodenhull answered for half a Knights fee in the other then called Schiten-Hodenhull Touching that which the Monks of Combe possest here I find that it had antiently the reputation of a Mannour for by that name in 13 E. 1. they claymed a Court-Leet and other priviledges therein and had allowance of them as I have seen by the testimony of an antient Roll being vi mess. with vi yard land and a half 48 acres going to a yard land which part was also called Schiten-Hodenhull But the Monks of Combe continued not owners thereof till the general dissolution of the Religious Houses For in 16 E. 4. Will. Catesby Esq son of Sir Will. Catesby Kt. obtained the same together with the Mannour of Rodburne and what they had in Ascote to himself and the heirs male of his body from the Abbot and Covent of that House Other persons there were also that held lands in this place viz. in 20 E. 3. Iohn Burnell the 8 part of a Kts. fee Simon Gurmund the 4 part And about the 44 E. 3. Rob. Burnell by marriage of the heir the 4 part of a Kts. fee in Hodinhull-Bruiz and Ric. Gurmund a 5 part in Hodenhull-Gurmund which 5 part Iohn Harryes was found to hold in 2 H. 4. But the Mannour which belong'd to Nun-Eaton continued to that Monastery till 30 H. 8. that all the great Houses went to wrack After which it was purchased from the Crown as I have heard by Iohn Spenser whose ancestours had their residence here in H. 7. time and one Tho. Brauncefeild Which Iohn and Thomas sold it to Thomas Wilkes a Merchant of the Staple who dying without issue it divolved to Will. Wilkes his brother and so by reason that Robert his onely son dyed without issue to his daughters and heirs whereof Anne the eldest was marryed to Sir Will. Kingsmill Kt. Frances the second to Erasmus Dreyden Bar. and Margaret the third first to Francis Dimock and afterwards to Thomas Gibbs whereupon partition being made Old-Hodnell being that part thereof where the Mannour-house sometime stood fell to the said Erasmus Dreyden whose son and heir Sir Iohn Dreyden now of Canons-Ashby in Com. Northampt. enjoys it Ascote another part of it to Sir Will. Kingsmill who had issue Sir Henry Kingsmill of Sydmenton in Com. Sutht Kt. and he Sir Will. the present owner thereof And Watergall likewise parcel thereof to Thomas Gibbs whose son Edward still hath it Touching the depopulation here I find that in 18 H. 6. there were but 4 Housholders yet the Church was standing in 23 H. 8. for Tho. Spenser before specâ—fied by his last Will and Testament made at that time bequeathed his body to be interred before the Image of our blessed Lady in the Chancel thereof near to the place where his father was buryed and over and above xl marks that he gave by his said Testam to this Church dedicated to S. Helene appointed that his Executors should cause the Church-yard to be paâ—ed round and to be so kept Which Thomas gave also C marks to a C poor mens daughters such as dwelt nearest to Hodenhull to buy them Kyne at their marriages and entailed his lands upon Thomas son and heir to Will. Spenser of Badby The Church in old time but a Chapel had a mark per ann and a Stone of Wax granted out of it to the Canons of Kenilworth by G. Muschamp B. of Cov. in K. Iohn's timeâ— and being appropriat to the Monastery of Nun Eaton very antiently was in ann 1291. 19 E. 1. valued at v marks but never any Vicar endowed Neither in 26 H. 8. upon the valuation of the Church-livings doth it appear that here was so much as a Curat the Tythes being then let by the Nuns of Eaton to Iohn Audley Esq for xi l. xiii s. 10 d. per ann Ascote THis was originally a member of Hodenhull but antiently written Astanescote and Estanescote which shews that the name at first sprung from some possessor thereof in the Saxons time perhaps Estanus for that was an appellation then in use I find that the Monks of Combe had divers petty parcels of land granted to them by sundry persons of mean rank all which Will. de Ludinton confirmed But there is little further memorable of this place in particular considering that the several Mannours in Hodenhull extended into it other than that it hath been long since a Village of many Inhabitants though since depopulated with Hodenhull â— and that there was a large quantity of land lying within it granted by K. H. 7. to Sir Iohn Risley Kt. with the Mannours of Lodbroke and Rodburne 3 H. 7. Rodburne THis also from a Village of divers Inhabitants and having a Church is now by depopulation shrunk into one dwelling and had its original name from the little Brook near which the town was seated and the road from Southam towards Daventre over it burne in our old English signifying a petty rivulet and Rode a passage where people ride and travel as is commonly known All the mention that I find of it in the Conq. time is that Turchill de Warwick held something here but it being in the Survey then made joyned with Lodbroc I cannot distinguish the exact proportion thereof Whatever it was more or less his posterity possest it yet with the rest of his lands that the Conq. was pleased that they should enjoy to be held of the Earls of Warw. by the x part of a Kts. fee. Of which line Will. de Arden great grandchild to Turchill viz. son of Henry son of Siward as in Curdworth I have manifested was the first that made it their seat This Will being a good Benefactor to the Nuns of Henwood besides the grant of one yard land lying here which Walâ— Durdent B. of Cov. in H. 2. time confirmed gave them the Church of this Rodburne which G. Muschamp his successor in K. Iohn's time ratified with allowance that they should receive the fruits thereof to their proper use Neither was he less liberal to the Monks of Combe as appears by what
which summe of ten pounds was it seems in lieu of the tertius denarius de Placitis Comitatus whereof I have formerly spoke And before the end of this 27. year of H. 3. his reign wedded to the before specified Iohn de Plessets who was a man in such high esteem with the K. that being a great part of the year precedent attending him in France he there received a Horse from the Seneschall of Gascoign of the Kings special gift prized at xxx Marks which was no small value compared with the rate of other things about that time a quarter of Wheat being then but at ii s. price And in Sept. following had a discharge to the Barons of the Exchequer for C. li. whâ—ch was due to the K. out of the Lands belonging to her then his wife for her brother's Relief not till then satisfied as also in Nov. of CC. Marks further debt due by the said Earle her brother to the K. And the next Aug. so weâ—l wâ—s the said K. pleased with her for taking this husband gave her 3. Bucks out of the Forest of Havering in Essex at which time she had the title of Margerie Countesse of Warwick wife to Iohn de Plessets without any name of Earl then attributed to him Neither do I finde that he had that appellation very suddenly after the said Precept so directed to the Sheriffe of this County for livery of the x. li. per ann to him nomine Comitatus sicut praedictus Comes meaning Earl Thomas eas percipere consuevit as the words thereof import which Writ bore date 26. Apr. 29. H. 3. for in the Fine levied 3. septim Hill 31. H. 3. betwixt this Iohn then Plantiffe and Will. Mauduit Alice his wife deforc whereby the Mannours of Warwick Miton Wegenock Sutton Claverdon Tanworth and Brails all in this County as also Cheddeworth and Lydneie in com Glouc. all belonging to the Earldom of Warwick were settled upon the said Iohn during his life though he should have no issue by Margerie the Countesse then his wife in case he over-lived her he is barely stiled Ioh. de Plesseto But afterwards I suppose he took upon him the title of Earl by reason of a clause in that Fine whereby the before specified Will. and Alice do as much as in them lies confer the same Earldom upon him for life being loath it seems to use that attribute till he had made such an agreement with the next Heir that in case he overlived his Countesse and had no issue by her he should not lay it aside again for in Aug following which is the first mention that I finde of him after this Fine was levied the K. in the permission given him to fall certain Oaks in the Forest of Dene affords him the title of Comes Warwici which after that time upon all occasions he used But as there was extraordinary means used as by what I have shew'd appeareth about woing and winning this great Lady to marry with Iohn de Plessets so was there not wanting suspition that being such an Heir she had been strongly solicited by some and that possibly by reason of the frailty incident to her Sex she might have been wrought upon to contract her self privately unto another Wherefore to make sure work with her estate the K. got a Bond of her with a Deed to boot whereby she obâ—â—ged her self that if it could justly be prov'd that she had so contracted marriage with any other before all her Lands and possessions should be forfeited Which advantage being so obtained by the K. by his Letters P. bearing date 18. Oct. â—4 of his reign he granted to the said Iohn all those Lands to hold during his life in case that any such contract should be proved and thereupon a divorce betwixt them ensue Nay he was a man so much in that K. esteem that there is little mention of him upon any occasion but what relates to some special trust or favour for in 34. H. 3. he had the Castle of Divises in Com. Wilts with all the Mannours thereto belonging and the Forests of Melkesh and Chippeham committed to his charge out of which there being a Rent of Lxxx. l. per ann reserved to the K. he had 25. Marks yearly allowed him for the custody of that Castle In 37. H. 3. the K. released to him the Wardship of Hugh his Son and Heir as to his person in case he should die and leave him under age and shortly after did he make him a grant that if the before mentioned Margery his Countesse should dye before him without any issue of her body all the Lands and Tenements in Hogenarton Katerinton and Bradeham Kts. Fees Reliefs c. which did belong to Henry d'Oily her Uncle and by inheritance were descended to her should remain unto him the said Iohn during his natural life And the same year did he attend the K. into Gascoign But before his return out of those parts a great mishap befell him for after things were quieted that he resolved to come again for England determining to pass through Normandy in regard he was that Countrey-man by birth he obtained Letters of safe conduct from the K. of France and with divers other Noble persons set forwards on the journey howbeit lodging at a Citie called Pontes in Poictou after all free courteous entertainment outwardly used to them they were suddenly seized on by the Towns-men and cast into close prison This was in 38. H. 3. but when or how he with the rest were releast appears not Which ill usuage together with the great expences he underwent in that service of Gascoign the debt that he owed to the K. for making Prince Edw. Kt. occasioned the K. to direct his Letters P. to all the said E. Tenants wherein giving testimony that in the service of Gascoign he did laudabiliter strenuè se gerere and that being gravibus immoderatis sumptibus variis anxietatibus corporis fatigatus did earnestly intreat and desire them that they would freely contribute such reasonable Aid to him towards the payment of his debts as they might expect his royal favour when fit opportunity should be offered How long he continued Governour of the Devises-Castle by virtue of the K. former grant appears not but 't is very like that upon his going over with the K. to the wars in Gascoign some other had the charge thereof for after his return it was again committed to his custody viz. 20. Iunii 39. H. 3. By all which testimonies it appears that he was a martial active man Whereunto I shall adde that in 49. H. 3. he joyn'd with the E. of Gloucest Hereford Albamarle and other of the great Nobility in writing to Pope Alex. the 4th against Ethelmare the K. half brother then elect of Winchester beseeching his Holiness
24. dishes and as many Saucers of silver as also two Bacyns and two Ewers with twelve pieces of silver To Isabell his daughter a thousand pounds to her marriage To Margaret his daughter a Nunne at Shouldam in Norff. a Ring and a Cup with a cover as also 40. marks in money To Katherin the daughter to his son Guy a Nunne likewise at Shouldam a gold Ring with xx li. in money and for the charges of his funerall 500. marks Hereunto adding that his Executors should make full satisfaction to every man whom he had in any sort wronged That his son William should have lands of 400. marks per annum value setled upon him and his heirs male That the Testament of his Countesse should be compleatly performed and fulâ—illed out of his goods That his Executors should new build the Quire of the Collegiat-Church in Warwick where he purposed to be buryed That with the residue of his goods his Executors should cause Masses to be sung for his soul and distribute Almes with all speed that might be especially at Bordesley Worcester and Warwick as also in other places of the Countrey unto which he had most relation And that all the vestments of his Chappell should be given to the Collegiat-Church in Warwick where he had chosen his sepulture His Jewells he thus disposed To his daughter Stafforâ— an Ouche called the Eagle which the Prince gave him all his Pearls and a Crosse made of the very wood of our Saviours Crosse a Ring with an Emeraud that his Countesse bequeathed to him another Ring whereof she herself was to make choyse a sett of Beads of gold with the buckles which the Queen gave him and the choyse of one of his Cups of gold with that silver boll which he always used himself as also his best Bed with the whole furniture thereto To his daughter Alice his next best Ouche which his Lady the Countesse gave him with a Cup of gold a set of Beads of gold and a Ring To his daughter Clifford an Ouche called the Eagle which his son Will. had bestow'd on him for a Newyears-gift with a Cup a set of Beads of gold and a Ring To his daughter Isabell a Cup with an Ewer and a Cover to it gilt and the next best Ring after his other daughters before remembred had chosen To the Bishop of Lincoln a Crosse of gold that the Lady Segrave gave him which sometimes was the good King Edwards wherein likewise was part of the very Crosse of Christ and other Reliques To his son William a Casket of gold with a bone of St. George which Thomas Earl of Lanc. bestowed on him at his Christening Touching his death the manner thereof was thus King Edward having called a Parliament at London in 43. of his reign wherein the breach of Peace by the French was discussed sent an Army into that Kingdom about the feast of the Nativity of the blessed Viâ—gin under the conduct of his son Iohn Duke of Lanc. and Humfr. de Boun Earl of Hereford to claim his right therein who being got over sea encampt at a place called the Chalkhull neer Caleys towards whom the French presently advanced but the two English Dukes delaied fighting so long as that their Army grew in want for provisions so that many dyed by famine and the plague pretending they were not strong enough to give them battail without more men In which interim our noble Earl hearing that the French Army was thus drawn out hasted away with some choyse men and sailed toward Caleys whereof the French having notice in great amazement they left their Tents with all their victuall behind them and fled And so soon as he came ashore he highly blamed those that occasioned the English to forbear fighting saying I will goe on and fight before the English bread which we have eaten be digâ—sted and thereupon presently entred the Isle of Caus which he wasted But alas in his return towards Caleys he fell sick of the pestilence and dyed on the 13. of Nov. Parem â—bi in armorum strenuitate Regi Regnique fideliâ—ate superstitem minimè derelinquens saith mine Author After which his body was interred in the midd'st of the Quire of the Collegiat Church at Warwick according to the direction of his Testament where is yet to be seen a goodly Tombe with the statues of hâ—m â—nd his Countess in white marble excellently cut viz. Katherine the daughter of Roger Mortimer before specified created the first Earl of March by King E. 3. a perfect representation whereof I have placed here in my Story of him because there being so many other Monuments in that Church to have put them altogether would not shew gracefull to the work Which noble Lady dyed before him as by what I have said appears yet not many weeks for her Testament bears date 4. Aug. the same year by which she appointed her body to be buried wheresoever the Earl her husband should think fit to whom she bequeathed her Goblet bound with gold and those Buckles of gold which she used to carry as also a Ring having an Emraud in it To Thomas her son she gave her book of Ch. To Will her other son a Tablet of gold To Maud de Clifford her daughter a Cup enameled with Doggs To Philippa de Stafford her daughter a Boll with a cover To her daughter Alice a Cup of silver gilt To Margaret Mountfort her daughter the Cross with the pedestall in her Chapell To Isabell her daughter a Cup. To Elizabeth the daughter of her son Guy a Cup. To the Covent of Friers Preachers in Worcester xx li. To the Friers Preachers of Shrewsbury xx li. To the Friers Minors there xx li. To the Friers Preachers of Northampt. xx li. To the Friers Minors of Coventre xx li. and to the Friers Minors of Lichfield xx li. Divers other Legacyes she gave to her servants and did constitute Isabell de Harley Rauf Tangele and Iohn Falvesle her executors desiring her husband to be assistant unto them in the performance thereof This Noble Earl had divers children of which I will only make a brief mention Guy his eldest son who received the honour of Knighthood in 29 E. 3. with a grant from the King of C li. per annum out of his Exchequer till his fathers inheritance should descend to him or that he could otherwise provide for his support and married Philippa the daughter of Henry Lord Ferrers of Groby by whom he had issue three daughters Elizabeth Katherine and Margaret whereof the two later were Nunns at Shouldham in Com. Norff. This Guy was a stout Souldier and upon his going into France in 33 E. 3. which I conceive was to attend the King in an expedition at that time made declared his Testament at Canterbury on the 26. of Sept. whereby he bequeathed his body to buriall where his parents should think fit To
that it was done accordingly Morton-Merhull FOllowing this petty stream it leads me next to Morton-Morrell for so it is vulgarly called but more truly Morton-Merhull in regard that the town is divided into two parts whereof the one scil where the Church stands is called Morton from the low moorish ground adjoyning thereto and the other distant from it about a quarter of a mile Merehull In the Conquerors time there was no distinction at all in it the whole bearing the name of Morton being then possest by the Earl of Mellent and containing five hides which were valued at xi li. but before the Norman invasion one Derman owned it That most of the lands in this County which the said Earl of Mellent then had came to Henry de Neâ—burgh Earl oâ— Warwick his brother is very clear the moity of this town being part the other half descending to his own posterity I mean the Earls of Leicester with the residue but to whom or when these Earls granted either of their shares away is not otherwise to be known I think than by circumstances for till about the beginning of E. 1. time there is little discovery to be made by Record unless that which is mentioned in 20 H. 3. of Agatha Trusbut her holding one Knights fee of the Earl of Warwick in Morton be meant of this Morton It seems that the Earl of Warwick's half was first granted to Iohn Fitz Alan of Wolfrinton which Iohn was certified to hold it of VVilliam Maâ—duit Earl of Warwick in 52 H. 3. by the service of half a Knights fee by whom I suppose it was that Thomas Trimonell became â—nâ—eoft thereof for it is evident that the said Thomas possest it in 4 E. 1. but shortly after Eustace de Hacche in right of Avicia his wife widow to the said Thomas and held it of the heirs of the same Iohn Fitz Alan by the service of half a Knights fee paying a pair of gilt Spurrs or vi d. yearly as the Record of 7 E. 1. manifesteth In which is also shewed that the same Eustace then had here in Morton two carucats of land in demesn and was Patron of half the Church and that he had fâ—ur Tenants holding ....... yard land of him by performing certain base services 5. Cottiers and 6. Freeholders as also a Court-Leet â— and weyfs And moreover that he had in Merehull 6. Tenants holding 6. yard land under the like servile employments but depopulation since hath shrunk the Inhabitants into a lesse number The same Record calls it Sale-Morton by way of distinction from the severall other Mortons in this County but I cannot well guess at the reason unless it should be from one of that name residing there which possibly may be for one Iohn Sale was a Tenant to the same Eustace for part of his lands in Merehull at that time As for that half belonging to the Earl of Leicester it was by one of those Earls given to an Ancestour of VVilliam de Bishopsden and by the same VVilliam to Henry de Harecourt or one of his Predecessors to hold by the service of the fourth part of a Knights fee and 1 d. which Henry in 7 E. 1. held two carucats of land here in demesn and had ix Freeholders and 8 tenants who held ....... land in servage of him At the same time the Knights Templars of Balshall held certain lands here which were given to them by Roger Earl of Warwick as I believe for it appears by the Account of their possessions in this shire in 31 H. 2. that they had them of the Earl of Warwick's grant Of which Henry de Harecourt I find that he was slain here at Morton and left issue one only daughter called Margaret first marryed to Iohn Pipe and afterwards to Iohn de Saundrestede which Iohn de Saundrestede and she in 22 E. 3. levyed a Fine of this Mannour whereby for want of issue of his body by her it was entayled upon Henry de Pipe her grandchild as the descent in Erdington will shew and Ingrith his wife and the issue of their two bodyes the remainder to the right heirs of the said Margaret During the time that the said Iohn de Saundrestede had to do here he obtained a Charter of Free-warren in all his demesn lands in this place whereof the future possessors were to take benefit after the decease of him and his said wife But touching the descendants of the same Henry and Ingrith resolving to speak more in Erdington I will now proceed in observing what else I find memorable of this place in order of time relating to the successive Lords thereof In 7 E. 1. the same Eustace de Hacche was a Knight being then meniall servant to the King In 10. E. 1. he had Free-warren granted to him in all his demesn lands here and at Chesterton in this County as also at Hacche in Wiltshire which shews that there was his chief seat In 9 and 21 E. 1. he was in Comiss. for the Gaol delivery at Warwick In 22. he attended Edmund Earl of Lancaster in an expedition into Gascoine for the Kings service In 24. he received command with the rest of the great men to attend the King aâ— Carleol on the xv of the Nativity of S. Iohn Baptist â— to march with his Army into Scotland against Robert de Bâ—us then assuming the title of King in that Realm In 26 E. 1. he was at that memorable Battail of Fawkirk in Scotland and being summoned to Parliament amongst the Barons in 27 28 30 32 and 33 E. 1. dyed in 34 E. 1. leaving Iulian the wife of Iohn Hanâ—ard his daughter and heir then of full age After the decease of which Eustace viz. the next ensuing year was there a Fine levyed betwâ—xt the said Avicia and Nich. Trimenell and Margerie his wife whereby this Mannour then passing by the name of Morton-D'aubeny became setled upon the said Avicia for life and after her decease upon the same Nicholas and Margerie and the heirs male of their two bodyes But whether the said Avicia were an heir or not I am not certain neither have I yet found whose daughter she was howbeit her paternall coat was three Lyons rampant as appears by her Seal wherein the Armes of Thomas Trimenell and Sir Eustace de Hacche her two husbands are also set all meeting in point which was the usuall way in those antient times of expressing the husbands Armes before empaling came in use Trimenells coat being a Crosse engrailed and debruised with a bendlet and that of Hacche the like Crosse engrailed which Nich. Trimenell was the son of Thomas and being also a Knight had issue Iohn who had the like dignity and served K. Edw. 3. in his Scottish wars where he behaved himself so gallantly that for that very respect as
at 4. yard land being then held by xi Tenants as in Dasset I have already intimated But of the residue did the Sudley's continue owners Iohn de Sudley in 9 E. 2. being certified Lord thereof together with Dasset and as a member of the same Howbeit that which the Templars had here came to the Hospitalars in E. 2. time as all their other lands did and soe continued in their possession till the generall dissolution of the Religious Houses in 30 H. 8. that they were brought to the Crown After which in 7 E. 6. these lands in Herdwick were granted to Edward Aglionby of Balshall and Henry Hugford of Solihull gent. and their heirs who within the compasse of the same year past them to ..... Wotton Esquire There hath antiently been a Chapell here dedicated to S. Leonard but now it is ruinous the Village being totally depopulated Knightcote THis was heretofore also a member of Dasset and so not particularly taken notice of in the Conquerors Survey The first mention that I find of it is in H. 3. time and then was there one Simon de Knitecote son to Raph de Knitecote owner of it which Raph or some of his Ancestors being doubtlesse enfeoft thereof by one of the Sudleys assumed it seems their â—irname from hence by reason of their residence here and had a Chapell in this Village But the inheritance hereof descended to Ioan Dycon of Derset as daughter and heir to Iulian daughter to the abovesaid Symon de Knitecote Which Ioan past a way all the right she had in the Mannour of Knightecote for by that name it was then stiled to William the son of William Sutton and Amicia his wife and to the heirs of the said William by her deed bearing date on the Feast day of S. Iames the Apostle 24 E. 3. who kept his estate therein but a while for on the Feast day of S. Mathew the Apostle next ensuing he granted it to William de Peyto and his heirs and levied a Fine thereupon in 27 E. 3. Which William in 3. R. 2. granted to Laurence Dive of Herlaston in Com. Northampt. all his right in this Village who the self same year past it unto Sir Henry Arden Knight Robert Burgoyllon and others and their heirs as Feoffees it seems to the use of Thomas Purefey for it appears that very shortly after they quitted their right therein to the said Thomas which Thomas in 10 H. 7. convayed it unto Will. Husseâ— Esquier with certain other lands in Wellesborough in Com. Leic. and Folkshill within the Liberties of Coventre in exchange for that Mannour in Fenny-Drayton in Com. Leicester called Hussey's Mannour The next possessour whereof that I have met with was Sir Walter Smyth Knight of whom I have spoke in Shirford and Fletchamsted whose grand-child Sir Iohn Smyth of Crabbet in Sussex now enjoys it Northend THis is likewise a part of Dasset and originally had its name from the Northern situation thereof from thence there being nothing at all memorable therein other than a Chapell which it hath antiently had Aven-Dasset SOuthwards from Burton-Dasset stands Aven-Dasset but whither it was originally a member thereof and part of what the Earl of Mellent held there in the Conquerors time is hard to determine without farther light than I have yet had The most antient possessor of it that I find was William Giffard a Retainer to Roger Earl of Warwick in King Stephens time as may be observed from his so frequent being a witnesse to that Earls Charters and a Benefactor to the Templars by the gift of some lands here as may seem by that Account of their possessions taken in 31 H. 2. where it is written Afne Dercet To him succeeded Andrew Giffard though not immediatly whose heir in 36 H. 3. was found to hold one Kts. fee here of Roes de Verdun and she of the Earl of Warwick But in 7 E. 1. Margerie de Cantilupe was certified to be owner of this Mannour and to hold it of Theobald de Verdon by the service of one Kts. fee having then one Carucate of land and a half here in demesn anâ— 5 yard land besides which was held by divers Tenants who payd certain Rents and performed severall services for the same From which Margerie descended Walter de Cantilupe Lord thereof in 9 E. 2. it being then reputed as a Hamlet of Farnborough which Walter was Parson of Snitfield and became possest of this Mannour by the grant of Sir Iohn de Cantilupe his Brother But in 12 E. 2. the same VValt de Cantilupe past away the inheritance thereof together with the advouson of the Church unto Christian de Bishopsden widow of Sir VVill. de Bishopsden Kt. reserving to himself an estate for life only Which Christian â— by her Deed bearing date the Tuesday next after the Feast of St. Valentine the Martyr 13 E. 2. sold her said estate in reversion herein to Sir Iohn Peche the elder Kt. and his heirs to whose posterity it continued as long as their male line lasted and afterwards came to the Montforts of Colshill with the rest of Peche's lanâ—s by the marriage of a Daughter and heir as in Hampton in Arden shall be shewed And by the attainder of Sir Simon Montfort Kt. in 10 H. 7. to the Crown Out of which it was passed 25 Aug. 12 H. 7. to Gerald Earl of Kildare and Eliz. St. Iohn his wife and to the heirs male of their two bodies lawfully begotten which Earl and his Lady had a Charter of Freewarren granted to them in all their demeâ—n lands here dated 20 Iulii 18 H. 7. But leaving issue Sir Iames Fitz-Gerald Kt. attainted in 28 H. 8. it eschaeted again to the Crown and by K. E. 6. 15 Dec. in the fourth year of his reign was granted to Sir Raph Sadler Kt. Master of the great Wardrobe and Laurence Wenington Gent. and to the heirs of the said Sir Raph to be held in Socage who by their Deed bearing date 6 Febr. next ensuing sold it to Iohn VVoodward of Butlers-Merston and his heirs from whom is descended Richard Woodward Gent. the present owner thereof The Church dedicated to St. Iohn Bapt. had antiently two yard land belonging thereto and in an 1291. 19 E. 1. was valued at xii marks but in 26 H. 8. at xiii l. xviii s. viii d. Patroni Ecclesiae Incumbentes c. D. Walt. de Cantilupo Ioh. de Lapworth Pbr. 3. Id. Martii 1302. D. Walt. de Cantilupo Thomas Betoun de Snytfeld Cap. 12. Cal. Oct. 1316. .......... Hugo de Brok 10 Aug. 1332 Thomas Alysaundre D. de Aven Derset Ioh. Richard Cap. 14. Cal. Apr. 1342. Thomas Alysaundre D. de Aven Derset Rog. Ennok Cap. 9. Cal. Iunii 1349. Thomas Alysaundre D. de Aven Derset Ric. Boule Cler. 2. Non. Iulii 1351.
had newly advanced to the degree of a Baron had performed on his behalf 〈◊〉 sundry Battails against K. Henry the 6. and his Complices and particularly against Henry D. of Exeter Iâ—sâ—eâ— Earl of Penbroke and this Iames Earl of Wiltshire in consideration thereof granted it to the 〈◊〉 VValter and the heâ—rs maâ—e of his body together with the Mannour of Sutton-Courtney in Berkshire and other great possessions Howbeit Thomas Brother and heir to the said Earl finding favour with K. Edw. being shortly after restored by Act of Parl. to his lands had it again whereupon it descended to his Daughters and heirs viz. Margaret marryed to Sir VVill. Bullein Kt. and Anne the wife of Sâ—r Iames St. Leger Kt. After which scil temp H. 8. Bullein's moytie was past away unto certain Feoffees to the use of Sir Will. Compton Kt. from whom is lineally descended the now Earl of Northampton as in Compton Winyate is shewed the present owner thereof I now return to that Mannour here which was granted â—o Mâ—â—un in E. 1. time This continued in that line till the reign of H. 4. but then Sir Iohn Mohun Kt. dying without issue male it came by parâ—â—tion to Ric. le Strange son and heir of Iohn le Strange of Knokyn by Maud the youngest of the three Daughters and coheirs of the said Sir Iohn Mohun which Richard dyed seized thereof in 27 H 6. leaving Sir Iohn Strange his son and heir who departing this life without issue male Iâ—an his Daughter and heir by marriage wâ—th Geâ—rge eldest son to Thomas Lâ—rd Stanley afterwards Earl of Derby brought it to that family Edw. Earl of Derby son and heir of Henry proving hâ—s age having every thereof accordingly in 14 Eliz. To which Edw. succeeded his Brother Wâ—â—â— Earl of Derby who in our time sold it as I have heard to VVill. Earl of Northampton Grandfather to the present Earl now owner thereof That the Church here is of no less antiquity than the Britains time I shall vouch the authority of an old Historian whereby it will appear that the payment of Tithes was very antient if his relation have credit with my Reader About the year of our Saviours incaâ—nation DC iiii St. Augustine being arrived in England to preach the Gospell came hither whereupon the Priest of this Parish repaired to him and made a complaint that the Lord of the Town not paying his Tithes though admonished was by him excommunicated and yet stood more obstinate St. Augustine therefore conventing him for that fault demanded the reason of such his refusall Knowest thou not quoth he that they are not thine but Gâ—â—'s To whom the Knight answered Did not I plow and sow the land I will therefore have the tenth sheaf aswell as the nine Whereupon St. Augustine replyed If thou wilt not pay them I will excommunicate thee and so hastâ—â—ng to the Altar publickly saidâ— I command that no excommunicate person be preâ—â—â—t at Masse Which words were no sooner spoke than that a dead man that lay buried at the entrance into the Church immediatly arose out of his Grave went without the compass of the Church yard and there stood still during the time of Mass. Which being finished St. Aug. went to him and said I command thee in the name of God that thou tell me who thou art To whom he made answer I was Patron of thiâ— place in the time of the Britains and though frequently warn'd by the Priest yet never would pay him my Tithes and so dyed excommunicate and was thrust into Heâ—l Which answer occasioned St. Augustine to command him to shew where the Priest was buried that so excommunicated him who being accordingly directed to his Grave said To the end that all men may know that life and death are in the hands of God to whom nothing is impossible Arise in his name for we have need of thee Who thereupon came out of hâ—s Grave and stood befâ—re them To whom St Augustine said Brother dâ—'st thou know this man yes quoth he but I would I had never known him for he was alwaies aâ— Râ—bell to the Church a with holder of his Tâ—â—hes and even to his last a very wâ—cked man which occasioned me to excommunicate him Augustine replyed Brother thou knowest that God is mercifull therefore we must have pity on this miserable creature who is the image of God and redeem'd with his bloud having so long endured the pains of Hell Whereupon delâ—vering to him a scourge he kneeled down and cravâ—ng absolution with tears had â—t granted and so by St. Augustine's command returning to his Grave again was immediatly resolved to dust Then said St. Aug. to the Priest How long hast thou been buried Above an hundred and fifty years quoth he Aug. How hast thou fared hitherto Well quoth the Priest enjoying the delights of eternal Life Aug. Art thou contented that I should pray unto God that thou may'st return again to us and by thy preaching reduce many souls unto him that are deceived by the Devill Far be it from thee O Father quoth the Priest that thou shouldest so disturb my quiet as to bring me back to the troublesome life of this World Aug. Go thy way then and rest in peace praying for me and for the Universall Church of God So accordingly entring his grave he fell also to dust Then turn'd S. Augustine to the Knâ—ght and said Wilt thou now pay thy Tithes to God my son Who trembling and weeping fell at his feet and confessing his Offence craved pardon and shaving himself became a follower of S. Augustine all the days of his life Hoc miraculum saith my Author videbitur illis incredibile qui credunt aliquid Deo esse impossibile Sed nulli dubium est quod nunquam Anglorum duras cervices Christi jugo se submisissent nisi per magna miracula divinitùs sibi ostensa But descending to later times and of more certainty I find that about the beginning of King Steph. reign Geffery Magnavil gave this Chuâ—ch to the Monastery of Walden in Essex which he had newly founded In an 1291 19 E. 1. accounting xii marks per an which the Canons of Walden had out of it as also certain Pensions to the Nuns of Hurley in Berks. and to the Chapell of Plessy it was valued at xxiii mâ—rks and afterwards sc. Non. Dec. an 1316. â—10 â— 2. appropriated to the said Monastery of Wâ—lden by Walt. de Maydenston Bishop of Worcester And in 26 H. 8 the Vâ—caridge rated at xâ—ii l vi s viii â— the Procurations and Synodals then payd out of it being xi s vid. That which the Canons of Walden had here was after the dissolution of that Monastery granted away by the King to Thomas lord Audley Chancellour of England and his heirs by the name of a Mannour together with the Rectory of this place but it came again to the Crown as it seems
said Edmund deceased the xxii day of Ianuary 1558. but the said Elizab. surviving the said Edm. took to her second husband Thomas Sawyer of Raundis in the County of Northampton Geâ—t whom she outlived and then returning into Warwick-shire her native Countrey and desiring after this life ended to have her body layd in the Chancell in the Parish Church of Barton on the Heath in the County of Warwick aforesaid with the body of the said Edmund her first husband she caused this stone to be prepared An. Dom. 1608. as a memoriall of the said Edmund Elizabeth William Iohn and Margaret Wolford-magna IN the Conquerors time Robert de Stadforde held vii hides in this place within the precinct whereof were a Church and a Mill which Mill was then rated at xx d. and the whole at C s. having been part of the possessions of one Waga a great person before the Norman invasion as in Wotton-Wawen appeareth Besides this part which the said Robert then held himself there were 4. hides more two whereof were held of him by Orduui and valued at L s. and the other two by one Aluuin rated at xxx s. all which were the freehold of the said Aluuine in Edward the Confessors time In the generall Survey at that time made the name of this town is variously written viz. in one place Uolwarde and in the other Worwarde where the l is mistaken for an r But for the originall occasion of the name my opinion is however the corruptnesse of pronunciation have by time thus altered it that it was from its being the feat or habitation of one Ulf or Wulf a frequent appellation in the Saxons time and that the later syllable warde should be Warthe the d being thus stricken through â— which makes it th for then it signifieth the same that worth doth id est habitatio as I have elsewhere instanced the a being pronounc't o and written accordingly by us in these Southern parts And now that the same syllable is is here made forde it is from the like errour in writing sutably to the vulgar pronunciation as on the contray Lapworth for so we yet call it and write it is recorded by the name of Lapeforde in Domesday-book That this Lordship continued in the line of Stafford descendants from the above mentioned Robert till H. 8. time I could give instance by a multitude of authorities if need were But I shall onely here take notice of what is memorable of them in relation to this place In 13 Ioh. Herveus de Stafford answered for one Knights fees here it being reputed as a part of his Barony and written UUolewarthe But in 19 H. 3. upon the like occasion it is recorded by the name of UUoleworth and in 36 H. 3. UUulleward How it comes to passe I know not but in 13 E. 1. one Richard Chance claimed a Court-Leet Assize of Bread and Beer Gallows and Weyfs here by Prescription and had them allowed which Richard in 9 E. 2. was certified to be Lord of this place Neither can I understand upon what title Iohn de Upton and Ioan his wife had an interest in the fourth part thereof which in 10 E. 2. was entailed upon the issue of the said Iohn by the same Ioan but certain it is that if it were out of the possession of the Barons of Stafford it was not long and very probably in trust onely for in 25 E. 3. Raph Earl Stafford entailed it upon Hugh his son and the heirs of his body by Philippa the daughter to Thomas Beauchamp Earl of UUarwick By which Barons and Earles of Stafford I find that sundry persons were enfeoft of good quantities of land here for it appears that in 20 E. 3. Adam de Grenevill held half a Knights fee of them lying here and in Burmington Robert Verney half a Knights fee here onely in 46 E. 3. William Clerke half a Knights fee in 10 R. 2. and William Ingram one Knights fee in 16. and 22. R. 2. But as there is nothing in this world permanent so this Lordship after such a long continuance unto that Noble Family before specified was in 12 H. 8. past away by Edward Stafford Duke of Buckingham to Richard Bishop of UUinchester and others to the use of Sir William Compton Knight and his heirs From whom the Earl of Northampton now Lord thereof is descended as in Compton-winzate appeareth The Church dedicated to S. Michael was given to the Canons of Stone in Stafford-shire by Robert de Stafford grandchild to Robert who lived in the Conquerors time But in 26 H. 3. there was a suit betwixt the Prior of Kenilworth unto which the Monastery of Stone was a Cell as I have elsewhere manifested and Hawise the widow of Richard de Gloucester for the advowson thereof which she claimed as her Dowrie and thereupon called to warrantie Gilbert son and heir to the said Richard who came in and pleaded a Fine levied of five hides of land in UUolward whereby the said advouson remained to the said Richard and his heirs with part of that land And because the Prior was in England and did not put in his claim demanded judgment Whereunto the Prior answered that both before that Fine was levied and after he was in possession of the same presented thereto And because there was no suit betwixt the parties for the said Advouson but for the five hides whereunto it belonged not he said that the before mentioned Fine ought not to hurt him and produced the Charter of Raph fitz Stephâ—n Ancestor to the said Gilbert whereby he confirm'd the grant of that Advouson to those Canons of Stone which Robert de Staffoâ—d chief Lord of the Fee had made to them And though the said Gilbert replyed that after that grant so made Raph fiâ—z Stephen presented to the Church yet was it adjudg'd for the Prior. Which Advouson continued to the Canons of Stone till 51 H. 3. but then being past away by them to the Warden and Scholars of Merton-Colledge in Oxford was appropriated to that Colledge on the Calends of Iune anno 1268. 52 H. 3. by Godfrey Giffard Bishop of Worcester and in anno 1291. 19 E. 1. was with the Chapell of Burmington valued at xxvi marks After which there was another Appropriation thereof made to the said Colledge by Thomas Cobham Bishop of Worcester 13. Cal. Aug. 16 E. 2. And in 26 H. 8. the Vicaridge was rated at viii li. Patroni Vicariae Incumbentes c. Custos Scholares domus de Merton Rob. de Babington Cap. 16. Cal. Ian. 1322. Custos Scholares domus de Merton D. Rob. Garoun 4. Sept. 1341. Custos Scholares domus de Merton D. Will. Taylour 19. Martii 1363. Custos Scholares domus de Merton D. Ric. Cooke Cap. 16. Nov. 1364. Custos Scholares domus de Merton Nich.
Grafton Knight and Isabell the wife of S r Thomas Chaworth Knight were found his heirs Whereupon by partition made betwixt Chaworth and Stafford it was allotted to the said Elianore as it seems for I find that upon an Assize of Novell disseisin brought by Iohn Hathewyk who claimed an estate in tail thereof as heir unto Keynes he recovered it against her in 2. E. 4. and that afterwards by his Deed of bargain and sale bearing date 4. Ian. 21 E. 3. in consideration of CCâ—â— he past it to Will. Catesby and his heirs Which Will. being attainted in the Parl. of 1. H. 7. as in Lapworth I have declared it eschaeting to the Crown was by the Kings Letters Pat. bearing date at Westm. 2. Iulii 4 H. 7. granted to S r David Owen Knight and the heirs male of his body lawfully begotten From whom descended Iohn Owen Esq who by a Fine levied in 1 E. 6. passed it unto Iohn Houghton of Wootton in Com. Sur. Yeoman for xl years at the yearly Rent of viâ—â— xiil. Which Lease the next year following was assigned by the said I. Houghton to Leonard Savage of Kington in this County Gent. Engelardus de Dumart defunctus 31. H. 2. â— p. Emma soror cohaer ux .... de Piriton 33 H. 2. Thomas de Piriton defunctus 11 H. 3. Adam de Piriton 11 H. 3. Margareta filia haeres Will. de Keynes 48 H. 3. Robertus de Keynes miles Rob. de Keynes miles obiit s. prole 7 E. 1. Will. de Keynes miles frater haeres Letâ—cia ux de Ayote Laurentius de Ayote Will. de Ayote miles obiit s. prole Matilda consangu cohaer Eliz. de Keynes amitae Wentelinae Will. de Cressey Ioh. de Cressy Ioh. de Cressy Thomas Cressy obiit s. prole Ioh. Cressy frater haeres obiit 31. H. 6. s. prole Margar. ux Will. de Wotton Rob. de Keynes mil. ob s. prole Ioh. de Keynes miles Ioh. de Keynes ob 9. Martii 49. F. 3 s. p. Wentelina soror haeres obiit s. prole Eliz. obiit â—5 E. 3. sine prole Hawisia ux Rob. de Daventre mil. Hawisia filia haeres Ioh. de Lodbâ—ok chivalier Alicia filia haeres ux Ludov. Cardian Cath. filia haeres Will. Hathewyk Ioh. Hathewyk 2. E. 4. Will. de Keynes Lucas de Keynes Ioh. de Keynes Rob. de Keynes Margar. fâ—lia hâ—â—â—es ux ... Aylesbâ—â—y Thomas Alesbury â—oh Aylesbury Thomas Aylesbury miles Alianora una fil cohaer ux Humfridi Stafford de Grafton mil. Isabella ux Thomae Chaworth militis Aeliz But the inheritance of the Mannour still resting in the line of Owen together with the Rent reserved upon the said Lease to Houghton was by Henry Owen son and heir to the before specified Iohn sold to Sim. Walweyn Gent. by Deed dated ... Aug. 10 Eliz. the said Simon being possest of certain lands in Oxhill before which Simon dyed seized of it 15 Apr. 20 Eliz. leaving Mathew his son and heir xxix years of age who by his last Will and Testament bearing date .... Martii 4 Iac. entailed it upon the issue male of his brother Francis and for default thereof upon Ursula daughter to the said Francis and her heirs Which Vrsula by virtue of that Entail became seized thereof and took to husband Math. Clerke Gent. who had issue by her Will. Clerke his son and heir lately deceased leaving William his son and heir within age But that which the Monks of Bordsley had here was past out of the Crown by Q. Mary 18 Iulii 2. of her reign to Peter Temple Esq and Ric. Petiver Gent. and their heirs which Peter in 1 Eliz. sold it to George Bishop and Ioh. Bishop son to the said George whose posterity do as I think still enjoy it The Church dedicated to S. Laurence was in an 1291 19 E. 1. valued at viii marks and in 26 H. 8. at xv l xvi s viii d over and above ix â— v d ob for Synodalls and Procurations Patroni Ecclesiae Incumbentes c. Will. de Keynes D. Ioh. de Boclande Cler. 21. Ian. 1330. Will. de Keynes Walt. de Burtiton Pbr. 14. Martii 1335. Will. de Keynes Rob. Godesale Pbr. 11 Sept. 1336. Will. de Keynes Ioh. de Egge Pbr. Id. Feb. 1337 Will. de Keynes miles D. Ioh. Davy 14 Oct. 1339. Will. de Keynes miles Ioh. de Baynton 6 Aug. 1340. Ioh. de la Hale miles Walt. le Hoppere Cap. 13. Aâ—g 1349. Ioh. de Keynes miles Will. Blockley Pbr. 7. Sept. 1375. Will. de Brantingham miles VVill. Lambley 4. Oct. 1398. Ludov. Cardigan ar D. Ioh. Tuttebury Cap. 28 Iulii 1414. Ludov. Cardigan ar Sim Sloley 26 Maii 1416. Alicia nuper ux Ludov. Cardigan Ric. Norton Cap. 15. Martii 1422. Alicia nuper ux Ludov. Cardigan D. Ric. Smith Cap. 13 Iulii 1425. David Owen miles Magr. Ric. .... in leg Bacc. 1510. Exec. Testam Davidis Owen mil. D. Will. Lathener sacellanus 22 Feb. 1540. Will. Hunter ratione Concess Ioh. Owen ar D. Henr. ... art Magr. 20 Ian. 1558. Nich. Clerke de Tiso yeoman ex concess Math. Walwyn D. Iac. Balwin S. theol Bacc. 13. Feb. 1597. Anth. Bishop gen ratione concess M. Walweyn Daniel Smarte Cler. 2 Iulii 1624. Nether Pillerton BElow Oxhill about a mile lies Nether Pillerton which containeth in its parish Over-Pillerton and Merston-Boteler In the Conquerors time Hugh Earl of Chester had 1 hide and 3. virgates of land here then held of him by one VValeran and valued at xxxs. which before the Norman invasion was the inheritance of Hugo Camerarius But the residue of this town at that time possest by Hugh de Grentemaisnill and written Pilardetune contained x. hides besides the woods extending to one mile in length and as much in bredth there being a Mill rated at v s and a Church all which amounted to xviiili. and in Edw. the Confessors dayes was the freehold of one Baldwin It was not long that these two great men sc Hugh Earl of Chester and H. de Grentemaisnill continued owners thereof for King H. 1. as it seemeth gave the same either to Henry de Newburgh Earl of Warwitk or else to Earl Roger son to the same Henry as may appear by the certificate made in 12 H. 2. Where VVill. Earl of Warwick inter alia declareth that he held it by one Knights Fee de veteri Feoffamento and that Robertus fil VVillielmi was his Tenant thereof which Robert I take to be the man who is written R. de Pilardinton being Founder of the little Monastery at Pinle in this County Howbeit others there were that bore the sirname of
spreaders of false reports Upon this Hugh and the heirs male of his body did the last Lord Basset of Drayton his uncle by the mothers side for he therein calls him his nephew in 13 R. 2. entail all his lands whereof he was seized in Fee simple as the Feoffment thereupon made to Walter-Skirlaw Bishop of Duresm and others bearing date 16 Ian. manifesteth provided that he should bear the name and Arms of Basset with remainder to Will. de Stafford brother to Edmund Earl Stafford c. but performing not the conditions he did not quietly enjoy them the same Earl being found heir to the rest through an old Entail made of them by Raph Lord Basset his grandfather in 13 E. 3. opposing him therein Howbeit at length was there an Agreement made betwixt the sayd Earl and the same S r Hugh viz. that S r Hugh should quietly enjoy the premises but both of them being slain in the battel of Shrewsbury 4 H. 4. before it could be sealed the difference about that matter continued betwixt their heirs untill King H. 6. so decided it many years after as that S t Raph Shirley Knight son and heir to the before specifyed S r Hugh should quietly enjoy them according to the true meaning of that Accord viz. the Mannours of Radcliff super Sore and Colston-Basset in com Nott. Rakdale Willows Radcliff super Wreke Barrow super Sore and Watton in com Leic as also those of Westhall and East-Hall in this County many of which remain to his descendants at this day But I return This S r Hugh was made cheif Warder of Higham-Ferrers Park by Iohn of Gant D. of Lancaster and in 22 R. 2. Constable of Donington Castle by Henry Duke of Lanc. afterwards King by the name of H. 4 and having wedded Beatrix sister and heir to Iohn de Brews of West-Neston in Susser was slain on Saturday being the Eve of S. Mâ—ry Magd. 4 H. 4. in the battel of Shrewsbury fighting on the Kings part leaving the said Beatrice a Widdow of whom I find that in 9 H. 5. she furnisht the K. with an Esquier by name Iohn Hayteley as also 3. Archers to serve on Horseback with him in the said Kings warrs beyond Sea for three quarters of a year To this S r Hugh succeeded Raph his son and heir then xii years of age who in 3 H. 5. being retained to serve the King then in person with his Army in Gayen with six men at Armes and xviii Archers the famous Battail of Agincourt then hapning and the next year following with viii men at Armes and xvi Archers was honoured with the dignity of Knighthood about that time for in 8 H. 5. being then Shiriff of the Counties of Nottingham and Derby I find him so stiled Unto this Sr Raph and the heirs male of his body did the Feoffees of Raph Lord Basset of Draiton in 2 H. 6. release all their interest in the Mannours of Colston-Basset Radcliff super Sore in com Nott. Rakdale Willows Radcliff super Wreke Barrow super Sore Dunton and Wation in com Leic. as also in the Mannours of Westhalle and Esthalle in Sheldon in this County After which viz. in 10 H. 6. he had his residence at Radcliffe super Sore above mentioned and left issue by Ioyce the daughter and heir to Thomas Basset of Brailsford Esq Raph his son and heir who by Margaret the daughter and heir of Iohn Staunton of Staunton-Harold in com Leic. had issue Iohn and dyed on the Feast day of S. Steph. 6 E. 4. Which Iohn having wedded Alâ—anore the daughter to Sr Hugh Willoughby of Middleton K t dyed 18 Maii 3 R. 3. leaving Raph his son and heir 26 years of age who for his great valour in the battel of Stoke 2 H. 7. was made a Banneret and in 7 H. 7. retained to serve the said King in his wars beyond Sea for one whole year with his Custrell and Page as also four Demilances and xl Archers on foot receiving for his said men at armes Custrell and Page xviii per diem for every of the said Lances ix and Archers vi This S r Raph in 13 H. 7. for his Releif was charged with 5 K t s Fees for his lands in Shepey Hone Bradley Yolgrave and Birch-over one K t s Fee in Brailsford and Wingeworth and the fourth part of a Knights Fee in Stanton-Harold and having by his Testament bearing date at Stanton-Harold 2 Ian. 1516. 8 H. 8. appointed that a thousand Masses should be sayd on the day of his burying or shortly after for his soul but not assigning any certain place for his Sepulture within four dayes after viz. 6 Ian. dyed seized of this Lordship of Over-Eatendon as also of Nether-Eatendon and Newton-Regis in this County of Rakdale Willows Ratcliff super Wreke Whatton Dunton Stanton-Harold and Borton in Com. Leic. Barnham in Suff. Easter-Leeke and Sutton-Bonington in Nottinghamshire as also of Shirley Brailesford Eadneston and Hoone in Derbyshire leaving Francis his son and heir within age afterwards in Ward to S r Will. Compton Kt. which Francis in E. 6. time resided at his Mannour of Brailesford in Derbyshire and had issue Iohn his son and heir who took to wife Iane the only daughter and heir of Thomas Lovet Esq but dyed in his fathers life time leaving issue George who inherited the Mannours of Astwell in Northamptonshire Bottlebridge in Huntingdonshire South-Newton in Oxfordshire and Dorsington in Gloucestershire through his mothers right Which George was created Baronet 22 Maii 9 Iac. at the very first erection of that dignity by King Iames and having a Court-Leet granted to him and his heirs 23 Martii 16 Iac. whithin this Mannour which also extended to his Tenants in Over-Eatendon Fulredy Whatcote and Ilmington in this County left issue S r Henry Shirley Baronet his son and heir and S r Thomas Shirley Knight a great lover of learning and especially affected to Antiquities in the study whereof he hath attained to much Knowledge and thereby given no small lustre to this antient and worthy Family Which Sir Henry wedded the Lady Dorothe sister and one of the coheirs to Robert Devereux the last Earl of Essex by whom he had issue Sir Charles Shirley his son and heir who dyed unmarried and Sir Robert Shirley now Lord of this Mannour and through his mothers right inheritor of great possessions heretofore belonging to the said Earl of Essex The Church was given to the Canons of Kenâ—lworth by Henry sonne to Sasuualo that lived in the Conquerors time as I have already intimated In 6 Ioh. upon the vacancy of the Priory of Kenâ—lworth the King presented Hugh de Wells Archdeacon of Wells thereto who was shortly after Lord Chancelour But about the later end of King Iohn's time Silvester then Bishop
H. 7. was granted to Gerald Earl of Kildare and Eliz. S. Iohn then his wife and the heirs male of their two bodyes lawfully begotten After which viz. in 18 H. 7. they obtained a Charter of Free-warren in all their demesn lands here Which Earl leaving issue by the said Eliz. Sir Iames Fitz-Gerald Kt. attainted in 28 H. 8. as in Blackwell I have manifested it eschaeted again to the Crown and was granted to Sir Thomas Palmer Knight a martiall man as it seems for I find that in 38 H. 8. he was imployed in the French Warrs but adhering to the Duke of Morthumberland in 1. Mariae participated of his fate viz. losse of life and estate by attainder After which the Queen in that very year granted it to Michael Throkmorton Esquier and his heirs who dyed seized thereof 1. Nov. 5. 6. Ph. M. leaving Francis his son and heir 7. years of age Neverthelesse I have heard that the same .... Hill of whom in Blackwell I have spoke having obtained a long Lease thereof together with Blackwell from Sir T. Palmer before specified left issue severall sons and that Robert Dudley Earl of Leic. through colour of a title from Francis the yongest of them possest himself thereof but that after the said Earls death Thomas the eldest got into it again and sold his interest to Roger Burgoin late of Wroxhall Esquier In an 1291. 19 E. 1. the Church â—dedicated to S t Iohn Baptist being valued but at 1. mark was not taxed in 14 E. 3. propter paupertatem as the Record expresseth And in 26 H. 6. it appeareth that all the profits belonging thereto were so small as that they sufficed not to maintain a Priest but that the Cure was usually served by some Frier that came from Warwick and received the same with other offrings from the Parishioners Patroni Ecclesiae Incumbentes c. D. Ioh. Peche miles Rob. Archard Pbr. prid Id. Aug. 1305. D. Nich. Peche miles Ric. Hanne Cap. Non. Apr. 1354. D. Ioh. Peche miles Ioh. de Ardeley Pbr. Cal. Sept. 1366. D. Episc. per lapsum David Aber. Pbr. 8. Aug. 1387. Kinardus de la Bere miles Ioh. Bowre Pbr .... Maii 1396. Kinardus de la Bere miles Philippus Horspath 25. Iunii 1398. Kinardus de la Bere miles D. Ioh. Glover 8. Apr. 1400. Katherina de la Bere Ioh. Del Dyche 18 Dec. 1410. Katherina de la Bere Will. Chamberleyn 18 Iulii 1411. Henr. Rueth Cap. 25. Ian. 1495. Edw. Hill Thom. Hill Franc. Hill Thom. Abbington Cler. 27. Martii 1574. Wroxhall SOuthwards from Honiley somewhat above a mile stands Wroxhall of which there is no particular mention in the Conquerors Survey neither of Hatton whereof it was originally a member Nor is there probability that they were at that time involved with any other place that lyeth neer them the barrenesse of the soil though woody perhaps giving occasion that they were not then taken notice of But insisting not on probabilities I shall descend to such certain authorities as I have seen to discover the first possessor thereof and therefore because the Monastery of Nuns was very antiently here founded viz. in K. Stephen's time as I shall further shew anon I will here exhibit the substance of what is to be seen in an historicall Manuscript penned about King Edward 4. time by some Priest or Officer belonging to the said Nunnery as I guesse whereby not onely the first Lords and owners of the place will appear but the occasion and circumstances touching that Foundation which though some may think wholy fabulous in respect of the Miracles wherewith it is so much deck't yet setting them aside and well considering the Story a body of Truth is not hard to be discerned therein the substance whereof is as followeth viz. That one Richard shortly after the Norman Conquest holding the Lordship of Hatton and likewise this place of Wroxhall of Henry then Earl of Warwick had issue a son callled Hugh who was a person of great stature and bore the same Armes that the Mountforts of Beldesert near Henley in this County did scil Bende with a fesse gules for his difference being a branch of that Family as was thought Which Hugh going to warfare in the Holy Land was there taken Prisoner and so continued in great hardship there for the space of seven years But at length considering that S. Leonard was the Saint to whom his Parish-Church had been dedicated and the many miracles that God had often wrought by the merits of that his glorious Confessor made his addresses by earnest Prayers to him for deliverance Whereupon S. Leonard appeared to him in his sleep in the habit of a black Monk bidding him arise and go home and found at his Church a House of Nuns of S. Benet's Order But the Knight awaking took this for no other than a dream till that the same Saint appeared to him a second time in like manner Howbeit then with much spirituall gladnesse rejoycing he made a Vow to God and S. Leonard that he would perform his command Which Vow was no sooner made than that he became miraculously carryed thence with his Fetters and set in Wroxhall woods not far distant from his own House yet knew not where he was untill a Shepherd of his own passing through those thickets accidentally found him and after some communication though he was at first not a little affrighted in respect he saw a person so overgrown with hair discovered all unto him Whereupon his Lady and Children having advertisement came forthwith to him but believed not that he was her husband till he shewed her a piece of a Ring that had been broken betwixt them which so soon as she applied to the other part in her own custody closed therewith And shortly after having given solemn thanks to God our Lady and S t Leonard and praying for some divine revelation where he should erect that Monastery so promised by his said vow he had speciall direction where to build it by certain stones picht in the ground in the very place where the Altar was afterwards set After the structure whereof two of his daughters were made Nuns therein a Lady from the Nuns of Wilton being fetcht to direct them in that their Rule of S. Benedict But from this Legend I shall proceed with its endowment with lands c. as I find the same declared in our publique Records or have observed from any private evidence Wherein first I must take notice how munificent the pious Founder himself was Of whom it appears that he gave thereunto totam terram loci de Wrocheshale with a large proportion of lands and woods thereabouts all mentioned either by particular names or by metes and bounds the rehearsall whereof for brevities sake I omit together with the Church of Hatton and whatsoever belonged thereto as also all that land in
Kenilworth should be duly payd And moreover that a Pension of two Marks per an should be payd to the Bishop of Worcester and his successors and to the Prior and Monks of Worcester and their successors xx s. per an whereupon ensued the Ordination of the Vicaridge made by the same Bishop and dated at Hertlebury xi Martii an 1341. 16 E. 3. In 26 H. 8. the Rectory here was certified to be worth iii l. xiii s. iiii d. per an being so let at that time by Indenture and the Vicaridge vi l. xiii s. iiii d. per an which Rectory with the advouson of the Vicaridge was inter alia past out of the Crown together with the dissolved Monastery of Maxstoke unto Charles Brandon D. of Suff. ult Sept. 30 H. 8. And from the said Duke excepting the advouson of the said Vicaridge conveyed to Rob. Trapps with Maxstoke also being since sold viz. 2 Oct. 44. Eliz. to the before specified Andrew Archer by Will. Poulet son of the Lord Giles Poulet and Mary his wife one of the daughters and heirs of Nich. son to the before specified Rob. Trapps Which advouson coming by mean conveyance unto VVill. Stanley L. Mouteagle was by him 12. Ian. 12. Eliz. aliened unto Ellys Aynesworth of Bolton in com Lanc. Gent. whose son and heir by his deed bearing date 4 Oct. 21. Eliz. conveyed it to Iohn Addenbrook of Beoley in com Wigorn. yeoman which Iohn 12 Oct. 27 Eliz. past it to the same Andrew Archer Patroni Ecclesiae Incumbentes c. Prior Conv. de Kenilworth Rad Bolemere Pbr. 3. Cal. Apr. 1292. Prior Conv. de Kenilworth Nich. le Boteler 17 Cal. Apr. 1303. Prior Conv. de Kenilworth Thomas Talbot Cleric 15. Cal. Febr. 1307. Idem Pr. C. ad nominat D. Hug. le Despenser ratione custodiae haered Comitis Warw. Ingelram Berenger Cler. 4. Non. Oct. 1319. Idem Pr. C. ad nominat D. Hug. le Despenser ratione custodiae haered Comitis Warw. Mag. Ric. de Vppavene 11. Cal. Oct. 1322. Idem Pr. Conv. ad nominat Edw. Regis Angl. ratione ut supra D. Thom. de Pakynton Pbr. 8 Martii an 1328. Pr. C. de Kenilw Ric. le Gardiner Pbr. 17. Iulii 1339. VVill. de Clinton Comes Huntendon D. Rob. Wyke 3 Apr. 1340. Prior Conv. de Makstoke D. Will. de Coton 3. Maii 1340. Prior Conv. de Makstoke D. Rob. de Folewode Pbr. 25. Aug. 1341. Prior Conv. de Makstoke Henr. le Gardner 19. Nov. 1349. Prior Conv. de Makstoke VVill. Tykenhale Pbr. 24. Maii 1375. Prior Conv. de Makstoke Ric. Dolfyn Pbr. 5. Aug. 1379. Prior Conv. de Makstoke Hugo de Cookes Pbr. 21 Sept. 1381. Prior Conv. de Makstoke D. Ric. Martyn 23 Maii 1398. Prior Conv. de Makstoke Tho. Hopley 23 Apr. 1399. Prior Conv. de Makstoke Will. Bakon 21 Aug. 1402. Prior Conv. de Makstoke Tho. Draper 16 Oct. 1046. Prior Conv. de Makstoke D. Will. Elys Cap. 14 Iulii 1420. Prior Conv. de Makstoke D. Ric. Greswould Pbr. 28. Nov. 1442. Prior Conv. de Makstoke D. VVill. Swyneshede Cap. 3. Sept. 1465. Prior Conv. de Makstoke D VVill. Harrys Cap. 17 Iulii 1471. Prior Conv. de Makstoke Rad. VVhitehede in leg Bac. 12. Apr. 1514. Henr. 8. Rex Angl. D. Rad. Aleyne Cler. 13. Dec. 1537. Elizeus Aynsworth Gen. Ioh. Parks Cler. 7 Aug. 1573. Monumentall Inscriptions in this Church Orate pro animabus Ricardi Fulwode armigeri Agnetis uxoris ejus qui quidem Ricardus obiit xxiii die Februarii An. Dom. M.D. secundo quorum animabus propitietur Deus Orate pro animabus Roberti Fulwode armigeri Margaretae uxoris suae qui quidem Robertus fuit excellentissimè doctrinatus sive literatus in Communi lege Angliae Et obiit xx die mensis Octobris An. D. 1531. Cujus animae propitietur Deus Amen Here lyeth buried Edward Archer Gent. whiles he lived was a friend to poore He dyed the xviith of Feburary Anno D. 1592. ✚ Ricardum Dolfyn cerne homo locus tenet iste Aeternam lucem ei dare dedignaris Christe But because this did import praying for the dead complaint was made to the Bishop who caused that Inscription to be defaced and instead of it set up this IESUS Ricardum Dolfyn cerne homo mortuum locm tenet Christi Sed noluit locum Christi vivus intrare iste Hic jacet Elizabetha filia Edwardi Gryffyn armigeri obiit 7 Oct. 1608. In this Church were two Chantries the one at the Altar of the blessed Virgin and the other of St. Katherine Of these the former was founded by Robert Folewode first Vicar of Tanworth after the Church became appropriated to the Canons of Makstoke which Rob. by his Deed bearing date at Tanworth on the Feast day of S. Gervasius and Prochasius 19 E. 3. granted to one Ranulph de Folewode and the heirs of his body his capitall Messuage with all the lands and tenements thereto belonging heretofore possest by one Will. de Lee and situate in a place called Beaumunt as also another mess. sometime belonging to Ric. de Piryhull both in this Parish to the intent that the said Ranulph and his said heirs should find a competent Priest of good conversation chosen by the twelve principall Inhabitants of the town to celebrate divine service daylie in this Church at the said Altar of the Blessed Virgin for all the living and dead of this Parish as also for the Benefactors to the said Church and Chantry Which Chantry-Priest for the time being was every year to take his Corporall Oath on the Feast day of St. Mich. the Archangell in the presence of him the said Robert his heirs and successors that he would faithfully perform such servâ—ce as abovesaid and likewise daily say a Placebo and Dirige with a speciall comendation of him the said Robert by name and his heirs and if the said Ran. de Folewode did happen to depart this life without issue of his body that then the Messuages beforementioned should remain to Iohn de Lodbroke and the heirs of his body upon the like termes and so for default of issue by him to Iohn le Archer with these severall remainders in case of issue failing viz. to Henry de Sidenhale Rob. de Crewenhale Iohn Wodard Will. Dolfyn Will. Gower Ric. Alleyn Thomas Wystan and Ric. atte Berne and the heirs of their bodies To which Feoffment were witnesses Sir Peter de Montfort Sir Edm. de Trussell Sir Rog. de Aylesbury and Sir Thomas Blancfront Kts. with others The lands of this Chantrie being in 37 H. 8. valued at vii l. xix s. vii d. above all reprises Touching the other Chantrie I find that in 14 R. 2. one Thomas Collins of this town gave to Thomas Archer Iohn
Fullwode and others divers lands for to find two Priests celebrating divine service here for ever all which being forfeited to the King in regard of such disposall made of them without the Royall License contrary to the Statute in that case made and provided were thereupon given away by K. Ric. unto one Iohn Swet who having a desire to assign over his right and state in them unto Rose Mountfort then a great woman in this Parish obtained a Pat. from K. H. 4. in the first year of his reign whereby the said K. gave them unto her and her heirs for ever to the intent that shâ— and they should provide and maintain two Chantrie-Priests to celebrate divine service daylie in this Church at the Altar of our Lady before mentioned aswell for the good estate of the said K. Henry during this life and afterwards for the health of his soul and the souls of his Mother and Queen deceased as for the soul of the said Rose and the souls of her ancestors and heirs and other Benefactors to the said Chantrye Which Rose by her Deed bearing date 8 Maii in the same year reciting the grant so made to her as abovesaid gave those lands unto Iohn Blakenhale and Ric. Boys Priests serving at the before specified Altar to hold to them and their successors Priests of that Chantrie to celebrate divine service there for ever according to the limitations before mentioned The advouson of which Chantrie descended by the said Rose Mountfort to the Catesbies but by reason of the attainder of Sir Wil. Catesbie in 1 H. 7. was granted in 3 H. 7. to Sir Iames Blount and to the heirs male of his body In â—6 H. 8. the lands belonging thereto were valued at xiii l. vi s. viii d. per an but in 37 H. 8. to no more than vii l. vii s. iiii d. at which time I find it certified that this Parish was xx miles in compass so that in case of Plague or ohter sickness there the Priests belonging thereto did use to assist the Vicar in ministring the Sacraments and Sacramentals The lands of both which Chantries were granted in 7 E. 6. to Kenelm Throkmorton Clem. Throkmorton and Iohn Throkmorton Esquires and their heirs I now come to the particular places of note within this Parish viz. Umberslade Monkspath Cley-Hall Codbarow Cheswikes Betlesworth Lodbroke's-Mannour Sidenhale and Crewenhale of which in their order Vmberslade THis being onely an antient Mannour house was in H. 2. time partly given by Henry de Vilers Sewer to Will Earl of Warwick unto Rob. Archer and Seliit his wife and to the heirs of Seliit in which grant it is termed terra de Ombreslade and the said Robert called Rob. Sagittarius and partly by Roger de Hulehale to her the said Seliit onely From which Robert and Seliit I have on the next page represented the lineall descendants with their matches clearly warranted from the originall Charters and evidences of this antient Family whose principall seat it still continues Of William the son to Rob. and Seliit I find that he had a grant of much land here in Tanworth by VValeran Earl of Warwick about the beginning of K. Iohn's reign which is set forth by speciall boundaries according to the use of those times and likewise a Bull from Pope Gregory the ix th for a peculiar Chapell at this place bearing date in 19 H. 3. In the Windows whereof are yet standing and of no less antiquity than E. 3. time the Arms of Beauchamp E. of Warwick Clinton Earl of Huntingdon as also of this Family as they were then set up in the Glass Which VVill. left issue Iohn who being Champion to Thomas Earl of Warwick obtained a speciall Charter from the said Earl to himself and his heirs for freedom to hauk and hunt every where within the territories of Tanworth excepting the Park and to excercise all other Liberties belonging to the said Earl within Monkspath and Ombreslade paying therefore unto him and his heirs xii broad Arrow heads a couple of Capons at Whitsontide yearly This Iohn had issue Iohn and divers other children whereof Thomas was Lord Prior of the Hospitall of St. Iohn of Hierusalem in England in 14 E. 2. which Iohn the younger matching with Margery the daughter of Sir VVill. Traci of Todington in Gloucestershire an eminent family in those parts left issue Iohn and Thomas Of which Thomas I find that having been in that Rob. Sagittarius temp H. 2. Seliit Ricardus Johannes Will. le Archer obiit circa 23 H. 3. Margeria Iohanna ux Walt. filii Sim. de Cherlecote Isab. ux Wil. filii Rad. de Lee. Thomas Joh. le Archer obiit temp H. 3. Christiana secundò nupra Will. de Berneville Tho. Prior S. Ioh Hicrosol in Anglia 14 E. 2. Wil. Rector Eccl. de Pilardinton Rob. Rector Eccl. de Queinton Ioh. le Archer ob ante 28 E. 1. Margeria filia Will. Traci de Toding ton in Com. Glouc. Ric. Rector Eccl. de Ilmindon 23 E. 3. Will. le Archer 2 E. 2. Thomas 10 E. 2. Ioh. le Archer obiit circa 22. E. 3. Isabella filia Rad. Escote 1 E. 3. Ioh. le Archer 16 E. 3. Thomas le Archer obiit 46 E. 3. Margareta filia .... Cleburie Gilbertus le Archer Agnes filia Walteri Cokesey mil. Thomas le Archer obiit 4 H. 6. aetat 84. an Alicia ux 2. Alicia filia Will. Hugford de Midleton in Com. Salop mil. obiit 8. H. 5. Ric. Archer obiit 11 E. 4. aetat 85. Margareta relicta Tho. Newport de Ercall ar ux 2. Alicia filia haeres Wil. Lea de Stotfold ux 3. Ioh. Archer obiit 3. E. 4. vivo patre Christiana sola filia haeres Rad. de Blacklow Civis Lond. relicta Hen. Sewall nupra 25 H. 6. Ioh. Archer obiit 4 Dec. 11. H. 8. Alicia filia Baldwini Mountfort de Colshill mil. nupta 7 E. 4. Ioh. Archer obiit 16 Apr. 12. H. 8. Margareta filia Humfridi Staftord de Blatherwick nupta 19 H. 7. obiit 21. H. 8. Edw. Archer obiit coelebs temp Iac. Regis Iohannes Robertus Ric. Archer ob 5. Oct. 36. H. 8. aet 39. Matilda filia cohaer Nich. De la mere de Hereford parva ob 23. Aug. 6 5. Ph. M. Edw. Fulco Miles Francisca Wimfrida Anna Humfr. Archer obiit 24 Oct. 4. Eliz. Anna filia Rob. Tounsend de Ludlow mil. Capit Iustic Walliae obiit 28 Nov. 5. Iac. Ioh. Archer duxit Elianoram fil haer Ric. Frewin de Handley in Com. Wigorn. Andreas Archer ob 23. Apr. An. 1629. Margar. filia Sim. Ralegh de Farnborough at obiit 16 Aug. 1614. Ric. Archer de Nethorp in Com. Oxon. duxit MariaÌ„ fil haer Roul Bull de Nethorp Simon Archer natus 21 Sept. 1581. factus eq aur per Regem Iac. 21 Aug. 1624. Anna filia Ioh. Ferrers de Tamworth castro eq aur
did became Tenant thereof to the said Hugh as an antient Register belonging to the Bishops of Worcester sheweth wherein it is written Lappewrte and said to be de Soca Episcopi being held of the Bishops Mannour of Old-Stratford From hence till K. H. 3. time having no light from Record to guide me I must by what appears afterwards onely guess at the most probable course of its succession which I conceive was thus viz. that with the rest of Grentemasnill's lands it came by the daughter and heir of that Family to Rob. sirnamed Blanchmains Earl of Leicester in H. 2. time unto whom 't is manifest that she was wedded and that the ancestour of Henry Pipard who lived in H. 3. time obtained it by Feoffment from that Earl or the said Henry himself from some of his descendants for certâ—in it is that those Earls of Leicester were superior Lords hereof and that this Henry was possest of it I have testimony enough But the first particular mention relating to him that I haue met with which hath any date is in 20 H. 3. where it appears that there was a Fine levied betwixt him and Nichola his wife on the one part and Iohn Comin Geffrey Corbizon and Iulian his wife on the other of two yard land here And there is no doubt but that this was his seat for in sundry Deeds which I have seen he is not onely stiled Capitalis Dominus Feodi de Lapworth but it is evident that there was a Mannour house here in those times It should seem that he was a man of the superior rank for in â—5 H. 3. I find him in Commission for the Gaol delivery at Warwick and likewise one of the Justices of Assize so also in 26. and 31. H. 3. In 34 H. 3. he bore the office of Eschaetor in this County In 36 H. 3. he was again one of the Iustices for the Gaol delivery at Warwick and left issue two daughters his heirs viz. Dionysia the wife of Sir Rob. de Harecurt Kt. and Cecilie married to Sir Thomas de Bishopsden Kt. upon partition made betwixt which coheirs this Lordship fell to Dionysia as it seems for I find that in 49 H. 3. it was in the hands of Sim. de Mountfort Earl of Leicester in respect of the minoritie of Will. de Harecurt son and heir to the said Robert which Will. about the beginning of E. 1. time granted unto Henry de Braunteston and his heirs a certain part of his Court and Capitall mansion here viz. that lying towards the West from the great gate by the Wall which then extended to an Oak standing before the dore of the old Grange with the advouson of the Church and the homage and service of sundry Freeholders To which Dâ—ed is his Seal of Arms affixed scil Or two bars gules And after this did the said Will. grant or rather confirm unto Sâ—r. Will. de Bishopsden his nephew viz. son and heir of Sir Thomas de Bishopsden certain lands lying here which Henry Pipard before specâ—fied had formerly given to Sim. Bagot of Preston together with the advouson of the Church and divers other lands lying also here in Lapworth which the said Sir Will. de Bishopsden and Sir Thomas de Bishopsden Father of the said Will. had obtained from sundry other persons for which grant he reserved to himself and his heirs the Rent of one barb'd Arrow to be payd yearly at the Feast of Pentecost for all services D. Hugo de Brandeston miles obiit 27 E. 1. Henricus de Brandestone 11 E. 2. Petronilla 11 E. 2. Hugo de Brandeston defunctus 36 E â— Sibilla Nich. Dur vassall 1 maritus Ronsia una filiarum cohaer Ric. de Miteforti nothus 47 E. 3. D. Petrus de Monteforti dominus de Bellodeserto Will. Montfort fil haeres 14 R. 2. Agnes Margareta filia haeres Ioh. Catesby de Ashby-Legers in com Northamp Will. Catesby miles Philippa filia una haered Will. Bishopsden mil. Elena uxor Ricardi Merebroke Thomas Montfort Agnes uxor Philippi de Ailesbury postea Joh. Bukmore Rog. Ailesbury de Lapworth Beatrix monialis apud Wroxhale Leticia Magister Henricus de Brandestone 7 E. 1. Of Henry de Brandeston above mentioned I find that he was a Priest or professor in some learning for he hath the addition of Magister and that he granted this Mannour to Hugh de Brandeston his brother and Margaret his wife and to the heirs of their two bodies lawfully begotten which Hugh being a Knight in 13 E. 1. had in 21. E. 1. a Charter of Freewarren granted to him in all his demesn lands here from 23 till 27 E. 1. was every year one of the Commissioners for the Gaol delivery at Warwick But after the death of Edmund Earl of Lancaster in 25 E. 1. it was certified that the said Sir Hugh held this Mannour of him by the service of half a Kts. fee doing homage and suit to the Court held for the same Honour of Leicester every three weeks and that all his Tenants did use to repair to the Court Leet belonging to that Honour And upon his death which hapned in 27 E. 1. it appears that the extent of what he had here in Lapworth over and above the Mannour was 3 Carucates of land every Carucate containing 3. Virgates and every Virgate xvi acres Henry his son and heir being then 16 years of age Which Henry in 11 E. 2. acquired from Hugh de Lodbroke Parson of Blaby in Leicestersh the inheritance of another Mannour here whereof Latice daughter to him the said Henry had an estate for life by grant from the said Parson But after this it was not long ere that the same Henry past away one of these Mannours to Sir Iohn de Bishopsden Kt. as appeaâ—s by his deed and a speciall Mandate directed to all his Freeholders and Customary Tenants here in Lapworth for to attourn unto him which I conceive to be that called Bushwood Hall for at Bushwood there written Bispwode doth the same bear date in 14 E. 2. To which Henry succeeded Hugh his son and heir whom I find frequently stiled Dominus de Lapworth having in 11 E. 3. obtained a Lease thereof from Sir Iohn de Bishopsden Kt. for xl years In 33 E. 3. being constituted one of the Commissioners of Array in this County he bore for his Armes two Bars with a bendlet over them and dyed in 36 E. 3. as it should seem for then doth it appear that Sibilla his wife was a widow leaving issue 3 daughters viz. Beatrice a Nun at Wroxhall Agnes wedded to Philip de Aylesbury and Rose to Richard de Montfort betwixt which two last mentioned daughters his inheritance here became divided in 43 E. 3. and that of Letice their Aunt in 47 E. 3. Which
greatnesse and power durst not appear to challenge the Jurie so that he had CCC â— given him for damages against them But it so fell out that in 3 E. 3. this mighty man being seized upon by the King at Notingham Castle and by a Parliament there held condemn'd for Treason was put to death whereby all his possessions became confiscate insomuch as the Inhabitants before specified petitioned the K. that he would be gracious unto them in forbearing to proceed to Judgment upon that Verdict whereupon he was pleased to remit thereof CCxlvi li. xiii s. iiii d. Whether by any conveiance from the Bishop of Ely before spoken of it was that Rob. de Moreby of Moreby in Yorkshire had an interest here I know 〈◊〉 nor what he so had but in 7 E. 3. I find that the K. granted to him a Charter of Free warren in all his demesn lands here at Solihull as also at Bonnewick and Moreby in Yorkshire It seems that the inheritance thereof was in the Bishop's heirs what ever estate the same Rob. de Moreby had for in 26 E. 3. by a Fine then levied betwixt Anne the widow of Edw. le Despenser Plantiff and Iohn de Hothum of Bondeby Kt. Deforâ—â— this Mannour with the advouson of the Church was setled upon the same Anne during her life the remainder to Hugh le Despenser son to the said Edw. and Anne and Alice his wife daughter of the said Sir I. Hothum and the heirs of their bodies and so to Katherine sister of the said Alice c. Which Alice was afterwards married to Iohn Trussell who in her right held this Lordship in 50 E. 3. But by her first husband she had issue Sir Hugh le Spenser Kt. and Anne a daughter married to Sir Edw. Boteler Kt. which Sir Hugh dyed without issue in 3. H. 4. leaving Anne his sister and heir then 32 years of age Of this Sir Edw. Boteler and Anne his wife I find that in 5 H. 4. they came to an Agreement with Sibill the widow of the said Sâ— Hugh le Spenser whereby it was concluded that she the said Sibill shou'd hold this Mannour during her life but afterwards to return unto the same Sir Edward and Anne and their heirs who dying without issue K. H. 5. by his Letters Pat. dated 16 Apr. in the second year of his reign passing to Edward Duke of York for life all the lands which were Thomas Lord Spenser's attainted by Parl. Octab. Hill 3 H. 4. the remainder to Ric. Beauchamp of Bergavenny Kt. and Isabell his wife sister and heir of Richard son and heir to the said Thomas late Lord Despenser deceased and the heirs male of the same Richard and Isabell the Duke by virtue of that grant possest himself of this Mannour 〈◊〉 colour that for want of issue by the â—aâ—d Sir Edward Bâ—teler and Anne the inheritance thereof belonged to the same Thomas le Despenser Earl of Glouc. so attainted and held it till his death which hapning in 3 H. 5 for he was slain at the battell of Agincourt 25 Oct. the same year Ric. Beauchamp and Isabell his wife had livery 〈◊〉 Hothum Episc Elien Perius Hothum Ioh. Hothum miles Fâ—w le De spenser Anna. Edm. Dux Ebor. Edw. Dux Elâ—â—r Constanstia Ric. le Despenser Co. Glouc. ob s p. Isabella sola filia haeres ux Ric. Beauchamp domini de Bergav Edw. le Despenser Tho. le Despenser Co. Glouc. Hugo le Despenser Anna ux Edw. Boteler ob s. p. 10 H. 4. Hugo le Despenser miles ob s. p. Ioh. Hothum mil. Alicia Ioh. Trussel mil. 2 maritus Ioh. Trussel ob s. p. Catherina Petrus Hothum Matilda Thomas .... Alicia Margareta ... Skerne Henricus Skerne Edm. Skerne 38 H. 6. thereof 18 Mâ—rtii next ensuing Neverthelesse upon farther consideration and view of the Fine levied in 5 H. 4. whereby it had been so inâ—aâ—led the Inquisitions after the several deceases of the said Sir Edw. Boteler and Anne his wife of Sibill the widow of the before specified Sir Hugh le Despenser the K. directed his Precept bearing date 14 Nov. 5 H. 5. to his Eschaetor for this County to seize it into his hands For the cleerer understanding of which titles I have inserted the preceding Descent Of the before mentioned Hugh le Despenser I find that he was interred in the Friers at Stanford and that Thomas Collum then Parson of the Church here at Solihull bore so great an affection to him and the lady Sibill or Isabell his wife for both wayes I find her written that by his Testament be bequeathed a fair Missale to the Church of Solâ—hull that the Parishioners should provide a Priest to celebrate divine Service there by the space of one year for the souls of the said Sir Hugh and Isabell he himself ordaining that another Priest should do the like there for the space of two years It seems that this Lordship continued in the Crown a good while for in 16 H. 6. the custody thereof was committed by the King to Thomas Greswould for seaven years but in 22 H. 6. by his Letters Pat. dated 25 Sept. he granted it inter alia to Iohn Duke of Somerset and the heirs male of his body to enjoy during the life of Iaquet the widow to Iohn D. of Bedford Raph Boteler and Iohn Beauchamp and the longer liver of them Which Iohn D. of Somerset departing this life without any such issue 27 Maii the same year the King by other Letters Pat. dated 20 Iulii then next following committed the custody thereof together with the Mannour of Sheldon in this County to Edm. Mountford Esq for life answering for them both L. marks sterling per an Yet was it not long that he so held them for it appears that the next year ensuing he surrendred his Pat. into the Chancery to be cancelled to the intent that the King should make a grant of them to Sir Iames Fenys Knight which was accordingly effected 27 Sept. the same year for the speciall services he had done to hold during life without rendring any accompt at all for the same This Sir Iames being afterwards created Lord Say dyed in 30 H. 6. Whereupon this Mannour returning to the Crown was with Sheldon likewise again committed to the custody of Edm. Mountford before mentioned for the term of ten years at L. marks per an as they formerly were But it seems that this Pat. became shortly after surrendred for on the 28 th of March 31 H. 6. the King granted the custody of them to Edm. Earl of Richmund and Iasper Earl of Pembroke for â—ii years and upon cancelling that Pat. the first of Iuly ensuing sealed another whereby he past the unheritance of them to those Earls Howbeit in 38 H. 6. one Edmund Skerne as Cosin and heir to Iohn Hothum Bishop of Ely after the death
purchase of more from Richard de Kyncton as also of a Mill with two Pooles called Horn-Poole and Nes-poole from Gerard de Alspath and Maud his wife in 12 E. 2. obtained a speciall Charter from the King for a weekly Mercate upon the Tuesday at this his Mannour of Alspath and a Faire yearly to last for eight days beginning on the Eve of S t Laurence the Martyr From which Family with their other lands it came to the Moubrays Dukes of Norfolk by a daughter and heir as in Caludon appeareth in whose line it continued till Edward the fourth's time But the next posseâ—or of it of whom I have found mention was Thomas Earl of Derby in 11 H. 8. to whose posterity it continues till this present anno scil 1640. A fourth part of a Mannour here had one Thomas de Paunton who levied a Fine thereof to Sir Henry de Ardern Knight and others in 38 E. 3. though not recorded till 1 R. 2. which was sold afterwards to Wyard if my Author mistake not and from him came to Robert Castell as I guess for in 11 H. 4. had the said Robert a Charter of Free warren in all his demesn lands here This being that as I conceive which Iohn Waldeff Esquire and Margaret his wife were possest of in 15 H. 6. Within the precincts of this Parish also had the Family of Waldeif antiently a Seat which continued in that line for divers descents but at length by a daughter and coheir came to Walshe whereupon it had the name of Walshe-Hall as we find at this day the first of them for whom I have seen any good authority being Gerard Waldeive who bestowed on the Monks of Coventre certain lands here To which Gerard succeeded VVilliam who about the beginning of K. Edward the first 's time gave the yearly Rent of xx d. for the maintenance of two Lamps to burn before the Altar of S t Laurence and S t Nicholas in the Church of Alspath as also two Waxen Tapers to be lighted at the Elevation of the Host in the said Church And after him another William but whether he were his son or grandson I know not which VVilliam was in Commission for levying and collecting a xth and xvth in 23. E. 3. And having been one of the Coroners in this Countie for some time was in 34 E. 3. by reason of his debilitie discharged of that Office This last mentioned William had issue Alan Waldeyffe who by the marriage of Ioane daughter and heir to Richard de Whitacre became possest of Elmedon and there resided in 17 R. 2. The next year ensuing he was Eschaetor for this County and Leicestershire In 21 R. 2. in Commission for levying and collecting a xvth and xth In 2 H. 4. Eschaetor again In 3 H. 4. in Commission for levying and collecting the Aid for marriage of Blanch the King's eldest daughter and left issue two daughters and heirs viz. Margaret the wife to Thomas Hore of Elmedon and Elene married to Richard Walsh by which means these lands in Alspath came to Walsh the said Richard being certified in 1 E. 4. to hold the fourth part of a Knight's Fee here of the Duke of Norfolke as of his Mannour which was Segrave's It seems that the heires male of this Richard Walshe continued the possession hereof for divers descents for I find that Sir Richard Walshe of Sheldesley in Com. Wigorn. Knight was possest of it about the beginning of King Iames his reign and that he left two daughters and heirs scil Ioyce married to Sir Rowland Cotton of Alkington in Com. Salop. Knight and Anne to Sir Thomas Bromley Knight Of which Sir Rowland and Dame Ioyce it was purchased by William Andrews of Northfield in Câ—m Wigorn. Gentleman and William Replingham of Harborow in this County Gentleman 1. Sepâ— 16 Iac. who within four years after sold it unto Sir Robert Fisher of Packington Knâ—ght and Bar. the now owner thereof Anno scil 1640. In 24 H 8. Roger Wigston Esquire purchased certain lands lying here in Alspath of one Robert Crowe and others by the name of the fourth part of the Mannour of Alspath and in 25 H. 8. of Richard Hoo and others by the name of the Mannour of Alspath which Richard Hoo as it seemes had a grant of then from Iohn Walsyngham all which were given by the same Roger to the Hospitall of Bablake in Coventre The Church dedicated to S. Laurence being very antiently given to the Monks of Coventre and appropriated in 44 H. 3. was in anno 1291. 19 E. 1. valued at six marks over and above an yearly Pension of three marks issuing out of it to the Dean and Chapter of Lichfield And in 26 H. 8. at Cxii s. besides ix s. vi d. allowed for Procurations and Synodals In the South I le of this Church there was a Chantrie founded by Iohn Wyard in 5 H. 4. whose Monument is also there and endowed with lands to the value of C s. per annum Which Iohn being an Esquire to Thomas de Beauchamp Earl of Warwick and in 2 R. 2. one of the Knights for this Shire in the Parliament then held at Westminster had his residence in this place But that which belong'd to this Chantrie was in Rents issuing out of lands lying remote from hence and amounting to iv li. per annum as was certified in 26 H. 8. upon the Survey then made Patroni Vicariae Incumbentes c. Prior Conventus de Coventre Will. fil Gerardi de Alespath 4. Cal. Dec. 1301. Prior Conventus de Coventre Ioh. de Kirkeby Cap. Non. Sept. 1312. Prior Conventus de Coventre Thomas Legat Pbr. 19. Cal. Iulii 1321. Prior Conventus de Coventre Ioh. Moyses Pbr. 6. Cal. Sept. 1361. Prior Conventus de Coventre Thomas Lucas Cap. 25. Maii 1411. Prior Conventus de Coventre Ioh. Heyfield Pbr. 20. Iunii 1422. Prior Conventus de Coventre Ioh. Brokesby Pbr. 2. Dec. 1423. Prior Conventus de Coventre D. Will. Hancock 20. Apr. 1425. Prior Conventus de Coventre Rob. Yronmonger 15. Oct. 1426. Prior Conventus de Coventre Thomas Waghan Pbr. 13. Apr. 1445. Prior Conventus de Coventre Ioh. Caryngham Pbr. 25. Febr. 1448. Prior Conventus de Coventre Ioh. Summerland Pbr. 17. Ian. 1492. Prior Conventus de Coventre Rob. Sherwood S. Theol-Professor 24. Martii 1528. Prior Conventus de Coventre D. Will. Wyrlyche 21. Nov. 1529. Prior Conventus de Coventre Ric. Mason Cap. 18. Iulii 1533. Rob. Acres alii ratione Concess Pr. Conv. de Coventre D. Ric. Wenlok Cap. 20. Maii 1544. Margeria Belcher vidua Henr. Williams Cler. 6. Oct. 1582. Guliel Wheate
Peto junior and Beatrice his wife to hold during their lives and the life of the Survivor of them reserving x li. per annum to be payd to himself and his heirs after the decease of the said Henry and Beatrice without issue which Henry and Beatrice confirmed that estate to them the said Iohn and Beatrice the next year ensuing This Beatrice the wife of Iohn de Peto was daughter and heir to Iohn de Sheldon of whose alliance to the said Henry I am not certain But unto Sir Iohn Murdak of whom in Compton-Murdak I have spoke succeeded Sir Thomas Murdak Kt Lord of this Mannour as heir to his Father which Sir Thomas in 48 E. 3. past away all his title therein unto Sir Roger Meres of Kyrketon Knight for CC li. sterling whose son scil Iohn Meres obtained a confirmation thereof from the before mentioned Beatrice the widow of the said Iohn de Peto to take place after her decease which makes me think that she was next heir in blood to the same Henry de Sheldon and in 9 R. 2. sold the same reversion unto Sir Raphe Basset of Draiton Knight who died seized thereof in 14 R. 2. leaving Thomas Earl Stafford and Alice the wife to William Chaworth his cosins and next heirs as the Descent here inserted sheweth .... Basset de Draiton Margareta .... Stafford Rad. Comes Staffordiae Hugo Comes Staffordiae Tho. Co. Staff consangu unus haered Rad. Basset de Drayt. Matilda Iohanna Rogerus Iohannes Catharina Alicia uxor Will. Chaworth altera cohaer Rad. Basâ—â— de Drayton Rad. Basset Rad. Basset Rad. Basset ob s. prole 14 R. 2. To which Thomas succeeded William Earl Stafford his Brother and heir and to William Edmund who in 4 H. 4. granted inter alia to Sir Hugh Shirley Knight this Mannour of Sheldon by the name of Est-Hall and West-Hall upon condition that if he the said Hugh should decease without issue mâ—le of his body then to revert to the before specified Earl and his heirs in confirmation whereof Iohn Browne Parson of Brochole in 2 H. 6. released to Sir Raphe Shirley Knight whom he calls cofin to Sir Raph Basset of Drayton Knight and to the heirs male of his body all his right therein and in other lands which he the said Iohn had together with Walter Skyrlaw Bishop of Duresme and other Feoffees by the grant of the before specified Raphe Basset in Fee-simple without any condition whatsoever Whereupon the said Sir Raph Shirley by the name of Sir Raph Shirley of Radclif super Sore in Com. Nott. Knight in 10 H. 6. was certified to be Lord of this Mannour and to hold it by the service of the fourth part of a Kts. Fee but long it was not ere that the said Earl Stafford had it again though by what agreement I have not seen for by a Bayliffs Accompt of Humfrey Earl Stafford's lands in 23 Hen. 6. it appears that the said Earl then possest it Which Earl being created D. of Buck. soon after died seized thereof viz. in 39 H. 6. leaving Henry his son and heir 4 years of age unto whom succeeded Edw. D. of Buck. attainted in 13 H. 8. by means whereof it came to the Crown and by Letters Pat. dated 29 Martii the same year was last granted out unto Thomas Grey Marq. Dorset for life and about two years after in Fee taâ—l to him and the heirs male of his bodie viz. 27 Iunii 15 H. 8. whose son and heir Hâ—â—râ— D. of Suff. being attainted in 1 M. as in Astley I have 〈◊〉 it resorted again to the Crownâ— and was by Q. Eliz. first granted to ..... 〈◊〉 and others in 2 of her reign but by other Letters Pat. in 17 H. 8. to Heâ— Grey Eâ—q in Fee taâ—l wh â—h 〈…〉 his estate therein to Sir George Digby or Colshill Kt. who died seized thereof in 29 Eliz leaving Robert his son and heir xii years of age and upwards which Robert for fâ—rther corroboration of his title in 3 Iac. obtained a Pat. thereof from the Crown bearing date 15 Nov. to himself and his heirs being thâ—n a Kt. Since which time his posteritie have enjoyed it Besides this Mannour of Est Hall and West-Hall there was another 〈…〉 Sheldon which originally being nothing else 〈◊〉 a mâ—mber of Solihull came in time to have the reputation of a Mannour but the first 〈◊〉 I â—ave seen of i◠〈◊〉 3 R. 2. where it is by 〈◊〉 found that Alice 〈…〉 Sir Hugh le Dâ—spenser inter alia Sulihull 〈…〉 Rent here in Sheldon pay the partly by Fee-holder and partly by those that held in Vilâ—enage which Alice had issue Sir Hugh le Desâ—enser Kt. who in 3 H. 4. died seized of viii l. Rent here leaving Aâ—â—â— the wife of Sir Edw. Boteler Kt. his Sister and heir Howbeit within two years after this which was no more than a certain Rent issuing out of sundry lands here was called a Mannour as appears by a Fine thâ—n levied the eof together with the Mannour of Solihull betwixt Sibill the widow of the said Sir Hugh le Despenser and the before specified Sir Edward Boteler Kt. and Anne his wife Of which forasmuch as it afterwards accompanied Solihull for a long time I shall not need to say more it being a member thereof as is farther manifested by the Inquiâ— taken after the death of George D. of Clarence upon whose attainder it came to the Crown where it rested till 12 H. 8. that the King by his Letters Pat. dated 12 Febr. granted it together with the advouson of the Church to Thomas D. of Norff. and the heirs male of his body which Duke in 20 H. 8. past it away with Solihull unto Edmund Knightley Esq. and Eustaâ—e Kitteley Gent. to the use of Sir George Throbmorton Knight and his heirs whose grandchild Thomas being seized of it in 23 Eliz sold it unto the before specified Sir George Digby as I have heard The Church dedicated to St. Gules was in An. 1291. 19 E. 1. valued at viii marks and in 26 H. 8. at viii l. x s. x. d. over and above ix s. vi d. allowed for Procurations and Synodalls Patroni Ecclesiae Incumbentes c. Rad. de Perham Thom. de Stodham 3 Id. Maii 1318. Will. de Clinton Co. Huntendoniae Nich. de Sheldon Pbr. 16 Cal. Dec. 1342. Ioh. de Peto junior Ioh. Sromer Cap. 6 Cal. Iulii 1349. Ioh. de Peto junior Ric. de Kinton Cap. 18 Cal. Ian. 1350. D. Rad. Basset de Drayton miles Nich. Nichols Pbr. ult Sept. 1387. Beatix relicta D. Hug. Shirley mil. Thom. Galpyn Cap. 7 Martii 1407. Beatix relicta D. Hug. Shirley mil. Rob. Greene Cap. 12 Maii 1408. D. Rad. Shirley miles Ioh. Parker Cap. 20 Oct. 1427. D. Rad. Shirley miles Thom. Gamul Pbr. 29 Ian.
of age but was attended with very ill success in that expedition for no sooner did he arrive with his Army at the Port of Rochel but that the Spanish Navie fell suddainly upon them before they could put themselve in order to fight so that few of them escaped death wounds or imprisonment and yet without any considerable loss to the Enemy who forthwith set fire on all the English Ships carrying away the Earle and many gallant Gentlemen as also no less than twenty thousand marks in money sent over by the K. of England to continue the war which unhappy accident fell out on the Eve of St. Iohn Baptist's Nativitie being the Festivall of St. Aetheldred the Virgin and therefore was it censured by many as my Author observeth that God's judgement so followed him as a punishment for the injurie he had done to the Church of that holy Virgin sc. Ely in a cause betwixt the Church of St. Edmundsbury and it before his departure out of England and that the money so lost had no better luck forasmuch as it had been got from the Religious Houses and Clergy But others attributed it to his living an adulterous life being a married man that he also had attempted in Parliament an infringement of the Church its Liberties and that he perswaded the King to lay greater Taxes upon the Clergie than Laitie for support of his wars which practises of pilling and poling the Church however the temporall Lords saith the same Author were pleased yet what success they had not onely England but the whole world hath sufficiently found I now come to speak of his death the circumstances whereof were as followeth viz. that having undergone four years imprisonment in Spain with most inhumane usage he sent to Bertrand Clerkin Constable of France desiring that he would use some means for his enlargement who thereupon interceded for him to the Bastard of Spain that called himself King and obtained his libertie in consideration of part of that money due to himself whereupon he was brought to Paris and a sum of money assigned which he must pay for his redemption but after his coming thâ—ther it was not long ere that he fell mortally sick of Poison as 't was thought given to him by the Spaniards who were reputed to have such a speciall facultie in that Art as that the potion should kill at what distance of time they pleased The French therefore seeing death approaching him being eager to get his ransome money before he died made haste to remove him unto Calais but on his jâ—urney thither he departed this world upon the very day of St. Aetheldred the Virgin which Saint he had so much offended before his coming out of England as hath been said though the Inquis after his death expresseth it to have been the xvi th of Aprill his son and heir Iohn being at that time but two years old and a half and was buried in the Quire of the Friers Preachers at Hereford as by his Testament and what I shall hereafter say may seem But here before I proceed farther I must observe that this Iohn in 43 E. 3. obtaining License for that purpose from the King made a Feoffment unto Walter Amyas and others of all his Castles Lordships Mannours c in England and Wales to certain uses which Feoftment being left sealed up in the hands of the Feoffees to be kept till his return from beyond Seas was upon his death delivered to the King's Councell at Westminster who opening it found that in case he died without issue of his body the town and Castle of Pembroke should come to the King his heirs and successors and the Castle and Lordship of Bergavenny and all other his lands in England and Wales in Fee to his Cosin Will. de Beauchamp viz. his Mother's sisters son provided that he should bear his Armes and endeavour to obtain his title of Earl and in case he neglected so to do that then his Kinsman Will. de Clinton to have them upon the same conditions But I return to his said son and heir of whom I find that at the Coronation of K. Ric. 2. he claimed to carry the great gold Spurs and that though he shewed sufficient evidence for his right so to do yet being under age it was adjudged that the King might appoint another for that time whereupon Edmund Mortimer Earl of March was assigned thereto And moreover that he took to wife whilst he was very young Philippa daughter to the said Edmund Earl of March â— but had no issue by her for being at Wodstoke where the King kept his Christmass in 13 of his reign he tilted with Sir Iohn St. Iohn and by an unfortunate slip was run into the bottome of his Belly so that his bowells breaking out he suddainly died to the great lamentation of many in regard he was a person of so noble a disposition that in bountie and curtesie he exceeded most of his degree So that it is observed that from Aymerie de Valence Earl of Pembroke his lineall ancestor who was one that gave Judgement of death upon Thomas Earl of Lancaster in â— 2. time even unto this Iohn the last Earl of the line none of them ever saw his Father nor any Father of them took delight in the seeing his Child so young were they at their Fathers deaths His body was interred in the Church of the Gray Friers near New-gate in London now called Christ's-Church where he had a fair Monument since with all the rest defaced Dying thus without issue Râ—ginald Lord Grey of Ruthin was by some Inquis found his next heir of the whole blood as descended from Elizabeth sister to Iohn great-grandfather to the said Earl so slain in tilting as hath been said and by other y Inquis Hugh de Hastings son of Hugh son of Hugh son of a second Iohn by Isabell the daughter of Hugh le Despenser as the Pedegree here placed sheweth But so little did Iohn Earl of Will. de Valencia Comes Pembr Andomarus ob â— p. Joanna Isabella Henr de Hastings Joanna de Cantilupe Iohannes de Hastings primus Râ—â—erus de Grey Elizabetha Râ—ginaldus de Grey de Ruthin Reginaldus de Grey Joh. de Hastings secundus Isabella filia Hug. le Despenser Com. Wint. Johannes de Hastings tertius Laurentius de Hastings erectus in Com. Pembr Ioh. Comes Pembr mari captus Ioh. Comes Pembr caesus in hastiludio apud Wodstoke Hugo de Hastings Hugo de Hastings Hugo de Hastings ob s. p. Edwardus de Hastings Pembroke Father to the last Iohn regard his next heir male as it seems and so much hate Reginald Grey father to the last Reginald that he entailed the greatest part of his lands as hath been said on Will. de Beauchamp before mentioned Notwithstanding which settlement 't is observeable that the right of bearing Armes was in those days of such esteem as
to the moytie thereof As for the other moytie I cannot clearly see when or how it past from the said Robert Marmion and Isabell but the next mention I find thereof is in 5 Edw. 3. where it appears to have been entailed by Richard the son of Simon de Whitacre and Amabil his wife on the heirs of their two bodyes lawfully begotten and for default of such issue on the heirs of Sir Richard de Whitacre Knight Which Lord Basset after he had thus gained an interest in this Lordship gave xx li. of Land and Rent lying herein for the endowment of a Chantrie consistâ—ng of three Priests founded by him in the Church of Draiton-Basset as appears by the King's license in 12 Edw. 3. as also of the like License from Sir Baldwin Frevill then superior Lord of the Fee and in 14 Edw. 3. past away all the residue thereof to William de Clinton Earl of Huntindon and his heirs which Earl by his Deed bearing date at Maxstoke the Tuesday next after the translation of S. Thomas the Martyr in 16 Edw. 3. granted away the same in exchange unto Richard de Whitacre and Amabil his wife and their heirs in lieu of their other moytie of their Mannour of Pericroft But from hence for a while I cannot well discern how the succession thereof went howbeit by a Fine levied in 38 Edw. 3. betwixt Sir Fouk de Bermingham Knight Plantiff and Iohn Waryn of Burton Stather in Com. Linc. and Hulma his wife deforc it appeares that the said Iohn and Hulma granted two Messuages and two yard land xvi acres of Pasture and the moytie of one Mess. lying here and in Halughton with the third part of this Mannour and the third part of the Mannour of Pericroft which were the dowrie of the said Hulma unto the same Sir Fouk and his heirs From whom as it seems it descended to Edmund Lord Ferrers of Chartley and George Longville of Little Billington in Com. Northampâ— For in 10 H. 6. the said Edmund and George were certified to be Lords of the whole the residue divolving to them by Isabell the daughter and heir of Iohn de Whitacre and Amice his wife as the Pedegree here inserted and that in Bermingham do shew Steph. fil Radulphi Will fil Radulphi 12 H. 2. Muriel Rad. fil Radulphi 3 Ioh. Limota ux Hug. de Tuâ—villa Nich. fil Raduphi miles 29 H. 3. Egidius filius Radulfi Isabella filia haeres Rob. Marmion miles 13 E. 1. Eustach de Hardreshull Amâ—cia filia haeres Ioh. de Whitacre defunctus 3 E. 3. Isabella filia haeres relicta 9 R. 2. Thomas de Bermingham miles Elizabetha filia haeres Thomas de la Roche Elena ux Edm. Ferreâ—s de Chartley 2 H. 6. Eliz. ux Georgii Longvâ—ll ar Rob. fil Radulphi Of these Longvill's moytie was sold by Arthur Longvill Esquire descended from the before specified George in 34 Hen. 8. to Iohn Cheyney of Chesham-waterside in Com. Buck. Eâ—quire And the other moytie coming by a daughter and heir of Ferrers to Devereux as the Descent in Bromwich sheweth was purchased from Walter Devereux Vic. Hereford Lord Ferrers of Chartley by Edmund Skirning of Erdbury in this County Esquire in 12 Eliz. Which Edmund in 18 Eliz. sold the same to Henry Cheyney son and heir to the before specified Iohn The whole Mannour being thus totally in the said Henry Cheyney was by him conveyed the next year following to Iohn Puresey Gentleman who by his Deed bearing date 24. Febr. 25 Eliz. past it to Laurence Washington of Gray's-Inne in the Countie of Middlesex Gentleman Which Laurence in 31 Eliz. sold it to George Villers of Brokesby in Com. Leic. Esquire from whom about the 40 th of the same Queens reign Sir Edward Brabazon Knight purchased it whose son and heir William Earl of Methe in Ireland 15 Aug. 6 Car. sold it to Sir Iohn King and Sir Robert King his son and heir both Knights which Sir Robert now enjoys it The Church dedicated to S. Giles antiently given and appropriated to the Nunns of Mergate as Lea and Over-Whitacre were was reputed for a Chapell belonging to Colshill But in 32 H. 3. Sir Nicholas Fitz-Raphe then Lord of this Mannour chalenged a title of presenting thereto it being then void and to that end directed his Caveat to the Bishop that he should admit no other Clerk than his In which Church there was never any Vicar endowed but the Nuns of Mergate receiving all the Tithes have provided a Stipendiary to serve the Cure Shustoke ON the other side of Bourne lyes Shustoke which by the Conqueror's Survey is certified to contain four hides having Woods extending to a mile in length and half so much in breadth and valued at xl s. It was then possessed by Geffrey de Wirce of whom in Monks-kirby I have spoke and held of him by one Soâ—us by reason whereof it had the name of Sotus stoke or Sotestoke for so I have seen it antiently written though in that Survey above mentioned it be Scotescote But as the rest of the said Geffrey Wirce his lands came to Nigel de Arbani progenitor to the Family of Moubray so did this Lordship and from Moubray was granted to the Ancestour of Walter de Camvill together with Bentley to hold by the service of one Knight's Fee as may be cleerly inferred from sundry Records being one of those nine Knight's Fees whereof the said Walter in 12 H. 2. certified that his said Ancestour had been so enfeoffed in H. 1. time To which Walter succeeded Roger de Camvill who in 12 Ioh. gave a Fine of xxx marks that it might be certified by Inquisition whether he held those two Knight's Fees and a fouâ—th part of the King for which he had summons to go beyond Sea in the King's seâ—vice or not This Roger gave a Rent of viii s. issuing out of certain lands lying in this Lordship unto the Nuns of Henwood for the health of his Father's Mothers and Ancestours souls and dying without issue left this Mannour with Bentley before specified as also Creke and other fair possessions in Northamptonshire to be divided betwixt his three Sisters and heirs viz. Alice wedded to Robert de Esseby Maud to Thomas de Estley Lord of Astley in this Countie and Petronill to Richard Curson as the Descent in Arrow sheweth Of which lands Robert de Esseby had this Mannour inter alia Whereupon by inheritance from the said Robert and Alice it came at length to William de Esseby who about the 52. of H. 3. being convicted of Felony scil for killing a man maliciously in the Priory of Catesby forfaited all so that this Lordship eschaeting by that means to the Lord Moubray of whom it was held was in 9 E. 2. possest by Iohn de Moubray But long he enjoyed it
the same for that purpose By the Survey made in 26 H. 8. I find that the Priest weekly celebrating divine Service here had a stipend of Liii s. iv d. per annum payd by the Canons of Maxstoke but this was in lieu of the Mill in Shustoke which they had for of the Tenement and half yard land lying in Bentley it doth not appear by that Survey that they were possest Patroni Incumbentes Rad. fil Nicholai ratione custodiae terrae haeredis VVill. de Asseby VValt de Stretton temp H. 3. Nich. de Astley miles Rob. Morlanges ..... 1311. D. Ioh. de Moubray D. Rob. Ireland Cap. 3. Id. Febr. 1331. post mortem Rad. de Oulmor Prior Conv. de Maxstoke Ioh. VVillie Cler. 10. Cal. Ian. 1347. Arms in the East window of this Chapell Azure a Cinquefoile Ermine Astley Argent three Eaglets gâ—les L'isle of Moxhull Blithe THis being originally a member of Shustoke and involved therewith in the Conqueror's Survey came to Nigel de Albani out of doubt with Shustoke and by the said Nigel as I guess was disposed of in H. 1. time unto the Ancestor of that Family whose seat being at Th'ester-waver now called Cester-Over assumed that place viz. VVaver for his sirname and to fortifie this conjecture I have these evincing circumstamces whereof wanting better light at so great a distance I presume to make use scil the Tenure thereof from the descendants of the before specified Nigel who took the name of Moubray and that VVilliam a younger son of VVilliam de VVaver seding here in King Iohn's time had his sirname from hence his posteritie bearing the same Coat as VVaver did viz. Argent on a Fesse sable three Escalops Or as by a Pedegree drawn about the beginning of King H. 7. time appeareth Rog. de Blithe 50 H. 3. Will. de Blithe 30 E. 1. Rog. de Blithe 16 E. 3. Will. de Blithe 28 E. 3. Thomas de Blithe Escaetor D. Regis infra Com. Warw. 9 R. 2. Thomas de Blithe 2 H. 4. Margareta una filiarum cohaer ux Will. Bishbury de Bishbury in Com. Staff ar 4 H. 6. Ric. Bishbury Roesia filia haeres ux Ioh. Cleyton de Harwood parva in Com. Lanc. gen relicta 36 H. 8. Roesia filia cohaeres ux Ioh. Grosvenour de Tetnall in Com. Staff .... ux Will Leveson Ioh. Leveson de Bishbury gen 4 Eliz. Alicia altera filiarum cohaer ux Gerardi Râ—ngley de Tubington in Com. Staff Edm. Ringley Barbara filia haeres ux Ric. Lawley 37 H. 8. To which VVilliam de Blithe succeeded Roger who in 50 H. 3. was amongst other persons of good note of the Jury for extending the lands of those in this Hundred that had taken part with the rebellious Barons then newly vanquisht in the battail of Evesham From which Roger I have here drawn the Descent of this Familie so long as the male line that continued possessors hereof lasted and through the heire female till they past away their interest here to the end that its successive owners may the more perspicuously be discoveredâ— By which it appeareth that by the coheirs of Thomas de Blithe in H. 6. time it came to Bishbury and Ringley who making no division of it their posterity became Tenants in common thereto But long they kept it not for in 37 H. 8. did Reginald Bellers purchase that moitie belonging to Richard Lawley and Barbara his wife and in 13 Eliz. the other moytie from Iohn Leveson of Bishbury cosin and heir to Rose the Widow of Iohn de Cleyton as the Pedegree sheweth So that then being possest of the whole by his Deed bearing date 6. Iulii 21 Eliz. he conferred the inheritance thereof upon William his second son which William reserving an estate therein for himself and his wife during their lives sold the reversion to Sir Edward Aston of Tixhall in Com. Staff Knight who by his lâ—st Wilâ— and Testament disposed thereof unto Henry Skipwith of Tugby in Com. Leic. Gent. and Iane his wife and the heirs of their two bodies the said Iane having been his Concubine But of them did Sir Walter Aston Knight of the Bath son and heir to the said Sir Edward purchase it again in 5 Iac. Which Sir Walter afterwards Lord Aston of Forfare in Scotland by his Deed of bargain and sale dated 14. Nov. 1 Car. conveyed it unto the William Dugdale it being the place of my residence and where I compiled this present Work Ousthirne ON the skirts of Shustoke-parish is the confluence of severall Rivers viz. Blithe and Cole Tame and Blithe as also of Tame and Bourne as the Map sheweth in pursuance therefore of my methode I must passe over to the Western bank of Tame whereâ—â— first behold Ousthirne sometime a Grange belonging to Merevale Abby and for that respect still reputed a member thereof but originally the greatest part of it did belong to Shustoke being first given to the Monks of Merevale as I guess by Walter de Camvile in H. 2. timeâ— for at that time was the said Walter Lord of Shustoke as I have shewed and that he gave lanes to that Monasterie King H. the second 's confirmation doth manifest though the particular names thereof are not there exprest But upon the dissolution of Merevale this Grange coming to the Crown was granted with the site of that Monasterie unto Sir Walter Devereux Knight Lord Ferrers of Chartley and by him given as it seems to Sir Edward Devereux Knight and Baronet his son by a second wife whose son and heir Sir Walter hath within these few years sold the site thereof and most of the lands thereto belonging unto Charles Adderley Esquire now Knight Lord of Lea hard by Lea. OF this place there is no mention in the Conqueror's Survey it being then involved with Whitacre of which Constablerie it is till this day and so consequently possest therewith by the Marmions Lords of Tamworth-Castle From one of those Marmions as it seems was the Ancestor of Iames de la Launde enfeoft thereof which Iames lived in H. 3. time and in 37. of that King's reign had a Charter of Free warren in all his demesn lands here From this Iames descended Iohn de la Launde as the Pedegree in Langdon sheweth who manifesting that his Ancestors had enjoyed a Court-Leet here with Assize of Bread and Beere and other Liberties thereto belonging in 3 E. 3. obtained a Charter from the King for confirmation thereof to himself and his heirs with Infangthef Tumbrell and Pillorie and bore for his Armes a Rend Cotized as by his Seal appears To whom succeeded Iames his son and heir the last of this Family that had to do here for in 41 E. 3. he quitted all the interest he had in this Mannour to Alianore his mother which Alianore by her
marriage inter alia with Eliz. his daughter unto Walter son and heir of Sir Edward Aston Knight From whom descended Sir Walter Aston Knight of the Bathe who in 1. Caroli or about that time sold it to the Tenants But that whâ—ch the Monks of Burton had here coming to the Crown at the generall dissolution of the Religious Houses in 30 H. 8. was in 33. of that King's reign given to the Collegiate-Church of Burton before specified for King Henry having outed the Monks placed a Dean and secular Canons in their roome But this Collegiate-Church soon following the fate which the Abbies had being likewise dissolved in 37 H. 8. the King by his Letters Patent bearing date 31. Ian. the same yeare granted this Mannour for by that name it is past unto Sir William Paget Knight and his heirs to be held in Capitâ—â— by the xxth part of a Knight's Fee Which Sir William by the name of William Lord Paget of Bendesert for so he had been created by his Deed dated 30. Dec. 1. 2. Ph. M. sold it unto the Lady Elianore Brereton widow sometime wife of Sir William Brereton Knight and to Richard Brereton Esquire her son and heir to the use of them the said Elianore and Richard and the heirs of the said Richard From which Richard it descended to George his son and heir late of Ashley in Cheshire who died seized thereof in 30 Eliz. leaving William his son and heir above xix years of age The Church dedicated to S. Nicholas was in 55 H. 3. given by Osbert de Clinton son of Thomas to the Monks of Burton and in anno 1291. 19 E. 1. valued at xvi marks as also appropriated to that Religious House by Pope Urban the sixt in 2 R. 2. In 26 H. 8. the Vicaridge was rated at viii li. over and above ix s. vi d. allowed for Procurations and Synodalls Patroni Ecclesiae Incumbentes c. Thomas de Clinton miles Williel de Cherlecote Philippus de Assellis anno 1248. Abbas Conv. de Burton D. Will. de la Warde 10. Cal. Febr. 1303. Abbas Conv. de Burton Ric. de Staunton Cap. 4. Cal. Iunii 1328. Abbas Conv. de Burton Rog. de Baukewell Cler. 4. Id. Febr. 1330. Henr. de Northwell Patronus hac vice Ioh. de Deping Pbr. 3. Id. Maii 1340. Abbas Conventus de Burton D. Ric. Lucas Pbr. 2. Oct. 1369. Patroni Vicariae Incumbentes c. Abbas Conventus de Burton Rob. Lucas Pbr. 2. Oct. 1378. Abbas Conventus de Burton Ioh. Ivelyth Cler. 20. Nov. 1404. Abbas Conventus de Burton Will. Batayll Cap. 27. Iunii 1413. Abbas Conventus de Burton Ric. Hasard Pbr. 11. Apr. 1429. Abbas Conventus de Burton Ioh. Alisawndre 9. Febr. 1437. Abbas Conventus de Burton Ric. Parker 3. Iulii 1438. Abbas Conventus de Burton Henr. Fulcock 5. Martii 1501. Abbas Conventus de Burton Will. Darley in art Magr. 12. Febr. 1524. Ric. Coton gen alii ex concess Abb. Conv. de Burton D. Thom. Farmer Cap. 7. Sept. 1542. Sim. Harcot ar Ranulphus Orton 19. Aug. 1567. Humfr. Ferrers ar ex concess Roberti Comitis Leic. Rog. Molde Cler. 8. Oct. 1583. Iacobus Rex Angliae c. Rob. Bostok Cler. 10. Iunii 1619. Iacobus Rex Angliae c. Mich. Bostok Cler. 3. Nov. 1620. Iacobus Rex Angliae c. Ioh. Prior Cler. in art Bac. 7. Nov. 1623. Newton THis seems to have been originally a member of Sekindon as by what I shall say when I come to speak of the Church will appear for there is no mention of it in the Conqueror's Survey and till 5 H. 2. it being in the King's hands was for that respect called Newton-Regis but then granted to Geffrey Sauvage it continued to his Descendants whilst the male line lasted and afterwards to the sisters and coheirs to the last William as the Pedegree in Baginton manifesteth Howbeit the second Geffrey was exposed to a defence of his title thereto in 7 R. 1. against Thomas de Arden the service by which he held it being half a Knight's Fee But by heirs female coming to Ednesoure and Meinill I find that in 13 E. 1. Thomas de Ednesoure and Philippa de Meinill jointly claimed a Court-Leet with Assize of Beer Gallows and Free warren therein by the grant of King H. 2. all which were allowed From which said Thomas son of Thomas by Lucia one of the Sisters and coheirs to the said Will. le Sauvage the one moitie thereof descended to the Herthulls of whom in Baginton I have spoke and from Herthull after divers Descents to Cokain as the Descent in Pooley manifesteth in which Family it continued till Sir Edward Cokain grandfather to Sir Aston Cokain Baronet now living sold it But from the before specified Philippa the second sister and coheir of Sauvage the other moytie came to the Meinills of Derbyshire â— she being the wife of Hugh de Meinill of Langley-Meinill in that Countie where the chief seat was sometime Steward to William de Ferrers Earl of Derby and continued in that line for divers Descents Sir Hugh Meinill great-grandchild to the said Hugh and Philippa having in 24 E. 3. a Charter of Free warren â—inter alia in all his demesn lands here To which Sir Hugh succeeded Sir Richard and to him Sir Raphe who died in 12 R. 2. without issue male whereby his four daughters became heirs to the estate viz. Ioane first married to Iohn Staunton and afterwards to Sir Thomas Clinton Knight Elizabeth to William Crawshawe Margaret and Thomasine betwixt whom Partition being made it was allotted to Elizabeth by which means it came to Sir Raph Shirley of Staunton-Harold in Com. Leic. Knight with Margaret her daughter and heir by the said Iohn and did continue in that Familie till that Sir Thomas Shirley Knight a younger son to Sir George Shirley Baronet within these few years sold it to the Tenants The Church dedicated to the Assumption of the blessed Virgin was in H. 2. time but a Chapell to Sekindon and in an 1291. 19 E. 1. valued at viii marks In 39 E. 3. upon some diâ—â—erence which arose betwixt the Parson of Clifton-Camvile in Com. Staff and the Parson of this Church touching the perception of certain Tithes I find that it was by Robert de Stretton then Bishop of this Diocess thus accorded viz. that of all Calves Colts and Lambâ— belonging to the Inhabitants of Newton and falling within Clifton-Parish as also for the Mâ—lk of the Kine there calving the Parson of Clifton should thenceforth receive according to the Custome of the Countrey id est for a Colt a penny a Lambe a half penny and for a Calf
Aug. an 1367. Pr. Conv. de Kenill Rog. de Wavere Pbr. xiii Kl. Sept. an 1374. VVill. Purfray ar Ioh. Grantham Cap. iiii Ian. an 1403. Pr. Conv. de Kenill Will. Treberveth iiii Maii an 1433. VVill. Purfray ar dom de Church-waver Symon Moss x. Kl. Aug. an 1433. Pr. Conv. de Kenill Ric. Aystowe xx Maii an 1435. Mag. Thom. Purefay ar hac vice ex concess Nich. Purefay ar Hugo Purefay Scolaris xv Iunii an 1533. Edw. North gen hac vice Patr. ratione concess Pr. Conv. de Kenil D. Thom. de Warmyngton cler 6. Aug. an 1535. D. Episcopus Rog. Eliot art Mag. xvi Ian. an 1566. VVill. Dixwell gener concessione Ioh. Purefey ar Will. Bentley Cleric xxix Iunii an 1566. Thom. Leigh de Stonley miles Rob. Myddilmore Cler. vi Aug. an 1566. VVill. Leigh miles Rog. Vicars Cleric v. Ian. an 1596. Coton juxta Church-over COton â—ntiently called Cotes is in this Parish Cote and Cotan in the Saxon signifying a House of Habitation as we know in our ordinary language but being a Member of Church-Over is not mentioned in the Conq. Survey Nor afterwards that I have seen till Hugh Bagot gave it with Newton to Ingeram his Brother as in Newton I have observed which gift Roger Bagot Son of the said Hugh confirms for Cotes onely wherein is exprest that William Trussell as chief Lord of the fee ratified the same being one of the Heirs of Robertus filius Odonis as when I come to Loxley I shall have occasion to shew and thereupon received homage of the said Ingeram in the Hundred of Barlichway Here was a family to whom this place antiently gave name scil de Cotes who held that which they had of the abovementioned Bagots and were Benefactors to Combe as appears by some pettâ— grants of Land given to those Monks one of which line had Buriall at Combe as may seem by bequeathing his Body thither with a Rent of iii. sol per annum to boot But Simon Bagot in H. 2. time was he that gave most Land here to that Monastery besides the homage and service of Robert de Cotes and his Heirs for all that the said Robert held of him in Neuton which William Trussell before mentioned confirmed So that what the Monkes of Combe had in Cotes was half a Knights fee which they held of William Trussell and he of Raphe de Mora and he of the Baron of Stafford in 36. H. 3. Wherein they claimed a Court-Leet in 13. E. 1. with other Priviledges calling it the Mannour of Cotes super le waus or super waldas as it is recorded 4. E. 1. these Hilly parts being then and after called Wouldes as many other of that kind are to this day in other Counties And in 18. of E. 1. they obteined a Charter of Free-Warren to them and their successours in all their demesn Lands here The quantity of their possessions in R. 2. time being rated at ix yard Land lxxxiiii Acres and a half accounting 48. Acres to a yard Land But after the dissolution of the Monasteries this Mannour so belonging to the Monkes of Combe then called Coton lay wood was granted out of the Crown inter alia to Edward Clinton in 5. E. 6. who as it seems soon past his title therein unto Thomas Marrow for in the same year I find that the said Thomas had Licence to alien it unto William Dixwell Esquire to whose descendants it still continues Hill-Morton REturning now to the South side of Avon I find below Clifton a little rivulet falling into that Channell This rising about Creek in Northampton-shire comes through Hill-Morton which Town takes its name from the situation Hill antiently written Hull conteyning that part standing on the Bank and Moreton where the Church is that below in a moorish flat ground In the Conq. time it was in the possession of the Earl of Mellent who had a large share in this County as by the particulars when they come in my way I shall shew Howbeit I do not find that this Earl of Mellent continued long owner of all those Lands in this County bestowed upon him by the Conq. but that his Brother Henry de Neuburgh advanced to the Earldom of Warwick towards the later end of the Conq. time possest the greatest part of them and amongst the rest had this Hill-Morton then called Mortone as appeares in Doomesday-Book For in 11. H. 2. when William Earl of Warwick certifies what Knights Fees he held de veteri Feoffamento that is whereof they that so held them were enfeoffed of in the time of H. 1. the Record says that Philippus de Estlega held 3. Knights Fees And though the names of the places where they did lye be not there exprest 't is very evident by the subsequent testimonies which I shall produce that Hill Morton was one for the Receivers of the aid for the Marriage of the Kings Sister to the Rom. Emperour 20. H. 3. do certify for Astley and Milverton one Fee and a half Wetington one Fee and Mortone super Dunsmore which is this Hill-Morton half a Knights Fee all which were then held of the Earl of Warwick by Walter de Estleg Grand-child of the above mentioned Philip and do make up three in number being the proportion the said Philip enjoyed which Fees in 36. H. 3. were held by Thomas de Astley Son of Walter of those Earls But Astley is the place where I purpose to speak Historically of this antient family and therefore here shall onely trace down the succession to this which went out with a younger branch For the above mentioned Thomas de Astley marrying a second Wife as the descent herewith drawn doth shew had issue by her severall Sons To Thomas the eldest of them he gave Hill-Morton and the advouson of the Church entayling it upon any Brother or Sister of the whole Blood in case Thomas should dye without issue which grant bears date in May 47. H. 3. But this Thomas the donee about the beginning of E. 1. time dyed without issue leaving his Brother Raphe his Heir from whom in a direct line did descend Sir Francis Astley of Melton-Constable in Norff. Knight Lord of this Mannour lately deceased .uxor prima Thomas de Esteleg miles 47. H. 3. Editha filia Petri Constable de Melton in com Norff. .relicta 18. E. 1. Andreas de Estleg 3 Steph. de Est-ley 18. E. 1. 12 Rad. de Astley haeres fratris 13. E. 1. 28. E. 1. Thomas de Astley 9. E. 2. Margeria relicta 26. E. 3. Rad. de Astley miles 26. E. 3. Thomas de Astley miles 7. R. 2. Catherina relicta 14. R. 2. 1 Thomas de Esteley 47. H. 3. 52. H. 3. mortuus sine prole 13. E. 1. Of Edith Mother to Thomas to
whom this Mannour was so given I find that she continued many years a widow after her Husbands death And in 18. of E. 1. granted to her Son Stephen all her Lands in Melton Burgh b. Mariae Langham Burmingham Snitterley Wineton Glamforde Saxlingham Scharnton Est-Todingham Hinmingland Hindringham Hyldolveston and Norwich in the County of Norff. which descended to her by inheritance after the death of Geffrey the Son of Peter Constable of Melton her Brother And if there be truth in tradition as there is likelyhood for antiquity that fair Monument of Free-stone with the statue of a Woman excellently wrought lying in the midst of the South Isle of Hill-Morton Church was erected for this Edith whereof the tabernacle or cover over her head is very like to that of Queen Elianor's Wife to K. Edw. 1. which is of brass in Westminster Abby This Thomas to whom Hill-Morton was so given by his Father obteined to himself and his Heirs in 49. H. 3. a Charter for a weekly Mercate here upon the Saturday and a Fair yearly to begin on the even of St. Iohn Baptist and to continue for three dayes which Grant being made at such time as the King was a Prisoner the Barons excercising regall authority in his name held not valid and therefore in 52. of the same Kings reign he procured a new Charter ratifying the Fair but altering the Mercate to Wednesday At which time he also had Free-warren granted to him and his Heirs in all his demesn Lands here For this Thomas who dyed before the 13. of E. 1. is there yet standing a very fair monument betwixt two Pillars in the Church of Hill-Morton opposite to that of his Mother Edith whereon his statue of free-stone lyeth cross leg'd in Armor of Male as when I come to speak of the Church may be seen whose Brother and Heir viz. Raphe de Astley in 13. E. 1. claymed a Court Leet and other Priviledges in this Mannour by Prescription and likewise exhibibited K. H. 3. Charter for the Mercate Fair and Free warren last before mentioned all which were allowed To whom succeeded Thomas his Son and Heir certified to be Lord of Hill-Moreton in 9. E. 2. who liking not the Wednesday Mercate there procured a new Patent in 8. E. 3 for to have it upon â—he Tuesday continuing the Fair as formerly and renewing the Charter of Free warren And in the same year obteyned Licence for amortizing of certain Lands lying within this Lordship to maintain a Chantry-Priest to sing Mass for ever in the Chappel of our Lady contiguous to the Parish Church of Hill-Morton for the Souls of him the said Thomas and Margery his wife As also of Edith Astley before mentioned and of the Father and Mother of the said Thomas their Heirs and Ancestours and all Christian Souls deceased This Thomas in 9. E. 3. had a speciall Patent exempting him from Knighthood And in 17. E. 3. gave the perpetuall Patronage of the Church of Hill-Morton to the Dean and Canons of the Colledge of Astley then newly founded by Thomas Lord Astley the chief of that family and dyed before the 20. of E. 3. But of his descendants forasmuch as their residence hath been in Norfolk I have here no more to say The Church Dedicoted to St. John Bapt. IN An. 1291. 19. E. 1. the Rectory was valued at xviii marks And in 26. H. 8. The Vicaridge at vi l. x. sol At which time the Procurations and Synodalls payd out thereof were viii sol Out of which Rectory is there a Pension of xiii sol iiii d. yearly payable to the Bishop originally reserued upon the appropriation thereof as all others of that kind were in recompence of the benefit that he and his Successors might receive out of the Church in case no such Appropriation should have been made Patroni Ecclesiae Incumbentes temp Instit. Thomas de Estleya miles Philippus de Estleya Cleric frater ejusdem Thomae Sans date Pr. Conv. de Erdbury Thom. de Dunton diac an 1286. Patroni Vicariae Decan Cap. de Astley Will. de Walton Pbr. 4. Non. Sept. An. 1343. Decan Cap. de Astley Galfr. de Lyllburne xiii Kl. Martii An. 1349. Decan Cap. de Astley Ioh. de Rokeby Pbr. iiii Kl. Oct. An. 1350. Decan Cap. de Astley Ioh. Rolf. Pbr. vi Id. Ian. an 1362. Decan Cap. de Astley Will. Meeke Cap. viii Kl. Dec. An. 1386. Decan Cap. de Astley Riâ— Millford Pbr. xxvi Aug. An. 1428. Decan Cap. de Astley Cato Halys Cap. 1. Oct. An. 1428. Decan Cap. de Astley Will. Nicholl Cap. vi Oct. An. 1433. Decan Cap. de Astley Ioh. Coton Pbr. ii Dec. an 1442. Decan Cap. de Astley Ioh. Kempe Pbr. iii. Iunii an 1447. Decan Cap. de Astley Edw. Bate Pbr. xi Oct. An. 1493. Decan Cap. de Astley D. Thom. Morres ult Apr. An. 1521. Decan Cap. de Astley D. Ioh. Grendon Cap. xvii Apr. An. 1525. Henricus Dux Suffolciae Edw. Hopkynson Cler. xxiiii Iunii An. 1553. Edw. Comes Hertfordiae Rob. Wigston Cleric xii Apr. An. 1565. Eliz. Regina Thom. Hodgkinson Cleric viii Apr. An. 1602. But there is something else which I must not pass by before I leave this place and that is the foundation of two Chanteryes here The one of them by Sir Edmund Trussel Knight in the Chappell of our Lady adjoyning to the Parish Church for the soul of Thomas Astley deceased and the good estate of Margerie late Wife of the said Thomas of their Children that were then living and for the souls of their Children deceased as also for the Souls of Iohn Primrose and of the Lady Edith Astley and for the good estate of Sir Raphe Astley Knight and Dame Agnes his VVife Sir Edmund Trussel Knight and Dame Margerie his VVife and of Thomas Meilour Priest and for their souls after their decease The Patronage of which Chantry by the Bishops Instrument for Ordination thereof was reserved after the death of the same Sir Edmund Trussell to be in the Heirs of the said Thomas Astley and Margery And for the maintenance of a Priest perpetually to sing Mass there for the purposes above mentioned the King gave Licence to the said Sir Edmund to amortize four messuages fifty acres of land seaven acres of meadow and xxvi sol Rent in Hill-Morton as it may seem by the Jurors certificate returned upon the Writ of Ad quod dampnum thereupon This Sir Edmund Trussell bore for his Armes a crosse formè fleuritè debruised with a bendlet as appears by the impression of his Seal which I have seen affixed to his first Instrument of Presentation to the said Chantery And I suppose that he marryed Margery the VVidow of the said Thomas Astley though it be not directly exprest in
and Maud and for lack of such issue to the said Maud and the heirs of her body the remainder to his right heirs Which Maud was heir to the above mentioned VVilliam de Bosco as the descent in Clifton sheweth In the line of Zuche whose chief seat was at Haringworth in Northamptonshire by inheritance from Milesent de Cantilupe it continued for divers generations Guliel de Cantilupo obiit 39. H. 3. Georg. de Cantilupo obiit sine prole Johanna soror cohaeres ux Henrici de Hastings .... de Monte alto 1. maritus Milisenta alterasororum cohaeredum defuncta 27 E. 1. Eudo la Zuche 2. E. 1. Will. la Zuche filius haeres obiit 10. Martii 26 E. 3. Matilda filia haeres Joh. Lovel mil. Isabellae ux ejus sororis haeredis Will. de Bosco Eudo de la Zuche obiit vita patris Will. la Zuche aetat 30. an ad mortem avi obiit 5. R. 2. Will. la Zuche aetat 40. an 5. R. 2. obiit 3. H. 5. Will. la Zuche aetat 13. an 3. H. 5. obiit 8. E. 4. Joh. dom Zousche aetat 8. an 8. E. 4. attinctus in Parl. 7. Nov. 1. H. 7. Joh. Zouche fil haeres 23. H. 7. Ric. dom Zouche Geo. dom Zouche plenae aetat 6. E. 6. obiit 19. Junii 19. Eliz. Edw. fil haeres accrevit plenam aetatem 6. Junii 19. Eliz. In 7 E. 2. the K. granted Free-warren to the before specified VVilliam and Maud his wife in their demesn lands here at Bulkinton Weston Riton Brancote and Wolfarshull all in this Parish But afterwards do I meet with nothing more of that family relating to this place further than their dying seized thereof till Edward the principal male branch of those Barons who wasting that great Patrimony descended to him from his Fore-fathers sold this Lordship with the rest of the Hamlets in this Parish to Humfry Davenport Esq and one Richard Bucknam Gent. Which Humfrey and Richard past the one moytie thereof to Sir Christopher Yelverton Kt. one of the Justices of the K. Bench temp Iac. R. whose Grandchild Sir Chr. Yelverton of East-Neston in Com. Northampt. Kt. of the Bath now enjoys it And the other moytie to George Purefey fifth son to Michael Purefey of Caldecote Esq which George had issue Gamaliel Purefey who sold it to Anthony Stoughton now of St. Iohns in Warwick Esq the present owner thereof The Church dedicated to St. Iames being granted to the Abby of Leicester as I have allready shew'd was antiently appropriated to that Monastery and upon the endowment of the Vicaridge a pension of xxvi s. viii d. per annum was reserved out of the same In an 1291. 19. E. 1. the Rectory was valued at xxvi marks and the Vicaridge at 11 marks But in 26 H. 8. I find the Vicaridge rated at vi lib. x sol vi d. over and above ix s. vi d. allowed for Synodals and Procurations Which Rectory being in the Crown as parcell of the possessions belonging to the dissolved Monastery of Leicester was granted by Q. Eliz. in 33 of her reign to the Free-school of Uppingham in Com. Rutland Patroni Vicariae Incumbentes Abb. Conv. de Leic. Warinus de Swanington Pbr. an 1258. Abb. Conv. de Leic. Rob. de Bengrave 5. Id. Dec. 1305. Abb. Conv. de Leic. Ioh. Bernard Pbr. 4. Non. Apr. 1326 Abb. Conv. de Leic. Dom. Ric. de Chedle 4. Id. Aug. 1361. Abb. Conv. de Leic. Will. Granger Pbr. 26. Martii 1428. Abb. Conv. de Leic. Ric. Wylkyns Pbr. 21. Iulii 1430. Abb. Conv. de Leic. Hen. Awbell Pbr. 20. Aug. 1443. Abb. Conv. de Leic. Tho. Sawnder Pbr. 8. Dec. 1444. Abb. Conv. de Leic. Tho. Hille Pbr. 17. Febr. 1444. Abb. Conv. de Leic. Will. Gregg Pbr. 13. Aug. 1449. Abb. Conv. de Leic. Ioh. Webbe Cap. 22. Martii 1453. Abb. Conv. de Leic. D. Tho. Lyndon Cap. 11. Apr. 1525. H. 8. Rex Angliae ratione dissolut Abb. Leic. D. Tho. Mower Cap. 4. Sept. 1540. Hen. Waver de Coventre Mercer Will. Smyth Cler. 12. Maii 1557. Hen. Waver de Coventre Mercer Ric. Briscow Cler. 6. Dec. 1557. Hen. Waver de Coventre Mercer Edw. Iurdayne Cler. 2. Iunii 1561. Ric. Waver alias Over Walt. Enderby 6. Aug. 1575. Geo. Belgrave de Belgrave in Com. Leic. ar Henr. Bradshaw Cler. Weston in Arden THis taking its name from the Western situation from Bulkinton was also in the Conq. daies in the possession on the Earl of Mellent and then certified to contain two hydes which were valued at xl sol Since which time the possession thereof hath gone along with Bulkinton till now therfore shall I not need to make instance by particular proofs in regard that all those Records that I have made use of for Bulkinton do manifest the same Yet because there are some things peculiar hereunto onely I shall in their order take notice of them amongst which this is not the least observable that of all these places in the Parish of Bulkinton it hath not onely the priority in rank where they are mentioned together in the Records but even Bulkinton it self with the rest are accounted as members of it the reason whereof can be no other than that the Lord of them all had his Mannour-house here where the Leet being kept not onely the Inhabitants of the other Villages met but from other places both in this County and Leicestersh which were the Lord Zouches lands viz. Clifton Browns-over Wyhtoâ—t Bulkinton and Ryâ—on in Com. Warr with Ulsthorpe Elmesthorpe and Cleybrooke in Leicestersh as by Court-Rolls in H. 6. time I have seen Upon the death of the last Ernald de Boys 5 E. 1. it was found that this Mannour was by him held in capite of the heirs of the Earl of Winchester in right of their partage in the Honour of Leicester paying yearly unto them one Hound called a Brache and seven pence in money for all services Afterwards scil in 7 E. 2. Will. la Zuche and Maud his wife had Free-warren granted to them here and in divers other places as in Bulkinton hath been said Which Will. in 19 E. 3. had licence for amortizing of 8 Messuages 9 yard land and a half and xxx s. annual Rent with the appurtenances lying in Cleybroke and Leyre in Com. Leic. this Weston in Arden Merston-Iabet Coton and Ryton juxta Bulkinton Com. Warr. for the maintenance of two Priests to sing Mass daily in the Chappel of our Lady within this his Mannour of Weston for the good estate of himself whilst he lived and for the health of his soul after he should depart this world as also for the soul of William Danet and for the
Iohn Duke of Burgoine or were consenting thereto And in 3. H. 6. was again reteined to serve the K. for half a year in his French warrs under the command of Iohn D. of Bedford the Kings uncle then Regent of France with xx men at Armes and 60. Archers for the like wages Of his children by the first wife from whom the Earles of Kent are descended it concernes me not here to speak but by this Ioane the heir of Astley he had issue Sir Edward Grey Knight who wedded Eliz. the daughter of Henry Ferrers and grandchild and heire to Will L. Ferrers of Groby in whose right he was L. Grey of Groby Which Edward having been in Commission for the peace in this County 21 22 and 23. H. 6. was in 28. H. 6. appointed with others to treat with the people for a loan of mony to the King and dyed in 36. H. 6. leaving Sir Iohn Grey his Son and heir aged 25. years and Edw. Grey a second son created Lord Lisle by K. E. 4. in right of Eliz. his wife daughter to Iohn Talbot Visc. L'isle sister and heir to Thomas son of the said Iohn and afterwards made Visc. L'isle by King R. 3. viz. 28. Iunii 1. R. 3. Which Edward was with others in 4. H. 7. assigned a Commissioner for choosing of Archers in this County for relief of the Dutchy of Britanny and dyed in 7. H. 7. 1492. as may appear by the Probat of his Will whereby he bequeathed his body to be buried in the new Chappell of our Lady begun by himself to be built in the Colledge of Astley where the body of Eliz. his late wife was interred but he had another wife called Iane whom by the said Will he appointed to cause certain lands to be amortized to endow and find a Priest perpetually to sing in the said Chappell for his Soul and the Souls of his late wife Eliz. as also the said Iane and all Christen Souls Of his descendants the Pedegre before inserted taketh notice I shall therefore return to Sir Iohn Grey his elder brother the heir of this Lordship This Sir Iohn marryed Eliz. the eldest daughter of Ric. Widvill Earl Rivers as is sufficiently manifested by our Historians in regard that K. E. 4. afterwards made her his wife the said Sir Iohn being slain in the battail of St. AlbanÌ„s 39. H. 6. and had issue by her Sir Thomas Grey Knight created Marq. Dorset 18. Apr. 15. E. 4. who sate in his habit at the upper end of the table that day amongst the Knights in S. Edwards Chamber but for near relation and affection to the young King murthered by Ric. D. of Glouc. the then Protector his unnaturall uncle was 18. Oct. in 1. R. 3. attainted of treason Whereupon King Ric. by his Letters pat bearing date 2. Aug. 2. R. 3. granted this Lordship to the above mentioned Edward Visc. L'isle and the heires male of his body But in 1. H. 7. the Marq. being again restored possest himself thereof and by his testament bequeathing his body to be buryed here in the Coll. Church before the Image of the Blessed Trinity in the midst of his closet within the same Colledge on the South side dyed 20. Sept. 17. H. 7. By which Testament he willed that his Executors should cause to be said for his soul in every of the 4. Orders of Friers in London an hundred Masses by the Fryers in each place with as much hast as might be after his decease And that c. marks should be disposed in Almes to poor people at his buriall Likewise that the Hospitall of Lutterworth in Leicestersh of his patronage to be appropriate to the said Colledge of Astley if the Dean and his Brethren or their successors could obtein such appropriation to be lawfully made within 3. years after his decease to the intent that they should especially pray for the Souls of K.E. 4. and Q. Eliz. his consort and all Christen Souls By the Lady Cecily his wife daughter and heir to Will Lord Bonvile marryed afterwards to Henry E. of Wiltsh who likewise bequeath'd her body to be buried in the same Chappell where the Marq. her husband was interred appointing a tombe to be made over the place of their sepulture he left issue Thomas Marq. Dorset which Thomas impaled 30. acres of wood and pasture for to make that parke here at Astley now called the Little-parke and enlarg'd the great parke here with 90. acres of land in 12. H. 7. taken out of the precincts of Arley which to this day bears the name of Arley laund And by his Testament bearing date 2. Iunii 22. H. 8. bequeath'd his body to be buryed in the Church of Astley neer unto his father appointing that his mothers will should be observed for the maintenance of two Priests in the Chappell there as also that his Executors should with all speed and diligence after his Funeralls were performed and debts payd make and build a Chappell here at Astley according to the will of his father with a goodly tombe over his father and mother which being done to make another tombe in the midst of the Chancell where he himself resolved to be buried And after that should be finished then to build an Almeshouse for xiii poor men there to inhabite and to be for ever nominated by his Executors during their lives and afterwards by his heires each of them to receive xii d. a week for their maintenance with a livery of black Cotton yeerly price 4. s. which said payment he appointed should be made out of the Rents and profits of his mannours of Bedworth and Pakinton and all such lands and tenements as were in the occupation of the Lord L'isle reputed or taken as parcell of the same Lordships the surplusage to be bestowed in repayring the said Almes-house and keeping his Obit yearly And dyed the same year as may seem by the probate of his said Testament leaving issue Henry who marrying the Lady Frances eldest daughter to Charles Brandon D. of Suff. and Mary the Q. of France his wife was in her right by reason her two broâ—hers dyed without issue created D. of Suff. 11. Oct. 5. E. 6. In whose time it hapned that the Monasteries were dissolved for effecting of which work his father in law Charles Brandon D. of Suff. was not a little active as may appear by the large share he had of their possessions And there want not circumstances to shew that this Henry then Marq. Dorset was stirring enough therein for amongst other the lands belonging to those religious Houses he had all that appertain'd to this Collegiate Church granted to him and the Lady Frances his wife and his heirs 7. Aug. 37. H. 8. which he enjoy'd not long for leaving issue onely 3. daughters Iane the eldest wedded to Guilford Dudley 4. son to Iohn D.
those lands that belong'd to the Countess Godeva E. Ranulph the first restoring to the Monks of Cov. the Chappel here as their right being a member of their Conventual Church Whether VValter Briton who lived in H. 2. time was enfeofft hereof by one of those Earls I am not sure but I find that Alice his widow for the health of the soul of the said Walter as also of her father and mother and of her own soul gave to the Monks of Combe the Mill of this Village standing towards Sow with a mess. lying near the same which grant was confirm'd by Iames le Bret her son Yet was it not long that the Monks retain'd this Mill for Steph. de Segrave then Lord of Caludon had a grant thereof from them to himself and his heirs in consideration of a pound weight of white Incense to be yearly paid to the Monastery of Combe at Easter But the first whom I certainly find to be possest of this Mannour was Walter de Langley unto which Walter with Alice his wife K. H. 3. in 41 of his reign granted a Charter of Free-warren here the homage and service of which W. for his lands here in Wykin did Rog. de Montalt and Cecily his wife reserve to them and their heirs when they past away the Mannour of Coventre to the Monks which service was the 8 part of a Kts. fee as by sundry Records appeareth This Walter in 7 E. 1. held 1. carucat of land and a Water-mill here in demesn and then also had 18. servants holding 5 yard land and 2 acres at will performing divers servile labours for the same and likewise Assize of Bread and Beer in this place At that time had also Nich. de Segrave 1 car of land and a Water-mill in demesn here with 2 crofts which certain Freeholders held But the Mannour continued in the family of Langley as long as the Male line lasted viz. till E. 3. time as I shall demonstrate when I come to Pinley their principall seat and then viz. in 40 E. 3. Sir Iohn Trillow the younger Kt. and Ioan his wife Daughter and heir of Geffrey de Langley granted it to Sir Baldw. Frevill Kt. and his Heirs to whom also for better confirmation of his title Sir Peter Careswell Kt. Son and Heir to Sir Will. Careswell by his deed bearing date the Munday next after the Nativ of our Lord 45 E. 3. releas't all his right in the same which it seems was an estate for life and possibility of the inheritance For I find that in 4 E. 3. Will. Careswel and Mary his wife Mother to the last G. de Langley procured Tho. de Langley a Priest who was Heir Male of the family to levy a Fine of this and other Mannours whereby they were setled on the said Will. and Mary for their lives the remainder to Geffrey the Son of Geffrey de Langley and the Heirs of his Body and for want of such issue to the right Heirs of the said W. de Careswell And that upon the death of Baldwyn Son and Heir to the before specified Sir B. his 3. Sisters became his Heirs as in Tamworth I shall shew whereupon this Mannour divolved to Margaret the second of those coheirs first marryed to Sir Hugh Willoughby Kt. and afterwards to Sir Ric. Bingham one of the Justices of the Common Pleas which Marg. dyed seised thereof 8. Ian. 8 H. 7. leaving her Grand-child Sir Henry Willoughby Kt. Son of Rob. Son of her the said Marg. and Sir Hugh her Cosen and next Heir then 30. years of age From whom descended Sir Francis Willoughby late of Middleton Kt. who by his deed bearing date 24. Maii 38. Eliz. sold it to Ric. Green Father of Richard the present owner thereof an 1640. The Chappell here was built and dedicated in H. 1. time at the instance of Ran. E. of Chester Rog. de Clinton then B. of Cov. consenting thereto for the advantage of poor people in times of Hospitality the Buriall of the Inhabitants being reserved to the Mother Church of Coventre unto which all the Tithes belonging were appropriate by R. Molend B. of Cov. and Lich. an 1260. 44 H. 3. the Monks of that House appointing a Priest to celebrate Divine Service three Days in the week besides the chief Festivalls for which he antiently received all living Mortuaryes Alterage Tythes of Wool and Lamb with other small Tythes for his Salary and held the 4. part of a yard land in Wykin belonging to the said Chappell at the will of the Prior which small Tythes in 26 H. 8. were rated at C. s. per an Caludon OF this place there is no mention in the Conq. Survey nor in any other Record of a long time after that I could ever yet see nevertheless the name is much more antient being made up of a Brittish and Saxon word as I guess the first part viz. Callod signifying Moss and the later Dune or Don an ascending ground in respect that the surface of the hill near which it is seated is of a mossy condition That it was originally a Member of Coventre and involved therewith as also possest by the E. of Chester need not to be doubted forasmuch as 't is apparent that Ranulph the last gave it to Stephen de Segrave and his Heirs to hold by the service of a sore-Sparhaâ—k yearly And that Rog. de Montalt and Cecily his wife when they past all their right in Coventre to the Monks made particular exception of the homage and service of Gilb. de Segrave and his Heirs for what he held of them here In the family of which Segrave it continued whilst the Male line lasted and afterwards came to Moubray by Marriage of the Heir Female and by the like means to Berkley But because these great persons for the most of them were Barons of this Realm and the rest of a superior rank had not here their principall residence I shall balk the story of them further then what immediatly concerns this place Of the before specified Gilb. de Segrave I find that he bore for his Armes three garbs with a label of five points perhaps in respect of the relation he had to the E. of Chester in the tenure of this Lordship And that Nich. his Son as Lord of this place in 7 E. 1. was certified to hold here 2. car of land a Park containing 20. Acres a Pool called Franchehay and 2. Water mills having onely one Freeholder called Iohn de la Hay who held 3. Acres of land for 3. s. Rent Homage and Suit of Court After which viz. in 27 E. 1. he obtain'd a Charter of Free-warren in all his demesn lands here To whom succeded Iohn de Segrave his Son and Heir who in 33 E. 1. had License to fortify his House here with a Moat and to wall and embattle it with Lime and Stone
his issue Male extinguisht this Mannour inter alia came by force thereof to Sir Will. Beauchamp Kt. second Son to Thomas Beauchamp E. of Warwick which Will. being afterwards summoned to Parl. as Lord Bergavenny had issue Richard whose Daughter and Heir Eliz. brought this Lordship unto the family of Nevill as in Fillongley is also more fully shew'd In which line it continued till Sir Henry Nevill late Lord Bergavenny sold it in our time to Sir Henry Compton Kt. of the Bath now scil an 1640. owner thereof Upon the brow of an hill in the Park here at Allesley do appear some ruins of building which as the Inhabitants say were of a Castle but in Record I cannot find that it was ever so termed That the Church was originally but a Chappell belonging to the Priory of Coventre and the occasion of its building I have already declared In 33 H. 3. there were certain persons delegated by the B. of Cov. and Lich. who with the consent of the Monks of Coventre and the then incumbent presented by the Lord Hastings did ordain that the said Incumbent and his successors should have of the profits belonging thereto all oblations obventions tythes and other emoluments reserving 6. s. 8. d. yearly to the said Church of Coventre in lieu of all burialls and excepting also the tythes of Allesley-Park and all personall tythes which were used amongst the oblations to be offered upon Sundaies in regard that the Lord Hastings being Patron of the Church had released to the Church of Coventre all his right of common in Coventre and Coundulme and the Hamlets adjacent which Ordination bears date on the day of St. Tiburce and Valerian an M. CCXLIX 33. H. 3. Patroni Incumbentes Edm. Com. Cornub ratione minoris aet custodiae haeredis c. Henr. de Hastings Gaufr de Stokelle Cler. 1283. Tho. le Blound miles Sim. de Gaynesburgh accol 13. Cal. Ian. 1326. Will. de Clinton Co. Hunt Ioh. Lynie Pbr. 7. Id. Maii 1337. Will. de Clinton Co. Hunt Tho. de Blythe accol 8. Id. Feb. 1341. D. Iuliana de Hastings Comitissa Hunt Henr. Hunte Cler. 3. Id. Martii 1357. Com. Penbrok Rob Ferror Pbr. 4. Kal. Aug. 1373. D. Rex ratione Dominii de Allesley post mortem Com. P. in manâ— sua exist Ioh. Bekâ—n Pbr. 4. Id. Ian. 1375. D. Rex ratione Dominii de Allesley post mortem Com. P. in manâ— sua exist Will. Reynald Pbr. 7. Kal. Dec. 1376. D. Iohanna de Beauchamp domina de Bergavenny Will. Neuport Cler. ult Martii 1422. D. Iohanna de Beauchamp domina de Bergavenny Tho. Rishum Cap. 19. Apr. 1426. Edw. Nevill dominus de Bergav Ioh. Strangwish Cler. 2. Oct. 1438. Edw. Nevill dominus de Bergav Will. Loveles Cap. 29. Aug. 1450. Rob. Diâ—son gen ratione conc H. Nevil mil. D. de Bergav Tho. Steele Cler. 20. Oct. 1554. Edm. Brode hac vice per conc H. domini de Bergav Phil Brode in art Bac. 17. Iunii 1569. Margar. Sanders vidua hac vice per conc ejusdem H. D. de Bergav Sam. Sanders Cler. 4. Oct. 1570. Coundon THis was originally a Member of Coventre as I have said and involved therewith in that grant of E. Leofric made to the Monks upon the foundation of the Monastery 1 Edw. Conf. though it be not particularly named in his Charter By the Conq. Survey it appears that the proportion belonging to the Monks in Condone for so it is there written extended to three virgats of land as also that the words were three furlongs 30. perches in length and 3. furlongs in breadth all being valued at xx s. And in the same Survey it is also recorded that Will. fil Corbuâ—ionis of whom I am to speak in Studley had one virgat of land here at the same time with woods conteining half a mile in length and four furlongs in breadth all which were then valued at 4. s. but there it is written Condelme so that in regard the name at that time is so variously recorded and altered out of doubt by corrupt pronunciation from what it first was I shal not trouble my self to guess at the Etymology thereof In 41 H. 3. the said Monks of Coventre had inter alia Free-warren granted to them in all their demeâ—â— lands here And in 44 H. 3. the tythes of this place amongst other of their Mannours were appropriated to them as belonging to Trinity Parish one of the Churches in that City In 53. H. 3. I find that Iohn Beneth of Allesley hâ—ld the xx part of a Kts. Fee here of Henry de Hasting Lord of Allesley which I suppose to be the same that is certified by the Conq. Survey to have been in the hands of Will. fil Corbucionis before specified the extent whereof was in 7 E. 1. signified to be but half a yard land and two acres then in the hands of three Freeholders So that the Monks of Coventre being owners of all the rest had a yard land thereof in demesn and nine Freeholders who held half a Carucat and 12. acres paying severall Rents doing suit of Court twice a year and performing certain servile work in Harvest In this village had the said Monks also a Court-Leet gallows with Assise of Bread and Beer by the grant of K. H. 3. As also weyfs estreys Felons-goods and for Heriots the principall vesell the names of what they so held in demesn being a certain grove named Fowlesmore and a parcell of ground called Priors-field The greatest part of which lands together with the tythes were after the dissolution of the Monasteries granted unto Ric. Andrews Gent. and Leonard Chamberlein Esq. but how they have past since is not much materiall for me to enquire Coventre FOllowing the stream of Shirburn it leads me next into Coventre still a City of eminent note yet much short in glory and Riches to what heretofore it hath been as I shall shew anon but for the originall of its name I can give no positive reason and therefore whither the first part thereof viz. Coven was occasioned by some Covent of Religious persons antiently founded here as some think for there was a Monastery of Nuns long before the Priory as I shall shortly manifest or whither from this little brook of which others conceive the true name to be Cune I will not stand to argue Sure I am that the last Sillable thereof viz. Tre is British and signifieth the same that villa in Latine doth from whence I conclude that the first plantation here hath been of very great antiquity though when or by whom made I cannot expect to discover having so little light of story to guide me through those elder times And as certain is it that a great part thereof and probably the most antient stood on the bank without Bishop-gate North-westward of the City for no less do
that Oliver de Aubeny held half a Kts. fee here of the Mannour of Coventre And in 34 E. 1. by a Fine levyed between Will. D'aubeny pl. and Amicia the widow of Oliver D'aubeny deforc it was entailed upon the said Will and the heirs of his body with remainder to his two brothers viz. Raph and Iohn and for want of issue by them to Oliva and Isabell their sisters and to the heirs of Isabell. By vertue of which entail Raph de Aubeny came to enjoy it as it seems for I find that he past it away to Will. Baret Lord of Passenham in Northamptonsh Which Will. by his deed bearing date the morrow after the Assumption of our Lady 22 E. 3. granted it to Henry E. of Lancaster who in 35 E. 3. dyed seized of it leaving Maud and Blanch his daughters and heirs And this is all that I can say to the succession of it by reason it hath been parcell'd out by sale to sundry persons Olneye OF this place is there no memoriall now left but a double moat which beareth the name neither is there any thing of antiquity thereof that I have seen much materiall Horewelle THis is also now and hath been long depopulated But in 7 E. 1. the same Oliver de Aubeny Lord of Asthull before specified was owner thereof and held it of Rog. de Montalt having at that time one carucat of land and a half in demesn and suit of Court twice a year with 7 Free-holders who held 29 acres of land paying certain rent and doing suit to his 3 weeks Court But it seems that the Monks of Stonley had it soon after for in 12 E. 1. they obtained a Charter of Free warren in all their demesn lands in Stonley and divers other places whereof this is one that which they had here being 2 carucats of land as in 19 E. 1. was certified and a certain Cell Which petty Cells were made use of by the Abbots in those daies as places of penance or punishment to such Monks as either for any offence committed or some displeasure from their Superiour were thither sent But more of Horewelle I find not other than that it is included within the County of this City by K.H. 6. Charter before specified Stivichall THere is no mention of this place in the Conq. Survey so that we must conclude it to have been then involved with Coventre and that as a member thereof it came to the E. of Chester for in K. Steph. time Ranulph E. of Chester possest it What injury that was which this E. Ranulph had done to Walter Durdent then B. of Cov. and to his Church doth not directly appear but certain it is that he dyed excommunicate for the same so that E. Hugh his son and heir past this Mannour of Stivinghale for so it is written unto the said B. and his successors for his fathers absolution and for the health of his soul and his ancestors souls It seems that the same B. granted it unto Steph. de Nerbone and his heirs to hold by the 4 part of a Kts. fee for I find that the heirs of Margery his daughter and heir enjoy'd it and that the said Stephen gave to Will the son of Raph de Fiâ—â—ngele and his heirs two yard land lying in this village in consideration that he fought a duell for him What he was that wedded the said Margerie I know not but a son he had by her who calls himself Ranulphus de Stivichale filius haeres Margeriae de Nerburne dominae de Styvichale Which Ranulph was he as I suppose who past this Mannour unto Walter de Langley Lord of Pinley for in 7 E. 1. it was certified that the same Walter de Langley held the moytie thereof of the heirs of Marg. de Neyrburne by the service of a Rose yearly at which time the said Walter had 3 yard land here held of him in villenage and the rest by Free-holders but the Court-Leet the Bishop still kept And the same year following the said Walt. was found to dye seized of this whole village having four yard land therin which together with the rent from his Free-holders and villains a Mill extended to 8 l. 5 s. 3 d. ob per an To whose posterity it continued whilst the male line lasted and then with Pinley Wikin and other Lordships descended to Ioan the daughter and heir of that family first wedded to Iohn the son of Sir Alan Cherlton Kt. and afterwards to Sir Iohn Trillow Kt. as in Pinley I shall fully manifest 'T is very like that Sir Iohn Trillow and she past it unto Sir Baldwin Frevill Kt. about 40 E. 3. For I find that Sir Peter Careswell Kt. son and heir of Sir Will. Careswell released all his title therein to the said Sir Baldwin as he also did in Pinley and Wikin but what right he had I am not very certain except that intimated in my discourse of Wykin were it After which upon the partition of Frevill's lands whereof in Tamworth I shall speak at large it fell to Thomas Ferrers Esq in right of Eliz. his wife eldest sister and one of the co-heirs to Sir Baldwin Frevill Kt. as appears by the partition made 5 Oct. 31 H. 6. To whose posterity it continued for divers descents But in 16 Elâ—z I find that Thomas Gregory dyed seized thereof leaving Arthur his son and heir 34 years of age whose son Iohn now enjoys it The Chappel here being a member belonging to the Church of S. Mich. in Coventre was therewith appropriated to the Monks ann 1260. 44 H. 3. Which Monks did antiently use to find a Priest to celebrate divine service therein 3 daies every week but the bodyes of the dead were carryed to Coventre In H. 6. time there was an Anchorite mured up here who in those daies had a Legacy given to him by Edith Ruggeley widow unto Nich. Ruggeley of Dunton in this County REturning now to the other side of Coventre I discern Caresley first in my view of which I find no mention till K. Steph. time that Ran. E. of Chester rendred the Chappel to the Monks of Coventre as he did Stivichall and many other it being then written Keresley From which E. it came to Montalt as Coventre whereof it was originally a member did part of it in 34 H. 3. being held by the heirs of Rob. Tuschet and Wido fil Roberti of Rog. de Montalt and Cecilie his wife Which Rog. and Cecily then granting away the Mannour of Coventre in Fee-ferm to the Monks did inter alia reserve to them and their heirs the homage and services of those persons But the inheritance of what the heirs of the said Robert and Wido had was not considerable for it appears that the substance of this village past from the before specified Rog. and Cecily
make choice of and to receive and instruct any such women who having devoted their lives to Gods service would be content to do the like But after they had found what molestation they had by the Foresters who riding frequently that way much disturb'd their devotions they humbly besought the said Empress that she would vouchsafe to change their seat Whereupon bearing a great affection to the Cistercian-Order she told them if they would undergoe that Rule she would grant their request To which proposall of hers they after some deliberation assenting the same place of Radmore was made an Abby one William the principall of those religious persons being elected the first Abbot there unto whom Henry D. of Normandy son to the said Empress by his Charter granted and confirmed not only the same Radmore with the appurtenances viz. Melesho and Wirley for tillage and pasture as also Hedenesford for pasture and paunage with liberty to build a Church and such houses as might be fit for their habitation but gave them the Town of Canok with the appurtenances and the Mill at Wirley with all things belonging thereto Which good work so begun wanted not the bounty of divers other pious men to carry it on Osbert de Arden of whom I shall speak in Kingsbury giving them his Lordship of Merston Will. Croc of whom I am to speak in Chesterton all the right he had in Wirley to the intent that they would receive him into their fraternity and vouchsafe his body buriall there Geffrey de Clinton three yard land at Werlavescote and one hide in Radway And Roger de Clinton B. of Chester before mentioned two hides more in the said Town of Radway Shortly after which this new Abbot and his Monks not yet well instructed in the Cistercian discipline requested Hamon the second Abbot of Bordesley in Worcester-shire to send two of his Covent to inform them therein Which being accordingly done there grew great friendship betwixt these two Monasteries the Monks of Bordfley always giving courteous entertainment to those of Radmore whensoever they had occasion to visit their Grange at Radway Howbeit at Radmore they continued no more then xiii years For finding the Foresters not only troublesome but by their frequent visits somewhat burthensome also they became Petitioners to K. H. 2. on the 14. Cal. of Ian. in the very first year of his raign making use of his mother the Empress their Patroness to mediate that he would be pleased to translate them to his Mannour of Stoneley in Warwick-shire and accept of what they had at Radmore in exchange for that place Whereunto the King gratiously yielding they came from Radmore and first seated themselves where the Grange of Crysteld now stands the inhabitants thereof then removing to Hurst but finding inconvenience there in regard it was so neere the publique road way they made choyce of another place a little below the confluence of Sow and Avon almost inviron'd with the river having that thick wood called Echels on the North and there began the foundation of their Church whereof the first stone being laid Id. Apr. Anno 1154. scil 1. H. 2. the Church-yard was consecrated by Walter Durdent Bishop of Coventre with the assent of the Prior and Canons of Kenilworth to whom the Parish Church of Stoneley appertained upon condition that the said Monks should no way diminish the rights due to the said Church of Stoneley but make just payment of all Tithes to the same for such grounds as they should till within that Parish all which the said King Henry by his Charter confirmed And to the end that these Monks should have Stoneley intire the said King gave command by his precept to the Shiriff of this County to assigne the Freeholders there as much land in value in other places by way of exchange for that they had here But there being a Custom amongst the Cistercian Monks that no new Monastery of the same Rule should without license of the next adjacent Abby of that Order be erected these upon their translation hither were constrayned to come to an Agreement with the Monks of Combe who conditioned with them upon yielding such their license that if they had a minde to erect any Granges or remove the site of their Abby the Monks of Stoneley should not hinder them Which Agreement was made in the presence of the Abbots of Waverle Bordesle and Merevale in Anno 1155. 1 H. 2. At the time when this Monastery was so founded there were in the Mannour of Stoneley 68. villains 4. Bordarii id est Free-holders and two Priests all which held xxx Carucats of land as is exprest in Domesday-book As also 4. Bondmen or servants whereof each held 1. mess. and one quartrone of land by the services of making the Gallows and hanging of Theeves every one of which Bondmen was to wear a red clout betwixt his shoulders upon his upper garment to plow twice a year to reap as oft that is to say at the two Bederipes to give aid to the Lord at the Feast of S. Michael to make the Lords malt and do other servile work As for the particulars that the Monks held in demesn and otherwise in 7. E. 1. I refer my Reader to the Record not accounting it necessary to insert it here having spoken so fully already of their possessions But it seemes that the King did not quit his totall interest in Stonely to the Monks upon the foundation of this Abby for I find that the Shiriff of Warwick-shire in 15. H. 2. accounted 29 s. 9 d. for paunage of the Woods and in 19. H. 2. received 40 s. from those men which held the assarts As also in 27. H. 2. 55 s. for perquisits here Nay his Officers and Foresters in the beginning of King Iohn's time did so insult as that they alledg'd all was his notwithstanding what King Henry his grandfather had given them by his Charter before specified And so far were the priviledges which belong'd to the Monks within this their Mannour of Stoneley slighted that upon any suite betwixt the Tenants or against the Abbot all Writts were directed to the Ks. Baylâ—ffs so that Will. de Tyso the then Abbot considering these grievances and the further dangers to them which were imminent enough repaired to the King and for 200. Marks and two white Palfreys got a confirmation of his fathers Charter with a grant of the Woods of Wethele and the essarts at Hurst for which there had wont to be payd yearly into the Exchequer 29 s. which Charter beares date 12. Maii 5. Ioh. And yet thought they not themselves sure for in 11. H. 3. they gave the King xv Marks for to confirm his fathers grant But I come now to the chief of their other Benefactors resolving to speak more fully of them and of what they gave in the
seems that did not end the business for upon a full Agreement betwixt them where it appears that the said Geffrey allow'd him a third part of the said Kts. fee there is mention made that they had a trial by Battle for it After this scil in 9 H. 3. there was a great suit betwixt Henry E. of Warwick and Will. Maâ—duit and Alice his wife sister to the said Earl for 2 carucats 22 yard land and xvi s. rent with th' appurtenances in this Wotton whereof the E. alledged that E. Walleran his father dyed seized But the said Will. and Alice exhibited the Charter of the same E. Walleran whereby he gave those lands unto her and received her homage thereof causing the Free-holders to do homage also to her the said Alice who was then within age and in the tuition of Alice de Harecourt her mother What further became of this business I have not seen and therefore shall proceed with my discourse thereof in relation to Savage In 36 H. 3. it was certified that the heir of the said Geffrey Savage held one Kts. Fee here of Thomas de Clinton heir male to the first mentioned Geffrey and he of the E. of Warwick To which Geffrey Savage succeeded Philippa as one of the heirs to the last Geffrey who with Robert de Mortimer the Abbot of Stoneley and Prior of Kenilworth in 7 E. 1. held this Wotton and Hull with the Crosse-grange for one Kts. fee. Which Philippa had here at that time 12 servants holding 1 yard land at will and giving Aid at the Feast of S. Mich. at the Lords pleasure with 4 Cottyers and 3 Free-holders which held half a yard land by certain rent fealty and suit of Court twice a year as also a Court-leet and Assize of Bread and Beer by the confirmation of K. H. 1. That which Rob. de Mortimer had was the third part of a Water-mill as also 8 servants holding 3 yard land a half and fourth part at will performing Aid at the Feast of S. Michael The Abbot of Stonley 3 servants holding 1 yard land and a fourth part at will as also 5 Free-holders holding 21 acres and one acre of meadow The Canons of Kenilworth 2 carucats with the Mill of Gibbeclive which they held in demesn besides the Church appropriat endowed with one yard land And likewise 2 servants holding 33 acres of land at will giving Aid viz. mowing reaping raking harrowing making Hay c. eight Cottyers who perform'd the like services and 4 Free-holders paying certain rent and doing suit of Court twice a year But the Mannour belonging to Savage came by inheritance to Menill as may be discerned by the Pedegree in Baginton For in 13 E. 1. Will. dâ— Menill claim'd a Court-leet with Assize of Bread and Beer in this place then termed Woâ—ton-Savage which were allowed From which Will. descended Sir Hugh Menill Kt. who in 24 E. 3. granted the moytie of this Village to Henry E. of Lancaster and his heirs then Lord of Kenilworth-castle whereunto it lay convenient which I suppose was all that Savage had here How it came to the Crown wherein it still continues I need not here declare having made it so plain in Kenilworth the possession of which Castle it hath since accompanied The Church dedicated to All Saints appropriated to the Canons of Kenilworth in K. Iohn's time having been originally granted to that Monastery upon the very foundation thereof was in ann 1291. 19 E. 1. valued at x marks and the Vicaridge in 26 H. 8. at Cxii s. over and above 8 s. allow'd for Procurations and Synodals Which being so small became augmented by the Lady Aliza Dudley with xx l. per ann as in Manceter where the lands were purchased may be seen That which the Canons of Kenilworth had here besides the Church being after the dissolution of that House granted to Iohn D. of Northumb by K. E. 6. came again to the Crown through his attainder and was by Q. Mary passed to Sir Rouland Hill Kt. and others in 1. of her reign by the name of the Mannour of Leek-UUotton alias Crosse-grange and is now in the possession of the Lord Leigh of Stonelâ—y by descent from Sir Tho. Leigh Kt. and Alderman of London his great grandfather to whose use the same was purchased by the before specified Sir Rouland Hill c. Patroni Vicariae Incumbentes temp Inst. Prior Convent de Kenilworth Rog. de Boyvill Cap. 2 Id. Sept. 1316. Prior Convent de Kenilworth Tho. de Coventre Pbr. 6 Id. Martii 1328. Prior Convent de Kenilworth Nich. de Haselovere Cap. Id. Iunii 1349. Prior Convent de Kenilworth Will. de Bradweye Pbr. 4. Non. Sept. 1361. Prior Convent de Kenilworth Ioh. de Tâ—ucester Pbr. 9. Cal. Febr. 1361. Prior Convent de Kenilworth Will. de Stonley Pbr. 9 Cal. Ian. 1362. Prior Convent de Kenilworth Ric. de Rossale Pbr. .... Apr. 1377. Prior Convent de Kenilworth Will. Sprunt 2 Iulii 1380. Prior Convent de Kenilworth Tho. Hulle Pbr. 5 Nov. 1394. Prior Convent de Kenilworth Ioh. Brou Pbr. 28 Martii 1401. Prior Convent de Kenilworth Ioh. de Barston Cap. 25. Nov. 1408. Prior Convent de Kenilworth Ioh. Repton 23 Iulii 1409. Prior Convent de Kenilworth Ric. Grewe Cap. 14 Oct. 1409. Prior Convent de Kenilworth Ric. Ashby Cap. ult Iulii 1416. Prior Convent de Kenilworth Ioh. Racheford Cap. 26. Oct. 1417. Prior Convent de Kenilworth Tho. Flynderkyn 15 Apr. 1425. Prior Convent de Kenilworth Ric. Browne 4 Aug. 1425. Prior Convent de Kenilworth Tho. Weston Cap. 15 Maii 1428. Prior Convent de Kenilworth Will. Sutton Pbr. 20 Nov. 1433. Prior Convent de Kenilworth Ioh. Sokeling Pbr. 3 Martii 1439. Prior Convent de Kenilworth Ioh. Clerke Cap. 9 Oct. 1456. Prior Convent de Kenilworth Tho. Edwards 1 Iunii 1515. Prior Convent de Kenilworth Rob. Kinge Cap. 23 Ian. 1529. Edw. Sanders miles Capit. Baro Scac. Will. Churchley Cler. 20. Maii 1560. Edw. Sanders miles Capit. Baro Scac. Anthon. Offley 17 Sept. 1569. D. Cath. Leigh de Stoneley vidua Humfr. Smalwood art Magr. 14 Aug. 1627. Hill-Wotton THis place antiently written Halle lying Southeast from Wotton about a mile and reputed a member of it taketh its name from the high situation thereof The first mention I find of it is not till the beginning of H. 3. time where Godwin the son of Godewin de Wotton gives to the Canons of Kenilworth with his body which he determined to be buryed in that Monastery an annual rent of v s. issuing out of certain lands here held of Sir Hugh de Beckbirie Kt. which gift of his Aliva de Beckbirie in her widowhood confirmed But being a member of
which did exceed the value of ten Franks And if he or they hapned to take any prisoners he should not permit them to be ransomed without the consent of the said Earl or his son And lastly that himself with his Men and Horses should be upon all occasions shipt to and fro at the charge of the said Earl In 3. H. 4. he was Receivour generall to the same Earl and the same year joyned in Commission with the Shiriff for levying and collectâ—ng the Aid in this County for marriage of Blâ—nch the Ks. eldest daughter In 5. H. 4. he served as one of the Knights for this Shire in the Parliament then holden And in 9. H. 4. was Surveyour of all the said Earles lands In 19. H. 6. he was one of the Commissioners appointed to treat with the people for a loan to the King In 20. one of the Knights for this Shire in Parliament And upon renewing the Commissions for the peace in this County from 17. till 27. H. 6. still joyned therein He was also Constable and Governour of Warwick-Castle and Supervisor of all the fishings pools and Swans belonging to Henry Duke of Warwick in this County and Stafford-shire In consideration whereof he had an annuity granted to him by the said Duke's Letters Pat. dated 5. Iunii 24. H. 6. And in 28. H. 6. in Commission about levying the Subsidy then granted to the King in Parliament So likewise from 30. H. 6. till 9. E. 4. upon all renewings of the Commissions for the Peace made one As also Squier of the body to the K. E. 4. and to Richard Nevill Earl of Warwick Surveyor of his lands And as his publick imployments were very great so were Iohn Hugford his son's whom I find in 34. H. 6. Steward to Richard Nevill Earl of Warwick As also a Justice of peace in this County from 1 E. 4. during the whole reign of that K. and of his brother K. Richard 3. as appears by the Records of their times This Iohn having been Shiriff of the Countyes of Warwick and Leic. in 12. and 18. E. 4. in consideration of the acceptable services which the said King acknowledged he had done was constituted Constable of Warwick-Castle as also Steward of Warwick and all the Lordships in this Shire then in the King hands in respect of the minority of Edward son to George Duke of Clarence by reason of the Earledome of Warwick Which office together with the place of Surveyour of all the Parks and Chases in this County King Richard 3. by his Letters Pat. dated 15. Nov. granted also to the said Iohn and Humfrey Beaufo esq in regard of the minority of the aforesaid Edward He was also a great Benefactor to the Abby of Stoneley as appears by the large quantity of land given thereunto by him lying in Ashoe and other places And having much augmented his fortune by the marriage of Margaret daughter and heir to Nicholas Metley as in Wolston and Merston I have shewed departed this life on the feast day of S. Nicholas the B. 1 H. 7. leaving issue by the said Margaret three daughters which were his heirs viz. Ioan marryed to Humfrey Beaufo of Bereford-S Iohn in Oxford-shire esq Alice to Richard Cotes esq and Anne to Gerard Danet esq upon the partition of whose lands this with Milverton came to Iohn Beaufo son and heir to Humfrey Beaufo above mentioned and Ioan the eldest daughter of the said Iohn Hugford Which Iohn in 20. H. 7. had livery of his inheritance without proof of his age that is to say of all the lands descended to him from Humfrey Beaufo his father Ioan his mother and Gerard Danet which Gerard was tenant by the curtesy to such lands as belong'd to Anne his wife another of the daughters and heires to the said Iohn Hugford and departing this life on Michaelmass day Anno 1516. 8 H. 8. lyeth buried together with the severall Hugfords before specified in the South part of the Collegiate Church at Warwick as their Monuments which I have here exactly represented do manifest From whom is lineally descended Henry Beaufo esq Lord of this Mannour Anno scil 1640. Willoughby HEre at Emscote it is that Avon is enlarged by the confluence of Leame which having its head in Northampton-shire about Bramiston and Daventre entreth Warwick-shire betwixt Wolfhamcote and Willoughby Touching its name I mean the etymologie it may seem to be derived from the Greek word 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 which signifyeth a pool or lake for our antient Saxon language is affirmed by very learned men in both to have its originall from the Greek Neither is this conjecture improbable for as much as this River is of a muddy disposition having some standing holes in the nature of lakes or ponds in sundry places thereof And we find at this day that divers of those artificiall Rivers in Cambridg-shire antiently cut to drayn the Fens do bear the name of Leame as Watersey-leame New leame Morton's-leame c. being all muddy channells through which the water hath a dull and slow passage But leaving the better interpretation thereof to those that have more skill I come to Willoughby The occasion of this Towns name is evident enough the last syllable scil Bye in the old English signifying a Village as we use it in some sense to this day calling those orders which are made in a Court-Baron Bye-Laws id est the Town-Laws and the first willough importing that divers of such trees did antiently grow there In the Conq. time most of it was in the possession of Turchill de Warwick and the rest of Hugh Grentemaisnill howbeit the proportion which each had doth not directly appear for as much as it is in the Record confounded with other places But it is there written wilebere wilebej and wilebec which last if it were the originall name must be interpreted the willough-brook for Bee in the Saxon signifieth a little stream How it came into the Kings hands I have not seen but it seemes that King H. 1. possest it and enfeoft one Wigan his servant of 12. yard land here in Sergeanty then valued at xii li. which Sergeanty as well included lands in Dunchurch Thurlaston and Hulle as this viz. to find at his proper costs a man in harness for the Kings service with two Horses in every Army of his within England and wales Which Wigan held this willoughby all his life From whom it descended to Raph his son and heir and from Raph to Will and from Will to Ivo Which Ivo dying without issue it resorted to Thurstane his uncle who granted the whole Mannour with the advouson of the Church to the Hospitall of S. Iohn without the East-gate in Oxford founded by King Henry 3. in 17. of his raign ut ibidem infirmi peregrini suae remedium
their principall seat at Wulverle whereof they were called Barons as when I come to Solihull shall be manifested but whether this Cristina marryed to Raph de Limesie an eminent man in the Conquerours time having fair possessions in the Counties of Norff. Suff. Hertford Northampt. Nott. Somerset Devon and Warwick I cannot affirm howbeit that his posterity enjoyed her lands is sure enough flourishing in great honour till King Iohn's time that the male line extinguished and the Barony of Lymsie for so it is called was divided betwixt Hugh de Odingsells a Fleming and David de Lindesey a Scot husbands to the coheirs of Iohn de Limesy as the descent here inserted will shew But before I begin to speak of the family of Odingsells who had their seat here I have a word or two to say of the Limesies their ancerstors which is that from the before specified Raph descended Raph founder of the Priory at Hertford in H. 1. timeâ— which Raph gave thereunto certain lands lying in this Lordship To whom succeeded Alan his son and heir who gave to that Monastery the Church of this Ichinton which grant Gerard his son and Iohn the son and heir of the same Gerard confirmed But descending to Odingsells I observe that from the said Hugh by Basilia sprung two very eminent and worthy families of which the chief resided here at Ichinton even till our fathers memory and that the other which had Solihull and Maxstoke continuing not many descents was by heirs female transplanted into other stocks In 15. Ioh. partition being made betwixt those coheirs the said Hugh and Basilia paid a Fine of 500. marks to the King for livery of the moytie of those lands by inheritance pertaining to her upon the death of her brother Iohn de Limesi without issue lying in the Countyes of Hertford Oxford Worcester Suff and Warwick For securing the Rad. de Limesia fundator Priorat de Hertford Hadewisâ— Alanus de Limesi Triamus de Limesi Gerardus de Limesi 8. H. 2. Amicia Alianora ux Davidis de Lindsei David de Lindsey David Gerard. Walt. Wâ—ll ob s. p. Alicia soror raeres ux Henr. de Pinkney 34. H. 3. Henr. de Pinkney Rob. de Pinkney 13 E. 1. Thom de Pinkney ob s. p. Rob. de Pinkney D. manerii de Stene in Com. Northampt. 22 E. 1. Ioh. de Pinkney miles suspensus 22. E. 1. Ioh. de Limesi duxit Aliciam Fil. Rob. de Harecourt Hugo de Limesi ob s. p. Alanus Gerardus ob s. prole Amabilla ob s. prole Basilia ux Hug. de Odingsels Hugo de Odingsels ob s. p. Gerardus de Odingsels miles 23. H. 3. Hugo de Odingsels 51. H. 3. Ioh. de Odingsels mil. defunctus 10 E. 3. Ioh. de Odingsels ob 27 E. 3. Amicia filia Rog. Corbet Ioh. de Odingsels miles ob 4 R. 2. Ioh. de Odingsels miles ob 5 H. 4. Edw. de Odingsels miles ob 6 E. 4. Margar. filia Ioh. Cokain de Bury-Hatley in Com. Bedf. Gerardus de Odingsels 8 H. 7. Edw. Odingsels 9 H. 7. Anna filia Ric. Verney de Compton ar Edm. Odingsels obiit â— Sept. 5 6 Ph. M. Ioh. Odingsels ob s. proleâ— Will. Odingsels Thom. Odingsels ob s. p. Thom. Odingsels servus Will. D. Burleigh temp R. Eliz. obiitâ— coelebe Rad. cognom de Limesy Ric. de Limesy Petrus de Limesi ob 18. E. 2. Ioh. de Limesi 18 E. 2. Will. de Odingsels de Solihull Maxstoke payment whereof Hugh and Will. two of his sons became bound Which Iohn de Limesi dyed 9 R. 4. 1. Whereupon Alice his widow daughter of Rob. de Harecourt marryed to Walleran E. of Warwick This Hugh de Odingsells was a Knight and a man of great note in his time for I find that in 5 H. 3. he attended the King in person to the siege of Bitham-Castle in Com. Linc. with considerable forces for which he had warrant to levy Escuage upon all his tenants that held of him by military service and dyed in 23 H. 3. whereupon Gerard his son had livery of all the lands in Ichington â— and elswhere that were of the inheheritance of Basilia his mother and held of the King in Capite then doing his homage and giving security to the Shiriff of this County for the payment of his Relief viz. 50 li. whereby it appears that his estate was great the Relief for a Knights fee being antiently but C s. which Gerard being a Knight in 26 H. 3. gave a Fine of 50. marks to be freed from attendance upon the King into Gascoign towards the payment whereof he had power to levy Escuage upon all the Knights fees held of him And in 48 H. 3. had summons with many other great men to be at Oxford in Midlent sufficiently furnish't with Horse and Armes there to give the King advice and assist him against Lewelin P. of Wales and his adherents then in Rebellion but departed this life in 50 H. 3. whereupon the custody of his heir then not of full age with his lands held of the King in Capite were granted to Edmund sirnamed Crouchback the K. son It seemes that the year next following his said son and heir viz. Hugh de Odingsells accomplish't his full age for he then did his homage and had livery of his landsâ— which Hugh in 16 E. 1. was a Knight and in 21. purchased the other moitye of this Mannour from Iohn de Pinkney to whom it descended by inheritance from his great grandmother as the Pâ—degâ—ee sheweth This Iohn de Pinkney being a Knight was the next year following hang'd for felony whereupon there grew suits betwâ—xt the same Hugh de Odingsells and Rob. de Pinkney son and heir of the said Iohn concerning the tide to that Mannour here in Ichington which belonged to him the said Iohn but the King minding to afford his grace and favour in an especiall manner to the above mentioned Hugh who at that time was to be imployed into Gascoign commanded the Shiriff to permit the said Hugh to have the present possession thereof for it was seised into the Kings hands by reason of that forfeiture till the business was determined giving security to prosecute his suit touching the same By the Inq. taken after the death of this Hugh who dyed 33 E. 1. it was certified that he held this Mannour of the King in Capite with the rest of his lands in other places by the service of a half a Barony to find one souldier in the Kings Army for xl days at his own proper costs To him succeeded Iohn his son and heir then 28. years of age Which Iohn â— being one of those that assisted the Earls of Laucaster and Warwick in the murder of Piers de Gaveston had the Kings pardon for that fact in 7 E.
Exchequer was seized into the Kings hands by reason of some misdemeanour therein committed by one William de Bradecote his Clerke howbeit the King taking into consideration his speciall services before exprest made a quick restitution of it again I find that this Earl had great suits with William de Breause for the dominion of Gowher in Wales wrongfully alienated by King Iohn 4. Ioh. to Will. de Breause great-grandfather of this William whilst Henry Earl of Warwick was in his minority but could not recover it In 15 E. 1. he was again imployed into Wales at which time he beseiged the Castle of Drosselan and had ccxl li. delivered to him by the Bishop of Ely then Treasurer for the defraying his charges in that service At that time the King being in France had constituted Edmund Earl of Cornwall his lieutenant here in England during his absence who taking great care to preserve all things in quiet here whilst the King was away directed his speciall Precept to this Earl of Warwick and other great men requiring them most strictly that they should not ride with armed power in any part of the Kingdom for any respect whatsoever to the terrour of the Kings leige people and disturbance of the Peace but if that any diffâ—rence did arise betwixt them and others they should make it known unto the said E. of Cornwall who would apply a timely remedy thereto In 23 E. 1. being again in Wales with the K. he performed a notable Warlike exploit which was thus Hearing that a great body of the Welch were got together in a plain betwixt two woods and to prevent any danger had fastned their pikes in the ground sloping towards their assailants he marcht thither with a choyse company of Cross-bow-men and Archers and in the night time incompassing them put betwixt every two Horsemen one Crossbow-man who killing many of them that supported those Pikes the Horse charged in suddainly and made so great a slaughter that the like hath seldom been heard The next ensuing year he received command to be at New-castle upon Tine on the first of March furnisht with Horse and Armes for an expedition into Scotland and afterwards was sent with Iohn Earl of Surrey to recover the Castle of Dunbar trecherously gained by the Scots In which action they were constrained to cope with the whole Scotch Army that came to raise the Siege but at length after a sharp dispute obtained a glorious victory wherein the number of slain were supposed to be ten thousand which success made the Castle suddainly to render In 25 E. 1. he had command to be at London upon the Sunday next after the Octaves of S. Iohn Bapt. well provided with Horse and Armes to attend the King into Flanders but it seemes he had other direction to stay behind for I find that he was one of those who were made Governours to Prince Edward then in minority during the Kings absence whom the King had constituted his Lieutenant during that time In the same year he was made Governour of the Castle and Forrest of Rokingham in Com. Northampt. And in Oct. following again appointed to be at New-castle upon Tine on St. Nicholas day to march against the Scotts with Prince Edward But that proved an unhappy business the English Army being for the most part destroyed in attempting to pass the Bridge at Sterling This year it was and on Holy-Rood day being in perfect health that he made his Testament whereby he disposed his body to sepulture in the Quire of the Friers-Minors aâ— Worcester in case he should depart this life within the compass of the four Engâ—ish Seas but if otherwise then in the next House of Friers-Mâ—nors to that place where his death might happen and his Heart wheresoever the Countess his dear consort should resolve to be herself interred To which place when his body was to be buried did he bequeath two great Horses viz. those which at his funerall should carry his Armour for the celebration whereof he gave CC li. which was as much as three thousand in these times For the maintenance of two Souldiers in the holy-Holy-land he gave C li. To Maud his Countess all his silver vessell with his Cross wherein was contained part of the wood that had been of the very Cross whereupon our B. Saviour dyed As also the Vestments belonging to his Chapell to make use of during her life but afterwards the best suit to remain to Guy his eldest son His second suit to his Chapell of Hanslape and the third to his Chapell of Anneley To Guy his son a gold Ring with a Ruby in it together with his blessing To his said Countess a Cup which the B. of Worcester gave him but all his other Cups together with his lesser sort of Jewells and Rings he bequethed unto her to distribute for the health of his soul where she should think fittest And to his two daughters which were Nunns at Shouldham in Com. Norff. a Monastery of their great-grandfather's foundation by the mother side he gave fifty marks He was a benefactor to the Monastery of Thelesford in this County Ratified the grant of Warmington made by Henry de Neuburgh sâ—metime Earl of Warwick to the Monks of Preaux in Normandy bore for his Armes gules semé of Cross-crosslets with a fess Or which Cross-crosslets were by him added to his Coat for his father used them not but whether as a badge of any Pilgrimage that he made unto the Holy-Land or vow so to do I will not take upon me to determine Wedded Maud the eldest of the four sisters and heirs to Richard Fitz-Iohn son of Iohn Fitz-Geffrey Justice of Ireland and widow of Gerard de Furnivall which Maud had for her purpartie of his lâ—nds the Mannours of Chiriel in Com. Wilts Potters-Piri in Com. Northampt. and Querndon in Com. Buck. assigned to her And departed this life either in May or the beginning of Iune Anno 1298. 26 E. 1. leaving Guy his son and heir then 26. years of age who did his homage the 25. of September following and had livery of his fathers lands And 2. Iunii following performed the like homage for the lands descended to him by the death of Maud his mother who dyed the same year This Guy had his Christen name out of doubt in remembrance of the warlike Guy Earl of Warwick in the Saxons time and was a martiall man as well as his Ancestors The same year that his father dyed he had summons with many other great men to be at Carleol on the even of Pentecost well furnisht with Horse and Armes to march into Scotland this being the time that the King made a personall expedition thither and obtained a great victory at Fawkirk in which Battail he behaved himself so gallantly that the King rewarded him with all the Castles
the Earl his father he gave his best gold Ring To the Countesse his mother his next gold Ring To Philippa his wife the third To Catherine his daughter then a Nunne at Shouldham in Norff. the fourth and appointed that the Church of Neketon in Norff. of his Patronage should be appropriat to the Monastery of Shouldham before-mentioned for the maintenance of Catherine and Margaret his two daughters during their lives and after their deceases the said House of Shouldham obliged to find a Priest to sing divine service daily for the souls of his father and mother his own and his wifes as also for the souls of the said Catherine and Margaret and all the faithfull departed After which in April following his father then alive he dyed at Uendosme in France and was there interred in a Chapell behind the high Altar towards the East having a fair Monument of Alabaster with his statue thereon finely cut and over his harness a surcoat of Armes upon the verge of which Monument is this Inscription Icy gist Monseigneur Gui de Beauchamp l'eyne Filz de â—resnoble puissant home Monsiéur Thomas de Beauchampe Counte de Warwike Mareschal d' Angleterre qui trespassa le xxviii iour d' Averill l'an M. CCCLI Upon which Monument are the Armes of Beauchamp and Mortimer What became of his daughter Elizabeth I cannot imagine but that such a one there was living ten years after her fathers death appeareth by the Testament of Katherine Countess of Warwick mother to this Guy as I have already shewed It seems that the Lady Philippa his wife was a devout woman and resolving to continue a widow whilst she lived upon the eleventh of August the same year made her solemn vow of Chastity in the Collegiat-Church of Warwick before Reginald Bryan then Bishop of Worcester which vow together with the ceremony thereof I have here inserted as I find it recorded in the Register IX Die mensis Augusti Anno Dom. MCCClx apud Warwyk dictus venerabilis pater altam Missam in Pontificalibus in Ecclesia Collegiata heatae Mariae Warwici antedictae celebrans votum castitatis Philippae nuper uxoris Domini Guidonis de Warwic admisit acceptavit dicta Philippa Votum Castitatis emisit sub hiis verbis En le nom de la Seint Trinite Piere Fitz Seint Espirit jeo Philippe que fu la feme Sire Guy de Warwyk face purement dez queor volontee entierement avow a Dieu Seint Eglise a la benure Virgin Marie a tout le bele compaigne celestine a vous reverent Piere en Dieu sire Reynaud per la grace Dieu Evesque de Wyrcestre que ieo ameneray ma vie en chastitee desore en avant chaste serra de mon corps a tout temps de ma vie The rest of the sons of Earl Thomas were Thomas that succeeded him Reynburne so named doubtless in memory of Reynburne the son to Guy Earl of Warwick in the Saxons time that dyed before the 35 E. 3. which Reynburn had issue one onely daughter called Alianore married to Iohn Knight of Hanslap in Com. Buck. who by her had a daughter named Emme that married to Foster from whom the Fosters of Hanslap derive their descent William the 4. son was Lord Bergavenny as I shall shew when I come to Fillongley where I purpose to speak fully of him Roger the fift son dyed without issue as I guess Some are of opinion that he had two more sons viz. Iohn and Hierome because that amongst those portraitures which were in glass in the North Cross of the Collegiat Church at Warwick there are the pictures of two such as appeareth by their surcotes of Armes and those names on the side of them which as I cannot gainsay so am not I fully convinced thereof in regard that neither I. Rous makes mention of them nor any of those Entailes whereby the said Earl setled the greatest part of his lands upon his issue male But he had ix daughters the portraitures of all which are curiously drawn and set up in the windows on the South side of the Quire of the said Collegiat Church and in the habit of that time as they are here represented Seaven of them were marryed and have their paternall Coat upon their inner garment but on the outer mantle their husbands Armes viz. Maud the wife of Roger Lord Clifford Phillipa of Hugh Earl Stafford Elizabeth Alice potiùs of Iohn Beauchamp of Hach in Somerset-shire Ioan of Raph Lord Basset of Drayton Isallell of Iohn Lord Strange of Blackmere afterwards marryed to William Ufforà Earl of Suff. for which respect her picture is twice drawn there Margaret of Guy de Montfort who was afterwards a Nunne at Shouldham Agnes of ..... Cokesey and afterwards of ...... Bardolf The other two were Iulian and Catherine the former whereof dyed unmarryed and the later being a Nunne at Wroxhall in this County was buryed in S. Thomas Chapell there He had likewise another son and daughter but they were illegitimate the son called Sir Iohn Addurston Knight and Mary the daughter wife to Sir Richard Herthull Knight To this last Earl succeeded Thomas his second son by reason that Guy the eldest dyed in his fathers life time Which Thomas received the dignity of Knighthood in 29 E. 3. with his brother Guy and having had C. marks per annum granted him at that time by the King to be payd out of the Exchequer till there should other provision be made for his support did his Homage 7 Febr. 44 E. 3. for all the lands descended to him by his fathers death whereupon he had livery of them for he was 24. years of age when his father dyed Being of a martiall disposition aswell as his Ancecestors he was in 46 E. 3. retained by Indenture to serve the King in his warrs beyond the Seas for one whole year with C. men at Armes and Clx. Archers of which number himself to be one as also with two Banneretts xxx Knights and Lxxvii Esquiers and for that service to receive for himself and his men at Armes double pay but for the rest according to the ordinary rate the year to begin from the time that they should take shipping and to have half in hand for himself and his men at Armes but for the rest a fourth part which expedition was principally intended for raysing the siege of Rochel but as the Earl of Pembroke sent over for that purpose was worsted by the Spaniard who then came with a great Navy to aid the French so was the King and that power he had raised hindred from getting over thither by contrary winds to the loss of nine hundred thousand pounds expences for no less charge had he been at in order
preferred to a Schollars place in the University grew such a proficient that the Monks resolved to make him a Sollicitor for managing their Law-suits and to that purpose from the University placed him at the Inns of Court where he grew so skilfull in his profession that finding King H. 7. politiquely resolving to raise great summs of money by taking the forfaiture of penall Lawes which he conceived would be much more plausible to his subjects than the exacting from them by Loans Subsidies and such other ways of tax as his predecessors had used applyed himself to his service wherein being very officious and bringing store of money to the Kings Coffers he obtained a grant of the Wardship and Marriage of Elizabeth daughter and heir to Edward Grey Visc. L'â—sle before mentioned whom he made his wife That the later part of this Story is true I find testimony enough but that the father of Edmund was a Carpenter is not very likely in regard he marryed so eminently viz. Elizabeth one of the daughters and coheirs to Iohn Bramshot Eâ—quier seized of the Mannours of Gatton Calbourne and Whitwell in the Isle of Weight as also of Bramshot in Hant-shire which Eliz. dyed 12. Oct. 14 H. 7. leaving Edmund her son then 36. years of age the other coheir called Agnes being the wife of Iohn Pakenham whence I conclude that he was a Gentleman as some others of the name of Dudley in severall parts of England are though perhaps not of the Baron of Dudley's line therefore how this formall Story of the Carpenter should rise I cannot well imagine unless the grandfather or great-grandfather of Edm. had been of that trade for it is no wonder to see those that are sprung from as poor Mechanicks by their activeness in the world to get wealth and assume the title of Esquire or Gentlemen without controull yea and be allowed so do Neither do we often find that those which are in truth of right noble extraction will boggle at matching their children with them But I return unto Edmund Dudley He was a man well vers't in the Law and one of the Privy Councell to that prudent Prince King H. 7. chosen in the first year of his raign propter prudentiam singularem fidem gravitatem saith Polydore In 19 H. 7. he was Speaker of the Parliament and should the same year have been made a Sergeant at Law on the 13. of November but for what reason I will not take upon me to assign he desired that he might be discharged from assuming that degree whereupon the King directed his Precept to Will Bishop of London then Lord Keeper of the great Seal commanding his forbearance of making out any Writ to him for that purpose In 22 H. 7. he had the Stewardship of the Rape of Hastings granted to him by Patent and wrote a Book called Arbor Reipublicae Whether he with Richard Empson another Lawyer but a Sive-makers son in Touceter as our Historians affirm discerning King Henry to be of a frugall disposition did project unto him the taking aduantage of such as had transgrest by exacting the forefaitures of penall Statutes or whether the King seeing so fair a gap open for him to rake vast summs of money from his subjects and finding those persons to be sit Instruments for his purpose did put them upon such courses of filling his Coffers 't is hard to say certain it is that these were the men he constituted his Iudices fiscales Dudley being an eminent man and one that could put hatefull business into good language as Sir Fr. Bacon saith and after he had long made use of their service to that end exposed them to those advantages which the discontented people could justly take for their abhominable extortions For their course was to proceed secretly to the Outlary against men and then seize their estates And besides that they had packt Jurors upon all occasions who were sure to them in any verdict which served for their purpose but at last found they a just reward for such their service for King H. 8. in the first year of his raign being desirous of popularity made known by his Proclamations that whosoever had received injury by the unjust oppressions of any should upon complaint to him have redress which liberty did so so animate the vulgar who were sufficiently imbittered against them that nothing then would satisfy but their lives so that the King to appease the multitude gave way that they might be legally proceeded against which accordingly was done Dudley being thereupon arraigned in Guild-Hall London on Munday next after the xv of S. Iohn Baptist 1 H. 8. before Edward Duke of Buck. Henry Earl of Northumberland Thomas Earl of Surrey George Earl of Shrewsbury Thomas Earl of Derby Thomas Prior of S. Iohns of Hierusalem in England Charles Somerset of Herbert Knight Stephen Iennings Knight Mayor of the City of London Iohn Fineux Knight Robert Rede Knight William Hodie Knight Robert Brudnell Humfrey Coningesby Iohn Fisher Knight Iohn Boteler William Grevill Thomas Lovell Knight Edward Poynings Kt. Henry Marney Knight Thomas Englefield Knight and Robert Drury Knight Justices to enquire c. Where the said Edmund being indicted of divers high Treasons was on wednesday next before the Feast of S. Margaret the Virgin attainted in Parliament and had his head cut off on Tower Hill with Empson who was tryed at Northampton through the peoples clamours and for their satisfaction 18. August 2 H. 8. by vertue of the K. speciall Writ for that purpose Having said thus much of the parentage of this Iohn Earl of Warwick I will now go on with my story of him At his fathers death he was scarce eight years old having to his Guardian Edward Guilford Esquire of the Body to the King who by his Petition exhibited in Parliament 3 H. 8. obtained an Act for the repeal of the said Edmund's attainder and the restitution of this Iohn in name blood and degree to enjoy all his said fathers lands Being therefore thus young it was a great while ere he came to appear in any publique employments so that till 24 H. 8. I have not yet seen any farther mention of his name but then I finde he was a Knight though how long he had been so I am not certain After which about ten years he was created Visc. L'isle viz. 12. Martii 34 H. 8. in respect of his descent on the mothers side as I have shewed and the same year made Lord Admirall of England for life Of person he was very comely and of a Spirit highly aspiring saith my Author neither wanted he skill industry nor resolution to attempt great matters In 36 H. 8. he landed the Kings Army at Leith in Scotland with a Fleet of CC. sail on which after they had wasted Edenburgh they also set fire The
amounted then to C s. per ann but had a Church-yard and Ecclesiastique sepulture In 22 R. 2. it was appropriated to the said Collegiat Church of our Lady a Pension of iii s. iv d. per ann being thereupon reserved to the Bishop and his successors out of it and in 26 H. 8. valued at iii li. vi s. viii d. per ann which sum the Dean and Canons of the said Collegiat Church then received Patroni Incumbentes c. D. Episc. auctoritate Diocesana Gilb. de Kyneton Cler. 10. Non. Feb. 1282. Canonici Eccl. B.M. Warw. Gilb. de Kington Subdiac 14. Cal. Dec. 1283. D. Episc. Henr. de Olney Cap. 6. Id. Nov. 1322. D. Adam de Herwynton Canon Praeb Eccl. Coll. B. M. Warw. Thom. de Burneby Cler. 9. Kal. Iunii 1325. D. Adam de Herwynton Canon Praeb Eccl. Coll. B. M. Warw. Will. de Walsh accol Non. Oct. 1338. Praebendarius de Comptox Adam Coriate Pbr. ..... 1339. Ioh. de Bokyngham Praeb Ioh. Roer Pbr. 15. Iunii 1357. Praebendarius de Compion Murdak Ric. de Broughton Pbr. 27. Aug. 1380. The Church of S. Iames being originally but a Chapell and founded over the West gate of this town was given to that of our Lady by Roger Earl of Warwick upon the making thereof Collegiate by him in King Henry 1. time as I have already shewed And in 41 E. 3. was presentable by the Dean and Canons of the above recited Colledge but being at that time void as it had been for many years had no more revenue than xx s. per ann belonging to it and neither Church-yard nor Ecclestique sepulture In 6 R. 2. the advouson thereof was bestowed on the Gild of S. George in Warwick whereof I shall speak anon Patroni Incumbentes c. Will. de Bellocampo Comes Warw. Thom. de Beoleg Pbr. 3. Id. Iunii 1294. Thom. de Bellocampo Com. Warw. D. Will de Benynton Pbr. 22. Iunii 1330. Thom. de Bellocampo Com. Warw. Rob. Sotemay Pbr. 27. Iulii 1339. Thom. de Bellocampo Com. Warw. Philippus Bosse Pbr. 18. Maii. 1340. Thom. de Bellocampo Com. Warw. D. Walt. de Ulnehale Cap. 20. Martii 1342. Thom. de Bellocampo Co. Warw. Ioh. de Harwode Pbr. 19. Iunii 1374. Thom. de Bellocampo Co. Warw. Ric. Colet Pbr. 12. Sept. 1374. Thom. de Bellocampo Co. Warw. Hugo de Pykton Cler. ult Dec. 1378. The Priory FRom hence I come to the Priory of S. Sepulchers situate on the North side of this town on a most pleasant ascent the Foundation whereof was begun by Henry de Neuburgh the first Earl of Warwick after the Conquest in K. H. 1. time the occasion thereof being by the recourse of divers Pilgrims in great devotion to the Holy Land the Christians prevailing much about that time who solicited this Earl to erect a Monastery in imitation of those Canons Regular there instituted in the Church of the Holy Sepulcher of our blessed Saviour which Canons used the like habite that other Regular Canons did adding onely a double red Cross upon the brest of their Cope this being the first House of that peculiar Order either in England Wales Scotland or Ireland But after the destruction of Hierusalem again which hapned in Anno 1188. 35 H. 2. almost all the Houses of this Rule began to decay so that then the Religious persons of this Order betook themselves to solicit and implore the aid of good people for help to regain the Holy Land having power to bestow great Indulgences upon those that were bountifull thereto their habite being then chang'd to a gray Cloake and the Prior going with a Pastorall staff howbeit all their endeavours for regaining the Holy Land at last comming to nothing their lands and revenues were transferred to the Order of Friers of the Holy Trinity for redemption of Captives touching the first Institution whereof I have spoke in Thelesford Canonicus Regularis S. Sepulchri The Church of Snitfield given by Hugh fil Ricardi Certain lands lying betwixt Tunstall and Stochull near Warwick by Geffrey de Vinea A stone-house and some particular ground in Warwick by William the son of Gilbert Nutricius Those grounds called Levenhull situate on the Northwest side of Warwick by Robert de Morton in 29 H. 3. One yard land in Lighthorne confirm'd i by Nigell de Mundevill which his father gave when he bequeath'd his body to sepulture here Certain lands in Upton by Thomas de Arden The Church of Hasele confirm'd by Thomas de Cherlecote Lord of Hasele having been given by some of his Ancestors Certain lands in Solihull by Sir William de Odingsells An annuity of 50 s. by Margery de Nerburne given out of Austrey in this shire Certain lands in Claverdon by Ela Longespe Countess of Warwick which she gave for the health of her soul and for the soul of Thomas Earl of Warwick her husband William Earl of Salisbury her father Ela her mother VVilliam and Richard her brothers and Ida her sister sometime wife of VValter fil Roberti Besides all these there belong'd thereto five Mess. one carucat of land and x s. x d. yearely Rent lying within the parish of S. Clements-Danes in the suburbs of London together with the advouson of the said Church of S. Clements all which the Prior and Canons of this House exchanged away unto VValter Stapleton Bishop of Exeter to the use of his Bishoprick for eight acres of land in Snitfield before specified with the advouson of the Church in 17 E. 2. Which Church they had then License to hold appropriate to them and their successors and did accordingly so that it seems the former title they had thereto by the grant of Hugh fil Ricardi either was not good or else they had aliened it away soon after It also seems that much of the lands they had here at Warwick was antiently Common for by an Inquis taken 9 H. 8. I find that they had inclosed foure hundred acres here and depopulated one mess. whereunto eighty acres belonged But over and above these lands had they sundry liberties and priviledges granted to them by King Henry 2. and Richard 1. and confirm'd by King Hen. 3. and Edw. 3. so great an esteem had they of that Order as the Preamble of King Henry 3. Charter implies scil pro reverentia S. Dominici Sepulchri And by the Survey taken in 26 H. 8. it appears that besides the Rectories of Snitfield and Haseley above specified there belong'd to this Monastery the Church of Gretham in Com. Rutl. antiently of the Earl of Warwick's advouson though when given thereto I am not very certain all which with the rest of its possessions lying in Warwick Hatton Claverdon Church-Lawford Austrey Snitfield Pinley Solihull and Fenni-Compton were then rated at no more than
whom the inheritance of this place still continues It seemes that this was antiently a little village though now reduc't to one house for I find it in the list of those places whereof Iohn Rous in his complaint of the Depopulations in this County doth make mention Ivo Richardus Cocus Rogeri Comitis Warw. Alanus Cocus Alanus Thomas fil Alani cogn de Wodelow Alanus de Wodelow 10. E. 2. 7. E. 3. Avicia filia cohaeres Joh. Chestre Ric. Chestre alias dict Ric. de Wodelow 8. E. 3 Tho. Ruding 1. maritus Alicia Joh. Mayel ob s. p. Will. Ruding Thom. Wodlow ob s. p. Dionysia Rog. Pacwood de Warwic Henr. de Wodlow alias Pacwood dominus de Wodlow 36. E. 3. 7. R. 2. Ioh. de Wodlow 15. H. 6. Iocosa monialis Alicia fil haeres Tho. Herthul ar defunctus 20 H. 6. Georg. ob s. p. Ric. ob s. p. Iocosa ux Ioh. Baynam Ioh. Herthul Agnes filia Ioh. Fulwode de Tanworth 16. H. 6. Ioh. Herthull Margeria filia haeres ux Ric. Palmer Chesterton HAving now done with all the places of note within the precincts of Warwick and following the river Avon about a mile and halfe lower I find it increast by a petty torrent which coming from the Southeast joyneth therewith This brook riseth within the precincts of Chesterton of which place being next in order to discourse I shall observe that antiently it had many Inhabitants for no lesse than Lxxix families doth Rous make mention of that there resided which by depopulation were in his time reduced to three but now are augmented to the number of xiiii Through this Lordship doth one of those famous Roman ways whereof I have spoke scil Fosse extend it self upon which as is apparent hath been a Roman Fortification and within the compasse thereof divers old coynes digg'd up That such fortified places had the name of 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 by our Ancestors the Saxons is evident enough so that we need not look farther for an Etymologie of this Towns name antiently written Ceastreton and Cestreton than the situation thereof so neer to that place Part of this Village being given by Earl Leofrike to the Monks of Coventre upon the foundation of that Monastery 1. Edw. Conf was by the Conq. Survey certified to contain 1 hide and a half and valued at L. s. By which Survey it also appears that Henry de Feriers a great man at that time had half a hide here then held of him by one Wazelinus and valued at x. s. But the greatest proportion viz. 3. hides did Ric. Forestarius at that time hold which was rated at C. s. and whereof 4 Thein were possest in Edw. the Conf. time This Ric. Forestarius is also called Ric. Venator and Ric. Chineu what he had here in Chesterton was a third part of the town being given to him by Will the Conq. together with other lands in Sergeanty viz by the service of keeping the Forest of Kanoc in Stafford-shire paying to the K. x marks yearly for the Bailywick thereof and for the said lands he so held Which Ric. sounded the Church here endowing it with lands of two marks per an value and had issue one only daughter called Margerie married to Walter Crok who in 5. Steph. gave 3. marks of gold to the K. pro rehabendo Ministerio suo which I conclude to be for his office of Forester in the Forest of Canok and xiiii l. xi s. v. d. for the land of Ric. Chinewe his wifes father To this Walter succeeded Will. his son and heir who gave to the Monks of Radmore in the said Forest of Canok afterwards translated to Stonley in this County all his lands in Wirley in Com. Staff in consideration whereof he was made partaker of the whole benefit of their Cistertian Order and promised that his body should have sepulture in their Monastery On the Canons of Kenilworth he conferred the Church of Chesterton and granted to the Kâ—s Templars a yard land in this Lordship but an ill rate attended him for he was hang'd though for what appears not whereupon his lands were seized into the K. hands who gave them in marriage to one Rob. de Broc â— with Margerie his the said Will. sister Which Rob. de Broc being a man of note in his days for he is called Marescallus Angliae Forestarius de Canoc gave to the Monks of Stoneley a messâ— and half a yard land lying in Radway in this County and dyed in 5 R. 1. leaving issue Margerie his only daughter and heir marryed to Hugh de Loges who in 7. R. 1. payd lx marks fine towards the raysing that great sum of money for the Ks. redemption for which he had the custody of the Forest of Canok with his house at Grimbaldeston and the land of Rob. de Brok whose daughter and heir he had wedded rendred to him It seems that this Hugh was in armes against K. Iohn in those turbulent times towards the end of his reign for which his Castle of Grimbaldeston and Forestership of Canok were seized into the Ks. hands for I find that the said King by his Precept bearing date 1. Dec. 17. Ioh. directed to Thomas de Erdington appointed that in case he found good pledges for his faithfull service to him and sure custody of the Forest of Canok with the said Castle that then he should render them to him but he lived not above a year afterwards as I guess for in 1. H. 3. the custody of his heir called Hugh was committed to Will. de Cantilupe which Hugh held this Mannour of Cestreton and Forestership of Canok in sergeanty as his Ancestors had done and had suit with the Kts. Templars for that hide of land given to them here in Chesterton whereof I have already spoke but could not recover it In 19. H. 3. he received a command from the K. to permit Will. Fitz-Walkelin to enter his Hart hounds at hunting the Stag in his Bayliwick In 25. H. 3. he payd C l. fine to the K. for some miscarriages in his said office of Forester In 36. being a prisoner in Warwick gaol upon an Appeal prosecuted against him for killing of Rog. le Straunge he was bayled The next year following I find that the Shiriff of Staffordshire had command from the K. not to distrain him to take the order of Knighthood except it did appear that he had other lands for which he ought to be a Kt than those that were in Sergeanty but he was the last of this family that held the Stewardship and Bayliwick of Canok-Forest for it appears that K. H. 3. disposed thereof to Sir Thomas de Wescham Kt. and his heirs who past a way the inheritance of it in 12. E. 1. to Philip de Montgomeri the K.
and his successors to be payd yearly at Christmasse out of the fruits of the Rectory which Pension was augmented as it seems for I find that in anno 1350. the said Provost and Scholars by their publique Deed dated 10. Febr. granted to Iohn Thoresby then Bishop of Worcester and his successors in respect of that Appropriation xx s. per annum Patroni Ecclesiae Incumbentes Prior Conv. S. Oswalds de Nostell Adam de Sengrave Cler. prid Cal. Nov. 1321. Prior Conv. S. Oswalds de Nostell Ioh. de Sybeston Cap. 13. Cal. Feb. 1324. Patroni Vicariae Praepositi Scolares Aulae Regin Oxon. Ioh. Grover Pbr. 3. Iulii 1395. Praepositi Scolares Aulae Regin Oxon. D. Ioh. Severle Pbr. 19. Iunii 1402. Praepositi Scolares Aulae Regin Oxon. D. Will. Seman Pbr. 2. Maii 1404. Praepositi Scolares Aulae Regin Oxon. D. Ioh. Leyr Pbr. 29. Dec. 1408. Praepositi Scolares Aulae Regin Oxon. D. VVill. Gerard Cap. 6. Martii 1431. Praepositi Scolares Aulae Regin Oxon. D. VVill. Beverle Cap. 12. Dec. 1438. Praepositi Scolares Aulae Regin Oxon. D. Ioh. Graunge Cap. 2. Martii 1444. D. Episc. per lapsum D. Rob. Lord 20. Iulii 1460. Praepos Scolar Aulae R. Oxon. D. Thomas Hewse Cap. 20. Nov. 1470. D. Episc. per laps D. Nich. Burton Cap. 11. Maii 1473. Praepos Scolares Collegii Reginae Oxon D. Ioh. Pynchware in art Bacc. 10. Martii 1478. Praepos Scolares Collegii Reginae Oxon D. Ioh. Tiptote 16. Oct. 1490. Praepos Scolares Collegii Reginae Oxon Ioh. Brocden 20. Maii 1512. Praepos Scolares Collegii Reginae Oxon D. Ambr. Hylton in Art Magr. 6. Iunii 1532. Praepos Scolares Collegii Reginae Oxon Georgius VVarwic Cler. in Art Magr. 4. Ian. 1594. Praepos Scolares Collegii Reginae Oxon Thomas Richardson Cleric Art Magr. 22. Decemb. 1624. Ashorne THis Hamlet is in the Parish of Newbold-Pacy and doubtlesse had that name originally though corruptness in pronunciation hath somewhat altered it by reason of its Eastern situation from Newbold for the later syllable now written horne was at first hyrne which being an old English word signifies a corner and the fomer viz. Ash was Esse and proceedeth from the word East as Esseby which is usually called Ashby As it is of Newbold Parish so was it formerly a member thereof being held of the Hastang's who were Lords of the whole but which of them first past it away I have not seen howbeit inasmuch as I find that the family of Balaunce were possest of it for divers descents and that Rog. Balaunce levied a Fine of lands here in 7 R. 1. wherein it is written Hassorne I may without much rashnesse conclude that they were Lords thereof as antiently The next that I meet with of that name is VVill. Balaunce whose service for one Knights fee held of Robert Hastang part whereof I conclude to be for this place was in 12 H. 3. remitted he being then servant to Stephen de Lucy From which VVill. descended Thomas who in 7 E. 1. held this Lordship of Robert de Hastang by the service of half a Knights fee and had at that time two carucats of land here in demesn as also nine Tenants holding four yard land in servage At that time I also find that one Hugh de Bromle and Avicia his wife held certain lands here of the said Robert de Hastang by the third part of a Knights fee and that he had one carucat in demesn and four tenants holding one yard land and a fourth part As also that the same Hugh gave one yard land here to the Monks of Bordesley which at that time the Bishop of Chester held of them and likewise that the Freres of Thelesford then held one yard land here of the same Hugh for xii d. and half a pound of Cummin Of which family was Nich. Balaunce the last male branch that had to do here which Nich. had issue Ioane marryed to Iohn Vessy of Brentingthorp in Com ...... who by their Deed bearing date at Coventre on the Feast day of S t Dunstane 32 E. 3. granted this Mâ—nnour to Thomas Beauchamp E. of Warwick and Iohn VVhateley and their heirs which Iohn VVhateley by his Release dated on Munday next after the Feast of S t Martin ensuing quitted to the said Earl and his heirs all his interest therein To whom it continued till 8 H. 6. that Richard Beauchamp then Earl of Warwick gave it to his Chantry at Guyes-Cliffe whereof I have already taken notice Which Chantry with all the Mannours messuages lands c. thereto belonging being granted by Thomas Moore and Roger Higham the last Chantry Priests thereof unto Sir Andrew Flamock Knight and his heirs as their deed dated 4. Iunii 1 E. 6. manifesteth â—his Mannour then past to him thereby but what is become of it since I have not seen Thelesford Priory UPon the Southern bank of this torrent within lesse than a flight shoot of its conjunction with Avon stood a little Monastery somewhat neer the Road-way leading from Wellesburne towards Warwick as it thwarteth the Foord which was founded in H. 3. time by Sir Will. Lucy of Cherlecote Knight to the honour of God S. Iohn Baptist and S. Radegund the persons profest here being of the Order of the holy Trinity for redemption of Captives But before I further proceed to speak of the particular endowment which it had I must first first say something of the same S. Radegund and then briefly take notice of the originall and first occasion of this Order She was the daughter of Pertarius King of Thuring and wife to Clotharius the fift King of France of the Merovignian line who dyed in the year of Christ 564. and being a Lady much devoted to prayer and Almesdeeds often fastings and chastening her self with hair-cloth which she wore under her royall apparell as she one day walk't alone in the Garden of her Palace hearing the voices of Prisoners in fetters imploring pitty to them she betook herâ—elf to Prayer whereupon their â—etters burst in sunder and they became loosed as saith my Author This Râ—degund took the habit of Religion at the hands of S. Medard Bishop of Noyon and founded a Monastery for Nuns at Poictiers in honour of the holy Crosse whereof she was Abbesse living there in great sanctity daily ministring relief to poor people and departed this life on the Ides of August in which Abby she had sepulture and was canonized for a Saint But of this Order of the holy Trinity for Redemption of Captives is S. Iohn de Muta born at Faulcon in Provence anno 1154. said to be the Founder who being Student in the University of Paris where he attained to the degree of Doctor grew so famous for
of land unto every of which messuages 24. acres belonged But by the Inquis then taken I find it certified that this decay of tillage was no prejudice but benefit to the publique for whereas before that time they were able to entertain but xx strangers upon occasion they could afterwards entertain Lx. as well And that the Church and ornaments were then in better condition than before having since cost the Parish CC li. That there were also xxi Ploughs maintained in the Parish And whereas before the Inclosure they had but one Priest then were there 2. and many Clerks performing divine service every Holy day by Note and divers times with Prick-song none such having been kept before by reason of the disability of the Parishioners That the Benefice was better and more of value to the Incumbent than when the lands did lye in tillage by iii li. or thereabouts That the Children of the Parish were better taught and better Houses kept and that there were then within the precincts of the same Parish Cxl. Communicants By his Testament bearing date 23. Martii anno 1520. 12. H. 8. he bequeathed his body to sepulture in the Black-Friers near Ludgate in case he departed this life in London but if in Warwick-shire then to be buried in the Charterhouse neer Coventre And also appointed that Iohn Cotes with whom he had exchanged the Mannour of Whitchurch in this County for other lands should receive x. marks yearly to him and his heirs out of this Mannour till his Executors or his heirs had clearly discharged the said Iohn and his heirs of and for the Rent of xiii Quarters of Wheat and xiii Quarters of Barley and part Masselin against the Nuns of Pinley and their successors granted to their Predecessors by Sir Peter de Montfort sometime Lord of that Mannour And dyed by a pestilentiall aire in France 26. Martii the same year without issue being at that time a Captain in the English Army there leaving Anthony Coke son of Iohn Coke by Elizabeth his sister Mary wife of Gerard Danet Esquier and Alice the wife of William Shelley his two other sisters his heirs I have not as yet seen when or how the division was made betwixt these coheirs but I presume that Shelley's part came shortly after to Sir Edw. Wotton Knight son of Sir Rob. Wotton by Anne another sister to the said Sir Edw. Belknap for I find that the same Sir Edward was seized of the third part of this Mannour in 29 H. 8. From whom descended Edward created Lord Wotton 13. Maii 1. Iac. And that Gerard Danet being Squier of the Body to King H. 8. had issue Sir Iohn Danet Knight father of Leonard Danet that sold his interest here to Peter Temple Esquier in 2 Eliz. whose posterity do still enjoy it The Church dedicated to All Saints being given to the Canons of Erdbury by Raph de Sudley Founder of that Monastery was approriated thereunto by Geffrey Muschamp Bishop of Coventre in King Iohn's time and endowed with one carucate of land the Vicaridge being ordained in anno 1232. 16 H. 3. by Alex. de Savensby Bishop of Coventre and Lichfield In anno 1291. 19 E. 1. the Rectory was valued at xxiv marks but the Vicaridge had another endowment in H. 7. time so that in 26 H. 8. upon the valuation then made it was rated at xiv li. Patroni Vicariae Incumbentes c. Prior Conv. de Erdbury Dominus Ioh. de Sudley miles Rad. de Derset Pbr. die Purif 1301. Prior Conv. de Erdbury Dominus Ioh. de Sudley miles D. Will. de Knistecote Pbr. 14. Cal. Dec. 1311. Prior Conv. de Erdbury Dominus Ioh. de Sudley miles Rad. de Derset Pbr. 8. Iulii 1314. Prior Conv. de Erdbury Dominus Ioh. de Sudley miles Thomas de Willoughby Pbr. 16. Cal. Nov. 1323. Pr. C. de Erdbury D. Edm. de Bereford Hugo de Brok Pbr. 2. Non. Oct. 1332. Pr. C. de Erdbury D. Edm. de Bereford Ric. de Bereuhby Cap. 4. Non. Iulii 1349. Pr. Conv. de Erdbury Alianora de Sudley Hugo de Claâ—dâ—n Capâ— 14. Cal. Aug. 1358. Pr. Conv. de Erdbury Alianora de Sudley Will. Adams Pbr. 14. Cal. Ian. 1358. Pr. Conv. de Erdbury D. Alicia Boteler Domina de Sudley Ioh. Harris 14. Sept. 1421. Pr. Conv. de Erdbury D. Alicia Boteler Domina de Sudley Henr. Greene penuls Febr. 1425. Pr. Conv. de Erdbury D. Alicia Boteler Domina de Sudley Ric. Leventhorpe 12. Dec. 1439. Pr. C. de Erdbury D. Rad. Boteler miles D. de Sudley Thomas Conway Pbr. 16. Ian. 1448. D. Episc. per lapsum D. Ranulphus Goldsmyth Cap. 9. Nov. 1541. Anth. Cooke miles Ric. Powle Cler. 18. Aug. 1564. Edw. Dominus Wotton Iohn Tayler Cler. 27. Feb. 1607. Thom. Andrews de Derset gen ex cont Mariae Mynne de Hayes in Comit. Midd. vid. Thomas Freman in art Bac. 9. Apr. 1613. Thomas Temple miles Bar. Ioh. Reignolds Cler. 20. Iulii 1619. D. Thomas Wotton Baro de Marleigh Ioh. Craige Cler. 21. Ian. 1629. Monumentall inscriptions in the Church Upon a Marble where have been two portraitures in brasse Here under this stone lyeth the body of Peter Temple Esquier who departed out of this world at Stow in the County of Buckingham the xxviii â—h day of May Anno .......... whose soule God hath in his blessed keeping Fixt in the wall betwixt two Corinthian Pillars Here under lyeth the body of Iohn Temple of Stow in the County of Buck. Esquire one of the Lords of this Mannour And Susan his wife who was the daughter and heir of Thomas Spenser of Everton in the County of Northampton Esquire who had issue six sons and six daughters as here may appear The said Iohn Temple deceased the ninth day of May 1603. being of age Lxi. years and the said Susan decâ—ased the .... day of .... being of the age of ..... years Cur liberos hic plurimos 〈◊〉 hic amicos pluâ—imos 〈◊〉 plurimas pecunias 〈◊〉 scire câ—r reliquerâ—t Tâ—mpellus ad plures abâ—it In the East window of the Chancell these Armes Or two barrs gules Sudley I will now proceed with the Hamlets beginning with Herdwick for that which is called Great Dasset is involved with Burton-Dasset alias Cheping-Dasset whereof I have already spoke Herdwick THis being a member of Dercet is not particularly mentioned in Domesday book but was then reckoned in the number of hides which are there certified for that place In H. 2. â—â—me Raph de Sudley part of whose possessions it was as belonging to Dercet gave some quantity of what he had here to the Templars which in 31 H. 2. was valued at xl s. per annum And in 7 E. 1. rated
he had lands in Farnborough by purchase in 8 E 2 from Margerie the Widow of Philip de Fillonâ—le Daughter of Avicia wife to Wâ—ll de Halâ—on oâ— Farnebergh â—â—hich Avicia was Dâ—ughter to Nicholas de Say Of Ioâ—n wife to 〈◊〉 â—bove specified Sir Iohn de Rale I find that she was a Gray though of what family I am not very certain by whom he had issue Iohn Father to Thomas upon which Thomas and the issue of his body by Eliz. Daughter to Robert de Evesâ—am was this Lordship entailed in 17 E. 3. After which viz. the same year did Amicia the Widow to the before mentioned Iordan de Say and Thomas dâ— Say son and heir to the said Iordan release unto the above specified Thomas de Ralegh all their right and claim therein as appears by their deed bearing date at Salisbury on the Feast day of S. Benedict the Abbot This Thomas de Ralegh was a man of much publick employment For in 47 E. 3. I find him in Commission for the levying and collecting a Fifteenth and Tenth In 4 R. 2. Shiâ—iff of this County and Leicestershire In the sixthâ— joyn'd in Commâ—ssion with Thomas Earl of Warwick and other persons of quality for conâ—ervaâ—ion oâ— the Peace and resistance of the Rebells in this Shire Iack Straw and his fellows being then up in Arms. In 12. R. 2. he bore the Office of Shirâ—ff again for this County and Leicestersh so also in 15 R. 2. being in Commission for the Peace at other times and departed this life in 21 R 2. leaving Thomas his son and heir xvii years of age who â—n 3 H. 4. had livery of his lands Which Thomas wedded Ioan the Daughter and heir to Will Lord Astley of Astley in this County and resided with her at Astley as it seems for by his Testament bearing date there upon Wednesday next after the Feast of St. Luke the Evang. in 6 H. 4. he bequeathed his body to sepulture in the Quire of the Collegiate Church of our Lady at Astley and x li. of silver to the same Church to the end that his Obit should be perpetually there observed and his name written in the Martyrologe And also gave xiii l. xiii s. iiii d. for the providing of one Priest to celebrate divine service there for his soul for the space of three years after his decease To the poor xx marks To his Brother Iohn Raleigh two Gowns To the Bayliff of Farnborough xiii s. iiii To the Church of St. Botulph here at Farnborough xl s. To the Lord of Astley a Bowl with a Cover of silver and to Iâ—an Lady Astley his wife a Diamond and a Boal of silver with a cover To every yeoman of the Lord of Astley's household vi s. viii d. To every Groom there iii s. iiii d. and to Will. Raleigh his son a Sword harnessed with silver as also a Dagger and a wood knife And departed this life in the same sixth year of H. 4. leaving issue Will his son and heir but xii months old as also a Daughter called Ioan afterwards marryed first to Gerard Braybroke Esq. and secondly to Edw. Bromflâ—te which Edward by the death of the said Will. Raleigh in his minority 8 H. 5. was in his wifes right Lord of this Mannour and here resided in 10 H. 6. What particular agreement with the said Ioan or her posterity was made by the male branch of this family of Raleigh I find not but certain it is that they came to be owners of this Lordship again it continuing to their posterity even till this very day the first of them that had any publick employment in this Shire being Sir Edw. Raleigh Kt. son of VVill. son of Iohn a younger Brother to the last Thomas as the descent here placed will shew Ioh. de Rale miles 1 E. 3. Iohanna de Grey 1 E. 3. Ioh. de Ralegh junior Thomas de Ralegh obiit 21 R. 2. Eliz. filia Roberti de Evesham 17 E. 3. Regin Grey de Ruthin chivalier Iohanna filia haeres Will. D. Astley Thomas de Ralegh ob 6 H. 4. Iohanna sâ—â—or haeres 1. nupta Gerardo Braybroke ar 2. Edw. Bâ—omâ—lâ—te ar Will. Ralegh obiit infra aet 8 H. 5. Ioh. de Ralegh Will. Ralegh 27 H. 6. Edw. Ralegh miles 7 E. 4. Margareta filia Rad. Verney mil. Civis Merceti Lond. Anth. Ralegh Edw. Ralegh miles 9 H. 8. Anna filia Will. Chamberlain militis Georgius Ralegh ar 37 H 8. Iohanna filia Will. Cuningsby mil. Simon Ralegh ar 11 Eliz. Anna filia Martini Docwray de Balshall Georgius Ralegh miles obiit an 1614. Eliz. filia Christophori Smith ar Edw. Ralegh mil. an 1638. Cath. filia Gabraâ—lis Pultney de Misterton in Com. Leic. ar Which Sir Edw. bore the office of Shiriff for this County and Leicestersh in 7 E. 4. and being a Justice of Peace from 1 E. 5. till 18 H. 7. was at sometimes in Commission for arraying of of men and for the Gaol delivery at Warwick In 1 H. 8. he was Steward to the K. for his Mannours of Snitfield and Bearley in this County And by his Testament bearing date 20 Iunii 1509. 1 H. 8. bequeathed his body to be buried in the Chapel of our Lady here at Farnborough directing that the sum of CCCC li. should be raised out of his estate lying in the Counties of Heref. and Glouc. to purchaâ—e lands of x li. per an value to be amortized to the Chantry in the said Chapel of our Lady and that the Chantry Priest there should be a well disposed D. of Divinity to Preach the word of God as also to pray for him the said Sir Edw. his wife with all his Ancestors and Successors and all Christen souls By which Testament he gave xxx l. for to build the South side of the Cleister at Combe and for Glasing it To the Abbot there he bequeathed xx s. To every Priest vi s. viii d. To every Monk profest and no Priest iii s. iiii d. All which were therefore to keep the yearly Obit of him the said Sir Edw. and Margaret his wife as also of Will. Ralegh and Eliz. his wife Raph Verney and Emme his wife Fathers and Mothers of them the said Sir Edw. and Margaret To the Dominican Friers at Warwick he gave x s. To the Friers Minors at Coventre x s. To the White Friers at Coventre x s. and to the Augustine Friers at Atherston x s. Which Margaret was Daughter to Sir Raph Verney Kt. Citizen and Mercer of London by whom he had issue Sir Edw. Ralegh Kt. Father of George who by his Testament dated 2 Apr. an 1546. 37 H. 8. bequeathed his body to be buried in the Chancell of the Church of Ogburne-George if it should fortune him to dye there Concerning the Church here dedicated to St. Botulph I
and the third part did Elizabeth Dutches of Norff. hold in dower To this Thomas succeeded Iohn D. of Norff. as son and heir who enfeoft Ric. Waller and Henry Bradfield in this Mannour and they VVill. Brandon Esq as it seems for Ric. VValler son and heir to the said Richard by his deed bearing date 25 Sept. 1 E. 4. released to the said VVill. and Eliz. his wife with Alianore their daughter all his estate therein in reversion Eliz. Dutchesse of Norff. having an estate for life in the same Neverthelesse by an Inq. taken in 7 H. 7. wherein the title of Iohn de Peito formerly mentioned is recited it appears that the said VVill Brandon by the name of S â— VVill. Brandon Knight and Eliz. his wife received the profits thereof from the 2. till 7 H. 7. but how much sooner or longer is to me yet uncertain Which S â— VVilliam past it to Henry Kebull Alderman of London who depopulated 7 mess. and one cottage here and inclosed 350 acres of land being all that were in this village except the Mannour house wherewith lxxx acres of land were occupied and by his Testament bearing date 28 Apr. an 1517. 9 Henry 8. setled it inter alia upon George Keble his grandchild son of Thomas Kebâ—e his son deceased with remainder for want of issue male by the said George to VVill. Blunt Lord Mountjoy and Alice his wife the Testators daughter and the heirs of their two bodies Which George stiled â—eorge Keble of Bradwell in Com. Essex Esq by his deed bearing date 12 Nov. 24 H. 8. granted it to George VVilloughby Gent. and Iohn Barbour yeoman to the use of VVill. Sheldon of Barcheston and his heirs whereupon there was a Fine levied in 26. H. 8. This VVilliam being also of Beoly in UUorcestershire their principall seat descended by a younger branch as I guessâ— from that antient Family of Sheldon in this County which flourisht at Sheldon till E. 3. time for amongst their evidences I have seen that his immediate Ancestor had lands in R. 2. time within the Lordship of Bermingham which is scarce 4 miles distant from that place was he who liking well the situation hereof in 37 H. 8. obtained License from the King to impark CCC acres of land meadow pasture and wood to be called by the name of UUeston park for ever As also a Charter of Free-warren to himself and his heirs and built a very fair House here in which his descendants have often resided though their chief seat be at Beoley where many of them lye very honourably interred Whichford OF this place there is no particular mention in the Conq rs Survey whence I conclude that it was then involved with Long Compton but it seems that the family of Mohun were owners thereof very timely for I find that Will. de Moion and Agnes his wife gave the Church to the Monastery of Bredlington whose grant King Henry 1. confirmed Howbeit he or his were dispossest again though it appears not how perhaps by K. Stephen for in 3. Steph. divers of the great men beâ—ng in Aâ—mes on the behalf of Maud the Empresse this Wâ—ll then fortifyed and hâ—ld his Castle aâ— Dunster for her but further do I find nothing thereof till 9 R. 1. that Raph de Welleford accounted xvl for the form thereof it being in the Kings own hands as an Eschaet Which forâ—eiture was made by Ioelinus de Pomeria a Norman as by the Râ—cord of 6 Ioâ— appears where its particular extent as of aâ—l other the lands of such Normans which it seems were seized on by the Kâ—ng is certifyed viz. in Rent of Assize viiili xvis the arable land in demesn being 3. carucates consistâ—ng of xxiiii Oxen and the other stock xxi Oxâ—n iii. Horses viii Hogs five Kâ—ne and a Bull five Sows and a Boar and CC. Sheep so that the yearly value of all was rated at xvli In which 6 th year King Iohn bestowed it upon or rather restored it to Reginald de Mohun excepting the â—oâ—n and stock then upon it whâ—ch he appointed to be pâ—ized and otherwâ—se disposed To whose posterity it continued whilst the male line lasted and in 20 H. 3. was held by Reginald de Mohun â—he second by the service of one Kâ—s Fee Which Râ—ginald in 36 H. 3. Having Lâ—cense from the King to stop and incâ—ose a câ—rtain Râ—ad way lying thrâ—ugh his Park here assignâ—ng another without the compasse thereof upon conditâ—on that passengers mâ—ght not receâ—vâ— prejudice left issue Iohn â— who in 7 E. 1. had here three carucates of lâ—nd in dâ—mâ—sn with xvii Tenants holding severall proportions of ground perfoâ—ming ceâ—tain servâ—ces as thrâ—shâ—ngâ— plowing gatheâ—iâ—g Nâ—tsâ— c. As also a Court Leet Free-warren and Gâ—llows and a Wâ—â—d incâ—osâ—â— in which it was then 〈◊〉 that the Kâ—ng ought to have paunâ—ge fâ—r â—l Hogâ—â— and one Boar from the Feast of S. Mâ—câ— unâ—â—l â—word as belonging to his Fâ—eehold in Long Compton 〈◊〉 Iohn de Mâ—hun dyed the same year whereupon thâ—s Maâ—â—our then raâ—ed at L per an being in the Kings hand in râ—gard of the minority of his son was granted to Almarâ—c de St. Amand to hoâ—d till the heir shâ—uld câ—me of full age â—n part of satisfactâ—on for C. marks per an gâ—ven by the Kâ—ng to the sâ—â—d Almarâ—c to be received out of his Wards or Eâ—chaets whose name was also Iohn and his resiâ—ence here as â—t seems for in 17 H. 2. I find him in the list of those Knights and men at Armes of this County then certâ—fâ—ed into the Chancery Howbeit iâ— 6. E. 3. it came again into the K. hands by reason of the minority of the son and heir of that Iohn and was câ—mmitted to the custody of Will. Ayermin Bishop of Norwich who did great repairs upon the Mannour house But at length the â—ssue male of this branch of that family fâ—â—ling for the last S r Iohn Mohun had only three daughters and heâ—rs viz. Elizabeth wife to Will. Mâ—untacute Earl of Salisbury Maud marryed to Iohn le Strange of Knolâ—in and Philippa to Edw. D. of York upon parâ—ition made betwixt them it fell to the said Elizabeth who dying without issue it came to be divided betwixt Richard Lord Strange son to the above specâ—fyed Maud and to Philippa Dutchesse of Yorke â— which Phillippa accordingly held the moâ—tye thereof during her life but dying without issue in 10 H. 6. it descended to the said Lord Strange as her nephew and heir and so from Strange to the Earls of Derby by a daughter and heir as Long Compton did Edw. Earl of Derby being seâ—zed thereof in 14 Eliz. To whom succeeded Wâ—ll his brother who sold it unto Raph Sheldon of Beoley Esq. Grandfather to William the present owner thereof The Church dedicated to S. Michael being
written Berricestone in one place and Bericestune in another and was of so much note in those antient times that it gave name to one of the Hundreds then in being as I have eslwhere already observed Whether it were any of the descendants of the before recited Iohais that became first enfeoft thereof by the posterity of Corbuceon I cannot affirm but do conclude that he was common Ancestor to the family of Whitacre and thence had first his sirname as in Whitacre-superior I have manifested Of which family was also Simon who likewise assumed his sirname from hence and wrote himself Dominus de Berchestone as in sundry old Records I have seen To whom succeeded Rich. de Barchestone in 6. Ioh. and after him Simon Henry and Alexander Then Richard in E. 2. time whose name in 17. of that Kings raign is in the list amongst those Esquiers which were certified as men at Armes of this County and bore a Crosse engrailed And lastly Thomas and Alexander temp E. 3. all Lords of this Mannour Which Alexander in 26 E. 3. was in Commission with other persons of quality for the levying and collecting of a xv and tenth so also in 34 E. 3. and in 45 Ed. 3. for the assessing a Subsidy of 1061 li. 07. s. in this County But from him can I not clearly discover the successive Lords of this Mannour untill Iohn Durant became owner thereof in 8. H. 6. After which Iohn I find one Thomas Durant in E. 4. time then William in H. 7. but nothing memorable of them other than that they were gentlemen for so is Iohn recorded in 10 H. 6. and VVill. in 12 H. 7. Which VVill. had issue Henry Duâ—â—nt who by his Deed bearing date 14. Sept. 23 H. 7. sold this Mannour to VVilliam VVillington son to Iohn VVillington of Todnam in Gloucester-shire and he of VVilliam VVillington of the same place son of another Iohn descended as 't is probable from that Ralph de VVylinton who lived in E. 1. time of whom I have made mention in Chiriton Betlesworth and Wiginshill of which line I conceive that Iohn de VVylinton and Raph de VVylinton were who in the times of King Edward 3. and R. 2. had successively Summons to Parliament amongst the Barons of this Realm Of this VVill. VVillington I find that being a wealthy Merchant of the Staple and setling himself here at Bercheston he depopulated the town in 24 H. 7. making inclosure of 530. acres of land so that there was no more than 64. acres left for tillage which were used by him as belonging to his Mannour-house there and mannaged with one Plough And that he had a very fair estate in lands in this County as also in Oxford and Gloucester shires but having no issue male advanced his seven daugthers in marriage to divers good familyes viz. Margery to Thomas Holt of Aston juxta Bermingham Esquier and afterwards to Sir Ambrose Cave Knight Godith to Basill Fielding of Newnham Esquier Elizabeth to Edw. Boughton of Lawford Esquier Mary to VVill. Sheldon of Beoley Esquier Margaret to Edw. Grevill of Milcote Esquier Anne to Francis Mountfort of Kingshurst Esquier and Katherine first to Richard Kempe secondly to VVilliam Catesby of Lapworth Esquier and lastly to Anthony Throkmorton a younger son to Sir George Throkmorton Knight And that by his Will which bears date 25. Martii anno 1555. he disposed of his body to be buried here at Bercheston having a fair Monument in the Church as I shall shew by and by But upon the partition betwixt these coheirs this Mannour came to Sheldon as it seems for his posterity of whom I have made some mention in Weston juxta Chiriton doe enjoy it at this day The Church dedicated to S. Martin in anno 1291. 19 E. 1. was valued at xxviii marks but in 26 H. 8. at no more than xiii li. vi s. viii d. Patroni Ecclesiae Incumbentes c. Heur de Bercheston Ric. de Bercheston Pbr. 3. Cal. Febr. 1281. Thomas de Bercheston Ioh. de Bercheston Subdiac 10. Cal. Ian. 1296. Thomas de Bercheston Gilb. de Swaleclive Pbr. 12. Cal. Dec. 1333. Alex. de Bercheston Rog. de Chastelion Cler. 20. Apr. 1345. Alex. de Bercheston Nich. de Todenham Pbr. 17. Nov. 1361. Thomas Comes VVarwici Ioh. Asple 7. Martii 1382. Ric. Bromley alii Feoffati de dominio de Bercheston advoc Eccl. VVill. Taylor 26. Apr. 1388. Ric. Bromley alii Feoffati de dominio de Bercheston advoc Eccl. D. Ioh. Stark 28. Dec. 1389. Thomas Erdington ar Sibilla ux ejus D. Ioh. Gunne 18. Nov. 1433. Thomas Erdington ar Sibilla ux ejus Magr. Thoma Oldbury 15. Ian. 1433. Rob. Ardern ar Magr. Thomas Stocton 7. Maii 1439. Rob. Ardern ar D. Thomas Pyjon 5. Maii 1449. Ioh. Hugford ar alii Feoffati Will. Durant D. Hugo Byker Cap. 23. Iulii 1481. Tho. Wellys Ioh. Wellys ex concess Will. Durant D. Ioh. VVellys Cap. 6. Sept. 1498. Rob. Throkmorton miles Magr. Hugo Humfrey 17. Aug. 1503. Georgius Throkmorton miles VVill. Buckmaster S. Theol. Professor 23. Apr. 1530. Georgius Throkmorton miles D. VVill. Lane Cler. 4. Feb. 1545. Rad. Sheldon de Beoley ar VVill. Bullwer Cleric 8. Oct. 1606. Willington IN this village did Robert de Stadford possesse one hide and a half at the time of the Conquerors generall Survey then valued at xx s. and held of him by one Luvein but had been the freehold of Dodo and Leuric before the Norman invasion The residue had Gislebertus de Gand a great man in Lincoln-shire which was all he possest in this County and extended to no more than one hide one virgate and a half and being held of him at that time by one Fulbric together with a Mill was valued at xx s. having been the inheritance of Aluuardus in Edward the Confessor's days In that Record it is written Ullavintone Howbeit after this till 36 H. 3. I do not find a syllable more thereof but then amongst the Fees of the Lord Stafford it is certified that Richard de Bartone payd xxx d. for Scutage here and in 56 H. 3. Robert de Hamme was Lord of it as appears by a Release made by him and Mabell his wife to the Nuns of Sewardslee in Com. Northampt. of such suit of Court as he claimed of them for the lands they held of him and his said wife within this village Which Robert in 7 E. 1. held of the King four yard land here in demesn by the service of the seventh part of a Knights Fee and suit twice a year to his Court at Long Compton for of that Mannour it seems it was then a member and in 15 E. 1. in the possession of Iohn de Hamme son to the
lack of issue by them on Iohn the brother of the said VVilliam and Lora his wife and the heirs of their two bodies with remainder to Iohn the son of Robert VVolf and his heirs By which entail the moytâ—e thereof divolved to Ioan the wife of Iohn son to Richard de Foxcote who past it away together with the advouson of the Church unto Thomas de Morehall Clerk But it was not long after that the whole Mannour became the possession of Edmund Earl of Stafford who being slain in the battail of Shrewsbury 4 H. 4. Anne his widow had it inter alia assigned to her in dower After which the posterity of the said Earl enjoy'd it till 12. H. 8. that Edw. D. of Buck. past it to Richard Bishop of Winchester and others to the use of S Will. Compton Knight from whom the Earl of Northampton now Lord thereof is descended The Church dedicated to St. Peter being originally endowed with half a yard land was in an 1291. 10. E. 1. valued at vi marks and a half the advouson whereof in 3. E. 2. had Philip le Lou and Margerie his wife License from the King to grant unto the Nuns of Pinley in this County Neverthelesse they did not so dispose thereof for in 41 E. 3. Thomas de Morehall had the like License to passe it to the Canons of Little-Maldern in Worcestershire and they leave to appropriate it which was performed the 5. of Iune an 1368 42 E. 3. by Will. VVittlesey Bishop of Worcester Another Instrument of the like nature did Henry VVakefeild Bishop of Worcester make dated at Hertlebury 21. Nov. an 1388 12 R. 2. whereupon a yearly Pension of iiis iiiid was reserved to the said Bishop and his successors to be paid out of the fruits thereof But notwithstanding all this those Canons of Malverne never took benefit of these appropriations for it continued a Rectory and in 26. H. 8. was valued at xiiil vis viiid over and above ixs vd ob allowed for Procurations and Synodalls Patroni Ecclesiae Incumbentes c. Ioh le Lou Amicia ux ejus Philippus le Lou Margeria ux ejus Ioh. le Lou Cler. 5. Id. Maii 1281. Margeria le Wolfe domina de Whatcote Will. le Brut Pbr. 12. Iulii 1329. Margeria le Wolfe domina de Whatcote Rad. de Snelleston Pbr. 8. Dec. 1329. Ioh. de la Morehall Thomas de la Morehall 24 Nov. 1340. Thomas atte Morehall resignavit presentavit Barth de Brechinham Pbr. 18. Iunii 1359. Phil. de Todenham Rog. Dod Ric. de Mene Ric. West Ioh. Mulward Pbr. 3. Dec. 1361. Prior Conv. de Malvern minori Frater Thomas Bandy monachus 5. Cal. Iunii 1368 Prior Conv. de Malvern minori D. Ric. de Depedale 11. Apr. 1374. Prior Conv. de Malvern minori Rog. de Caldecote 12. Oct. 1380. Prior Conv. de Malvern minori Ioh. Kyldale 14. Oct. 1384. Hugo Comes Staffordiae Ioh. Clifford Pbr. 27 Maii 1385. Prior Conv. de Malvern minori Ioh. Wygot 10 Maii 1392. Prior Conv. de Malvern minori Ioh. Aspele 3 Iulii 1409. Prior Conv. de Malvern minori D. Ioh. Taylour 13. Ian. 1409. Prior Conv. de Malvern minori D. Thomas Stanford 4. Nov. 1413. Prior Conv. de Malvern minori D. Ioh. Aspele Cap. 10. Martii 1414. Prior Conv. de Malvern minori Ioh. Hancock Cap. 26 Aug. 1414. Prior Conv. de Malvern minori D. Thomas Chyn Cap. 23. Martii 1426. Prior Conv. de Malvern minori D. Christoph. Strange Cap. 29. Iulii 1440. Prior Conv. de Malvern minori D. Thomas Nelle Cap. 4. Dec. 1451. Prior Conv. de Malvern minori D. Will. Aldyngton Cap. 23. Iunii 1486. Will. Hill ratione concess Pr. Conv. de Malvern Rob. Maud Cler. 2. Maii 1511. Henr. 8. Rex Angl. Nich. Austin Cler. 26 Apr. 1542. D. Anna Comitissa Penbrochiae Henr. Michell Cler. 14. Iulii 1573. Ioh. Morell ex concess Will. Domini Compton D. Ioh. Damport Cler. 20. Dec. 1597. Oxhill ON the North side this torrent lyes Oxhill in the Conquerors Survey written Octeselve and being possest by the same Hugh de Grentemaisnil of whom I have made mention in Whatcote was then certified to contain x. hides having a Mill rated at xvid but the value of all together was xil and before the Norman invasion belong'd to the same Toli who had Whatcote After this viz. in H. 2. time Engelram de Dumart became owner thereof whose sisters named Emma and Aeliz by reason of his death without issue succeeded him in the inheritance of it and had livery thereof in 31 of that Kings reâ—gn Upon what occasion it was that K. Iohn seized upon it appears not but in 18 of his reign the Shiriff of this County received command to deliver possession thereof to Thodoric de Whicheford to whom he had given it in which Record it is wrâ—tten Hocteshulve howbeit in 3 H. 3. Thomas de Periton had restitution thereof as heâ—r to Engelard Dummarish sive Dumart his uncle Which Thomas departing this life in 11 H. 3. Adam his son and heir had livery of these lands in Ofteschelfe for so it is written of his inheritance and the next year following was acquitted of the Scutage for half a Knights fee here due upon the expedition of Kerry which Adam bore for his Armes Barry of six peices and upon a Canton 3. barrs wavie But from the family of Periton it divolved to S t Will. de Keyns K t by Margaret a daughter and heir as the Descent sheweth which S r Will. had issue Robert who in 7 E. 1. held it of the King in Capite by the service of one Knights fee having one carucate of land in demesn and five Tenants holding severall proportions by performance of certain servile labours and payment of particular Rents As also divers Freeholders It was likewise then found that the Prior of Ware had one yard land here and the Monks of Bordesley 2 carucates and 6 virgates bestowed on them by Geffery de Beningworth three virgates by Nich. de Donington one by Ric. Clerke and one by Rob. Dumbard As also that they had ix Tenants holding sundry proportions by several Rents and servile imployments with a Court-Leet by the grant of K. H. 3. Which Family of Keyns being of eminent note possest Dodford in Northamptonshire Combe-Keynes and Tarent-Keynes in Dorsetshire and other lands of good value held by Barony but afterwards for want of issue male this Mannour divolved to Cressy through a coheir Sir Iohn Cressy of Dodford before specifyed being owner of it in 10 Henry 6. who departing this life without issue in 31 H. 6. Alianore the wife to S r Humfrey Stafford of
brother to the said E. of Mellent had of that Earl's lands is not to be doubted forasmuch as 't is plain that the Ancestor of Peter de Montfort became enfeoft thereof in H. 1. time it being questionlesse part of those x. Knights Fees and a fourth part which Thurstane de Montfort in 12 H. 2. certified that he then held of William Earl of Warwick de veteri feoffamento for in 20 H. 3. the said Peter de Montfort held it of the Earl of Warwick by the service of one Knights Fee After which viz. in 32 H. 3. there being some difference betwixt the beforespecified Peter and Simon de Montfort Earl of Leicester then Lord of Ilmendon whereof I have lately spoke touching the bounds of each Mannour the King directed his Precept to the Shiriff of this County to cause perambulation to be made there betwixt them Whereupon in 34. H. 3. this Peter obtained a Charter of Free-warren in all his demesn lands here but being slain in the battaill of Evesham anno 49 H. 3. fighting against the King this with the rest of his lands was seized on which neverthelesse by the Decree called Dictum de Kenilworth â— came to Peter his son who in 7 E. 1. held it of the Earl of Warwick by the service of one Knights fee having four carucates of land in demesn as also divers Tenants holding severall proportions by certain Rents and servile imployments together with a Court-Leet and Free-warren Which Peter in 13 E. 1. exhibâ—ted his claim for those priviledges and likewise for a Gallows with Assize of Bread and Beer producing King H. 3. Charter for the Free-warren manifesting that himself and his Ancestors had enjoyed all the rest of those immunities time out of mind and had allowance of them accordingly To this Peter succeeded Iohn and to him Peter as in Beldesert is shewed which last mentioned Peter in 20 E. 2. entailed it with other lands upon Iohn de Montfort his son by Lora de Ullenhale a Concubine Other Entails do I also find thereof viz. on Guy de Montfort the legitimate son to the said Peter and Margaret his wife daughter to Tho. de Beauchamp Earl of Warwick and the heirs of the body of the same Guy begotten on her the said Margaret and for lack of such issue on the said Thomas E. of Warwick and Katherine his wife and the heirs of the said Earl Which Guy departing this life without Children as in Beldesert shall likewise be shewed the said Earl in 35 E. 3. entailed it again as also divers other Lordships in this and other Counties upon Thomas Beauchamp his eldest son with severall remainders But notwithstanding all this the heirs generall of Iohn de Montfort father of the last recited Peter scil Sir Baldwin Frevill and Sir Thomas Boteler Knights recovered it with other lands by a writ of Formedone through the advantage of a preceding Entail but making partition betwixt them in 9 R. 2. as cosins and heirs to Sir Peter de Montfort it was allotted to Boteler whose heirs at length marrying to Norbury and Belknap as the descent in Griff sheweth and their lands thereupon divided betwixt Sir Iohn Norbury Knight and Edward Belknap Esquier this Mannour inter alia was in 13. H. 7. allotted to him the said Edward who made much depopulation and inclosure here but being one of the Esquiers to the body of Henry 7. in 24. of that Kings raign obtained a Pardon for the same and afterwards viz. in 4 H. 8. past it away with other lands in exchange unto Iohn Cotes of Honingham in this County From whom it came to Anthony Cotes of Benefeild in Com. Northampt. Esquier which Anthony in 25. H. 8. depopulated the Capitall Messuage and inclosed C. acres of land there and in 1. 2. Ph. M. levied a Fine thereof to Thomas Gibbons The Church in anno 1291. 19 E. 1. was valued at xxv marks and in 26 H. 8. at xxi li. vi s. viii d. the Procurations and Synodalls being ix s. v d. ob Patroni Ecclesiae Incumbentes c. D. Ioh. de Monteforti miles Will. de la Plaunch Cler. crast Purif b. M. 1293. D. Alicia de Monteforti D. Walt. de la Plaunche 7. Cal. Ian. 1297. D. Alicia de Monteforti Will. de la Plaunch Accol 19. Cal. Feb. 1298. D. Petrus de Monteforti miles Will. de Stodley Pbr. 18. Feb. 1336. D. Petrus de Monteforti miles Ric. de Budeford Pbr. 25. Aug. 1349. D. Petrus de Monteforti miles Adam Alreshawe Accol 5. Apr. 1357. Thomas Comes Warwici Rog. de Tangeley Cap. 7. Iunii 1382. D. Tho. Boteler miles Dominus de Suydley D. Thomas Knyzt Pbr. 25. Iunii 1392. Will. Boteler ar Magr. Regin Povy 26. Sept. 1410. Rob. Buyschell Ioh. Eburton sen. Ioh. Eburton Cler. penult Feb. 1415. Alicia nuper ux Will. Boteler mil. Ioh. Balle 20. Ian. 1419. Alicia nuper ux Will. Boteler mil. D. Ioh. Smith Cap. 23. Iulii 1420. D. Walt. Taylboys Dominus de Kyma D. Rog. Bealfitz 1. Dec. 1442. .......... D. Steph. Russell Cap. 4. Maii 1443. .......... Ioh. Elys 20. Martii 1451. Rad. Boteler miles Dominus de Sudley Thomas Thornton in S. Theol. Scholar 9. Febr. 1460. Rad. Boteler miles Dominus de Sudley D. Will. Thommes Cap. 4. Iunii 1462. Edw. Belknap ar Will. Urmeston Pbr. 6. Nov. 1493. Edw. Belknap ar D. Will. Cokkes Prior de Erdbury 15. Iulii 1504. Edw. Wotton miles Maria Danet vidua Anth. Cook ar Magr. Rob. Serle S. Theol. Bacc. 16. Ian. 1539. Rob. Brook ar Tho. Callow gen ex concess Anth. Cook mil. Nich. Underhill 19. Iunii 1571. Crimscote OF this place is there no particular mention in the Conquerors Survey neither have I seen any thing thereof till 7 E. 1. at which time Peter de Montfort held it with Whitchurch whereof originally it was a member without question having divers Tenants holding their lands by performance of sundry servile employments and some small Rents together with certain Freeholders with which Lordship it came to Sir Edward Belknap who possest it in 1 E. 6. As for the name I am of opinion that it first proceeded from some antient Inhabitant here in the Saxons time though antiently it be written in a various manner scil Kenermarcote Kilmescote Kirmiscote and Kenemyscote but of its Owners I can say no more Wimpston THis being also a member of Whitchurch and possest by the Family of Mountfort therewith was heretofore written Wilmeton Wilmeston and Wilmyston and yet is reputed as part of that Mannour Broughton THis Hamlet antiently written Brocton and so called by reason of its situation neer the Stoure which passeth on the Western side thereof was originally a member of Whitchurch as may be inferred from the Roll
afterwards seen any thing thereof till 8 E. 3. that upon the taxation of a Fifteenth and Tenth it was certified to bear somewhat a greater proportion than Alveston yet was it not a distinct Mannour of it self but a member of that and so past from the Crown in 33 H. 8. to the Dean and Chapter of Worcester before specified and is at this day reputed parcell thereof Bridg-town THis place hath its name by reason of the situation thereof so neer to Stratford-bridg but the chiefest thing memorable in it is that there hath been an Heremitage whereunto the Chapell of S. Mary Magdalen in this village belonged which Heremitage was antiently endowed with lands by some of the Powers of Ryen-Clifford for reparation of the before specified Bridg all which were confirmed thereunto by Thomas Power Esquier in 22 H. 6. who constituted one Iohn Rawlyns to be Heremite there during his life appointing that he should yearly celebrate an Obit in the Parish-Church of Stratford before mentioned upon the Eve of Corpus Christi for the souls of the Parents and Ancestors of him the said Thomas Power The donation of which Heremitage upon the grant of Ryen-Clifford from Christopher Power to William Clopton in 5 H. 8. is therewith past to him the said William and his heirs since when and not before that ever I could see this place hath been reputed a Mannour the said William Clopton being certified to dye seized thereof 4. Ian. 1 Eliz. From whom is descended Thomas Clopton of Clopton that hath the like right therein at this day but the site of the Heremitage was in 3. 4. Ph. M. granted to the Hospitall of Savoy in the Suburbs of London Loxley THis place was given by Offa King of the Mercians unto the Church of Worcester about CCC years before the Norman Conquest and continued thereto till the time of King Canutus the Dane but then the whole Realm being burthened with grievous taxes and a Constitution made that if any place did fail in payment by the space of 3. days of what was so exacted he that should deposite the money to the Shiriff might presently possesse himself thereof this with divers other lands whereof Ludington Draiton and Milcote in this County were part was by that crafty advantage most injuriously taken from it Sed Deus hanc sui rapinam absque ultione non dimisit saith the Monk of Worcester nam unusquisque eorum qui huic fraudi operam dederunt digna ultione percussi aut luminibus privati aut paralysi dissoluti aut in insaniam versi sunt plurimi etiam semetipsos interfecerunt But at the Norman invasion one Eatstanus had the greatest part of it as his freehold which by the Conq. was disposed of inter alia to the E. of Mellent as may appear by the generall Survey shortly after made where it is written Locheslei certified to contain 4. hides all which excepting one virgate held by Hugo fil Constantii of Hugh de Grentemaisnill and valued at v s. were rated at iv li. xv s. there being then a Church Another hide by the same Survey may seem to have been here though it be in that place written Lochesham which was then in the Bishop of Worcester's hands and rated at xxv s. But that which the Earl of Mellent had came to his brother Henry de Newburgh Earl of Warwick as it seems with the rest of those lands in this County which the same Henry and his posterity enjoy'd for by what I shall shew anon it will appear to have been of their Fee Whether Robert fil Odonis who lived in H. 2. time was the first that had it by the Earl of Warwick's grant or whether it were his father I am not sure but that the said Robert possest it and made it the place of his residence is out of doubt for in his grant to the Canons of Kenilworth of Cxx. acres of his demesn lands here with a messuage toft and croft and ii s. Rent which for xii marks of silver he sold to them he writes himself Robertus fil Odonis de Lochesleia And besides this so sold by him he gave unto them for the health of his fathers soul whose body lay buried in that Monastery and for the good estate of himself and his posterity pasturage for x. Oxen and C. Sheep in his demesn lands here Which Robert left issue onely 3. daughters his heirs whose matches and descendants I have here inserted Rob. fil Odonis de Locheslei Basilia Petrus de Mora senior ux Rad. le Falconer sive de Mora. Petrus de Mora senior ... ux Rob. de Offeworth ... ux Rob. Balance ... ux Paulini Peyvre ... ux Lenardi .... mil. Agnes ux Will. Trussell Margeria ux Will. Bagod Of Peter de Mora great grandchild to Rob. fil Odonis I find that he was a liberall Benefactor to the Canons of Kenilworth for it appears that about 38 H. 3. he gave them the Mannour-house here at Loxley and all his possessions belonging thereto besides his lands at Westcote and Morton-Bagot with the advouson of that Church Will. Mansell being then high Shiriff of this County and a witnesse thereto which was confirmed to them by Will. Mauduit Earl of Warwick in 47 H. 3. And that the Canons of Kenilworth had here in 19 E. 1. one carucate of land valued at xvi s. in Rent of Assise viii s. and one Mill rated at iv s. at which time the Monks of Worcester had xviii s. Rent of Assize in this Lordship But it seems that the Ancestour of Iohn de Wauton Lord of Walton D'eivile was enfeoft by the Canons of Kenilworth in the greatest part of this Lordship for it appears that the said Iohn held the same of them by Knights service and in 20 E. 3 Baldw. Frevill and William Trussell answered for half a Knights Fee in this place Which Canons having a great share here in 25 E. 3. purchased of Iohn the son of Iohn de Peyto xiv messuages more with two carucates five yard land three acres of meadow and x s. ob Rent in this place All which together with the rest whereof they were possest before coming to the Crown upon the dissolution of that Monastery was 28 Martii 33 H. 8. granted to Thom. Cawarden Esq. and Elizabeth his wife and the heirs of the body of the said Thomas and afterwards coming to Lodowyk Grevill Esquier and Francis Gyll Yeoman was by them sold to Edward Nevill Esquier but continued not long with him for in 12 Eliz. William Underhill dyed seized of it leaving William his son and heir aged xiv years and six months The Church being given to the Monastery of Stone in Staffordshire which was a Cell to the Priory of Kenilworth by Rob. fil Odonis before specified
certain things to be performed by Iohn Copley his nephew gave it to him the said Iohn and the heirs male of his body Marclive THis place taking its name from the Marly-Cliff or descent which we see on the Southern side of Avon was at first a member of Bidford and therewith past from Baldwin Wake and the before specified Hawisia to Rob. Burnell Bishop of Bathe and Wells in 8 E. 1. but then was it written only Clive and in 9 E. 2. as a Hamlet of Bidford was held by Aliva Burnell in dower It seems that much of it was sold long since by the Burnells to ordinary persons which may well be the cause that there is so little notice taken thereof in Record for I find that in 29 E. 3. Walt. Lenche father of Ioh. Lenche then living had purchased two messuages 1 yard land 1 acre of meadow and xxv s. yearly Rent lying in this place of Alice the widow of Edward Burnell and Nich. Burnell her husband's nephew of some part whereof Iohn Rous of Ragley dyed seized in 20 R. 2. But in 16 H. 7 Will. Harewell of Wotton-Wawen dyed seized of the whole Mannour Bickmersh THis Village is in the Parish of Welford in Gloucestershire but by antient depopulation much shrunk from what it heretofore was Part hereof did K. Edgar in the year of Christ 967 grant to Brithnothus his servant for life which Brithnothus transmitted his right therein to the Monastery of Worcester with his son whom he thither sent to live a religious life In that grant of King Edgar it is written Bicamnersce but it seems that afterwards the Church of Worcester became possest of the whole Village for it appears that Edwin brother to Earl Leofrick in Edw. the Confessor's time unjustly seized upon it yet did not long enjoy the fruits of his rapine being ignominiously slain by Griffin King of the Britans whereupon Wulstan the then Prior hoping to regain it went to Alritune and required the lands belonging to his Monastery but all that he could get was only the meadow lying at Marclive the rest being never restored In the Conquerors Survey it is recorded under the title of Elemosinae Regis and written Bichemerse being there certified to contain 5 hides which were then valued at C s. and held of the K. by one Eddid a woman who was also owner thereof in Edward the Confessors dayes After which till the beginning of King Iohn's time I have not seen any further mention of this place but then doth it appear that Robert Foliot was Lord of it and in minority who in 14 H. 3. had a suit with the Parson of Welneford for the Advouson of the Chapell here at Bikemers-Foliot for so it is written claimed by the said Parson as a Chapell belonging to Welneford in which pleading the Composition under the seal of the said Robert was produced manifesting that the Tithes with the parochiall rights of the Court id est the Mannour house did belong to the said mother-Church of Welneford In 20 H. 3. upon collection of the Aid for marriage of the King's sister to the Rom. Emperour it answered for one Knights Fee being there certified under the Fees of Hugh de Albini and expressed to be held of him by Corbeth But in â—6 H. 3. it is recorded to be of the Earl of Gloucester his Fee and then held by Rob. Foliot What right it was that Corbet had here I know not but it seems that he did not quietly enjoy it for first I find that in 32 H. 3. Roesia Foliot brought an Assize of Novell disseisin against Will. Corbet for lands here and in 45 H. 3. Ioan Foliot an Assize of Mort d'ancester against him for this Mannour which Will. Corbet was of Chadsley-Corbet in Worcestersh I am of opinion that this Ioane Foliot was daughter and heire to the before specified Robert and married to Ric. de Williamescote for by a pleading in 52 H. 3. I find that the said Richard and Ioan his wife had to do here and in 4 E. 1. the said Ric. was presented for withdrawing his suit due to the Hundred Court for this Village To which Richard succeeded Henry de Willemscote that sold this Mannour to Iohn de Bloxam in 35 E. 1. Who in 18 E. 2. past it away to Will. de Bereford which Will. died seized of it in 20 E. 2. Whereupon it was inter alia assigned to Margaret his widow in dower In the family of Bereford whereof I shall speak in Langley it continued for some descents S r Baldw. de Bereford Knight grandchild to the beforespecified Will. having Free-warren granted to him in all his demesn lands here But it seems that this S r Baldw. having no issue male of his body the reversion thereof after the decease of Eliz. his wife was setled upon Thomas the son of Philip St. Clere for upon her death in 1 H. 6. the said Thomas was found to be next heir thereto though what relation he had to him in blood I am not very certain which Thomas in 13 H. 6. dyed seized of it leaving Eliz. Alianore and Edith his daughters and heirs Eliz. being afterwards married to Will. Lovell Alianore to Iohn Gage and Edith to Ric. Harecourt Esquiers But farther as to its succession can I say no more than that it was about the beginning of Q. Eliz. time purchased by the Lady S. Iohn widow to S r Edw. Griffin of Dingley Atturney Generall to Q. Eliz. for S r Ries Griffin her son by the said Sir Edward which Sir Ries left issue Edward his son and heir now owner thereof It should seem that a good proportion of this Hamlet was antiently belonging to the family of Morehall of Morehall juxta Wicksford for in 20 E. 3. Amicia de Morehall with VVill. de Audley were certified to answer for one Knights Fee here held of VVill. Corbet and by him of the Honour of Gloucester â— and so divolving to Clopton as the Mannour of Morehall did was past therewith by S r VVill. Clopton Kt. to Thomas Crewe Esq for life After which Sir Iohn Burgh Kt. held it for life as Tenant by the Curtesie of England being of the inheritance of Ioane his wife daughter and coheir to the said VVill. Clopton which Ioane had likewise severall daughters and heirs as in Morehall is shewed amongst whom this with the rest of her lands wâ—re divided The Chapell here is very antient having been founded by Will. Foliot in H. 2. dayes to whom succeeded Robert before mentioned About the beginning of K. Iohn's time there was one R. Foliot Parson here betwixt whom and the Monks of Tewksbury there growing some dispute as to the right of the Tithes g arising out of the Court or Mannour House an Agreement was made and confirmed by Malgerius then Bishop of
elsewhere within the King's dominions And lastly that he and his heirs should have another Faire yearly within this Town beginning on the Even of S. Dunstan and continuing for two dayes following Which ample Charter bears date at Westminster xviii Nov. in the year before specified After which ere long viz. in 28 H. 6. was he made Lord Treasurer of England but in that Office he continued not long as also a Commissioner for conservation of the Peace and assessing of Subsidies in this County but in these I presume he acted little in respect of his other great imployments being a Baron of this Realm and summoned to severall Parliaments in the said King's time By his Testament bearing date ix Apr. An. 1475. 15 E. 4. he bequeathed his body to sepulture in the Church of the Dominican Friers at Worcester in a new Chapell to be made on the North side of the Quire To which House of Friers for his buriall there he bequeathed the value of xx marks to be had in vestments and stuff besides a pair of Organs of his own residing at that time at Chelchith in the County of Midlesex Appointing that a Priest of that Friery should daily say Masse at the Altar within the said Chapell before his Tombe after the Order of a Trentall for his soul and the souls of his Father and Mother Brethren and Sisters his Children and Ancestors souls and especially for the souls of Sir Iohn Fastolf Knight Will. Botreaux and all Christen souls taking by the week for the said Masse so daily to be said viii d. for evermore Which Chapell and Tombe with his statue thereon in Alabaster he did by the said Testament ordein that his Executor should cause to be made and departed this life the same year leaving Sir Ric. Beauchamp Knight his son and heir then 40. years of age who in the private Chapell of this Mannour-house here called by the name of Beauchamps-Court having speciall License from the Bishop of Worcester wedded Eliz. the daughter of Sir Humfrey Stafford Knight by whom he had issue three daughters that were his heirs viz. Eliz. married to Sir Robert Willoughby Lord Brook first summoned to Parl. by that title in 7 H. 7. Anne to Ric. Ligon and Margaret to Will. Rede which Sir Robert had in her right this Mannour of Alcester in partition and dyed seized thereof 10 Nov. 13 H. 8. leaving Eliz. Anne and Blanch his cosins next heirs viz. daughters of Edw. Willoughby his son by the before specified Elizabeth Of which daughters so in minority Eliz. the eldest was committed to the tuition of Sir Edward Grevill of Milcote Knight who obtained her wardship as I have by tradition been informed with purpose to marry her unto Iohn his son and heir but she better affecting Fòuke the younger became his wife to whom she brought this Mannour of Alcester with other lands which Fouke much enlarged his Mannour-house at Beauchamps-Court taking stone and timber from the then newly dissolved Priory at Alcester for that purpose as also his Park with part of the wast belonging to this Lordship and bore the Office of Shiriff for this County and Leicestershire in 34 H. 8. being then a Knight so also in 1 E. 6. and departed this life 10. Nov. Anno 1559. 1 Eliz. leaving issue Fouke his son and heir and Robert a younger son which Fouke was Knighted in 7 Eliz. being then 29 years of age In 12 Eliz. he came first into Commission for conservation of the Peace in this Shire and departing this life in an 1606 4 Iac. left issu by Anne his wife daughter to Raph Nevill E. of Westmerland Fouk his son and heir Which last recited Fouk having been a servant in Court to Q. Eliz. made Under-Treasurer and Chancelour of the Exchequer by K. Iames as also one of the privy Councell and a Gentleman of his Bedchamber in 15. of that King's reign obtained a speciall Charter confirming all such liberties as had been granted to any of his Ancestors in the behalf of this Town upon a new Rent of x s. per annum then reserved to the said K. his heires successors and was created Lord Brook of Beauchamps-Court before mentioned 9. Ian. 18. Iac. with limitation of that Honour for lack of issue male of his own body unto Robert Grevill son of Fouk son of Robert before specified a younger son to the first Sir Fouk This Fouk Lord Brook obtaining the Castle of Warwick from King Iames when it was in a very ruinous condition bestowed so much cost in the repairs thereof beautifying it with most pleasant Gardens and Walks and adorning it with rich furniture that considering its situation no place in this part of England doth compare with it for statelinesse and delight But delaying to reward one Hayward an antient servant that had spent the most of his time in attendance upon him being expostulated with for so doing received a mortall stab on the back by the same man then private with him in his Bed-chamber at Brook-house in London 30. Sept. Anno 1628 5 Car. who to consummate the Tragedy went into another roome and having lock't the dore pierced his own bowells with a sword After which viz. 27. Oct. the said Lord Brook's body being wrapt in Lead brought to Warwick was there solemnly interred in a vault on the North side the Quire of S. Maries Church under that beautifull Monument erected by himself whereof I have there taken notice To whom succeeded in this his Lordship of Alcester and divers other lands of great value the before specified Robert Grevill Lord Brooke by vertue of a speciall grant whereby they were so setled I now come to speak of that Family of Botreaux which possest the other half of this Mannour till 22 H. 6. as I have intimated Robertus Corbet ..... Reginaldus Comes Cornub Regis Henrici primi nothus Henricus Filia cohaeres Henricus fil Herberti Petrus fil Herberti 6. Joh. Herbertus fil Petri 33 H. 3. Regin fil Petri 56 H. 3. Johannes Herbertus Alicia altera filiarum cohaeredum Will. Boterell Will. Boterell 6. Joh. ob s. prole Albreda fil Walteri Waleran Reginaldus de Boterell frater haeres Will. de Botereus 2 E. 1. Will. de Botereus 9 E. 2. Regin de Botereus 4 E. 3. Walt. de Botereaux obiit 41 E. 3. Joh. Botereaux aetat 6. an 41 E. 3. Margeria filia Will. Dunfrell Joh. Botreaux de Wetheley in Com. Warw. gen 10 H. 6. Thomas Botreaux 22 H. 6. Of Will. de Botreaux who married Alice one of the daughters and coheirs to Rob. Corbet I find that he confirmed to the Monks of Alcester all that they there held of his Fee and that he left issue Will. and Reginald which second Will. in 6. Ioh. gave two Horses for the great saddle
of the Justices of Peace in this County in 1 R. 2. Upon the Insurrection of the Rebells under the conduct of Iack Straw and Wat. Tiler 5 R. 2. he was joyn'd in Commission with the E. of Warwick and other eminent persons for suppresâ—ing of all unlawfâ—ll Assemblies in this Countie tending to the disturbance of the publick Peace In 6 R. 2. he was again in Commission to the like purpose In 16 R. 2. one of the Kts. for this Shire in the Parl. then held at Winchester So likewise in 17. and 22. R. 2. as also in 1. and 2. H. 4. upon the severall renewing of the Commissions for the Peace one of the number then joyned therein being a person learned in the Laws as it seems for it appears that he was Steward of the Earl of Warwick's Courts for his lands in Northamptonshire about the later end of R. 2. reign and Atturny generall for prosecuting their affairs in the Exchequer in 5 H. 5. Of this Iohn I find that he bore the Armes of Lodbroke scil Azure a cheveron ermine quarterly with his own whereby it should seem that some Ancestour of his married a daughter of that Family through whose right after the issue male was extinct he did it Neither is it unlikely in respect of that entail of Lodbroke upon Will. de Catesby his Father as in my discourse of that place is shewed and that he wedded Emme the daughter and heir of Rob. de Craunford by whom the Lordship of Ashby-Legers in Com. Northampt. came first to this Family Which Emme with Iohn her son for Will. the elder Brother was then dead in 13 H. 4. obtained a Charter of Free-warren to themselves and their heirs in all their demesn lands of Rodburne Lodbroke and Shukborough in this Countie as also of Ashby-Legers Walton and Watford in Northamptonshire This second Iohn was in Commission for conservation of the Peace in this County in 5 H. 5. in 6. for arraying of men being the first of the Family that had to do here in Lapworth as hath been already observed To him succeeded Will. his son and heir constituted Shiriff of Northamptonshire in 21 H. 6. with which office he had the custody of Northampton Castle assigned unto him In 30 H. 6. he came into Commission for conservation of the Peace in this County so continuing for the remainder of that King's reign And being again made Shiriff of Northamptonshire had the like charge of the same Castle I am of opinion that he was Knighted that very year for in the next mention I find of him viz. the year following he is so stiled In 34 H. 6. he became the third time Shiriff of Northamptonshire and Governour of that Castle and having been one of the Sewers to K. H. 6. had two wives first Philippa one of the daughters and heirs to Sir Will. de Bishopsden Kt. and secondly Ioan daughter of Sir Thomas Barre Kt. and Alice his wife Sister of Iohn Talbot Earl of Shrewsbury but widow of Humfrey de la Bere departed this life in An. 1470. 10 E. 4. lying buried at Ashby-Legers before mentioned By which wife he had issue Will. his son and heir and by his second wife Iohn Catesby of Althorp in Northamptonsh as also Thomas Catesby from whom those sometime of Wavers-Merston in this County did descend Which Will. being a great Favourite to K. Ric. 3. was made Squier of the Body to himâ— and in 1 of his reign constituted Chancelour of the Marches for life and one of the Chamberlains of his Exchequer The same year was he also made one of the Justices of Peace in this County and a Commissioner to enquire of any Insurrections here or in Leicestershire and the next year following a Commissioner for the Gaol delivery at Warwick in which he had a grant from the said King bearing date under his Signet at Kenilworth Castle 28 Maii of an hundred Oaks to be taken within the said Ks. old Park of Tanworth and Earl's wood in Tanworth within this County and 500 Trees for Railes in Lodbrokes-Park within the said Lordship of Tanworth for making his new Park here at Lapworth But following the fortune of that King and stoutly fighting for him at Bosworth field he was there taken Prisoner and beheaded at Leicester within 3. days following where before his Execution he made his Testament as followeth This is the Will of William Catesby Esq. made the xxv th of August 1 H. 7. to be executed by my dere and welbeloved wife to whom I have ever be trew of my Body putting my sole trust in her for the execution thereof for the helth of my soul the which I am undoubted she will execute and for my Body when she may to be beryed in the Church of S. Leger in Aâ—sby and to do such memoriall for me as I have apointed byfor and to restore all land that I have wrongfully purchased and to pay the residue of such land as I have bought truly and to demene hit among her children and myne as she thynketh good after her discretion I doubt not the King will be good and gracious Lord to them for he is called a full gracious Prince and I never offended him by my good and free Will for God I take to my Iuge I have ever loved him Item that the Executors of Nich. Couley have the lande ageine in Everâ—oâ—te without they have their Cl. Item in likewise Renet his lande in Buckby Item in likewise that the Coparceners have their part in Roden hall in Suff. if they have right thereto or else to be restored to them that had it before and the lond beside Kymbalton be disposed for my soul and Evertons and so of all other landes that the parte hath righte in Item that all my Faders detts be executed and paied as to the House of Catesby and other Item that my Lady of Buckingham have Cli. to help her children and that she will see my Lordiâ— detts paied and his Will executed and in speciall for such land as shall be amortised to the House of Plashy Item my Lady of Shaftsbury xl mark Item that John Spenser have his Lxli with the olde money that I owe. Item that Thomas Andrews have his xxli And there as I have be Executor I beseech you see the Will executed and that all other bequests in my other Will be executed as my speciall trust is in yow Maisteres Margarete and I heartily cry you mercy if I have delyd uncurteously with yow and ever pray you to live sole all the deys of yowr life to do for my soul. And I pray of Lord of Winchester my Lord of Worcetur my Lord of London to help yow to execute this my Will and they will do somewhat for me and that Richard Frebody have his xxli and Badby xli
what his Ancestors had granted to them in Wenge before mentioned To the Nuns of Pinley in this Countie he gave the tenth part of the povision in victuall for his Household viz. Bread Beer Flesh Fish and other things pertaining to his Kitchin whose munificence therein was so highly esteemedâ— that he and his posterity were reputed for no lesse than Founders of that Religious House Upon his death in 18 Ioh. the wardship of Peter his son and heir together with the custody of his lands was comitted to William de Cantilupe Which Peter in 11 H. 3. obtained a Charter bearing date 10 Febr. for a weekly Mercate at this his Mannour of Beldesert upon the Munday that granted to Thurstane his Ancestor being grown out of use I presume By the same Charter was there also a Fair granted to him and his heirs at this place to be yearly kept for three days viz. the Even day and morrow after the Feast of S. Giles the Shiriff of this County having comand to proclaim it accordingly But it seems he was not out of his wardship at that time for the same year did the said William de Cantilupe his Guardian procure authoritie from the King for receiving reasonable Aid from all the Tenants of the said Peter in this his Mannour of Beldesert and Henley This Peter upon the King's transfretation with his Army into Gascoin in 27. of his reign had power to receive Scutage of all his Knights Fees that he held of the Earl of Warwick according to the rate of xl s. per Scutum but being of a turbulent spirit he ever sided with the rebellious Barons of that age who the better to shadow their disloyall practises first plotted their meetings under colour of exercising themselves in martiall Tourneaments which were forbidden by the King who well foresaw the danger that might ensue yet such was their boldnesse as that notwithstanding the same Prohibition they met at Cambridge amongst whom he made one whose lands thereupon for that disobedient contempt were presently seized on By which timely care of restraining them all things were fairly quieted again at least in shew so that within three years after he and many more of those haughty Spirits attended the King in person into Gascoign And that he was a person of great qualitie in those times may appear by the Agreement betwixt him William de Beauchamp then E. of Warwick for an inter-marriage betwixt each of their eldest sons and eldest daughters whereupon they obtained a speciall Patent from the King that in case either of them did die before the accomplishment of such marriage and that his heir should be in minority the intended match might notwithstanding hold saving to the King onely the custody of the land Which Patent was so granted to them 20 Aug. 32 H. 3. immediatly before that voyage for Gascoin After which viz. in 34 H. 3. he obtained a Charter of Free-warren in all his demesn lands here and in divers other places and in 35 H. 3. was constituted Governor of Horestan-Castle in Derbyshire But amongst these his secular actions I may not omit to tell what I find of his pious works which is that about this time he confirm'd what his Ancestors had granted to the Monks of Thorney within his Lordship of Wenge in Rutl. And for the health of his soul and the soul of Alice his wife as also of his Father Mother Ancestors and friends whose bodies lay buried in the Prioty of Studley gave to the Canons of that House all his demesn land called the Uineyard situate within the Lordship of Studley In 37 H. 3. he obtained the King's confirmation of a marriage for one of his sons with Agnes the eldest daughter to Roger Bertram of Mitford a great Baron in the North. In 40 H. 3. he was sent Ambassador from the King into France In 41. being made Warden of the Marches towards Montgumeri for his better performance of that service he had at the instance of Prince Edward the custodie of the Counties of Salop. and Staff as also the Castles of Salop. and Bruges to dispose of the profits therein arising as he should think best during the continuance of the Warrs with Wales so that for the first year he was to hold those Counties he should answer nothing to the Exchequer but at the years end make his Account in the King's Wardrobe In the next year following he was constituted Governour of the Castles of Bruges and Ellesmere in Shropshire In 43 H. 3. he attended the King into France and bore for his Armes Bendé of six pieces Or and Azure yet all these high favours and Acts of trust from that King towards him could not allay the heat of his proud and lofty stomack For no sooner had the Rebellious Barons made head at Oxford where they forcing the King's assent to their disloyall and unjust Ordinances caused a choise of xxiv persons to to be made by whose discretion the Kingdom should be governed than that this Peter shew'd himself the most forward amongst them being not onely one of those xxiv so chosen to rule as aforesaid but when all the rest of them except himself and four others calmely considering the great confusion variance and petill then imminent by reason of that strange rupture were content that those Ordinances should be made void and the King restored to his former condition he joyned with them in opposing thereof Howbeit so confident was the King that his own candid intention towards them had wrought a change in their affections that in Ianuary follâ—wing he sent him Summons to appear at Hereford on Munday nexâ— after the Feast of the Purification oâ— our Lady weâ—l â—urnâ—shâ— with Horse and Armes to oppose the pâ—wer oâ— Lâ—â—elin Prince of Wales then in Rebelliâ—n 〈…〉 make a question wheâ—her he obeyed 〈…〉 for in the beginning of 〈…〉 was in Armes agâ—â—â—st the King 〈◊〉 Northampton â— with a muâ—â—itude 〈◊〉 the other rebe 〈…〉 and there taken upon the storming 〈…〉 town by the King's forces on the fiâ—t of 〈…〉 together with his two sons Peter and â—obert who were all sent Prisoners to the Cassle of Windsore Which distresse moved them and the rest to hearken unto termes of accord with the King from whom they soon obtained peaceable conditions so softned was his Prâ—ncely heart with theâ—r seeming fair intentions for the future whereupon by his Precept to Drogo de Barentine then Constable of Windsore Castle dated the 17. of the same month of May he appointed that the said Peter and his sons before specified should be immediatly set at liberty But loe the perfidiousnesse of these Conspirators for within two dayes following they gave the King battail at Lewes in Sussex where through the Prâ—nce his too eager purâ—uit of that part of the Rebells Army which he
Dudston Saltley and Bermiâ—gham which belong'd thereunto seized upon as Chantrie lands and then valued at xiii li. xix d. per annum out of which two Priests officiating in the said Parish Church of Aston had x li. per an betwixt them Dordsley THis being originally a member of Aston and therewith involved at the time of the Conqueror's Survey descended to the Someries Barons of Dudley by the heir female of Paganell as the Castle of Dudley which was part of William fitz Ausculf's possessions together with Aston did yet have I not seen it particularly mentioned in any Record till H. 3. time but then was it certified to be in the Earl of Chester's hands who had obtained the Wardship of the son and heir to William Percival de Someri whose posterity were onely sirnamed Someri And afterwards scil in 1 E. 1. being assigned to Anabill the widow of Roger de Someri as part of her Dower was valued at xviii li. xvii s. v d. q. having a Leet which the Barons of Dudley antiently held here extending into Bromwych parva Bromwych magna Dodeston Saluthley Echells Overton and Erdington as by the Claim of Roger de Someri in 13 E. 1. appears At which time it was also found that three Rodmen of Witton a Hamlet likewise in the same Parish did usually by turnes do suit to the King's Hundred-Court of Hemlingford from three weeks to three weeks for all those Hamlets except Erdington but that all the Freeholders of Erdington did personally perform their suit to the said Hundred from three weeks to three weeks or pay a Fine of xix d. And that all the said Hamlets before specified together with Erdington used to pay for the Shiriffs Aid xxxiv s. To the Leet a mark and for Warthe xi d. q. but that the King was in possession of the Weyfs Which Roger de Someri had issue Roger upon whose death in 19 E. 1. the extent of what he had here was thus certified viz. a certain Grange with an Oxe-house Lxi. acres of land in demesn three Meadows scil one lying here another in Dodeston and the third at Olton as also a certain proportion of pasture ground That he had likewise xvi Customarie Tenants which held in Villenage six yard land and a half with a fourth part and ten Acres paying Lx s. xi d. ob per an And four Freeholders who held in Socage four Messuages and four half yard lands paying yearly xxxvi s. x d. q. doing suit of Court as also giving Heriot and Relief as it should happen And moreover that besides these there were Lxxviii Freeholders that held lands without Houses newly reduced to tillage paying yearly xii li. xv s. iii d. q. and performing two appearances in the year unto the Court held at this place All which being put together amounted to xxvii li. xii s. ii d. per annum whereof iv li. viii s. v d. ob was assigned towards the Dower of Agnes his widow But by the constant possession which the Barons of Dudley had of this Lordship it came at length to be reputed as a member of Dudley and was therefore after the death of Iohn de Someri in 16 E. 2. certified to be held of the King in Capite as part of that Baronie and so came to Ioane one of his two sisters and coheirs then the wife of Thomas de Botetort and by her death in 12 E. 3. to Iohn de Botetourt her son and heir a great Baron in those dayes together with Weoley in Com. Wigorn. a Castle scarce three miles distance from hence built by Rog. de Somerie in H. 3. time which afterwards was his principall seat Howbeit these with the rest of his lands for want of issue male came to Ioyce his grandchild scil daughter unto the said Iohn who brought them in marriage to Sir Hugh Burnell Knight Which Ioice dying without issue 1. Ian. 7. H. 4. Maud and Agnes Botetourt Maurice de Berkley Agnes Wykes and Ioice Wykes became her cosins and heirs of which Maud and Agnes Rotetourt were Nuns the first at Polesworth in this Countie and the second at Elnestow in Bedfordshire viz. Maurice Berkley son of Maurice son of Katherine sister of Iohn Botetourt father of tâ—e said Ioyce Agnes and Ioyce Wikes being daughters of Ioane daughter of Alice the other sister to the said Iohn Botetourt The estate of which coheirs came by purchase in H. 5. time to Ioane Beauchamp Lady Bergavenny as at large may appear by these Records Which Ioane by her last Will setled it upon Iames of Ormund her eldest son by Iames Earl of Oâ—mund her last husband so that by the attainder of the same Iames in 1 E. 4. no being then Earl of Wiltshire it eschaâ—ted to the Kâ—ng who the next year following in consideration of the good and acceptable service which Sir Thomas Erdington Knight had performed to him in his adversitie confer'd it upon the said Sir Thomas and Ioyce his wife to hold during the life of the longer liver of them without any Rent or other thing to be given in lieu thereof And by his Letters Patent bearing date at Westminster 10. Dec. in the sixt year of his reign in consideration of the great and memorable services which Sir Iohn Dudley Knight Lord Dudley had likewise performed granted the reversion thereof to the said Lord Dudley and the heirs male of his body But whether the said Lord Dudley survived them and so became actually possest of it I cannot tell for in 11 H. 7. there was a Fine levied thereof by Edward Bishop of Chichester Sir Thomas Ormund Knight with dives others Plantiff and Sir William Berkley Knight and Anne his wife Deforc by which Fine the inheritance thereof became vested in the before specified Sir Thomas Ormund with Warrantie against the heirs of the same Anne Which Sir Thomas Ormund was brother to Iames Earl of Wiltshire formerly attainted as hath been shewed and left issue two daughters his heirs viz. Margaret the wife of Sir William Bullein and Anne married to Sir Iames St Lâ—ger Knight which Anne in 11 H. 8. wrote her self Domina de Bordesley To whom succeeded Sir Iohn Sâ— Leger Knight her grandson and heir that sold it to Edward Arden of Park-Hall Esquire about the beginning of Queen Elizabeth's time whose posteritie do still enjoy it Heybarnes HAving thus traced down the succession of Bordesley I shall not need to say much of Heybarnes it being only a member of the other and by the Inquis taken after the death of Sir Iohn Botetourt Knight certified to contain one Messuage and three Carucates of land all which hath been and is to this day still possest by the owners of Bordsley Saltley THis place also having been originally a member of Aston is involved therewith in
the Conqueror's Survey and was soon after granted by the then possessor of Dudley-Castle unto the Ancestor of Henry de Rokeby to hold by the fift part of a Knight's fee as the Confirmation thereof made unto the same Henry and his heirs by Gervase Paganell Lord of Dudley in H. 2. time doth manifest wherein it is written Saluthley From which Henry descended Ranulph de Rokeby whose daughter and heir Annabill marryed unto Sir Iohn Goband Knight as in Rokeby appeareth whereby the inheritance hereof came to the same Sir Iohn Goband who in 16 E. 2. was certified to hold it of Iohn de Someri Baron of Dudley then newly deceased by the said service of the fift part of a Knight's Fee Which Sir Iohn Goband and Aâ—nabill in 5 E. 3. granted it unto Walter de Clâ—dshale and Richard his son to hold during the lives of them the said Walter and Richard for the Rent of x li. per annum sterling but afterwards to returne unto the said Sir Iohn and Annabil and the heirs of Annabill Of this Annabill I find that surviving her said husband and afterwards being wedded to Iohn Brown of Burbach in Com. Leic. she past away the inheritance thereof to the before specified Walter and Richard de Clodshale in 17 E. 3. For the better confirmation of which title Iohn the son and heir to the above mentioned Sir Iohn Goband and Annabill released unto them the said Walter and Richard and the heirs of Richard all the right and claim that he could pretend thereto as by the same bearing date at Bermingham in 20 E. 3. sealed with his Armes viz. Gules two barrs Or with 3. Besants in Chief appeareth Which Walter de Clodshale and his descendants in the male line so long as it continued had their seat here and increasing their estate by the marriage of severall heirs were reckoned amongst the Gentlemen of the superior rank in this Countie Agnes 5 E. 2. Walt. de Clodshale 5 E. 2. Alicia filia haeres Rog. de Bishopesden 19 E. 3. Râ—c de Clodshale 24 E. 3. Iohanna relâ—cta Roberti de Ribsford Ioh. de Clodshale 47 E. 3. Beatrix soror haeres Will. Golofre 47 E. 3. Ric. Clodshale 3 H. 5. Isabella filia haeres Ric. de Edgbaston relicta Thomae Midlemore Eliz. filia haeres uxor Roberti Ardern de Park-Hall ar 4 H. 6. But from what originall his Ancestors were other than Townsmen of Bermingham wherein they had lands of good worth as by a multitude of antient Deeds appeareth I cannot expresse Of which lands out of the good affection by him born to that place in 3 E. 3. he obtained License from Sir William de Burmingham then Lord of Burmingham of whom they were held to amortize four Messuages and xx acres as also a Rent of xviii d. for the foundation of a Chantrie at the Altar of the blessed Virgin in the Church of S. Martin there in Bermingham for one Priest to celebrate divine Service daily thereat for the souls of him the said Walter and Agnes his wife their Ancestors and successors with all the faithfull deceased Of the same Walter and Richard his son I further find that being by the Commissioners of Array in this Countie 21 E. 3. charged with two Archers they were abated one of them paying xl s. for the expences of that one as also that the said Richard for the health of his soul and the soul of Alice his wife about the same time added five Messuages x. acres of land and x s. Rent to the Chantrie before specified and moreover that in 32 E. 3. he payd a Fine of x li. for his Pardon in respect he came not in to receive the Order of Knighthood upon Proclamation made that all such as were possest of lands or Rents of the value of xl s. should appear for that purpose And likewise that in 34 E. 3. he was in Commission for the assessing and collecting of a xv th and Tenth then granted to the King in Parliament and the same year had a speciall License granted to him from Robert de Stretton then Bishop of Coventre and Lichfield dated 3. Cal. Ian. for an Oratorie or Chapell in his House here at Saltley and lastly that he bore for his Armes ...... per pale indented with certain Martlets in the place of a borborder on the dexter part of his shield as appears by his Seal which doubtlesse was in reference to the tenure of his antient lands from the Berminghams whose coat it did so nearly resemble But the last of the male line that had to do here was Richard grandchild to the said Ric. who in 4 H. 4. had the title of Esquire for so he writes himself in a Bond for payment of 500 li. to William de Bermingham Esquire Betwixt this Richard and the same William de Bermingham was there a suit at Law touching the advouson of the Chantrie before specified founded by Walter de Clodhale his Ancestor in the Church of Bermingham in which suit he prevailed and accordingly presented thereto in 5 H. 4. In 7 H. 4. he was one of those gentlemen of note in this Countie Arma portantibus de Armis antiquis as the words of the Writ are who had summons to attend the King in their proper persons for defence of the Realm and in 4 H. 6. underwent the office of Shiriff for this Countie and Leicestershire By his Testament bearing date at Egebaston 7 Maii Anno 1428. 6 H. 6. he bequeathed his body to sepulture in the Church of Bermingham within his own proper Chapell of our Lady constituting the Duke of Bedford whom he there termes his honourable Lord one of his Executors and departed this life the same year as appears by the Probate thereof The Armes which this Richard bore did much differ from his Grandfathers being two Barrs nebulè betwixt six Estoiles as his Seal manifesteth which coat I believe he assumed for the allusion that it hath to his name scil the representation of Clouds to Clodshale for it was a common usage in antient time where they could hit upon any thing that sounded neer or like to the name to bear it in their Armes as by a multitude of instances might be demonstrated But dying without issue male Elizabeth his daughter became heir to this Mannour as also to that of Pebmore in Com. Wigorn. and other lands who being wedded to Robert Ardern of Park-Hall Esquire brought them to that Family wherein they continue till this present Anno scil 1640. Ward end alias Little Bromwich THis place heretofore called Little-Bromwich was at first either a member of Castle-Bromwich or of Aston which contained both But the antientest mention I finde of it is in 13 E. 1. where it appears that one Iohn de Bradewell had a suit for lands therein with Walter de Eylesbury Steward to
Esquier And to manifest that he was a person eminently qualified in 18 E. 2. he served in the Parliament then held at London as one of the Knights for this Shire having ii s. vi d. allowed him per diem for his expences during that imployment But in 1 E. 3. upon a strong suspition of Heresie suggested against him to the King a Commission to Will. de Clinton bearing date 3 Maii was forthwith issued out not only to arrest and take him but to seize on all his lands goods and Chattels of which being advertised he submitted himself to prison and brought in sureties to stand to a lawfull triall therein viz. Raph. de Crophull of Notinghamshire Walt. de Heselarton of Yorkshire Edm. de Shireford David de Caunton Rog. le Pledour and Iohn de Alspath of this County whereupon he was set at liberty and his lands and goods restored to him as by the King 's special Precept bearing date at Notingham 3 Sept. appeareth After which viz. in 5 E. 3. the said Lord Basset received his full accompt for all the time he had served and reâ—eined to him and gave him a generall Acquittance To whom succeeded Iohn who for the lands in Blaggreve which sometime belong'd to Rob. de Blaggreve his grandmothers Father obtained a Release from Sir Baldwin Frevill Knight heir â—o Marmion as to the suit due to his three weeks Court at Stipershull and all other services for that land during his own life and the life of Maud his wife saving to the said Sir Baldwin his homage and a pair of gilt spurs at the Feast of S. Edith yearly This Iohn in 30 E. 3. payd to Sir Iohn de Arden Kt. and Henry his brother Executors to Raph de Arden their father the sum of vi s. viii d. for reasonable Aid due upon the marriage of Sibill his eldest daughter in respect of the lands in Moxhull which he held of him by military service and at the same time xxxiii s. iiii d. for a Relief due to the before specified Raph for those lands and bore for his Armes three Eglets displayed gules as by his Seal and an old Glasse window in Bentley Chapell appeareth which coat or part thereof at least was assumed by Henry his Father for I have seen a Seal of his with one Eglet displaied within the compasse of a roundle and not in a Shield a course very antiently used before they put their Badges into Shields as I have observed in the Families of Beke of Eresby and Darcy the first of which bore their Crosse sarcilè so and the other their Cinquefoile Which Iohn bearing a singular reverence to the Monks of Merevale desired that his body might be there buried as may appear by certain land and Rent that he assigned to some friends in trust for the finding of divers wax Lights to burn every Sunday and Holiday in the Chapell of our Lady adjoyning to the gate of that Abby for which respect he had a special grant from Robert de Atherston Abbot of that House and his Covent under their publick Seal bearing date the Wednsday after Lammas 33 E. 3. of a certain proportion of ground within the said Chapell of our Lady containing seven foot square where he and Maud his wife at the death of each should have sepulture And that upon all great Festivall days aswell as Sundays five waxen Lights should be burning there as also that he the said Iohn and Maud should have liberty to set up Images in the same Chapell in honour of the blessed Virgin Henricus de Insula Will. de Insula 21 H. 3. Margareta Nicholaus de Insula 36 H. 3. Amieâ—a 41 H. 3. Iuliana filia haer Rob. de Blaggreve 1 E. 1. Ankitellus de Insula 22 E. 1. Christiana ux 2 obiit 33 E. 1. Philippus de Insula Rector Eccl. de Wishaw 4 E. 2. Henr. de Insula 4 E. 2. Iohanna 9 E. 2. Philippus de Insula Rector Eccl. de Cavendish 9 E. 3. Henr. de Insula 9 E. 3. Ioh. de Insula 9 E. 3. Matilda relicta 47 E. 3. Idonea 1 R. 2. Ioh. de Insula 6 H. 4. Margeria 13 H. 4. Will. de L'ile ar 29 H. 6. Iuliana filia Rob. Midlemore de Eggebaston Henricus de L'isle ob 20 H. 7. Eliz. filia Will. Morgan Iohannes L'isle obiit 29 H. 8. Anna filia haeres Will. Lecroft de Colshull 12 H. 8. Nich. L'isle obiit 32 H. 8. Anna filia Thomae Swinerton de Hilton in Com. Staff Thomas L'isle ob 23 Aug. 8 Eliz. Anna filia Georgii Masterson una sororum cohaer Thomae Ioh. L'â—sle obiit 24 Ian. 36 Eliz. Dorothea filia Georgii Willoughby filii Hugonis Wiloughby mil. Franciscus L'isle obiit infra aet 38 Eliz. Ioh. L'isle ar Brigitta filia Ioh. Knotsford de Studley Ioh. L'isle Maria filia Mathei Cradock de Caverswall-castro in Com. Staff ar Regin L'isle de quo illi de Bremor in Com. Suthâ— To which Iohn succeeded Iohn his son who in H. 5. time was retained by the Earl of Warwick amongst other of his Esquires to serve him with one Lance and one Archer at the seige of Caleis for which he was to receive xxl per an besides his diet And to him William and to William Henry who gave the Rectorie of Wilmecote with all the Tithes thereto belonging to Thomas Clapton Master of the Gild at Stratford super Avon to the intent that the Priest singing the first Masse every day in the said Gild should say De profundis before the holy Lavatorie for the good estate of him the said Henry and Elizabeth his wife and for their souls after their departure hence as also for the soules of his ancestors and successors Which Henry was Shiriff of this County and Leicestershire in the second and nineteenth years of K. H. 7. reign and by his Testament dated 13 Sept. 20 H. 7. bequeathing his body to be buried within his own proper Chapell in the Church of S. Chad at Wishaw before the Image of Henry the sixth sometime King of England departed this life about that time for the Probate of his Will beareth date the next month following Unto which Henry succeeded Iohn his son and heir who taking to wife Anne the daughter and heir of Will. Lecrofte had with der divers Houses and a great proportion of land lying in Colshill and other places Of this Iohn I find that upon the birth of Elizabeth second daughter to King H. 8. afterwards Qu. of England he received a special Letter from Qu. Anne dated at Greenwich 7 Sept. 25 H. 8. advertising him of the good speed she had in her deliverance and desiring his congratulation unto God for it as also his Prayers for the good health prosperity and continuall preservation of the said young Princesse To whom succeed Nicholas and to him Thomas who wedded
which year there was a Fine levied thereof by one Richard atte Ruyding and Elizabeth his wife to the said Nicholas and Ioane and the heirs of Nicholas with warrantie against the same Elizabeth and her heirs whereby it should seem that she was an Inheritrix To which Nich. and Ioane succeeded Margaret their daughter and heir wife to Iohn Waldeif Esquire which Iohn Waldeif had issue by her two daughters and heirs scil Alice married to Iohn Boteler and Anne to Sir Thomas Burdet of Arrow Knight Which Sir Thomas together with Sir Nicholas Burdet Knight Richard Hubaud Esquire and others in 15 H. 6. released to the said Iohn Waldeyff and the same Margaret all their right therein But it afterwards came to Burdet again though how I am not sure for certain it is that Richard Burdet of Arrow before specified was seised of it and that Sir Hugh Conway Knight who married Ioyce his widow held it in 19 H. 7. for the life of the said Ioyce as her Jointure but afterwards it descended to Anne the daughter and heir of the said Richard wife of Edward Conway Esquire which Edward died seized thereof in 38 H. 8. leaving issue Iohn 35. years of age and afterwards knighted Here hath been antiently a kind of Park and a Warren which had the reputation of a Chase in Richard Burdet's time but there is no more memoriall of the Mannour-house than a double old moate of a large extent a Coppice-wood now growing where the House stood Widenay THis is an antient Mannour though not a Village what ever it hath been formerly the first mention thereof that I find being about the beginning of H. 3. time one Philip de Cumtune then granting to William de Parles his Kinsman and his heirs Lx. acres of land here which are set out by certain metes and bounds But the quantity I conceive to be much more than we now allow for Acres for the words of the grant are per magnam mensuram de Arderne in which Deed it is written Withenhai and the Rent reserved thereupon x s. per annum in lieu of all secular sevice and demand From this William de Parles descended another William who in E. 1. time granted to Walter de Aylesbury all this his land at Wydenhay which as his Deed importeth was before past to him from Sir William Bagot So that it seems that Sir William Bagot then of Hide â—uxta Stafford was the Chief Lord thereof by whose grant to the said Walter is reserved onely one Rose yearly at the Feast of the Nativity of S. Iohn Baptist to be payd to him and his heirs for all services Which Walter in 13 E. 1. obtained a Charter of Free warren in all his demesn lands here whose posteritie seated at Edricston now called Edston in this Countie continued owners thereof as long as the male line lasted Iohn de Ailesbury in 17 H. 6. having a Patent for confirmation of the said Free warren so granted as abovesaid But by Ioane a daughter and heir of Ailesbury it came to Somervile in H. 7. time as in Edston is shewed and by the attainder of Iohn Somervile Esquire in Q. Eliz. time eschaeted to the Crown Langdon THis place takes its name from the rising ground on the South side whereof it is situate which lying in length like a ridge was called Langdone or Langdune id est the long Hill In the Conqueror's time one Almar held it of Turchill de Warwick it being then certified to contain two hides and a half valued at xx s. having Woods of one mile in length and half a mile in breadth But in H. 1. time one Chetilbernus possest it by the grant of Siward de Arden son to Turchill before mentioned which Chetilbern is written Chetelbernus homo Siwardi and sometimes Ketelbernus de Langdona being not onely a Tenant to the same Siward but his servant in the Office of Sewer This Chetilbern had a son called Robert who died as it seems without issue for the posteritie of his daughter inherited his lands and assumed the sirname of Launde or de la Laund though from what place I am not sure the Christen name of which daughter appears not but she was the wife of one Thomas fil Thurstani called also Thomas de Tamewrda 'T is like that he lived at Tamworth and was a Retainer to the Marmions there for his posteritie were owners of a place called Stretford lying near Faseley-bridg upon Watling-street near Tamworth as also this of Lea juxta Merston in this Hundred both Marmion's fee. Of these I find that in 37 H. 3. Iames de Lande had inter alia a Charter of Free warren in all his demesn lands here and past away his estate in this place to one Gilbert de Kirkeby with the advouson of the Nunnery of Henwood of his Ancestors Foundation For the said Gilb. granted the Capitall Messuage or Mannour place here with all the lands thereto belonging and services of Freeholders others together with the Patronage of that Religious House unto William de Ardene and his heirs for which he had Cxl. marks of silver reserving to the said Iames whom he calls Capitalis Dominus feodi and his heirs all such services that were of right due for the same Of which William de Arden and his Family I purpose to speak in Hampton in Arden where I shall more fully shew how much of their inheritance was disposed of to Queen Elianore by Iohn le Lou and Amice his wife one of the heirs to Richard his grandson Ketelbernus de Langdona temp H 1. Juliana Robertus ....... filia Ketelberni Thomas fil Thurstani cognom de Tameurda Thurstanus Radulfus de Landa 1 Joh. Matilda Jacobus de Landa 20 H. 3. Joh. de Landa 20 E. 1. Elianora 44 E. 3. Jacobuâ— de la Launde 41 E. 3. Sibilla uxor Rog. de Aston Robertus de la Launde Amicia uxor Ricardi filii Radulphi And though this Mannour of Langdon be not particularly mentioned therein yet do I believe that it then past to her as lying within Solihull which is there exprest for the Plea Roll of 46 E. 3. directly affirms as much And in 20 E. 1. upon that grant made by the King to the Monks of Westminster of divers Mannours situate in this and other Counties to the intent that they should solemnize the Anniversarie of the said Queen Alianore then deceased as in Knoll shall be farther manifested this of Langdon is one of the number which in 22 E. 1. was certified to be held by the Abbot of Westminster of Iohn the son and heir of Iames de la Lande rendring to him yearly five marks of silver and that the said Iohn held it of Walter de Winterton in Capite by the thirtieth part of a Knights fee. Upon the dissolution of which
to them of Mergate in 〈◊〉 Bedf. and appropriated to that Religious House In anno 1291. 19 E. 1. it was valued at ix marks and the Vicaridge at two marks but in 26 H. 8. the said Vicaridge was estimated at vii 〈◊〉 s. ii d. over and above ix s. vi d. yearly allowed for Procurations and Synodalls Patroni Vicariae Incumbentes c. Priorissa Conv S. Trin. de Bosco juxtae Merkyate Galfr. de Newnham Cap. D. Alanus de Waverton 7. Cal. Nov. 1320. Priorissa Conv S. Trin. de Bosco juxtae Merkyate Ioh. de Wylmunâ—â—cote 4. Id. Iâ—n 1325. Priorissa Conv S. Trin. de Bosco juxtae Merkyate Ioh. Martin Cap. 15. Cal. Nov. 1330. Priorissa Conv S. Trin. de Bosco juxtae Merkyate Henr. de Umbresley Cap. 4. Noâ— Oct. 1349â— Priorissa Conv S. Trin. de Bosco juxtae Merkyate D. Will. le Warde prid Id Ian. 1358. Priorissa Conv S. Trin. de Bosco juxtae Merkyate Will. atte Gâ—ange Cap. 2. Id. Martii 1362. Priorissa Conv S. Trin. de Bosco juxtae Merkyate Ioh. Spâ—nne Pbr. 19. Maii 1395. Priorissa Conv S. Trin. de Bosco juxtae Merkyate Nich. Burton 28. Ian. 14â—8 Priorissa Conv S. Trin. de Bosco juxtae Merkyate Will. Bichenhull Cap. 3. Iunii 1416. Priorissa Conv S. Trin. de Bosco juxtae Merkyate Will. Erle Pbr. 6. Aug. 1447. Priorissa Conv S. Trin. de Bosco juxtae Merkyate D. Thomas Orme 15. Sept. 1522. Priorissa Conv S. Trin. de Bosco juxtae Merkyate D. Humfr. Robyns 22. Iunii 1537. Eliz. Angl. Regina Thomas Vagham Cler. 3. Dec. 1565. Eliz. Angl. Regina Andr. Dent Cler. 10. Sept. 1582. Clem. Fisher de Pakinton miles Ioh. Keeling Cler. 31. Oct. 1605. Maria Fisher vidua Will. Hytsonne Cler. 20. Nov. 1620. Middle-Bickenhill and Hill Bickenhill THese were antiently reputed but for one Hamlet and called Little-Bikenhill being in King Iohn's time possest by Richard de Kaines which Richard gave it unto his three sisters scil Raâ—ace Ala and Margaret Will. de Kaines their other brother confirming the grant and Henry de Bickenhull releasing to them all his right therein By these sisters it was divided but a good part thereof came afterwards to the Nunns of Henwood and after the generall dissolution was past out of the Crown inter alia to Edward Aglionby of Balshall Esquire and Henry Hugford of Solihull Gentleman and their heirs by the name of a Mâ—nnour with certain lands and Rents in Hill Bickenhill all which were purchased as it seems shortly after by Iohn Fisher of Pakington Esquire for by the Inquisition taken after his death it appears that he died seized of them from whom they are descended to Sir Clement Fysher Baronet his great grandchild who now enjoys them Kington alias Kingsford part in Bickenhill and part in Solihull-Parish THis is a very antient place though now there be little signe thereof for I find that there stood a Church here in the beginning of H. 3. time the â—dvâ—uâ—on whereof was granted in 5 â—â— of that King's reign to the Nunns of Mergate in Bedfordshire by one Henry le Notte But afterwards viz. in 16 E. 2. it had the reputation for no more than a Chapell belonging to Bikenhill In 37 H. 6. it appears that the Mountforts of Colshill were Lords thereof and therefore I am of 〈◊〉 that it came to them by the daughter and 〈◊〉 of â—ecâ—e a Hampton in Arden did For in that year Sir Baldwin son and heir to Sir William Mountfort passed his estate therein unto Sir Humphrey Stafford Knight son and heir to the Duke of Buck. and others which grant was but in trust as it seems for in 7 H. 7. did Sir Simon Montfort Knight son and heir to the said Sir Baldwin demise it by the name of the Mannour of Kingsford unto Henry and Thomas his two younger sons and in 10 H. 7. died seized of it but attainted as in Colshill is shewed whereupon it eschaeting to the Crown was soon granted inter alia to Girald Earl of Kildare and Elâ—z S t Iohn his wife and to the heirs male of their two bodies lawfully begotten by which it came to Sir Iames Fitz Girald Knight son to the said Earl by that Ladie who being attainted in 28 H. 8. as in Dunchurch appeareth it resorted again to the Crown and in 7 E. 6. was with other lands granted unto Thomas Lucy of Cherlecote Esquire and his heirs which Thomas afterwards a Knight sold it unto Thomas Dabridgment Esquire of whom in Langdon I have made mention Waver's Merston OF this place there is no mention at all in the Conqueror's Survey so that I presume it was then involved with Bikenhill because it afterwards appeareth to be of Arden's Fee From one of which Familie I am of opinion that Anketill de Crafte was first enfeoft thereof about King Stephen or H. 2. time for cleer it is that the same Anketil possest it and had his residence here From whom it descended to Roger de Crafte his nephew scil son of Roger his brother which Roger about the beginning of King Ric. 1. time sold it unto William de Waver son of Robert de Waver his kinsman for XL. li. of silver to be held of him the said Roger and his heirs by the sixth part of a Knights Fee whereupon for distinction from the many other Merstons in this Countie it came to be called Waver's-Merston whose grandchild William in 41 H. 3. obtained a Charter of Free warren in all his demesn lands here But taking part with the rebellious Barons in 49 H. 3. for which his lands were seized and this Mannour given to Roger de Someri Lord of Dudley upon his Composition according to the Diclum de Kenilworth he was necessitated to sell it 〈◊〉 to the said Roger for CC. marks of silver Howbeit afterwards either he or his son Robert redeem'd it again for in 35 E. 1 the same Robert entailed it at his son's marriage together with Th'ester-waver and other lands as in my discourse of that place hath been already said In whose â—ine it continued till 6 H. 6. that Iohn Waver of Th'ester-waver Esquire past it unto Iohn Catesby of Lapworth from whom it came to Iohn Catesby oâ— Stowell grandchild to the said Iohn who in 16 E. 4. obtained a Release from Henry Waver of Th'ester-waver Esquire of all his right and title thereto and afterwards though by what direct steps I have not seen unto the descendants of Thomas Catesby a younger son of Sir Will. Catesby Knight whose Pedegree is in Lapworth to be seen one of which viz. Iohn about the beginning of King Iâ—mes his time sold it unto Henry Mayne of Bovington in Hartfordshire in reversion after his own decease by which
after his Father's death as my authoritie saith he then made a new grant of the premisses to the same Lord Clinton during the minority of the heir then his Ward whereupon the said Lord Clinton in consideration of Lxx li. sterling made an assignation of the said Custodie c. unto Iohn Hales Gentleman at that time Clerk of the Hamper and a very active man in the world as in Coventre I have shewed To the posterity of which Sir Will. Compton it continued till that Will. Lord Compton his great grandchild by his Deed bearing date 3. Febr. 39 Eliz. sold it unto Sir Thomas Egerton Kt. then Lord Keeper of the great Seal from whom Thomas Dilke Esquire afterwards Knight purchased it scil 21. Iunii 41 Eliz. whose grandson William now enjoys it The Church dedicated to S. Michael was in anno 1291. 19 E. 1. valued at viii marks In 5 E. 3. Sir William de Clinton Knight purposing to found a Chantrie therein obtained License to bestow the advouson thereof inter alia upon the same with Lands and Rents to the value of xx li. per annum In pursuance whereof he gave to Iohn Lynie Priest Warden of the said Chantrie and his successors a certain piece of land lying then betwixt the road-way leading from Filongley towards Colshill on the one side and the Church-yard of Maxstoke on the other and extending in length from the Lord of Maxstoke's Quarrie to the Pale of his Park together with the advouson of the Church as by his Charter bearing date at Maxstoke on the Feast day of the Annunciation of our Lady 6 E. 3. appeareth And moreover by the same Charter granted unto the said Warden and his successors 8. Messuages six yard land lying in Long-Ichinton as also the Bodies of viii Natives dwelling there with all their Chattells and Off-spring And besides this xx s. yearly Rent payable by one William Snede and Iohn his son out of a Messuage lying in Long-Ichinton aforesaid with the reversion of the same Messuage and one yard land after their deceases and lastly 4. Acres of land lying in the said town of Ichinton together with the advouson of the Church Which endowment being so made he forthwith by the consent of Roger de Northburgh at that time Bishop of this Dioces Iohn Lynie the then Parson whom he constituted Warden as abovesaid Sir Iohn de Clinton Lord of Maxstoke his brother and Parishioner there as also all the other Parishioners of Maxstoke ordained that the said five Priests should thenceforth celebrate divine Servâ—ce daily in the same Church where the Bodies of his Ancestors lay interred for the good estate of him the said Sir William de Clinton Iulian his wife Sir Iohn de Clinton his brother Alice his wife and for the souls of Sir Iohn de Clinton his Father the Lady Ida his Mother as also for the good estate of Edward the third then Kâ—ng of England Laurence de Hastings and for aâ—l the Lords Hastings in time to come And moreover of the said Roger then Bishop of Coventre and Lichfield Henry Prior of Coventre and â—heir succâ—ssors and for the souls of all the Kâ—ngs oâ— England Lords Hastings Bishops of Coventre â—nd Lichfield Priors of Coventre Brethren and sisters Parents and benefactors and all the faithâ—uâ—l deceased Appointing that the said Warden and his successors as aâ—so the Subwarden and his should be always Priests in Orders admitted and instituted by the Bishop or Coventre and Lichfield for the time being and after the decease of him the said Sir William always presented by the said Sâ—r Iohn de Clinton his brother and his heirs having a House convenient for themselves and the other three adjoyning to the Churchyard of Maxstoke afâ—resaid there to inhabâ—te and lodge together And that the said Warden and his succâ—ssâ—rs shâ—uld pâ—â—vâ—de from time to timeâ— Bâ—â—â—ks Vâ—â—â—ments Lâ—ghts as also two Clerks fâ—r the use of himself 〈◊〉 Sub-warden and the other Priests aswell in the Church as in the Houseâ— viz. their Hall and Chamberâ— nâ—ght and day And mâ—reover that he and his said Sub-warden and thâ— othâ—r Priestsâ— shâ—â—â—d wear white Surpliceâ— with black Copes and Sâ—â—les after the manner of the Vicars-Chorall in the Caâ—hedrall of Lichfield whil'st they were about divine Service both in the Church and Quire And that the charge of the Books and Ornaments shâ—uld belong to the Sub-warden whose Office was to direct câ—ncerning the celebration of Masses viz. of whâ—m what howers and in what order by himself and the other Priests they were to be performed And that Bread Wine Water and Lights should be ready for the said Masses and divine exercises but at the charge of the Warden to be provided And further that aswell the Warden when he could fitly be at leisure and Sub-warden as all the Priests except some great occasion did hinder every day after dinner and before Vâ—â—pers should together in the said Church sing the full Office of the Dead viz. Placebo and Dâ—riâ—e except on double Fâ—â—tivalls and the time of Easter in whâ—ch theâ— ought to observe the custome of the Church of Salisbury in saâ—â—ing the said Office Aâ— also 〈…〉 and Canonicall howers with Note â— in the Qâ—â—re of the Church aforesaid admitting the Chaplains and Clerks of the same Church to sing with them if they pleased And likewise that after the Compline they should say the Commenâ—â—â—tion of the Dead â— in â—he said Quire according â—o the course above described And every Holy day in the Quire together the seven Penitentiall Psalmes and the â—v â—radualls with the Letanie and accustomed Prayers unless there were cause exprest by the Warden that they should say them out of the Quâ—re And that both the Warden and Sub-warden all the other Priests should every day celebrate their particular Masses in the said Church or Quire according to appointment except there were a lawfull impediment so that upon every Sunday the Masse of the B. Virgin should be celebrated with Note and the Mass of the day in such sort as was fit And upon every Munday one of them whom the Sub-warden should appoint to celebrate the said Mass of our Lady by Note with the Office for the Dead for the souls of the persons before recited and all the faithfull deceased And after the death of the said Sir William de Clinton and Sir Iohn his brother for their souls also And that another of the said Priests should celebrate the same day the high Mass of S. Michaell th'arch Angell Patron of that Church and of all the holy Angells with Note and the rest throughout the week thus Upon every Tuesday the Mass of S. Thomas sometime Archbishop of Canterbury by Note besides the high Mass of the day by Note also On Wednsday the first Mass of our blessed Ladie by Note and the high Mass of the said day with Note as also a memoriall of S. Katherine the Virgin On
hem in like caas and as they wol answere before the most hygh and mightifull Iuge at the dredfull day of Dome where both they and I shall appere In witnes that this ys my last Will I have set hereto my Sele ywritten in the day and yere aforeseyd I now return to Richard son and heir to the before specified Sir William This Richard was created Earl of Worcester in 8 H. 5. but slain in France within two years after leaving one onely daughter his heir scil Elizabeth married to Sir Edw. Nevill Kt. a younger son to Raph Earl of Westmerland first summoned to Parliament in 29 H. 6. by the name of Edw. Nevill de Bergavenny chivalier From whom is descended as the Pedegree sheweth Iohn Nevill Lord Bergavenny now Lord of this Mannour The Church dedicated to our Lady and All Saints was in an 1291. 19 E. 1. valued at xvi marks the advouson whereof in 19 E. 3. being purchased from Laurence de Hastings Earl of Pembroke by Will. de Clinton Earl of Huntendon was by him given to the Canons of Marstoke the same year whereupon they soon obtained an appropriation thereof And in 26 H. 8. the Vicaridge was rated at viii l. ix s. ix d. over and above x s. allowed for Procurations and Synodals But all that I have farther found relating to this Church is that in H. 3. time viii s. per an was assigned by one Nich. Burbache Clerk out of certain lands lying in this Parish for the maintenance of a Lampe burning in the body thereof to the honour of the blessed Virgin the said anâ—uitie having been appointed to be so disposed of by Sir Thomas de Hastings who for the souls of his Ancestors gave to the same Nicholas those lands out of which it was so charged and upon that condition Patroni Ecclesiae Incumbentes c. D. Henr. de Hastings Thom. de Burbache Cler. an 1248. D. Ioh. de Hastings miles Conradus de Howeschill de Alemania Cler. Cal. Nov. 1305 Patroni Vicariae Prior Conv. de Maxstoke Adam de Overton Cap. 2. Non. Sept. 1345. Prior Conv. de Maxstoke Hen. de Corley Cap. 2. Non. Ian. 1345. Prior Conv. de Maxstoke Will. Prelate Cap. Id. Apr. 1351. Prior Conv. de Maxstoke Ioh. de Aldestre 2 Cal. Nov. 1351. Prior Conv. de Maxstoke Rog. de Aston Cap. 2. Non. Maii 1353. Prior Conv. de Maxstoke Galfr de Fitz Cap. 4. Cal. Aug. 1353. Prior Conv. de Maxstoke Ric. Rymyll Pbr. 2 Dec. 1383. Prior Conv. de Maxstoke Rob. Bascote Pbr. 8. Cal. Dec. 1386. Prior Conv. de Maxstoke Ioh. de Shenyndon Pbr. 11 Feb. 1394. Prior Conv. de Maxstoke Rog. Wylkins Pbr. 26. Feb. 1394. Prior Conv. de Maxstoke Ioh. Heward Cap. 25. Febr. 1399. Prior Conv. de Maxstoke D. Will. Eyre Pbr. 26. Maii 1422. Prior Conv. de Maxstoke Ioh. â—owper Pbr. 5. Oct. 1434. Prior Conv. de Maxstoke Ioh. Brackley Pbr. 4. Aug. 1435. Prior Conv. de Maxstoke Ioh. Bounde Pbr. 6. Maii 1437. Prior Conv. de Maxstoke Will. Esteby Pbr. 4. Nov. 1438. Prior Conv. de Maxstoke Ric. Littleton Cap. 24. Feb. 1450. Prior Conv. de Maxstoke Tho. Haddeley Canon de Lilshull 7. Febr. 1452. Prior Conv. de Maxstoke Mr. Thom. Palmer in Leg. Bac. 17. Apr. 1529. Prior Conv. de Maxstoke D. Ioh. Nicholson Pbr. 5. Apr. 1531. Georgius Coldwell gen ex coness Pr. C. de Maxstoke D. Thurstanus Morrey Cler. ult Dec. 1556. Nich. Strange ar Thom. Graunger 2. Martii 1581. Iac. Rex Christoph. Forde Cler. 24. Sept. 1608. Old Fillongley OF this place I have but little to say In 13 Edw. 1. the Prior of Coventre claymed a Court Leet and divers other Priviledges here by vertue of King H. 3. Charter which were allowed and in 20 Edw. 3. was certified to hold it of the Lord Hastings by the eighth part of a Knight's Fee this being as he was superior Lord thereof Nor from hence till Hen. 7. time have I seen any more thereof by the light of our publique Records but in 14. of that King's reign Thomas Froxmere Esquire was found to die seized of it leaving Francis his son and heir xiv years of age Which Family of the Froxmeres had it by a daughter and heir of Fillongley if we may credit some mens Notes of which name there were that long since resided at this place as by tradition I have heard whereof I am the more credulous in regard it appears that William de Fillongley had imployment as a Commissioner in some publique affaires of the County in 51 Edw. 3. and 2 Ric. 2. and that Henry de Fillongley Esquire Sergeant of the Scullerie to King H. 4. was one of the Knights for this Shire in the Parliament of 31 H. 6. as also Shiriff of this Countie and Leicestershire in 37. of the said King's reign Metley THis part of Fillongly now called Metley-end lyeth westward from the Church neer two miles but the most antient mention I find of it is in 6 E. 2. Nicholas de Burbache then holding halâ— a Knight's Fee here of the heirs of Henry de Hastings In which line of Burbache it continued till 3 E. 6. that Richard Burbache sold it to Edw. Pâ—e of Maxstoke-Hall Esquire by the name of the Mannour of Metley Ansley BOurne passing on about a mile below Fillongley-Church is enlarged with another torrent that riseth in Ansley of which place I am next to take notice In Edw. the Confessor's time the Countess Godeva of whom I have spoke in Coventre enjoy'd it but after the Norman Invasion being in the King's hands it was together with Coventre and the other lands which belong'd to that Countess ferm'd out to one Nicholas and in the generall Survey then taken where it is written Hanslei is joyned with Hartshill there also recorded by the name of Ardreshille both which were valued at C s. as also from H. 1. time for many ages afterwards possest jointly by a Family of good note whose cheif seat being at Hartshill assumed that place for their sirname But by a daughter and heir of Hardreshull came at length to Culpeper as the Descent in Hartshill doth shew Which Family of Culpeper having their principall seat at Bedgebury in Kent for the most part made little residence in this Country so that in process of time they sold away all their interest here Sir Alexander Culpeper Knight first passing in Fee-ferm unto Iohn Ludford Gentilman his Receiver and Officer for this Mannour and Hartshill much of the demesns in 20 H. 7. And afterwards Iohn Culpeper a younger son to the said Sir Alexander on whom it seems this was setled all the rest together with the Mannour
Deed bearing date at Tamworth in 44 E. 3. past away the same unto Sir Baldwin Frevill Knight and his heirs reserving only an estate for life By which means upon partition made in 31 H. 6. betwixt the three sisters and heirs to the said Sir Baldwin it was allotted to Thomas Ferrers at that time Tenant by the Curtesie of England to all the lands which were of the inheritance of Eliz. his wife deceased eldest of the said three sisters In whose line it continued till Sir Iohn Ferrers Knight about the beginning of King Charles his reign sold it to Charles Adderley Esquiâ—e afterwards an Equerie to the said King and by him Knighted who now enjoys it The Church dedicated to S. Iohn Baptist was antiently given to the Nuns of Mergate in Com. Beaf by one of the De la Launds as I guess But it seems that the title which those Nuns had was not very firme for in 26 H. 3. Iames de la Launde recovered the right of Presentation thereto Howbeit afterwards they grew to Composition with him and gave him 57. marks of silver to quit his claim to it which he did in 36 H. 3. whereupon it became appropriated to them but no Vicar endowed so that the Curate there was provided by those Nunns as a Supendiarie to them Merston juxta Lea and Coton THis place having its name from the flat moorish ground bordering upon it was possest by Turchil de Warwick in the Conqueror's time and then rated at three hides valued at xxx s. which were at that time held of him by one Roger But it was not long I presume ere it came to the Marmions of Tamworth-Castle for in 20 H. 3. Robert Marmion answered for half a Knight's Fee in respect thereof at which time it had the name of Merston-Marmion for distinction from the other Merstons in this Hundred but whether Marmion were any other than superior Lord of the Fee at that time I make a question the Limsies of Maxstoke holding it immediately of them for it appears that in 5 E. 1. Raph de Limesie and Ioane his wife gave to a Chantrie-Priest celebrating Divine Service at Solihull five marks of yearly Rent issuing out of certain lands lying here and in Cotes now called Coton and that the Family of Odingsels who were antiently Lords of Maxstoke by the marriage of Limesie's heir possest it there being xiv Freeholders here and in Cotes which held their Tenements of William de Odingsells in 23 E. 1. paying xxxvi s. viii d. per ann Rent But from Odingsells by an heir female it came to Clinton â— together with Maxstoke and with it being past in Exchange from Sir Iohn Clinton to Humphrey Earl Stafford in 16 H. 6. as the authorities which I have voucht in Maxstoke will manifest hath been reputed as it is a member of that Lordship and so continueth to this day Midleton OF this place there is mention made twice in the Conqueror's Survey first under the title of the lands then belonging to Hugh de Grentemaisnell where it is rated for four hides having a Church as also a Mill esteemed at xx s. which with the rest were all valued at vi li. having been the inheritance of one Pallinus in Edward the Confessor's dayes And next under the title of the lands belonging to Adeliz the wife of the said Hugh where the quantity and value in the grosse summe do not differ but there it is said to have been the freehold of one Turgot before the Norman Invasion After which ere long it was disposed of to one of the Marmions as I guess together with Tamworth-Castle and if we may believe the antient Windows of that Church and some other authorities by the Conqueror himself as in Tamworth I shall more fully shew Neither is it unlikely for by an accompt of the Templars revenues taken in 31 H. 2. it appears that they were then possest of certain lands here that had been bestowed on them by Geffrey Marmion In which Family of Marmion it continued whilst the male line lasted Philip Marmion in 13 E. 1. claiming by Prescription a Court Leet and Gallows here which were allowed as also Free warren within his demesn lands of this place But to this the Jury answered that the Earls of Warwick had free Chase within the same taking forfaitures for all offences done therein and that the said Philip had no Warren except by grant from Ela Countess of Warwick onely for terme of her life whereupon he was a merced for his undue chalenge But this Philip Marmion dying without issue male his lands came to be divided betwixt severall coheirs as the Descent in Tamworth sheweth Of which Alexander Frevill and Ioane his wife Raphe Boteler the elder with Maud his wife and Henry Hillary and Ioane his wife had their particular shares in this Mannour till at the length by purchase Hillarie's part became united to that which Frevill had whereupon Sir Baldwin Frevill Knight procured from Richard Scroope Bishop of Coventre and Lichfield about the 14 th of R. 2. License to have an Oratorie or private Chapell within his Mannour-house here Of the accession of Boteler's part I have not seen any thing but do conclude that it was before the partition made in 31 H. 6. betwixt the Sisters and heirs to the last Sir Baldwin Frevill for thereby it appeareth that Margaret the youngest of them had inter alia this Mannour of Midleton wholy as parcell of her purpart she being then wife to Richard Bingham one of the Justices of the King's Bench and afterwards a Knight Which Sir Richard resided here till he died scil in 15 E. 4. being ioyn'd in all Commissions of the Peace and other matters of importance with the superior Gentlemen of this Countie After whose death she continued a widow even to a very great age as by her Presentation to the Church of Preston-Bagot in 20 H. 7. appears To whom succeeded in the inheritance of this Lordship Sir Henry Willoughby Knight her grandson by Sir Hugh Willoughby of Wollaton in Com. Nott. Knight her first husband as the Pedegree here inserted sheweth Hugo Willoughby de Wollaton in Com. Nott. miles 10 H. 6. Margareta una soror cohaer Baldw. Frevill mil. Ric. Bingham miles unus Justic D. Regis ad plac coram Rege 31 H. 6. Robertus Willoughby Henr. Willoughby miles de S. Sepulchro obiit 20 H. 8. Dorothea ux Anth. Fitz Herbert unius Justic. de Banco 20 H. 8. Ioh. Willoughby miles ob sine prole Edw. Willoughby miles Henr. Willoughby nepos haeres Ioh. Willoughby mil. Anna filia Thomae March Dors. Thomas Willoughby obiit sine prole Franciscus Willoughby miles obiit 37 Eliz. Eliz. filia Ioh. Litleton de Frankley mil. Brigida ux Percev Willoughby eq aur Dorothea ux Henr. Hastings Margar. ux Rob. Spenser de Althorpe
mention in Fillongley was enfeoâ—t and that from him Walkâ—line who assumed it for his sirname in respect of his residence here originally had it For though we have little light to discover the passages of these elder times the grant of lands being then not frequently by Charter as I have elsewhere observed yet from what is manifested by divers Records in reference to the tenure no less than what I have sayd may cleerly be inferred The male descendants of which VValkeline till E. 3. time continued Lords thereof but then by heirs Female other Families enjoy'd it as I shall forthwith shew But of this VValkeline de Mancestre I have seen no more than that he was witness to a Charter by which Rob. Marmion gave to the Nuns of Polesworth the Church of Quinton in com Glouc. about the beginning of K. H. 2. time and that he confirmed Oldbury to the said Nuns of Polesworth which VValter de Hastings originally gave to them To which Nuns was Hugh de Mancestre grandchild to the said VValkeline also a Benefactor by granting unto them some speciall favours concerning their Mill at Oldburie To whom succeeded Hugh his son and heir who in 29.30.31 and 32 H. 3. was one of the Justices for the Gaol-deliverie at Warwick and in 36 H. 3. obtained a speciall Charter of Free-Warren in all his demesn lands here for which he gave xi marks At which time he was one of the Coroners for this Countie and the next year after being made Eschaetor Walkelinus de Mancestre temp Regis Steph. Walt. de Mancestre 7 R. 1. Hugo de Mancestre 7 H. 3. Emma secundò nupta Gilb. de Croc. Hugo de Mancestre obiit 37 H. 3. Siâ— dâ— Mancestre 34 H. 3. Sim. de Mancestre miles 6 E. 2. Henr. de Mancestre 17 E. 1. Walt. de Mancestre 40 H. 3. Erneburga postea ux Joh. de Grendon Joh. de Mancestre miles 13 E. 1. Guido de Mancestre miles 14 E. 2. Cecilia 14 E. 2. Edm. de Mancestre miles obiit s. prole Margareta Roisia ux Leonardi Worthin 20 R. 2. Iohanna ux ..... Brokshole Galfr. Brokushole miles 20 R. 2. Johanna ux Thom. Aspal 8 H. 5. Margeria ux Ioh. Sumpter 8 H. 5. Lucia ux Petri Prilley Hugo Prilley ob s. prole Will. Prilley frater haeres 48. E. 3. departed this life leaving issue Walter and Simon which Simon setled himself within the Lordship of Tanworth where a certain large moated place though the buildings be gone beareth yet the name of his habitation and had issue Sir Simon de Mancestre Kt. who in 6 E. 2. was one of the Knights for this Countie in the Parl. then held at Westminster and gave for distinction in his Armes from those of the elder House three Lions upon the Bend. Of which Walter I find little memorable But to him â—ucceeded Sir Iohn de Mancestre Kt. who in 13 E. 1. covenanted to discharge the Nuns of Polesworth from any Scutage in respect of their lands situate here in Manceter and Oldburie and about that time claimed a Court Leet by Prescription within this Mannour as also Free-warren by virtue of K. Henrye's grant made to Hugh his grandfather both which were allowed In 16 E. 1. he was with the King's Armie in that Welch expedition under the conduct of Edmund Earl of Cornwall bearing for his Armes varrè Arg. and Sable with a Bend gules and left issue Sir Guy de Mancestre Kt. and he Sir Edmund who altered his Armes engrailing the Bend but dying without issue left the inheritance of this Lordship to the Children of his three sisters by which means it came to be divided and scattered For having issue Rose the eldest wife of Leonard VVorthyn from whom descended Sir Thomas Holt of Gristeburge in Com. Lanc. Kt. the said Sir Thomas sold his third part to one Robert Greene of Atherston of which Robert it was purchased by Thomas Ludford of Ansley Gent. whose posteritie enjoy it as I think at this day To Geffrey Brokâ—shole son of Geffrey who wedded the second succeeded Ioane the wife of Thomas Aspall and Margerie the wife of Iohn Sumpter as daughters and heirs whose third part came ere long to VVill. Harper Nich. Rouley both of this place and Thomas Arblastâ—r of Longdon in Com. Staff Esq. for in 10 H. 6. they were joyntly possest of it but made partition thereof as it seems for Thomas Harper the last of that name that had to do here sold his share to Iohn Glover of Baxterley in whose liâ—e it still continues the Mannour house being part of it But Rouley's and Arblaster's came to Thomas Lewes Gent. in Edw. 6. time of whose great-grandchild George did VVill. Cumberford of Cumberford in Com. Staff Esq. of late time purchase it And Prilley's by Aâ—â—e the daughter and heir of Edm. Prilley in H. 6. time to .... VVaver in marriage whose grandson Ric. VVaver in 7 H. 7. sold it to Ric. Cave of Stanford in Com. Nâ—rthampt Which Richard by his Deed bearing date 20 Iulii 9 H. 8. past it with certain lands in Dorstell Kingsburie and Nun-Eaton in this Countie as also in Swinford and Forton in Com. Leic. unto VVill. Filding of Newnham Esq. in exchange for divers lands is Stormysworth in the said Countie of Leic. Of whose great grandchild viz. Basill Filding Esq. did Alice Lady Dudley wife to Sir Robert Dudley Kt. about the twentith year of K. Iames his reign purchase it causing conveiance to be made thereof to the said King and to be enrolled in the Chancerie to the intent that his Majâ—stie should regrant the same to the then Incumbents of Manceter Leke-Wootton Ashow Kenilworth Monkskirby and Stonley for the augmentation of those small Vicaridges xx l. per an a piece which was accordingly done with proviso that the Patentees and their successors should preach one Sermon every Sunday throughout the year and upon every Whitsunday a speciall Sermon in commemoration of the said Ladie Dudley and Aleezia her daughter then deceased who by her last Will and Testament bequâ—athed most of her estate unto her said Mother to be imployed to such uses as she should think fit To each of which Churches this pious Ladie also gave a fair proportion of plate to be used at the Communion The Church was in an 1291. 19 E. 1. valued at xxii marks the advouson whereof in 28 H. 6. did the Monks of Merevale purchase from the then Lords of this Mannour sc. Thomas Arblaster the elder and Alice his wife Anne the widow of Thomas Porter Rob. Armeburgh Esq. Reginald Armâ—burgh Clem. Draper Ioan the Widow of VVill. Harper and Raphe Holt and Elene his wife whereupon the Appropriation of it soon ensued by VVill. Booth then Bishop of Cov. and Lich. the
of an authentick Writer that St. Benedict first prescribed that Rule Benedictus cum sorore Scholasticâ primus Regularem vitam certis Legibus ordinibus cum hactenus seorsim liberè Christo inservissent inchoavit which Rule came in time to have that venerable esteem that as Baronius tells us In Liptinensi Concilio in Cameracensi Galliae agro sancitum est ut Monachi ac Nonnae juxta Regulam S. Benedicti Coenobia sua ordinarent The first Monasterie of Nuns which we had here in England was that of Berking in Essex founded by Erkenwald Bishop of London about the year of Christ DCLXVI long before the reception of St. Benet's Rule in this Nation I now come to this of Polesworth and in the first place shall take notice upon what occasion it was founded and then go on to shew the endowment thereof with lands c. King Egbert having one onely son called Arnulph who was a Leper and hearing by a Bishop which came from Ireland that the then King of Connaught had a Nun to his daughter called Modwen that healed all diseased people repairing to her sent his said son at the perswasion of that Bishop into Ireland where he was accordingly cured by the same holy Woman which great favour so pleased King Egbert that he forthwith invited St. Modwen to come into England promising that he would â—ound a Monasterie for her and her Covent Of which tender she soon after accepted forasmuch as the Religious House wherein she resided was by Wars betwixt those petty Kings of Ireland burnt and wasted and brought over with her two of her fellow Nuns Whereupon the King having a great opinion of her sanctitie recommended his daughter Edith unto her to be instructed in Religion after the Rule of St. Benet giving her a dwelling place in the Forest of Ardeâ—â—e then called Trensale where the said Edith together with St. Lyne and St. Osithe lived together in a holy manner and soon after founded a Monasterie for them on the bank of the River Anker at this place called Pollysworth the first syllable Pol importing a deepness of Water and the other scil Worth a dwelling or habitation constituting the said Edith Abbess thereof Ordinis Benedictini monialis I shall not take upon me to censure the truth of this Storie as to the substance of it but in circumstance perhaps there may be some mistakes therein for by an Author who more compendiously speaks thereof it is referr'd to King Ethelwolph son to K. Egbert whose son Alured languishing of a desperate infirmitie was thus cured by S. Modwene whereupon he gave unto her lands in this Realm for the founding of two Monasteries of Nunns one here in Arden at Polesworth wherein as he saith Osithe and Athea two holy Virgins and S. Edith sister to the said King Ethelwolph dwelt and the other at Streneshale But of their going to Oldbury and bringing back hither I shall not make any question though the appartion of S. Edith with her Crosier may be doubted forasmuch as the words of Robert Marmion's Charter and Milisent his wife do import no lesse which I have here transcribed Notum siâ— omnibus me concessisse Osannae Priorissae ad religionem instaurandam Sanctimonialium ibi Ecclesiam S. Edithae de Pollesworda cum pertinentiis it a quod Conventus de Aldeberia ibi sit manens Hence it is as I guess that this Robert Marmion and his wife are by the learned Leland accounted to have been Founders thereof in which repute I shall leave them forasmuch as it also appears that they gave the town of Polesworth totally thereto with their whole demesnes in Waverton all which were confirmed by King Stephen I shall now descend to such other Benefactors as these Nuns had the next and chiefest whereof was Walter de Hastings who gave Oldbury unto them it being a Cell to this Monasterie as I have already observed After which they had by Robert Marmion son to the before-specified Robert and Milisent the Church of Queinton in Gloucestershire which in 12 R. 2. they procured to be appropriate to them As also the Mill at Kingsburie â— called Hemlingford-Mill with certain Meadow-ground and other lands by Robert Fitz-Walter and Amabill his wife one of the coheirs unto Osbert de Arden and moreover a Mill at Hurley given by Alice sister to the said Amabil then wife of Simon de Harecurt both which were confirmed by Raphe de Bracebrigge afterwards Lord of that Mannour In Draiton in Com. Leic. they had a good proportion of land given by Picot Archer in H. 2. time and confirmed by Robert then Earl of Leicester with a farther augmentation by William de Trumpinton In Burdingburie in this Countie certain lands by Edelina sister to Robert Boteler of Ingleby for the souls health of Walter de Somervile her husband The Church of Barwell in Leicestershire by Erneburga the mother of William de Hastings the Church of Ansley in this Countie by William the son of Robert de Hardreshull Certain lands in Bromcote by William Fitz-Walkeline of Bromcote which were confirm'd by Robert his son and heir in consideration that these Nuns allowed him to have a Chantrie in his Chapell at Bromcote Whereunto Robert de Grendon in 32 E. 1. added a yard-land and certain Messuages lying in the same Village All those lands called Coppenhull neer Shuttenton given by William Burdet which Hugh his son confirmed temp H. 2. A yard land in Sirescote by Roger the son of Walter de Sumervile Certain lands in Snarkeston Com. Leic. which William de Appilby gave together with his body to sepulture in this Monasterie which were confirmed by Will. de Charnells and Clementia his wife The Mill of Freseley and a proportion of land there by Robert de Kaily with addition of more by Sir Iordan de Whitacre Knight and Will. Savage which William gave also certain lands in Dodenhale as also all the ground he had in Povele-Wood where the Chapell above S. Edith's Well was built In Bromcote they had an yearly Rent of xx s. given to them by Eustace de Mortein for the health of his soul and the soul of Hillaria his wife upon condition that if they did enjoy those lands in Shotswell whereof he made them a grant that then they should not challenge this Annuitie From Raphe Lord Basset of Draiton they had an annuall Rent of a mark of silver for the enlarging of their Diet upon the day of S. Iohn Baptist's Nativity in honour of that Festivall In Norton now Hoggs-Norton a Carucate of land given by Robert de Gresele and a yard-land by Geffrey de Greseley with certain Rents as also the Homage and services of sundry persons and in Harlaston the Rent of v s. yearly given by William de Vernun for the maintenance of a Lampe to
it was purchased by William Comberford of Tamworth Esquire and Anne his wife 2. Oct. 13. Iac. and is now possessed by Will son to the said William and Anne Glascote THe name of this place I take to be Brittish Glascoit in that language signifying Sylva viridis but of it I have not seen any thing till about the beginning of King H. 2. time that Will. the son of Hugh de Hatton confirmed to the Nunns of Polesworth all those lands lying here which William le Franceis had given them By which confirmation it appears that they were of the inheritance of Maud wife to the said William de Hatton But the next possessor hereof was Raphe Fitz-Raph Lord also of Nether-Whitacre where his seat was Which Raph in 6 Ioh. purchased some lands here of Hugh de Culi From whom descended Giles Fitz-Raph as the Descent in Nether-Whitacre sheweth whose daughter and heir called Isabell brought it to Robert son of Philip Marmion in marriage From which time it past along with Nether-Whitacre before specified as the Records there cited do manifest till after the beginning of Edw. 3. time After which till H. 6. time I finde no mention of any more than six Messuages and one yard-land here belonging to Sir Iohn de Clinton of Maxstoke Knight which are said to be parcell of the Mannour of Piricroft but upon the Death of Sir William Clinton in 10 H. 6. it appears that he was seized of the moitie of a Mannour here Whether his descendants purchased in the residue afterwards or whether there be any other member of a Mannour here saving a fourth part which the Lord Ferrers had together with Nether-Whitacre as may seem by some authorities I cannot say but sure it is that in 29 H. 8. Edw. Lord Clinton lineall heir to the before specified Sir Will. sold it together with Bole-Hall by the name of a Mannour or certain Messuages unto Iames Leveson Merchant of the Staple all which came to Sir Walter Aston Knight in marriage with Elizabeth daughter to the said Iames and since to William Cumberford Esquire in such sort as Bole-Hall did Stretford juxta Tamworth THis is now a depopulated place and had its name originally from the situation thereof upon that great Roman way called Watling-street where it thwarts the River towards Faseley But the first mention that I have seen of it is in 37 H. 3. at which time Iames de la Lande was possest of it and had Free-warren granted to him in all his demesn lands thereof There is no doubt but that it was at first a member of Tamworth and granted by one of the Marmions to the Ancestor of this Iames whose sirname was Tamworth as the Descent in Langdon sheweth In the line of which De la Laundes it continued till 19 E. 3. but shortly after came to the Frevills Lords of Tamworth-Castle for I find that Sir Baldwin Frevill the elder Knight made a Feoffment in trust thereof inter alia unto Sir William de Beauchamp Knight and others and that upon the Partition made betwixt the heirs of Frevill in 31 H. 6. whereof in Tamworth I have spoke it was allotted to Ferrers in which Familie together with Tamworth-Castle it continueth to this day Wilnicote IN Edward the Confessor's days this was the Freehold of one Levenot but after the Conquest it being given unto the Earl of Mellent with a multitude of other Lordships in this Shire by the generall Survey soon after made was certified to contain three hides the Woods extending to one mile in length and half a mile in breadth all which together with the rest were then rated at xxx s. whereof v s. was accounted for an Iron-work here at that time In that Record it is written Wilmundecote whereby it may seem that the name originally sprung from some one that possest it in the Saxons time Howbeit till 6 Ioh. I have not seen any more thereof but then it appears that Robert de Valle of which Family I have spoke in Ludinton was in suit for six yard land here whereof Robert his Father had been wrongfully dispossest by William de Longcamp Bishop of Ely and Chancelour to King Richard the first But from the Earl of Mellent part hereof came as the most of those lands which he had in this Countie did unto the old Earls of Warwick and so to Marmion for it is manifest that Will. de Ludinton held part of a Knight's Fee here of Albreda Marmion which divolved to William de Camvile then Lord of Sekindon in this Hundred being held of those Earls But of another part which afterwards had the reputation of a Mannour were the posteritie of the before specified Robert de Vale seized as by an Autograph that I have seen bearing date in 28 E. 1. is evident and so continued till that Sir Robert de Vale Knight in 18 E. 2. sold away the inheritance thereof in reversion after his Father's death unto Roger de Culi son to Sir Hugh de Culi Knight Which Roger was certified to hold it of Henry Duke of Lancaster unto whom a great part of the Honour of Leicester heretofore belonging to the said Earl of Mellent came by the fourth part of a Knight's Fee When it past from these Culies I have not seen but plain it is that Sir Raph Bracebrigge of Kingsbury Knight died seized thereof in 14 H. 6. From whom it descended to Iane and Margerie daughters of William Bracebrigge as the Descent in Kingsburie sheweth and heirs to Michaell their brother which Iane was the wife of Leonell Skipwith of Calthorpe in Com. Linc. and Margerie of Waldeiffe Willington of Hurley in this Countie Gent. who in 8. Eliz. kept Court here in right of their said wives and after that Thomas Willington son and heir to the said Margerie in 43 Eliz. to whose posteritie this Mannour still doth continue Beside this Mannour last spoke of there is yet another here in Wilnicote whereof Sir William Brabazon Knight now Earl of East-Methe in Ireland is owner This I take to be it which Roger Brabazon purchased partly of Adam de Wellesbergh and Maud his wife in 25 E. 1. and partly of Simon de Bruilli and Ioane his wife within two years after But by the name of a Mannour I have not seen it called in Record till 29 H. 8. The Chapell here being a Prebend belonging to the Collegiate Church of Tamworth was in 14 E. 3. valued at vi marks Kingswood THe antientest mention that I find of this place is in 11 E. 2. where Hugh de Meinill entailes one carucate of land lying therein together with the Mannour of Kings Neuton upon the issue male of his body with severall remainders Which carucate was afterwards accounted as parcell of that Mannour having a Messuage situate thereupon called Wardbernes
and so strengthned to hold it to himself and his Heirs After which time 't is very like that he and his descendants whilst the Male line lasted made it sometimes their seat for it is evident that in 13 E. 3. Iohn his Grandchild had summons amongst the rest of our Warwicksh Kts. to be in readiness sufficiently furnisht with Horse and Armes on the Feast day of St. Laurence to attend the K. into France Which last mentioned Iohn leaving issue Eliz. his Daughter and Heir wedded to Iohn de Moubray of Axholme in Lincolnsh a great Baron this Lordship inter alia divolv'd to that Family Hence it was that Tho. Moubray D. of Norff. son to the said Iohn and Eliz. being accused by the D. of Hereford for certain words spoken in dishonour of the K. R. 2. having challenged the said D. to a Duell appointed at Coventre upon Gosford-green where lists accordingly were set up went upon the day assigned on a Horse barded with Crimson Velvet embroydered with Lions of Silver and Mulbery-trees the issue of which business is sufficiently known to all that are but indifferently acquainted with our English History But after three descents more was this Lordship by Female issue transferred as it seems to Iohn Howard D. of Norff. Son and Heir to Sir Rob. Howard Kt. by Margaret one of the daughters to the before specified Tho. Moubray For by certain Depositions it appeareth that K. H. 7. immediatly after Bosworth-field where the said Iohn fighting on K. R. 3. part was slain gave it unto Sir Gilb. Talbot Kt. his near servant who came in person to take possession thereof But it was not long that Howard had it for by a Fine levied in 10 H. 7. did Maurice Berkley Son to Sir Iames Berkley Kt. and Isabel the other Daughter to the before specified Tho. Moubray D. of Norff. entayl it upon his Heirs Male for corrobration of whose estate therein it was afterwards by partition betwixt Howard and him allotted inter alia to his share whence it descended to George Lord Berkley who by his deed of Bargain and sale dated 14. Iunii 7. Car. sold it to Tho. Morgan of Weston-subt Wetheley Esq. The Chappell here now ruinous was antiently a Presentative as the Institutions of the following Incumbents do manifest Patroni Incumbentes D. Ioh. de Segrave miles Petrus de Incbarwe Pbr. 6. Cal. Feb. 1334. D. Ioh. de Segrave miles Will. de Walys Pbr. 4. Non. Apr. 1346. D. Ioh. de Segrave miles Ric. de Overton Cap. 8. Cal. Sept. 1349. D. Ioh. de Segrave miles Ioh. fil Rob. de Segrave 13. Kal. Dec. 1351. D. Ioh. de Segrave miles Rog. de Belgrave 1359. Below Caludon there is not any other place of note situat on the Banks of Sow within the liberties of Coventre so that now I must ascend to the head of Shirburn which beginning above Allesley being increast with severall torrents passeth through Coventre and on the verge of that Cities Liberties hath its confluence with Sow The first villages bordering upon this little Brook are Allesley and Coundon both which heretofore were Members of Coventre yet neither of them now are within those bounds though the later be in the Parish but do still continue part of Knightlow-Hund as all that Cities liberties heretofore was Allesley OF this there is no particular mention in the Conq. Survey it being there involved with Coventre whereof it was then a Member and of the Parish as aâ—â—ears by that Licence which R. Clinton B. of Cov. temp H. 1. granted for building of the Chappell here at the request of Ran. E. of Chester in the behalf of poor people as was also then allow'd to the inhabitants of Ansty and others whereof I have already spoke with reservation of Sepulture to the Mother Church As for the name I suppose it proceeded from some antient possessor thereof in the Saxons time which probably might be Alsi for that was an appellation then in use When it came first to the family of Hastings or how I cannot positively say yet confident I am that it was before the Marriage of Henry de Hastings with Ada Daughter to David E. oâ— Hunt by Maud the eldest Sister and one of the Coheirs to Ran. the last E. of Chester of that name because I find it not assigned to the said Maud amongst the lands and fees in partition allotted to her But the first mention thereof that I have met with in Record is after the death of the said H. de Hastings in 34 E. 3. it being then in the K. hands by reason of the minority of his Heir and held of the Crown as in right of the Earâ—dom of Chester which the K. in 23. of his reign had taken into his own hands giving satisfaction for the same to the Sisters and Heirs of Ranulph the last Eâ— of that name In which 34. year I find that one Raph de Ierdele a Heremite had an annuity of three Quarters of Wheâ—tâ— allow'd him by the K. out of this Mannour whereof he had the custody for the reason above exprest which yearly allowance the said Heremit had used to receive out of the Mannour of Ierdele in Northamptonsh belonging to the same Henry The next year following did the said H. â—nlarge his Park here having obtained 24. Acres of Westwood-wast from Osbert then Abbot of Stoneley to that purpose And from him it descended to Iohn his Grand-child as the Pedegree in Fillonlâ—y manifesteth who in 7. E. 1. was certified to hold it of Rog. de Somery Husband of Nichola one of the Sisters and Coheirs of Hugh de Albany E. of Arundell son of Will. de Albany and Mabel his Wife one of the Sisters and Coheirs to Ran. E. of Chester before specified by the service of one Kt. Fee which Iohn had then 26. servants here holding xx yard land and a half at will paying certain Rents and performing severall services in time of Harvest As also 22. Cottagers holding so many Cottages at will likewise paying certain small Rents and performing the like services with xi Freeholders occupying 6. yard land and a half and 17. acres for severall Rents and suit to his three weeks Court And moreover 40. acres of out-wood with an antient Park containing 30. acres whereof 12. were parcell of the Mannour of Stoneley but by what authority inclosed within that Park not then known And lastly Freewarren and Weyfs within his liberties here as also Court-Leet Gallows Assize of Bread and Beer for a pâ—â—frey yearly payable to the King All which liberties with certain other Priviledges did he claim within this Mannour by Prescription in 13 E. 1. alledging that himself and his ancestors had enjoy'd them time out of mind From whom descended Iohn de Hastings E. of Penbroke his great Grand-child as the Pedegree in Fillongley sheweth which Earl entayling his lands as there appeareth and