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
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
thereunto a certain peice of ground called Oddecrofth containing 18 acres and another of x. acres lying in Over-Eatendon as also 3. acres of land adjoyning to the said Oddecrofte To the Canons of Derley in Derbyshire he gave certain lands called Aldewerch and to the Monks of Tutbury two parts of Hoga now called Hown in that County To which Sewall succeeded Henry his son and heir called Henricus filius Sewalli who attended William Earl Ferrers in the Kings Army when he sailed into Poictou which was as I take it in 4 Ioh. And in 7 Ioh. by virtue of the Kings Precept had livery made to him of the Mannour of Ednesoure in Derbyshire whereof he had been disseised during his absence in that voyage as it seems This Henry likewise erected an Altar dedicated to S. Nicholas in the Church here at Eatendon and gave divers particular parcells of land thereto for the maintenance of a Chantry Preist to celebrate divine service thereat for the health of his own soul and the soules of his wives as also of his childrens souls every day except on Thursdayes and the Feast day of S. Nicholas on which day the said Preist was particularly to celebrate to that Saint And in augmentation of the maintenance for the said Priest he gave the tithe of the Toll of his Mill here and an annuity of 5s. whereof 4 s was to be received by the Preist for his own use and xiiâ— for the Lampe in the said Church of Eatendon reserving power for himselfe and his heirs to present to the said Chantry as often as by death it should become void To him succeeded Sewallus commonly called Sewallus filius Henrici who was a Knight but dyed before the 44 of H. 3. And to him Iames his son and heir the first of this family that assumed the sirname of Shirley for by that appellaon he had Free-warren granted to him in all his demesn lands as well at Shirley in Derbyshire 31 H. 3. as in 39 of the same Kings reign here at Eatendon in this County Which Iames being afterwards a Knight had issue Raph his son and heir who in 7 E. 1. held this Mannour of Edm. Earl of Lanc. the Kings brother by the service of two Knights fees having at that time three carucates of land in demesn here and xii Tenants holding several proportions by sâ—ndry services As also divers Freeholders The same year he was Shiriff of the Counties of Nottingham and Derby In 9 E. 1. being presented before the Justices Itinerant because being of full age and holding a whole Knights fee he was not a Knight he procured the Kings Letters Pat. as to the respiting thereof for five years And in 22 E. 1. upon the grant made to the King in Parliament of a Subsidy for the support of his warrs was with Thomas de Garshale constituted a Commissioner for the assessing and collecting thereof within this County In 28 E. 1. he had the custody of the Counties of Salop. and Stafford with the Castle of Shrewsbury committed to his charge In 29 E. 1. he had summons with divers other great men to attend the King at Barwick upon Twede on the Feast day of St. Iohn Baptist's Nativity well appointed with Horse and Armes to march against the Scots Sasuualo temp Will. Conq. Henricus 5 Steph. Fulcherus Henricus Fulcherus à quo familia de Ednesoure originem ducit Henricus filius Sewalli Dominus Sewallus filius Henr. 31 H. 3. Isabella filia cohaeres Roberti Meisnill Eliz. uxor Joh. de Walton Jacobus de Schirlâ—y 31 H. 3. Agnes de Wauton 31 H. 3. Rad. de Shirley 7 E. 1. Margareta filia una cohaer Walt. de Waldeshef Pincernae Regis E. 2. Rad de Shirley 4 E. 3. Thomas de Shirley miles defunctus 36 E. 3. Isabella filia Rad. Domini Basset de Draiton relicta 36. E. 3. Hugo de Shirley miles 1 H. 4. obiit 4. H. 4. Beatrix soror haeres Joh de Brews Jocosa fil haeres Thomae Basâ—â—t de Brailesford ar Rad. Shirley miles 3 H. 5. Alicia filia Joh. Cokain de Ashburn mil. 6 H. 6. Rad. Shirley ar obiit 6 E. 4. Margareta filia haeres Joh. Stanton ar Johannes Shirley ar obiit 18 Maii 3 R. 3. Alianora filia Hugonis Willoughby de Wollaton mil. Radulfus Shirley de Stanton mil. obiit 6 â—an 8 H. 8 Eliz. filia cohaeres Thomae Walsh de Onlip in com Leic. ar Anna haeres matris ux Thomae Pultney eq aur Radulfus Shirley de Stanton mil. obiit 6 â—an 8 H. 8 Iohanna filia Rob. Sheffeild mil. Franciscus Shirley de Brailesford ar 3 E. 6. Iohannes Shirley obiit vita patris Iana unica filia haeres Thomae Lovell ar Georgius Shirley ar erectus in gradum Baronetti 9 Iac. Francisca filia Henrici Domini Berkley Thomas Shirley eq auratus Henr. Shirley Bar. Dorothea filia Rob. Comitis Essexiae Carolus Shirley Bar obiit coelebs Robertus Shirley Bar. Sawaldus de Etendon mil. Matilda Ridel In 3 E. 2. he was constituted one of the two Justices in this County for the Goal delivery at Warwick And in 5. E. 2. served as a K t for this shire in two Parliaments the one held at London and the other at Westm. Being one of the Coroners in this County an office of great note in those days as I have elsewhere intimated he had through want of health a discharge from that employment in 6 E. 2. but in 8 E. 2. was Governour of Horeston Castle in Derbyshire and in 16 E. 2. one of the Commisioners in this County for levying a xvth In 17 in the list of those Knights and men at Arms whose names were then certifyed into the Chancery and in 20 E. 2. departed this life leaving Raph his son and heir who having been in Commission for the assessing and collecting a xv th and x th granted in the Parl. of 11 E. 3. was in 12 E. 3. appointed to assess and collect the Scutage then due to the King for the Scotch expedition â—n the first year of his reign and in 14 E. 3. served in the Parl. then holden at Westm. as one of the Knights for this shire To which Raph succeeded S r Thomas Shirley K t of whom I find nothing memorable but his death which hapned before the 36 of E. 3. and that by Isabell his wife he left issue Hugh who being a Knight in 1 H. 4. and the same year by Pat. dated at Westm. 20 Martii made Master of the Kings Hawks of all sorts was a Justice of Peace in this County in 2 H. 4. and the next ensuing year constituted one of the Commissioners to enquire of such persons as were disturbers of the Laws and
Clopton Thomas Clopton Ursula primò nupta Tho. Markham de Ollerton in Com. Nott. secundò Henr. Nevill de Holt. in Com. Leic. arm This Iames de Clopton was son of Iohn and he of Rob de Clopton which Robert and his Ancestors assuming their sirname from this place were antiently Inhabitants here as it seems before they became owners thereof But Walter grandchild to the said Iames assumed the sirname of Cockfield being owner of Cockfield in Essex where he then had his residence He was also called Marshall perhaps in respect of that office in the Kings houshold and by these two names scil Cockfield aliàs Marshall did Iames his grandfather settle upon him and his heirs this Mannour house at Clopton with the greatest part of his lands in this Village and in that place called the Grove Isabell de Norton before specified in 8 E. 1. releasing unto him all her right in the lands which she had so obtained from Sir Peter de Montfort as is before exprest To which Walter succeeded Walter his son and heir and to him Iohn who residing here reassumed the sirname of Clopton and having License from Iohn Carpenter Bishop of UUorcester about the beginning of Edw. 4. time erected an Oratory within this his Mannour house for himself and his own family but within few years after Thomas Clopton his son and heir built a fair Chapell here and made special suit to Pope Sixtus the 4 th for leave to have divine service celebrated therein which was accordingly granted to him and his heirs 14 Cal. Aug. an 1474. Of this family and a younger brother to the same Thomas was Hugh Clopton who being a wealthy Mercer in the City of London bore the Office of Lord Mayor in an 1492. 8 H. 7 and was a speciall Benefactor to the town of Stratford super Avon for at his own costs he built that fair Bridge of Free-stone consisting of xiiii arches with the Causey at the west end thereof substantially walled on each side and made a Way 3 miles from Aylesbury towards London and one mile on this side that town And by his Testament appointed that his Executors should finish that beautifull Chapell of the holy Trinity in the said town of Stratford the Fabrick whereof was begun in his life time He bequeathed also C. marks to be given to xx poor Maidens of good name and fame dwelling in Stratford sc. to each of them five marks a peice at their marriage and likewise C l to the poor housholders in Stratford as also L li to the new building the crosse I le in the parish Church there To the Colledge of Stratford super Avon CC li To the poore housholders in London Cli. To poor Maidens marriages in London Cli. To poor Schollars viz. three at Oxford and three at Cambridge every one xx s the quarter for 5. years To the Hospitall of S t Thomas of Acres xxli. To the Hospitall of Bethlem xls. To the other Hospitalls xl s a peice To the Prisoners of Newgate vil. To those of Ludgate vili. To those of the Kings-bench 4l. To those of the Marshalsy 4l. To the Chamber of London in recompence for disobeying his oath which he observed not or misused xli. To the common Box of the Mercers xli. To the Fellowship of the Venturers resident in Zeland Brabant or Flanders vli. Flemish To the Fellowship of the staple at Calais x marks To divers of his kindred Cl. a year◠some 5 l per an a peice and the portions of any deceasing to be spent in repairing of Bridges High-wayes poor Churches poor Housholders and the like charitable uses This Testament bears date 8 Sept. 12 H. 7. By which also he bequeathed his body to be buried in the Chapell of S. Katherine in the parish Church of Saint Margaret Lothbury within the City of London in case he should depart this life in London or within twenty miles thereof but if at Stratford super Avon or in UUarwickshire then in the Church of Stratford within the Chapell of our Lady between the Altar there and the Chapell of the Trinity next adjoyning thereto and for his Funerall appointed four Torches with 4 Tapers and no more two of which after the solemnizing thereof and of his Months-mind to remain for the high Altar And further directed that his Executors should provide an honest Priest to serve within that Church where his body should happen to be buried for the space of xx years next ensuing his decease there to pray for his soul and for the souls of Iohn his father Agnes his mother and all Christian souls And that the said Priest should be bound to say thrice every week during the said xx years Placebo and Dirige with Commendations taking every year for his salary if he served in London xi marks and if at Stratford upon Avon ten marks per an And dying a Batcheler 15 Sept. 12 H. 7. was buried in the Church of S. Margaret in Lothbury according to his said appointment It seems that being a very wealthy man he got this Mannour of Clopton from his elder Brother's posterity but deceasing without issue it came to them again Will Clopton being found his cosyn and heir who had livery thereof in 19 H. 7. Which Will. was owner also of Cokfield in Essex for by a pardon that he had in 5 Henr. 8. he is stiled VVill. Clopton de Clopton in Com. VVarw. armiger alias VVill. Cockfeild de Cockfeild in Com. Essex ar From which Will. descended Will. Clopton Esq who had two daughters and heirs viz. Ioyce the wife of Sir George Carew K t created Lord Carew of this Clopton 5 Maii 3 Iac. and Earl of Totneis 7 Febr. 1. Car. who dyed without issue And Anne marryed to Will. Clopton of Sledwick in the Bishoprick of Durham descended by a younger branch from the Family before specified Bishopston OF this place there is no mention in the Conquerors Survey because it was a Hamlet pertaining to Stratford and therefore belonging to the Bishop gave occasion that it had the name of Bishopesdone at first attributed thereto the situation being at the foot of an indifferent Hill as the syllable done or dune imports In King H. 1. time Frethricus de Bissopesdone was enfeoft thereof by Sampson then Bishop of Worcester as may seem by that Certificate which his successor made in 12 H. 2. in these words Isti sunt feoffati de dominico à tempore Sansonis Episcopi Frederec de Bissopsdon 1. mil. c. This Frethric or Fraric for so he is sometimes written lived to a great age there being mention of him in 9 R. 1. and had issue Will. his son and heir who being a Knight and in that Rebellion with the Barons against King Iohn was of the retinue to Walter de Beauchamp one of the principall of them for which his lands were
observed Skilts THis was antiently a Grange belonging to the Priory of Studley and written Skyllus-grange but the first mention I have found thereof is in a Petition to the Bishop of Worcester temp H. 6. by Thomas Atwode right heir of blood as he there stiles himself to Peter Corbicon the Founder of that Religious House wherein he complains against Thomas Bedull the then Prior for keeping a Paramour here viz. Ioane wife to one Iohn Greene by the connivence of her husband to which Ioane he sundry times resorted in secular apparell allowing her Wheate Malt Wooll and other things whereby the Monastery was much impoverisht It seems that upon Partition betwixt the heirs female of Knightley to whom th said Priory of Stodley came after its dissolution as I have there observed it fell to Iames Duffyld in right of Frances his wife one of those coheirs for in 3 E. 6. did William East and others purchase it of the said Iames together with a fift part of the Mannour of Stodley and in 2 Eliz. sold it to Will Sheldon Esquier by the name of two messuages 600. acres of land 60. acres of Meadow 600. acres of Pasture 120. acres of Wood and 100. acres of Heath and Furrs all which he imparkt for Deer and the on South side thereof built a very beautifull House of brick whereof his posterity of whom I have spoke in Weston juxta Chiriton are possest at this day Holt. THis being that which belong'd to the Knights Templars and after to the Hospitalars here in Studley was in 34 H. 8. past out of the Crown to Sir Edmund Knightley Knight but I find it not called by the name of Holt till 4 E. 6. and then was it certified that Henry Rishton Esquire dyed seized thereof 14. Iunii 3 E. 6. by the name of the Mannour or Capitall mess. called Holt with the appurtenances in Stodelegh and 2. mess. 300. acres of land 50 acres of Meadow 200. acres of Pasture and 60. acres of Wood and underwood to the same belonging leaving Iohn Rishton his son and heir then 18. years of age From which Iohn in 2. 3. Ph. M. it was conveyed to Raph Rishton gent. who the next ensuing year past it to Sir Iohn Southworth Knight Padongre THis was originally a member of that part of Stodley which belong'd to Corbicon and came afterwards to Cantilupe for in 6 E. 2. I find it certified that Ric. fil Ricardi held the sixteenth part of a Knights Fee here of Iohn de Hastings then deceased which was valued at xiii s. iv d. but little else have I further seen thereof than what tends to the same effect Coughton FOllowing the stream of Arrow I come next to Coughton which containing within its Parish the Hamlets of Samburne and Wike was in the Conq râ— time possest by Turchill de Warwick of whom one William then held it and by the generall Survey wherein it is written Coctune certified to contain three hides of land having a Mill valued at xxxii d. as also one House in Warwick yeilding viii d. per annum at which time the Meadows here were estimated at ten acres and the Woods at six furlongs in length and four in breadth wherein there was feeding for 50. Hogs all which being valued at L s. had been the freehold of Untonius in Edward the Confessors days That this was part of those lands belonging to the said Turchill and which were disposed of to Henry de Neuburgh the first Earl of Warwick after the Conquest I am induced to believe from consideration of the tenure forasmuch as it appeareth by sundry authorities to have been held of the succeeding Earls as I shall have occasion to give instance by and by From which Earl I suppose Peter de Stodley sometimes written Peter Corbicon had it for it appears that upon his Foundation of the Priory at Stodley in H. 1. or King Stephen's time he gave the Church to that House but it was not long after ere that a certain family who assumed their sirname from hence were possessors of it Of which Ranulph de Cocton is the first that I meet with who held also a Knights Fee elswhere of the Monks of Evesham in 12 H. 2. This Ranulph had issue Simon de Cocton who towards the latter end of King Iohn's raign was in that Rebellion with the Barons and of the retinue to Walter de Beauchamp for which his lands were seized but upon his return to obedience he had restitution of them again Which Simon gave to the Canons of Alcester in this County a certain place in his Woods here at Cocton whereupon to erect a House for Hogs as also one load of Wood for every week in the year To him succeeded another Simon who in 5 H. 3. confirmed to the Canons of Studley their right in the advouson of this Church at Cocton which Simon was a Knight but having no issue male left his two daughters his heirs Cecilie married to Iohn de la Mare and Ioan to William de Spineto whereby it seems that this Lordship came by partition to Spine for I find that Roger de Spine son to the said William and Ioan past away the inheritance of it to Godfrey Giffard Bishop of Worcester in 17 E. 1. by the name of one mess. and three Carucates of land but the Bishop kept it not long for by his Deed bearing date at Wydinton on the Feast day of S. Luke the Evangelist 21 E. 1. he granted and quit claymed all his right therein by the name of the Mannour of Cocton unto William son of William Spine and his heirs which William I suppose to have been a younger brother to the same Roger. By what right it was that Simon son to Rob. de Bruylli came to have an interest here I cannot directly tell yet out of doubt it is that some title he had and if I may guesse thereat for authority I have none I should imagine that he was descended from Cecilie the other coheir of Simon de Cocton before spoken of but leaving this to further scrutinie I proceed to what is apparent viz. that the same Simon in 36 H. 3. held half a Knights Fee in this place of the Earl of Warwick and that about the 20 E. 1. he made a grant of this Mannour unto William de Luda Bishop of Ely Howbeit I find that within a short time after for the Deed bears date at Thorpe-Watervill in Northamptonshire the Wednsday next after the Feast of the Nativity of the blessed Virgin 26 E. 1. Sir William Tuchet Knight released to the before specified William Spine and his heirs all his right in this Mannour which formerly belonged to the above mentioned Simon de Bruly To this William Spine the second succeeded another William who in 9 E. 2. was certified to hold the half Knights
to continue for two dayes following and the other upon the Feast-day of S. Luke the Evangelist and two days after which Charter bears date at Westminster xvi Maii. the year above specified From which Family of Boteler it came by daughters and heirs to Sir Iohn Norbury Knight and William Belknap Esquire and so accompanying the possession of Beldesert as by the authorities which I have there cited may be seen returned to the Crown by the death of Ambrose Dudley Earl of Warwick without issue and continued therein till that King Iames by his Letters Patent bearing date 23. Sept. 17. of his reign past it to Iohn Lord Digby and his heirs with divers Mannours and lands lying in other Counties in consideration of 13000 li. allowed him by his Majestie towards the defraying of his charges in his Spanish Embassie The Chapell here dedicated to S. Iohn Baptist was built about the 41. year of King Edw. 3. as appears by the confirmation thereof then made by William Witlesey Bishop of Worcester in which is exprest that it was erected at the sole charges of the Inhabitants in regard of the large distance and foul ways in Winter-time betwixt this Village and the Parish Church of Wootton-Wawen and by the consent of William de Senye then Prior of Wotton unto which Religious House the said mother Church of Wotton was appropriated and Will. de Perton the then Vicar which Inhabitants and their successors had authoritie then given them by the same Bishop to provide and maintain a fitting Priest at their own proper charges for celebration of Divine service there so that the Vicar of Wotton for the time being might wholly receive and take all Oblations arising in the said Chapell upon Christmass day Candlemass day Easter day and S. Peter's day being the day of the Dedication of that Church and for Churching of Women at any time in the said Chapell But of all other profits arising upon the said days or any other throughout the year the Vicar to have two parts only and the Prior the third And that the Priest belonging to this Chapell might have power so often as occasion should be to Church Women there to administer the Sacrament to such old decrepite people as could not go to the said Parish Church and to perform all other parochiall rites therein buriall for the dead only excepted For the performance of all which the Priest for the time being at his first admission thereto was to oblige himself by his corporall Oath in the presence of the Prior of Wawens-Wotton and the Vicar lest the said Church of Wawens-Wotton should be dampnified And that all good people might be the more stirred up to contribute towards the charges for the fabrick hereof as also for the Bells Books Lights Vestments and other Ornaments belonging thereto the said Bishop by that his publique Instrument which bears date at Hertlebury 5. Cal. Augâ— Anno 1367. granted to every one that would be open-handed therein an Indulgence of xl days all which was confirm'd by the Prior and Monks of Worcester About two years after there was a purpose by one William Fifhyde of this town to found a Chantrie in a Chapell then newly intended to be built here for one Priest to celebrate Divine service daily for the good estate of the said William as appears by that preparation to a License for amortizing of three messuages situate in Henley aforesaid to that end but whether it were performed or not I make a question for I have seen no more of it In 26 H. 6. there was an Hospitall here built for the relief of poor people and strangers towards the support of which charge Iohn Carpenter then Bp. of Worcester granted out an Indulgence to endure for three years on the behoof of all such as should make contribution Some think that the Gild-House situate on the North side of the Chapell is the Hospitall here spoken of For in the Chapell before mentioned there was a Gild founded by Raph Boteler Lord Sudley which Gild had four Priests belonging thereto who were to pray for the Founder's soul. But upon the Survey taken in 26 H. 8. there were no more than two Priests serving therein whereof one had an yearly stipend of v li. vi s. viii d. and the other of v li. Howbeit in 37 H. 8. upon the Extent of the lands belonging thereto which were then valued at xxvii li. iii s. iii d. it appears that there were three Priests z whereof one had a stipend of Cx s. per annum and the other two of C s. a piece as also an Organist who had xl s. annuity Before the dissolution of this Gild it was a custome as I have heard that upon all publique occasions as Weddings and the like the Inhabitants of this town kept their Feast in the Gild House before specified in which they had most kind of Houshold stuff as Pewter Brasse Spits Andirons Linnen Tables c. and Wood out of the little Park at Beldesert for fewell those which were at the charge of the Feast paying only vi s. viii d. for the use of them But now all is gone except the Pewter which being in the Chapell-Wardens custody they lend out for iv d. a dozen when any Feast is made Wootton-Wawen FOllowing this petty stream I come next to Wootton commonly called Wootton-Wawen a Parish of a very large extent containing these Villages and places of note viz. Aspley Mockley Fordâ—Hall Crowley Ullenhale Botley Henley in Arden already spoke of Whitley Forwode Edston Bearley Silesburne Wawens-Moore Wyche and Offord of all which in their order As for the name there is no question but that it was originally occasioned from the situation being amongst woods and so for the more facility of pronuntiation called Wootton insted of Wootton having the addition of Wawen for distinction from another Wootton in this County in regard that one Wagen commonly called Wawen Lord thereof before the Norman Conquest had his seat here This Wawen was a man of great quality in his time for being one of the witnesses to Earl Leofrik's Foundation Charter of the Monastery at Coventry in 1 o Edwardi Conf. he is rankt with other eminent persons and after his name these words added viz. multi alii Primates in Angliae quorum hìc nomina notare fastidiosum esset Neither doth the extent of his lands argue lesse for by the Conqueror's generall Survey it appears that Wara now called Church-Over Wolvarde Tiesho Mortone now Morton-Bagot Ullenhale Offord and this Wootton were all his and perhaps much more though there not recorded But it being the fate of the native English in a manner totally to be dispossest of their inheritances to make way for the Normans advancement this Wagen or Waga for so his name is written in Domesday-book was outed of all those places before specified which with divers other fair Lordships lying in
H. 6. Ioh. de Stanford 15 E. 2. Margeria Matilda 12 R. 2. Ioh. de Stanford obiit s. p. 37 E. 3. Iohanna secundò nupta Thomae dâ— Morâ—hall his Armes Argent upon a Fesse wavy sable three Hares heads cooped Or vith a labell of three points in Chief and by his last Will and Testament bearing date the Tuesday next after the Feast of the Conception of our Lady anno 1428. 7 H. 6 wherein he stiles himself Esquier bequeathing his body to sepulture in the Church of S. Peter here at Wootton and vi li. xiii s. iv d. to the reparation of the great road-way leading betwixt the said town of Wootton and the Heremitage at Sillesburne departed this life the same year leaving issue divers Children of some whereof I shall speak anon in the mean time taking notice of what I have seen in relation to his brother Thomas In 3 H. 5. he was Eschaetor for this County and Leicestershire In 5 c a Justice of Peace for this Countie in which imployment he continued till his death And having been one of those three who with the Shiriff in 7 H. 5. made that return of the names of such gentlemen of note in this Shire which bore antient Armes from their Ancestors and had summons to serve the King in their proper persons for defence of the Realm dyed without issue in 22 H. 6. leaving Thomas son of Roger son of Iohn his brother his next heir But I return to the issue of Iohn elder brother to the said Thomas which were Roger his son and heir that enjoy'd these lands in Wootton Richard who by his Fathers Testament had the Mannour of Shoterich in this County bequeathed to him and lyeth buried before the Altar of S. Andrew the Apostle in the Church of the Holy Trinity at Stratford super Avon William sometime Lord of the Mannour of Stoâ—rton and Iohn that had Whitley Which Roger wedded Agnes the daughter coheir of Sir William Clopton of Clopton in Somersetshire and had issue by her William Harewell who by the death of Ioan daughter and heir to the before specified Richard without issue had the Mannour of Shoterich of his grandfathers inheritance This William was a trusty friend to the House of Lancaster as it seems for upon the regaining of the Kingdom by King H. 6. he had the custody of this Countie and Leicestershire and before the end of that his Shirivealtie fought stoutly on King Henrye's part at Barnet field in which battail being taken prisoner r he was thence carried to Windsor-Castle whereupon also his lands were seized by the King and bestowed on Humphrey Stafford Esquire to hold during the King's pleasure But after a while through the solicitation of his kinsman Iohn Leighton Esquire made with Iohn Talbot then Earl of Shrewsbury he was released of his imprisonment and restored to his lands For which favours the said Earl had first xl li. that the same Iohn Leighton promised to give him for obtaining his enlargment lands and xl marks more which he exacted over and above But after this in 14 E. 4. he was constituted one of the Justices of Peace in this County yet I do not find that upon the next renewing of those Commissions or ever after that he had the like imployment during King Edward's reign howbeit in 2 R. 2. he was appointed one of the Commissioners of Array in this Shire All that I have seen more of him is that in 16 H. 7. he founded a Chantrie in the Friers Preachers at Warwick of which I have particularly spoke in my discourse of that place and that departing this life 2. Dec. the same year he was there buried leaving Iohn his son and heir 30. years of age Which Iohn in 18 H. 7. being constituted one of the Justices of Peace in this County was the same year made Constable of Maxstoke Castle by Edward Duke of Buck. and by his Testament bearing date 8. Apr. Anno 1505. 20 H. 7. gave to the said Duke whom he there calls his Lord his great Dun Horse for a Heriot and by Anne his wife daughter and heir to Richard Midleton had issue two sons and five daughters whereof Thomas the elder dyed without issue before 3 H. 8. and William was a Priest whereupon the sisters came to inherit viz. Elizabeth Anne Brigit and Agnes for Maud the Eldest wife of Iohn Leighton dyed without issue before the partage was made betwixt them Of which Elizabeth first the wife of Anth. Ralegh and afterwards of Leonard Rede had for her share the Mannours of Bear-cracombe and Copland in Somersetshire and vi s. viii d. yearly Rent issuing out of the Mannour of Thongland in that County Anne wife to Iames Clifford of Frampton in Com. Glouc. the Mannours of Knoll and Broseley in the Counties of Somerset and Salop. as also certain lands in Sturmister-Marshall in Dorsetshire and Billingsley in Shropshire with iii s. annuall Rent issuing out of Fentre in Com. Salop. and vi s. per annum out of the Mannour of Thongland in that Countie Brigit the wife of Thomas Aâ—hton of Ashton in Cheshire the Mannours of Ashley Water-Eaton and Longnore in Staffordshire the Mannour of Billingsley in Shropshire and certain lands in Walkeslow before mentioned to the value of ten marks per annum with xxiii s. iv d. yearly Rent issuing out of the said Mannour of Thongland Agnes the wife of Iohn Smyth one of the Barons of the Exchequer for her part this Mannour of Wootton called Lucies Mannour and the Mannour of Shoterich as also certain lands in Stratford super Avon Henley Preston and Edstonia this Shire with divers lands lying in Mickleton in Com. Glouc. the Mannour of Milinchop in Com. Salop Lands in Hungerford Postern magna Postern parva Mounslow and Dydlebery in Shropshire and x s. iv d. yearly Rent issuing out of the before specified Mannour of Thongland the same Partition bearing date 4 Febr. 25 H. 8. From which Baron Smyth by the said Agnes is Sir Charles Smyth Knight since erected to the dignity of Lord Carington and now residing here descended as the Pedegree before inserted sheweth Of whose Family I may not omit here to observe what I have seen attested by Sir William Dethick sometime Garter principall King of Armes and Robert Cooke Clarenceux viz. that the said Iohn Smyth the Baron was grandchild to Iohn Carington and the said Iohn Carington lineally descended from Sir Michaell Carington Knight Standard-bearer to the famous King Richard the first in the Holy Land And of this Iohn Carington as to the occasion that he changed his name to Smyth they do specially certifie from the credit of an antient Manuscript written with the proper hand of him the said Iohn in K. Henry the fourth's time that in his youth he was bred up in
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
age at his Fathers death viz. in 49 E. 3. who in 9 R. 2. served in the Parliament then held at Westminster as one of the Knights for this Shire being then a Knight and departed this life in 18 R. 2. leaving issue Thomas his son and heir who being 30. years of age at his mothers death in 6 H. 4. was in 5 H. 5. in Commission for conservation of the Peace in this County and in 8 H. 5. Shiriff of this Countie and Leicestershire but dyed in or before 12 H. 6. as appears by the respite given to Thomas his son and heir for doing his homage being then thirty years of age Which Thomas was Shiriff of these Counties the next year following and one of the Knights for this Shire in the Parliament of 18 H. 6. about which time he had the honour of Knighthood confer'd upon him for in 19 H. 6. I find him so stiled being then in Commission touching a Joan of money to the King In 24 H. 6. he againe underwent the Office of Shiriff In 28 H. 6. he was imployed as a Commissioner for another Loan and about levying the Subsidie then granted to the King in Parliament In 31 H. 6. again for a Loan In 39 H. 6. as also in 1 E. 4. he was constituted one of the Justices of Peace in this Countie But notwithstanding these imployments of trust by King H. 6. he stood more cordially affected to the House of Yorke as he manifested by declaring himself for Edward the fourth in his greatest straights for which faithfull service in the second year of that King's reign he had a grant of the Mannour of Bordsley already spoke of for his own life and the life of Ioyce his wife which Mannour was then eschaeted to the Crown by the attainder of Iames Earl of Wiltshire This is the man that founded the Chantrie in Aston Church 27 H. 6. whereof I have there spoke being the last of his Family that possest this place In 6 E. 4. he was joyn'd in Commission for the Peace in this Countie but what came of him I know not for after 7 E. 4. I have seen no more mention of his name The next owner thereof concerning whom I find any authoritie was George Duke of Clarence Sir William Harecourt Knight being his Steward here in 11 E. 4. After which ere long it came to the hands of one Robert Wright but by what means I know not who in 11 H. 7. past it together with the advouson of the Chantrie of S. Mary Magdalen at Aston unto Sir Reginald Bray Knight a great favorite to that King which Sir Reginald having no issue gave it with other lands of great value by his Testament to Edmund his nephew scil son to his brother Iohn Which Edmund in 21 H. 8. being then a Knight sold it together with the advouson of the said Chantrie at Aston to Francis Englefield Esquire afterwards Knight from whom in 4 E. 6. it was purchased by Humphrey Dimock Esquire who left issue Francis and Henry after the death of which Francis the same Henry as engaged for his Brothers debts held it during his life and resided here being then a Knight but dying unmarried Sir Walter Earle of Charborow in Dorsetshire possest himself thereof in right of Anne his wife sole daughter and heir to the before specified Francis Dimock and in 1 Car. sold it to Sir Walter Devereux Knight and Baronet From which Sir Walter it was purchased in 23 Car. by Sir Thomas Holt of Aston before specified Pipe THâ—s Mannour lying within the precincts of Erdington was antiently possest by one William Maunsel who having his residence here underwent the Office of Shiriff for this Countie and Leicestershire from 35. to the 40 H. 3. inclusive and in 39 H. 3. was join'd in Commission with William Trussell and Robert de Grendon for the finding out of certain notorious malefactors in this Countie as also in 52. of the same King's reign for the Gaol-delivery at Warwick and left issue one onely daughter and heir called Emme married to Sir Henry de Harecourt Knight which Sir Henry had issue by her one sole daughter named Margaret whose wardship and marriage Richard de Pipe having wedded her mother purchased for an C. marks of Iohn de Bishopston in 22 E. 1. and having so done made her the wife of Iohn de Pipe his son by a former venter which Iohn had issue by her divers Children as the Descent in the following page sheweth Will. Maunsel de Erdinton Ric. Pipe secundus maritus 31 E. 1. Emma filia haeres Henr. de Harecourt miles 6. E. 1. Margareta Ioh. de San. desterd obiit sine prole Ric. Pipe secundus maritus ...... uxor prima Joh. Pipe Ric. Pipe Henr. Pipe Matilda fil Geor. gii de Castello Joh. factus Canon regul in prioratu de Oveston in Com. Leic. Ingrith ux 1. Ioh. Henr. Thomas ob s. p. Alianora Katherina Elizabetha Margeria ob s. p. Ioh. Pipe monachus Thom. Pipe Ab. de StoÌ„ley Rob. ob in part transm Marg. monial apud Godstow Kath. monial apud Litlemore Will. ob s. p. Rob. obiit s. p. Alianora ux Philippi Beche Margeria ux ...... Durvassal Agnes ux Rog. Blakenhole Thomas Pipe Cler. By Richard the eldest of which sons it descended to Henry his son and heir who by Ingrith his first wife had many Children all which excepting Margerie died with their mother of the Pestilence so that the same Henry afterwards wedded a second wife scil Maud. the daughter of George de Castello of whom he had but little joy for not long after the marriage he found that she was with child by one Iohn Boote his Fathers servant at which he took such grief that he died before the child was born viz. on the Feast day of St. Laurence 36 E. 3. being then also seized of the Mannour of Morton-Daubenie in this Countie as also of Staunton and Sitbeston in Leicestershire Whereupon Iohn D. of Lancaster of whom as in right of the Honour of Leicester the said Mannour of Morton was held seized the said Margerie his survâ—ving daughter and Iohn the son of Maud so begotten as aforesaid as his Wards granting them to Iohn de Stafford his Clerk who to prevent that ill begotten child of enjoying the inheritance made him a Canon Regular in the Priorie of Duston in Leicestershire where he died and afterwards having procured the said Margerie to make a Feoffment unto one Peter Banaster a Priest and others of all her inheritance to the use of him the said Iohn and his heirs which Feoffment bears date in 47 E. 3. past it a way to Will. Paylington Vâ—car of Radway and other Feoffees for the Abbot of Stoneley's use whereupon they by virtue of the
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
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
three days following and in xx H. 6. procured another Patent for taking Toll of all vendible commodities comming hither for the space of four years towards the finishing of the Pavement and repair of Bol-brigge After which I have not seen any thing more of â—t that is considerable till 3 Eliz. that the Queen by her Letters Patent bearing date at Westminster 24 Dec. taking notice that it had been a very antient Mercate-town and that the Inhabitants thereof by the name of the Bailiffs and Commonaltie had not only held it time out of minde of her Royall Progenitors in Fee-Ferme by the Rent of v. li xvi s. per annum but enjoyed divers Jurisdictions and Priviledges aswell by Prescrâ—ption as by severall Charters which Charters as they then suggested had been either burnt or casually lost imploring her Royall favour that she would for the better governing thereof vouchsafe to make it a Corporation did at that time ordâ—in it to be a Burrough Corporate consisting of two Bailiffs the one for that part of the town situate in this Countie and the other for that part lying in Staffordshire granting them libertie to have a Common Seal and assigning Peter Bradoke and Henry Draper the first Bayliffs As also that from thenceforth there should be xxiv of the most substantiall Inhabitants assistants to the said Bayliffs and called the principall Burgesses which said Bayliffs and Burgesses to have power as often as they should think fit to call a Court of themselves or the major part of them there to consult and determine of all things tending to the well goverment of it and to choose two Sergeants at Mace for performance of all Proclamations Arrests c. Which Bayliffs to be Justices of the Peace within the same Burrough And moreover that they should have power to keep a Court of Record upon Munday once in three weeks there to hold Plea c. after the usage of the Citie of London And likewise a Gaole for the imprisonment of Felons and Malefactors As also a weekly Mercate every Saturday and two Faires the one on the Feast-day of S. George the Martyr and four days following and the other on the Feast-day of S. Edward the King and Martyr and four days then likewise next ensuing Granting further unto the said Bayliffs for the time being that they should be Clerks of the Mercate within the precincts of the Burrough and to have a Court-Leet twice in the year scil within the compass of a month after Michaelmass and the like limit of time after Easter as also power to purchase or receive by gift lands to the value of Xl li. per annum notwithstanding the Statute of Mortmain And by another Patent bearing date xo Oct. in 30. of her reignâ— gave the inhabitants of this Burrough immunitie from being returned on Juries except they held lands out of the compasse thereof and likewise to choose a Recorder constituting Robert Devereux Earl of Essex their Steward and granting them another Faire yearly to begin on the Feast-day of S. Swithin and to endure for four days At which time she founded an endowed a Grammar School hereâ— but thereof forasmuch as it is situate on the Staffordshire side it concerns me not to speak Closing up therefore I shall observe that forasmuch as 't is not apparent by any of our publique Records that the Saturday-Mercate was granted by Charter till now it was held before by Prescription and questionlesse from the very time that the Saxon Kings had their residence here whereof I have already touched Nor it is to be doubted but that the Priviledge whâ—ch they had in sending of Burgesses to Parliament was of great antiquitie and used only by the like Prescription in such sort as other the antient Burroughs of this Realm did enjoy The Castle HAving now done with the Burrough I come to the Castle touching the Foundation whereof I have already spoke This being in the hands of King William after his Conquest was by him given towards the end of his reign as I guess unto Robert Marmion as my Story in Polesworth intimateth and as is verified by an antient window of this Church where the same King being depicted in his Robes of State and crowned stretcheth forth his hand to him holding a Charter therein neer the Gate of a faire Castle an exact representation whereof I have in page 822. exhibited Which Robert had issue Robert unto whom King Henry the first by his Charter dated at Canoc in Com. Staff granted Free-warren in all his lands within this Countie as Robert his Father had and by name here at Tamworth This last mentioned Robert was possest of the strong Castle of Fontney in Normandie which Castle Geffrey Earl of Anjou beseiged and razed in 4 o Steph. because he held out Faleis against him and gave the Church of Queinton in Gloucestershire to the Nunns of Polesworth Being a great adversarie to the Earl of Chester in 8. Steph. he entred the Priorie of Coventre neer unto which the said Earl had a Castle as I have elsewhere observed and expelling the Monks fortified it making in the fields adjacent divers deep Ditches lightly covered over to the intent that such as should make approaches thereto might be intrapt but it so hapned that as he rode himself to view the Earl's forces that began to draw neer it he sell into one of them and broke his Thigh so that he was forthwith seized on by a Common Souldier who immediatley cut off his Head To him succeeded Robert his son and heir by whose Certificate in 12 H. 2. it appears that he then held xi Knights Fees whereof his Ancestor was enfeoft in H. 1. time and three which he had obtained since for which in 14 H. 2. he gave vii li. xii s. viii d. Aid upon the marriage of Maud the King's daughter This Robert was a Benefactor to the Knights Templar's as by his grant to them of Barston Mill is manifested as also in 33 H. 2. a Justice Itinerant in this Countie and confirmed to the Nunns of Polesworth his Father's gift of the Church of Queinton But in the beginning of H. 3. time he died leaving two sonns by severall wives as it seems both of them bearing the name of Robert Of which Robert the younger gave the summe of 500 li. to the King in 2 H. 3. for the custodie of this Castle and to have possession of the lands whereof his Father died seized untill matters should be so setled as that Englishmen might peaceably enjoy their lands in Normandie and the Normans theirs in England in regard that the Dukedome of Normandie was seized on by the French about the beginning of King Iohn's time for the murther of Arthur Duke of Brittanie but with this condition too that if Robert Marmion his elder brother should make his peace with the King for it seems he then adhered
the fee of the Earl of Winchester in regard of that part of the Honour of Leicester which he held as I have already shew'd in Clifton And in the 55. of H. 3. it appears that Ernauld de Boys of whom I have also spoken in Clifton held four Knights fees in Weston Bulkinton Clifton Wauere viz. this Wauere and Wibtoft so that it may without doubt be concluded that the possession of this Mannour belonged as antiently to the family of Boys as Clifton did How or when they parted with it I know not but in 8. E. 1. it being then written Bruneswafre was granted by Robert Hovel and Alianore his wife to Theobald Malegal and Nicholas Test Merchants of Luke to be held of the said Robert and Alianore and the heires of Alianore for ever paying 1. d. at Easter yearly for all services and for this they gave then C C. marks of Silver so that it seems to have been of the inheritance of Alianore And yet in 13. E. 1. did Iohn de Bosco of whom I have made mention in Clifton claim a Court-leet here and other liberties used by his ancestours time out of mind As also Free-Warren by the grant of K. H. 3. to Ernauld de Boys his Father exhibiting the Kings Charter for the same which was allowed But from the before specified Theobald and Nicholas was it purchased by William Revell in 20. E. 1. which William in 27. of the same K. Reign obteyned a Charter for Free-warren in all his demesn Lands here And in 35. E. 1. entayled it with Clifton as hath been there exprest When these Revells parted with it I find not nor have I seen any thing more thereof till 11. E. 4. that Thomas Bellers Gentleman released to Richard Boughton Esquire all his right therein which Richard was of Little-Lawford and dyed seised thereof 3. R. 3. leaving William his Son and Heir whose descendants there continuing have enjoyed it to this day The Chappel here dedicated to St. Michael with tythes of Corn and Hay as also one yard land and a messuage belonging to the mother Church of Clifton were given by Ernald de Boys viz. the first to the Abby of Leicester In which Chappel there is Christening and Buriall by the speciall grant of the Abbot of Leicester in regard of the distance of this village from the Mother Church of Clifton and the hindrance of access thereto by the overflowing of Avon oft times Armes in this Chappel viz. in the East Window Gules a cinquefoile ermine Old Earl of Leic. Newton ADjoyning to this Village is Newton having its name from the first plantation there which was then new it seems in comparison of the other adjacent Towns In the Conq. time Turchil de Warwic Progenitor of the Ardens held it viz. by Tenants under him the remembrance of whose names are not of consequence it then conteining 3. hydes as is certified in the generall Survey A great part of this village belonged to the Priory of Kenillworth some whereof was given thereunto by Geffrey Clinton in H. 1. time at the Buriall of Geffrey his Father founder of that Monastery as shall be shew'd in its proper place which grant Henry de Arden Grandchild of the above mentioned Turchill confirmed And the rest viz. two Hydes Ernauld de Boys of whom I have already spoken in Clifton gave which Land he the said Ernauld as by his grant appears had of Geffrey Clinton before specified The residue in K. Steph. time did Hugh Bagot purchase together with Cotes now Coton of Raphe de Duuerne And in consideration of xl s. which Ingeram Bagot his Brother gave him towards his expedition beyond Sea with Otuerus de Sulley granted them both to the said Ingeram to be held of Rob. fil Odonis the chief Lord of the Fee Which Ingeram had issue Simon who sold to the Monks of Combe three yard land here Raph de Mora one of the Heirs to Robert fil Odonis confirming the grant But of these Bagots I purpose to speak when I come to Preston Bagot where I shall insert a scheme of their descent Afterward viz. in 8. Ioh. Robert de Cotes now called Coton in the Parish of Church-Over obteyned by exchange from the Abbot and Covent of Combe all the Land that they had in Newton for Lands which he gave them in Cotes And in the 25. of H. 3. Nichola the Widow of Simon Bagot of Preston in this County released to the Abbot and Covent of Combe and their successours the whole right which she had by reason of her dowrie in all those Lands of Cotes and Neuton So that in 36. H. 3. that which the Monkes of Combe had in Newton answered for the sixth part of a Knights Fee upon payment of the aid for the Kings transfretation into Gascoine which as it seemes was viii yard Land or else they had more granted after that time to them for in 4. E. 1. they enjoyed so much In the xx of E. 3. it answered also for the sixth part of a Knights Fee But in R. 2. time by new gifts or smaller measure that which the Abby of Combe had there was rated at xi yard Land and 1. Acre accounting 48. Acres to a yard of Land Thus did this Monastery continue possessed of Newton till its dissolution After which viz. in 36. H. 8. the K. granted away with divers other Lands that which belonged to the Monks of Combe to Thomas Broke and Iohn Williams and to the Heirs of Broke by the name of the Mannour of Neuton And yet in the same year I find a Licence to Mary Dutchess of Richmund to Alien the very same Mannour to Henry Leigh Esquire And afterwards by Inquisition taken upon the death of the said Henry is it found that he dyed seized thereof 14. Apr. 3. Eliz. and that Edward his Son and Heir was xx years of age But what became of those Lands which the Pr. of Kenylworth had here I have not seen Below Newton Eastwards lyes Biggin so called of later time Biggin signifying an habitation in resemblance whereof we have the Saxon word 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 for inhabitants As also in the Northern parts the name of Biggin for a fair House or Gentlemans seat but antiently this was called Holme having been a Village in the Conq. time though now there be scarce any thing left but a Mill which name it took from the situation lying in a nook betwixt the River Avon and a small brook that comes from Shawell in Leicestershire as the Map will shew for such grounds as are in whole or for the most part compassed with waters are so called as we may observe almost every where In the Conq. time Turchil de Warwick held it by his under-tenants From whom it came with the rest of his Lands as it seemes to the Earles of Warwick for of
it and by his last will and Testament dated 12 Nov. 16. H. 6. appointed that his Feoffees thereof should hold it to the use of Ioane his wife during her life and afterwards to the behoof of Margaret his Daughter by the said Ioane and her heirs for ever which Ioane took to her second husband one Richard Hotoft who was constrained to defend his wifes right therein against Thomas Throgmorton and one Iohn Brokesby in 30. H. 6. they then laying claim thereto but of this suit the Plantiffes had little benefit as it seems for after the decease of the said Ioane Iohn Hugford of Emscote possest it in right of Margaret his wife daughter to the before specified Nicholas Metley and dyed seized thereof 1. H. 7. leaving Iohn Beaufoe son and heir of Ioane his daughter Margaret Alice and Anne daughters to him the said Iohn and Margaret Metley abovesaid his next heirs as when I come to Emscote shall more plainly be shewed whereupon in 4. H. 8. scil 12. Aug. partition being made of Hugford's lands Iohn Cotes of Honingham in right of Alice his mother had these mannours of Wolston and Merston which Iohn by his deed bearing date xx Aug. the same year past them in exchange to Edward Belknap Esq. and his heirs as in Dercet I shall more fully shew This Edward Belknap was afterwards a Kt. and by his Testament gave Wolston with the mannour of Marston to his brother in Law VVilliam Shelley Esq and Alice his wife sister of the said Sir Edward and to the heirs of the said Alice reserving first an estate for life in them to his wife which VVilliam Shelley by the said Alice had issue Iohn Shelley his son and heir who dyed seized of them 16. Dec. 4. E. 6. leaving William his son and heir 12. years old who being attainted for treason committed xv Dec 25. Eliz. forfeited all the estate he had here which was no more than for life by reason of an entayl made 16. Ian. 23. Eliz. so that dying without issue 15 Apr. 39 Eliz. these Mannours by vertue of the said entail came to Sir Iohn Shelley Kt. and Bt. son and heir to Iohn Shelley brother of the said William which Sir Iohn by his deed of bargain and sale bearing date 19 Oct. 10 Iac. conveyed the same to George Warner Gent. and his heirs the present Owner thereof an 1640. I now return to the descendants from Robert de Chetwode by Sibilla the other daughter and coheir of Roger de Frevill before mentioned This Robert had issue Raph de Chetwode and William which Raph confirmed his Uncle Richard Frevill's grant of Merston-mill to the Abby of Combe but left no issue as it seems for VVilliam his brother inherited the estate and having given to those Monks certain errable lands in Wolston-field left one onely daughter and heir married to VVilliam le Bretun of Long-Ichington betwixt whom they had issue Guy le Bretun Which Guy in 15 E. 2. with other Commissioners was appointed to assess the sum of ccl imposed upon those Knights Esquires and other men at Arms in this County who being summoned to attend the King in person against the Rebels here in England viz. Thomas E. of Lancaster and his complices desired to be exempted from that service In 2 E. 3. he was one of the Knights for this Shire in the Parliament held at York And in 9 E. 3. one of the Commissioners assigned to assess and collect the sum of 120 l. in this County for the discharge of lx Hobelers and cc Archers which were to be chosen and armed as also conducted to Newcastle upon Tine In 14 15 E. 3. he was assigned with others to make sale of the Ninth of Sheafes Fleeces and Lambs in this County granted to the K. in Parliament as also to levy and collect a Tenth granted in the same Parliament and founded a Chantry in the Abby of Combe for one Monk to sing Mass daily there at the Altar of St. Edmund the Archb. for the soules of William le Breton his father and of Avice his wife and their ancestours which Avicia was a Benefactress in the enlarging and beautifying the Church of Wolston as her picture in a North window thereof doth manifest This Guy had issue Sir William Bretun Kt. Lord also of Wolverton in this County and one of the Knights for this Shire in the Parliament held at Westminster 45 Edw. 3. who being constituted Shiriff of the Counties of Warwick and Leicester 49 E. 3. in 1. R. 2. served again as one of the Knights for this Shire in the Parliament then held at Westminster and left issue Guy of whom I find nothing memorable neither can I trace down this descent any further I now come to the Monastery sometime here situate which being a Cell as I have said to St. Peters sup Dinam in France â— was one of those we commonly call Pryories-alien But of these Cels have I not seen many formal foundations the course being for the most part barely to grant the Land and Tithes as by a multitude of instances might be manifested After which the Monks beyond Sea partly to propagate more of their own Rule and partly to have faithfull Stewards to transmit unto them a good proportion of the profits arising out of such their new acquired possessions at so great a distance built competent places for the reception of a small Covent and then sent over such a number as they thought fit constituting Priors over them successively as occasion required which grants were all very antient I mean shortly after the Conquest being commonly made by such who had themselves been Founders of some Religious House or at least their Ancestours or near Allyes And that the grant of this at Wolston was about that time I have intimated these circumstances do much satisfie me for in our publick Records can I find nothing thereof First that the Fabrick of the Tower Steeple hath the apparent form of those Buildings which were in use soon after the Normans entrance And next that Roger de Montgomeri the Possessour of this place in the Conquerours time stood in a near relation of kindred to Robert Earl of Ewe who with his Brother Hugh Bp of Liseux assisted their Mother Lescelina in the foundation of St. Peters super Dinam before specified as the descent herewith drawn will shew and so consequently was the more like to be a Benefactor to that Monastery Quidam potens de nobili genere Danorum Richardus 1. dux Normanniae Gunnora Guillelmus Lescelina Hugo episcopus Lexovii Rob. Aucensis Comes Osbertus de Bolebec Wevia Hugo de Montegomerico â—oscelina Rogerius de Montegomerico But whether there was any grant thereof at all otherwise than verbal is somewhat disputable for in those elder times concessions by Charter were not very
the said Prior and Covent of Carthusians and their successours for ever All which was confirmed by the K. Letters Patents bearing date 5 Iulii 20 of his reign upon the return of a Writ of Ad quod dampnum thereupon and thenceforth continued to the said Carthusians till the general dissolution of all the Monasteries by K. H. 8. After which it came to the hands of Roger Wigston descended from a family of the Wigstons in Leicester divers whereof were Merchants of the Staple Which Roger being a Lawyer I suppose for he was Steward to the Monastery of Pinley in this County by his Will dated 34 H. 8. bequeath'd his body to be buried in the Church of Wolston having been Shiriff of this County and Leicestershire in 33 H. 8. and in commission of the peace for divers years And left issue William VVigston a Justice of Peace likewise in this County and Eschaetor towards the latter end of K. H. 8. reign as also Shiriff in 5 E. 6. but Knighted in 2 3 Ph. M. who dyed 27 Sept. 19 Eliz. and lyeth buryed in the Chancell at Wolston Roger his son and heir being then xl years of age which Roger having no issue male left the inheritance of his lands to his two daughters whereof Susanne was the wife of Nicholas VVentworth Esq who in her right became Lord of this Mannour for so it is now reputed to be and left it to Sir Peter VVentworth Knight of the Bath his son and heir the now owner thereof The Church dedicated to St. Margaret IN an 1291. 19 E. 1. the value of the Rectory here was certified at xxxiii marks out of which besides the sum of xiii sol iiii d. due to the Bp of Coventre and Lichfeild for the time being as a pension there was liii sol iiii d. yearly to be paid to the poor there as the composition manifesteth The Vicaridge in 26 H. 8. was valued at xv l. x sol over and above viii l. yearly allowed for the stipend of two Priests serving in two Chappels within this Church and ii sol per annum for Synodals The appropriation of the Fruits of this Church to the Monastery of St. Peter sup Dinam was antient for I have seen a very old Copy of the ordination of the Vicaridge commonly called the Composition made by Alexander de Savensby Bp of Cov. and Litch about the beginning of H. 3. time who at his institution of Henry de Leicester Priest upon the presentation of the Prior of Tutbury Procurator general to the above mentioned Abbot and Covent makes this appointment in the behalf of the said Vicar and his successors viz. that they shall have all the Obventions of the Altar as well of the Mother Church as of the Chappels with a Messuage and a croft which one Alanus then held the Vicar out of these being to pay Synodals and to see that the Chappels were served by honest and able persons But by another Instrument of the said Bp. it appears that by the consent of the before mentioned Prior of Tutbury there was an assignation made of four marks yearly to be paid to the Vicar for the time being out of the profits of the Rectory by the hands of the Procurator of the said Abbot and Covent whoever he should be at Wolfricheston at two terms in the year viz. two marks at the day of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin and two marks on the day of her Purification out of which the Vicar was to give yearly xiii coats each containing three ells and xiii pair of shoes to the poor of the parish by the oversight of the Archdeacon of the place or his Official and whatsoever was remaining himself to have towards the maintenance of one Priest there assisting him There is one thing more that I am not willing to pass by touching this Vicaridge viz. a Commission which I find granted by the Bp. of Cov. and Lichf bearing date 1 Dec. an 1454. 33 H. 6. to certain persons there named and entrusted by him to enquire of the Ordination thereof forasmuch as the present Incumbent had signified to the said B. that the same was so slenderly endowed that having there the cure of souls he could not maintain himself in that fit manner as he ought out of the profits thereof nor well undergo what was incident to him as Vicar and thereupon humbly craveâ— remedy from the B. By which Commission the B. gives power to the persons therein mentioned to call before them the Prior and Covent of Carthusians near Coventre to whom the Rectory was appropriate appointing that this enquiry should be made by persons of credit both of the Clergy and Laity and upon oath as also thereupon to proceed in augmentation thereof as there should be cause with power of Canonical câ—eÌ„â—cion By which it appears that though the Vicaridge were formerly endowed yet if in the discretion of the B. or his successours at any time after the fruit issuing out thereof to the present Incumbent were not esteemed sufficient to maintain him in a fit manner there might be an enlargement made out of the profits of the Rectory And that the B. may lawfully do this I could manifest by very good authorities as well as undeniable reason but in regard this Argument belongs to men of another profession and that there is already a very handsome Discourse written upon this subject by Dr Ryves a learned Civilian entituled The poor Vicars plea I will spare that which otherwise I could have said therein Adding this onely that if respect be to be had that the Vicar is to have that competent and laudable support as is sutable to his degree and quality for work he may not by the Laws being to follow his study maintain hospitality releive the poor pay Procurations and defray all other charges incident to his Benefice and that the Laws do allow him to marry whereby the charge of a single person as antiently they were is by wife and children much in all probability increased then no doubt many hundreds in England ought to be in this case regarded Neither can the Impropriator justly say he hath wrong though he purchased the Rectory at a dear rate for he must needs know that it is divolved to him with no more priviledge than the Monks had it who were alwaies subject to coertion for the like augmentation as cause required it being not originally intended that they who lived plentifully in their Cloyster should sweep away the chief fruits of the Church the Parish which paid duely their Tithes having little advantage from them and that the Vicar who daily served at the Altar should snap on short commons but if there were sufficiency for both each to have share otherwise if one must want it should not be he that did undergo the work I know this will sound harshly in Impropriators ears
of his body who dying without issue in 31. Eliz. it returned to the Crown whereupon the said Queen by her Pat. dated 28. Oct. 40. Eliz. passed it to Randle Crew of Lincolns-Inne Esq. and Richard Cartwright of London Gent. and their heirs who by their deed of bargain and sale bearing date xxiii Iunii 41. Eliz. granted it to Thomas Dilke Esq. but afterwards Kt. and to his heirs whose Grand-child William Dilke of Maxstoke-Castle now enjoys it The Church here was very antiently given by the Prior of Coventre unto the Cathedrall of Lichfield in the name of a Prebend and in 1291. 19. E. 1. was valued at xv marks but in 26. H. 8. at xi l. vi sol viii d the Procurations and Synodalls being then vi sol viii d. per an and the Curate a stipendary to the Prebend But in it are neither Arms nor Monuments Bobenhull BElow Rieton lyes Bobenhull which in the Conq. time being possest a by Robert de Statford of whom I am to speak in Wotton-wawen and of him held by one Aluric whose freehold it had been before the Norman invasion contained then five hydes whereof the woods were two furlongs in length and two in breadth there being at that time a Mill but the value of all then certified at fifty shillings where it is written Bubenhalle In 13. Ioh. this Mannour answered for the third part of a Knights fee amongst the lands which were of the Honour of Herveus de Stafford And in 36. H. 3. amongst the fees held of the Lord Stafford it was certified that the Earl of Warwick held two parts of a Knights fee here But in 7. E. 1. Iohn Fitzwith being Lord thereof held it of Hugh de Plessets by the third part of a Kts. fee the same Hugh holding it over of the Baron of Stafford which Iohn had at that time here one carucate of land in demesn ten servants that held two yard land and a half seven Freeholders holding ten yard land and eight acres as also eight Cottagers In whose family it continued till the later end of Edw. 3. time but then went away with a Daughter and heir as the descent here inserted will shew Wido filius Roberti 36. H. 3. Ioh. fil Guidonis 7. E. 1. Rob. fil Guidonis miles 3. E. 2. Guido fil Rob. 9. E. 2. Eliz. filia haeres infra aetat 10. E. 2. Thomas de Lucy Joh. le Fitzwith 20. E. 2. Joh. Fitzwith Johan ux 2. postea nupta Will. de Tyrington 15. R. 2. Robertus le Fitzwith dictus le Fitz-Gy 30. E. 3. Agnes filia Will. Catesby Iohanna filia haeres probavit aetatem 49. E. 3. Joh. Beauchamp de Holt Joh. Beauchamp mil. obiit 8. H. 5. Alicia Ioh. Pauncefot 1. maritus Margareta filia haeres Ioh Wysham 2. maritus 1. H. 6. Rob. le Fitzwith I am of opinion that these Fitzwith's had their seat here as I shall further instance anon therefore I purpose here to memorize what I find notable of them Of this Iohn whom I have already mentioned I find that he was the first that assumed the sirname of Fitzwith being the son of one Guido or Guy called Guido filius Roberti as in Shotswell I shall have occasion to shew and in 3. E. 1. one of those who had Commission for the Gaol delivery at Warwick as also that in 5. E. 1. he attended the King in his expedition into Wales at which time the Welch were reduced to subjection their Prince being then content to accept of such termes as K. Edward would afford him And that in 29. E. 1. he was one of those that received the Kings precept to be at Berwick upon Twede sufficiently appointed with Horse and Armes to march against the Scots To whom succeeded Robert called Robertus filius Guidonis who being a Kt. in 3. E. 2. wrote himself of this place which Robert had issue Guy that dyed in 10. E. 2. leaving Elizabeth his Daughter and Heir within age who departed this life without issue as it seems for the inheritance came to Robert le Fitzwith Nephew to the last Guido by Iohn his Brother which Robert having no issue setled part of his lands in his life time upon the said Robert le Fitzwith his Nephew as I shall more fully shew when I come to Bernangre the rest descending to him This last mentioned Robert had two wives Agnes the Daughter of Will. Catesby and Ioane who survived him and marryed to Will. de Tyrington and died in 36. E. 3. leaving issue Ioane his Daughter and heir ward to Sir Richard Penbruge Kt. by the Kings grant which Ioane marryed to Iohn Beauchamp of Holâ— in Worcester-shire and proved her age in 49. E. 3. whereupon her husband and she had livery of her lands This Iohn Beauchamp had the honour to be the first man that ever had creation to the dignity of a Baron in England by Patent which bears date at Wodstoke x. Octobris undecimo R. 2. but he enjoy'd it not long for the same year the rebellious Lords having rais'd a potent army came up to London and there mustering their men in the sight of the Tower where the King then lodg'd forced him to call a Parliament wherein by their power they did what they listed causing Sir Robert Tresilian chief Justice of England and divers others to be attainted of treason of which number this Sir Iohn Beauchamp then Lord Steward of the Kings house-hold being one was thereupon hang'd drawn and quartered But by the Kings writ of Monstraverunt directed to the Justices of the Common Pleas in xv R. 2. upon the allegation of William de Tyrington and Ioane his wife wherein they set forth that the said William and Ioane had recovered the third part of this Mannour in 43. E. 3. as the dowrie of Ioane against the said Iohn Beauchamp and Elizabeth it appears that the said Iohn and Elizabeth long before this attainder viz. the Sunday being the feast day of the exaltation of the Holy cross in 7. R. 2. did demise it unto Iohn Catesby to hold during the said Iohn Catesby his life in consideration of viii l. per an to be payd to the said Iohn Beauchampe and Ioane and their heirs so that by reason of this demise the viii l. Rent per an onely and the reversion after Iohn Catesby his death were seized for the King in regard of the aforesaid attainder And which is not the least notable that his coat of male being then in the hands of one Iohn Reede an Armorer of London was thereupon delivered up unto Henry E. of Derby afterwards King by the name of Henry the 4. by a speciall command But this attainder as all things else done in that Parliament of xi R. 2. held by force being made void in the Parliament of 21. R. 2.
I find that Raph Fitz-Nicholas then Steward to William Earl Ferrers was owner of it by descent from Alice de Baskervile his Grandmother and the next year following there was a Fine levyed betwixt him and the Prioress of Eton touching the advouson of the Church which was acknowledged to be the right of the same Raph saving to the said Prioress and her Church of Burgton the antient and due portion she had wont to receive out of it This Raph Fitz-Nicholas was a very eminent man in his time and had here a Mannour-house as may be inferred by the storing of a pool with fish for which purpose he had the Kings mandate to the Constable of Kenillworth-Castle to deliver unto him C. Bremes out of Kenillworth-Pool a Fish in great esteem and price antiently as when I come to Sutton in Hemlingford-Hundred I shall shew In 14 H. 3. he had amongst other liberties and priviledges granted to him and his heirs in divers Mannours freedome from suit to the Hundred and County-Court and of the payment called Auxilium Vicecomiti for this his Mannour of Stretton And in 41 H. 3. departed this life at which time he was Steward of the K. Houshold leaving Robert his son and heir who did his homage the year following Which Robert was summoned to be at Worcester with divers other great men on the feast day of St. Peter ad vincula 47 H. 3. to resist the power of Lewelin Prince of Wales then in hostility but he afterwards adhered to the rebellious Barons being of the retinue to young Simon Montfort Nevertheless returning afterwards to obedience he was again received to favour finding Sureties for his future fidelity viz. Raph de Pipard and Raph de Pichford of Shropshire and in 1 E. 1. dyed without issue leaving Raph sirnamed Pipard his nephew and heir which Raph did his homage in 2 E. 1. having lands in the Counties of Nott. Derb. Oxon. and Berks. by descent from his â—aid Uncle In 13 E. 1. this Raph. Pipard claimed a Court-Leet here with weyfs and other priviledges and power to punish the breakers of the Assize of Bread and Ale part of which his claim was allowed in regard it appeared that his Ancestours had used them time out of mind but as to the weyfs he did not speed After which viz. in 29 of the said K. reign he aliened this Lordship with the advouson of the Church unto Iohn de Twyford reserving to himself an estate for term of life onely and in 3 E. 2. departed this life leaving Iohn Pipard his son and heir 37 years of age of whom I shall say more when I come to Long-Compton This Iohn de Twyford made his residence here as it seems though Kirk-Langley in Derbyshire was his antient seat for in 17 E. 2. I find him amongst the List of those Knights and Men at Arms whose names were then returned into the Chancery for this County In whose family it continued till H. 7. time that Thomas Twyford having begun the depopulation thereof in 4 H. 7. decaying 4 messuages and 3 cottages whereunto Clx acres of errable land belonged sold it to Henry Smith Gentleman Which Henry following that example in 9 H. 7. enclosed DCxl acres of land more whereby 12 mess and 4 cottages fell to ruine and 80 persons there inhabiting being employed about tillage and husbandry were constrained to depart thence and live miserably By means whereof the Church grew to such ruine that it was of no other use than for the shelter of Cattle being with the Churchyard wretchedly prophaned to the evil example of others as are the words of the Inquis In which line of Smith it continued till that Richard Smith son and heir to Sir Walter setled it with Shireford as I have there declared and since hath it been possest by the owners of that Lordship The value of the Church in an 1291. 19 E. 1. was certified at viii marks and in 26 H. 8. at vi lib. over and above ix s. vi d. allowed for Synodals and Procurations there being antiently a pension of x s. per annum payable out of it to the Monastery of Nun Eaton but there is not now any part of the Church standing Patroni Ecclesiae Incumbentes Rad. fil Nicholai Ric. Clericus 33. H. 3. D. Ioh. de Twyford miles Magr. Will. de Langele die domin in festo S. Nich. 15 E. 2. D. Ioh. de Twyford miles Ioh. de Roderham Pbr. 17. Cal. Aug. 15 E. 3. Rob. de Twyford Henr. de Stretton Cleric 4 Cal. Aug. 23 E. 3. D. Rob. de Twyford miles Will. de Makworth Pbr. ult Iunii 4. R. 2. Rob. Twyford domicellus Ioh. VVright Pbr. 25 Sept. 15 R. 2. Rob. de Twyford domicellus D. Thom. de Cowdale Pbr. 5 Febr. 1 H. 4. Rob. de Twyford Simon de Faresleye 7 Nov. 4. H. 4. D. Rob. de Twyford miles D. de Langley Will. Cole Capell 14 Febr. 7 H. 4. Rob. Twyford ar D. de Langley D. Will. Toneworth Pbr. 27 Aug. 10 H. 5. Rob. Twyford ar D. de Langley Ioh. Staunton Pbr. 21 Maii 7 H. 6. Rob. Twyford ar D. de Langley Ioh. Wormegay 16 Iulii 12 H. 6. Rob. Twyford ar D. de Langley Ioh. Bythebroke Pbr. 27. Sept. 21 H. 6. Tho. Twyford ar Rob. Bulmer Pbr. 20 Febr. 26 H. 6. D. Will. Blount mil. D. Will. Atkynson Cap. 16 Iunii 10 H. 8. Ioh. Onley Baldw. Porter generosi ratione advoc ejusd durante minori aetate Walt. Smyth D. de Shirford D. Edw. Smyth Cler. 12. Iunii 17 H. 8. Walt. Smith miles D. Ioh. Walker Cap. 3 Sept. 29 H. 8. Ric. Smyth ar Ric. Palmer 10 Novemb. 12 Eliz. Rich. Smyth de Shirford ar Geo. Messenger Cler. 11. Apr. 23 Eliz. Will. Welshe de Burbage in Com. Leic. ex concess Ric. Smyth VVill. Robynson Cler. 27. Sept. 24 Eliz. Galfr. May de Sutton Cheyne in Com. Leic. gen Galf. Amherst 4 Apr. 1607. Galfrid Amherst Cler. Ric. Teynton in art bacc 4 Dec. 1609. Hyde THis is now also a depopulated place but had antiently a Chappel pertaining to Hinkley in Leicostershire whereof doubtless it was not long since a member in regard it appears to be of the fee of Winchester by reason of Quincy E. of Winchester's interest in the Honour of Leicester As for the signification of the name I shall refer you to the Gloss of the learned Sir H. Spelman where may be seen the various acceptions thereof conceiving that in this place it was first imposed to express a certain quantity of Land sufficient for one Plough to manage But the first mention that I have met with of it is in 3 Ioh. where Will. Mareschall and Raph Mallore levyed a Fine of two yard Land here to the use
daughters and heirs whereof Lucie the youngest was married to Thomas Cotton of Connington in Com. Hunt Esq formerly in ward to the said Thomas Harvey Upon partition of whose Lands this inter alia being alotted to her is descended to Sir Thomas Cotton now of Connington Bt. great Grandchild to that Thomas Unto whom for his singular favours in most freely communicating to me many rarities out of that inestimable Library which with great cost were gathered by his worthy Father and with no less care preserved by himself I stand highly obliged After the dissolution of the Abbyes that part of this Lordship with the Rectory belonging to the Monastery of Nun Eaton was granted unto Sir Marmaduke Constable Kt. together with the site of that Religious House and divers other Lands but since by purchase is come to Iohn Hele Esq The Church being granted very antiently to the Monastery of Nun Eaton was also appropriated thereto and in an 1291. 19 E. 1. valued at 7 marks and a half but in 26 H. 8. at 4 l 14 s. 2 d. over and above ix s. vi d. for Procurations and Synodals being not a Presentative but the Cure served by a Stipendiary in which Church are neither Arms nor Monuments Shirforde FRom Burton-Hastings towards the South lyeth Shirford whereof there now remains nothing but part of the antient Mannour-house This place may seem to have taken its name from the Forde or Passage over that little Torrent which runs on the West part thereof towards Nun-Eaton as the Map will shew Shirs signifying clear and in that sense we still use the word upon some occasions As it lyes within the Parish of Burton-Hastings so was it antiently a member thereof and held likewise of Ferrers but the first mention that I find of it is in H. 2. time where Raph the son of Robert de Chartres a man in some eminency at that time as I apprehend by the stile of his Deed confirms unto the Canons of Erdbury in this County a yard Land lying in Sireford for so is it there written and by the consent of Richard his son granted unto them ten acres more in pure alms Amongst the Witnesses to which Deed were Randolfe Truwe and William his son Not long after which time viz. about the beginning of H. 3. reign at the farthest certain Lands there were given to the Monks of Combe by Thomas Trove who stiles himself in his Grant Dominus de Schireford From which Thomas as I guess did descend Iohn de Shireford who in 20 E. 3. with Robert de Herle answered for half a Knights fee in Broughton and Shirford then held of the Honour of Tutbury This Iohn de Shirford was also Lord of the moytie of the Mannour of Church-waver but leaving no issue male these his Lands divolved to the family of Purefey Margaret his Daughter taking to Husband Philip Purefey of Munsterton in Leicestershire In whose line this Mannour of Shireford continued till H. 8. time being their principal seat in this County Will. Purefey de Munsterton temp E. 1. E. 2. Philippus Purefey 3 48 E. 3. Margareta filia haeres Joh. de Shirford Will. Purefey 6 21 R. 2. Will. Purefey 21. R. 1. 1. H. 5. Margareta filia Will. Chetwin de Ingestre mil. 21. R. 2. Will. Purefey obiit 6. E. 4. Mariana filia haeres Alani Alott de Shalston in Com. Buck. Philippus Purefey obiit 8. E. 4. Isabella nupta Joh. Denton 12. E. 4. Joh. obiit sine prole Nich obiit s. p. Will. obiit s. p. Joh. Purefey 12. E. 4. Nich. Purefey qui vendidit M. de Shirford temp H. 8. Thomas Purefey Legis-perirus de consilio Ric. de Bellocampo Warwici Comitis 6. H. 5. Which Philip was son to W. Purefey of Munsterton who bore for his Arms upon a fesse betwixt 3 pair of gantlets handing each other 3 martlets and being learned in the Laws became Steward to Raph Earl Stafford for holding his Courts as also a Justice of Peace in this County from the 38 till the last of E. 3. reign He had issue William and Thomas which Will. in 14 R. 2. had licence granted to him by Ric. Scroope B. of Cov. and Lich. to have an Oratory or private Chappel in his house here at Schireford being also in Commission of the peace in this County from the 6 to the 20 of K. R. 2. reign viz. 13 14 17 and 20. But Thomas was train'd up to study the Laws and in 8 R. 2. had an annuity of xx s. granted to him by Sir Iohn Warren Kt. with a Robe aad Hood of the better sort of that sute which he gave to the rest of his Esquires to be yearly paid him out of the Mannour of Rotley pro consilio suo impenso impendendo He was also in Commission for conservation of the peace in this County from the 13 of R. 2. till 6 H. 5. and had a memorable Grant from Iohn de Whellesburgh of the inheritance in reversion of Fenny Drayton and Whellesburgh two good Mannours in Leicestershire whereby the same Iohn did also pass his Arms to be born by him the said Thomas his heirs and assigns as entirely as he himself or his Ancestours had born them all which appears by the Deed sealed with his Seal of Arms and bearing date at Fenny-Drayton 21 R. 2. which Arms viz. Or 3 piles gules and upon a Canton arg a mullet Sable have ever since been born by his Descendants quarterly with their own This Mannour continued to William son and heir of the last mentioned William who marryed Margaret the daughter to Sir William Chetwynd Kt. in 21 R. 2. Which William in 6 H. 4. was joyned in Commission amongst others to treat with the people about a loan of Money for the K. special service and rested in Commission for the peace in this Shire from 8 H. 4. till 1 H. 5. But how long he lived I find not for the name of William holding on to his Posterity doth so confound the descent as that without more particular light than I have yet had I must onely by circumstances distinguish them which I presume is here right enough done for the next mention of them that I meet with is in 10 H. 6. where VVilliam Purefey of Shirford is certified to hold the Mannour of Wover now Church-Over in this County whereof I have already spoke This is that VVilliam who marryed Mariana the daughter to Alan Ayott of Shalston in Com. Buck. and in 12 H. 6. when all the men of note through England were sworn to observe divers Articles agreed on in the Parliament then held is recorded amongst others in this County having then his residence here at Shirford In 19 H. 6. he had Commission to treat for another loan and was a Justice of Peace from the
Mary's reign it being May 15. 1 Mariae that Sir Walter 's murther so hapned To whom succeeded the before specified Richard his son and heir who was strangely juggled out of a fair inheritance this Lordship being part the manner whereof considering what success hath attended it is not unworthy the relation This Richard having but one onely daughter called Margaret by his first wife and doubting of issue male treated with Sir Iohn Littleton of Frankley in Worcestershire for a marriage betwixt his said daughter and William Littleton third son to the said Sir Iohn In consideration whereof he agreed to settle all his lands in remainder after his own decease without other issue upon the said William and Margaret and the heirs of their two bodies lawfully begotten but for lack of such issue to return to his own right heirs And having Writings drawn accordinglyâ— trusted the said Sir Iohn Littleton to get them ingrossed Which being effected and a day appointed for sealing Mr Smyth came over to Frankley where he found very noble entertainment and some of Sir Iohn's friends to bear him company in whose presence the Writings were brought forth and begun to be read but before they came to the uses stept in Sir Iohn Littleton's keeper in a sweat and told them that there were a brace of Bucks at lare in the Park which carryed a glass in their tails for Mr Smyth's Dogs to look in for he loved coursing well and had his Greyhounds there but if they made not hast those market people which passed through the Park would undoubtedly rouse them Whereupon Sir Iohn Littleton earnestly moved Mr Smyth to seal the Writings without further reading protesting that they were according to the draughts he had seen and without any alteration Which bold asleverations putting him out of all suspicion of sinister dealing caused him forthwith to seal them and to go into the Park Hereupon the two Children for they were not above ix years old a peice were marryed together and lived in the house with Sir Iohn But so it hapned that about six years after the young man dyed by a fall from a Horse insomuch as Mr Smyth considering that his daughter had no issue resolved to take her away and signified as much to Sir Iohn who designing to marry her again to George his second son refused to deliver her till which time Mr Smyth never suspected any thing in the Deed formerly so sealed as hath been said But then upon difference betwixt him and Sir Iohn it appeared that for want of issue by the before specified William and Margaret the lands were to divolve unto the right heirs of the said William which was Gilbert Littleton his eldest brother contrary to the plain agreement at first made To make short therefore VVilliam the youngest son marryed her George the second enjoy'd her and Gilbert the eldest had the estate as heir to his brother Which descending to Iohn his son was kept from Mr Smyth the true heir with whom he had great suits in Law and at length by his attainder for adhering to Robert E. of Essex in 42 Eliz. came to the Crown for he was drawn into that Treason as being a man much respected for his wit and valour by those Conspirators and dyed in Prison After which King Iames at his first coming to the Crown of England being petitioned by Muriel the widow to the said Iohn for restitution of his lands well weighing how popular a man the Earl of Essex was and so consequently all those that took part with him were lookt on by the Vulgar unto whom an Act of Mercy could not but be especially at his first entrance very gratefull yeilded to her request and by his Letters pat made a grant of them to her Whereupon she still doubting more trouble by suits with Mr Smyth sold them away to Sergeant Hele a great Lawyer who likewise considering upon what foundation Littleton's title was at first built to the end that it might the better be defended disposed of them to his 5 sons viz. Sir VVarwick Hele and Sir Francis both Knights Nicholas VValter and George But such is the fate that follows these possessions that for want of a publick adversary these brothers are now at suit amongst themselves for them And as none of the line of Gilbert Littleton before specified to whom they so descended by force of the before specified conveyance doth enjoy a foot of them so is it no less observable that the son and heir of George by the same Margaret so marryed as I have declared viz. Stephen Littleton of Holbeach in Worcestershire was attended with a very hard fate being one of the Gunpowder Conspirators in 3 Iac. for which he lost his life and estate as is very well known Bulkintonâ— SOuthwards from hence lyes Bulkinton which is a large Parish containing these Hamlets viz. Weston in Arden Ryeton Bramcote Wolvershill Merston-Iabet and Bernacle of which in their order In the Conquerours dayes this was certified to be in the possession of the Earl of Mellent and held then by Salo his under-tenant at which time it contained 4 hydes and one virgat of land being valued at xx s. and written Bochintone That Ernald de Boys was Steward to Rob. Bossu E. of Leic. I have already taken notice in Clifton but whether this place descended to him as heir to Robert de Watervill his Uncle or whether he were enfeofft thereof immediatly by the said Earl I cannot say nevertheless that he succeeded Watervill as heir is most probable for it appears that Roger de Watervill brother of Robert gave the Church to the Abby of Leicester upon or near the time of that Monastery its foundation which was in an 1143. 8 Steph. To which Church were then belonging two yard land called the glebe with the Chappels of Bernangle Weston Ryton Merston Schelton Ansty and Bramcote all which except Schelton and Ansty do yet continue of this Parish for in those dayes it was seldome seen that the possession of the Mannour and patronage of the Church were in several hands before such perpetual advousons were given to the Monks Which Ernauld confirmed the said grant of Roger de Watervile so also did his descendants the 3 succeeding Ernalds In 13 E. 1. Iohn de Boys son to the last Ernald claimed a Court-Leet Gallows power to punish the breakers of the Assize of Bread and Ale as also Weyfs and to be discharged of the common amerciaments of the County All these I say he claimed then by prescription in this his Mannour of Bulkinton Weston and Ryton with Free-warren here by grant to Ernald his father which were allowed To whom succeeded William his brother and heir as in Clifton is manifested Which William setled this Mannour with divers other upon himself for life and afterwards upon VVilliam de la Zuche and Maud his wife and the heirs of the same VVilliam
for fuell by the space of xv days before Christmass and for viii days before Easter And whereas the said tenants of Copston had wont in consideration of the said common of Pasture and getting of fuell to perform certain services to the same Reginald and his Father viz. plowing twice a year harrowing once mowing and raking once and in Harvest one man from every House to gather up Corn as also from every House a Hen at Christmass and ten Egges at Easter the said Reginald for the health of his soul and the souls of his Father Mother and Ancestors released to them all those services This Reginald seated himself here at Wolvey as by that grant appeareth and had great suites with Will. de Harecurt Thomas de Astley and other Knights that held of the Honour of Leicester for in 11. Ioh. he gave two palfreys that the cause might be heard before the King wherein he got the better as may seem by that Fine of CC. marks payd into the Exchequer by the said Tho. de Astley the year following pro falso clamore But having no Children the issue of his two Sisters became his Heirs viz. Yuo de Dene and Rob. de Leicester Which Yuo had his seat at Dene in the East part of Northampton-shire but was highly devoted to these Monks of Combe as may appear by his large concessions to them first for pasturage for their Horses and Oxen that were imployed in Tillage and likewise for 12. Kine and a Bull in all places within Wolvey where his own Horses Oxen and Kineâ— or his Heirs or others of the same town were to have pasture as also liberty for them to dig turfe yearly with two men for six days And moreover of his Mill here with the Pool below his Mannour-house and course of water thereto excepting all the Fish but Eels whereof the Monks were to have the one half And afterwards in further testimony of his bounty bestowed on them his Mannour-house and whole Lordship of Wolvey with the homage and services of all that held thereof which grants not onely Nich. de Dene son to the said Yuo confirmed but Ric. de Harecurt Superior Lord of the Fee by descent from the before specified Ivo de Harecurt So that now those Monks having a Lordship here which in 20. H. 3. and 20. E. 3. answered for a whole Kts. Fee claimed in 13. E. 1. a Court-Leet and other Priviledges therein whereof they had allowance And in 18. E. 1. obtained a Charter of Free-warren in all their demesn lands here And in 19. E. 2. the like for a Mercate every week upon the Wednesday with a Fair yearly to last for three days viz. the Even of St. Mark the Evang. and two days following But leaving the Monks of Combe thus possest of this Mannour I shall now observe what I find otherwise memorable in Wolvey which is that one Sir Thomas de VVolvey Knight had a fair estate here and left issue Ioan the wife of Sir Henry de Erdington of whom in Erdington I shall speak and Alice of Giles the Son and Heir to Andrew Lord Astley towards the latter end of E. 1. reign upon which Giles and Alice and the Heirs of Alice in 32. E. 1. he setled 37. mess. three carucats with ten yard land and a half lying in Withybroke and this Wulfhey in the County of War Three mess. 1 carucat of Land and 6. s. 6. d. rent in Sixteneby and Olcby in Com. Leic. and 13. mess. and 13. oxgâ—â—gs of land in Scakethorpe and Hothum in Com. Ebor reserving to himself and Alice his wife an estate for term of life in the aforesaid lands paying yearly to the said Giles and Alice a Rose at the Feast of the Nativty of St. Iohn Bapt. for all services But all that I have seen further of him is that being one of the Coroners in this County an Office of great note in those days as in Wolston I have shew'd in 6. E. 2. he was grown so aged and impotent to undergoe the same that he had his Writ of ease And that he bore for his Armes Or a Lyon rampant sable as by his seal and other authorities appeareth which Seal being adorn'd without the compass of the shield with Castles makes me suppose that his paternall ancestours were of the family of Castell residing at Withybroke hard by This Alice the wife to Giles de Astley surviving her Husband was stiled domina de Wolvey as by the institutions to the Chantry may be discerned which Chantry she founded in 17. E. 3. in the Chappel of our Lady within this Parish-Church endowing it with two mess and two yard land lying here in Wolvey for the maintenance of a Priest to sing Mass daily there for ever for the good estate of her self whilst she lived and for the health of her soul after she should depart this life as also for the souls of her ancestors and heirs and all the faithful deceased And left issue Thomas Lord Astley her son and heir of whom being to speak at large in Astley I shall now say no more than what relates to this Lordship which is that he gave 1. mess. and 36. acres of land lying therein to the Prior and Covent of Erdbury and their successors towards the maintenance of a Canon in that Monastery to sing Mass daily for the good estate of him the said Thomas and Eliz. his wife and of the same Alice de VVolvey and Andrew de Astley whilst they lived as also for the health of their souls after their departure hence and for the souls of their heirs and ancestors and all the faithfull deceased To which Thomas succeeded William Lord Astley and Giles a younger son which William in 15. R. 2. gave to the said Giles his Brother and Kath. his wife and to the heirs of their two bodies this Mannour of Wolvey paying to the said William and his heirs a grain of Wheat onely at the Feast of St. Iohn Bapt. yearly for all services Of which Giles all that I find memorable is that in 18. R. 2. which was about three years after he became possest thereof by the consent of the Abbot of Combe he admitted one VVill. de Scregham to the Heremitage upon Wolvey-heath there to live a Heremeticall life in the service of God and to pray for the souls of him the said Giles his ancestours and all the founders and benefactors of the said Monastery of Combe When this Heremitage was first founded appears not but by what is exprest in that Instrument of his admission it seems that it stood in a solitary place upon Wolvey-heath which long before that time had been inhabited by Heremites In 1. H. 5. there was an Award made by Reginald Grey Lord Hastings Weysford and Ruthin and Richard Crosby Prior of Coventre upon certain differences which
and of such rankness that much of it hath bean carryed by the Husbandmen to further distances like Dung to make the ground more fertile Upon the very thwarting of those two great ways hath antiently stood some eminent Cross which the Country people called High-Cross but now instead thereof is onely a pole bearing that name That this was the station of the Bennones I have Mr. Cambdens authority from Antonines-Itinerary yet nothing more can I say of it time having worn out the memory of what else was memorable But I return to Wibtoft Though it lye in this County yet is it in the Parish of Cleybroke in Leicester-sh and hath a Chappel dedicated to our Lady viz. to her Assumption The first mention I find of it is 60. years and more before the Conquest for Ulfric Spot a potent man in those days and founder of Burton-Abby in Stafford-sh gave it by his Will to one Athelric for life and afterwards to the said Monastery of Burton But in the Conq. time it was possest by the Earl of Mellent and in the generall Survey then taken written Wibetot Willey being join'd therwith both which were the freehold of Sexi in Edw. the Conf. days After which ere long was Ernald de Bois enfeoft thereof with Clifton Bulkinton c. whereof I have already spoke for not only an Extent of Knights-fees in 55. H. 3. shews that they were then held joyntly of the E. of Warwick by 4. Kn. fees but the possession hereof continuing in the family of Boys and afterwards to Zouch as most of the other did argues no less And I find that the grant of Raph Araby made to the Abby of Leic. of 7. mess 10. crofts 5. yard land and a half and one mill lying here was confirm'd by the same Ernald wherein the Abbot claimed a Court-Leet and the like Priviledges that he did in Bulkinton and had allowance of them As also that the same year scil 13. E. 1. the Prioress of Eaton purchased one mess and 120. acres of land lying in this place of Gilbert de Houby a great man in Leicestersh But further can I not speak thereof than that in the line of Zouch it continued as by the severall authorities I have vouch't in Bulkinton appeareth till Edw. Lord Zouch in our Fathers memory past it away as he did the substance of his antient inheritance Willey FOllowing Watlingstreet I next come to Willey joyn'd with Wibtoft in the Conq. Survey both which being then held by the E. of Mellent and containing 3. hides were valued at 4. l. But the first mention that I after meet withall of this place is in 26. H. 2. where Robert de Wilega for so he is there written payd 3. marks to have a tryall in the K. Court against Simon de Verdon for this Village From the E. of Mellent it came to the E. of Warwick as most of Mellent's lands in this County did and was granted to Hastings by one of those antient Earls as may seem by severall Inquisitions from whom the ancestours to Turvile and Herdebergh were at first enfeoft Robert de Wilega being one of those families and called de Wilega whilst he resided here and de Herdeberg when he dwelt at Herdeberg now called Harborough-magna in this County for such kind of alteration of names was usuall enough in old time as I could manifest if need were But what I find memorable in generall touching this family of Herdebergh I purpose to declare when I come to Great-Harborough before mentioned where I have inserted a Scheme of their descent and therefore here I shall chiefly take notice of them as in relation to this place for I have circumstance enough to satisfy me that Herdebergh had the principall interest and not Turvile though Turvile had part In 33. H. 3. there was a tryall betwixt Roger de Herdebergh and the Abbot of Preaux in Normandy touching the Church here in respect of the right that the said Abbot claimed therein by reason of the Cell at Warmington in this County of the Eâ— of Warwick's foundation which was subordinate to that Monastery of Preaux upon which suit it seems that the Abbot of Preaux recovered the same for it appears by the Institutions that he presented thereto To which Roger de Herdebergh succeded Hugh that held this Mannour immediatly of Hastings and had issue Roger who dying in the life time of his Father left onely two Daughters Ela the elder within age in 14. E. 1. marryed to Will. le Boteler of Wemme in Com. Salop and Isabell to ..... by whom she had issue Dionysia that dyed y Childless and Alice wedded to Iohn de Peyto which Iohn and Alice in 7. E. 3. setled the one moytie of this Mannour upon the issue of their two Bodies and for default thereof upon the said William le Boteler and the heirs of his Body with remainder to the right heirs of Ela. And the other moytie after the decease of them the said Iohn and Alice unto the said William with the like remainder By which means it descended to Edmund le Boteler son to the said Will. and Ela as the descent doth manifest which Edm. being a Priest dyed 49. E. 3. whereupon his Sisters became his heirs to the estate whereof Dionysia the eldest marryed to Hugh Cokesey and had issue Sir Walter Cokesey Kt. unto whom Sir Fouke Pembruge Kt. and Margaret his Wife Daughter and heir of Ida or Idonea the second Sister of the said Edmund by William Trussell of Odiham released their right in the fourth part of this Mannour 51. E. 3. which Sir Walter had issue Walter and he Sir Walter Cokesey Kt. that dyed seized thereof 15. Dec. 24. H. 6. without issue leaving Ioyce his Sister and heir first marryed to ...... Beauchamp but afterwards to Grevile by whom she had issue Sir Iohn Grevile Kt. that left Thomas his Son and heir who called himself Cokesey as in Milcote I shall further shew which Thomas was also a Kt. and dyed without issue whereupon Robert Russell and Robert Winter being his Cosens and heirs had livery of his lands in 15. H. 7. From which Robert Winter descended George who accomplishing his full age 27. Ian. 7. Eliz. sold his two parts of this Mannour to the Tenants Hugo de Herdebergh Rog. de Herdebergh Ela filia cohaeres Gulielmus le Boteler de Wemme Ankareta ux Ioh. Strange de Blakmere Joh. Strange defunctus 49. E. 3. Ioh. Strange defunctus 49 E. 3. Eliz. obiit infra aetat Ankareta amita haeres Eliz. ob 1. H. 5. Ric. Talbot miles Gilb. Talbot miles fil haeres aetat 27. an 1. H. 5. Ankareta ob s. prole 9. H. 5. Ioh. Talbot miles erectus in Com. Salop 20.
whom partition being made in 6. R. 2. Iohn Malory son to the same Iohn and ..... had this Mannour of Fenni-Neubold with certain lands in Esenhull Stretton and Strod-Aston and the Capitall meâ—suage or Mannour house of Paylington assigned to him Robert de Whitney and Ioane his wife the Mannour of Clifton in this County with certain lands in Newton juxta Clifton for their part And Richard Boteler Ioane his wife the Mannour of Browns-Over with certain Rents and services in Paylington Which Iohn Malory was constituted one of the Commissioners for conservation of the Peace in this County in 13. and 14. R. 2. In 15. being then a Kt. he was made Shiriff of these Counties To whom succeded Iohn one of the Kts. for this Shire in the Parl. held at Westm. 1. H. 5. and in 4. H. 5. Shiriff also of these Counties In 7. H. 5. he was by speciall Commission with others assigned to treat with the people about a loan of money to the King In that year K. H. 5. being victorious in France and Humf. D. of Glouc. his youngest Brother constituted Custos Angliae in the K. absence precepts were directed to the Shiriffs of all the Counties in England in the K. name and signed by the said D. commanding them to elect and appoint a certain number in each Shire of Kts. and Esquires bearing Armes from their Ancestours such as were most able and sufficient to serve the K. for defence of the Realm all which were to attend the K. Councell at Westm. the Tuesday in the first week of Lent For which purpose 13. being chosen in this County this Iohn Malory was one In 2. H. 6. he underwent the office of Eschaetor for these Counties of Warr. and Leic. and the next year following the Sheriffalty And having been in Commission for the peace from 6. H. 5. till 12. H. 6. left issue Thomas who in K. H. 5. time was of the retinue to Ric. Beauchamp E. Warr. at the siege of Caleys and served there with one lance and two Archers receiving for his lance and 1. Archer xx li. per an and their dyet and for the other Archer .x. marks and no dyet This Thomas being a Kt. in 23. H. 6. served for this Shire in the Parliam then held at Westm. and dying 14. Martii 10. E. 4. lyeth buryed under a marble in the Chappell of St. Francis at the Gray-Friers near Newgate in the Suburbs of London To whom succeded Nicholas his Grand-Child viz. son of Robert who dyed in his Fathers life time Which Nich. being a Justice of Peace in this County from the 17. of H. 7. till his death left issue two Daughters his heirs viz. Dorothe first marryed to Edw. Cave and afterwards to George Ashby who had upon partition made of that inheritance 26. H. 8. the Mannour of Winwick in Northampt-sh with certain lands in Stretton and Paylington in this County as also in Swinford Com. Leic. And Margery first married to Clement Cave but afterwards to Iohn Cope which Margery having this Mannour of Newbold assigned to herupon the said partition with certain lands in Esenhull before specified joyned with her second Husband Iohn Cope 12. Oct. 29. H. 8. in the salâ— of this Mannour to Thomas Pope then Treasurer of the Court of Augmentation which Thomas Pope by his deed dated 14. Iulii 30. H. 8. past it to Will. Whorwood Solicitour generall to the K. whose Daughter and heir Margaret became the wife of Thomas Throgmorton Esq. Son and heir unto Sir Rob. Throgmorton of Coughton Kt. which Thomas and Margaret sold it to Sir William Stamford one of the Justices of the K. Bench From whom it descended to Sir Robert Stamford Kt. his son and heir who left it to Charls Stamford a younger son of whom Elizabeth the widow of Iohn Alderford of Abbots-Salford Esq. purchased it for Edward Morgan her son by ..... Morgan a former Husband which Edward sold it to Sir Sym. Clarke Baronet the owner thereof an 1640. Copston-magna OF this place I shall not need to say much for as to the Etymologie of the name what I have exprest in Copston-parva will serve turn And that it was given by Geffrey Wirce to the Monastery of St. Nich. at Angiers in 12 Will. Conq. what I have said in my discourse of Monkskixby will manifest That it continued in the hands of those Monks as parcell of the possessions of the Priory-alien of Monkskirby and past therewith to the House of Carthusians founded in the I le of Axholme in 20 R. 2. I have likewise signified in Monkskirby as also that upon the dissolution of the Religious houses in 31 H. 8. it came to the Crown for all which I shall refer my Reader to the Records there cited not being able to give any further account thereof Neunham-Padox THis place by reason of another not farre off which hath the same appellation hath been antiently distinguished from that by these severall additions scil Newnham juxta Kirkby-monach Newnham parva Cold Newnham and lastly Newnham Padox by reason of a little Park formerly there as 't is like In the Conq. Survey it is rated for one Hide valued at lx s. and written Niweham Geffrey Wirce of whom I have spoke in Kirby being then possest thereof with the rest of whose lands it came to Nigel de Albani as in Kirby I have intimated and was towards the end of H. 2. time as I guess granted by Nigel de Moubray Grand-child to the said Nigell unto Roger de Newham for of this Roger is there no mention in 12 of that Kings reign when Roger de Moubray certified his Knights Fees but afterwards I find that the same Roger de Newham held one Kts. Fee of Nigel de Munbray before mentioned which was doubtlesse for this place To whom succeeded VVill. de Niweham who in 11 Ioh. accounted for vii marks towards the making up for Will. de Molbray that Fine he payd to the King for part of his inheritance concerning which he was impleaded by VVill. de Stutevill From which VVilliam who is stiled Dominus VVillielmus de Newnham which argues he was a Kt. it came in process of time to Philip and was in 6 E. 3. by him setled for want of issue on Robert his Brother for life the remainder to Iohn another Brother and the heirs of his Body and for default of such issue on Ioane Sister to the said Iohn And for lack of issue by her on Mariot his other Sister with remainder to the right heirs of the said Ioane then wife of Roger Ryvell But from this Philip descending two Daughters and heirs viz. Kath. marryed to Iohn Collard and Isabell to Walter Whitehorse the same Iohn and Catherine in 36 E. 3. past their title therein unto the said Walter and
above viii s. allowed for Procurations and Synodalls Patroni Vicariae Incumbentes c. Prior monachi de Kirby Will. de Walton Cap. 4. Kal. Apr. 1335. Edw. Rex Angl. ratione temporal Pr. de Kirby Ric. de Wyke Pbr. 7. Id. Aprâ— 1354. Pr. C. de Kirby Walt. de Frelond 17. Kal. Dec. 1366. Dom. Rex ratione temporal Pr. de Kirby in manu sua Ric. Tofte Pbr. 14 Apr. 1393. Prior. Conv. de Axholme Rog. Hunt Cap. 12 Sept. 1412. Prior. Conv. de Axholme Tho Normanton Cap. 20. Nov. 1450. Prior. Conv. de Axholme Ioh. Stamford Pbr. 29 Dec. 1458. D. Anna Comitissa Derb. ratione concess Pr. C. de Axholme Dom. Adam Halsall 12 Apr. 1539. Dominus Rex Ioh. Coppull Cap. 10 Ian. 1544. Ph. M. Rex Regina Will. Heather Cler. 15 Iunii 1557. Domina Regina Edw. Bowne Cler. 17 Iulii 1572. Domina Regina Rog. Barker Cler. 5 Maii 1575. Iacobus Rex Ric. King Cler. 25 Iunii 1604. Tho. Gerard de Burwell in Com. Can. tab gen ex concess Edw. Boughton ar Henr. Wylde S. Theol. Bac. 7 Maii 1611. As for the severall Monuments in this Church I have represented them upon the ensuing pages on the last whereof is this Epitaph Here lieth the Bodies of Edward Boughton Esq and Eliz. his wife daughter of Edw. Catesby of Lapworth Hall in the County of Warw. Esq by whom he had issue two sons Will. and Thomas and one daughter Katherine which Thomas married Judith one of the daughters and coheirs of Henry Baker of South-Sowburie in the County of Essex Esq and Kath. married Will. Combe of Stratford upon Avon in the Countie of Warw. Esq Which Edw. died the 9 th of August 1625. and Eliz. died the 12 th of Aprill 1619. William the eldest son of the said Edw. married Abigaile the eldest daughter and coheir of the said Henry Baker Esq and had issue Edward William Humfrey Elizabeth and Abigaile which Abigail wife of the said William dyed the 21 of Febr. 1635. and Eliz died the 14 of Ian. 1632 and Abigaile died the 4 of Sept. 1636. Cosford That Stutevill's lands in Newbold and this place as a member thereof were given to Pantolf in marriage with Burgia sister to Rog. de Stuteville I have already shewed in Newbold As also how that Will. Pantolf dying without issue Burgia and Emme his sisters became his heirs Which Emme being marryed to Rob. de Waver brought the greatest part hereof to that family in which it continued and past with the Mannour of Thester-waver as may seem by some Records which I have there cited As for what belong'd to the Monks of Pipwell I find that in 7 E. 6. the K. granted it to Iohn Greene of the City of Westm. and Raph Hall of London Scrivener and their heirs Which Iohn in 1 2 Ph. M. had licence to alien the same unto Eliz. Boughton from whom as it seems they were afterwards granted to one Tho. Wightman Gent. for it appears that in 4 Eliz. the said Thomas had licence to pass them unto Sir Tho Leigh Kt. Little-Lawford BEfore the Norman invasion this was possest by the same Alwine of whom I have made mention amongst the Earls of Warwick and descended to Turchill his son who held it in the Conq. dayes one Leveva being then his Tenant thereto By the general Survey at that time taken it is certified to contain two hydes whereunto belong'd a Mill all valued at x s. viii d. and there written Lilleford But from this Turchill it came to Henry the first E. of Warwick after the Conquest whose Grand-child Earl William gave it as it seems to Robert de Craft for I find that in 12 H. 2. the same Robert was certified to hold one Kts. fee of him de novo feoffamento To whom succeeded Rog. de Craft brother to the same Robert in the possession thereof who granted the Mill here to the Monks of Pipwell in fee-ferm for the rent of v marks of silver yearly which rent was afterwards released to them by Roger his son in consideration of xx marks given unto him by Walter de Patshull son and heir of Simon 〈◊〉 Patshull who built the Chapter house at Pipwell Wâ—ich Roger afterwards granted this whole Vâ—llage to Iohn de Chavini and his heirs it being then rated at 2 hydes the just proportion that it was certified to contain in the Conq. time id est 8 yard land For which grant he reserved the Rent of i d. to be paid yearly at Easter to him the said Rog. and his heirs for all services excepting forreign there being for that the 5th part of a Kts. fee due Which Iohn de Chavini past it away to the Monks of Combe for C. marks of silver Robert de Campanâ— confirming the grant in H. 2. time But it seems that the Monks of Pipwell paid yearly to the Prior of Kirby at the feast of S. Botulph x s. for the tythe of their Mill here it being within the Parish of Neubold super Avon the Church whereof belong'd to the Monks of Kirby as I have already shew'd Howbeit afterwards they withheld that payment in regard of their priviledge viz. being of the Câ—stertian Order yet did they by Agreement settle the x s. annuity to the said Prior and his successors for ever After which in process of time further difference growing betwixt the Monks of Combe and Pipwell they of Combe required of Pipwell 6 acres of land and xx s. yearly in money for their interest in this Lordship of Little Lawford and in the capital Messuage But the Register of Pipwell saies that in the place where that capital Messuage stood the Monks of Combe had divers Cottages and that they also had the whole Lordship besides so that they of Pipwell having there no more than the Mill with the crofts and holmes thereto belonging did pay that xx s. yearly quia Luna lucet in aqua Upon which differences there was an Award made an 1226. 10 H. 3. by the Abbots of Stratford and Woburâ—e appointed for that purpose by a general Chapter of their order whereby it was decreed that the Abbot and Covent of Pipwell and their successors should for ever enjoy this Lordship with the Mannour house and all the appurtenances which heretofore they held as termers of Rog. de Craft excepting 6 acres which the Monks of Combe were to have for quietness sake and that the Monks â—f Pipwell should yearly pay to them of Combe hereupon xx s. sterling So thatâ— by all that hath been said it appears that Chavini had it from Craft the Monks of Combe from Chavini and they of Pipwell by force of this Award But afterwards to the family of Craft it divolved again it seems yet how I have not seen for in 20 H. 3.
had the victory at Faukirke in Scotland This Andrew gave or rather sold to the Cannons of Erdbury a wood lying within the precincts of Chilverscoton called Herewardshey which his Father had of the grant of Tho. the son of Thomas the son of Scherus de Stoke And dyed in 29. E. 1. leaving Nicholas his son and heir aged 24. years who doing his fealty had then livery of his Fathers lands Which Nicholas in 1. and 3. E. 2. being constituted one of the Commissioners for conservation of the peace in Warwicksh and to see the Statute of Winchester observed in 5. E. 2. was a Knight and bore for his Armes a Lion rampant as by his Seal appeareth But in 7. E. 2. attending the K. in that unfortunate expedition against the Scots was taken prisoner in the battail of Strivelin where many a gallant Englishman had the same fate or lost his life The time of his death I cannot certainly point out but he dyed without issue for I find that Thomas his nephew viz. son of Sir Giles de Astley his younger brother and with him taken prisoner at Strivelin became heire to the estate and in 19. E. 2. had livery of his lands being then of full age Which Thomas was a Knight in 10. E. 3. and such a man whose pious and noble actions gave no small lustre to this family For in 11. E. 3. he founded a Chantry in the Parish-Church here at Astley of one Priest to sing Mass daily for the health of his soul and for the soul of Eliz. his wife daughter to Guy de Beauchamp E. of Warr. as also for the souls of his Father and Mother and all the faithfull deceased to which he had license for the amortizing of 8. mess. 2. carucats of land pasture for 2. horses and 4. Oxen cvj. s. viij d. rent with the appurtenances lying 〈◊〉 Astley Wolvey Milverton and Willughby juxta Dunchurch in this County In 12. E. 3. he was assigned one of the Commissioners for conservation of the peace and to be assistant to Ric. E. of Arundell and Tho. Lord Berkley for arraying of all men in this Shire according to their severall estates and faculties The same year he had license to grant the advouson of the Church here at Astley to the Guardian and Priests belonging to the Chappell of our blessed Lady therein for the health of his soul and the souls of his ancestors and all the faithfull deceased which by Rog. Northburg then B. of Cov. and Litch was appropriated thereunto 8. Kal. Oct. following Who thereupon reserved these pensions viz. to the Chapter of Litchfield 5. s. to the Chapter of Coventre as much and 13. s. 04. d. to the Cathedrall of Litchfield to be payd at the feast of S. Mich. th'Archangell yearly out of the profits thereof Which Chantry as appeares by the Bishops said Instrument of Appropriation consisting of 4. secular Priests one called the Custos or Warden and another the Subwarden was founded for the good estate of the said Thomas de Astley the Lady Eliz. his wife and of Dame Alice and Alice Mothers to them both their heirs and successors as also Roger then B. of Cov. and Lich. and after their decease for the health of their souls and of the souls of Sir Walter de Astley and Isabel his wife Sir Thomas de Astley and Ioane his wife Sir Andrew de Astley and Sibill his wife Nich. de Astley and Alice his wife Sir Giles de Astley father of the said Thomas the founder Sir Thomas de Wolvey and Alice his wife and of Sir Thomas de Clinton Knight For augmentation of which number to seaven Priests and one Clerkâ— in 14. E. 3. he obteyned license to amortize 2. mess. 3. yard land and half 2. acres of wood and 2. s. -8 d. rent in Withibroke Hapsford and Bedworth In that year he was joyn'd in Commission with the Bishop of Worcester the Abbot of Stoneley and Prior of Erdbury to supervise the ninth of Sheaf Lamb and Wooll for this County granted to the K. in Parliament And the next year did he grant to the Prior and Covent of Erdbury and their successors 1. mess. and 36. acres of land lying in Wolvey Thus was the heart of this worthy person still more and more enlarged as we see by these his pious concessions and yet thinking all not enough procured license of the K. for the changing these Chantry-Priests into a Dean and Secular Canons and to grant to them and their successors the perpetuall patronage of the Church of Hill-Morton which was appropriated thereto by the said Rog. Northburgh Bishop of Coventre and Lich. 3. Cal. Martii the same yeare with reservation of x. s. annuall pension to be payd out of the profits thereof at the feast of S. Michael th'Archangel Whereupon he then began to erect a most fair and beautifull Collegiat-Church in the form of a Cross dedicated to the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin with a tall spire covered with lead whereof I shall say more anon Which foundation consisted of a Dean and two Canons who were to be secular Priests each having their lodgings appointed to them with particular lands out of the before mentioned possessions so given the Dean being to provide a Priest as perpetuall Vicar there and by him presented to the Bishop by the the B. to be instituted and by his mandate to the Chapter of his Church to be admitted having v. Marks by the year quarterly for his salary And likewise another priest with a fit Clerk to serve the Parishioners in the said Church Shortly after which viz. in 20. E. 3. did Tho. Beauchamp E. of Warwick grant thereunto the Church of Long-Stanton in Cambridgshire Nor was it long after that the before specified Founder added more for in 36. E. 3. I finde that he gave ix marks and x. s. yearly Rent issuing out of lands situate in Lilburn and Creek in Northamptonsh and lxv s. v. d. ob q. rent out of lands in Shustoke Filungley and Nun-Eaton in this County And lastly his son Will. Lord Astley in 12. R. 2. xl s. yearly rent issuing out of the mannour of Bentley to Iohn de Plompton Vicar and then Sacrist and to his successors for ever Having now done with the endowment I have a word or two more to say of the Founder relating to his publique employments which is that in 33. E. 3. he was the first in ranke authorised by commission in this County for arraying of men in the K. absence according to the Statute of Winchester As also in 35. constituted one of the Justices of peace in this shire And that by Elizabeth daughter to Guy de Beauchamp E. of Warâ—wick he had issue Sir Will de Astley and Sir Thomas both Knights with Giles his third son from whom the Astley's of Wolvey
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.
made him begin too late to repent of his doings After this it was not long ere that Symon de Montfort Earl of Leic. with divers of the Barons taking advantage of certain miscarriages in government occasioned by this Geffrey and such other who had abused the power and trust committed to them put themselves in Armes under pretence of asserting the Laws and subject's liberties the particulars of which story I must not here stand to tell but so much thereof as relates to the said Geffrey I shall briefly touch Which is that amidst those turbulent doings in 48. E. 3. he was trusted with the custody of Windsor-Castle as appears by his render thereof upon the Kings command being then necessitated to submit unto a dishonourable truce with the Barons Certainly he was a man of extraordinary note for I find him in the Catalogue of those great men who stood stoutly to the King against his rebellious Barons and lived to a great age for he departed not this world till 2. E. 1. and then Walter his son and heir doing his homage had livery of his lands A younger son he had named Geffrey who was in the Welch expedition with his brother Walter in 41. H. 3. But of him and his descendants I have said something already in Shortley and shall have occasion 〈◊〉 say more when I come unto Atherston super Stoure and therefore now return to Walter This Walter had his Christen name as 't is most like from Walter Marshall Earl of Pembroke under whom his father executed the officâ— of Marshall in the K. houshold And in 36. H. 3. obtain'd a speciall Pat. exempting him from serving on any Juryes so long as he lived The next year following he attended the King into Gascoign and in 41. H. 3. went into Wales with the Royall Army In 3. E. 1. he was constituted onâ— of the Justices for the Gaol delivery at Warwick And in 7. E. 1. being certified Lord of this place had here ten Cottiers holding nine Cottages for which they payd severall Rents performed divâ—rs services in Harvest and gathered Nutts for one day He had then also 3. Carucats of land and 3. acres and a Water-myll in demesn and kept a certain outwood containing 5. acres inclosed as a Park which had wont to be common The same year I find that he was again a Justice for the Goal-delivery at Warwick and so likewâ—se the year following in which he dyed leaving his son and heir viz. Iohn de Langley 22. years of age who did his Homage and had livery of his lands immediatly after And had also a younger son called Râ—bert of whom and his posterity I shall speak it Wolfhamcote Which Iohn who had the inheritance of this mannour as also of Wikin and Milcote had summons to be at London with many other great men the Sunday next after the Octaves of S. Iohn Baptist 25. E. 1. to attend the K. in his expedition beyond Sea And in 29. of the said Kings raign had the like summons to be at Barwick upon Twede at the feast of the Nativity of S. Iohn Baptist to wait on the K. in his Scottish war wherein he was knighted as 't is probable for the same year he so stiled himself In 5.6 and 7. E. 2. he was constituted one of the Justices for the Gaol-delivery at Warwick In 8. he and Henry de Erdington were appointed to levy and collect in this County and Leicester-sh the Scutage due to K. E. 1. in 34. of his raign when his Army came together at Carleol which was not till then received And the next ensuing year was in Commission for making choyse of one stout and able Footman in every village throught-out this County to march with the King in person against the Scots as also to see that they were sufficiently armed according to the Statute of Winchester In 10. E. 2. he had the like imployment for choosing one Footman in every village of this Shire for the war of Scotland and to see them sufficiently arm'd with Haketones Bacenets Swords Bows and Arrows as also with Slings and such other weapons that were proper for them In 12. E. 2. he with Rob. de Stoke were assign'd to collect an eighteenth in this County In 13. E. 2. for levying and collecting Scutage for the Scottish war In 14. and 15. E. 3. he was again in Comission for the Gaol-delivery at Warwick And in 18. entail'd this Lordship with other lands upon his son Geffrey and his heirs After which I neither find more mention of him nor any historicall matter relating to his descendants excepting of Ioan his great-grandchild and heir to this branch of that family who being wedded to Iohn the son of Sir Alan Charlton of Apley Knight was forcibly taken from him by Sir Iohn Trillow the younger Kt. and kept as his wife many years during which time the same Sir Iohn and she by their deed dated 39. E. 3. granted this Mannour to Sir Baldwin Frevill the elder Kt. and his heirs Who for the corroborating of his title had a Release from Sir Peter Careswell Kt. son and heir to Sir Will. Careswell Kt. of all his interest therein bearing date 3. Maii 46. E. 3. which Ioan was afterwards reconciled to her first husband but dyed without issue Upon the partition of Frevill's lands 31. H. 6. whereof in Tamworth I shall speak this Mannour was allotted unto Robert Aston esq son and heir to Ioyce one of the three Sisters and coheirs to the last Sir Baldwyn Since which it hath continued in the line of Aston till of late time for in 39. Eliz. did Sir Edw. Aston of Tixhall in Com. Staff Knight dye seized of it leaving Walter his son and heir who in 1. Caroli or about that time sold it to severall Coventre men then his tenants to the particular parcells thereof Whitley A Little lower upon the Eastern-bank of Shirburn stands Whitley where there is now no more than a Mannour-house with an old Chappell and a Mill to be seen but antiently it was a village of divers Inhabitants yet is there no mention of it in the Conq. Survey for as much as it was then involved with Coventre As for the name I suppose it proceeds from a Brittish originall viz. Coit id est a wood and by corruptness in pronouncing is come to be writter Whit the latter syllable Ley being also from the Brittish I le which is the same with locus or sedes Nor till K. Stephen's time have I seen it at all mentioned but then did Ranulph Eeal of Chester of whose fee it was render the Chappell thereof to the Monks of Coventre In 34. H. 3. upon the passing of Coventre in Fee-ferm by Roger de Montalt and Cecily his wife to the Monks amongst certain reservations made to
back to the said Henry her brother as her heir or whether she quitted her title thereof to him appears not but certain it is that the same Henry had it again for by his deed in writing he gave it in Frank-marriage at the Church dore with Letice his daughter unto Geffrey Savage the day that he wedded her In whose line it continued till towards the later end of H. 3. time but then by an heir female divolved to Ednesoure from whom it shortly went by the like means unto Herthull as the desent here plac't will shew After which it continued to the Herthull's till R. 2. time and then was passed to Sir Will. Bagot by Sir Ric. de Herthull Kt. Of which families of Savage Ednesoure and Herthull I will here take notice in an historicall way in respect I do rather think that their residence was here this being a Castle and standing till R. 3. time if not longer than at any other of their seats which they had in this County and Derbysh. Of the first Geffrey Savage this is all I find viz. that he is mentioned in the Shiriffs account of 5 H. 2. As also that in 31 H. 2. Thomas de Ardern had suites with him for two hides of land in this County and that he had issue Helias and Geffrey which second Geffrey gave to the Monks of Stoneley two parts of his Mill called Yartford-mill â— with the sure thereto due from his tenants of Hull and Wotton And was also a Benefactor to the Nuns of Polesworth granting unto them one Rob. de Weston his bondman with his issue But it seems he was in some disfavour with K. Ric. 1. for in 7. of his reign he gave 50. marks pro habenda benevolentia Regis in which year he came to an Agreement with Tho. de Arden concerning the Mannour of Wotton About the beginning of K Iohn's time I find that Henry de Armentiers impleaded him for a Kts. fee here in his absence when he was beyond Sea in the K. service for which he had afterwards tryall by Battail of which I shall more particularly speak in Wotton In 6. Ioh. it appears that being surety for Will. de Hardreshill to the Jews of Northampton of whom the said Will. had borrow'd a large sum of money he was distreined for that debt and thereupon necessitated to complain to the K. to whom he gave a fine of x. marks that the said Will. might be compelled to pay it himself In 5 H. 3. he was joyn'd in Commiss with other persons of quality in this County to be one of the Justices for taking an Assize of Novel disseisin which Philippa Marmion had brought against Rob. Marmion the younger touching her dowrie of such lands as Rob. Marmion her husband dyed seâ—zed of in Tamworth and Midleton And dyed the next year following as it seems for in that year did his son Geffrey the 3. pay his Releif and do homage for half a Kts. fee he held of the K. in this County Which Geffrey in 12. H. 3. was with Hugh Despenser in the K. Army for which cause the Shiriff had command to respight those demands he made of him this being the time when Ric. E. of Cornwall the K. Brother with divers of the Barons put themselves rebelliously in Armes but dyed in 15 H. 3. the same H. De spenser having the custody of his heir as father to Petronill his wife leaving issue Geffrey who being thus in ward dyed without issue in 32 H. 3. whereupon Will. le Savage his brother then Rector of the Church of Neuton in this County became heir to the estate and doing his homage had livery of all his lands held of the K. in Capite Galfridus Salvagius 5 H 2. Leticia filia Henrâ— de Ardern Helias Galfr. Salvagius 2. R. 1.5 H. 3. Galfr. Salvagius 6 H. 3. defunctus 15 H. 3. Petronilla filia Hug. le Despenser Rob. Will. frater haeres Galfr. Rector Eccl. de Neuton defunctus 43 H. 3. Galfr. Salvagius defunctus 32 H. 3. f. prole Lucia ux Thomae de Ednesoure Iohanna ux Ric. de Hert. Hull Adam de Herthul fi haeres defunctus 13 E. 1. Ric. de Herthull miles obiit 18 E. 2. Ric. de Herthull 15 E. 2. Adam de Herthull miles defunctus 11 E. 3. Alicia filia Egidii de Astley militis ux prima Ric. de Herthull miles defunctus 13 R. 2. Maria filia notha Thomae de Bellocampo Comitis Warwici postea nupta Othoni Worthington 16 R 2. Adam de Herthull obiit vivo patre s. prole Egid. de Herthull obiit vivo patre Kath. filia Ioh. Walsh Will. de Herthull consangu haeres Ric. de Herthull mil. aet 10. an 13 R. 2. obiit s. prole 3 H. 4. Eliz. amita haeres Will. de Herthull 1. nupta Edm. Cokeyn ar 2. Ioh. Franceis de Ingelby Ioh. Cokeyn miles Amicia soror cohaeres 1. nupta Walt. de Miriden 2 ..... de Derley obiit s. prole Tho. de Ednesoure 1. haeâ—duÌ„ Wil. le Sauvage 43 H. 3. obiit 13 E. 1. s. prole Philippa ux Hug. Menill 43 H. 3. Gulielmus de Menill Hugo de Meinill 7 E. 2. Iohanna primogenita filiaruÌ„ haeredum Roberti de la Ward Ric de Meinill 39 E. 3. Which Will. had a brother called Robert who being Steward to the Nuns of Polesworth gave certain Rent issuing out of lands in Freseley for maintenance of the Lights belonging to the Chappell of our blessed Lady in that Monastery by reason of his purpose to be buried there for so I find he was as also Petronill his mother and that there was a speciall Indulgence of xx days penance afforded by Brandanus B. of Ardagh in an 1253. 37 H. 3. to all those of what Dioces whatsoever that should say three Pater-nosters and as many Ave's for the health of his the said Rob. and Petronill's souls This Will the Parson overlived his said brother Robert and was a further Benefactor to those Nuns giving them all such mess. lands and rents which the same Rob. held in Fresele and Dodenhale with his part of that land where the Chappel beyond St. Edith's-well in Povele-wood was built to the end that out of the profits thereof a mark of silver should be yearly paid viz. half at the Anniversary of the Lady Petronill his mother and the other at the Anniversary of the before mentioned Rob. Savage his brother as also a stone of wax for the Lights at Mattens in the said Monastery and dyed in 43 H. 3. seised of large possessions in this Shire and in the Counties of Wigorn Staff Leic. and Derb. leaving Tho. de Ednesoure the son of Tho. de Ednesoure by Lucia his sister and Philippa then the wife of Hugh de Meynill his other sister his heirs which said Tho. and Hugh had
the Record expresseth by the K. Councell discharg'd of one In 33 E. 3. I find him in two Commissions with sundry persons of the best quality in this County for arraying of Souldiers according to the Statute of Winchester In 40. and 42. one of the Kts. for this Shire in the Parl. then held In 45. Shiriff of these Counties and the same year one of those that was assigned for the assessing of a subsidy then granted to the K. in Parl. The next year following for the assessing of a x. and xv in this Shire In 50 E. 3. Shiriff once more which office he also bore again in 1 R. 2. but in 5 R. 2. he sold this Lordship to Sir Will. Bagot Kt. Two wives he had viz. Alice daughter of Sir Giles Astley Kt. by whom he had his issue and Mary who overliv'd him and dyed in 13 R. 2. leaving Will. his Grandchild his heir ten years of age which Will. in 2 H. 4. had livery of his inheritance the K. then respiting his homage but deceased the year following without issue leaving Eliz. his aunt and heir first marryed to Edm. Cokeyn Esq. of Ashburne in Derbysh. but then the wife of Iohn Franceys of Inggelby who having issue by her had livery of her lands doing his homage but of such her issue purposing to speak in Pooley I return to Sir Will. Bagot as Lord of this Mannour the estate therein being convey'd to him by divers feoffees into whose hands the said Sir Ric. had past it Sir Iohn Cokeyn son and heir to the said Edm. and Eliz. releasing also to him his interest This Sir Will. being a branch of that antient family of the Bagot 's in Staffordshire as may seem by the observation of one well verst in the antiquities of that County in 6 R. 2. wrote himself of this place and the next year following was constituted Shiriff of these Counties In 11. of that K. reign he served in the Parl. held at Westm. as one of the Kts for this Shire and in 12. in the Parl. held at Cambridge So also in 14 again at Westm. in which year he was likewise in Commission for conservation of the peace in this County and the next year following a Commissioner of Array In the severall Parl. viz. of Winchester in 16 R. 2. of Westm. 17.18 and 20 R. 2. he served again as one of the Kts. for this Shire And upon renewing the Commissions for the peace in 20 and 22. R. 2. was joyned therein In that notable Parl. of 21. R. 2. wherein the K. became so powerfull as our Historians do shew he was a forward ambitious and active man and being one of his chief favourites and Councellers in that turbulent time when Henrry D. of Lanc. who had been formerly banish't landed at Ravenspur in Yorksh. fled with the rest of his fellows to Bristoll there hoping to protect himself in that strong Castle but the discontented Lords taking advantage of the K. absence then in Ireland quickly rais'd an Army of no less than 60000 and besieging that Castle in short time took it and therein all of them except this Sir Will. Bagot who having made his escape fled into Ireland and of those so taken forthwith beheaded Will. le Scrope L. Treasurer Sir Iohn Bushy and Sir Henry Green All which fell out in the 22. and last year of K. R. 2. whose desposall soon after ensued It seems that this Sir Will. came back again into England with K. Ric. for within a month after the new K. began his reign he committed him prisoner to the Tower of London viz. 22. Nov. yet on the 24. of Dec. following the Shiriff of this County received command for speciall reasons thereunto moving the K. as the Writ saith that he should permit the B. of S. Davids and other the feoffees of his lands in this County amongst which this Mannour of Bagington is mentioned in the first place to have possession of them howbeit though for what reason I know not the 23. of Ian. following he superseded the Shiriff as to that restitution But this displeasure of the K. continued not very long for the 12. of Nov. following he gave command to the Constable of the Tower for his enlargement It seems he was still popular for in the Parl. held at Westm. the same year the Commons petitioned that he might be restored to his lands whereunto the K. answered that as he had allowed him pardon so would he otherwise shew him Justice which extended to his reception into grace for in 4 H. 4. he served in the Parl. at Westm. as one of the Kts. for this Shire And the next ensuing year the clouds being over had a full Release from the B. of S. Davids and other his feoffees of all their interest in this Mannour and the rest of his lands But after this he lived not long for on the 6. of Sept. an 1407. 8 H. 4. he departed this world as may seem by that part of his Monumentall Inscrip here at Baginton where he lyes interred with Margaret his wife the sister and heir of Rob. de Whatton of Notinghamsh leaving issue Isabell his onely Daughter marryed to Tho. Stafford of Pipe in Staffordsh son of Sir Tho. Stafford K. nephew and heir to Edm. Stafford B. of Exeter and one of the Kts. for this Shire in the Parl. held at Leicester 2 H. 5. as also one of the Esquires retain'd for life with Ric. Beauchamp E. of Warwick Which Tho. resided here at Baginton whil'st it continued unsold but that was not long for Sir Iohn Bagot Kt. one of the feoffees of Sir Will. Bagots lands by his deed dated upon Palm-Sunday 5 H. 5. wherein making mention of the last Will and Testament of the said Sir Will. Bagot made and published by which he appointed that Margaret his wife should hold this Mannour during her life the remainder to the aforenamed Tho. Stafford and Isabell and the heirs of the body of the said Isabell lawfully begotten and in case she should dye leaving no such issue then to be sold and the money received for the same disposed and distributed for the health of the souls of him the said Will. and Margaret did with the consent of the said Margaret Tho. Stafford and Isabell sell and grant the reversion of this Mannour which ought as he there expresseth to have come to him the said Sir Iohn Bagot after the decease of the said Margaret Tho. and Isabell without issue unto Ric. Beauchamp E. of Warwick Will. Mountfort and others their heirs and assigns for ever the same Tho. Stafford by his deed dated the Friday before the feast of St. Luke the Evang. in the same year confirming the grant Which Earl by his last
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
ib. v li. vi s. viii d. Georgio Rydel Canon ib. v li. vi s. viii d. Rad. Bakester Canon ib. v li. Ric. Hethe Canon ib. v li. vi s. viii d. Ioh. Rivers Canon ib. v li. Will. Clare Canon ib. v li. Ric. Palmer Canon ibâ— v li. Ric. Todde Canon ib. v li. Catalogus Priorum Bernardus temp H. 1. Laurentius temp Regis Steph. Silvester 2. Ioh. Henricus 16. H. 3. David 23. H. 3. Robertus de Estleye 51. H. 3. Rob. de Salle defunctus 6. E. 2. Tho. de Warmynton 6. E. 2. Ioh. de Peyto 2. Id. April 19. E. 3. Henr. de Bradwey 22. Aug. 1361. Tho. de Merston 8. R. 2. Will. de Brayles 11. Aug. 1400. Tho. Kidderminster 12. 〈◊〉 1402. Tho. Holygreve 5. Aug. 1439. Ioh. Yardley 2. Maii 1458. Rad. Maxfeild 11. Ian. 1494. Will. Wall 9. H. 8. Simon Iekys 29. H. 8. Touching the Mannour of Kenilworth which belong'd to this religious House I find that it continued in the Crown till 6. Eliz. and then was granted to Rob. Earl of Leicester at that time possest of the Castle as I shall shew by and by But the site of the Monastery which had been given by K. H. 8. to Sir Andrew Flamok a Courtier of those dayes descended to Sir Will. Flamok his son and heir who dyed seized thereof 11. Iulii 2. Eliz. leaving Katherin his daughter and heir about three years old afterwards marryed to Iohn Colburn of Morton-Morrell in this County esquire Which Iohn having bought certain Horses stolen out of the said Earles stables here at Kenilworth-Castle as was pretended became so terrified by Leicester that he quitted unto him all his right therein upon easy tearmes as I have heard Kenilworth Castle THat this Castle was built by Geffrey de Clintou Chamberlain and Treasurer to K. H. 1. I have already in my discourse of the Priory by him then founded sufficiently manifested where also I have spoke both of his parentage and what else in relation to him is notable but being a place of such extraordinary strength and largeness as may be seen by the circuit breadth and depth of the outer moats and that unnparalel'd part thereof called Cesars-Tower which by the thickness of it's walls and form of building appears to have been of the first foundation continued not long to his posterity for in 11. H. 2. the Shiriff accounted for the profit of the Park and in 19. H. 2. it was possest and garrison'd by the King his eldest son whom he had Crown'd then rebelling against him with whom Lewes K. of France Rob. Earl of Leic. Hugh Earl of Chester and many other great men took part as our Historians do declare At which time there was layd in a c. quarters of bread-corn at viii li. viii s. ii d. charge being not then much more than 2 d. a bushell 20. quarters of Barley at 33 s. 4 d. An hundred Hogs at 7 li. 10 s. Forty Cows salted at 4 li. cxx Cheeses at 40 s. 25. quarters of salt at 30 s. at which time c. â—ol were allow'd for making of a Gaol there And the next year following did the same Shiriff viz. Bertram de Verdon account large summs of money for payment of the Souldiers Horse and Foot therein 'T is true that Geffrey de Clinton son heir to the said Geffrey the Founder had it a while in possession again as some words of his Charter whereby he granted certain lands in Milverton do import viz. Postquam Castellum meum honorem meum recuperavi but it remained with him scarce 7. years and after that time was never out of the Kings hands till Henry 3. granted it to Sim. Montfort E. of Leic. as I shall shew anon for in 27. H. 2. the Shiriff accounted for the Ferm of the ward thereof which I take to be such money as was payd by the Country people who were otherwise to perform their service in person for the guarding of this Castle as also for certain money that he received in the nature of Rent from such as had their abode therein Which makes me conjecture that some persons for security to themselves and their goods obtained leave there to reside whereby they might be preserved from robbery and mischief in those turbulent times The next year following he accounted for the Ferm of such ground as was within the compass of the fortifications In 30. H. 2. for the charge of repayring the walls In 31. for workmanship about the Goale there In 33. for the ground within the Castle and paunage of the Park In 1 R. 1. again for the ferm of the same ground In 2. and 3. for the custody and repair thereof And in the beginning of King Iohn's time Henry de Clinton grandson to the founder released to the King all his right in the same as also in the woods and pools and whatever else belonged thereto excepting what he had possession of at the death of K. H. 2. his father Which Henry de Clinton had issue Henry who being in the rebellion K. Iohn at the later end of his raign submitted himself and returned to obedience in 2. H. 3. assuring the K. of his future fidelity whereupon the Shiriff had command to give him livery of those lands in Kenilworth of his inheritance by right from his father But after him I find little here in Kenilworth of this family and therefore in regard it was of longer continuance in Colshill and Maxstoke in Hemlingford-Hundred I have there inserted the whole descent and made my historicall observations thereupon and so returning again to this Castle do observe that in 5. Ioh. Hugh de Chaucumb afterwards Shiriff of these Countyes for divers years was made Governour thereof his predecessor in that command having been Hugh Bardulf who continued in that place till 9. Ioh. and then Rob. de Ropesle the then Shiriff was put in his roome In 13. Ioh. Will. de Cantilupe Shiriff also at that time accounted for 361. li. 07 s. -00 laid out in more building upon this Castle as also 102. li. -19 s. -03 d. for making a Chamber and Wardrobe The next year following 224 li. for more building there and in 17. Ioh. for he continued many years Shiriff 402 li. 02 s. -00 more for repaires thereof That later end of King Iohn's raign being very troublesome in respect that divers of the Barons rebell'd against him was doubtless the reason wherefore the King bestow'd such cost in building and repaires here about that time for it was then garrison'd with Souldiers Raph de Normanvill being sent thither by the King as a principall Officer yet to be under the command of the before-mentioned W. de Cantilupe the Kings Steward and Governour thereof the Kings son being there then for safety as it
leaving Iames his son and heir 14 years of age Which Iames by his Deed dated 1 Martii 2 3. Ph. M. past it to Anthoâ—y Throgmorton Citizen and Mercer of London who 1 Maii 7 Eliz. sold it to Sir Tho. Leigh Kt. Citizen and Alderman of London whose great grandchild now of Stoneley enjoys it Ashowe HAving now done with that spacious parish of Stoneley following the stream of Avon I come next to Ashow situate on the Northwest side thereof In the Conq. time this was possest by Turchil de Warwik whose free-hold it had been before the Norman invasion one Ermenfridus then holding 2 hides thereof of the same Turchil Here were then also 2 Mills and woods of half a mile in length and 3 furlongs in bredth the whole value of all being certified at xl s. as the Survey then made doth manifest in which it is written Alceshot But 't is very like that there was some mistake in the transcriber for in all antient Records after that time it is written Essesho which makes me conjecture that the original appellation thereof was either by reason of its situation Eastwards from Wotton for of that parish it hath been and that the syllable ho was at first hoâ— which with the Saxons signified a House or Cave or else from the old English word aesce which signifieth an Ash. And as I have taken liberty to guess here at the occasion of its name so must I do touching the succession thereof in regard that the light which I have from Record is so dim in many places Finding therefore that the Verdons were superiour Lords of the Fee here and that Lecelina mother to the first Bertram de Verdon that had any thing to do in this County as I have in Brandon manifested was daughter to Geffrey de Clinton that founded the Castle and Priory of Kenilworth in H. 1. time and gave a meadow here to the Canons of Kenilworth called Ruggenhale which shews that it came by her I need not much doubt but that Turchil de Warwick's issue being dispossest of the most of their fathers lands as I shall elswhere shew this was inter alia bestowed by K. H. 1. on the said Geffrey whom he advanced so high as in Kenilworth is declared and given by him to Norman de Verdon with his said daughter Lecelina in marriage And to that opinion I do the more incline when I consider that it was antiently a Chapelry to the mother Church of Wotton which Church the said Geffry gave to the Canons of Kenilworth at the very foundation of that Monastery But it seems that Verdon did antiently enfeoff one of the Simelyes in this Ashow for in 36 H. 3. Geffrey de Simely held here and in Caldecote half a Kts. fee of Roise de Verdon and she of the Earl of Warwick Which Roise being the heir female of that great family dyed in 32 H. 3. To the said Geffrey succeeded William who in 7 E. 1. with the Abbot of Stoneley was certified to be Lord of this place then written Assche both of them holding the same of Theobald de Verdon whereof the said Will. then had 8 acres in demesn 2 Cottagers owing suit to his three weeks Court here twice a year making appearance at his Court of Brandon and xi Free-holders who held 4 yard land and a half and 9 acres and a half Which Will. had also a certain out-wood here containing 6 acres and another several wood of 6 acres more Here likewise had the Abbot of Stoneley 3 Cottiers and 3 Free-holders who then held 3 yard land a quarter and 4 acres doing suit twice a year also at the Court of Brandon But in 29 E. 1. did Geffrey de Simely alien to Tho. E. of Lancaster then Lord of Kenilworth-castle and his heirs all his wasts and woods called Widenhaye lying in this Lordship viz. betwixt the bank of Avon and the said Earls wood called the Frith belonging to Kenilworth which grant Ric. Basset and Esylia his wife sometime the wife of Wâ—ll de Symelie and mother to the said Geffrey confirmed Howbeit after this Geffrey I have not seen any more of their male line but in 20. E. 3. Iohn de Hokkeley is certified to hold part of a Kts. fee here of the heirs of Verdon The like appears in 34 E. 3. wherein the same is mentioned to be that which Geffrey de Simely held But in 2 H. 4. Will. Allesley had it Little have I seen that is further memorable relating to this place other than that in 13 E. 4. Iohn Hugford Esq and Tho. Waldeyve had license to grant inter alia 8 mess. 2 carucats 20 acres of land 12 acres of wood xii s. a pound of Pepper and a red Rose yearly rent all lying here with half the fishing in Avon to the Monks of Stoneley for ever All which coming to the Crown by the dissolution of that Monastery is possest by the Lord Leigh together with Stoneley and most of the lands sometime belonging thereto The Church dedicated to the Assumption of our Lady having been antiently but a Chapel belonging to Wotton as I have already intimated was confirmed to the Canons of Kenilworth in H. 2. time by Ric. Peche B. of Cov. and had a Pension of xx s. per ann granted out of it to the said Canons by Geffrey Muschamp one of his successors in K. Iohn's time In ann 1291. 19 E. 1. it was valued at v marks and in 26 H. 8. at vi l. ii s. over and above the xx s. yearly Pension due to the Canons of Kenilworth and 8 s. allowed for Procurations and Synodals But it hath lately been augmented with xx l. per ann by the Lady Aliza Dudley in such sort as the rest were whereunto she gave the like annuity as in Mancetâ—r I have declared Patroni Ecclesiae Incumbentes temp Inst. Pr. Conv. de Kenilworth Ric. de Greneburgh Cler. 9 Cal. Dec. 1324. Pr. Conv. de Kenilworth Will. de Houghton Cler. 16 Cal. Oct. 1333. Pr. Conv. de Kenilworth Will. de Shulton Pbr. Id. Nov. 1343. Pr. Conv. de Kenilworth Will. Torald 12 Cal. Dec. 1345. Pr. Conv. de Kenilworth Ioh. de Frolesworth Cler. 7 Id. Maii 1349. Pr. Conv. de Kenilworth Rad. de Cleybroke Cler. 8 Cal. Aug. 1349. Pr. Conv. de Kenilworth Hugo de Ryby Pbr. 2 Non. Sept. 1361. Pr. Conv. de Kenilworth Tho Dawen 6 Id. Martii 1364. Pr. Conv. de Kenilworth Will. de Stoneley Pbr. 7. Cal. Nov. 1369. Pr. Conv. de Kenilworth Ric. de Milverton Pbr. 23 Sept. 1383. Pr. Conv. de Kenilworth Tho. Cresset Pbr. 24 Martii 1398. Pr. Conv. de Kenilworth Ioh. Rouland Pbr. 10 Oct. 1427. Pr. Conv. de Kenilworth Ioh. Drury Cap. 22 Iulii 1428. Pr. Conv. de Kenilworth Tho. Taylour
reciperent necessitatis In this town there was also one Henry Waltham who held one carucat of land and xvii s. yearly rent here by Sergeanty viz. to be the Kings Marshall in the Court of Common-Pleas which Henry in 5. H. 3. payd ten marks for his Relief due for the land above mentioned and formerly belonging to Will. Wigan his Uncle But besides the Mannour so granted by the said Thurstane to that Hospitall was there given thereunto by Peter the son of the same â—hurstan all that he had here which did belong to the before specified Yvo there called Yvo de Shraule for he was also owner of Shrewley in this County As also the advouson of the Church by Gilbert de Segrave so that in 32. H. 3. the Guardian and Brethren of the said Hospitall being possest of such a fair proportion of lands in this place obtained a Charter for a weekly Mercate here on the Tuesday and a Fair once every year to last for 2. days viz. the Munday and Tuesday in Whit-sonweek Neither was this all for it appears that in 53. H. 3. Iohn the son of Peter son to the before mentioned Thurstane gave thereunto one messuage and one carucat of land more lying within the precincts of this Village as also all his right to the patronage of the Church And that in E. 1. time a family â—earing the name of Hamund and here residing were good Benefactors thereto Of which was one Richard Hamund alas Clerk stiled esquier in 23 H. 6. who then held the whole Mannour by Lease of the said Guardian and Brethren But I further find that Will. Wainflete Bishop of Winchester â— having in 26. H. 6. began the foundation of Magdalen College in Oxford in the very place where the same Hospitall stood did in 35. of the same Kings raign obtain from the said Master and Brethren the grant of this Lordship whereunto it hath eversince continued â—eing possest by the Pâ—esident and Fellows thereof at this day yet constantly leased out to the descendants of the said Richard Clerke men of a fair estate here Of which family were Edward and Hierome viz. sons of Henry Clarke the former father to William Clerke of this place deceased Henry Clerke of Rochester in Kent now Sâ—rgâ—ant at the Law as also oâ— Samuel Clerke of Kingsthorpe in Northamptonshire Doctor of Divinity and one of â—he Chaplains in ordinary to King Iames and Kâ—ng Charles who wedded Margarâ—â— one of the daughters to Wâ—lliam Peyto late of Chesterton in this Câ—unty esquire And the later of Iohn Clerke of Gilsborough in Norhamptonshire Counsellour at Law and Bencher of Lincolns-Inne an scil 1640. From which Richard Sir George Clerke of Watford in Com. Northampton Kt. As also Iohn now merchant of London nephew to the same Sir George and tenant to this Mannour from that Colledge are likewise descended Nor may I omit to take notice that of this family was also the famous Sir Iohn Clerke in H. 8. time as constant tradition still affirmeth who having taken the Duke of Longvile prisoner at the battail of Spurs was for that signall service rewarded by the King with an honourary addition to his Armes viz. in the sinister part of the shield a Canton azure with a demi Ram saliant Argent two flower de Luces Or in chief and over all a baston trunked as appeareth on his Monument at Tame in Oxford-shire Which Armes viz. Argent on a bend gules between three pellets as many Swans proper is still born by these Clerk's before mentioned as well as by the immediat descendants to the said Sir Iohn now residing at Weston by Tame beforementioned and at Crowton in Northamtonshire The Church dedicated to S. Nicholas being very antiently appropriated to the sâ—â—d Hospitall of S. Iohn without the Eâ—st gate in Oxford as by the Institutions to the Vicaridge may seem was in an 1291. 19. E. 1. valued at viii marks And in 26. H. 8. the Vicaridge at ix li. iv s. iv d. To this Church did one Iohn Haward in 15 H. 6. give one mess. lying withing the precincts of UUilloughby as also 20. Acres of land situat in Kite-Herdewik and Bradwell for the finding of a Lamp to burn therein for ever Patroni Vicariae Incumbentes Magister Hosp. S. Ioh. Oxon. Henr. Trunket Pbr. 24. Martii 1311. Magister Hosp. S. Ioh. Oxon. Will. de Allespath Cap. 12. Cal. Sept. 1312. Magister Hosp. S. Ioh. Oxon. Will. Pyndâ—re Cap. 3. Cal. Feb. 1348. Magister Hosp. S. Ioh. Oxon. Ioh. de Garsyndon Pbr. 29. April 1388. Magister Hosp. S. Ioh. Oxon. Will. Bartlot Cap. 15. Oct. 1417. Magister Hosp. S. Ioh. Oxon. Michaell Iames 10. Iunii 1431. Magister Hosp. S. Ioh. Oxon. Will. Pygete Pbr. 16. Iunii 1431. Magister Hosp. S. Ioh. Oxon. Ioh. Mervyn Pbr. 2. Apr. 1436. Magister Hosp. S. Ioh. Oxon. Will. Thomesone Pbr. 3. Sept. 1443. Praeses Scholar Col. S.M. Magd. Oxon. Ric. Stokysley 1. Febr. 1505. Praeses Scholar Col. S.M. Magd. Oxon. Will. Humfrey in art Mr. ult Feb. 1521. Praeses Scholar Col. S.M. Magd. Oxon. Tho. Gardiner Cler. 9. Martii 1547. Praeses Scholar Col. S.M. Magd. Oxon. Gedeon Haencock Cler. 23. Iunii 1578. Eliz. Regina Gideon Hancock Cler. 3. Febr. 1585. Praeses Scholar Col. S.M. Magd. Oxon. Rob. Wilton Cler. ult Iunii 1602. Praeses Scholar Col. S.M. Magd. Oxon. Henr. Clerke in art Mr. 15. Maii 1621. Dunchurch I Next come to Dunchurch containing these Hamlets viz. Causton Tofte and Thurlaston the last of which extends it self to the very bank of Leame In the Conquerours time Osbernus fil Ricardi of whom I shall speak in Aston-Cantlow possest it but in Domesday-Book it is written Donecerce and certified to contain five hides valued at C s. of which before the Conquest one Vlmarus was owner As for the originall of the name 't is evident enough Done or Dune signifying in our old English a Hill and Cerce a Church which agrees with the situation thereof In King Stephen's time I find that Hengelramus Clement being Lord of it gave to the Monks of Piâ—well his demesn lands lying in the fields here which grant Will. Clement his son ratified who likewise bestowed the advouson of the Church upon them Richard Peche then Bishop of Coventre confirming the same But whether it was the said Hengelram or his father who became first enfeoffed of this Lordship by the descendants from the before specified Osbernus I cannot directly affirm yet that it was one of them is not to be doubted for as much as by many Records it is evident that the posterity of the said Hengelram held it of the Honour of Ricards-Castle in Hereford-shire which belong'd to the said Osbern and his family who assumed the name of Say by half a Kts. fee. But from the before specified Will.
Kt. brought it to that family in which it rested till the attainder of Humfrey Stafford Esq 1 H. 7. whereof with what else I have found memorable I purpose to speak in Lemington-Hastang And being thus come to the Crown it was given by the K. inter alia to Sir Edw. Poynings Kt. and to the heirs male of his body But whether the same Sir Edw. dyed without issue or was compounded with I cannot directly affirm for I find that after the restauration of Humfry Stafford son and heir to the said Humfry in 6 H. 8. that family of Stafford were again possest thereof and so continued till Iohn Shukburgh of Birdingbury one of the six Clerks in Chancery purchased it from Sir Humfry Stafford of Blatherwik about the later end of Q. Eliz. reign whose great grandchild Thomas Shukburgh still enjoys it In an 1291. 19 E. 1. the Rectory was valued a xii marks but in 26 H. 8. at xix l. xvii s. ii d. over and above ix s. vi d. allowed for Procurations and Synodals Patroni Ecclesiae Incumbentes c. Rob. de Garshale Thom. de Ravensthorp Pbr. 10 Cal. Nov. 1332. D. Rob. Burdet de Honecote miles Rob. Burdet Cap. 4 Id. Apr. 1347. D. Eliz. de Burgo domina de Clare ratione minoris aet Rob. fil haer Rob. Burdet mil. Will. de Dynton Cap. 12. Cal. Apr. 1357. Execut. Testam D. Eliz. de Burgo ratione ut suprà Nich. de Brunne Pbr. 10. Kal. Iulii 1361. Execut. Testam D. Eliz. de Burgo ratione ut suprà Ioh. Chateriz Cler. 9 Cal. Oct. 1361. Rob. Burdet de Honecote Rog. de Shepesheved Cler. 3 Id. Dec. 1367. Humfr. Stafford ar Nich. Mayne Cler. penult Sept. 1413. Humfr. Stafford de Grafton miles Ioh. Laykan 14 Decemb. 1432. Edw. Poynis miles Will. Skinner art Magr. 9 Iunii 1501. Humfr. Stafford miles D. Tho. Wyrley in art Bac. 28 Martii 1533. D. Maria Regina Ric. Hutton Cler. 8 Iulii 1554. Anth. Skynner ar rat concess Humf. Stafford mil. Henr. Skynner Cler. 23. Iulii 1555. D. Humf. Stafford de Blatherwik miles Iac. Tanfeild Cler. 16 Oct. 1557. D. Humf. Stafford de Blatherwik miles Will. Goddard Cler. 16 Feb. 1558. D. Humf. Stafford de Blatherwik miles Ric. Proude Cler. 20 Ian. 1561. Ioh. Shukburgh ar Will. Gilbert Cler. 28 Sept. 1596. Will. Gilbert S. Theol. bacc ratione advoc sibi concess per Henr. Shukburgh ar Ioh. Gilbert Cler. 13 Apr. 1629. Draycote OF this place I have not seen any mention at all in Record till 5 Ioh. that Iohn de Draicote levyed a Fine of a yard land lying therein unto Ric. Corbicun and touching the denomination thereof shall onely deliver my conjecture which is that it had its original from one Drogo heretofore a name in use but commonly called Dru and that thence by corrupt pronunciation it came to be written Draicote It should seem that upon partition of that inheritance betwixt Garshale and Verdon whereof in Bourton I have spoke Verdon had this Lordship and resided here I shall therefore proceed with what I have found historical relating to that family beginning with Robert grandchild to Ioan one of the daughters and co-heirs to Henry de Burton This Rob. de Verdon was in Commission for the Goal-delivery at Warwick in 1 2 3 and 6 E. 1. In 7. Shiriff of Warwicksh and Leicestersh and in 8 9 11 12 and 14 E. 1. again in Com. for the like Goal-delivery So also in 25. E. 1. for assessing the Nones of all moveable goods then given to the K. in Parl. upon his confirmation of the great Charter and Charter of the Forrest In 29. summoned with divers other persons of great quality to attend the K. at Barwick upon Twede on the Feast-day of the Nativ of S. Iâ—hn Bapt. furnish'd with Horse and Arms to march against the Scots In 1 E. 2. he was one of the two that were joyn'd in Commiss with the Shiriff of this County for conservation of the peace and bore for his Arms Azure a plain cross Or frette gules To him succeeded Iohn de Verdon his son whoâ— with Rob. Burdet in 20 E. 3. answered for half a Kts. fee in Bourton and this place hold of the heirs of Theob de Verdon Which Iohn was one of the Kts. for this Shire in Parl. an 29. and 37 E. 3. And in 45 E. 3. in Commiss with others for assâ—ssing the Subsidy of 1061 l. 7 s. within this County In 43 E. 3. upon the purchase of Brandon by Sir Iohn Delves he made attournment to him for this and Draicote as held thereof and left issue Nicholas who had his residence here and sold this Lordship as I believe to Sir Will. Bagot of Baginton For amongst other the lands of the said Sir W. Bagot which were in the hands of the Bishop of S. Davids and the rest of his Feoffees and wherof they the said Feoffees released their interest to the said Sir VV. in 5 H. 4. this is mentioned After the death of which Sir Will. Isabell his daughter and heir with her husband Tho. Stafford Esq aliened it to Iohn of Ganâ— D. of Lanc. whereby it descended to Henry of Bullenbroke his son and heir afterwards K. of England by tâ—e name of Henry 4. who by his Letters P. bearing date 23. Iulii 13 of his reign gave it to the Dean and Chapter of the Collegiâ—t-Church in Leic. called New-worke and their successors for ever reserving the rent of x maâ—ks to be yearly paid by them out of the same to the Chantry-Priests in that Church to celebrate divine servâ—ce for the good estate of him the said K. and for the health of the souls of his father 〈◊〉 D. of Lanc. before mentioned and Constance his mother whose body lay interred there Unto which Coll. Church it continued till its dissolution but then did K. E. 6. by his Letters P. dated 24. Apr. 3 of his reign pass it inter alia unto Tho. Hawkins alias Fisher of Warw. and his heirs who by his Deed of bargain and sale dated 27 Iulii 3 E. 6. granted it to one Iohn Smyth then Fermour thereof Which Iohn dyed seized of it 20. Martii 7 E. 6. leaving Alice Agnes and Margerie his daughters and heirs Of these Agnes was marryed to Ric. Mathew but dyed without issue Margerie to Tho. Worcester and Alice to Tho. Flamell which T. Worcester and Margerie had issue Will. who purchased the other half from Flamell so that T. VVorcester son and heir to the said Will. is now possest of the whole Frankton THE next parish is Frankton wherein I find that Rog. E. of Shrewsbury of whom I have spoke in Wolston held in the Conq. time four hydes excepting one virgat valued at lx s. which was
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
Alexander de Savensby Bishop of Coventre and Lichfield temp H. 3. the Vicaridge being then endowed with all the fruits and charged with a Pension of xv marks per annum to those Canons and as much to the Dean and Chapter of Lichfield and their successors In Anno 1291. 19 E. 1. it was valued at x. marks over and above the said Pensions and in 26 H. 8. at xx li. besides 9 s. -6 d. yearly allowed for Procurations and Synodalls Patroni Vicariae Incumbentes temp Inst. Prior Conv. S. Oswaldi de Nostell Nich. de Duneschurch Cap. 7. Id. Ian. 1298. Prior Conv. S. Oswaldi de Nostell Nich. de Hastang Diac. 10. Cal. Iulii 1328. Prior Conv. S. Oswaldi de Nostell Ric. de Dewesbur Pbr. 5. Id. Oct. 1333. Prior Conv. S. Oswaldi de Nostell Will. de Emleye Pbr. Non. Iulii 1337. Prior Conv. S. Oswaldi de Nostell Adam de Haselbech Pbr. 2. Id. Sept. 1349. Prior Conv. S. Oswaldi de Nostell Ric. fil Albini de Nayleston Pbr. 3. Non. Oct. 1352. Prior Conv. S. Oswaldi de Nostell Adam de Penerieh Pbr. 13. Cal. Martii 1377. Prior Conv. S. Oswaldi de Nostell Will. Shirwood Pbr. 2. Martii 1380. Prior Conv. S. Oswaldi de Nostell Ioh. Dalton Pbr. 18. Febr. 1391. Prior Conv. S. Oswaldi de Nostell Henr. Morton Cler. 17. Dec. 1505. Will. Hygden gen ratione concess Pr. C. de Nostell Rob. Holme art Magr. ult Aug. 1558. D. Regina Math. Holme Cler. 18. Iunii 1570. Iana Lock-smyth Vidua Thom. Lever art Bacc. 3. Iulii 1619. In a Window of the Church these Armes Arg. upon a Chief Azure two Mullets Or. Clinton of Marstok Azure a chief gules with a Lyon rampant Or. Hastang Hill THIS place antiently written Hulle hath its name from the high situation thereof and belong'd to the Monks of Abingdon in the Conq. time being given to them by Turchil de Ardene who is commonly called in Domesday-book Turchil de Warwic and confirmed by King William The extent thereof in the said confirmation is said to be two hides and so much doth the generall Survey then made record it to be valuing it at xl s. Nevertheless by another Authority I find that the Conquerour granted four yard land lying in this place to the Abby of Abingdon for service of Castleward to be done at his Castle of Windsor which expresseth that one of the Abbots did enfeoff Henry his servant of all the said four vigrats to perform the above mentioned service of Castleward and that from the said Henry it descended to Hugh his son and heir who sold it to Robert de Hastang But in 2. Ioh. the Abbot of Abingdon recovered the hide of land against Raph the son of Wigan of whom I have spoke in Willoughby Which Raph alledged that King H. 1. gave it to Wigan his Marshall with other lands eschaeted to the Crown by reason that Roger de Causton the owner of it had committed Felony After which viz. in 6. Ioh. the said Abbot levied a Fine thereof to the before mentioned Henry who is therein stiled Henricus filius Pagani To this Henry succeeded Hugh sirnamed de Abendon who in 36 H. 3. was certified to hold the sixt part of a Knights fee here of the said Abbot which was doubtless the same hide before specified and Will. de Curly another 6. part which argueth that the rest of those lands in this place belonging to the said Abby were granted to the Ancestor of the said William de Curly by the like service of Castleward at Windsore for in 18 H. 3. Robert then Abbot of Abendon came to an Agreement with the said William for those services it being then concluded that the same William should pay xl d. ob to the Abbot in lieu thereof This Hugh de Abendon sold all that he had here to Robert de Hastang Lord of Leminton-Hastang as I have there shewed Which Robert wedded one of the daughters and coheirs of the before recited William de Curly whereby he and his posterity enjoyed a great part of Curlye's lands and so consequently this I presume for upon the partition made betwixt Maud and Ioan the the daughters and coheirs of Sir Iohn de Hastang in 49 E. 3. this Mannour of Hull for so it is there called was with Leminton assigned to Maud who marryed to Raph de Stafford as in Leminton I have declared and hath since continued in the family of those Staffords Sir Humfrey Sâ—affâ—rd Knight dying seized thereof 17 Eliz leaving Iohn his son and heir then of full age till with Leminton it came by purchase to Baron Trevor Herdwick THIS was originally a member of Leminton and involved therewith in the Conquerors time as will appear by what I shall say anon But I cannot ascend so high as to shew which of the Hastangs it was that enfoeft him thereof who first assumed his sirname from hence yet I believe it was very antient for in 20 H. 3. I find that Robert de Hastang had suits with VVilliam de Herdewic for certain Customes and services which he claymed from him for the lands he held here And in 21 E. 3. Iohn de Herdewic of Lynleye in Com. Leic. was sued by the Vicar of Leminton for certain lands in this place Howbeit in 12 R. 2. Sir Iohn Salisbury was found to dye seized inter alia in right of Ioan his wife one of the daughters and coheirs of Iohn de Hastang of certain Rents due from the Freeholders and tenants at will in this place which was then as the Record expresseth a Hamlet of Leminton before mentioned But the family of Herdwick who had their principall seat at Lynleye aforesaid continued Lords of this village as long as their male-line lasted as by sundry instances I could manifest and some of them resided here as I guess For Iohn de Herdwik before specified was in 23.26 and 31 E. 3. in Commission with certain other persons of worth for the assessing collecting a x th xv in this shire and in 33 E. 3. had the custody of the Mannour of Warmynton in this County committed to his charge which belonging to the Priory of Toftes was seized into the Kings hands by reason of the warrs with France The same year he was one of the Commissioners for arraying of all men in this County sutable to their estates and degrees according to the Stat. of Winchester in the Kings absence And in 1 R. 2. one of the Justices of Peace for the town of Coventre But of his descendants because they resided in Leicester-shire I have no more to say than that Iohn de Herdwike dying without issue male in H. 8. time and partition being made of his lands 20 H. 8. it appears thereby that this Mannour there called by the
Founder of that Monastery he there makes mention that his brother whose name is not exprest was his predecessor That which the E. of Mellent had here was also granted by some of the old Earls of Leicester to one of those Lodbrokes to hold by the fourth part of a Kts. fee for the same was held by their posterity of the Lord Ferrers of Groby who by Quincy deduceth his descent from a co-heir of those Earls Will. de Lodbroc 11 H. 2. Henr. de Lodbroc Will. de Lodbroc 1 Joh. Joh. de Lodbroc 1 Joh. Sarra Henr. de Lodbroc 34 H. 3. Isabella 34 H. 3. Joh. de Lodbroc 41 H. 3. Johanna filia haer Ric. de Baresworth 41 H. 3. Ioh. de Lobrock 3 E. 3. Henr. de Lodbroke miles 9 E. 2. Hugo de Lodbroc Rector cccl. de Blaby Ioh. de Lodbroc miles 33 E. 3. Leticia ux 1. Ioh. Hugo Tho. de Lodbroc 24 E. 3. Alicia filia Will. de Catesby 24. E. 3. Ioh. de Lodbroc miles 33 E. 3. Hawisia filia haer Rob. de Davintre mil. ux 2. Alicia uxor Ludovici Cardian temp R. 2. Cath. filia haeres Will. Hathewyk Ioh. Hathewyk gen 10 H. 6. Joh. de Lodbroc Rob. de Lodbrock Rad. Macer sive le Megre temp H. 2. In 5 Ioh. Iohn de Lodbroc granchild of Will being distrained by the E. of Leic. for the service of a Kts. fee heâ—d of the said Earâ— impleaded Tho. de Arden for not discharging him thereof Which Kts. fee lay in Leicestersh as I guess for this Mannour was held of the E. of Warwick by the service of a Kts. fee. This Iohn de Lodbroke in H. 3. time was often in Commiss for taking Assizes of Novel disseisin and Goal-delivery and for other affairs of great importance in this County as I shall here instance viz. in 16 H. 3. he with Will. de Bâ—ssâ—pâ—sdon had the custody of the Kings Eschaets and Wards committed to them and the same year was appointed one of the Commissioners for assessing and collecting a xl part of each mans movable goods for the Ks. use In 19 H. 3. he was constituted one of the Commissioners for gathering of Tallage upon the K. demesn lands and in 21 H. 3. for the collecting of a xxx part of all mens personal estates then granted to the K. In 25. he was one of those who with the Shiriff had appointment to view all the Castles in this County and to certifie under their Seals what defects they found in the strength of them To him succeeded Henry his son and heir who in 26 H. 3. was certified to hold 3 Kts. fees of the E. of Warwick and the next year following was one of the Justices for Goal-delivery at Warwick That this Henry and Iohn his father were Benefactors to the Monks of Combe the particular parcels of land in this Village given to that Monastery by them do sufficiently declare which were received with such gratefull respect as that Will. de Chelre the then Abbot with the Covent of that House by their publick Instrument dated on the Octaves of the holy Trinity an 1250. 34 H. 3. granted to the said Henry and his heirs the choyce of a fit Clerk to be presented in that Monastery and there shorn a Monk successively for ever for the health of the souls of Iohn de Lodbroch his father Sarra his mother and of his the said Henry and Isabell his wife In 39 H. 3. he underwent the Office of Eschaetor in this County and had issue Iohn who wedded Ioan the daughter and heir of Ric. de â—aresworth widow of Ric. de Bray This Iohn in 56 H. 3. received pardon from the King for payment of xl s. at which he was amerced by the Justices Itinerant for not being then a Kt. and in 28 E. 1. being constituted one of the Justices of peace in this County had the next year following Summons with divers other great men to attend the K. at Barwick upon Twede on the Feast-day of the Nativity of S. Iohn Bapt. well and sufficiently provided with Horses and Arms to march against the Scots I am of opinion that he was Knighted in that expedition for in 32 E. 1. I find him so stiled In 1 E. 2. he was again in Commission for the Goal-delivery at Warwick and left issue Henry de Lodbroke who in 9 E. 2. was a Kt. and in 17. in the List of those Kts. and men at Arms whose names were then returned into the Chancery Which Henry had issue Iohn who in 10 E. 3. had his Knighthood respited for 2 years Against this Iohn and his brother Hâ—gh did the Earl of Warwick commence suit in 17 E. 3. alledging that they went about fraudulently to avoâ—d him of the services due for the Mannor of Cuntasthorpe in Com. Leic. held of his fee. Which Iohn took to wife Hawisia the daughter and heir of Sir Rob. de Davintre Kt. and of Hawise his wife daughter of Will. de Keynes and by his Deed beating date the Tuesday next before the Feast of S. Barnabe the Apostle 21 E. 3. past this Mannour unto certain Feâ—ffees for the use of himself during life after to Thomas his eldest son and his heirs who had wedded the daughter of Will. de Catesby the remainder to Hugh brother to the said Thomas and his heirs and so to Iohn brother of the said Hugh and to his heirs and for default of issue by Iohn to the said Will. de Catesby and his heirs Which first mentioned Iohn being a Kt. in 23. E. 3. by his Deed dated at Toneworth the same year released â—o the said Will. de Catesby and Nich. Woodward of Itchington and their heirs all the right he had in this Mannour granting to them and their heirs the advouson of the Church and bore for his Arms. Azure a Cheveron ermine as by his Seal appeareth After which viz. in 46 E. 3. Tho. de Lodbroke son to the said Sir Iohn quitted all his interest in this Mannour to the before specified Will. de Catesby which Will. had issue Iohn who in 7 R. 2. his father being then dead did his homage to Henry Lord Ferrers of Groby for those lands that he held in Lodbroke of him viz. the fifth part of a Kts. fee which were of the Fee of Leicester In K. Ric. 2. time there were great suits betwixt Alice the wife of Lewes Cardian and him the said Iohn for this Mannour as appeareth by several Bils of complaint exhibited in the K. Court by her against him she pretending an Entail made by Sir Henry Lodbroke Kt. her grandfather by force whereof she claimed But Catesby alledged that his father purchased it from Sir Iohn Lodbroke Kt. father to Alice and that the said Deed of Entail was
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-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.
de Ody Cap. 18. Iulii 1408. Priorissa Conv. de Coventre Will. Rogers Cap. 17. Nov. 1410. Priorissa Conv. de Coventre Hugo Ruhale 5. Apr. 1411. Priorissa Conv. de Coventre Regin Carix Cap. 15. Martii 1416. Priorissa Conv. de Coventre Magr. Will. Heyne Pbr. 21. Dec. 1421. Priorissa Conv. de Coventre Rog. Crosby Pbr. 11. Martii 1421. Priorissa Conv. de Coventre Will. Fuller 7. Iulii 1423. Priorissa Conv. de Coventre Ioh. Warde Cap. 28. Sept. 1429. Priorissa Conv. de Coventre Ioh. Radforde Pbr. 8. Nov. 1441. Priorissa Conv. de Coventre D. Ioh. Crosse 6. Maii 1515. Henr. Alicock alii ratione concess Pr. C. de Cov. Degorius Stapullz 12. Oct. 1557 Steph. Hales de Fladbury in Com. Wigorn. gen D. Ioh. Beteerton in art Bacc. 28. Apr. 1559. Hen. Alicock gen ratione concess Steph. Hales de London gen Thom. Baddenall Cler. 12. Iunii 1561. Thomas Morgan ar David Inland Cler. 16. Oct. 1579. Anth. Morgan gen ex concess Thomae Morgan ar fratris eâ—us Amanus Bedford Cler. 2. Aug. 1591. Tho. Morgan de Heyford Com. Northt ar Nich. More Cler. 27. Sept. 1597. Ioh. Spire de Barford ex concess Mariae relictae T. Morgan ar Will. Wiggan Cler. 3. Dec. 1604. Iac. Rex Angl. ratione minoris aet T. Morgan Rad. Flexney Cler. 21. Nov. 1617. In a North window of the Church these Armes Gules a fesse betwixt 6. Crosses Croslets Or Beauchamp Earl of Warwick quartering Chequi Or and Azure a Cheveron Ermine Neuburgh Earl of Warwick Radford-Simely A Little below lyes Radford which had its name originally from the road or passage towards Warwick over the ford here and for distinction from another Radford now included within the libertyes of Coventre is called Radford-Simely by reason that the Simelyes were antiently owners of it In the Conquerors time it was part of the possessions which belonged to Turchill de Warwick and of him one Ermenfridus then held it the number of hides which it then contained being five besides a Mill rated at vi s. viii d. all which made up the value of vi li. as in the generall Survey at that time taken appeareth wherein it is written Redeford but in Edw. the Conf. dayes it was the freehold of Edvinus whom I take to be Earl Edwine the son of Algarus for he had much land in these parts It should seem that this was given to Henry de Novo Burgo the first E. of Warwick of the Norman race as the greatest part of Turchill's lands were and that by some Agreement with him G. de Clinton founder of the Castle and Priory of Kenilworth had it who enfeoft Henry de Simely thereof for I find that the said H. de Simely was owner of it in K. H. 1. time and at the request of Emme his wife gave his consent that Rog. de Clinton then Bishop of Chester should confer the Church of this village on the Canons of Kenilworth â—â—t being situat within the fee of the said Henry which accordingly was performed the said Geffrey ratifying the grant tanquam testis dominus as the words of his Charter are To this Henry de Simely succeeded William who joyned with Will. de Pludieu and Emme his wife in the grant of certain lands lying here to VValter Briton and his heirs to be held of the Knights Templars in pure almes which in 31 H. 2. were so held by VVill. de VVarminton and rated at 1. yard land and a half From which Henry descended Geffrey de Simely who was certified to hold half a Knights fee in this place of the Earl of Warwick in 36 H. 3. This Geffrey gave an yearly Rent of ii s. to the Hospitall of S. Iohn in Warwick which annuity was due from Rog. de Cherlecote for the leave that he had to raise his Mill-dam of Whitnash upon the lands of the said Geffrey here at Radford He was also a benefactor to the Monks of Stoneley by granting unto them 72. Acres of land in Cobbynton To Geffrey succeeded William who in 41 H. 3. for a mark of gold that he gave to the King was freed from his Knighthood in regard he had the palsy Which William in 52 H. 3. answered for half a Knights fee here held of the Earl of Warwick â— and had issue Geffrey who in 7 E. 1. was certified to hold one Water-mill and 2. carucats of land here in demesn having at that time 2. servants holding 2. yard land at will and performing divers kindes of servile imployments with 8. Freeholders who held 3. yard land and a half doing suit to his three-weeks Court This Geffrey was â—iving in 9 E. 2. and then also found to be Lord hereof but after that I have seene no more mention of him nor of his posterity except once which is in 41 E. 3. where by an Inquis then taken it appears that the Canons of Kenilworth had obtained this Mannour with 4. carucats of land and certain Rent from Iohn de Siâ—ely without the Kings license Certain it is that those Canons had a good share in this village which they had got before by purchase from severall freeholders For in 7 E. 1. they had 2. yard land in demesn one tenant holding half a yard land and 8. servants xxviii acres who performed divers servile works for them And in 11 E. 2. had they a grant of 1. mess. with 62. acres of land and meadow from Will. de Bereford and 1. mess. 1. carucat and 2. yard landâ— 6. acres of meadow and x s. vi d. rent from Raph de Salford at the the same time In 15 E. 2. from Iohn Lok Rob. Leges and Nich. Balle 2. mess. 2. yard land and 21. acres In 18 E. 2. from the said Iohn Lok and Rog. de Boyvill one mess. 1. Mill 15. acres of land meadow and pasture and xvi s. yearly Rent And in 3 E. 3. 6. mess. 4. yard land 6. acres of meadow and x s. Rent lying also here and in Leminton In 10 E. 3. 2. mess. and one yard land by T. Beauchamp E. of Warwick and in 19 E. 3. 5. mess. with 120. acres of land by one Thomas de Hampton So that in 20 E. 3. there was none that answered for any thing here but the Canons of Kenilworth who at that time were certified to hold tâ—e â—ourth part of a Knights fee of the Earl of Warwick in this place That which the Templars had here was in 7 E. 1. certified to be three yard â—and and a half six freehâ—â—deâ—s then occupying it Something the Nuns of Wroxhall then had but it was no more than a yard 〈…〉 half given to them by Roger Earl of Warwick who lived in K. Stephen's time In 11 R. 2. the said
death I have not discovered To Henry succeeded Roger his son in the Earldom of Warwick who amongst other of the great Nobility was a witnesse to the Charter of K. Steph. Laws in 1. Steph. but for his military actions I finde no great commendation of him Nay it is reported by an Author of that time wherein he lived that he was vir mollis deliciis magis quam animi fortitudine affâ—uens Neverthelesse being one of those that adhered to Maud the Empresse he was with the Earle of Glouc. and divers other great men at the siege of Winchester in 6. Steph. at which time their Army being utterly routed by the Royallists most of the chief Nobility were taken prisoners but I do not finde that he had much prejudice thereby in regard K. Steph. who had been taken prisoner before in the battail at Lincoln was set at liberty upon condition that the Earle of Glouc. taken then at Winchester with the rest of those that were of his party should also stand in the same condition of freedom as they were before that overthrow And besides this is he reputed to have been the Conqueror of Gowher-land in Wales which his posterity for a long time afterwards enjoyed and wherein he founded a little Priory at Languenith annexing it as a Cell to the Monastery of S. Taurines in Normandy and to the Abby of Nethe gave certain Lands and fishing lying in Glamorgansh within his said Territories of Gouher-land The foundation of the Priory here at Warwick begun by his Father he perfected and did himself found the Collegiat Church of S. Mary in Warwick whereof together with its endowment I shall hereafter speak more fully as also S. Michaels Hospital for Lepers there together with the House of Templars beyond the bridge To divers other Monasteries was he also a benefactor viz. to Bruere in com Oxon. whereunto he gave the Lordship of Mersedene To Pipwell in Northamptonsh by confirming the grant of Causton in this County thereto which as his Charter testifieth he did for the Souls of his Father and Mother Rotrode his Uncle and all his Ancestors To Kenilworth by confirming the grants of the Mannours of Saltford and Newnham thereto and bestowing on the Canons of that House certain Lands in Warwick with the Churches of Brailes Welsburn in this County To the Monks of Preaux in Normandy by giving to them two Hides of Land in Walton To the monastery of Geroudon in com Lâ—ic by conferring thereto the Town of Badsley Endsor in this County which was afterwards given up by those Monks to Earle William his Son and Successor To the Monks of Bordsley in com Wigorn in confirming the grant of Suhanger now called Sunger near Clardon in this County which Will. Giffard had given to that House and conferring on them one Hide of Land in Oxshelve To the Monastery of Thorney in Cambridge shire by confirming the grant thereunto made of the moyety of the Mannour of Wenge by Rob. de Montfort To the Priory of Canwell in Staffordsh by granting thereto 3. yard Land lying in Hull called Hill within his Lordship of Sutton-Colfield in this County And lastly to the Nuns of Wrocheshale by confirming the Church of Shukborow with certain Lands there as also in Bourton and Radford given to them by several persons as I have elsewhere fully declared together with whatsoever was granted to them by Hugh fil Ricardi their Founder By which his several concessions as also his often journeys to the Holy-land may appear that he was a very devout and pious man He wedded Gundrede daughter to Will the second Earle Warren and sister by the mothers side to Waleran â— of Mellent by whom he had issue 3. sons viz. Will. Waleran and Henry and a daughter called Agnes which Will. and Waleran were both Earls of Warwick successively Henry had gowher-Gowher-land in Wales left to him by his father but by his death without issue it came to Earle Will. his brother Agnes his daughter was married to Geffrey de Clinton Chamberlain to the King son unto Geffrey the noble founder of the Priory and Castle of Kenilworth who had in Frank-marriage with her by the gift of Earl Roger her Father ten Kts. fees of those xvii that he the said Geffrey held of his fee for which he was to do service in the Castle of Brandon And besides all this he had a grant of this County id est the Sheriffalty of the Shire for so it appeareth by sundry testimonies to hold to him the said Geffrey and his Heirs of the said Earle and his Heirs in such sort as he the said Earle held it of the K. This Earl Roger departed the world xii Iunii An. 1153. 18. Steph. in which year Henry D. of Normandy afterwards K. of England by the name of H. 2. came into England with a great power and was very prosperous for whose better welcome Gundred the Countesse of Warwick before mentioned outed K. Steph. souldiers forth of Warwick-Castle and delivered that Fort unto him To Roger succeeded in the Earldom of Warwick Will. his Son and Heir of whom the first memorable passage that I finde relating to any certain time is the Certificate which he made in 12. H. 2. in answer to that precept he received from the K. touching the number of Knights fees then held of him whereby it appears upon calculation of the particulars that they amounted to Cv. and a half This Earle William founded the Hospitals of S. Iohn and S. Thomas both in Warwick built a new Church for the Templars there and enlarged their possâ—ssions by the gift of the Mannour of Shireburn and certain Lands in Morton both in this County ratified to the Monks of Combe a Hide of Land in Bilney granted to them by Thurbert de Bilney and made the like confirmation to the Monks of Pipwell as Earle Roger his father had done to them concerning Causton for which respect he was received into their fraternity as a Founder of that Abby To the Canons of Kenilworth did he ratifie the Churches of Loxley granted unto them by Rob. fil Odonis as also the Churches of Brayles and Wellesburne which his father gave them in consideration whereof they allowed him one Canon there presentable alwayes by himself This Earl had two wives viz. Maud the eldest of the two daughters and coheirs to Will Lord Percy and Margaret Deivill if Rous mistake not but I rather think that Mâ—ud was the later for I find that by her speciall Charter as Countess of Warwick which was doubtless in her Widowhood she gave to the Monks of Salley in York-shire the Church of Tatcaster with the Chapell of Haselwood and one Carucat of Land in Catthon
the place of her birth of which Monastery she was reputed Patroness And that upon her death in 6. Ioh. the K. directed his precept to the Shiriff of Yorksh. commanding him to take order with the Abbot of Fountains and Henry de Percy her Executors that they should forthwith according to the custom of the Kingdom discharge those debts which were due to his Exchequer But by neither of these wives had he any issue so that departing this life in the Holy land 15. Nov. An. 1184. 30 H. 2. Waleran his Brother succeeded him in the Earldom and estate which Waleran in 2 R. 1. payd 51. l. 03. s. -04 d. to the K. for scutage in respect of the military service he ought to have personally performed in Wales but it seems he had not absolute possession of this Earldom till 7 R. 1. that he gave xx marks to have the tertium denarium de placitis Comitatus Of this Earl I find that in 9 R. 1. he stood charg'd to the K. in xlii l. iiii s. viii d. debt in the nature of scutage towards the payment of a Fine for the K. redemption who had been made Prisoner upon his return from the Holy land And in another debt of a C. l. for license to return into England and in a third debt of C. marks for leave to marry Alice the daughter of Rob. Harecurt and widow unto Iohn de Limesey As also that he had much adoe a great part â—f his time touching this inheritance there being one that feigned himself his elder Brother which dyed in the Holy land who put him to great vexation so that my Author is of opinion that the grant which he made to Hubert Archb. of Canterb. and Chancelour of England of the advouson of all the Prebendaries belonging to the Collegiat Church in Warwick to hold during his life was to purchase his favour in that weighty business But I do not finde that this Earle was a benefactor to any Religious-house other than the Hospitall of St. Michael in Warwick whereunto he gave all the Tith arising out of the assarts of Wedgnock as also of the paunage and Venison and to the Nuns of Pinley and Wrockshall in this County to the first whereof he gave certain Lands situate in Curdeshale within the Liberties of Claverdon and to the other a yard Land lying in Brails He had two wives Margaret the daughter to Humfrey de Bohun Earle of Hereford and Alice the daughter of Iohn de Harecurt but widdow of Iohn de Limesi before mentioned and deparâ—ing this life in 6. Ioh. left issue divers Children of which Henry his eldest son succeeded him in the Earldom Waleran another son had the Mannours of Gretham and Cotesmore in com Runtl given to him by his father with certain Lands in Worcestersh but dâ—ed without issue Alice his daughter by Alice his last wife wedded to Will. Mauduit of Hanslape in com Buck. and had by her father 's appointment the Mannour of Waâ—ton now called Walton-Mauduit in this County for her marriage portion as is evident by K. Iohn's confirmation thereof to her bearing date 30. Nov. in the x. of his reign but at that time she was not married yet it seems she had a husband very young for it appears that she continued in the custody of her mother after she was so espoused by reason of her minority Gundred his other daughter was brought up in the Abby of Pinley before mentioned together with Isabel his Neice for whose education he gave in his life time to the Nuns of that house two Marks of silver yearly to be paid by the hands of his Steward at Claverdon and at the same time bestowed on them the redecimation of his Lordship of Walton in pure Almes for the health of his Soul and the Soul of Margerie his Countesse as also for the Souls of E. Roger his father Gundred his Mother Earle Will. his brother with all his Ancestors and Successors I finde that the same year of E. Waleran's death Alice his Countesse gave a fine of a thousand pounds and ten Palfreys that she might continue a widdow as long as she pleased so that the K. might not compell her to marry as also that she might have the custody of those Children she had by Earle Waleran and lx l. Lands per ann which he gave her freely to dispose of And likewise her reasonable dowry both of her husbands Lands Fees neverthelesse she was not to chuse a husband for her self without the K. approbation After which scil the next ensuing year she gave 3. Palfreys more to the K. that she might have a Jury of xii lawfull Knights to admeasure her dowry out of the Lands and Fees of E. Waleran her late husband but what was done therein appears not howbeit within 2. years after she came to a conclusion with Earle Henry whereupon she had the mannours of Tanworth and Claverdon in this County and of Cheddeworth in Gloucestersh with the service of two Knights Fees the one in Lodbroke and the other in Loxley assigned unto her This Earle Henry being in minority at the death of his Father was committed to the custody of Thom. Basset of Hedindon near Oxford which Thomas for a Fine that he paid to the King had a grant of his marriage 5. May 7. Ioh. to the intent he might match his daughter to him as was afterwards accordingly done though she was not his first wife and had also livery of all his Lands together with the Castle of Warwick by Hugh de Chaucumb then Sheriffe of this County to whom the K. had directed his Precept for that purpose bearing date 24. Aug. ensuing Upon Inquis taken in 12. and 13. Ioh. what number of Knights Fees the great men that held of the K. in Capite had there are fourscore and seventeen certified to belong unto this Earle in Warwicksh For which with the rest being all in number C ii and a third part he paid at the same time CC iiii marks viii s. x. d. for scutage upon the K. expedition with his Army into Wales viz. duaâ— marcas quo quolibet scuto In 15. Ioh. he came of age as I gather for by the K. special Writ bearing date 1. Iunii that year and directed to the Sheriffe of this County he had the tertium denarium de comitaetu Warewic delivered unto him as his Ancestors were used to have In 16. Ioh. he contributed xlii marks to the K. towards the support of his wars in Poictou but was by a special Writ acquitted of the Scuâ—age then exacted from him for that service And did so faithfully adhere to K. Iohnâ— when the Barons rebelliously took up Arms against him that the said K. by his Letters P. bearing date 10. Iunii
in the last year of his reign commanded Hugh de Nevil to whom he had committed the custody of Warwick-Castle in those turbulent times that he should deliver it to him and to Thom. Basset his father in Law And moreover by his precept to the Sheriffe of this County bearing date at Teuksbury 23. Iulii ensuing appointed that he should have livery of all the Lands of such Rebels which held of his the said Earls Fee to retain during the K. pleasure And as he was thus loyal to that K. so did he stand stoutly to the young K. H. 3. joyning with the Earls of Chester and Albamarle in the siege of Mount-Sorel-Castle 1. H. 3. as also in storming the Castle of Lincoln where they had a glorious victory over those sturdy Barons as our Historians do manifest And in 5. H. 3. when Will. de Fortibus E. of Albamarle had rebelliously strengthened his Castle of Bitham in com Linc. he attended the K. in person to the siege thereof having towards the support of his charge in that expedition x. s. de quolibet scuto for all the Knights Fees held of him In 9. H. 3. he paid xlix li. xii s. v. d. to the K. upon the advance of his Army into Wales which was called Scutagium de Mungumeri Yet afterward when other great men in 11. H. 3. put themselves in Arms on the behalf of Ric. Earle of Cornwall the K. brother he made one but that businesse was quickly composed In 12. H. 3. he paid CC iiii marks viii s. x. d. ob to the K. towards the charge of another Welch expedition called Scutagium de Kerry and the next year following had the K. Letters deprecatory to all his Tenants that held of him by military service for an aid towards such expences he was like to be at in a voyage for Gascoin and to discharge some debt that he owed to the K. During the minority of this Earle it was that K. Iohn in 4. of his reign gave the Seignory of Gowher in Wales of his inheritance unto Will. de Brews concerning which the succeeding Earls of Warwick had great suits as I shall hereafter shew He had two wives viz. Margery the eldest of the two daughters of Henry d'Oyli of Hoke-Norton in com Oxon. and sister of Henry that died without issue by which means part of d'Oylie's inheritance came to this family and Philippa one of the three daughters and Heirs unto Tho. Basset of Hedindon before mentioned but of this Earle Henry his death can I not point out the direct day yet for certain it was in 13. H. 3. for then did Philippa his Countesse give C. marks to the K. that she might not be compelled to marry but live a Widdow as long as she pleased or marry whom she lik't best provided he were a loyal subject to the K. Whereupon she took to husband the same year one Ric. Siward who proved a turbulent spirited man being as M. Paris saith vir martius ab adolescentia for in 17. H. 3. he joyned with divers great Earls Barons in the Rebellion about that time begun against the K. which was not well quieted till the 22. of his Reign but then notwithstanding all his evil demerits was received into favour Much more might be said of this Ric. Siward but it hath no relation to the story of our Earles therefore I shall forbear to discourse further of him especially considering that he was divorced from his Countesse and will close up what I have to speak of her with mentioning in what sort she was a benefactresse to the Canons of Berencester vulgò Bisseter in com Buck. viz. that in her full widdowhood she gave them vii s. yearly rent issuing out of certain lands in Studley within this County to finde one Lamp continually burning before the Altar of S. Iohn Bapt. in the conventual Church of Berencester for the health of her Soul and all her Ancestors and Childrens Souls When she died I do not finde but at Berencester she lieth buried in the Monastery there of her fathers foundation The issue left by this last mentioned Earle was one son and one daughter scil Thomas and Margery both by his first wife which Thomas was of full age at his fathers death as it should seem for in that year he had livery of his Lands paying C. 1. for his relief which was thus apportioned viz. xx l. for his Lands in Wiltshire for which summe Iohn Biset became surety xx li. for his Lands in Oxfordsh for which Thom. Basset stood bound xx li. for his Lands in Gloucestershire for which Raph de Wiliton was bound and xl li. for his Lands in Warwicksh for which Walt. d'Eivill and Ric. de Mundevil were his pledges And in 17. H. 3. being but 4. years after was inrich't with the inheritance of d'Oylie's Lands in Oxfordsh that descended to him by the death of his Uncle Henry d'Oily without issue whereof he had then livery doing his homage and paying C. l. for his Relief to the K. with two Palfreys In which year the K. keeping his Whitsuntide at Gloucester there girt him with the sword of Knighthood together with Rog. Bigod E. of Norff. and Hugh de Vere E. of Oxford Nay I make a question whether he had full seizin of his Earldom of Warwick till then though he had livery of his Lands 4. years before as I have shewed for the K. precept to the Sheriffe of this County bearing date at Teuksbury 24. Maii in that year saith thus Rex cinxit Thomam de Warwic cingulo comitatus Warwic mandatum est Vicecomiti Warwici quod eidem Comiti habere fâ—ciat de praedicto comitatu id quod habere debet nomine Comitis Warwici de quo praedecessores sui Comites Warwici seisiti fuerunt tanquam ad eos pertinente nomine Comitatus Warewici And that this was the meaning of the said Writ viz. that he should thereby be invested in the Earldom may seem by what my Author addeth to that mention of his being Knighted with Rog. Bigod and Hugh Vere as abovesaid scil Will. Long-espe accingitur gladio militari sed non fit Comes Sarum which was at that very time In 25. H. 3. this Earle Thomas gave Clxxx. Marks fine to the K. to the end he might be exempted from attendance upon him in his expedition into Gascoign which summe was over and above his due by way of Scutage for discharge of which Scutage and that he might levy the like upon his Tenants he paid the year following Cxx. l. more And further then this can I not say of him other than that he married Ela daughter to Will. Longspe E. of Salisbury base son to K. H. 2. as also that he departed this life without issue 26. Iunii An. 1242. 26. H. 3.
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
Of which Testament were Executors the Lord Cromwell the Lord Tiptoft Iohn Throkmorton Ric. Curson Thomas Huggeford Will. Berkswell Priest and Nich. Rody his Steward After which viz. ult Apr. An. 1439. 17. H. 6. he departed this life as his monumental inscription here most exactly imitated together with the true representation of his magnificent Tombe sheweth leaving issue by Eliz. his first wife daughter and Heir to Thom. L. Berkley three daughters viz. Margaret born at Good-rest in Wedgnok-park the next year after the Battail of Shrewsbury â— second wife to the famous Iohn Talbot Earle of Shrewsbury which Margaret died at Londonâ— An. 1467. 7. E. 4. and was buried under the Quire in the Cathedral of St. Paul commonly called St. Faiths Church Alianore born at Walkinston in Essex shortly after the feast of our Ladye 's Nativity 9. H. 4. first married to the L. Rosse â— and afterwards to Edm. Beaufort Marq. Dorset and D. of Somerset And Elizabeth born in Warwick-Castle wife to George Nevil Lord Latimer To his second wife he wedded Isabel daughter of Thomas le Despenser E. of Glouc. and by the death of her brother Richard and elder sister Eliz. without issue Heir to all his Lands but being the widow to Ric. Beauchamp E. of Worcest his Uncles son as in Fillongley I have shewed he had a special dispensation from the Pope to marry her The pictures of which his wives children together with his own as they stand in the East window of that stately Chapel before specified where his Monument is I have upon the next page exquisitely represented By this Isabel he left issue Henry and Anne of both which I shall speak in their order The Lands whereof he was possest were very vast as may seem by that computation of their yearly value extracted from the Accompts of his several Bayliffs through England and Wales in 12. H. 6. amounting to no lesse than 8306. Marks 11. s. 11. d. ob Which setting aside the good penniworths that his Tenants had of what they then held would in the dayes we live augment that sum sixfold at least considering that about that time Barly was sold for 4. s. 2. d. the quarter Oats at 2. s. 1. d. ob Capons at 3. d. a piece and Hens at 1. d. ob as by certain Accompts of his Houshold-Officers appeareth Of her death let us hearken to what the MS. Hist. of Tewksbury saith Isabella uxor Ricardi quinti patrona de Theokesbri rediit de Francia aliquandiu se in Monasterio Canonicorum de Southwyke resocillavit Haec Isabella sepulta est in Theokesbyri eodem anno quo obiit Ricardus quintus Comes de Warwike ejus maritus But of her Monument so designed as I have said there is no more now remaining than what I have here in this Figure exprest I now come to Henry the succeeding Earle Son and Heir to Richard by the said Lady Isabel. This Henry was born at Hanley-Castle in Worcester-shire on Thursday xi Kal. Apr. An. 1424. 3. H. 6. and baptized on the Saturday by Philip Morgan Bishop of Worcester having to his God-fathers at the font Henry Beaufort Cardinal and Bishop of Winchester with Humfry E. Stafford and to his God-mother Ioane Lady Bergavenny the same B. of Worcester being his God-father also at confirmation At his fathers death he hardly exceeded the age of fourteen years but was a person of extraordinary hopes as by the early appearance of his heroick disposition is evident for before he accomplisht full xix years of age he tendred his service for defence of the Dutchy of Aquitane in consideration whereof and to give him the more encouragement in that expedition the K. by his Charter bearing date at Dover 2. Apr. 22. of his Reign created him Primier Earle of England and for a distinction betwixt him and other Earles granted to him and the Heirs male of his body leave to wear a golden Coronet about his head as well in his own presence as elsewhere upon such great Festivals as the like used to be worn And within 3. dayes following considering the high deserts of his noble father of whom he hath this expression quem meaning Earl Richard dignissimè in Armorum strenâ—itate ut columnam immobilem belli fata pro nobis nostris magnanimiter libenter sustinentem suorum cognoscit commendat ingenia ex excellentia meritorum minimè per nos aut progenitores nostros huc usque remuncratorum c. advanced him to the title of Duke of Warwick granting him place in Parl. and all other meetings next to the D. of Norff. and before the Duke of Buck. and giving him xl l. per ann to be paid by the Sheriffe of Warr. and Leic. Shires for the time being out of the revenue of these Counties towards the better support of that Honour But this businesse of Precedency was so stomackt by Humfrey Duke of Buck. that had not the K. by Act of Parl. in 23. of his reign which was the next year ensuing the said Duke of Warwick's Creation qualified it much inconvenience had arisen upon it Therefore for appeasing the contention and strife moved betwixt them for that preheminence those are the words of the Act it was established that from the 2. of Decemb. then next following they should take place of each other by turn viz. one that year and the other the next and so as long as they lived together the Duke of Warwick to have the first years precedency and he which should survive to have place of the others heir male as long as he livedâ— And from that time that the heir male of each should take place of other according as it might happen he had livery of his lands before him After which he had a grant in reversion from the death of Humfrey Duke of Glouc of the Isles of Gerneseyâ— Iersey Serk Erm and Aureney for the yearly Rent of a Rose to be paid at the feast of the Nativity of S. Iohn Bapt. As also of the Monnour and Hundred of Bristoll in Glouchesterâ—sh for the yearly ferm of lx li. and besides this of all the Kings Castles and Mannours within the Forest of Dene for the Rent of C. l. per ann To all which Honours he had this further added viz. to be Crowned King of the Isle of Wight by the Kings own hands But this hopefull branch the onely heir male to these great Earlsâ— was cropt in the flower of his youth before the fruits of his Heroik disposition could be fully manifested to the world for upon S. Barnabas day sc. xi Iunii 1445. 23. H. 6. being but xxii years of age he died at Hanley the place of his birth and was buried in the Abby of Tewksbury about the midst of the Quire at the head of Prince Edw. Son and Heir to
confirming the grant This Hugh de Loges lived to be a very old man and was not compos mentis before he dyed It seemes he had conceived some displeasure against his son and heir viz. Ric. de Loges and therefore did endevour to disherit him of this Lordship and other lands selling this to the Kts. Templars which Richard was a busy actor in that rebellion of the Barons in H. 3. time being of the retinue to Ralph Lord Basset in respect whereof all his lands in this County and Staff were seized on and bestowed inter alia by the K. on Thomas Corbet of Shropshire 30. Nov. 50. H. 3. but submitting to the Decree called Dictum de Kenilw. as appears by Iames de Audley's undertaking for him therein he being at the time when Kenilworth castle was rendred with young Sim. Montfort in the Isle of Ely and finding good surâ—â—â—es viz. Will. de Mortein and Will. de la Rye for his future fidelity was received into the K. protection as his good subiect And in August following sc. 51. H 3. found so much favour that whereas his father had to the disherison of himâ— aliened this Mannour of Chesterton to the Templars the K. taking advantage of its being soe conveyed without License forasmuch as it was held of him in Capite by Sergeanty seized upon it and in consideration of Cxx. marks Fine reinvested him therein promising that he would not permit the said Hugh to do any thing tending to the disheriting him of this or any other lands so held provided that he did conveniently maintain his said father during life at that time old and weak and not in his senses as I have intimated After which in 3. E. 1. this Ric. de Loges being very much indebted obtained License from the K. that for raysing of some money he might demise his lands for a certain time but it seems that under colour of this liberty to set he absolutely sold part of them whereupon the Shiriff of this County had command to seize them into his hands for the Ks. use sc. in 5. E. 1. in which year he was with the K. and his Army in UUales what Agreement he made appears not but certain it is that he repossest them again for in 13. E. 1. being questioned by what authority he held a Court-Leet here and claimed Assize of Bread and Beere within this Lordship he pleaded Prescription and had allowance of those priviledges In 14. E. 1. being then a K t he bore for his Armes Arg. 3. piles gules with a Buck trippant Or in a canton azure as appears by his seal and dyed in 21. E. 1. leaving Ric. his son and heir then 28 years of age who doing his homage had livery of his lands but enjoy'd them not long for in 28. E. 1. he departed this life leaving one only daughter called Elizabeth his heir then 4. years of age whose marriage was granted by the K. the next ensuing year to Nich. de Warrewyk Which Nich. matcht her unto his own son Nicholas who did his fealty and had livery of her lands in 6. E. 2. which Nich. had issue Iohn de Warrewyk his son and heir who by the K. special command entailed this Lordship in 9. E. 3. for default of issue by himselfe and Margaret his wife upon Iohn de Sandersted of Rodbaston and his heirs the same Iohn having marryed his mother During the time that this Iohn de Sandersted held it he obtained a Charter of Free Warren in all his demesn lands here to enjoy during his own life and afterwards to the right heires thereof But upon his death in 27. E. 3. Iohn the son of Will. de Peito became possest thereof by marrâ—age with Alianore daughter and heir to Iohn the son of the before specifyed Nich. de Warwick from which time the Familie of Peto have had their principall seat here Being therefore now to proceed with what I have found historically relating thereto to the end the more light may be given as well to what I have already spoke touching the successive Possessors of this place as to what I shall say of the rest I have here inserted this ensuing Pedegree And because this family of Peto hath been so eminent in former times as by what followes will appear I shall ascend somewhat higher in my discourse thereof than the time that I find them first possest of Chesterton especially considering that they had lands in this County before The first mention I meet with of this name and Family in Warwickshire is in 6. E. 1. Where Ric. de Peito is recorded to have been possest of certain lands in Draiton juxta Stratford super Avon which I suppose were those that he had from Roese Trussell and which she purchased of Walt. de Lodington for Walt. the son of Will de Lodington commenced suit against him and against the other Walter for divers lands here about that time This Ric. being a man of the superiour ranck amongst the gentry of his time was one of the Coroners in this County and dyed in that office 28. E. 1. as appears by the Writ for causing another to be chosen in his stead in which he is called Ric. de Pictavia To him succeeded Iohn a person learned in the Lawes who by his eminencie in that profession as t is most probable was the first advancer of this Family to those fair possessions which qualifyed his descendants the better for such great and noteable employments as thy afterwards had in the world In 15. E. 2. and so every year after during that Ks. time he was constituted one of the Justices for Gaol-delivery in this County so also in the first and second years of K.E. 3. Ric. Chineu cui Rex Will Conq. dedit tres partes de Chesterton Margeria filia haeres Walt. Croc 5. Steph. Will. Croc suspensus Rachinilda Margeria Rob. de Broc Maresc Angl. Margeria filia haeres Hugo de Loges 7. R. 1. 1. H. 3. Hugo de Loges 19. 54. H. 3. Ric. de Pictavia 6. E. 1. 28. E. 1. Joh. de Peito dictus senior 15. E. 2.4 E. 3 Johanna filia Will. Moryn Ioh. de Peto jun. obiit 47. E. 3. s. p. Will. de Peto 19 E. 2. Margareta filia haeres Rob. de Langley Will. de Peto 18 E. 3. Isab. filia Hen. de Bromwich Thomas de Peto 35. E. 3. Ioh. de Peto miles obiit 19. R. 2. Elianora filia haeres Will. de Peto obiit 8. H. 4. Iohanna filia Ioh. de Thornbury mil. obiit 6. H. 5. Rob. Corbet Mil. secundus maritus Will. de Peto miles obiit 4. E. 4. Cath. filia Ioh. Gresly mil. 8. H. 6. Ioh. de Peto obiit 3 H 7. Elianora filia Rob. Mantfeld 32 H 6. Edw. Peto
wedded the heir of Langley as hath been said was Sheriff of this County and Leicestershire in 14. Edw. 3. In 17 Edw. 3. there were divers Proctors of Cardinalls and others from the Court of Rome as well English as forrainers who by virtue oâ— the Popes Bulls made out processe against sundry persons much derogating from the Kâ—ng's royall power in this his Realm whereupon Commissions were issued out to divers persons through England for the finding them out and arresting and bringing them before himself and his Councell of which Commissioners this VVilliam de Peito was one of those that were assigned for this County to that purpose So also in 18. Edw. 3. to enquire what persons were seized of lands to the value of C s. per annum and upwards to a thousand pounds over and above all reprises and to make certificate thereof to the King And likewise in 21. Edw. 3. for levying the subsidy of Wools then granted to the King in Parliament towards the supporting his warrs with France and being a person learned in the Lawes had in 30 E. 3. a Grant from Eliz. de Burghersh Lady of Ewyas one of the daughters and heirs to Sir Theobald de Verdon of an Annuity of ten marks per an issuing out of her Mannour of Brandon in this County for his good and lawfull Counsell in her affairs In 35 E. 3. he with his Sonns Iohn and Thomas attended upon Raph E. of Stafford in his Irish journey that year unto which Raph he was stiled Atturnatus generalis â— but he varied from his Father in the bearing of his Arms and took barry of 6 peices Arg. and Gules per pale indented and counterchanged as appeareth by his Seal which Coat his Posterity have ever since retained When he dyed I am not certain nor how long he lived after 4 R. 2. but he had issue Will. Iohn and Thomas which William married Isabel the daughter of Henry de Bromwich and dyed as I suppose shortly after for I find little mention further of him So that Iohn was his Heir and became the first Lord of Chesterton of this Family by marriage with Elianor daughter and heir of Iohn the son and heir to Nich. de Warwick before specified which Iohn being a Kt. in 38. E. 3. served afterwards as one of the Kts. for this Shire in the several Parliaments of 42 43 and 45 E. 3. held in those years at Westminster and Winchester in which said 45 year he superintended the Assessment and Collection of the Subsidy for this County then granted to the K. In 5. R. 2. he was also one of the Kts. for this Shire and the same year a Commissioner for conservation of the Peace and arresting of the Rebells In 7 and 10 R. 2. he was again Kt. for this shire In 11 R. 2. Lieutenant to the Constable of Dover-Castle In 12 he with Sir Iohn Lakenhith Kt. were Lieutenants in the Court Military to the Constable and Marshall of England so also in 15 R. 2. and dyed in 19 R. 2. leaving Will. his son and heir then 30 years of age who did his Homage the same year and had Livery of the lands of his Mothers Inheritance Which Will. was in 21 R. 2. constituted one of the Comissioners for Assessing and gathering a xv and tenth then granted to the K. in Parliament and in 4 H. 4. also was a Commissioner of Array in this County In 6. H. 4. he released all his right in the advouson of the Church of Wolfhamcote to the Dean and Canons of the Collegiate Church of Warwick which T. Beauchamp E. of Warwick who in 15. R. 2. gave the same unto them had of the grant of Sir Iohn Peyto Kt. his father in 38. E. 3. In consideration whereof the said Dean and Canons did oblige themselves by Indenture that so soon as they should have notice of his death they would forthwith cause his body to be brought unto Warwick if he departed this life within this County and at their own chardges interre the same in the before specifyed Coll. Church in such place where he the said Will. should appoint and keep his Anniversary on the day of his death every year registring his name in their Martyrologe as also pray for him and his ancestors as Founders and Patrons of the said Church at Wolfhamcote And moreover cause his grave to be covered with a Monumentall stone whereupon his Armes with his Epitaph should be graven according to the direction of him the said Will. or his Counsel whence I guess that the raised Monument in the North crosse of the Coll. Church at Warwick was for this man though some paintâ—ng on the wall of late years directed Sir Edw. Peito the heir of this family in repairing it to cause a new Inscription to be put thereon intimating it to be of Edw. 3. time He wedded Ioan the daughter of Sir Ioh. Thornbury Kt. who overliving him afterwards married to Sir Rob. Corbet Kt. and departed this life in 8. H. 4. leaving issue Will. his son and heir whose lands by reason of his mâ—nority were in 10. H. 4. committed to the custody of Iohn Knightley the younger untill he came of full age In 3. H. 5. there was a purpose to have matcht this young gentleman with Eliz. the daughter of Sir Rob. Franceys Kt. but she lived not long neither was he above xvi years of age at that time This VVill. was one of those persons of quality who bearing antient Arms from their Ancestors had summons in 7. H. 5. to serve the K. in person for defence of the Realm and in 2. H. 6. became retained with Ric. Beauchamp Earl of Warwick for term of life for which he had a Pension of xx marks per an In 8. H. 6. he was knighted and in 10. H. 6. retained by Indenture to serve the K. in his French warrs for half a year wâ—th xxx men at Armes himself accounted for one as also CL. Archers well and sufficiently mounted armed and arrayed according to their degrees and in consideration thereof to receive 2 s. per diem wages for himself and xii d. per diem for his men at Armes with the accustomed reward viz. according to the proportion of C. marks for xxx men at Armes the quarter and for each of his Archers vi d. per diem it being then covenanted betwixt them that the K. should have the third part of all he might get by the warr and the third of the thirds of whatsoever his retinue did gaine in that Voyage by Prisoners gold silver or Jewells and such prizes that exceeded the value of x. marks and were not to be imployed for victualling of the Army And the said Sir VVill. to make benefit of all Prisoners taken by him or those of his retinue in that Voyage
except Kings Kings sons or any of the blood royall of France or any of the principal Commanders of the French Kings Army bearing the arms of France or of the Constables or Marshalls of France or those which were Actors in or consenting to the murther of Iohn D. of Burgoin At that time he bore his own paternal Coat quarter'd with Langley viz. Arg. a Fesse sable with 3 pellets in Cheif and for his Crest upon a Torse a pair of wings as is to be seen by the impression of his Seal In 15 H. 6. he was Shiriffe of this County and Leicester-shire and the next year following had a special Patent exempting him from the office of Shiriffe Escheator Coroner or any other as also from serving on Juries which favour the K. granted to him in recompensationem bonorum obsequiorum quae fidelis miles noster Will. Peito nobis in guerris nostris altâ—er impendit adhuc impendet as the words thereof do import In 17. H. 6. being again retained to serve the K. in his Warrs of France and Normandy for halfe a year where the said K. or his Councel there or his Lieutenant or Governour in that Realm or the Dutchy of Normandy should think most fit he was to have 50 men at Arms and 210 Archers well and sufficiently mounted armed and arrayed and in consideration thereof 2 s. per diem wages for himself 12 d. per diem for each of his men at Arms with the reward accustomed and 6 d. for his Archers as also the benefit of all Prisoners as upon his former retainer which Indenture bears date 25 Maii the same yeare After which viz. in Iune following he shipt over his forces with divers other retained in like sort and mustered by Sr. Io. Montgomery K. Io. Stanlaw Treasurer of the Dutchy of Normandy â— and Ric. Curson Esquires and being thus honourably employed spared not his own purse for advancement of the Ks. service as the large summes of mony taken up on trust for which Sr. Will. Mountfort Kt. Iohn Curson Esq Sr. Iohn Gresly Kt. Will. Lucy Rob. Franceys and Iohn Pultney Esq stood engaged with him in Statute a merchant do manifest Of this Sr. William I further find that he was Lieutenant generall of the Marshallship of France under the famous Iohn Talbot E. of Shrewsbury in An. 1448. 27. H. 6. and Captain of the Bastile before Diepe but was there taken prisoner by the French and put to ransome himself at a very great Fine for raising whereof he had the Ks. License to mortgage this Lordship of Chesterton with those of Sow and Wyrley before specifyed and in 30 H. 6. pawned them to Sr. Drew Barentine Kt. Walt. Mauntell and others for 390 li. In a Grant of his that I have seen he stiles himself Guillaume Peto chivalier maistre d'ostell de treshaut puissant Prince Mons. le Duc de Somerset general Governeur en France et Normandy But after this misfortune befell him at Diepe I have not observed any thing very notable of him so that 't is like he retired from those publike services He married Katherine the daughter of the before specified Sr. Iohn Gresly Kt. about the 4 of H. 6. and departed this life in 4. E. 4. leaving issue Iohn his Son and Heir then 30 years of age who in 32 H. 6. wedded Elianor the daughter of Rob. Mantfeld and had livery of his lands in 7 E. 4. at which time the K. respited his Homage The next year following he payd 8 l. Releife to the K. for this Mannour held by grand Sergeanty to keep the Forrest of Canok as I have already said But of him I have seen nothing further memorable than that he rebuilt the antient Mannour house of this Lordship as the Armes in a great Canton Window of the Hall which I have in pag. 377. represented do shew and that he dyed on the Even of the blessed Virgins Assumption 3. H. 7. leaving issue Edward his Son and Heir then 30 years of age which Edward had to wife Goditha the daughter of Tho. Throgmorton Esq and departed this life at Throgmorton in Com. Wigorn her fathers house as it seems for 〈◊〉 Fladbury which is the parish Church to it he lieth buried as his Monument whereof this is a true shadow witnesseth having issue Iohn 9 years old and upwards and a younger sonn called Peter a Cardinall in Q. Maries daies Which Iohn being thus in minority was committed to the tuition of Rob. Throgmorton his Uncle but afterwards had 2 wives first Anne the daughter of Ric. Cooke and secondly Margaret daughter to Sr. Iohn Baynham Kt. and left issue Iohn who married Anne the daughter of Sr. Iohn Ferrers of Tamworth Castle about the 33 of H. 8. Which Iohn dyed 11 Sep. 5 6. Ph. M. leaving Humphrey his Son and Heir then 26 years of age who in 1. M. married Anne the daughter to Basill Fielding of Newnham Esq and in 27 Eliz. dyed To whom succeeded Will. and to him Sr. Edward c. as the Pedegree before inserted sheweth Within the Precincts of Chesterton was there another Mannour whereof one Gilbert le Harpour dyed seized in 32 E. 1. but whether this was that proportion that belong'd originally to the Monks of Coventre in the Conquerors time or that which Henry de Feriers then held whereof I have already spoke or both is hard to say Evident it is that one Geffrey le Brune possessed certain lands here in H. 2. time and had a Daughter named Constance wedded to Henry del Broc from which Henry descended the same Gilbert le Harpour but the said land did not all come to him by her for it apears that Brune bestowed part of it on the Templars and that Ieffrey Fitz-Stephan the first Master of the Temple here in England in H. 2. time by the common consent of the rest of that Order in this Realm here at London gave that part so bestowed on them to the said Henry and Constance and their Heirs paying to the Knights Templars and their Successors 20 s. per Ann. Howbeit the rest that Brune had here descended as I conceive to the said Constance For I find that Rob. fil Odonis at that time Lord of Herberbury confirmed it unto the said Henry and Constance to enjoy as freely as the same Brune held it the extent thereof being 4 Messuages and 4 yard land and held of his Heires by the service of 20 s. payable at the Annuntiation of our Lady and St. Michael the Archangell by even portions Hugo Harpur temp H. 1. Hugo le Harpur temp H. 2. Rob. le Harpur tenuit Brocton in Com. Wig. Saherus le Harpur de Stoke Rog. le Harpur Gilbertus le Harpur Hugo Gilb. le Harpur temp E. 1. Isolda filia
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
the said Charter for which respect he had a day assigned him to make good his claim In 14 E. 1. he was constituted one of the Justices for the Gaol delivery at Warwick In 15 E. 1. one of the 4. Knights to take care that the Articles for conservation of the Peace according to the Statute of Winchester should be observed in this County And the same year as also in 17 E. 1. again one of the Justices for the Gaol delivery at Warwick He was a Benefactor to the Canons of Thelisford as I have already there shewed and dyed in 31 E. 1. leaving issue by Petronill his wife William Lucy his son and heir then 26. years of age who had livery of his lands the same year which Will. was a Kt. in 2 E. 2. if not sooner and bore for his Arms Gules semé of Crosslets with three Lucies hauriant d'Argent as by his Seal appears Whose publique imployments were as followeth viz. Knight for this Shire in the Parliament held at Westminster in 6 E. 2. In that at Yorke 15 E. 1. Again at Westminster 17 E. 2. In that of Northampton 2 E. 3. and of Westminster in 10 E. 3. For the Gaol-delivery at Warwick he was in Commission in 10â— 16 17â— and 19 E. 2. For conservation of the Peace according to the statute of Winchester in 13 E. 2. In 15 E. 2. for choosing Foot-Souldiers and conducting them to New-Castle upon Tine to march against the Scots so also in 16. at which time the number so conducted were in this County full CCC In 18 E. 2. for ordering of those Knights Esquiers and other Souldiers which were to serve on Horseback with the K. in his Warrs of Gascoin And in 19 E. 2. for conservation of the Peace according to the Statute of Winchester To the Canons of Thelisford he was also a Benefactor as other of his Ancestors had been And by Elizabeth his wife left issue William his son and heir who in 15 E. 2. was in that Welch expedition for the Kings service and in 18 E. 3. a Knight being then in Commission with others to enquire within this County and to certify the names of all persons who had Lands and Rents to the value of an C s. and upwards to a thousand pounds per annum deducting the services and necessary reprises In 19 E. 3. he received Summons with many other persons of quality to prepare himself with Horse and Armes by the Feast of S t Laurence for to wait upon the K. in his French expedition This was the time when that notable battail of Cressy whereof our Historians make relation was fought he being of the retinue of Thomas Beauchamp Earl of Warwick but exempted from attendance at that time being then joyn'd in Commission with the Shiriff and some others to array Clx. Archers in this County for the Kings service but after the 22 E. 3. I find no mention of him By Elizabeth his wife he left issue Thomas Lucy who had two wives viz. Elizabeth and Philippâ— which Philippa in 28 E. 3. joyned with him in a grant of certain errable land lying here in Cherlecote to the Canons of Thelesford â— to the intent that they should celebrate Divine Service and pray devoutly there for the soul of William de Clinton Earl of Huntingdon as also for the souls of them the said Thomas and Philippa This Thomas had issue William Lucy who being a Knight in 5 R. 2. was the same year retained by Indenture with Iohn of Gaunt Duke of Lancaster King of Castile c. to serve him with one Esquier for terme of his life aswell in times of Warr as Peace for which service to have xx li. per an besides his dyet and in 1 H. 4. was one of the Knights for this Shire in the Parliament then held at Westminster To him succeeded Thomas his son and heir retained also with the said D. of Lanc. for terme of life to serve him aswell in times of Peace as Warr for which he was to have x. marks per an wages This Thomas being a Kt. in 7 H. 4. served the same year for this County in the Parl. then held In 8 H. 4. he was constituted Shiriff of this and Leicestershire and having been of the retinue to Richard de Beauchamp Earl of Warwick for which he had xx li. per annum Fee wedded Alice the onely daughter of Sir William Hugford but by the death without issue of Margerie daughter to William son and heir to the said William at length his heir by whom he had a fair inheritance of lands lying in the Counties of Bedford and Salop. and departed this life 28. Iulii 3 H. 5. leaving William his son and heir 13. years of age the said Alice taking to husband Richard Archer of Tanworth Esquier within 8. weeks after his said decease This William was during his minority in Ward to Iohn Boteler of Werington in Com. Lanc. Esquier and in 2 H. 6. upon the death of Eliz. the widow of Sir Iohn Clinton Knight found Cosen and heir to her viz. son of Alice Hugford daughter of Margerie son of Iames Pabenham son of Ioan sister of William father of William father to the said Elizabeth In 12 H. 6. I find him listed in the Catalogue of those men of note in this Shire that made oath for performance of such particular things as were determined of in the Parliament held at Westminster that year In 14 H. 6. he was constituted Shiriff of this County and Leicester-shire so also in 28 H. 6. and the same year jâ—in'd in Commission with the Lord Grey of Groby and others for treating with the people about a loan to the King â—o likewise in 31 H. 6. with Humfrey Duke of Buck. and others for that purpose It seemes that he adhered to the Hâ—use 〈◊〉 Yorke in those turbulent times when so much bâ—oâ—d was spilt in that quarrell with the Lancastrians for in 38 H. 6. he had a Protect on 〈◊〉 himself and all his goods from the Earls of March and Warwick which bears date 18. Iulii and departed this life in 6 E. 4. leaving by Elianore his wife daughter to Reginalâ— Lâ—rd Grey of Ruthin William his son and heir 26. years of agâ—â— whom 7 E 4. doing fealty for the Mannour of Haversham â—n â—om Buck. held of the K. as of his Honour â—f Peverell as also for the Mannour of Shrewley in thâ—s Câ—unâ—y held also of the King as â—f â—â—s Dutchy of Lancaster had his homage respited This William was one of the Commissioners for conservation of the Peace in this County in 11 12 13 and 14 E. 4. in which fourteenth year he had for some
great and speciall considerations the gift of an Clx li. bestowed upon him by the King out of the profits of this County and Leicestershire being the same year made Shiriff of these Counties In 20 E. 4. I find that he was a Knight In 1 H. 7. created Knight of the Bath at the Queens Coronation In 6 H. 7. constituted one of the Commissiâ—ners of Array in this County for setting forth men in defence of the Realm against Charles the 8. King of France then threatning an invasion thereof being also in Commission for Conservation of the Peace in this Shire at the same time In 7 H. 7. he quitted to the Canons of Thelesford those liberties which he and his Ancestors used to have in Thelesford viz. Toll Tack Stallage and Bloodshed as in Thelesford I have shâ—wed And by his Testament bearing date 2. Iulii anno 1492. in the same 7 year of King H. 7. bequeathed his body to be buried in the Chancell of the Parish-Church of Stratford super Avon â— in this County To eight Churches next adjâ—yning to Cherlecote viz. Hampton Wasperton Bereford Newbold Wellesburne Loxley Alveston and Shirburne he gave vi s. viii d. a piece To the reparation of the high Altar in the Church of Cherlecote vi li. xiii s. iv d. and an acre of his demesn lands in Cherlecote to be for ever at the disposition of the Church-Wardens there for the behoof of the same Church To the House of Thelesford for the observation of his Exequies xl s. To the Nuns of Pinley for the like xl s. To the Canons and Vicars of the Collegiate-Church in Warwick for the like xx s. To the Warden and Priests of Stratford for the like xx s. And constituting Sir Edward Raleigh Knight Robert Throkmorton and Thomas Breton Esquiers his Executors departed this life 3. Iulii the same year leaving issue Edmund his son and heir 28. years of age with William Henry and Humfry his younger sons and Mary a daughter And of the Lady Alice his widow I find that by her Testament dated ult Sept. 1494. 10 H. 7. she bequeathed her body to sepulture within the Chancell of the said Collegiate Church of the Holy Trinity in Stratford super Avon before the high Altar on the left side her said husband To the before specified Sir William succeeded the said Edmund Lucy his son and heir by Margaret his first wife which Edmund was a Commander in King H. 7. Army at the battail of Stoke â—uxta Newark in the second year of that Kings raign and in Aprill 7. H. 7. retained by Indenture to serve the said King in his Warrs for one whole year with two men at Armes having with him his Custrell and his Page and three Demilances xxx Archers on foot and vi Bills of good and able persons taking for himself and his men at Armes xviii d. per diem wages for his Demilances ix d. per diem and Archers and Bills vi d. per diem this being the time that King Henry took his voyage into France and besieged Bulloin till a truce was taken In 10 H. 7. 20. Sept. â—e had Summons amongst divers others of great qualâ—â—y to atâ—end the King in person upon the Feast day â—f All Saints the same year ready fitted to be made Knight of the Bath with Henry the Kings son who was also to be at the same time created Duke of Yorke But it seems he did not accordingly appear for in Aprill following his Testament bears date wherein he is stiled Esquier by which Testament he bequeathed his body to be buried in our Lady Chapel within the Monastery of Thelesford on the North side of his mother Margaret Lucy To the said House of Thelesford he bequeathed a Crosse of silver and gilt of ten pounds value to be bought by his Executors Fourty marks he appointed to be spent and given on the day of his buriall by the hands of his Executors to Priests Clerks and poor people And also willed that at his Months mind xii poor men holding Torches should have each of them a black Gown and hood and iv d. in money Likewise that his Anniversary should be kept at Thelesford for the space of xx years after his death and xl s. spent thereat for Dirige overnight Masses and to poor people He further willed that one Priest of the same Order of those at Thelesford should sing in the said Chapell for his soul for the souls of Iane his wife and Sir William Lucy Knight his father and all Christen souls by the space of six years next after his decease And that the same Priest should have yearly for so doing during the said six years 8. marks to be payd by the hands of his Executors And that a Marble stone of 7. foot in length and 4. foot in breadth with the Armes of himself and his wife and their portraictures together with an Inscription might be laid upon his grave Of which Testament he constituted Sir Reginald Bray Kt. a great man in that time to be Supervisor When he dyed I am not certain but the Probate thereof bears date 19 Maii anno 1498. 13 H. 7. By Iane his wife he left issue Thomas one of the Sewers to K. H. 8. in the first year of his reign which Thomas had by the Ks. Letters Pat. bearing date 21. Sept. the same year the custody of all the lands belonging to George Catesby of Ashby-Legers in Com. Northampt esq then deceased to hold during the minorâ—ty of Will. Catesby his son and heir and took to wife Eliz. the widow of the said George daughter to Sir Ric. Empson of Easton-Neston in that County This Thomas was a Knight in 6 H. 8. but how long before I am not certain and in 16 H. 8. Shiriff of this County and Leicestersh By his Testament bearing date ult Iulii 17 H. 8. he bequeathed hâ—s body to be buried in the Gray-Friers at London appointing that within a year after his decease there should be a stone laid upon his grave with the portraiture of himself his Lady and children and his Armes at the 4. corners thereof as also such an Inscript as his Executors should devise to the intent that good people might have remembrance to pray for his soul and all Christen souls for those are his words He also willed that a Priest should be found by his said Executors to say Mâ—â—tâ—â—â—nd to pray for his soul in the Parish-Church of Cherlecote or Ashby for the space of 3. whole years after his decease and left issue by the sayd Eliz. 3. sons Will. Thomas and Edmund and 3. daughters scil Anne Radegund and Barbara To Thomas he gave the Mannour of Cleybrook in Com. Leic. and to the heirs male of his body with remainder to his son Edmuâ—d to whom he bequeathed â—he Mâ—nnours of Bekering and Sharpenho
Knightlow-Hundred whereunto I shall adde that 't is probable it might proceed from the Saxon word 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 which signifieth the same with Collis the situation thereof upon a little hill savâ—uring this my conceipt But I now come to what I find memorable in relation to this place In 51 H. 3. Barthol de Suthleg being then Lord thereof had a Charter granted to him and his heirs for a Mercate to be kept every Friday weekly here and a Fair annually for three days viz. the Eve of S t Iames the Apostle and two days after And in 7 E. 1. Iohn de Suthley was certiâ—iâ—d to be Lord hereof where it is written Magna Dercet but said to be a member of Suthley as also to be held by him of the King in Câ—pâ—â—e with his Barony by the service of two Knights fees And that he had at that time here Liii servants holding xix yard land and a half paying severall Rents and performing divers servile labours with xxiv Freeholders holding 24. yard land and a half And moreover it there appears that the Chief Chanter of the Church of Lichfield held here at that time a fourth part of one yard land and the Canons of Erdbury two yard land one whereof the Church was endowed with As also that the Templars of Balshall then had xi Tenants here who held four yard land paying severall Rents and performing severall servile labours The Liberties and Priviledges which the said Iohn de Suthley then had in this Lordship were the Mercate and Faire whereof I have already toucht Free-warren Court-Leet Gallows Cuckstool and Pillory with Assize of Bread and Beer All which together with weyfs as also to be quit of Murther and suit to the Hundred and County Court he claimed partly by Prescription and partly by Charter but it being then found that for Murther he used to partake with the Hundred he was amerc't for that undue claim the rest of his Challenge being fully allowed Which Iohn de Sudley became a speciall Benefactor to the Monastery of Erdbury of his Ancestors foundation by the grant of lands and other advantages thereunto out of this place as I shall punctually shew when I come to speak of that Religious House I often find in Record that this town is called Cheping-Derset the reason whereof is because of the Mercate for Cheping with our Ancestors did signify the same that buying and selling doth with us whence it is that Cheping-Norton in Oxford-shire Chepinham in Wilt-shire and Chepstow in Monmouth-shire had their names But the last of the Sudleâ—'s that had to doe here was Sir Iâ—hn de Sudley Knight who dying without issue in 41 E. 3. left Thomas Boteler son of Ioan his eldest sister then dead and Margerie his younger sister his heirs whereby as also by the death of the said Margerie afterwards without issue the said Thomas became possest of this and all the rest of Sudley's lands which Thomas being afterwards a Knight dyed seized of this Mannour jointly with Alice his wife daughter to Sir Iohn Beauchamp of Powyk 21. Sept. 22 R. 2. then leaving Iohn his son and heir xiv years of age who in 8 H. 4. confirmed the estate for life therein which had been granted by certain Feoffees unto the said Alice she being at that time marryed to Sir Iohn Dalyngrugge Knight This Iohn and William his brother were sons to Sir Thomas Boteler by his first wife but both dyed without issue as it seems for upon the death of the abovespecified Alice in 21 H. 6. Sir Raph Boteler Knight was then found to be heir unto her and begotten by the said Sir Thomas being then xl years of age which Sir Raph became a man of great note in H. 6. time as it seems for I find that being Knight for the Body to the King â—e was made his Standard-bearer 28. Martii 17 H. 6. And by Letters Patent dated at Westminster x. Sept. 20 H. 6. created Lord Sudley with the grant of CC. marks per annum to himself and his heirs for the better maintenance of that dignity He was also constituted Lord Treasurer of England 7. Iulii 22 H. 6. which office he held about three years but in 13 E. 4. he departed this life leaving Sir Iohn Norbury Knight and William Belknap his heirs which Sir Iohn Norbury was son of Sir Henry Norbury Knight by Elizabeth and Will. Belknap son of Hamond Belknap by Ioan sisters to the said Raph for he left no issue male Sir Thomas Butler his only son dying in his life time which Sir Iohn Norbury and William Belknap in 16 E. 4. had livery of all the lands descended to them by the death of the abovespecified Sir Raph Boteler The partition whereof was made betwixt the said Sir Iohn and Edward Belknap Esquier son of Henry brother and heir to William Belknap aforesaid in 13 H. 7. whereby this Mannour inter alia became assigned to Belknap for in 2 R. 3. William dyed without issue leaving Henry Belknap his brother and heir 50. years of age which Henry by his Testament dated 25. Iunii anno 1488. 3 H. 7. bequeathed his body to be buried in the Chapell of our Lady at Bekle in Sussex It seemes he lived there for by the same Testament he gave to the high Altar in that Church xx d. in lieu of his Tithes forgotten and not payd and departed this life 10 Iulii following leaving the said Sir Edward his son and heir xvii years of age who became a man of much publique action for in 2 H. 7. he was one of the Commanders in the Kings Army at the Battail of Stoke In 6. a Commissioner of Array in this County In 12. a Commander in the Battail of Blackheath in Kent against the Western Rebells In 17. he had the custody of Warwick-Castle committed to his charge being at that time Squier of the Body to the King And from 8 H. 7. for the most part during all that Kings raign was in Commission for the Peace in this County as appears upon the severall renewings thereof and sometimes for Gaol delivery In consideration of whose acceptable services the said King by a speciall Patent dated 14. Apr. 24. of his raign granted him immunity from being troubled or questioned for that Inclosure and depopulation which he had made in this Lordship contrary to the Statute in the third of his raign He was also Squier of the Body to King H. 8. being in the first of his raign again constituted Constable of Warwick-Castle for he resided at Weston subtus Wethele in this County as it seems by what I have there manifested And in 8. a Knight The Depopulation and Inclosure that he made within this Lordship scil in 14 H. 7. was of xii mess. and CCClx. acres
grounds there inclosed at that time but to include and lay to the same 2000 acres more of land and wood lying in Compton superior and Compton inferior alias Compton Uyneyatys for the use of himself and his heirs for ever He marryed Wâ—rburge the Daughter and heir of Sir Ioh. Brereton Kt. widow of Sir Francis Cheyney Kt. And by his Testament bearing date 8 Martii an 1522. 14 H. 8. bequeathed his body to be buried here at Compton with his Ancestors and appointed that his said Lady should likewise be there interred as also a Tomb of Alabaster made by the discretion of his Executors for his Father and set over his grave with his Arms cut thereupon and the body of his Mother taken up where she was buried to be brought hither and layd by his said Father By which Testament he likewise bequeathed to the King from whom he acknowledged that he had received all his preferment a little Châ—st of Ivory whereof the lock was gilt with a Chess bord under the same and a pair of Tables upon it and all such Jewels and treasure as was inclosed therein most humbly desiring his highness to accâ—â—t thereof as a remembrance of him He also bequeathd to the said King certain Specialties to the summâ— of a thousand marks beâ—ng for money lent to Sir Thomas Bullein Kt. to the intent that the K. would be so gratious to his Lady and Children as to permit his said Will to be performed as he there expresseth And mâ—â—â—â—ver appâ—â—nted that his Executors 〈…〉 in his name two Chanteries here at Compton and every Preist of the said Chanteries to have yâ—arly for his salary x marks they being to do dayly service in praying for the souls of the King Queen anâ— the Lady Anne Hastings as also for the souls of himâ—elf his wife his ancestors and all Christen souls which Priests and every of them to be presented to the Ordinary of the Dioces and he to make Institution and Induction accordingly And if â—he said Priests or any of them should dye 〈◊〉 theâ— the Abbot of Winchcomb and his successors to present covenable Câ—erks within two months after the vacancy And in case he or his successors should fail that then the Abbot of Evesham to do the same in such a forme as is above rehearsed After which about vi years he dyed of the sweating sicknesse viz. in 20. H. 8. being at that time of the Bedchamber to the King who was also in great danger Touching the Probate of his Will so potent a man was Cardinal Woolsey in those dayes that S r Henry Guilford one of his Executors professed openly that he could not obtain it till he had payd a thousand Marks To which S r Will. Compton succeeded Peter his son and heir then in minority whose wardship was committed to the said Cardinal This Peter marrying Anne the daughter to George Earl of Shrewsbury dyed before he accomplisht his full age sc. 30. Ian. 35. H. 8. leaving issue Henry of the age of xlix weeks and 5. dayes Which Henry being Knighted in 8. Eliz. was summoned to Parl. amongst the Barons 8. Maii 14 Eliz. and dyed in 31. Eliz. leaving issue by Frances his first wife daughter to Francis Earl of Huntingdon Will. his son and heir created Earl of Northampton 2. Aug. 16. Iac. Who being also President of the K. Councell in the Marches of Wales one of the Knights of the most honourable Order of the Garter and Lievtenant to the King in this County of Warwick wedded Eliz. the daughter and heir to S r Iohn Spenser K t Alderman of London and dyed an 1630 7. Car. leaving issue Spenser Earl of Northampton his son and heir whose marriage and issue the Pedegree before inserted sheweth The Church dedicated to S. ..... had antiently two yard land belonging thereto and in an 1291. 19. E. 1. was valued at viii Marks but in 26. H. 8. at x li. As for the fabrick thereof it is now totally reduced to rubbish having been demolisht in an 1646 when Compton house was garrison'd by the Parliament forces the Monuments therein of the before specifyed S r Will. Compton and his Lady with that of Henry Lord Compton his grandson which were very beautifull and stately being then utterly razed and knockt in peices so that in stead of them whereof I was not so happy as to take notice whilst they stood I shall here to the memory of that worthy person who was the first rayser of this House to that lustre it hath since had I mean the before specifyed S r Will. Compton and honour of the Family insert the portraitures of him his Lady and Children as they still remain having been set up in his time in the Chapell of of Balioll Colledge in Oxford Patroni Ecclesiae Incumbentes c. Robertus dominus de Compton Thomas de CoÌ„pton-Winzate Diac. 2. Kal. Martii 1304. Robertus dominus de Compton Rog. Herbelot Accol 23. Oct. 1330. Thomas de Compton Thomas de Clipston Cler. 20. Dec. 1343. Thomas de Compton Rob. le Ferour 19. Feb. 1347. Nobilis vir Radulfus Baro de Staff Adam de Kyngesthorp Cler. 29. Sept. 1349. Rad. Comes Staffordiae Will. de Pirton Pbr. ult Apr. 1359. Will. de Peyto ex concess Rad. Comitis Staff Will. Mannyng Pbr. 11. Sept. 1369. Will. de Peyto ex concess Rad. Comitis Staff Adam Skil Pbr. 5. Dec. 1370. D. Ioh. de Pâ—ito miles D. Ioh. Sulgrave 27. Iulii 1390. Edmundus de Compton dominus de Compton-Winzate Ioh Etyngdon Pbr. 7. Oct. 1395. Edmundus de Compton dominus de Compton-Winzate AdaÌ„ Merston Pbr. .... 1406 Agneta de Compton relicta Edm. de Compton Ioh. de Compton Cler. 1 Feb. 1411. Will. Compton armiger Ioh. Norton in leg Baâ—c 22 Apr. 1413. Will. Compton armiger Magr. Rob. Ryssenden 7. Martii 1414. Will. Compton armiger Ioh. Banning 26. Nov. 1415. Will. Compton armiger Will. Boveton Cap. 28. Oct. 1416. Venerab vir Rob. Compton dominus de Compton Wynzate D. Rob. Rendur Cap. 1. Maii. 1452. Venerab vir Rob. Compton dominus de Compton Wynzate Magr. Ioh. Paylady Cap. 17 Nov. 1460. Venerab vir Rob. Compton dominus de Compton Wynzate D. Ioh. Newith Cap. 8. Ap. 1462. Idem Rob. Magr. Ric. Dobbes 25 Feb. 1463. Idem Rob. D. Thomas Moleners Cap. 2 Apr. 1465. Idem Rob. D. Ioh. Smalebroke 25 Oct. 1468. Discretus vir Edmundus Compton D. Rob. Smyth Cap. 7 Febr. 1489. Rob. Throgmorton ar alii feoffati terr Will. Compton domini de CoÌ„pton defuncti D. Ioh. Hawksford 17 Apr. 1498. Will. Compton ar D. Ioh. Oliver alias Smyth 26 Apr. 1504. Will. dominus Compton Râ—b Hale Cler. 21 Iulii 1607. Brailes I come next to Brailes within which parish are the Hamlets of Chelmescote and Winderton This Lordship is of
Kintone for the service of the fourth part of a Knights fee. Which Raph being dead in 16 H. 3. Alice his widow had an assignment of this land for her maintenance but the next possessor thereof was Henry de Trublevill and after him though how I cannot discover Thomas de Wapenbury of whom in Wapenbury I have spoke scil in 20 H. 3. Which Thomas granted it to Iohn Mile who had issue Richard and he Henry Mile whose daughter and heir called Margaret was wedded to Will de Welham and over-lived him being a widow in 30 E. 3. To this Margaret succeeded Sir Iohn Brauncestre Knight as owner of this Mannour but whether by purchase or otherwise I cannot directly affirm which Iohn demised all or the greatest part thereof to one Robert Dalby and Iohn Dalby his son in 51 E. 3. and afterwards sold it to Hugh Dalby whom I conceive to be son to the said Iohn This Hugh Dalby was Fermour unto Thomas de Moubray Duke of Norff. of his Mannour of Kineton in R. 2. time and a person in much trust and imployment by the descendants of that Duke as I shall shew anon In 19 R. 2. he bore the office of Eschaetor for this County and Leicestershire In 20 R. 2. Thomas Moubray Earl of Nottingham and Marshall of England by his Deed bearing date 10. Feb. in consideration of his good service granted to him an annuity of x li. per an during life issuing out of his Mannour of Chacombe in Northamptonshire having in Octob. before being then Governour of Calais in Picardy constituted him with Iohn Styvecle his Atturneys to prosecute all suits for him and answer whatsoever should happen in his absence In 22 R. 2. he was constituted one of the Justices of Peace in this County and in 17 H. 6. departed this life leaving Iohn Dalby his son and heir 32. years of age who dying without issue Ric. Dalby his brother became his heir Which Richard was made Feodary to Iohn Duke of Norff. in 32 H. 6. for all his lands lying in the Counties of Leic. Warwick Notingham Derby and elsewhere within the Realm of England the Counties of Norff. Suff. Sussex and Surrey excepted for the levying collecting and receiving of all Reliefs and profits whatsoever accruing by such Knights fees as belong'd to the said Duke As also his Receiver generall to collect all the Fees and commodities appertaining to him by reason of his Office of Earl Marshall of England through every Barony and part of a Barony according to the Statute therein made and provided for which pains and travail therein he was to have the one half of all the said profits over and above his reasonable costs expended in that service This Richard in 38 H. 6. went over with Nich. Husce esquier into Picardy for the custody of the Castle of Guynes in respect whereof he had the Kings Letters of protection but upon his recesse to this his house at Brokhampton where he made his abode the said protection was revok't and died in 6 E. 4. leaving Robert his son and heir from whom is lineally descended Richard Dalby gent. now Lord of this Mannour Cumbroke THis lying neer unto a narrow and deep valley through which the little brook before specified runs had thence its name the word Cumbe signifying in our old English such a hollow place as I have elsewhere shewed But there is very little that I find memorable in relation thereto other than the dedication of the Church and Church-yard by Simon Bishop of Worcester in H. 1. time to the honour of God the blessed Virgin and St. Margaret saving the right of the mother Church of Kineton For I cannot see that it was a distinct Mannour of it self but that the Mannours of Kineton and Brokhampton did extend into it as from sundry authorities may be observed and therefore I shall passe it by onely taking notice that the Chapell in 26 H. 8. for so it was then called had the small Tithes and oblations of this Hamlet belonging to it which were valued at Cvi s. viii d. per annum Compton-Murdak THis taking its name as all other Comptons do from the situation in or neer some deep valley hath had the addition of Murdak to distinguish it from the many other Comptons in this County in regard that the family of Murdak were antiently owners thereof In the Conquerors time it was possest by the Earl of Mellent and rated at vii hides which were valued at vi li. there being then a Church but in the generall Survey then taken it is written Contone From this Earl of Mellent it came to his brother Henry de Newburgh Earl of Warwick with other great possessions in this County as I have elswhere often intimated whose son and successor Earl Roger granted it together with the advouson of the Church unto Robert Murdac and his heirs towards the later end of H. 1. time to hold by the service of one Knights fee Will. Earl of Warwick confirming the same unto Roger son to the said Robert In 38 H. 3. Will. Murdac had a Charter of Free-warren granted to him in all his demesn lands in this place and in Hethcote in Northamptonshire which Will. in 7 E. 1. had two carucates of of land in demesn here xv Tenants holding severall proportions by sundry servile labours and certain Rents as also 3. Freeholders and xvi Cottiers Being a Knight in 13 E. 1. he had his tryall at Warwick before the Justices of Gaol delivery concerning the death of one Raph le Bedel for which he was questioned and departed this life in 26 E. 1. leaving Iohn his son and heir Rob. Murdac 11 H. 2. Rog. Murdac 26 H. 2. Thom. Murdac defunctus 36 H. 3. Will. Murdac obiit 26 E. 1. Nich. Murdac Rector Eccl. de Hethcote Ioh. Murdac fil haeres obiit fine prole Tho. Murdac miles obiit 9 E. 2. Iuliana filia Philippi de Gayton militis Ioh. Murdac miles 16 E. 2. Thomas Murdac miles 44 E. 3. Thomas Murdac obiit fine prole Arnoldus Murdac frater haeres 6 H. 4. Thomas Murdac 17 E. 2. 26. years of age of whom I meet with no more mention the next possessor thereof being Thomas Murdac his brother which Thomas in 29 E. 1. having summons with divers other persons of great quality to be at Barwick upon Twede on the Feast day of the Nativity of S. Iohn Baptist well appointed with Horse and Armes to march with the King in person and at his charge against the Scots was likewise a Knight and took to wife Iulian the daughter of Sir Philip de Gayton Knight but dyed in 9 E. 2. leaving issue Iohn his son and heir 18. years of age who was a Knight in 16 E. 2. and in 1 E. 3. constituted
the same year unto Rob. de Halford but of the residue I cannot give any farther account In An. 1291. 19 E. 1. the Church was valued at vii marks the portion that the Canons of Kenilworth had out of the Tithes belonging thereto being then rated at five marks but in 26 H. 8. it was esteemed at xiiili vis viiid the Synodalls and Procurations deducted thereout amounting to viiis xiâ— ob the Pension to the Canons of Kenilworth xls. and that to the Monks of Shene viiis Patroni Ecclesiae Incumbentes c. D. Episc. Wigorn. Adam de Bibye Cler. 14. Cal. Martii 1270. D. Episc. Wigorn. Rob. de Albinton Cler. 3. Iunii 1275. D. Episc. Wigorn. Ioh. de Bebury Accol 15. Kal. Iulii 1313. D. Episc. Wigorn. Magr. Byndo de Bandinell 8. Id. Apr. 1315. D. Episc. Wigorn. D. Will. Wydebrugge Pbr. die S.M. Magd. 1321. D. Episc. Wigorn. Magr. Thom. de Upton Cler. 25. Apr. 1335. D. Episc. Wigorn. Thom. Bakhouse Pbr. 10 Kal. Aug. 1335. D. Episc. Wigorn. D. Ioh. de Rippon Cap. 4. Aug. 1339. Idem D. Episc. Wigorniae Ioh. Botoner Pbr. 30. Dec. 1339. Idem D. Episc. Wigorniae Rob. Marny 18. Dec. 1340. Idem D. Episc. Wigorniae Ioh. Gate Cler. 17. Dec. 1341. Idem D. Episc. Wigorniae Bened. Palmer Accol 20 Feb. 1392. Idem D. Episc. Wigorniae Steph. Donne 11 Iunii 1405. Idem D. Episc. Wigorniae Ioh. Tymmes 2 Iunii 1406 Idem D. Episc. Wigorniae Ioh. Rose 28. Sept. 1410. Idem D. Episc. Wigorniae D. Will. Will Pikering 13. Aug. 1431. Idem D. Episc. Wigorniae Mr. David Geffrey in utroque jure Bacc. 27 Ap. 1488 Idem D. Episc. Wigorniae D. Will. Loket Pbr. 15 Iulii 1492. Idem D. Episc. Wigorniae D. Will. Sudill Cap. 2 Martii 1514. Idem D. Episc. Wigorniae Ric. Cheney Cler. in S. theol Bacc. 21. Iulii 1546. Idem D. Episc. Wigorniae Nich. Iackson Cler. 5. Sept. 1561. Idem D. Episc. Wigorniae Edw. Mussage Cler. 24. Nov. 1571. Idem D. Episc. Wigorniae Will. Thornhill Cler. 8. Nov. 1579. In a North Window of the Church this Coat Or two Bends gules Sudley Upon a gravestone near the dore of the Church this Inscription Hic jacet Magister Henricus Kymycberi quondam Rector istius Eccclesiae qui obiit 5. die mensis Iulii An D. MCCCCLXXXIIII Cujus animae propitietur Deus Amen Nether-Eatendon A little below Halford Stoure leaveth Netheâ— Eatendon on its Eastern bank within the precincts of which parish are the Hamlets of Over-Eatendon Fulridy and Thorndon There is no doubt but that the name of this place was originally occasioned from its situation Ea in our old English signifying water and dune or don an ascending ground for at the foot of an hill and near the river doth it stand After the Norman invasion Henry de Feriers progenitor to that great family afterwards Earls of Derby possest it the extent thereof amounting to xvii hides then valued at xxi as appears by the Conquerors Survey and of him did one Saswalo hold it at which time there was a Church and a Mill to whose posterity in the male line it hath continued even to this day being the only place in this County that glories in an uninterrupted succession of its owners for so long a tract of time and till the reign of King Henry 3. was their principall seat though their possessions in other Counties were very large whence also they were denominated but afterwards fixing at Shirley in Derbyshire they assumed their sirname of that place which hath ever since been appropriated to this antient Family But of this Sasuualo whose name argues him to have been of the Old English stock as some think I have not much to say considering that we have so little light of History and nothing of Record for other discovery farther than the generall Survey before mentioned and the Registers of Abingdon and Kenilworth the one of which testifieth that he gave the Tithes of Hildesleie to the Monks of Abingdon and the other that he founded the Church here at Eatendon for it plainly appears that he endowed it at its Dedication But I do conclude that he was an eminent person forasmuch as he did not only possess this great Lordship but also Tichmersh in Northamptonshire part of Wintenai in Lincolnshire with Hatun Hoga and Etewell in Derbyshire For as most of the English were totally bereft of their antient patrimony so few of them were permitted to enjoy any more than a part thereof and to hold the same by military or other service from their new Lords as in my Introduction is manifested And if I may guesse at his greatnesse by the extent of his estate which we see amounted to xvii hides in this place I must conclude him to have been no lesse than a Thane in the Saxons time when not much more than five hides of land as the learned Selden observes was the estate of some which had that dignity But leaving this worthy person in regard that at so great a distance no more can be discerned of him I come to Henry his son who was a witnesse to the foundation Charter of Merevale Abby made by Robert de Ferrers granchild to the before specifyed Henry in K. Steph. time as also a devout Benefactor to the Canons of Kenilworth for by the consent of Robert Earl Ferrers his Lord and for the good estate of him the said Earl his wife and sons as also for the remission of his own sins and the souls-health of his Ancestors successors parents and freinds he gave them the Church of this place with all the Glâ—be and Tithes thereto belonging which grant of his was confirmed by the said Earl but dyed without issue as it seems for plain it is that Henry the son to his brother Fulcher succeeded him in the inheritance and conferred on the Monks of Bildwas the land of Ivenbroc Which Henry though he had issue Fulcher yet constituted his younger brother Sewall his heir de Baroniis Fulcheri Henrici id est of the lands of his father and uncle by Fine in the Court of Will Earl Ferrers his superior Lord levied in 4 R. 1. and perhaps by the power of that great Earl as more favouring Sewall which Baronies extended to nine Knights Fees whereof 4. belonged to Fulcher his father and 5. to the before specifyed Henry his Uncle as the red Book in the Exchequer testifieth This Sauualdus or Sewallus for he is both wayes written being a Knight and by reason of his residence here called r Sewallus de Etendon did not only disclaim and remit to the said Canons of Kenilworth all his interest that he had in the patronage of this Church but for the health of his soul and of the soules of his two wives gave
demesn Free-warren Court-Leet Gallows and other priviledges together with xxxix Tenants holding 26. yard land by payment of severall Rents and performance of certain services as also viii Cottiers and iv Freeholders From whom descended Sir Iohn de Mountfort Knight who in E. 3. time wedded Ioan the daughter and heir to Sir Iohn de Clinton of Colshill as by the descent in Beldesert will appear And from him Sir Baldwin who in H. 6. time had great suits with Sir Edmund his brother by the Fathers side touching the title to this Lordship which the same Sir Edmund in disherison of Sir Baldwin endeavoured to hold the Story whereof I have set forth in Colshill in regard that Mannour was then in question upon the same title But the last of the Montforts that possest this Lordship was Sir Symon son and heir to the above specified Sir Baldwin who being attainted in 11 H. 7. as in Colshill I shall also shew the inheritance thereof inter alia eschaeting to the Crown was by the said King 1. Dec. 12 H. 7. bestowed on Sir Reginald Bray Knight a great favourite in those days who dying without issue Margerie the onely child of his brother Iohn wife to Sir William Sands Knight became his next heir Which Sir William afterwards Lord Sandes did his homage for the same in 31 H. 8. But it continued not long in the family of Sandes for Thomas Lord Sandes son and heir to William past it a way to Thomas Andrews Esquire since which time I have seen no more of it The Church dedicated to the blessed Virgin was in anno 1291. 19. E. 1. valued at xxx marks there being at that time a portion of 1. mark issuing out of it to the Monastery of Evesham but in 26 H. 8. at xxx li. out of which the Synodalls and Procurations payd amounted to x s. v d. ob and the yearly Pension to the said Monastery of Evesham vi s. viii d. Patroni Ecclesiae Incumbentes c. D. Episc. per lapsum Hugo de Vienna 5. Id. Dec. 1270. D. Ioh. de Monteforti Will. de Monterforti 8. Cal. Apr. 1290. D. Ioh. de Monteforti Henr. de Astede Subdiac 12. Cal. Aug. 1295. D. Ioh. de Monteforti Petrus de Monteforti Cler. 18. Cal. Iulii 1312. D. Petrus de Monteforti miles D. Ioh. Anneys Cap. 3. Non. Oct. 1320. D. Petrus de Monteforti miles D. Ric le Archer Pbr. 8. Cal. Martii 1323. D. Petrus de Monteforti miles D. Ric. de Budeford Pbr. 5. Apr. 1357. D. Petrus de Monteforti miles Will. de Monteforti Cler. 13. Iunii 1368. D. Will. Mountfort miles D. Ioh. Hathewey Pbr. 26. Sept. 1431. D. Will. Mountfort miles Ric. de Mountfort Diac. 13. Oct. 1433. Simon Mountfort miles Ioh. Frysby S. Theol. D. 5. Oct. 1467. Simon Mountfort miles D. Oliverus Alwode ulâ— Martii 1474. Simon Mountfort miles D. Ioh. Menske Pbr. 19. Nov. 1492. Will. Sandys miles D. Margeria ux ejus Nich. Hall Cap. 7. Apr. 1528. Eliz. Angl. Regina Augustinus Walker Cler. 22. Nov. 1586. Compton-Scorfen THis as all other Comptons taking its name from the situation thereof in a deep narrow Valley as I have elswhere observed being possest by Robert de Stadford in the Conquerors time was then certified to contain six hides five whereof Warinus then held which were valued at C s. and the sixt Aluinus then rated at x s. In the generall Survey it is in one place written parva Contone and in the other Contone without any distinction at all Howbeit after this till 36 H. 3. I do not directly find who was owner of it but then did Robert de Haleford answer for half a Knights Fee which he held here of Roger le Poer and he of Ernald de Bois and he of the Lord Stafford in which Record it is called Hethin-Compton After this viz. in 7 E. 1. it had the name of Scorfen added thereto at which time Robertus filius Petri was Lord thereofâ— and held it of Thomas de Stoke Iordan Cathelewe and Felicia his wife by the service of half a Knights Fee de parvo feodo Stafford as the Record hath it having at that time three yard land in demesn and three Tenants holding certain lands by payment of sundry Rents and performance of severall base services I am of opinion that this Peter abovementioned father to the said Robert was sirnamed de Valle for clear it is that the Family of that name whose principall seat was at Lodinton neer Stratford were owners of this place from E. 1. time till 34 E. 3. and that Peter de Valle in this County temp H. 3. who preceded the same Robert had first to do here is also apparent which makes it the more likely Which Robert de Valle possest it in 9 E. 2. being afterwards a Knight and so was Robert his son and heir as in Lodinton is shewed Which Robert the younger having issue Iohn that died childlesse Iohn Burdet of Arrow and Iohn Norrys who were his sisters sons as the descent in Lodinton manifesteth became his heirs But the direct time when partition was made of the lands which descended to these coheirs I have not seen howbeit certain it is that this Mannour was allotted to Burdet for the Entail made by Thomas Burdet Esquier temp E. 4. doth shew that he was solely seized of it After whose attainder Margaret his widow had restitution thereof by force of that entail and so it descended and continued to his posterity till Robert Burdet of Bramcote in this County his great grandson by his Deed bearing date ult Sept. 37 H. 8. in consideration of 1300 li. sold it to William Sheldon of Weston in this County and Robert Palmer of Curton in Com. Glouc. Yeoman Foxcote THis having been antiently a member of Ilmindon and possest therewith by Peter de Montfort in 7 E. 1. before which time I have not seen it named in Record was then held by the same tenure all the Tenants which the said Peter had here being ix in number holding 8. yard land of him by certain Rents and severall base services doing their suit twice a year at the Court-Leet held for the Honour of Leicester In which Family it continued a great while for Sir William Montfort of Colshill possest it in 10 H. 6. but it hath been long depopulated Whitchurch THis containing the Hamlets of Crimscote Wimpston and Broghton was in the Conquerors time reputed for two Mannours and possest by the Earl of Mellent the extent thereof by the generall Survey then made being certified at seven hides where it is written Witecerce having â—wo Mills and a Church and the value of all rated at viii li. x s. That this was part of that which Henry de Newburgh the first Earl of Warwick of the Norman line and
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
Aspes Pbr. 4. Cal. Oct. 1289. Prior Hospit S. Ioh. Ierusalem in Angl. Nich. de la More Cap. 17. Cal. Iunii 1324. Prior Hospit S. Ioh. Ierusalem in Angl. Ioh. Bakere Pbr. 22. Apr. 1338. Prior Hospit S. Ioh. Ierusalem in Angl. Thomas de Hales Pbr. 28. Aug. 1349. Prior Hospit S. Ioh. Ierusalem in Angl. Philippus de Wolvardinton Pbr. 5. Iulii 1357. Prior Hospit S. Ioh. Ierusalem in Angl. Will. de Harpecote Pbr. 11. Iulii 1357. Prior Hospit S. Ioh. Ierusalem in Angl. Will. de Peek Pbr. 17. Sept. 1370. Prior Hospit S. Ioh. Ierusalem in Angl. Thomas de Kirby Pbr. 8. Nov. 1402. Prior Hospit S. Ioh. Ierusalem in Angl. D. Will. Lawles Pbr. 8. Apr. 1427. Prior Hospit S. Ioh. Ierusalem in Angl. D. Ioh. Cokkes 13. Aug. 1429. Prior Hospit S. Ioh. Ierusalem in Angl. D. Ioh. Hogge Cap. 19. Oct. 1439. Prior Hospit S. Ioh. Ierusalem in Angl. D. Ioh. Ioys Cap. penult Martii 1462. Prior Hospit S. Ioh. Ierusalem in Angl. D. Thomas Hessyl Cap. 2. Febr. 1469. Ioh. Beaufitz ar firmarius domus Praeceptoriae de Balshal sibi dimiss per Will. Torney Priorem Pr. S. Ioh. Ierusalem in Angl. Rich. Enkeston Cap. penult Martii 1475. Prior Hospital S. Ioh. Ierusalem in Anglia D. Ioh. Weston Cap. 7. Apr. 1486. Fulbroke FOllowing the stream of Avon I come next to Fulbroke which perhaps had its name from the depth of the River there In the Conquerors time being possest by the Earl of Mellent it contained two hides having then a Mâ—ll rated at xii s. but the whole was valued at lx s. and held by one Alfled a woman in Edward the Confessors days But as Shirburne last spoke of with divers other lands that the said Earl of Mellent had in this Shire came to Henry de Newburgh his brother so did this of Fulbroke as it seems for in 23 H. 1. Roger Earl of Warwick son to the said Hâ—nry gave to his Collegiate Church at Warwick then newly founded half a hide of land and two parts of the Tithes of his demesn here as also two parts of the Tithes of the Mill and enfeoft Geffrey de Turvill or his father thereof for in 12 H. 2. Eaâ—l William his son certified that the said Geffrey held of him one Knights Fee de veteri feoffamento and in 10 R. 1. I find that William de Turvill possest it After which time till 20 H. 3. I have not met with any more mention of this place and then it appears that Simon de Turvill and Roger de Craft answered for half a Knights Fee here and in Wodecote which half Knights Fee in 36 H. 3. was held by Roger de Craft and Iohn Mâ—ce and in 52 H. 3. by Henry Hubaud How it comes to passe I cannot yet discover but plain it is that this Mannour about the beginning of Edw. 1. time was the inheritance of Isabell wife to William Gernun which William and Isabell in 11 E. 1. sold it to William de Hynkelee and Alice his wife and the heirs of the said William de Hynkelee reserving to themselves and their heirs two Messuages one Mill x s. rent and two yard land as also an annuity of six marks of silver yearly to be payd at the Feast of S. Michael the Arch-Angell together with the service of one Kts. Fee which said service of one Knights Fee and Rent of six marks with the homage and service due from Nicholas de VVarwick and Ioan his wife for the lands that he held in this Lordship the said VVilliam Gernun and Isabell granted to VVilliam de Sutton in 21 E. 1. And the next year following did the same Nicholas de Warwick Ioan his wife obtain the whole Mannour of Alice the widow of VVilliam de Hynkelee before specified in exchange for the Mannour of Stoke in Leicestershire whereof being so possest in 34 E. 1. he purchased of the King a Court-Leet here to himself and his heirs as also Assize of Bread and Beer Infangthef Gallows and Weyfs with other priviledges for all which he was to pay a certain Rent into the Exchequer yearly by the hands of the Shiriff for the time being Of this Nicholas his parentage I am not very certain though I find his name in these parts in the times of H. 2. King Iohn and H. 3. but of himself 't is apparent that he was a man learned in the Laws and Atturney generall to the King In 5 E. 1. he attended VVilliam de Beauchamp Earl of Warwick in his Welch expedition In 24 E. 1. he was one of the Commissioners assigned to enquire after certain malefactors that had trespassed in the Earl of Warwick's Park at Studley in this Shire the said Earl being then in Scotland In 32 E. 1. one of the Justices of Assize and Gaol-delivery so also in 1. and 3. E. 2. and had issue two sons viz. Nicholas and VVill. which Nicholas was he that wedded Elizabeth the daughter and heir of Richard de Loges of Chesterton of whom I find nothing farther memorable than what I have observed in Chesterton except his going into Wales with divers other persons of quality in the Kings service in 15 E. 2. and that in 17 E. 2. he is in the list of thoâ—e Esquiers and men at Armes in this County whose names were then return'd into the Chancery But VVilliam de VVarwick his other son who bore for his Armes Sable 6. guttes Or had this Lordship though he kept it but a while for in 18 E. 2. it appears that Iohn de Hastings Lord Bergavenny died seized of it leaving Laurence his son and heir 5. years of age After which scil the next ensuing year it was inter alia assigned to Iulian then wife of Thomas le Blount as part of her dowrie by the death of the said Iohn de Hastings her former husband being then valued at xix li. xvii s. ii d. ob and in like sort was enjoyed by VVilliam de Clinton Earl of Huntingdon her third husband who held it of the King in Capite by the payment of vi s. ii d. per annum for all services the last of which family viz. of Hastings that enjoy'd it was Iohn de Hastings son and heir to Iohn Earl of Pembroke who dyed seized thereof in 13 R. 2. without issue leaving Reginald Lord Grey of Ruthin his cosin and next heir as the descent in Fillongley sheweth But by the entail of Hasting's lands whereof in Fillongley I have also spoke it came to William Beauchamp Lord Bergavenny a younger brother to the Earl of Warwick for I find that Ioan his Lady built a sumptuous Gatehouse here Hospitium nobilis Domini satis habile ut Duci suo adventu complaceret saith Rous as also a Lodge called by
of age who being an ambitious spirited man procured License from Q. Eliz. in 9 of her reign to make a Castle here at Milcote and to call it Mount-Grevill which accordingly he began to do on the top of the Hill above a quarter of a mile Southwards from the old Mannour house as is to be seen by part of the fabrick yet standing and therefore the better to support his greatness though he had very fair possessions in this and other Counties he eagerly coveted the estate of one ..... Web a wealthy Batcheler who had been his servant and then was Tenant to him at his Mannour of Draiton in Oxfordshire for obtaining whereof he plotted the murther of him and forged a Will to entitle himself thereto as from credible tradition I have heard To accomplish which execrable design he invited him to his House at a Christmass or Easter season there to make merry then residing at Seasoncote in Gloucestershire and having so train'd him thither hired two of his servants to strangle him in his bed which being accordingly effected he caused it to be given out in the House that the old man was fallen very sick and not like to live whereupon the Parson was sent for to write his Will and one of the Murtherers convey'd into the bed with the dead man about whom the curtains were close drawn and he dolefully groaning as not like to continue long so that being in this seeming weak condition as not able to give directions how the Will should be made all spoken by him with a counterfeit voice too was by way of answer to questions viz. how and to whom his estate should be disposed which in short was to his Master meaning Lodowik Grevill excepting a Legacy to an Atturny in Banbury whose mouth thereby being stopt no one else as he thought would expect any thing or at least not go about to question the Will which being accordingly effected and the company desired to depart the room that the sick man might repose himself a little the News of his death was soon after spread in the House whereupon people were called up who finding him dead in the bed took order for his buriall And now that all this Pageant was over Master Grevill thought himself secure enough of his large Legacy But to the end we may see how divine vengeance ceases not to prosecute such bloody actions though carryed on with never so much clâ—â—eness and subtilty the discovery of this wicked murther was ere long thus brought to light One of the Assasinates being in his Cups at Stratford dropt â—ut some words amongst his pot-companions that it lay in his power to hang his Master which expression being by one that heard hereof related to the other Murtherer he presently acquainted Master Grevill therewith who thereupon resolving to prevent the danger of any such further babling advised that he should be closely made away and for effecting thereof within a short space following sent them both out in the night season upon some pretended business by which means the other took his advantâ—ge to dispatch him and cast his body into a pit of water which afterwards floating was discovered by passengers and upon enquiry when and wâ—tâ— whom he had been last seen the villain was brought in queâ—tion who forthwith confest the whole business thereby detecting his Mr. throughout for which they both had their tryals at Warwick where Mr. Grevill to prevent the loss of his lands stood mute and so having Judgement to be prest suffâ—red death accordingly To whom succeeded Edward his son and heir in the inheritance of this Lordship and other lands of great worth Of which Edward I have heard that in his younger years inadvertently shooting an Arrow upright out of a long Bow it fell upon his elder Brother's head and kill'd him and that their Father was so little sensible of this sad mishap that he made a jest of it telling him that it was the best shoot he ever shot in his life but whether it was the judgement of God to put a period to the line of Lodowik before mentioned for that horrid murther of Web and one of his servants or for what else I may not take upon me to judge certain it is that the whole estate came in short time after to be strangely wasted for so great were Sir Edw. Grevil 's debts and leaving issue onely Daughters that his lands were exposed to sale by Sir Arthur Ingram a Yorkeshire Kt. Husband to Mary the fifth of them and this Mannour then purchased by Lionell Earl of Midlesex whose son and heir now enjoys it Dorsington-parva THis though it be in the Parish of Welford in com Glouc. is in Warwickshire and in the Conquerors time was possest by the same Stefanus who then had Milcote being certified to contain 1 hide which one Ordriâ— held before the Norman invasion With Milcote also it came to Geffrey Martell and so likewise to Hauvill and Langley as the Records I have there vouch't will manifest but after the 4th of E. 3. I have not found any farther mention at all of it in Record till 9 H. 8 that Maud Rous Widow was certified to have converted C C. acres of land lying in this place from tillage to pasture in 17 H. 7. and decaying three Ploughs being then possest of the Capitall messuage From which Maud did descend Sir Iohn Brome of Ragley Kt. as in Ragley appeareth who in 3 E. 6. possest it Binton THis being situate on the brow of an Hill about half a mile distant from the River Avon was one of the towns which S. Egwyn gave to the Abby of Evesham upon the foundation thereof in the year 709. but in the time of K. Ed. the martyr wrested from it with other great possessions by Alfâ—rus a potent Ruler in these parts who expelled the Monks and placed Canons there disposing of this place to certain of his Knights so that upon the Conquest by D. William it was given to some of his Normans for it appears by the generall Surveyâ— soon after made where it is written Banintone that Will. fil Corbucion of whom in Studley I shall speak held two hides here and had 4 quaâ—â—ers of Coin and 8 sticks of Ecles out of his part in the Mill and 3 quarters of Salt from Wiche as appurtenant to his part of the Mannour all which being valued at xxx s. were the freehold of one Edricus before the Norman invasion The residue of this town was then possest by Gerinus Urso de Abitot and Osbernus filius Ricardi that which Urso held extending to two hides with a Mill rated at iâ— s. was valued at xl s. having been the freehold of Ernvi in Edw. the Confessors days but the certain preportion which belong'd to Osbernus cannot be discovered forasmuch as it is certified and valued in gross together with what he had in Hilborough all which one
Warwickshire are descended as the Pedegre which I have the rather here inserted because I shall speak historically in relation to some of them doth shew Of Will son an heir to Osbert I find that he wedded Agnes one of the Daughters and coheirs to Rob. fil Odonis of Loxley in this County whose inheritance was distributed to them in 25 H. 2. and that he confirmed to the Monks of Combe certain lands lying in Cotes id est Coton juxta Church-Over which he had in right of his said wife To him succeeded Ric. Trussell who was of the retinue to Walt. de Beauchamp in that Rebellion of the Barons against K. Iohn towards the later end of his reign for which respect his lands were seized on but it should seem that at length he returned to his obedience for I find that the Shiriff had command to restore them unto him again This Richard gave to the Monks of Stoneley a messuage lying in Loxley before mentioned unto which grant his Seal of Arms is affixed whereby it appeareth that he bore Frettè with a là bell of 6 points in chief of which I have the rather taken notice in regard that some of his posterity bore wholy frettè for their Arms as I shall shew by and by And had issue Will. and Richard which Ric. was slain in the battail of Evesham in 49 H. 3. fighting there on the Barons part and for that cause were his lands in Milverton and Ullenhall in this County together with this Mannour of Billesley then seized on but it seems he had no issue for William his Brother went away with the estate which VVilliam was a man of great account in his time and added much to his own inheritance by the marriage of Roesia Daughter and heir to William Pantulf of Cublesdon in Staffordshire Osbertus Trussell 12 H. 2. Will. Trussell Ric. Trussell Ric. Trussell caesus in praelio de Evesham 49. H. 3. Will. Trussell sen. 20. H. 3. Roesia filia haeres Will. Trussell junior miles defunctus 10 E. 2. Matilda filia haeres Warini Manwaring de Pever in com Cestriae Warinus Trussel mil 15 E. 3. Laurentius Trussell Matilda fil haeres Tho. Charnels Will. Trussell miles consangu haeres Marg. ux F. Pembruge aetatis 13. 3. H. 4. Margeria filia Ioh. Ludlow Tho. Trussel miles 5 E. 4. Eliz. filia haeres Will. Burley de Bromcroft ar Will. Trussell mil. ob 22. Ian. 20. E. 4. Edw. Trussell obiit 10 Junii 14 H. 7. Elizabetha filia haeres ux Ioh. Vere Comitis Oxon. Ioh. Trussell obiit 20 Dec. 15. H. 7. sine prole Edmundus Trussel ob s. prole Joh. Trussel 11 E. 3 ... filia Joh. Strange mil. ux 2. Warinus Trussell Rector Eccl. de Warmicham E. 3. Fulco Ioh. Joh. Trussel 11 E. 3 Matilda filia Will. Boteler de Wemme Will. Trussell de Cublesdon mil. 42. E. 3. Roesia fil Hug. Venables Catherina filia haeres ux 1. Eliz. propinq haeres Will. Trussell de Cublesdon mil. ux Baldwini Frevill ob s. p. Ioh. Trussel infra aet 11. H. 6. Thomas Trussell de Billesley obiit 19 Febr. 8. H. 8. Johanna filia haeres Will. Walton Will. Trussell ob vivo parre Cecilia filia Ioh. Curzon de Kedleston ar Joh. Trussell de Coshal in com Not. Aluerdus Trussell de Billesley consangus haeres Thomae aet 4 an 8. H. 8. .... filia Fulwode Ioh. Trussell de Billesley Thomas Trussell Margareta filia Edwardi Boughton de Causton ar Thomas Trussell de Knoll in com Warw. Ioh. Trussell de Knoll Will. Trussell civis Lond. obiit an 1614. Will. Trussell de Acton in com Staff Idonea soror Edw. le Boteler Ioh. Trussell obiit s. prole Margareta ux Fulc Pembruge ob 3. H. 4. Edmundus Trussell miles 15 E. 2. obiit in Hibernia Margeria filia Walt. de Osevile Edmundus Trussell 16 E. 2. Will. Trussell de Flore in com Northampt. miles 16 E. 2. Theobaldus Trussell 42. E. 3. Aluredus Trussel 3 R. 2. ...... Will Trussel de Nurthurst defunctus 11. H. 6. Ioh. Trussell fil haeres 48 E. 3. Alicia relicta Hug. le Despenser ux 1. Ioh. Trussell obiit in vita patris Margareta Philippa filia haeres primò nupta Alex. Bozun secundò Henr. Michel tertiò .... Kerdeston Will. Pantolf de Cublesdon Ivo Pantolf The first mention I find of him is in 20 H. 3. where upon the Aid for the marriage of Isabell the Kings sister to the Roman Emperour he answers for one Kts. fee held in this place of the Earl of Warwick but afterwards viz. in 25. 26. and 27. H. 3. he was in Commission with other persons of note in this County for the Gaol delivery at Warwick and in 30 H. 3. was he constituted Shiriff of this County and Leicestershire as also Governour of Sauvey Castle in which office of Shiriffalty he then continued for the space of two years In 37 H. 3. I find him a Justice of Assize in this County so also in 39. and 40 H. 3. In the later of which years as also in 41. H. 3. he was again in u Commission for delivery of the Gaol at Warwick and to enquire of Robbers with other malefactors in this County and to proceed against them according to the Laws and customs of the Realm Of his issue scil VVilliam and Edmund it appears that they were both Knights and that betwixt the saids S r Will. and S ◠Andrew de Astley of Astley there was a Fine levied in 13 E. 1. touching the service of one Knights Fee as also of homage that the said Sir Andrew chalenged of him for his lands here in Bylleslegh for which homage and service the said Will. had been distrained by the Earl of Warwick whereas he held them immediately of the said Andrew and he of the Earl But by this Fine it was concluded that from thenceforth the said VVill. and his heirs should be wholy discharged thereof paying Scutage to the said S r Andrew and his heirs according to the rate of xl s pro quolibet Scuto whensoever it should happen In 25 E. 1. he had Summons amongst divers other great men to appear at London well accoutred with Horse and Armes on Sunday next after the Octaves of S. Iohn Bapt. to attend the King in his voyage beyond Sea In 4 E. 2. upon complaint made to the K. that VVill. de Bereford and some others had highly scandalized Iohn de Somery Baron of Dudley by reporting that he had taken upon him so great authority in Staffordshire that no man could have Law or Reason by means thereof and that he domineer'd there more than a Kings as also that it was no abiding for any man in
be without prejudice of the mother Church which License was to continue only for two years To him succeeded Laurence his son and heir who by marriage with Maud daughter and heir to Sir Thomas Charnells of Aylmesthorpe in Com. Leic. much increast his estate and amongst other lands of her inheritance had the Mannour of Bilton in this County as in my discourse of that place is shewed Which Laurence had issue by her Sir Will. Trussell Knight who by the death of Margaret the wife of Sir Fouk Pembruge Knight daughter of Sir VVill. Trussell of Acton-Trussell before specifyed and heir not only to her fathers estate but also at length to the lands of Sir Iohn Trussell her Uncle as hath been already shewed became possest of Cublesdon and Acton-Trussell with divers other Lordships lying in the Counties of Staff Salop. Northampt Berks. Norff. and Essex and left issue Sâ—r Thomas and he another Sir VVill. Shiriff of Staffordshire in 6 H. 5. but had his residence in Leicestershire at Aylmesthorpe in H. 6. time Which Sir VVill. Trussell in 11 E. 4. being then the Kings servant in the Office of Valâ—t de Chambre had a grant of the custody of the Kings private Pallace at Westminster for life But afterwards scil in 14 E. 4. he was one of the Kts. for the body to the same K. retained by Indenture to serve him in his French wars for one whole year with six spears himself accounted for one and Lx. Archers well and sufficiently armed and arrayed taking for himself ii s per diem wages xii d per diem for the other Spears and for the Archers vi â— In 15 E. 4. he bore the Office of Shiriff for this County and Leicestershire and dyed 22 Ian. 20 E. 4. seized of the Mâ—â—nours of Acton-Trussell Bedenhale Shiriff-Hales and Thriff-Haly lying in the Counties of Staff and Salopâ— Waburne in Norfolk Shotesbroke in Berks. Aylmesthorpe in Câ—m Leic. Langport Eston-Maâ—duit Merston and Thorp-Malesours in Com. Northampt. Kenington and Wâ—nington in Essex as also of this our Billesâ—ey in Warwickshire but how that comes to passe I doe not apprehend leaving Edw. his son and heir who departed this life 10 Iunii 14 N. 7. Eliz. his daughter and heir being then not much above two years of age whose wardship and marriage in 22 H. 7. was granted by the King to Iohn Vere then Earl of Oxford and to Iohn Vere cosyn of the said Earl which Iohn marryed her and became afterwards Earl of Oxford in whose family most of the lands of her inheritance continued till of late time I now come to Sir Edmund Trussell Kt. second son to Will by Roese the daughter and heir to Will. Pantulf of Cublesdon He marryed Margaret the daughter to Walt. de Osevile and left issue Will. and Edmund which Edmund having to do at Mancestre and other places in this County as shall there be shewed was a man of some note and action as well as his elder brother for I find that he assisted Guy de Beauchamp E. of Warw. and his complices in the murther of Piers de Gaveston It seems that he and his brother had committed some high misdemenour about the 16 of E. 2. for that year did the K. by a speciall Pat. dated at Yorke 20 Sept. appoint Robert de Digby to pursue arrest and seize upon them In 12 E. 3. being â—hen a Knight he founded a Chantry at Hill-Morton as I have there shewed and gave for his Armes argent a Crosse fleurè gules debruised with a bend .... but whether he left any issue or not I cannot determine So likewise was Will. his elder brother a K t in 12 E. 2. and then gave for his Armes Argent a Crosse fleurè gules but his principall seat was at Flore in Northamptonshire though he also possest Morton-Bagot and Nuthurst in this County This is the man that was imployed by the Commons in that wofull convention of theirs in 20 E. 2. called by themselves a Parliament who pronounct the words of Deposition to that unhappy King in this manner as Knighton relates Ego Will. Trussell vice omnium de terra Angliae totius Parliamenti Procurator tibi Edwardo reddo homagium prius tibi factum extunc diffido te privo omni potestate Regia dignitate nequaquam tibi de caet ero tanquam Regi pariturus There are some circumstances that induce me to think that he did repent of this strange fact or at least that he did abhominate that cruell murther of K. E. 2. which so soon followed his said deposal for thouh his lands were seized on as a Rebell by King E. 3. after the beginning of his reign yet upon his submission in the Parl. held at Winchester he was received into favour again having had restitution of them and pardon for his offence which as I conceive was for adhering to Edmund Earl of Kent brother unto the murthered King at that time when being made to believe K. Edw. the second was alive he designed the delivery of him from imprisonment for during that Parliament held at Winchester 1 E. 3. was the said Earl of Kent arrested and lost his life for that buisnesse It seems he was a man of great abilities for immediately upon receipt of his pardon the King made him his Secretary sent him Embassadour to the King of Arragon to treat for a marriage â—etwixt Peter his son and heir and Alianore sister to our K. Edward which took not effect After which I find him imployed as a Commissioner in this County and Leicestershire upon sundry occasions viz. in 6 E. 3. for the Gaol delivery at Warwick In 10 E. 3. for hearing and determining cases of Felony and other misdemeanours In 11 E. 3. for declaring the Kings purposes to the Clergy and Laitie upon their lending money to prevent war betwixt England and France In 12 E. 3. for conservation of the peace in this County as also in the Counties of Worcester and Oxford In 19 E. 3. again for conservation of the peace in this County In which year being of the Kings Councell as the Pat. expresseth he had a grant of xl â—â— per an fee to be received at Michaelmas and Easter yearly out of the Exchequer so long as he should attend that imployment To which Will. succeeded Theobald and to him Iohn of whom and his descendants I shall here say no more than that he was Lord of Solihull in this County about the latter end of E. 3. and beginning of R. 2. time in right of his wife as when I come to that place shall be manifested whose issue male became shortly after extinct so that Sir Alured Trussell Knight his brother became Lord of this Mannour it being setled upon him and the heirs of his
body in 6 R. 2. as I have already shewed and was one of the most eminent men in Warwickshire of his time for it appears that he served as one of the Knights for this shire in the several Parliaments of 1.2 and 4 th of H. 4. held at Westminster as also in 9 H. 4. at Gloucester and was Shiriff of this County and Leicestershire in 4 H. 4. In 9 H. 4. he was constituted Eschaetor for these Counties in 6 H. 5. one of the Commissioners of Array in this Shire In 7 appointed with others to treat with the people for lending money to the King and both in K. H. 4. and H. 5. time a Justice of Peace in this County for divers years but of his posterity farther than the Genealogic before inserted expresseth I can say little other than that Thomas Trussell Esq boâ—e the Office of Shiriffe for this County and Leicestershire in 23 H. 7. and bequeathing his body to be buried in the Church here at Billesley departed this life in 7 H. 8. and that Thomas the fifth in descent from him sold this his so antient patrimony in our time to S t Robert Lee K t son and heir to S t Rob. Lee Alderman of London which S r Robert having so purchased it new built a great part of the Mannour House and made it his chief seat being a Justice of Peace in this County a great pat of K. Iames his time and afterwards as long as he lived and High Shiriff in 17 of his reign The Church dedicated to All Saints was in an 1291 19 E. 1. valued at xi marks and in 26 H. 8. at v li vi s viii d at which time the Synodalls and Procurations amounted to ii c iiid. Patroni Ecclesiae Incumbentes c. Will. Trussell Will. de S. Mauro Cap. .... 1280. Will. Trussell Ric. Trussell Cler. 3 Cal. Ian. 1288. Ioh. Trussell de Cublesdon Rog. de Coningesby Cler. 9 Iunii 1339. Ioh. Trussell de Cublesdon Ioh. de Hobonere Cler. 1 Oct. 1349. D. Will. Trussell de Cublesdon miles Henr. Coppenhald Pbr. ult Iulii 1357. D. Will. Trussell de Cublesdon miles Alanus de Vyse Pbr. 15 Ian. 1361. D. Aluredus Trussell miles Thomas Ungueon Pbr. 5 Iunii 1392. D. Episc. per lapsum Ric. Burton Abbas de Alencestre 2 Oct. 1454. D. Episc. per lapsum D. Will. Shirwood 23 Apr. 1460. Thomas Trussell generosus D. Rob. Mercer Pbr. 12 Iulii 1498. Alveredus Trussell ar D. Thomas Taylor Pbr. 26 Nov. 1538. Alveredus Trussell ar D. Thomas Daygle Cap. 8 Iulii 1546. D. Episc. per lapsum Thomas Clerke Cler. 27 Febr. 1560. Ioh. Trussell ar Rob. Spenser Cler. 29 Oct. 1574. Rob. Lee miles Ric. Wright Cler. 6 Oct. 1619. Rob. Lee miles Magr. Ric. Wright Cler. 20 Oct. 1624. Temple-Grafton THis containing the Villages of Ardens-Grafton and Hilborough was one of those towns given to the Abby of Evesham shortly after the foundation thereof but through the oppression of certain potent men with divers other lands belonging to that Monastery was taken away from the Monks long before the Norman Invasion so that upon the Conquest by Duke Will. it became disposed of to some of his followers for by the generall Survey shortly after made whereby 't is certified to contain 5. hides valued at 4 li I find thaâ— Osbernus fil Ricardi of whom I shall speak in Aston-Cantlow possest it at that time there being then a Church and that one Gilebert was his Tenant thereto as also that Mervin Scotin Toti and Tosti held it in Edw. the Confessors dayes but in that Record it is written Grastone the f being mistaken for an s for out of doubt it was originally both written and called Graestone or Graevetone having its appellation from bushes which in our old English were called Greves Whether the Monks of Evesham did ever actually enjoy it again is hard to say though it be plain that much of their antient possessions was afterwards through the prudence of some succeeding Abbots regained but certain it is that Abbot Mauricius who lived in the reigns of K. Will. Rufus and H. 1. made a grant thereof to Raph Boteler of Oversley a great man in these parâ—s Howbeit long was it not after ere that one Bernard de Grafâ—on became owner of it for by the grant of a messuage here from Henry the son of Rob. Parker unto Geffrey Pancefoth and his heirs scil about K. R. 1. time which messuage is said to be de feodo Henrici Bernardi no lesse may be inferred I have not yet seen by any Record till 26 H. 8. that it had the name of Temple-Grafton for antiently it was called Grafton superior and by that name I find it in 20 E. 3. and that which is now called Arden's Grafton Grafton inferior By which name viz. Temple-Grafton it might be supposed that the Knights Templars were sometime seized of all or a great part of this town howbeit I do not discern that they had any thing to do here either by that Survey taken of their lands in an 1185 31 H. 2. or in that of 1 E. 2. which was after the dissolution of their Order but in truth it was the Knights Hospitalars upon whome the Templars â—lands were bestowed who were possest of it some whereof they had by grant from Henry the son to Bernard de Grafton before specified as appeareth by their publique Instrument bearing date an 1189. 1 R. 1. whereby they gave to Simon de Arden and his heirs half a hide of land lying in this place being all or part of that which they had acquired of the said Henry paying to them and their successors xii d per an for all services so that at the decease of him and his heirs the third part of the Chattells which should happen to be upon that land might for the health of his soul remain to their house But though Henry was son to the before specified Bernard he was not his heir as I conceive but rather Raph de Grafton of whom I find mention in 33 H. 2. and 7 R. 1. betwixt which Raph and Will. Picot a fine was levied in 1 Ioh. of one hide of land lying in this place Which Raph was dead without issue before the 6 year of K. Iohn for then did Raph Boteler of Oversley give a Fine to the K. of an Câ— that he might seize those lands which the said Raph de Grafton held untill it should be determined by a legall triall whether he had more right to them than Henry de Bereford What title it was that the said Raph Boteler challenged I find not but plain it is that he prevailed not for Henry de Bereford enjoyed it having obtained the interest that Margaret daughter to Will. de Grafton
to be yearly kept here for 8. days beginning on the Even of S. Barnabas the Apostle In 1 E. 3. he was constituted Constable of England but dyed the year following whose brother William then found his heir and xl years of age did not enjoy this Lordship of Alcester in regard the said Walter had about xii years before setled it upon Giles de Beauchamp another brother Of which William all that I have seen memorable is that upon the death of Guy de Beauchamp Earl of Warwick who was Shiriff of Worcestershire by inheritance he had the custody of that County committed to him during the minority of his heir But of Giles I find that in 15 E. 2. he was made Shiriff of Caernarvonshire and Governour of the Castle of Beaumaris that in 14 E. 3. he had a Charter to fortify his Mannour-house here at Alcester with a wall of lime and stone and to embattle the same for the use of himself and his heirs and having had summons to the severall Parliaments amongst the other Barons from 20 E. 2. to 9 E. 3. he left issue Iohn of whomâ— I have seen but little other than his founding a Chantry in the Parish-Church here at Alcester in 36 E. 3. whereof I purpose to speak particularly in its proper place and he Sir Will. Lord of this place and Powik and Sir Walt. de Beauchamp a younger son from whom the Beauchamps Barons S. Amand did descend which Walter in 4 H. 4. was retained by Indenture to serve the King in a voyage royall that he intended for France in his proper person with four men at Armes himself accounted for one and xii Archers whereof the third part were to serve on Foot and the rest on Horseback for one whole year taking for himself ii s. per diem For his men at Armes xii d. and for his Archers vi d. And in 3 H. 5. to serve the King for one whole year in a voyage that he made in person into Guienne in which service he was to have four men at Armes and xii Archers all on Horseback and to receive xl marks a piece for his men at Armes and xx marks a piece for each of his Archers But I come now to Sir William the elder brother of whom it appears that in 16 R. 2. he was made Constable of the Castle of Gloucester In 3 H. 4. Shiriff of Worcestershire and in 1 H. 5. of Gloucestershire This Sir William took to wife Catherine one of the daughters and heirs of Gerard Ufflete and left issue Sir Iohn Beauchamp Knight who in 17 H. 6. upon the death of Richard Beauchamp Earl of Warwick was constituted one of the Commissioners unto whom the Guardianship of all his Castles and lands during the minority of Henry his son and heir were granted and in 22 H. 6. purchased of Thomas Botereux the other moytie of this Mannour of Alcester which had continued in that Family for divers descents as I shall shew anon And being now intire Lord of the whole in 25. of the same King's reign obtained a speciall Charter which reciting that he the said Iohn and his Ancestors had time out of mind enjoyed a Court-Leet of all their Tenants and Inhabitants within this town to be kept twice every year viz. once after Easter and once after Michaelmasse as also Weyfs Streys and all other priviledges to a Leet belonging together with a Mercate upon the Tuesday every week and a Faire yearly on the Sunday next after the Feast of S. Fayth the Virgin did confirme them to him and his heirs And moreover in consideration of the good and acceptable services performed unto that King and to King Henry the fift his father had he by the same Charter a grant of sundry other priviledges viz. Return of Writts and all other Mandates Precepts and Attachments belonging to the said King his heirs and successors his Justices Eschaetors or other Commissioners Steward and Marshall of his houshold as also of all Summons of the Exchequer levying of Estreats from the said Exchequer execution of Writts and Attachments c. all which thenceforth to be performed and executed by the said Sir Iohn and his heirs or such Officers as he or they should appoint within this town and precincts of the Mannour so that no Shiriff Coroner Bayliffe or other Officer belonging to the King should have ought to do there To which was further added that the said Sir Iohn and his heirs should have cognisance of all Pleas belonging to any of the King's Courts touching such lands and tenements as are within this town and Mannour of Debts Accompts Trespasses Covenants Contracts and causes of Contracts arising within the limits of them as also of Assizes of Novell disseisin and Mort D'ancestor Iurates and Certificates of all lands and tenements within the same to be held before the Steward to him and his heirs here for the time being And likewise full power and authority of holding hearing and determining before their Stewards without any speciall Writ from the King Pleas of Pie pouders and all other Pleas of Debts Accounts Trespasses Covenants Contracts and other Controversies whatsoever arising within this town and Mannour or their precincts although they exceed the summe of xl s. value and to make out Processe against such persons as shall be lyable to any action or distresse by his and their own Officers and Ministers and to attach theit persons within the said town and Mannour and precincts of them in case they have not goods whereby to be summoned and distreined And moreover that the said Sir Iohn his heirs should have the priviledges of Infangthef and Outfangthef the goods of Felons Fugitives and all such as are condemned put in exigend for Treason or Felony as also the Chattells of persons outlawed whether it be at the Kâ—ng's suit or at the suit of the party with the Chattells of those that are Felones de se or any way confiscated And likewise all Fines and Redemptions Issues Amerciaments and Forfeitures with Fines for license of concord Year Day Strepe and Wast of all his and their Tenants as well resident as not resident within this town and Mannour and their precincts in whatsoever of the King's Court they shall happen c. And that neither the King's Steward Marshall Coroner of his Houshold Clerk of the Mercate for the time being nor any servant or Officer belonging to any of them shall have power to meddle within the same or the precincts thereof nor any Purveyor to take any thing there from him the said Iohn his heirs or any the Inhabitants of this place And further that all the Tenants thereof aswell resident as non-resident should be for ever quit of Toll Stallage Pontage Pavage Murage Kayage and Chiminage in all places as well by Land as Water throughout the whole Realm of England and
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
had routed he lost the day and was made their Prisoner But having elsewhere toucht the particulars of this Story I will now go on with what concernes this Peter de Montfort and that it may appear how he was one of the most considerable persons in that Rebellious pack shall give severall instances from the speciall trust and imployment he then had in the sway of the Realm Shortly after this Victory at Lewes so obtain'd they agreed amongst themselves that ix Persons shouâ—d be nominated to exercise Regall power whereof three at least to be constantly resident in Court for disposing of the custody of all Castles and other affaires with the nomination of the Chancelour Justices Treasurer and all other Officers great and small tending to the government of the Kingdom of which number this Peter was one which persons so appointed made use of the great Seal transacting all things touching the state of the Realm in the King's name and amongst other their doings constituted Commissioners to the King of France and the Popes Legate to reforme as they term'd it and settle the Kingdom whose names I shall here recite viz. Henry de Sandwich Bishop of Londonâ— Walter de Cantilupe Bishop of Worcester Iohn of Oxford Bishop of Winchester Hugh Despenser Justice of England Peter de Montfort before specified and Richard de Mepham Archdeacon of Oxford In which Commission bearing date at Canterbury the Saturday after the Feast of the Nativity of our Lady scil 8. Sept. there was a more especiall power given to our Peter than any of the rest that is to say that whatsoever he should swear to do the King must be bound by it Dante 's insuper praefato Petro potestatem jurandi in animam nostram quod nos quicquid ipse in praemissis nomine nostro duxerit faciendum ratum habeamus acceptum for these are the words thereof And after this by another Commission bearing date at Dover 24. of the same month of September was the said Peter singly sent to the before specified Legate to treat with him privately about those things with desire that he might make as quick a return as might be the intent of all this application to the Legate being no other than to daub up their disloyall dealings towards the King with fair and specious pretences to the Pope least he should thunder out his Curses against them But besides these eminent imploymenâ—â— I find that by the same authority of the King 's great Seal he had the custody of Whytenton Castle in Shropshire committed to his charge by a Patent dated at Woodstoke 19. Decembris and the next day following of Hereford Castle to which about the midst of May they removed the King and on the twentieth of that month made out a Precept to Walter de Evereus then Shiriff of Herefordshire for delivering the issues of that Countie to this our Peter for the better strengthning of that Castle And that nothâ—ng for conveniency to him in these his high transactions should be wanting he had by the same authoâ—â—ty a grant of Prince Edward's lodgings at Westminster But loe the instability of earthly greaâ—nessâ— eâ—pecâ—aâ—ly such as is raised by dâ—slâ—yalâ— subâ—ects upon the designed ruine of their rightfull Soveraign for it was not many days after that the 〈◊〉 making his eâ—cape from this Castle of Hereford like a suddain flash of lightning broke through a cloud raised such a powerfull Army that on the day before the Nones of August following he came upon the whole strength of those Rebellious Barons at Evesham in Worcestershire like terrible thunder where obtaining a compleat Victorie this our famous Peter de Montfort with divers more of the principall persons in that Tragedie was slain Whereupon the then Shiriff of this County sc. William Bagot had command to extend this Lordship and the rest of his lands in these parts but propter resistentiam inimicorum as the Record expresseth being not able to do it the K. directed a Commission to the Abbot of Bordesley and Prior of Studley to take notice of the particular number of acres of Land Meadow Wood and Pasture and the value of each as also of those that held in villenage with the Rents and services of the Freeholders and to certifie the same into his Exchequer This Peter wedded Alice the daughter of Henry de Aldithley and left issue Petâ—r William and Robert which William had the Mannour of Uppingham in Ruâ—l of his Fathers gift and Robert other lands in that Countie who notwithstanding his activenesse on the Barons part with his Father was afterwards received into grace with the King Having now done with his Story I can do no lesse than observe that in him was this Family in the Meridian of its glory which thenceforth daily faded for being the fourth in descent from Thurstane who was first inrich't with such fair possessions by his kinsman the Earl of Warwick's gift and honoured with many imployments of speciall trust through the great favour of his soveraign being puft up with blind ambition which prompted him to a confederacy with the Rebellious Barons of that age he became partaker of that deserved destruction which befell them After which the lustre of his descendants though no whit abridg'd of their antient Patrimony in regard af that indulgent Decree called Dictum de Kenilworth which admitted them to grace upon favourable termes began daily to diminish till in the like fourth descent his male line was in a manner extinct much of the antient inheritance with this Castle their principall seat then divolving to other Families by daughters and heirs and the memorie of his name preserved only in an illegitimate ofspring as by the Pedegree is cleerly shewed I now come to Peter his eldest son This man siding with his said Father in those Rebellious actions before specified was with him taken prisoner at Northampton in 48 H. 3. being as it seems the Commander in Chief of the Forces there met for no lesse doth an Historian of that time testifie Horum erat praecipuus Petrus de Monteforti junior saith he qui ad castrum confugerat sed in crastino reddidit se Neverthelesse being enlarged as I have already shewed the next mention I find of him is that he was again taken in the battail of Evesham wherein his Father lost his life and thereupon comitted to Thomas de Clare unto whom his forfeited lands were granted whereof he the said Thomas received the benefit according to the Dictum de Kenilworth before mentioned but shortly after notwithstanding these his demerits was not only admitted to grace and favour with the King who by a speciall Patent dated 28. Ian. 51. of his reign released unto him omnem indignationem animi rancorem ratione turbationis c. for those are the words but besides his
paternall inheritance into which he was by the said Decree again so reinvested had restitution of an Annuitie of Lv li. per annum to be paid out of the Exchequer to himself and his heirs which had been formerly granted to his Father in lieu of certain woods lying in the Forest of Rutland wherein he had quitted his title to the said King After which I find that resolving on a Pilgrimage to S. Iames in Gallicia he constituted Humphrey de Hastang and Richard de Wrenhull or one of them his Atturney to transact his affairs in the mean time but whether he went the same year or not being 56 H. 3. I am not certain for in 3 E. 1. he had another License to that purpose and within a short space grew in such esteem with King Edward that being imployed in his service for the warrs of Wales 5 E. 1. in 8. of that King's reign he granted unto the renowned Queen Elianore the marriage of Iohn his son and heir with power that she should dispose of him in that kind to whom she pleased and in 11 E. 1. attended the King in that Welch expedition wherein those parts were wholy reduced to obedience for which service he was acquitted of L li. debt due by him to have been paid into the Exchequer This Peter altered his coat of Armes from what his Father and grandfather bore changing their Bendé of six pieces to Bendé of ten but retaining the Colours and departed this life in 15. E. 1. leaving issue Iohn his son and heir and Elizabeth a daughter afterwards married to Will son and heir of Simon de Montacute for which Lady there is yet standing a very beautifull Monument of Marble with her statue cut to the life on the North side of the Quire at Christ Church in Oxford heretofore the Conventuall Church of S. Fridiswides Monasterie there where there was afterwards a Chantrie of two secular Priests founded to celebrate divine service daily for her soul and for the souls of the said William de Montacute as also of Iohn Bokyngham Bishop of Lincolne Sir Peter de Montfort her father the Lady Maud her mother and of Iohn de Montacute William de Montacute Earl of Salisbury Simon de Montacute Bishop of Ely Edward de Montacute Alice de Aubenie the Lady Mary Cogan Elizabeth Prioresse of Haliwell the Lady Hawise Bavent the Lady Maud Abbesse at Berking the Lady Isabell a Nun of Berking children of him the said Sir William de Montacute and her and moreover for the souls of Sir Thomas de Furnivall her second husband Sir Peter Limsie her kinsman and Simon Islipâ— and for the souls of all her parents and friends But of the said Iohn de Montfort do I find very little memorable other than that he took to wife Alice the daughter of Will. de la Plaunche by whom he had issue Iohn and Peter with two daughters viz. Eliz. and Maud whose issue came to possesse a great part of the inheritance pertaining to this family as I shall shew anon for Iohn their elder brother who was one of the murtherers of Peirs de Gaveston having in 7. E. 2. received his Pardon for that offence march't with our English Army into Scotland and there lost his life in the battail of Strivelin without issue Peter the other brother having none legitimate Which Peter for I am next in course to speak of him was first in Holy Orders but after his brother's death enjoying a fair inheritance notwithstanding his sacred function was so dispensed with as it seems that he betook himself to the world and became a Knight And standing loyall to King E. 2. in the time of that great defection when so many adhered to Thomas Earl of Lancaster had a joint Commission with Will. de Beauchamp and Roger de Aylesbury for the safe custody of the City of Worcester In 20. of that King's reign he was made Governour of Warwick Castle then in the King's hands by reason of the Earls minority In 18 19 25 and 26. of E. 3. one of the Commissioners for conservation of the Peace in this County In 20. for arraying of Clx. Archers and in 29. for putting the Statute of Labourers in execution This Iohn took to wife Margaret daughter of the Lord Furnivall but by her had issue no more than one onely son called Guy betwixt whom and Margaret one of the daughters to Thomas de Beauchamp Earl of Warwick there was a marriage in 21 E. 3. by vertue of a speciall dispensation from Roger Northburgh Bishop of Coventry Lichfield having authority from Pope Clement the sixt for the same in regard they stood allied in the third and fourth degrees of Consanguinity which marriage was designed by the said Peter and the Earl for the better founding a league of friendship betwixt them and their posteritie in regard that many suits had been betwixt their Ancestors by reason that their lands in divers places lay contiguous Shortly after which marriage there was an estate in tail made of this Castle and Mannour with divers other Lordships lying in this Countie as also in the Counties of Nott. Rutl. and Surrey whereby for want of issue by the said Guy and Margaret they were after the decease of the said Sir Peter to remain unto Tho. de Beauchamp then Earl of Warwick and Katherine his wife and the heirs of the said Earl Which Thomas having obtained such an estate thereof in reversion in 35 E. 3. the same Guy being then dead without issue entailed the same upon Thomas his son and heir and the heirs male of his body and for lack of such issue on William his second son afterwards Lord Bergavenny and the heirs male of his body and for want of such issue on his own right heirs But all this while was Sir Peter de Montfort living who having had certain issue by an old Concubine called Lora de Ullenhale in E. 2. time daughter to one Richard Astley of Ullenhale took care for their advancement as may appear by those possessions they enjoyed whereof I have taken notice in due place And being grown an old man made his Testament bearing date on Saturday next after the Feast of the Conception of our Lady anno 1367. 41 E. 3. by which he bequeathed his body to sepulture in the Church of the Friers Preachers at Warwick whereunto he gave x li. that the said Friersâ— should pray for his soul. To the Nuns of Pinley he gave x. marks for the like purpose and to the Lady Lora de Astley his old paramour then a Nun there C s. To Sir Baldw. Frevill the elder Kt. his kinsman xx li. To his son Richard de Montfort all hâ—s silver and gilt plate as also all his goods moveable and unmoveable lying in his Mâ—nnours of Kingsâ—urst in this Countie and
the Counties of Berks. Northampton Stafford Wigorn. Linc. Oxford and Suff. were bestowed by the Conqueror on Robert de Stadford paternally descended from that great and noble Family of Tonei being son as I think to Roger de Tonei totius Normanniae Signifer as also Brother to Raph de Tonei who came into England with Duke William and fought stoutly on his behalf in the battail against King Harold in which I need not make question but that this Robert also was for my Author having mentioned the said Raph and some few others of the highest rank addeth these words aliique quamplures militaris praestantiae fama celebratissimi quorum nomina Historiarum voluminibus inter bellicosissimos commendari deceat In consideration therefore of that notable service I shall conclude that he was rewarded with such vast possessions in the severall Counties before mentioned amongst which this town of Wootton with the rest of Wagen's lands were part but making choise of Stafford for his principall seat where he had a strong Castle as is evident assumed his sirname from thence The extent of this Wootton was then certified to be 7. hides there being at that time a Church and two Mills and the woods belonging â—hereto containing two miles in length and one in breadth which with all the rest were valued at iv li. In the line of which Robert it continued till the death and attainder of Edward Duke of Buck. temp H. 8. But the story of that noble Family I reserve for another work and shall here take notice only of what I find thereof in reference to this place which is no more than that in 13 E. 1. Nich. Lord Stafford obtained a Charter of Free-warren for himself and his heirs in all his demesn lands here And that in 2 Edw. 2. Edmund his son dying seized of this Mannour was certified to hold it together with Tisoe in this Countie and certain lands in Staffordshire of the King in Capite by Barony scil to find three armed men with Horses compleatly harnessed for service in the Warrs of Wales during the space of xl days at his own proper charges After the death of which Duke Thomas Grey Marq. Dorset obtained it inter alia from the King first for life and afterwards to himself and the heirs male of his body Which Thomas had issue Henry Marq. Dorset created Duke of Suff. by King Edw. 6. as in Astley is shewed but attainted in 1 Mariae whereupon this Mannour was granted by that Queen to Sir Iohn Grey Knight and Mary his wife and their heirs 3 Iunii 2 3. Ph. M. From whom Dame Agnes Smyth the Widow of Sir Iohn Smyth Knight one of the Barons of the Exchequer and Francis Smyth son and heir to the said Agnes purchased it 1. Maii 1 Eliz. which Francis died seized of it 3. Sept. 4 Iac. whose grandchild Sir Francis Smyth Knight having in 15 Iac. obtained a Charter of Free-warren in all his demesn lands here left issue Sir Charles Smyth Knight his son and heir now Lord Carington the present owner thereof BEsides this Mannour here in Wootton that continued so long in the line of Stafford there was another which belonged to the Family of Harewell for many descents but had not the reputation of a Mannour for ought I have seen till of later time For the originall of it grew by divers petty purchases of severall parcells of land in the times of King Edw. 1. and E. 2. made by one Richard de Stanford and Idonea his wife which Richard is stiled in most of the deeds that I have seen Magister Ric. de Stanford Clericus and left issue Iohn his son and heir who in 23 E. 3. being one of the Commissioners in this County for assessing and collecting a xv th and x th then granted to the King in Parliament and in 27 E. 3. Coroner in this Shire bore for his Armes a Fesse and upon a Canton in the dexter part of the shield a martlet as by his Seal appears and had issue Iohn as also Maud a daughter married to Roger de Harewell brother to Iohn Harewell Bishop of Bathe and Wells towards the later end of E. 3. and beginning of R. 2. time which Maud became her brother's heir and possest all those his lands whereunto by marriages of severall heirs and otherwise her descendants made so fair an addition as that they were rankt amongst the superior gentry of this Shire therefore having something to say historically of them this being their principall Seat I have inserted the following Pedegree extracted out of the Evidences of the before specified Lord Carington Of Iohn Harewell son and heir to Roger and Maud I find that he being elected one of the Coroners in this Countie in 16 R. 2. upon his complaint to the King that the choise was not according to the tenour of the Statute of 3. E. 1. Cap. 10. which provideth that those to be chosen ought to be sage and wise Knights that might know how to undergo and that would attend the said Office a Precept was directed to the Shiriff to make a new election in his full Countie wherein the form of the said Statute should be exactly observed In 1 H. 5. he was Eschaetor for this County and Leicestershire In 5 o one of the Councell to Richard Beauchamp Earl of Warwick In 7 H. 5. imployed by Commission with other persons of quality to treat with the people here for a loan of money to the King and from 9 H. 5. till his death a Justice of Peace in this Shire He bore for Magr. Ric. de Stanford Clericus 15 E. 1. Idonea 23 E. 1. Ioh. Harewell Ioh. Harewell Bath Wellen. Episc. obiit 10 R. 2. Rog. Harewell de Wootton 42 E. 3. Ric. Harewell canonicus Eccl. de Wells 20 R. 2. Ioh. Harewell obiit 7 H. 6. Ioh. Harewell de Whitley 7. H. 5. Nich. Harewell ob s. prole Ioh. Harewell de Whitley 17 H. 7. Rog. Harewell de Solihull 21 H. 8. Will. Harewell de Stoorton Ric. Harewell de Shoterich ob 17 H. 6. Iohanna filia haeres ob s. p. 29 H. 6. Rog. Harewell 9 H. 6. Agnes filia cohaer Will. Clopton mil. Will. Harewell obiit 16 H. 7. Agnes filia Henrici Wogan Ioh. Harewell obiit 10 Apr. 20 H. 7. Anna filia haeres Ric. Midleton Agnes filia quinta cohaeres Ioh. Smyth Baro Scac. 25 H. 8. Franciscus Smyth ar obiit 3. Sept. 1606. Maria filia haeres Joh. Morton de Ashby-Folvile in Com. Leic. Georgius Smyth Anna filia Thomae Giffard de Chillington mil. Franciscus Smith miles Anna filia Thomae Markham de Merton in Com Nott. ar Carolus Smyth de Wotton miles erectus in Baronem Carington Eliz. filia Ioh. Carrell eq aur Thomas Harewell obiit sine prole Thomas Harewell ob sine prole 22
of all his right title and claim that he had or could challenge thereto dated 18 o Iunii 26 H. 6. And for the better securing of their title did the said Provost and Scholars in 1 E. 4. procure a speciall Patent from that King of Confirmation for this and other lands of that kâ—nd which by the munificence of their pious Founder had been granted to them the same Patent bearing date at Westminster 22 Febr. Patroni Priores de Wootton Abbas de Conchis in Normannia Rog. de Pavilliaco monach 12. Cal. Ian. 1285. Abbas de Conchis in Normannia Frater Ioh. de Brocâ—a monach de Conchis 8. Cal. Iunii 1288. Abbas de Conchis in Normannia Frater Will. de Laverceye monach de Conchis 8. Id. Nov. 1309. Abbas de Conchis in Normannia Frater Ioh. le Tonnelier monach 26. Iulii 1328. Abbas de Conchis in Normannia Frater Iohâ— de Silvaneto 2. Ian. 1340. Abbas de Conchis in Normannia Frater Guillerinus Pinchart die Mart. post festum Dionysii martyris 1349. Abbas de Conchis in Normannia Frater Ioh. Maubert monach de Conchis 7. Martii 1370. Abbas de Conchis in Normannia Ioh. Soverain monach de Conchis .... 1400. Henr. 6. Rex Angl. c. Ioh. de Conchis monachus 17. Iunii 1438. Aspley OF this place there is no mention in the Conqueror's Survey and therefore I do conclude that it was at that time involved with Wootton Neither have I seen any thing of it in Record till 5 H. 3. that Alan de Bercheston impleaded Robert de Chaucumbe for certain lands here wherein it is written Apsele That this Robert de Chaucumbe was then Lord of it will appear by what I have next to say viz. that in 15 H. 3. by a Fine levied betwixt Gilbert de Segrave Annabil his wife Plantiffs and the same Robert de Chaucumbe deforc the said Robert having given her the said Annabil his eldest daughter in marriage to the same Gilbert and Milisent the other to Raph Basset setled his lands lying in the Counties of Northampt. Warwick Leic. and Linc. so as if he should fortune to have any other heir besides them two the said Gilbert and Annabil and the heirs of Annabil to enjoy the moitie only of this Mannour of Aspele and the other moitie to go unto the said Raph Basset and Milisent and the heirs of Milisent for ever But plain it is that the said Robert de Chaucuâ—be had no other issue so that upon such partition as was afterwards made betwixt those coheirs this Mannour of Aspele came wholly to Anabill whereupon the before specified Gilbert de Segrave her husband in 36 H. 3. obiained a Charter of Freewarren in all his demesn lands here having an antient Mannour-house upon it as it should seem by the large moat with a Park yet did not her issue by the same Gilbert enjoy it For being afterwards married to Roger de Somery whom she survived in her full and lawfull widowhood she granted it unto Iohn de Somery her son by that husband and to the heirs of his body lawfully begotten to be held of her and her heirs paying unto her and Nicholas de Segrave her son and heir and his heirs a pair of gilt Spurrs or six pence at the Nativity of S. Iohn Baptist yearly for all services Which Iohn in 13 E. 1. claymed a Court Leet here with Assize of Bread and Beer therein by Prescription whereof he had then allowance But at length it returned to the line of Segrave and in 18 E. 3. was with divers other Mannours in severall Counties entailed by Sir Iohn de Segrave Knight upon the issue of his body by Margaret his wife and for default of such issue upon his right heirs Which Margaret had it inter alia in dower as appears by the Inquis taken after the death of Sir Walter Manney Knight her second husband By vertue of which entail it divolved through an heir female to the Family of Moubray being in 1 H. 4. committed with divers other Mannours in this County to Sir Thomas Rempston Kt. in respect that Thomas the son and heir to Thomas Moubray Duke of Norff. was then in minority and by Moubray's daughter and coheir to Berkley Thomas Lord Berkley dying seized of it in 26 H. 8. leaving Henry his son and heir who accomplisht his full age in 2 3 Ph. M. Forde Hall THis lying within the precincts of Aspele was about the beginning of E. 1. reign granted by Sir Iohn de Somery before mentioned to one Roger de la Forde of Aspele and Agatha his wife and their heirs the Rent of xii d. yearly payable at the Feast of S. Michael and the Annunciation of our Lady by equall portions being thereupon reserved as also forrein service and suit to the Court of him the said Iohn and his heirs Hence came it in succeeding times to be called Forde Hall and in 5 R. 2. past by the name of a Mannour from one Nicholas Prylle of Ludlow to Henry de Bonnebury and his heirs but at length came to Iohn Fullwode about H. 8. time in marriage with Ioan the daughter and heir to Baldwyn Heath Which Iohn being second son to Robert Fullwode of Cley Hall in Tanworth had issue Iohn and he a third Iohn who by marriage with Katherine daughter coheir to Thomas Dabridgcourt of Langdon Hall left issue six daughters his heirs scil Frances the wife of William Noell of Welsborough in Com. Leic. Esquire Elianor of Sir Edw. Hampden Knight Alice of Sir George Fullwode Kt. Christian of Iohn Hales Esquire Grace of Angell Grey of Kingston in Com. Dors. Esquire and Katherine which Grace upon the partition of that inheritance had inter alia this for her share Mockley I Am of opinion that this now bearing the name of Mockley was part of that land which Robert de Stafford granted to the Monks of Conchis whereof in Wootton I have spoke but of it I do not find any particular mention till about E. 1. time and that is also accidentally Gilbert de Monkelee and William de Monkelee with Roger then Vicar of Wootton being witnesses to a grant of certain lands in Buckele lying hard by made to the Monks of Wootton whence I conclude that having belong'd to those Monks it therefore had the name of Monkelee and that by shortnes of pronunciation it is now called Mockle As part of the possessions therefore of that Religious House was it in 7 H. 5. granted by the King with the Priory of Wootton to Sir Rouland Lenthale Knight and in 22 H. 6. past therewith likewise to the Provost and Scholars of King's Colledge in Cambridge by the name of the Mannour of Molkele and being confirmed to that Colledge by King E. 4. is enjoyed accordingly at this day Vllenhale THis place having been part
paticular name certain Knights from the several Counties and Burgesses for the Burroughs to appear the Fryday next before the Feast of St. Michael with whom the said King resolved to have personall Treaty amongst these was our Roger de Aylesbury with Ric. de VVhitacre and Iohn Revell for this County but it seems that Ric. de VVhitacre appeared not for upon assignation of their expences for xv dayes being the time it lasted the appointment to the Shiriff is only for payment of this Roger and Iohn Revell this being the year preceding the said King 's assuming the title of King of France and quartering the Armes of that Realm with England whereupon he took into his royal consideration that the same might occasion him a War with the French and proposed the borrowing of money from the Clergy and people of England for avoiding thereof constituting Commissioners through the several Counties to declare that to be the reason of the said loan And the next year following being resolved of an expedition beyond Sea for effecting his designes in France summoned the like Councell of his Subjects to be held at Westminster the morrow following the Clause of Easter whereunto were again appointed to come in the behalf of this County the said Roger de Aylesbury Ric. de VVhitacre and Iohn Revell there to consult about the conservation of this Realm in peace and safety during the King's absence In 13 E. 3. he served in the Parl. then likewise held at Westminster as one of the Knights for this Shire but after this I find no more of him that is memorable other than that he was a Kt. and left issue Philip his son and heir who bore for his Armes a Bend gules over his Azure Crosse and married Agnes the daughter and coheir of Hugh de Brandeston Lord of the Mannour of Lapworth by whom he had issue Roger. Which Roger had very little to do in the affairs of the publique other than as a Commissioner in 6 H. 4. for collection of a Subsidy in this Connty Neither had Iohn his son any more than in the Office of Eschaetor for this County and Leicestershire in 23 30. H. 6. And Iohn the son and heir of him none at all the Family being declined so much that notwithstanding his descent as heir to Roger before spoken of who was a Knight he wrote himself no other than Gentilman Which Iohn being the last male branch of this house here at Edston left issue Ioane a daughter and heir wedded unto Thomas Somervile of Somervile-Aston in com Glouc. Esquier whereby this Mannour with the rest of his lands came to that Family in which it still continues having been since that time their principal Seat as appears by many authorities But touching the ancestors of this Thomas Somervile I shall say little in regard that having their estate and residence in Gloucestershire they are out of my limits only of this I conceive fit to take notice that they have been of a very antient continuance there and no lesse eminent as it seemâ—â— for one of them was a Knight in 45 H. 3. being stiled Iohannes miles de Aston Somervile and bore for his Armes ...... upon a border ...... 6 Leopards heads ...... as by his Seal appeareth whereunto his great granchild Sir VVill. Somervile Knight in the beginning of Edw. 3. time added one more Leopards head upon the border and Sir Iohn Somervile Knight his son and heir altered it more bearing Argent upon a fâ—sse gules 3 Leopards heads Or betwixt 3 Annulets of the second which coat hath been continued by his posterity to these very times From whom descended Iohn Somervile Esq who in 25 Eliz. being a hot spirited Gentleman and about 23 years of age but a Roman Catholique by profession is said to have been so far transported with zeale for the restoring that Religion by the instigation of one Hall a Priest that he resolved to kill the Queen and to that purpose made a journey to London and that upon his apprehension he confest his intent but being arraigned condemn'd and committed to Newgate within three days after he was found strangled in his lodging How far forth he was guilty of this God knows for with what a high hand things were then borne through the power of Robert Dudley Earl of Leicester is not unknown to most men which Earl had a particular spleen against M r Arden of Parkhall father in Law to this Gentleman as by sundery aged persons of credit I have often heard Bearley THis being written Burlei in the Conqueror's Survey was then held of Rob. de Stadford by one Ailric whose freehold it had been before the Norman invasion but the extent of it by that Record is certified to be no more than 1. hide valued at x s. which was but the one half of what it had been rated at in Edw. the Confessor's days By one of whose descendants sc. of Stafford was Cumin antiently Lord of Snitfield as I conceive first enfeoft hereof and by Cumin Nicholas that assumed his sirname from hence without doubt for in H. 2. time I find that such a man there was and that he with Will. de Burlei his son gave to the Monks of Bordsley xx acres of land lying within the precincts o Claverdon and held of Walter Cumin who coâ—â—â—mâ—d â—â—e grant As also that to the Church of Wootton and the Monks of Conchis they likewise gave in 1 R. 1. all their interest in the Chapell here addâ—ng the grant of one yard land with a Croft and Messuage To which William succeeded Iohn his son and heir who quitted his total interest and claim in the said Chapell unto those Monks and for its better confirmation levied a Fâ—ne thereupon in 5 H. 3. This Iohn had issue Will. de Burle a further Benefactor also to the Monks of Bordsley by granting to them certain lands in Claverdon which he had recovered by a suit in Law in the Kâ— Court at Westminster and bore for his Armes three Garb with 3 flower de lices in Chief which shews what relation he had to Cumin and Cantilupe Lords of Snitfield successively To whom succeeded Hugh his son and heir who gave likewise to those Monks of Bordsley one yard land lying here in Burley but within the Fee of Snitfield and therefore confirm'd by Margery de Cantilupe and Iohn her son Which Iohn about the beginning of Edw. 1. time withdrew the suit that the Inbabitants of this place had usually done to the Hundred Court unto his own Court held a Snitfield So that I think there needs no question to be made but that Cumin was first enfeoft hereof by Stafford to fortifie which my conjecture the more I find that Iohn de Cantilupe son to the last mentioned Iohn was in 9 E. 2. certified
to be Lord of this place id est Lord Paramount and that this was then reputed a Hamlet of Snitfield But farther than the before specified Hugh de Burley I cannot trace the succession of this Mannour in that family of Burley nor do I find when or how it went out of it the next possessor thereof that I have discovered being Will. the son of Nich. de Warwick of whom in Fulbroke I have spoke which Will. in 9 E. 2. sold to one Robert Moryn an Inhabitant of Snitfield Which Robert had issue Iohn who by a Fâ—ne levied in 8 E. 3. setled it upon Margaret his mother and Iohn de Cumpton her second husband for their lives with remainder to himself and his heirs After which time I have not seen any more mention of it the reason whereof is plain enough viz. that it was swallowed up amongst divers petty Freeholders by the purchase of their several Ferms as in many other places it falls out so that the Lords of Snitfield who were Superiour Lords here have of later times been taken for the immediate Lords thereof as in 10 H. 6. Ioan Beauchamp Lady of Bergavenny and in 1 H. 8. the King But now the reputed Lord thereof is the owner of those lands here which were antiently given to the Monks of Bordsley and in 19 E. 1. were estimated at two Carucates Which lands upon the dissolution of that Monastery were in 37 H. 8. inter alia past out of the Crown to Clem. Throkmorton Esquier and Alex Avenon and their heirs by the name of the Mannour Grange or Ferme of Byrley alias Buryley And in 3 E. 6. purchased of the said Clem. Throkmorton c. by Will. Walter From which William it is come to Mr. Fanshaw the now owner of it in such sort as Wasperton and Binton are Silesburne THis is a place lying near the little brook which thwarteth the Road from Henley to Alcester whereupon antiently stood an Hermitage but now there is no habitation near it Wawens-Moore OF this I find no other mention than the very name in 9 E. 2. and 8 H. 8. it being a member of Wootton Wyche NEither of this can I say any more than that it was reputed a member of Beldesert in 2 H. 5. Offorde THere is no more now left here than a Mill which being called Offord Mill preserveth the memory of this place but antiently there was a fair Mannour house the vestigia whereof do appear in those grounds lying about a Bow-shoot Northwards from the Mill in the nature of a round Fortification In the Conqueror's time here was also a Village of divers Inhabitants as appears by the general Survey then taken wherein it is recorded to contain 5 hides with a Mill and Woods of a mile in length and half as much in breadth all which were valued at iii li. besides one carucate of Inclosure rated at x s. and then wholly possest by Rob. de Stadford mentioned in Wootton but before the Norman invasion were the freehold of Waga of whom I have there also spoken To which Rob. de Stadford succeeded Nicholas and to him another Robert who in H. 2. time enfeoft one Robert the son of Matthew and his heirs of all his interest in this Village excepting the lands belonging to three Freeholders there named granting likewise to him all that Wood lying on the left hand the antient way leading from Wootton to Morton-Bagot to hold of him the said Robert de Stafford and his heirs by the service of half a Kts. Fee in consideration of which grant the said Robert received the summe of ten Marks one Palfrey and a labouring Horse and Avice his wife two Bisantines Whereupon this Robert seating himself here assumed his sirname from hence but it seemes he held the fourth part of a Knight's Fee besides this of the said Robert de Stafford for in 12 H. 2. by the Certificate then made it appears that he held 3 parts of a Knights Fee of him whereof he had been enfeoft since the death of K. H. 1. This Robert de Offord wedded Agnes the second of the five daughters and coheirs of Peter de Mâ—ra by Basilia his wife the eldest of the three daughters and coheirs to Rob. fil Odonis Lord of Loxley and Morton now Morton-Bagot yet am I not certain of any issue that he had neither till 25 H. 3. have I seen more of this place but then was Will. de Blancfront impleaded for certain lands here and in 36 H. 3. certified to hold half a Knight's Fee therein of the Lord Stafford Which Will. Blancfront was one of the Coroners for this County in 15 E. 2. and had issue Walter and he Henry who wrote himself Lord of this place in â—1 E. 3. but resided at Potsgrave in Bedfordshire After this it returned again to the Family of Stafford â— but whether by Eschaet or purchase I cannot directly say Humfrey Earl Stafford being owner of it in 10 H. 6. Since which time having been enjoy'd by the possessors of UUootton-wawen and being a depopulated place little notice hath been taken of it so that now it is accounted as part of UUootton Lordship and accordingly held by the Lord Carington at this day Aston Cantlow BEing now past that large parish of UUootton-wawen I come next to Aston-Cantlow situate on the Southern bank of Alne Before the Norman Invasion Algar Earl of Mercia was possest hereof but upon that great distribution then made by King William unto his friends and followers this place with divers lands of a large extent as well here as in other Counties was conferred as I guesse upon one Richard a noble Norman for it appears by the generall Survey begun about the xiiiith year of that King's reign that Osbernus fil Ricardi then enjoy'd it with several other fair Lordships lâ—ing in this Shireâ— as also in the Counties of Worcester Hereford Bedford Salop and Nottingham whose principal seat was as I also conjecture at Ricard's Castle in Herefordshire which being doubtlesse built by the same Richard â— for better a wing of the vanquisht English did afterwards retain his name and continueth it to this day In that authentique Record this place is written Estone by reason of its Eastern site from Alcester I presume which was of a more antient plantation and the value thereof then certified to be vi li. being esteemed at v. hides â—â—ving a Church as also one Mill with Woods of a mile in length and as much in breadth the Descendants of which Osbernus I have put in Farnborough for unto them did it continue but a while Tankervile who was Camerarius Normanniae possessing it in 15 H. 2. yet no otherwise than as a Fermor to the King as appears by some Records But in 6 Ioh. Will. de Cantilupe obtained it with the corn and stock
member of the last mentioned Lordship I have seen nothing more than the bare mention in a certain Recognition made by the Inhabitants of Haseler temp H. 6. of what Glebe and Tithes with other profits were then and antiently had been belonging to the Church Vpton THis Village stands upon an ascent and by reason thereof had its name as the first syllable thereof plainly imports In the Conqueror's time it being possest by Will. Buenvasleth was then held of him by one Roger his Tenant and in the generall Survey then taken certified to contain 4. hides and a half and written Optone the Woods belonging thereto being ten furlongs and xviii perches in length and 1 furlong in breadth and the value of the whole Lxx s. But before the Nâ—â—man invasion 3. Fâ—eeholders of Earl Leuric had 〈◊〉 After this it came to one of the old Earls of Warwick but how soon appeâ—rs not By whom it seems that Botelâ—r of Oversley was enfeoft thereof for in 20 H. 3. Mauritius le Botiller held one Kts. fee here of the then Earl From which Maurice or his son I presume it was passed to Hugh Aguilun who dying seized thereof â—n 12 E. 1. without issue male and his four siâ—ters or their children sharing his lands it became allotted to Will. de Whitenton son of Hawise his second sister which Will. in severall grants wâ—ites himself Dominus de Upton juxta Haseloure in one whereof bearing date 19 E. 2. he is stiled a Kt. But from this Sir W. de Whitinton after many descents it divolved unto Guy VVhitington of Pauntley in com Glouc. Esq. who held it in 10 H. 6. And from the said Guy to Thomas VVhitington Esq. who died seized thereof in 38 H. 8. leaving six daughters and heirs whereof Margaret the eldest was wedded to Thomas Throkmorton of .... in com Glouc. Blanch to Iohn S. Abyn Anne to Bricius Berkley Ioane to Roger Bodnam Alice to .... and Eliz. to .... Poole betwixt whom I do not find that there was any Partition made before the 26 of Q. Eliz. reign Southwards from Haseler but within the same Parish is a Coppice wood and in it a notable Hill which is of such a steep and equall ascent from every side as if it had been artificially made so that it is a very eminent mark over all that part of the Country and by the common people called Alcocks Arbour Towards the foot whereof is a hole now almost filled up having been the entrance into a Cave as the Inhabitants report of which Cave there is an old wives story that passes for current amongst the people of the adjacent Towns viz. that one Alcock a great Robber used to lodge therein having got much mony by that course of life hid it in an iron-bound Chest whereunto were three Keys which Chest they say is still there but guarded by a Cock that continually sits upon it And that on a time an Oxford-Schollar came thither with a Key that opened two of the Locks but as he was attempting to open the third the Cock seized on him To all which they adde that if one Bone of the partie who set the Cock there could be brought he would yield up the Chest. But leaving this Fable to those that fancy such things I come to a place not far from it called Grove-hill whence issueth a very pleasant Spring which antiently bore the name of Caldwell being remarkable for an Heremitage that stood close by it and at the Foundation of Alcester Priorie by Raph Boteler of Overâ—â—ey in K. Steph. time was by him given thereto Great Alne HAving now dispatch't on this side the River Alne I must step to the other where I am first to take notice of Great Alne antienly written Ruen Alne â— and therefore corruptly now called Round Alne Tâ—is was given to the Monks of Winchcombe in com Glouc. about the year of Christ DCCCIX by Kenulph King of Mercia then Founder of that Monastery and by the Conqueror's Survey being certified to contain vs hides having a Mill rated at v s. with woods of half a mile in length and four furlongs in breadth was valued at iiii l. In that Record it is written Alne being so called from the River nearâ— unto which it is situate Which Monks of Winchecombe had in 35 H. 3. Freewarren granted unto them in all their demesn lands of this Mannour But of it I have seen no more worthy of note other than that after the dissolution of that Abby it continued in the Crown till 42 Eliz. and was then granted to ..... Stone and ..... Grynford to hold in Capite The Rectorie here is appurtenant to that of Kynewarton part of the Parson of Kynewarton's Glebe lying within this Parish But in 26 H. 8. the profits of each were computed by themselves at which time this of Alne was rated at vii l. viii s. there being then issuing out of it for Synodals and Procurations x s. v d. ob In a North window of the Church these Armes ....... two bends engrailed ..... empaling Bende of x pieces Or and Azure Atwood ....... two bends engrailed ..... empaling Bende of x pieces Or and Azure Mounfort Kinewarton THis doubtless had its name originally from some possessor of it in the Saxons time Kineward being an appellation in those days not unusuall Upon the foundation of Evesham Abby by Ecgwin Bishop of Worcester in the year DCCXIIII from our Saviours incarnation it was given by him thereto and in the Conqueror's Survey certified to contain 3. hides which were at that time held of the Abbot by one Ranulf whereunto then belong'd a Mill rated at iii s. the value of all being put at xx s. But in that Record it is written Chenevertone To which Ranulf succeeded another of that name called Ranulfus de Kinewarton Brother unto William Abbot of Evesham in H. 2. time Which Ranulph held the before specified 3. hides of those Monks in demesn and left issue Robert who in 1. Ioh. endowed Ioane the wife of Ric. de Brusle with one hide thereof concerning which there grew suits afterwards betwixt the Monks of Evesham and the descendants of the said Richard and Ioane for in 34 H. 3. Rob. de Bruily brought an Assize of Novell disseisin against the Abbot of Evesham for 5. yard land here but the Monks at â—ast obtained Bruilye's interest by purchase in 10 E. 1. and in 13. of that King's reign claimed by Prescription a Court Leet here with Assize of bread and Beer Weyfs and divers other privileges all which were allowed After which viz. temp E. 2. Walter de Beauchamp granted to them one Messuage 3. acres of meadow and xl s. Rent which he held of the said Monks by the service of x s. per an But there is nothing more of note that I have
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
doing Scutage to the Earl of Leicester for half a Knights Fee upon occasion As also that within this Mannour of Oversley there was at that time a certain Messuage with a Dove-house two Gardens Cxxvi. acres of land in two fields and six acres of meadow of the Abbot of Evesham's Fee and likewise x. Villains who held ten yaâ—d land paying yearly x. marks xi s. iiii d. And moreover a free Rent service therein of two Arrows with vi Cottagers paying yearly vii s. vi d. and two marks yearly by way of Tallage but doing service to the Abbot of Evesham yearly for the whole vi marks and for four acres lying here to Hugh Aguilon i d. And besides all this that there was of the Abbot of Bordsley's Fee seven yard land a Mess. and xix Cottages with vi s. viii d. being a Rent service from two Freeholders That there was also a Park with two Gardens paying to the said Abbot v s. per an in recompence for Housebote which he had used to have there as belonging to his Mannour of Budiford And lastly of the â—â— of Warwick's Fee a Rent of xx d. issuing yearly out of a certain Mill. Unto which William succeeded Iohn his son and heir then but xvi years of age a grant of whose marriage Walter de Beauchamp of Alcester the same year obtained in the behalf of Elianore his daughter and in case the said Elianore should die before the accomplishment of that intended marriage that then he might marry some other of his daughters And moreover that if the same Iohn should depart this life before such marriage that then the said Walter might have the like benefit of his next heir and so from heir to heir till one of his daughters were wedded to one of those Butlers or in case that such one should take a wife of his own choise otherwise then to have the forfeiture due to the King thereupon But this Iohn died within 3 years following so that whether the said marriage were compleated by him or his brother Gawine who was his heir I make a question so that the inheritance came to Will the third brother as the Descent sheweth Which Will. in 25 E. 1. had Summons with other great men to be at London on Sunday next after the Octaves of S. Iohn Bapt. well furnisht with Horse and Armes to attend the K. in his expedâ—tion beyond the Seas whose service was so gratefull that the next year following the K. in recompence thereof acquitted to him the debt due by his Father for the Scutage of 3 Knights Fees which Scutage ought to have been performed by Maud his grandmother in the service of Wales in the tenth year of the same K. Edward's reign This last mentioned William died in 8 E. 3. leaving Will. his son and heir who in 18 E. 3. by the solicitation of Will. de Clinton then Earl of Huntingdon obtained a special discharge from the K. that he should not be compelled to bear Armes in respect of his impotencie nor to take upon him the Order of Knighthood against his own good will And departed this life in 35 E. 3. leaving Will. his son and heir 32 years of age and another son called William as it seems but whether by one wife or not I cannot affirm Which Will. the younger son I take to be him that married Ioan the sister and coheir of Sir Iohn Sudley Knight from whom the Butlers Barons of Sudley descended as in Griffe is manifested For it is evident that Will. the grandchild to William and Ankaret left issue Eliz. his only daughter and heirâ— who being wedded to Robert de Ferrers a younger son to the Lord Ferrers of Chartley brought this place with Wemme and other lands of a fair extent to her said husband who was thereupon summoned to Parliament by the name of Rob. Ferrers de Wemme Chivalier which Lordships viz. of Oversley and Wemme with other of her inheritance lying in the Counties of Salop. Leicester and Warwick were after her said marriage in 44 E. 3. entailed upon the heirs of the body of them the said Robert and Elizabeth with remainder to her right heirs But in 4 R. 2. this Robert died leaving by the same Eliz. Robert his son and heir 4 years of age which Elizabeth continued not long a widow for I find that the next year following she was the wife of Iohn Say and surviving him afterwards became wedded to Thomas Molinton who wrote himself Baron of Wemme in her right and that by her Testament bearing date 6 Ian. 1410 12 H. 4. whereby she bequeathed her body to be buried in the Church of the Crouched Friers near the Tower of London she stiles her self Elizabetha Ferrers Baronissa de Wemme retaining the name of that husband who was of the greatest dignity a custome which I find that women have long used and not yet left and departed this life the same year leaving Elizabeth the wife of Iohn Greistoke son to Raph Lord Greistoke and Mary the wife of Raph Nevill a younger son to Raph Nevill Earl of Westmerland her cosyns and heirs as saith the Inquis viz. daughters of Robert son to her the said Eliz. But I think it mistaken For the Fine Roll of 13 H. 4. whereby this Mannour of Oversley with Merston-Boteler in this County and the Mannour of Tirley in Com. Staff are assigned to the said Raph Nevill and Mary for her purpart she having at that time issue by him directly calls her una filiarum haeredum praedictae Elizabethae Neither is it very likely that she should be her grandchild as the Inquis imports for Robert the son of Rob. Ferrers by her was but 4 years of age in 4 R. 2. so that had he been then living he could have been but 34 years of age And to fortifie my opinion the Clause Roll of 9 H. 5. expresses as much To which Sir Raph Nevill for he was a Kt. succeeded Iohn Nevill Esq. his son and heir by the same Mary who dyed seized of this Mannour in 22 E. 4. leaving Sr. Will. Gascoin Knight his cosyn and next heir viz. son of Ioane his daughter then 30 years of age Which said Sir Will. being great grandchild to Sir Will. Gascoin who served under the renowned H. 5. King of England in his French Warrs and he son to that sometime famous Lawyer Will. Gascoin of Gauthorpe in Yorkshire chief Justice of the Kings bencâ— temp H. 4. was made K t of the Bath at the Queens Coronation in 1 H. 7. From whom descended S Will. Gascoin jun. of Cussworth in the same County of York who in 29 H. 8 past away the inheritance of this Lordship with all other his lands in Warwickshire to Sir Thomas Cromwell Knight then Lord Cromwell which eschaeting to the Crown by his attainder in 31 H. 8.
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
Roger de Someri Baron of Dudley and recovered them forasmuch as it appeared that the said Walter was born before matrimony betwixt his Father and mother Which Iohn in 19 E. 1. was certified to hold three yard land here of the said Baron by the x th part of a Knight's fee. But from that time till 3 H. 8. that there was a Fine levied thereof betwixt Edward Belknap Esquire and others plantiffs and Richard Wodshawe and othes Defore I have seen little of this Mannour After which it was not long ere that one Iohn Bonde a wealthy Clothier in Coventre and Merchant of the Staple possest it who bearing a good affection thereto by the consent of Geffrey Blythe then Bishop of the Dioces as also of the Prior and Covent of Tikford Rectors of the Parish Church of Aston and Richard Stich then Vicar there built a Chapell here to the honour of the blessed Virgin and S t Margaret for the benefit of the Inhabitants of this Hamlet in respect that the distance from hence to the said parish Church was such as that many times by reason of flouds they could not repaire unto it And for the maintenance of a Priest to perform divine Service therein and likewise support of the ornaments belonging thereto obtained a grant from the said Vicar with the consent of the before specified Monks of Tikford and the Bishop of all Oblations aswell in money as others things which should happen to be there made as also that it should be lawfull for him the said Iohn Bonde his heirs and assignes to retain all his own Tithes aswell arising out of his Park here at Ward end as out of a certain meadow commonly called Irish meadow and belonging of right to the Vicars of Aston paying unto the said Vicar and his successors in the same Church of Aston the summe of vi s. viii d. of lawfull English money for ever as by the publique Instrument of the said Vicar bearing date at Aston aforesaid 23. Feb. Anno 1516. 8 H. 8. appeareth Which Iohn Bonde made a small Park here of xxx acres in 6 H. 8. and stored it with Deer and left issue Thomas Bonde and he severall daughters and coheirs whereof Margaret being the wife of Edward Kynardesley son to Iohn Kynardesley of Brallesford in Com. Derb. brought this Mannour to that Family wherein it still continues Castle Bromwich THat this place had its first denomination from the Broome that the soile being of a sandy disposition naturally produceth and the crooke of the River which our Ancestors used to call a Wich or Wik there is likelyhood enough Neither do I doubt but that originally it was a member of Aston and so disposed of by some one of the old Barons of Dudley unto him who in respect of his residence here had the sirname of Bromâ—wich Of these the first I find mentioned in Record is Wido de Bramewic in 15 H. 2. and nexâ— unto him Alan de Bromwich in 31 H. 2. whose son Thomas granted to the Canons of Leicester certain Common of Pasture in Berwode on the other side the River Besides which Thomas there was one Henry de Bromwich but whether he was also son to Alan I am not sure I am of opinion that this Henry is he who in 54 H. 3. is called Henricus del Chastel de Bromwyz by reason that he had his residence at a little Pile or Castle here situate upon the brow of the Hill on the Southern bank of Tame as by the Vestigia thereof yet remaining may appear from which Castle I suppose that the Family sirnamed de Castello whereof I have spoke in Withibroke took their sirname Henricus de Bromwyz Robertus filius Henrici de Bromwyz 49 H. 3. Anselmus de Bromwyz 15 E. 1. Henr. de Bromwich 16 E. 2. Isabella filia haeres 18 E. 3. Will. de Pero 18 E. 3. obiit s. p. Thomas de la Roche Guliel de la Roche Rob. de la Roche miles Ioh. de la Roche miles 48 E. 3. Thomas de la Roche infra aetat 9 R. 2. Elâ—zabeâ—ha Edm. Ferrers dominus de Chartley Chivalier Elena una consangu haered Joh. Bermingham 5 H. 6. Philippus Chetwind secundus maritus 18 H. 6. Will. dominus Ferrers de Chartley obiit 28 H. 6. Anna filia haeres Walt. Devereux de Ferrers Chivalier 2 E. 4. Ioh. Ferrers armiger 22 H. 6. Eliz. uxor Georgii Longvile ar Tho. de Bermingham frater haeres Iohannis defunctus 9 R. 2. Mariota Margareta ux Rog. de Clarindon mil. obiit infra aet 15 R. 2. Lucia Elianora ux Rob. de Verney Johanna Margar. ux Sim. fil Robert Fleming de Com. Cork in Hibernia Alicia Ioh. Archdekne Of Robert son to the same Henry de Bromwiz I find that in 49 H. 3. he was one of the Collectors of the revenues arising out of those lands within this Hundred of Hemlingford which eschaeted to the King by the overthrow of them that were vanquisht in the battail of Evesham fighting on the Barons part and that he had issue Anselm de Bromwich who in 19 E. 1. was certified to hold of Roger de Someri then Baron of Dudley one hide of land in Wody-Bromwich by the sixt part of a Knights fee for at that time the severall parts of this Hamlet were distinguisht by the name of Wody-Bromwich Little-Bromwich and Castle-Bromwich Henry de Castello then holding in Castel-Bromwich one yard land by the xxxii th part of a Knights fee. As also that Iohn Lovell at that time held of the said Roger de Someri a certain Park here at Bromwich paying ii s. per annum at Michaelmasse for all services And that Thomas de Bromwich held likewise one yard land by the service of the xxii th part of a Knights fee both which I presume to be meant of Castle-Bromwich To this Anselm succeeded Isabell his grandchild and heir who in 18 E. 3. was wedded to William de Peto a younger son of William de Peto at which time this Mannour of Castle-Bromwich wherein the said Anselm reserved an estate to himself for terme of life was setled upon the same William and Isabell and the heirs of their two bodies lawfully begotten but she having no issue by him afterwards married to Sir Iohn de la Roche Knight by whom she had divers Children whereupon being desirous that this Mannour of her so antient inheritance might remain to her posteririty she joyned with her said husband in the levying of a Fine in 48 E. 3. whereby reserving their own lives therein they entailed it upon Iohn their son and the issue male of his body with remainder to Roger Thomas and William their younger children successively and for default of issue by them to the heirs generall of their two bodies and for lack of such issue to the right heirs of the same Isabell. Of which
sons Iohn and Roger died young so that the inheritance divolved to Thomas who by the death of Maâ—garet wife of Sir Roger de Clarindon Knight without issue came to possesse a fair part of the Barony of Tyllaghlarg in Ireland by righfull descent as the Pedegree before inserted sheweth Which Thomas had issue onely two daughters betwixt whom his lands were divided this Mannour falling to Elene the wife of Sir Edmund Ferrers of Chartley Knight and so descended unto William Lord Ferrers of Chartley her son and heir who died seâ—zed thereof in 28 H. 6. leaving Anne his daughter and heir then the wife of Walter Devereux Esquire which Walter in 2 E. 4. and so afterwards during that King's regn and in 1 R. 3. was summoned to Parliament amongst the Barons by the name of Walter Devereux de Ferrers Chevalier whose grandchild Walter Vicount Hereford setled it upon Edward his son by a second wife and his heires which Edward built a fair House of brick here wherein he resided and being created Baronet 25. Nov. 10â— Iac. departed this life 22. Sept. in 20â— of that King's reign leaving Sir Walter Devereux his son and heir now Lord of this Mannour Anno scil 1640. Park-Hall THis having been the chief seat of the Ardens for neer CCC years last past had in 38 E. 3. the name of Park-Hall being situate in haya de Bromwich the House as it should seem by an antient moat then standing at the top of the hill Southwards from the River But in 2 H. 5. it was called Manerium de Park-Hall As a member of Bromwich it did originally belong to the old Barons of Dudley for so the tenure thereof implies but when it came to the Ardens or was by them impark't I have not yet discovered In 2 H. 8. I find that the Park was enlarged with Cxl. acres of Wood and Pasture as also with x. acres of arable ground by Iohn Arden Esquire by which it seems that the extent of it before was not great And that afterwards scil in 32 H. 8. it was called Manerium de la Logge alias Park-Hall And here should I according to my accustomed methode speak historically of the Ardens but in regard that Curdworth and Minworth have been of their inheritance even from the Norman Conquest I have thought it more proper to refer what I have to say of that antient Family thither Water Orton THis little village hath its name from the situation standing neer the River and upon such an ascent Before 32 H. 6. I have not found it termed a Mannour but then by an Inquisition taken after the death of Raph de Arden it was so reputed coming to the same Raph by the marriage of Eliz. the daughter and heir of Richard de Clodshale to whose posteritie it still continues That it was originally as a member of Aston belonging to the old Barons of Dudley there is no cause to doubt considering that it hath so antiently been within the view of their Leet held at Bordsley for all the Hamlets in Aston parish and that it appears to have been held as Saltley was the grant whereof from Gervase Paganell I have already vouched But that the Ardens had some lands therein long before the match with Clodshale's heir is as evident There is besides this another Mannour at least in reputation within the precincts of this Hamlet concerning which there was a Fine levied betwixt Francis Morgan and others Plantiffs and Richard Tate and others deforc in 6 E. 6. before which time I have not seen any mention of it and whereof in 43 Eliz. Will. Tate son of Barth Tate was possest At which time I find it certified to be held of Ardens Mannour before mentioned The Inhabitants of this Village being within the parish of Aston did antiently use to hear divine Service in the Chapell of Bromwich but in 20 E. 3. having built one of their own they obtained License from Roger Northburgh then Bishop of Coventre and Lichfield for a Priest to performe the like service therein for one year provided that they should not retain any thing of their dues from the Vicar of Aston which License bears date at Heywood 2 Aug. Anno 1346. For the antiquity of the Bridge here I cannot speak positively but in 37 H. 6. I find that Reginald Bowlers then Bishop of this Dioces taking into his consideration that it was out of repair granted a speciall Indulgence of xl days bearing date 24. Sept. to all the Inhabitants of Coventre-Archdeaconry who should within the space of three years next following charitably contribute to the amendment thereof But whether that Bridge was then of stone or not I am not sure for there is a tradition that Iohn Harman alias Vessy Bishop of Exeter in H. 8. time built it and Curdworth bridge at his own Charges causing the stone for that purpose to be brought from the old Mannour-House of Sutton of which Bishop I shall say more when I come to that place Witton THis was the freehold of one Staunchel before the Norman invasion but afterwards being disposed of with Aston to William Fitz Ausculfe the same Staunchel became Tenant to this new Lord as generally the native English were constrain'd to do so that at the time of the Conqueror's Survey it was certified with the rest of Fitz Ausculf's lands in this Countie and containing one hide was valued at xx s. in which Record it is written Witone But the next possessor thereof afterwards that I can yet discover was Andrew de Wicton who held it in 25 H. 3. being the first perhaps that became enfeoft thereof by one of the Batons of Dudley at which time there was some dispute betwixt the same Andrew and William de Pyrie touching the bounds betwixt this Lordship and that of Pyrie in Staffordshire whereupon the King directed his Precept to the Sheriff of this Countie to bring with him twelve discreet and lawfull Knights of Warwickshire having done the like to the Shiriff of Staffordshire so that upon Perambulation made there might be certain metes and bounds exactly set forth betwixt them which were to be certified to the King's Justices at the next Assize and there it is written Wicton which plainly shews that though it be vulgarly pronounced Witton the originall occasion of its name was from the situat on that it hath so near the bent of the River The next mention I find of it is in 19 E. 1. upon the death of Roger de Someri Lord of Dudley where it appears that Iohn the son of Will. Dyxele held it of the same Roger by the eighth part of a Knight's fee. Which Iohn had issue Iohn who wrote himself Dominus de Wicton in 18 E. 2. But in these Dixleys it continued not much longer for in 14 E. 3. did Sarra the widow of the said Iohn de Dixele and
Will. de Odingsells Iohn de Clinton Thomas de Hasele and Ric. de Whitacre Kts. Hugh de Bereford Anketyl de L'ile and others were witnesses appeareth Who being thus in possession of it began to exercise the like Liberty here as he did in his other lands not considering that it was within the compasse of Sutton Chase where the Earl of Warwick had so much priviledge relating both to Vert and Venison as already hath been said so that the Earl having begun suit against him he was glad to seek his favour and submit to a peaceable Agreement by which it appears that the said Earl sc. Will. de Beauchamp condiscended to grant unto them the said Thomas and Roese and the heirs of Thomas liberty to fish in that little stream called Ebroke at his coming to Pedimore and during his stay there so for as his lands lay adjacent thereto As also that they might have liberty to agist Hoggs within their Woods of Curdworth and Pedimore take benefit of the paunage and beat down Acorns for their Swine and likewise gather such Nutts as should be there growing And moreover to cut down wood for their Fewell and Hedges without any assignation of the said Earl's Forester and to make sale of twenty pounds-worth thereof so that it were by the oversight of the said Forester to the end that the Chase might have least prejudice thereby as also timber to repair the buildings within his said Mannour of Curdworth and Pedimore by the like oversight of the Forester upon warning or at least one of the Earl's Bailiffs at Sutton or in those Woods in the presence of two neighbours And if upon such warning given the Forester should absent himself that then the said Thomas and his heirs might by the view of two neighbours enter those Woods and cut down and carry away so much as should be necessary but after the death of the said Thomas and Rose neither his heirs nor assignes to take Estovers for their Fewell and Hedges nor Timber but by assignation of the said Earl's Foresters And that their Woodward should be sworn to the said Earl and his heirs as touching his Vâ—nison carrying only a Hatche or Forest-Bill without Bow and Arrows And further the said Earl did likewise grant for himself his heirs that the same Thomas and Rose and the heirs and assignes of Thomas should have liberty to make improvement of their Wast within the said Mannours according to the Sutton measure to the extent of xx acres only aâ—d to inclose them according to the Custome of the Chase so that Does with their Fawns might leap over the Hedges and that they might reduce the same land to Tillage as they should think fit in severall places to the least damage of the Chase and most advantage of the said Thomas his heirs and assignes Saving to the Commoners their Common of pasture when the Corn is off And lastly that the said Thomas and Rose as also the heirs and assignes of Thomas might peacebly hold in and enâ—oy four Acres and an half of the said Wast whereof they had received the crop before the date hereof which was at Minworth the Sunday next after the Feast of the blessed Viâ—gâ—ns Nativity in 16 Edw. 1. In this Mannour House at Pedimore was antiently a Chapell for I find that Sir Iohn de Arden Knight in 34 E. 3. had License from Rob. de Stretâ—on then Bishop of this Dioces to have a Priest for celebration of Divine Service thereinâ— But now all is levell with the Earth the site thereof with the lands thereto belonging continuing to the posterity of the said Sir Iohn of whom in Curdworth I am to speak till this day Curdworth THis lying on the North-west side of Tame and including Minworth Berwode and Dunton in its Parish was in the Conqueror's dayes possest by Turchill de Warwick and by the general Survey then taken certified to contain 4 hides the Woods being half a mile in length with as much in breadth and all valued at L s. In that Record it is written Credeworde which makes me guess that the name originally arose from some antient owner of it in the Saxons time perhaps Crida for that was then a frequent appellation but before the Norman invasion one Vluvinus had it In this place I have made choise to speak historically of that most antient and worthy Family whose sirname was first assumed from their residence in this part of the County then and yet called Arden by reason of its woodinesse the old Britans and Gauls using the word in that sense as Master Cambden hath observed Not for that the same Turchill or his descendants lived here for their principall seats were in other places viz Kingsbury and Hampton in Arden on this side the Shire as also Rotley and Rodburne on the other whilst some male branches lasted but because this is the chief place which continued longest in the Family even till of late time as I shall shew anon and was near to that where for the greatest part of these last 300 years they have had their residence Having therefore spoken so fully of the before mentioned Turchill in Warwick I shall now passe him by with this only observation that he was one of the first here in England â— that in imitation of the Normans assumed a sirname for so it appears that he did and wrote himself Turchillus de Eardene in the days of K. Will. Rufus This Turchill left issue Siward his eldest son by the first wife as also Peter a Monk in the Abby of Thorney â— and I think Raph of whom and his descendants I shall speak in Hampton in Arden and by a second wife Osbert as in Kingsbury shall be further shewed Which Siward was not permitted to enjoy any large proportion of his Father's lands the Earl of Warwick having the greatest part assigned unto him by K. Will. Rufus about the beginning of his reign in Comitatus supplimentum for augmentation of his Earldome but what he had leave to retain was by him and his posterity held by Military service of those Earlsâ— Some say that he became Sewer to Henry de Newburgh the first Earl of the Norman race but all that I have seen further memorable of him is that he was a witnesse to some principall Grants made by Geffrey de Clinton Founder of Kenilworth Priory in H. 1. time upon his endowment thereof and to certain confirmations of Roger Earl of Warwick and others as also a speciall Benefactor to the Monks of Thorney in Cambridgshire by bestowing on them his Mill at Riton and certain lands in Flekenho within this County And that he left issue Hugh and Henry Which Hugh being a very pious and devout man gave a large proportion of lands out of his Mannour of Rotley unto the Monks of Stoneley confirm'd to the Canons of Kenilworth the grant of Pakinton 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
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
Westminster as one of the Knights for this Shire so also in the Parliament of 32 E. 3. and in 43 E. 3. was Shiriff of this Countie and Leicestershire In 45 E. 3. purposing to take a voyage beyond Sea he enfeoft Sir Baldwin Frevile Knight and others in certain Mannours and lands within this County with trust that if he should die in those parts they might bring up his Children in a convenient sort with the issues and profits arising out of them this being the time that Iohn Duke of Lancaster sail'd into France with a very great Army to relieve Rochel of whose good successe in that expedition we cannot much boast In 47 E. 3. he served in the Parliament at Westminster again as one of the Knights for this Shire and in 50 E. 3. departed thiâ— life leaving Iohn his son and heir xv years of age who being also a Knight in 9 R. 2. attended Iohn Duke of Lancaster then intituled King of Castile and Leon into Spaine but whether he died there or not I am not certain for plain it is that he deceased the same year leaving Ioane and Margaret his daughters and heirs Of which Ioane I have not found what became but plain it is that she had no issue for Sir William Mountfort of Colshill Knight became possest of all Peche's lands by the marriage of Margaret scil this Mannour of Hampton with the Mannours of Honiley Blakwell Wyrmeleghton Fenni-Cumpton Aven-Dasset Dunchurch and Toft â— all in this Countie and of Shenington in Gloucestershire all which continued to his descendants till that fatall attainder of Sir Simon Mountfort Knight in to H. 7. whereof I I shall say more in Colshill But after that forfeiture was this Lordship by Letters Patent bearing date 16 Nov. 12 H. 7. given unto Richard Pudsey one of the Esquires for the Body to that King and to Ioane his wife sometime wife of Thomas Say and to the heirs male of the bodie of the said Richard which Richard had no such issue as it should seem for it returned back to the Crown whereupon Simon Mountfort Esquire grandson to the before specified Sir Simon endevoured to obtain it again and to that purpose by the mediation of Edmund Dudley a person then of great power with the King had in consideration of CLxiii li. sterling a promise thereof for the payment of which summe accordingly he procured William Fylding Eâ—quire and Leonard Verney Gent. to joyn with him in a Recognizance of CC li. But the death of King H. 7. hapning before that intended grant was made it continued in the Crown till 4 H. 8. and then was passed unto Sir Henry Guilford Knight and Margaret his wife and to the heirs male of their bodies which Sir Henry failing also of such issue and leaving the same Margaret surviving there was a Lease for xxxi years in reversion after her death granted by Q. Mâ—rie in 1. of her reign unto Thomas L'isle of Moxhull Esquire in consideration of his good service sayes the Patentâ— viz. for the apprehension of Henry Duke of Suffolk But the inheritance thereof being thus in the Crown was obtained by Robert Dudley Earl of Leicester in tail 8. Iulii 15 Eliz. after whose death without allowed lawfull issue it returned again to the said Queen and remaineth to her successors at this day Touching the Church dedicated to our Lady and S. Bartholmew what I have found observable is that Geffrey de Wirce who had this Lordship in the Conqueror's time gave a third part of the Tithe Corn and of the Wooll Cheese and Paunage the whole Tithe unto the Monasterie of S. Nicholas at Angiers whereunto Kirby-Mâ—nachorum in this Countie was a Cell but after Roger de Molbray became possest of Wirce his lands he bestowed both the Church Tithe and Glebe totally and all Chapelnes thereto belonging unto the Canons of Kenilworh shortly after the Foundation of that Religious House which gift of his Roger de Arden afterwards confirmed as also Richard Peche Bishop of Coventre his successor G. Muschamp appropriating to the said Canons the yearly Rent of v. marks v s. iv d. with one stone of waxe issuing out of the fruits thereof whereupon the Monks of Kirby before specified making their claim to the third part of the Tithes as aforesaid by vertue of G. de Wirce his grant which was afterwards confirmed by Nigell de Moubray son and heir to the first Roger got a Composition from the said Canons of Kenilworth which Composition was ratified by Richard Peche before mentioned Whereupon the said Canons prest hard for a full appropriation of all the fruits belonging thereto with the Chapells and at length obtained that their desire from William de Cornhull then Bishop as by his Instrument bearing date at Lichfield 6. Cal. Oct. Anno 1217. 2 H. 3. appeareth But no sooner was this effected than that William de Arden at that time Lord of this Mannour questioned their title to the advouson it self so granted and confirm'd as I have shewed Howbeit by mediation of friends they came to an Agreement with him that he should relinquish such his claim grant unto them free passage throughout his lands to gather and carry their Corn in consideration whereof they yielded that he the said William and his heirs should upon every Vacancie make choise of a new Vicar and the said Canons to present him unto the Bishop to be instituted accordingly which Bishop to put a full period to all disputes then also made an assignation of what the perpetuall Incumbent should for the future always have scil the whole Alterage belonging to the Church of Hampton with the small Tithes and obventions as also the Chapells of Badsley and Nuthurst and all the Glebe belonging to the said Church of Hampton excepting half a yard land in Balshall with the Tithes of Corn and Pease of the whole Parish saving those which pertain to the Chapell of Badsley and Nuthurst belonging to the Vicar And did moreover determine that whosoever should afterwards be presented to that Vicaridge ought to do his fealtie to the Monasterie of Kenilworth in the Chapter-house there and promise the payment of xx s. as an early Pension to the Canons of Kenilworth for the maintenance of a Priest celebrating at Balshall viz. at Easter x s. and Michaelmâ—â—s x s. the same Priest for Balshall making Oath to be faithfull in all things relating to the said Vicaridge And likewise that the said Vicar of Hampton for the time being should pay all dues of right belonging to the Bishop and Archdeacon And lastly that the before specified William de Arden and his heirs with their Family should have liberty to hear divine Service in his Chapell at Knoll saving the indempnitie of the mother Church of Hampton In Anno 1291. 19 E. 1. this Church was valued at xi marks and
means it is come to Iohn Mayne now of Elmedon Gentleman grandchild to the said Henry Merston-Culy IN King Edward the Confessor's time this place was possest by one Aluric who after the Norman Conquest sold it with the License of King William unto Robert de Oilgi Of which Robert Robert Venator held it at the time of the generall Survey it being then accounted for two hides having Woods which extended to four furlongs in length and one in breadth all valued at xx s. But from this time till King H. 3. reign that Hugh de Culi was owner thereof I have seen no more of it nor after that till 21 E. 3. that Sâ—r Fouk de Bermingham possest it as appears by a speciall License by him then granted unto one Ranulph Leyecroft to amortize two Mess. two yard land and xii s. Rent lying therein for the maintenance of a Priest to celebrate divine Service here every day in the Chapell of S. Leonard for the health of the soul of him the said Ranulph and of his Ancestors and all the faithfull deceased From which Ranulph who had a good proportion of lands here besides what he had so disposed of descended Robert Leecroft by whom in 22 R. 2. the whole Mannour was purchased from Thomas Roche and Eliz. his wife it being of her inheritance as daughter and heir unto Thomas de Bermingham To the descendants of which Robert it continued till H. 8. time that Anne the daughter and heir to William Lecroft of Colshill was wedded unto Iohn L'isle of Moxhull Esquire whose son and heir scil Nicholas Lâ—isle sold it in 25 H. 8. to Reginald Digby of Colshill Esquire in which line it still continues Lindon THat this Hamlet was originally so called from the situation thereof the name doth plainly manifest Lhin in the Brittish signifying a Lake or Pool and don in the Saxon a Hill for at the foot of an indifferent rising ground it standeth but the first mention I have found of it in any Record is in 34 H. 3. where it appears that Gunilda de Lynden brought an Assize of Novel disseisin against Walter de Bishopesdon and others for lands here yet is it no Mannour of it self but the lands of other Lordships reach into it whereof I shall not need to give instance Little Pakinton OF this place I find no mention in the Conqueror's Survey though it seems to have been part of the Earl of Mellent's possessions at that time for it appears that the antient Earls of Leicester were chief Lords of the Fee But certain it is that in King H. 1. time Robert de Ceraso possest it and after him Gilbert the son of Picot which Gilbert had issue William Picot unto whom Nicholas the son of Richard de Torpe released all his right therein that descended to him by inheâ—iâ—ance from the same Robert de Ceraso his grandfather This Gilbert Picot being a Knight had fair possessions in Leicestershire viz. Barow Segrave Glen c. And in 4 H. 3. was William â—icot his â—on one of the Justices for the Gaol-delivery at Warwick and Leicester both In which line of Picot it continued till about the middle of King H. 3. reign but then by daughters and heirs two parts divolved to Murdac and Ireys and the third to Nicholas Pikot which came shortly after to one Gilb. Petemon betwixt whom there grew suits for their interest here in 27 H. 3. But of these coparceners Sir Henry Murdac was the chief being Shiriff of this County and Leicestershire in 46 H. 3. and one of the Justices for the Gaol-delivery at Warwick in 56 H. 3. Which Sir Henry doing homage to Roger de Quency Earl of Winchester as Lord of the Honour of Leicester for the fourth part of a Knight's Fee that he and the other coheirs held of him here at Pakinton had authoritie given him by the said Earl to receive the homage of Thomas le â—reys and Agnes his wife as also of Nich. Pikot his fellow partners before spoken of at which time he gave to the same Earl xl s. of silver in the behalf of himself and them and his and their heirs to be released from attendance at the three weeks Court a Leicester making their appearances at hâ—â— Leet only To this Sir Henry succeeded Sir William Murdac Knight who bore for his Armes Bendè of ten pâ—â—ces Arg. and Gules and had issue Alice his daughter and heir wedded to Sir Thomas â—oyvile Knight unto whom she brought a fair inheritance of lands in Leicestershire Which Beyviles had their residence at Stokfaston in that Countie But wiâ—hin tâ—e câ—mpasse â—f that time as they had to do hâ—re they obtained one of the two other parts of this Lordshâ—p◠〈…〉 as it seems So that upâ—n the 〈…〉 three daughters and heirs of the last Iâ—hn viz. â—liz the wiâ—e o 〈…〉 Bury Hatley iâ— Com. Herâ—f abâ—â—t the laâ—â—r end 〈…〉 it unto Sâ—r Râ—bâ—rt Brâ—â—â—â—ll of Dene in Com. Northampt. Knight From whom deâ—cendâ—d Thomas Brudâ—elâ— Eâ—quâ—re afâ—erwardsâ— scil 3. Car. created Lord â—ruâ—â—ell a person much to be honoured for his great lâ—aâ—ning prudenceâ— and eminent knowledge in Anâ—â—quities who by his Deed of bargain and sale dated 19 Maii 4. Iac. past it unâ—o Sir Edward Brabazon then of Nether-Whitacre in this Câ—untie Knight whicâ— Sir Eâ—ward diâ—poâ—ed thereof to Siâ— Anthâ—â—y â—rabazon Knight his younger son tâ—e late â—wner thereof Touching that part whâ—ch Ireâ—s had I find that in 13 E. 3. Thomas le â—â—eys passed iâ— awayâ— by the name lâ—kewise of the Mannour of Pakinton-Pigot to Philip de Aâ—leston and 〈…〉 and the heâ—rs of their two 〈◊〉 but for lack of such issue to return unto the râ—gâ—t â—eirs of the said Thomas which makeâ— me 〈◊〉 that the said Kaâ—â—eâ—â—ne was his daughter Aâ—â—er this â—iz in 50 〈…〉 of whom in Maxstoke I shall speak puâ—câ—ased oâ—e third part 〈…〉 Mâ—nnâ—ur 〈…〉 and Ioane his wiâ—e but 〈…〉 were that which Philip de 〈◊〉 above 〈…〉 the othâ—r formâ—râ—y belongiâ—g to Gâ—lbert 〈◊〉 I cannot well discâ—ver Which third part continued to his posteâ—ity tiâ—l the beginniâ—g of H. 7. time though how much longâ—r I know not for in 20 H. 7. Iohn Creâ— Vicount L'isle was found tâ— dye sâ—â—zed 〈◊〉 â— by the name likewise of the Mannâ—ur of Pakinton-Pâ—got which from him divolved to â—homas Mâ—rquess Dorsâ—t his Unclâ—'s son and so consequently to Henry Duke of Suff. After whose attainder in 1 Mariae whereof in Astley I have spoke it eschaeted to the Crown and continued therein till Queen Elizabeth in the second year of her reign granted it to Edward Earl of Lincolne lâ—neaâ—l heir to the Clintons before specified which Earl sold â—t to one Sampson Baker Gentleman 30 Oct. 15 Eliz. who died seized thereof in 26 Eliz.
my death shall cause me to remember And make me live to live hereafter ever And gladly to Gods hands my soul surrender Prepar'd by Faith which faith shall faile me never He wave this life and seek that life which lasteth Since that which now I have at length death blasteth I owe a debt which debt I cannot pay Nor can from thraldome worke my own redemption 'T is only Christ who willing is and may To worke from sinne and payne my free exemption 〈◊〉 grant I live as worthy of his favour And that my death of heavenly life may savour The said Sir Clement dyed October 23. A o D. 1619. Dame Mary his wife dyed .... Patroni Vicariae Incumbentes c. Prior Conv. de Kenilworth Galfr. Marmion prid Non. Martii 1312. Prior Conv. de Kenilworth Thomas de Shepey Cap. 6. Cal. Dec. 1337. Prior Conv. de Kenilworth Ric. de Wesseford Pbr. 23. Apr. 1384. Prior Conv. de Kenilworth Ric. Hiâ—pe 28. Aug. 1405. Prior Conv. de Kenilworth Ioh. Cokkys 5. Sept. 1412. Prior Conv. de Kenilworth Ioh. Racheford Cap. 27. Martii 1414. Prior Conv. de Kenilworth Will. Hâ—rvy Cap. ult Martii 1416. Prior Conv. de Kenilworth Ioh. Toures Pbr. 5. Oct. 1434. Prior Conv. de Kenilworth Ric. Lâ—che ult Apr. 1440. Prior Conv. de Kenilworth Will. Haddon Cap. 5. Febr. 1450. Prior Conv. de Kenilworth Thom. Ludlowe 25. Ian. 1454. Prior Conv. de Kenilworth Ioh. Wright Cap. 25. Ian. 1503. Prior Conv. de Kenilworth Ioh. Clerke art Magr. 12. Martii 1527. Prior Conv. de Kenilworth Nich. Lyn 10. Martii 1529. Ioh. Fisher gen ratione dimiss c. H. 8. Regis Angl. D. Will. Ravys Cap. 10. Nov. 1539. Clemens Fysher ar Will. Shuttleworth 16. Ian. 1572. Clemens Fysher ar Rob. Osburne Cler. 14. Oct. 1596. Rob. Fysher miles Bar. Georgius Gearye in art liac 5. Nov. 1623. Armes in the East Window of the Chancell Châ—quie Or and Azure Warren Earl of Surrey Varre Arg. and sable a Fesse gules Bracebrigge In the body of the Church is a grave-stone and thereon a portraiture in brass with this Epitaph Hic jacet dominus Iohannes Wright quondam Uicarius istius Ecclesie qui obiit viii die mensis Martij Anno Domini 1527. Eujus anime propitieiur Deus Maxstoke DEscending somewhat lower by the guidance of this River I come to Maxstoke in the Conqueror's Survey written Machiâ—one and certified to contain five hides except one virgate the Woods being one mile in length and half a mile in breadth and the whole valued at xl s. which then belonged unto Turchil de Warwick Alnod holding it as his Tenant but in Edward the Confessor's time to one Aâ—lmundus I have not seen when it was first granted from the Descendants of that Turchil unto the Limesies Lords of Long-Ichinton and Solihull in this Countie of which later viz. Solihull it was reputed a member in 15 E. 2. but that they had it and very antiently appears by the Shiriff's Accompt in 6 Ioh. where Iohn de Braiose and Amabil his wife gave a Fine of XL. marks and a Palfrey to have possession of it and Buleâ— unto both which Alice the widow of Iohn de Limesie brother to the said Annabil being at that time Countess of Warwick claimed an interest having had the King's Precept for receiving seisin thereof for which she had likewise given a Fine but in that Record it is written Maxtoc From this Amabil â— for she died without issue as by the Descent in Ichington appeareth it came to William de Oâ—ingsells son of Hugh de Odingsells by Basilia her sister Which William in 34 H. 3. had a Charter of Free warren in all his demesn lands here and left issue William who in 13 E. 1. claimed here likewise a Court-Leet with Gallows Tumbrell and Assize of Bread and Beer by Prescription which were allowed the Hamlets of Merston and Cotes now Coton being members thereof the same William de Odingsells having xiv Freeholders there from whom he received xxxvi s. viii d. per annum Rent Unto which William succeeded Edmund his son and heir who dying without issue the inheritance came to be divided betwixt his four Sisters and heirs whose names with their matches I have in Solihull exprest Of these Ida the eldest had this Lordship for her share and by marriage with Iohn de Clinton one of the sonns unto Thomas de Clinton of Amington eldest son of Sir Thomas de Clinton of Colshill brought it unto that Family wherein it continued till 16 H. 6. that Sir William de Clinton passed it away in exchange unto Humphrey Earl Stafford for two Lordships in Northamptonshire as I shall shew by and by But forasmuch as the said Iohn de Clinton and his descendants being persons of much eminency had here their seat I shall before I proceed farther say something historically of them This Iohn before his marriage with the said Ida resided at Aminton as his Father did and was called Iohn de Clinton junior whilst his Uncle Iohn whose â—eat was at Colshill lived In 29 Edw. 1. he served in the Parliament at Lincolne as one of the Knights for this Shire and the same year had speciall Summons amongst divers other eminent persons to attend the King at Barwick upon Twede on the Feast day of the Nativitie of S. Iohn Baptist to march against the Scots At which time the King invading Scotland with his Army Royall as a badge of his favour to this Iohn for his speciall service in that expedition whom he calls nostre chier vadlet his beloved Esquier by his Letters Patent dated at Glascow 2. Aug. ensuing granted unto him lands in that Kingdom to the value of XL li. per annum according to an indifferent extent being part of the estate belonging to Malkolme Dromond then in Arms against the said K. Edward After which viz. in Iune 34 E. 1. he attended Edw. P. of Wales by the King 's speciall command into Ponthieu and in 1 E. 2. was made Governour of the Castle and Honour of Wallingford But in 8â— of the said King's reignâ— he departed this life leaving Iohn his son and heir within age and William a younger son who became a person of great eminency as I shall shew anon Joh de Clinton de Maxstoke obiit 8 E. 2. Ida primogenita filiarum cohaer Will. de Odingsels Joh. de Clinton miles 3 E. 3. Margeria filia Will Corbet de Chadsley mil. Idonea altera sororum demâ—â—n haered Will. de Say Ioh. de Clinton miles obiit 20 R. 2. Eliz. filia tandem haeres Will. de la Plaunch consangu una haered Rog. Hillary mil. Edwardus Clinton â—b 1 H. 4. Will. de Clinton miles obiit vivo patre
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 the posteritie of the said Sir George passed away all his right therein to Sir Rob. Digby Kt. and his heirs by whom it is enjoyed together with Colshill at this day Hawkswell THis is no Mannour of it self but as a member of Colshill and involved therewith hath been and is still enjoyed by the owners of that Lordship Gilsdon THis was heretofore written Gudlesdone for it seems that the Hill which lyes North-Eastwards from the Village being antiently so called gave denomination thereunto But the first mention I find of it in Record is in 10 E. 3. where it appears that one Will. le Wrounge of Colshill whose inheritance it was past away his right therein unto Sir Ric. de Peshale Kt. for an C. marks of silver the occasion whereof was this Sir Richard having an estate for life in the Mannours of Hinton in Cambridgeshire and Shustoke in this Countie was requested by Will. de Clinton then Earl of Huntingdon of whom in Maxstoke I have spoke to quit his right therein unto him inasmuch as he the said Earl had obained the estate in reversion of those Lordships from the Lord Moubray in exchange for other lands whereunto the said Sir Richard assented upon condition that he might have this Mannour cleerly and libertie to take down and remove whether he pleased a certain new House then built by him at Shustoke and likewise to carry away such timber as he had cut down in the Park at Shustoke as also to fell and take away six Oaks more for timber and six for fuell out of the said Park All which being assented unto there were Indentures made betwixt the said Sir Richard and Iohn de Peto junior then of Sheldon in the behalf of the said Earl unto whom he was of Councell for consummating the bargain So that it hereby appears that the C. marks given to the before-specified Will. le Wrounge came out of the Earl of Huntindon's purse Unto which Sir Richard's part of the Indentures is his Seal of Armes affixed viz. Argent upon a Crosse fleuriâ—è sable an Escâ—cheon of Augmentation bearing a Lion rampant But it was not long ere that the said Sir Richard again quitted his right to this Mannour unto the before specified Earl whereupon the said Will. le Wrounge and Isabell his wife for the better confirmation thereof levied a Fine to the same Iohn de Peto unto the said Earl's use for in 20 E. 3. did the said Earl pass it unto Iohn de Collesley and his heirs in exchange for certain lands lying in Colshill near Dywyke-bruge which lands do bear the name of Collesleys to this day From this Iohn de Collesley it descended to his two daughters and heirs sc. Margaret the wife of Thomas Holt and Alice betwixt whom partition being made in 23 E. 3. it was allotted to the said Margaret who surviving her first husband afterwards married to Philip de Budeford which Philip joyned with her in the sale thereof unto Will. le Mascy of Swonley in Cheshire whose grandchild William of Sirescote in Staffordshire had issue Catherine his daughter and heir married to Will. de Chisâ—nhale of Chisenhale in Lancashire Lord of this Mannour and of Sirescote in her right who in 12 〈◊〉 2. sold it to one Iohn de Barwe a Smith of Coventre Which Iohn in 13 R. 2. past it to one Raph Richards who in 3 H. 4. aliened it to Iohn Tate of Coventre in whose line it continued till 27 H. 8 that Iohn Tate a descendant from the said Iohn conveyed it to George Kebyll To whom succeeded in the possession thereof Thomas Kebyll and to him Iohn Wise Gent. by purchase in 14 Eliz. a branch of the Wises of Devonshire as by some antâ—ent writings shewd unto me may seem whose nephew Richard Wise scil son of his Brother William now enjoys it At the skirts of this Parish sc. Coleshill wherewith I have now done Cole meets with Blithe which carrieth away the name scarce half a mile further for having there met with Tame that River hath the prioritie a little below which confluence Bourne likewise enters unto the head whereof next having recourse I come to Corley Corley I Am of opinion that this place had its name originally from the situation which is very high Coryn in the Brittish-tongue signifying the Head or top of any thing for in the Conquerour's Survey it is written Cornelie In that Record it is rated at one hide the Woods belonging thereto being a quarter of a mile in length and half as much in breadth all which were then in the hands of the same Godvine who was owner thereof before the Norman invasion and valued at xxx s. The next that possest it of whom I have seen any mention were the Hasting's Lords likewise of Fillongley hard by yet how soon I cannot declare but by some one of them was Hugh de Ringedon or his ancestor enfeoft thereof which Hugh had it in 4 H. 3. from whom descended Raph de Ryngesdon who in 53 H. 3. was certified to hold it of Henry de Hastings by the service of half a Kt's fee. It should seem that the heir generall of the said Raph de Ryngesdon married to one of the Mancesters Lords of Mancester in this Countie for by severall authorities it appears that the family of Mancester held this Mannour of the heirs of Hastings But for want of light from private evidence I cannot discern how it went from the Mancesters nor of a long time after who possest it I must therefore pass from the later end of Edw. 3. time for then did the male line of Mancester determine untill the reign of E. 4. wherein I find that Iohn de Champernoun died seized of it in 15 E. 4. leaving two daughters and heirs viz. Blanche the wife of Sir Robert Willoughby Kt. and Ioane Which Sir Robert was summoned to Parliament amongst the Barons in 7 H. 7. and afterwards by the name of Rob. Willoughby de Brooke Chivalter by reason of his residence at Brooke in Wiltshire and had issue Robert Willoughby Lord Brooke whose heir was married to Sir Fouke Grevill as in Alcester I have manifested by which means this Lordship of Corley is come with the rest of Grevill's lands to the Lord Brooke who now enjoys it The Church was antiently given to the Monks of Coventre yet neither by whom nor the direct time when have I seen but in 44 H. 3. they had it In an 1291. 19 E. 1. it was valued at four marks and in 26 H. 8. at iiii l. over and above ix s. vi d. allowed for Procurations and Synodalls In a North window of the Church Gules a Saltire varrè betwixt xii billets Or Champernoun Patroni Ecclesiae Incumbentes Prior Conv. de Coventre Egidius de Trebys an 1250. Patroni Vicariae Henr. Over Gen. D.
others of the great Nobilitie to be at Shrewsbury on the Feast day of the Nativitiâ— of the blessed Virgin well furnisht with Horse and Armes to march against Lewelin Pâ—ince of Wales and his complices then in rebellion and the next year following had the like Summons to be at London the morrow after the Feast day of the Apostles Simon and Iude So also in 47â— H. 3. to be at Worcester on the Feast day of S. Peter ad Vincula called Lammas in like sort accoutred but with what affection he came thither is easie to ghess for it appears that being seduced by the turbulent spiritted Barons he joyned with them in committing many great outrages upon the Church and Clergie that very year for which he together with Henry and Simon sons to Sim. Mountfort Earl of Leicester and many more of the rebellious Nobilitie were excommunicated by the Archb. of Canterbury After which no man was more active against the King than he being one of those that on the Barons part submitted to such a determination as the K. of France should make unto whom the dâ—fferences touching those Ordinances called Provisiones Oxonii so prejudiciall to the King was referred and who did put himself in Armes with the rest under pretence of asserting the Laws of the landâ— and the peoples just liberties holding out Northampton hostâ—lely against the King and likewise Kenilworth Castle during that famous six-months siege as in my discourse of that place is shewed So that by the Decree called Dictum de Kenilworth which after his victorâ—e aâ— Evesham was made in favâ—ur of those Rebells having been so prime an Actor in those disturbances he was specially excepted and referred to a seaven years imprisonment or submission to the King's mercy But with his Lady the King dealt very gratiouslyâ— even in the height of her husband's violence for in September 49 H. 3. he assigned unto herâ— this Lordship of Fillongley with Allesley and Berdingbury in this Counâ—ie as also Barwell and Burbach in Leicestershire for her maintenance which were then valued at C l. per an and in Ianuary the year following added the Lordships of Ierdele Blimham and Nayleston confirming his assignation of this and the rest abâ—ve mentioned The direct time of this Henry's death I find not but I suppose it to have been in 53 H. 3. for in that year had the said Ioan his widdow an allotment of divers Kts. Fees and parts of Fees lying in sundry places for her dower which in the whole came to no less than xxiiii Which great Lady sealed with her husband's Armes scil a Manche the outside of the Seal being decked wâ—th her paternall coat viz. Flower de â—uces To the last Henry de Hastings succeeded Iohn his son and heir which Iohn became a coheir to George de Cantilupe his Uncle by the mothers side unto whom for his part inter alia was allotted the Castle and Honour of Bergavenny the Castle of Kilgaran as also the Mannour of Aston-Cantilupe in this Countie of all which being in â—he Kâ—ng's hands in regard of his minoritie he had â—â—verie in 11 E. 1. then doing his homage and the next year following had command to attend â—hâ— King in his Scotch expedition In 15 E. 1. he was in that Welch voyage with Edm. Earl of Cornwall unto whom the K. being then in Gascoign had committed the custodie of this Realm After which I find that in 21 E. 1. he accompanied Gilbert de Clare Earl of Glouc. and Hereford into Ireland and that in 25 E. 1. he had Summons â— amongst many other great persons to be at London on the Sunday next after the Octaves of St. Iohn Bapt. sufficiently furnâ—sht with Horse and Armes thence to attend the King in his expedition beyond Sea As also the next ensuing year the like Summons to be at Karleol on Whitson Eve to march against the Scots In 28 E. 1. he attended the King with his Army into Scotland and thâ—re performed militarie service for five Knight's fees in which year he obtained a Charter for a Mercate at this his Mannour of Fillongley weekâ—y every Munday and an annuall Faire beginning on the Eve of St. Iohn Bapt. Nativitie to last for five days In 31 E. 1. he attended the King again into Scotland and was at that memorable siege of Kaerlaverok The same year likewise was he in the wars of Gascoigne and in 34 E. 1. had speciall summons amongst the rest of the great Nobilitie to be at Westminster the morrow after Trinitie-Sunday there to consider and take order concerning an Aid for the making of Prince Edward Knight and from the 23 of E. 1. till his death whâ—ch hapned in 6 E. 2. had summons with the rest of the Barons to the severall Parliaments then held but departing this world not long afteâ— leâ—t issue by Isabell his wife daughter 〈◊〉 Will. de Valence Earl of Pembroke Iohn de Haâ—â—ings his son and heir who being of age at that time did his Homage and had lâ—verie of his lands Which Iohn in 16 E. 2. was made Governour of Kenilworth Castle but of him I have seen little elâ—e memorable other than his marriage with Iulian the daughter and heir of Sir Thomas Leyburne and that he departed this life in 18 R. 2. leaving Laurence his son and heir about â—ive years of age which Laurencâ— in 11 E. 3. was committed to the tuition of Will. de Clinica Earl of Huntingdon who had marryed Iulian his mother to be educated with him till he should become of full age hâ—ving an allowance of CC. marks out of the Exchequer yearly fâ—r his support and maintenance during that time Of whâ—m I find that the Kâ—ng had so much careâ— when he was at New Castle upon Tine abâ—ut four years be 〈…〉 having sent for the Qâ—â—en to come thither to him and considering that so long a jâ—urney mâ—â—ht be dangerous to the Child for he was then bâ—en up in her Câ—urt directed his speacâ—all Letters to the said Iulian desiring her as a person most proper to undergo that trust to take him into her charge promising satisfaction for all costs and expences which she should be at therein This Laurence was in 13 E. 3. by the K's Letters Pat. bearing date Oct. 13. declared Earl of Pembroke in regard of his descent from Isabell the eldest sister and coheir unto Aymere de Valence Earl of Pembroke and by Agâ—es one of the daughters to â—og de Mortimer fiâ—st Earl of March had issue Iohn Earl of Pembroke little more than a twelve month old at his fathers's death which hapned in 22 E. 3. Which Iâ—hn was in 46 E. 3. sent over into Gascoign to raise the siege of Rochel beleagured by the French being then about xxv years
marks found sufficient sureties for his future good behaviour viz. Sir Iohn Murdak Knight Simon de Whitacre and Alan de Wodelowe And the next year following being a Justice of Assize in this County bore for his Armes Sable three Lozenges Aâ—gent After which viz. in 1 Edw. 3. he was a Knight and in 11 Edw. 3. one of the three for this County that had speciall summons to attend the King in his great Councell held at Westminster the Friday next after Michaelmass-day The next year following he had the like summons to be aâ— Westminster on the morrow after the Clause of Easter the Kâ—ng being then resolved upon an expedition beyond Sea in which year also he was constituted a Commissioner for conservation of the Peace in this Countie and to see that all persons were sufficiently armed according to the Statute of Winchester In 17 E. 3. he was in Commission to arrest such Proctors as were then imployed here in England as also other Purveyors from the Court of Rome which by vertue of the Pope's Bulls did put in practise divers things derogating from the King 's Royall power In 18 E. 3. again joyned in Commission for conservation of the Peace in this Countie In 19 E. 3. he had summons amongst sundry other persons of note to be well accoutred with Hoâ—se and Armes on the Feast of S t Laurence to attend the King in his French expedition and by Ioane the daughter of Hugh de Culi of Radclive in Leicestershire had issue Richard his son and heir who bore for his Armes Argent upon a bend sable cotized Gules three Lozenges of the first Which Richard in 27 and 28 E. 3. was imployed as a Commissioner for levying and collecting a xvth and xth in this Countie So likewise in 47 and 48 Edw. 3. but farther of him I have not observed any thing memorable other than that he left issue one onely daughter called Ioane wedded to Alan Waldeif of Alspath by whom she had two daughters and heirs viz. Elene married to Richard Walsh of Onelip in Leicestershire and Margaret to Thomas Hore of Elmedon Which Richard Walsh and Thomas Hore were certified to hold this Mannour joyntly in 10 H. 6. but afterwards Hore had it wholy as it seemes and left Alan his son and heir and he Katherine an onely daughter married to Iohn Boteler of Solihull Gentleman Which Iohn and Katherine had issue Iohn Boteler who sold his moytie to Thomas Marow then of Wrydfen Esquire In whose hands it continued but a while for by his Deed bearing date 3. Martii 2 3 Ph. M. in consideration of CCC li. he past away the same unto Richard Kyfe alias Coke and Iohn Miller both of this town Yeomen and to the heirs and assigns of the said Richard Which Richard by his last Will and Testament bearing date about November 5 6 Ph. M. bequeathed all his lands to Katherine Corbet his wifes daughter and the heirs of her body whereby the inheritance thereof came to the posterity of the same Iohn Miller unto whom she was wedded But the other moytie descended from the before specified Richard Walshe and Elene his wife to Thomas Walshe their son and heir and so to Anne the wife of Sir Thomas Pultney Knight cosin and heir to the said Thomas Walshe Which Sir Thomas Pultney had issue Francis and he Gabraell who in Queen Elizabeth's time aliened it to the heirs of the said Iohn Miller most if not all the Fermes as of Marow's moytie before specified and part of the demesns having been sold out before to the particular Tenants The Church here dedicated to S. Leonard was originally but a Chapell belonging to Colshill as may seem by what I have in Colshill already manifested yet did the patronage thereof pass by the name of a Church in 3 Ioh. as appears by the grant then made unto the Nuns of Mergate in Bedfordshire from Iordan de Whitacre the appropriation whereof I have not seen conceiving that it was very antient but the Cure hath been served by a Stipendiarie there being no Vicar endowed Whitacre inferior THis being part of that which in my discourse of Whitacre superior is contained under the name of Witecore without any distinction came totally to the Marmions Lords of Tamworth-Castle as the other did and in King Stephen or beginning of Hen. 2. reign was granted by Robert Marmion to William Fitz Raphe to hold by the service of one Knight's Fee Which William being a very devout man gave to the Nuns of Polesworth all his lands lying in Aldulvestre now called Austrey in this Shire To whom succeeded Raphe also sirnamed Fitz Raphe one of the pledges for Robert Marmion in 2 H. 3. that he should faithfully keep the Castle of Tamworth to the King's use who in 6 H. 3. was one of the Justices of Assize in this Countie and in 20 H. 3. certified to hold this Mannour of the said Robert Marmion by the service of one Knight's Fee whereat both he and his successors for some descents resided as I guess there being the site of a fair Mannour place which had antiently a Park belonging thereto The next of which line was Nich. Fitz-Raphe whom I take to be son and heir to Raphe before specified who being a Knight about the 29. of H. 3. and in 34 H. 3. one of the Justices for Gaol-delivery at Warwick bore for his Armes two Barrs as by his Seal appeareth and had issue Giles whose daughter and heir Isabell took to husband Robert a younger son to Philip Marmion Lord of Tamworth-Castle Which Robert being by that means possest of this Mannour gave to the Nuns of Polesworth a yard land lying therein for the health of his soul and the soul of the said Isabell and by his Deed bearing date at Draiton-Basset the Wednsday next before the Feast of S. Leo the Pope 14 E. 2. in consideration of an annuity of XL li. to be payd during his naturall life past away all his title and right in this Mannour as also in Halughton Pericroft and Glascote unto Raphe Lord Basset of Draiton to hold during that terme unto which Deed his Seal of Arms is affixt viz. three Swords in pale pointing downwards with a Cheif varrè This Robert had issue a daughter called Amice first married to Eustace de Hardreshull as it seems for the said Eustace and she in 14 Edw. 2. covenanted to passe away all their interest and right herein as also in those other before specified unto the said Lord Basset which was done accordingly by a Fine levied xv Mart. the same year But she was afterwards married to Iohn de Whitacre and in 3 Edw. 3. having buried him released to the said Lord Basset all her right only
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
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
Winâ—rida ux Edw. Willoughby Abigal Francisca Hugo Willoughby miles periit in mare glaciali anno 1553. Which Sir Henry being made a Banneret at the battail of Stoke 11. Iunii 2 H. 7. and in 4 H. 7. a Commissioner in this Countie for appointing Archers to the relief of Britanny as also a Knight of the Sepulcher by his Testament bearing date 20 H. 8. bequeathed his body to be buried in the Church of S. Leonard at Wollaton in Com. Nott. and departed this life 11. Maii the same year leaving issue Sir Iohn Willoughby Knight his son and heir that married Anne one of the sisters and coheirs to Edward Grey Viscount L'isle Sir Edward Willoughby Knight his second son and Sir Hugh Willoughby Knight the third famous for his skill in Navigation but unhappy in his adventure in Anno 1553. being then frozen up in the Northern Seas as our Historians relate Which Sir Iohn Willoughby dying without issue Henry son to his brother Edward became heir to the estate who wedded Anne daughter of Thomas Grey Marquess Dorset and departed this life in 3 E. 6. leaving Thomas his son and heir who dying issulesse the estate came to Francis his yonger Brother afterwards a Knight Which Sir Francis built that stately House at Wollaton in Com. Nott. being the most eminent piece of Architecture in all those parts but departing this life 16. Nov. 38 Eliz. without issue male the inheritance of his lands divolved to daughters so that this Mannour of Midleton inter alia being alotted to Briget the eldest Wife to Sir Percivall Willoughby Knight descended from the Willoughbyes of Ersby in Lincolneshire by Sir Thomas Willoughby one of the Justices of the Common Pleas in King H. 8. time a younger son of that House as their Pedegree sheweth whose son and heir Sir Francis Willoughby Knight now enjoys it Of the Church dedicated to S. Iohn Baptist the Advouson was purchased from Sir Philip Marmion by the Dean and Chapter of the Collegiate-Church at Tamworth in 41 H. 3. After which being appropriated thereto it became a Prebend thereof so that the Cure was served be a Stipendiarie Baxterley PAssing the River now to the other side I come to Baxterly situate at the head of a slender torrent which coming by Hurley enters Tame a little above Kingsburie But of this place there is no particular mention in the Conqueror's Survey it being then involved with Grendon and so consequently possest by Henry de Fâ—rrerâ— From whom it came to one of the old Earls of Warwick and so to Harecourt as may seem by the Record of 36 H. 3. where it is plain that Richard de Harecourt held the sixt part of a Knight's Fee here of the Earl of Warwick And from Harecourt to Luvell for about the beginning of King Edw. 1. reign did Iohn Luvell the son of William Luvell grant to Sir Iohn de Chetwynd his kinsman the inheritance thereof paying to him the said Iohn and his heirs or to Richard de Harecurt Chief Lord of the Fee as the Deed expresseth a pound of Pepper yearly at Easter After which scil in 9 E. 1. it was found that the same Sir Iohn de Chetwynd had certain Customary Tenants here who payd unto him C s. per annum Rent and did suit twice a year at his Leet the extent of what he had here being certified at iv yard land but in 17 E. 3. it appears that Sir Iohn de Chetwynd had xvi Messuages vi yard land vi acres of Pasture and two acres of Wood in this place It seems that the Chetwynds did not long after this retain the possession of these lands for in 19 E. 3. the moytie of this Mannour together with the advouson of the Church was given by some Ecclesiastique persons who were Feoffees to one William de Henover unto the Abby of Merevale to find certain Priests to celebrate divine Service in the Chapell of our Ladie near the Gate of the said Monastery for the soul of the said William de Henovere deceased so that 't is like they were about that time purchased of Sir Iohn de Chetwynd for that purpose in regard of their vicinitie to Merevale All which after the dissolution of that House were in 32 H. 8. together with it purchased from the Crown by Sir Walter Devereux Knight Lord Ferrers of Chartley and so descended to Robert Earl of Essex Lord thereof in anno 1640. Within this moytie is a fair mansion called Baxterley Hall built in King Edw. 6. time by Iohn Glâ—ver then a Retainer to the Lord Ferrers as may appear by the Armes and Badges carved upon the timber-work thereof but formerly a Servant to the Abbots of Merevale as by tradition I have heard Unto which House did that famous assertor of the Protestant Religion scil Hugh Latimer sometime Bishop of Worcester resort whose ghostly Instructions so well grounded Robert Glover Brother to the said Iohn that rather than he would recede from them he chose to lay down his life being burnt at Coventre in 5 6 Ph. M. as M r Fox in his Catalogue of Martyrs hath declared Which Robert had issue Hugh who inherited these lands as cosin and heir to his uncle Iohn in whose line they continue till this day As for the other moytie the soonest discoverie that I have made thereof afterwards is in 12 â— 4. where Thomas Litleton at that time one of the Justices of the Common Pleas gave it to Roger Wall then one of the Canons of Lichfield and other his Feoffees for performance of his last Will From whom descended Sir Edward Litleton of Pillaton-Hall in Com. Staff Knight who sold it of late years to George Corbyn â—eorge Ludford and Richard Whitehall Gentlemen Trustees for the Freeholders in whom it now resteth The Church being originally but a Chapell belonging unto Orton on the Hill antiently written Overton subâ—us Arden was with it given to the Monks of Merevale by Robert Earl Ferrers Pope Lucius the third confirming the grant in anno 1185. 32 H. 2. But the patronage thereof after the grant of the moytie of the Mannour together with the Advouson to the Monks of Merevale as formerly hath been said was jointly in the said Monks the heirs of Harecurt superioâ— Lords of the Fee being exercised by turns as the Institutions will manifest In anno 1291. 19 E. 1. it was valued at five marks but in 26 H. 8. at C s. over and above iv s. vi d. allowed for Procurations and Synodalls Patroni Ecclesiae Incumbentes c. W. filius Roberti de Henover Will. le Archer Cler. an 1302. Rob. de Stokes per concess D. Ric. de Harecurt Thomas de Boudon Cler. 2. Id. Apr. 1303. Will. de Schulton Rector Eccles. de Ashesho Ioh. de Walton Pbr. 16. Cal. Iulii 1343. D. Will. de Harecurt miles
Rog. de Roderham 7. Cal. Apr. 1345. Abbas Conv. de Merevale Thom. de Poleye Cap. 5. Id. Sept. 1348. Rob. de Ferrers dominus de Bosworth miles Ioh. Woodcock Pbr. 12. Cal. Nov. 1349. Abb. Conv. de Merevale Ioh. de Rommessere Pbr. 6. Cal. Ian. 1349. Abb. Conv. de Merevale Ioh. Fynch Cap. 18. Cal. Dec. 1358. D. Rad. de Ferrers miles D. Ioh. Scropton 4. Id. Martii 1358. D. Thomas de Astley Thomas Boton Pbr. 8. Iunii 1376. Abb. Conv. de Merevale Ioh. de Polesworth Pbr. ult Maii 1379. Thomas de Astley junior miles Ric. de Derset ult Martii 1382. Abb. Conv. de Merevale Ric. Rymyld 8. Cal. Dec. 1386. Thom. de Astley de Appulby ar Will. Aleyn Cap. 26. Iunii 1416. Abb. Conv. de Merevale Henr. Cloghes Cap. 13. Febr. 1456. Hug. de Astley Cler. alii ex concess Tho. Astley de Patshull ar D. Ric. Hall Cap. 14. Iulii 1541. Henr. Porter alii ratione concess Pr. Conv. de Kenilw. D. Ioh. Farmer Cler. 9. Sept. 1552. Geo. Stoneynge ex concess Abb. Conv. de Merevale D. Will. Wood 19. Sept. 1554. Gilb. Astley ar fil haer Tho. Astley de Patshull Ric. Morgan Cler. 25. Martii 1561. Tho. L'isle de Moxhull ex concess Tho. Astley de Pateshull Ric. Slanye 26. Nov. 1561 Ioh. Wood ex concess Gilb. Astley ar Ric. Browne Cler. 3. Apr 1569. T. Bromley miles Cancellar Angl. ad implend ult volunt Walt. Comitis Essexiae Will. Bate Cler. 1. Nov. 1583. Will. Crompton de Stone ex concess T. Astley de Patshull ar Ioh. Foxe Cler. ... Ian. 1591. Ioh. Palmer Cler. Rector Eccl. B. Mariae Staff Ioh. Watson Cler. 4. Aug. 1627. Kingsbury I Come next to Kingsbury which is a large Parish containing these Viâ—lages and places of note viz. Kymberley-Hall Hurley Plumpton Flanders-Hall Hallaton Drakenege Whateley Slateley Holt Cliffe and Dosthill of all which in their order That this place in the Saxons time was a Seat belonging to some of the Mercian Kings is not to be doubted the name it self importing no lesse Besides if we regard the situation for delight few in these parts will equall it considering the vicinity of the River bordered on the one side with Hills and Woods and on the other with spacious and pleasant Meadows And that the verge of Sutton-Chase in those days a Forest as by what I have in Sutton observed extended to the skirts thereof So thaâ— if I shall hence conclude that this is the same Kingsburie where Bertulphus King of Mercia residing had a grand Councell of his Prelates and great Nobles in the yeare from our Saviour's Incarnation DCCCLI I think it will be no great presumption But of these antient times as we have little Discoverie so is there no great certaintie to be found I shall therefore descend somewhat neerer the Norman Invasion where by the light of that generall Survey where it is written Chinesburie which King VVilliam here made shortly after his Conquest I find that the Countess Godeva of whom in Coventre I have spoke held it in Edward the Confessor's days whence I guess that Earl Leofrike her husband possest it in his time By which Survey here are said to have been six hides of land two Priests one Mill valued at ix s. iv d. xii acres of Meadow and Woods extending to a mile in length and as much in breadth which together with the rest were rated at xiii li. by weight being then in the possession of one Nicholas as Fermour to the King of all the lands that had belong'd to the said Countess Turkillus de Warewic ...... ux prima Siwardus de Ardena temp H. 1. Turkillus de Warewic Leverunia ux secunda Osbertus de Ardena Matilda Henricus de Ardena Thomas de Ardena 9. Ioh. Osbertus de Ardena Adeliza ux Sim. de Harcuria obâ—â—t s. prole Amabilis ux Rob. fil Walteri ob s. prole Amicia ux Petri de Bracebrigge Joh. de Bracebrigg 9 Ioh. ob s. prole Will. de Bracebrigge frater haeres Anketil de Bracebrigg 32 H. 3. Rad. de Bracebrigg miles 33 H. 3. Ioh. de Bracebrigg miles 36 H. 3. Ioh. de Bracebrigg miles 3 E. 2. Ioh. de Bracebrigg miles 31 E. 3. Rad. de Bracebrigg miles 19 E. 3. Ioanna Ioh. de Bracebrigg miles 19 R. 2. obiit s. p. Rad. de Bracebrigg mileâ— 10 H. 4. Rad. Bracebrigg ar 13 H. 4. Ioanna filia Will. Neuport mil. Ric. Bracebrigg ar aet 9 an 14 H. 6. Ioh. Bracebrigg ar obiit 23. Martii 7 H. 8. Sim. Bracebrigg obiit vivo patre Eliz. filia Will. Harewell de Wotton-Waven ar 9 H. 7. Iohanna filia Geoâ—gi Cateâ—by de Lapworth ar ux 1. Thomas Bracebrigg ar obiit 1. Martii 11 Eliz. Will. Bracebrigg duxâ—t Annam fil Iulini Nethermill Civis Coventriae ob ... Apr. 2 Eliz. Margeria primò â—â—pta Wâ—ldeâ—vo Willington gen postea Barn East gen Iana ux Leonelli Skipwith gen Michaell Bracebrigg ob s. prole 6 Eliz. Geiinus Edwardus Ricardus Thomas Bracebrigg ar obiit 1 Martii 11 Eliz. Iocosa filâ—a Thomae Wâ—lson ux 2. Thomas Bracebrigg obiit anno 1607. Alicia filia Ioh. Rugeley de Dunton ar Ioh. Bracebrigg duxâ—t Susannam filiam Thomae Coton Anna ux Mich. Sanders de Bedworth Edw. Bracebrigg duxit Doroth. fil Rad. Rugeley de Dunton ar Roulandus Bracebrigg Humfridus Willielmus Henricus Ioh. Bracebrigg Anketillus Bracebrigg duxit Annam filiam Thomae Corbin de Hall-End Ric. Bracebrigg de Atherston Sam. Bracebrigg Sim. Bracebrigg duxit Elenam filiam haer Anth. Crewker de Twiford in com Derb. Eliz. fil haeres ux Francisci Beaumont de Barrow in Com. Leic. ar Thomas Bracebrigg ar obiit 1 Martii 11 Eliz. Eliz. filia Georgii Winter de Worthington in Com. Leic. ux 3. Matilda ux Thomae de Clinton But after that great change made by the Norman Conquerour Turchill de Warewic had it in right of Leverunia his second wife whose inheritance it was Which Turchill in imitation of the Normans who had their Cognomina long before their coming into England with Duke William residing here as I presume assumed Arden for his sirname in regard that all this tract of the Countie Northwards of Avon being Woodland was antiently so called as I have elsewhere observed By the said Leverunia he had issue Osbert de Arden whose service for this Mannour as I take it did Ranulph Earl of Chester possessing a great part of the lands which belonged to the Countesse Godeva before mentioned about King Stephen's time grant unto Robert Marmion of Tamworth-Castle and his heirs Howbeit notwithstanding this grant it appears that this Mannour was afterwards held of the Earl of Chester's heirs as of their Mannour of Cheylesmore in Coventre But I return To this Osbert succeeded Osbert his son and to him two
daughters and heirs scil Adeliza the wife of Simon de Harecurt and Amabil of Robâ—rt Fitz-Walter as the Descent in Curdworth sheweth Which Amabil gave with her body for sepulture to the Nuns of Polesworth the Mill here at Kingsburie with some grounds thereto belonging her sister Alice confirming the granâ— and adding the Mill at Hurley for the health of her soul. But these sisters having no Children this Lordship descended to Amicia their Aunt and heir wife to Peter de Bracebrigge so called from a place of that name neer Lincolne whereof he was possest The Descendants of which Peter and Amicia had their principall seat here till about the beginning of Queen Elizabeth's reign divers of them being Knights as the Pedegree in the foregoing page sheweth This Peter de Bracebrigge was a militarie man as it seems for I find that he gave unto William the son of Fundui and his heirs certain lands lying within the precinct of this Lordship in a place called Esbroc to the intent that the said William shâ—uld upon lawfull warning carry hither to Kingsbury such painted Lances from London or Northampton at the charges of him the said Peter as he might have occasion to use in any Tourneament there and that whensoever the said Peter should take a journey beyond Sea for performance of such martiall exploits he the said Will. to attend him and to bring back his Lances To which Peter succeeded Iohn his son and heir who had much adoe in defending this his inheritance for in 7 Ioh. did Thomas de Arden begin his claim and gave five marks to the said King for a Writ of Right to trye his title thereto which in 9 Ioh. he did set forth as lineall heir to Turchil de Warwic who was seized of it in King H. 1. time and offred to decide his right to it by Duell naming one William de Kopland his Champion which William receiving comand from Ulfkill his Father as being Tenant to the said Iohn assented to undertake the Combate Whereupon Iohn de Bracebrigge answered that he denied not the said Turchil's seisin but tendred triall by the great Assize as to the time and right thereof Unto which the said Thomas replied that the great Assize ought not to be in this case because they were both descended from one stock viz. from Turchil of whose inheritance it was Howbeit Iohn answered that though he acknowledged their descent from Turchil yet he claimed nothing thereby because the said Turchil had two wives and that it was from the first that the said Thomas descended but that this land being the inheritance of Leverunia his second wife who held it all her life and after her decease Osbert her son and after him another Osbert that had severall daughters which died without issue it came to Amicia their Aunt mother to him the said Iohn tendring to put himself upon the great Assize to determine whether he had not more right thereto from the before specified Laverunia than the said Thomas from Turchil and whether the same Turchil were so seized of it the day and year that the said King Henry dyed And lastly because the said land did lye bordering on two Counties scil Warwick and Stafford he offered xx marks to have Knights of both Counties for triall thereof the said Thomas offring xx marks and a Palfrey whereupon it was concluded that the cause should be so decided and so I suppose it was or by some friendly Agreement for I find that the next year following the same Thomas de Arden quitted all his right and title therein to the said Iohn And yet it seems that they were not quiet for in 11 Ioh. the said Thomas de Arden gave a Palfrey that the determination thereof might be before the King and the next year after Iohn de Bracebrigge payd xl s. for to have another Jury but other particulars I have not seen This Iohn de Bracebrigge confirmed the grant of Kingsburie-Millâ— c. and Hurley-Mill made to the Nunns of Polesworth as hath been observed and died without issue in 2 H. 3. leaving William his Brother and heir Which VVilliam in 19 H. 3. was a Justice of Assize at Warwick and afterwards confirm'd to the Monks of Merevale â— the grant of a yard land in Holt made to them by Iohn his Brother and whatsoever else he the said Iohn had given to that Monasterie But to William succeeded Raph his son and heir who questioned the title that the Nuns of Polesworth had to Kingsburie-Mill and Hurley-Mill whereupon they came to a Composition with him giving six marks of silver This Raphe was at that time a Knight and shortly after commenced suit against the Nuns of Mergate for the advouson of Kingsburie-Church but to this they pleaded the grant of Osbert de Arden and exhibited the Charter of Peter de Bracebrigge before specified with the consent of Amicia his wife confirming the same whereupon he had no more to say To which Raphe succeeded Iohn de Bracebrigge betwixt whom and the Prioresse of Mergate there was a Fine levied in 36 H. 3. for certain lands lying within this Lordship of Kingsburie that were setled upon the said Iohn and his heirs paying iii s. yearly Rent to the Nuns In 40 H. 3 this Iohn gave a Fine to the King of two marks in gold that his Knighthood might be respited for three years longer wiâ—hin the compasse of which time being amerced at a mark by the Justices Itinerant in Lincolnshire because he was not a Knight he had a speciall Mandate to the Barons of the Exchequer for acquitting him of that summe But adhering to the rebellious Barons who in 48 H. 3. did put themselves in Armes as in Kenilworth hath been shewed was on the fift of April the same year taken Prisoner in Northampton at the surprisall thereof by the King's Army being at that time a Knight for which this Lordship was seized and given by the King to Roger de Clifford and imprisoned at Shrewsbury as appears by the King's Precept for his deliverie directed to the Bayliffs of that town and dated 9. Ian. 49. H. 3. But the Inquisition upon the extent of his lands says that Hugh de Turberville had the charge of him till he had got his redemâ—ption yet after this he fled into the Isle of Axholme with young Simon Montfort and others where he continued till he saw all his partie totally vanquishtâ— and then submitted to the Diâ—ctum de Kenilworth Iames de Audele undertaking on his behalf It seems that his composition did cast him into some distress for in 53 H. 3. he mâ—d a Lâ—ase of this whole Lordship excepting a yard land that one Walter le Plummer sometime held unto Robert de Typetot and Eva his wife during their lives for which he received of them 500 li.
in 18 E. 3. got License to pass this Mannour away unto the Monks of Merevale but it was not accordingly conveyed for in 7 H. 4. upon seizure of the lands belonging to those forraign Monasteries for the reasons before exprest as a member of the Priorie of Okeburne which was a Cell to Bec before mentioned it was demised to Will. de Brynklow Clerk and Peter Purly Esq. by Iohn the King's son afterwards Duke of Bedford and Thomas Longley Chancelour of England who had the King's grant of all the lands belonging to the said Priorie of Okeburne to hold for xx years at the rate of xl l. per an After which time viz. in 16 H. 6. the Duke of Bedford being then dead the King gave it to Humphrey Earl Stafford for life and within six years after granted the reversion thereof for ever unto the Provost and Scholars of King's Colledge in Cambridge then newly by him founded Heremitanus S â— Augustini Yet of this grant had that Colledge no benefit as it seems for in 31 H. 6. did the said King bestow it upon Edm. Earl of Richmund his half Brother and the heirs of his bodyâ— but that Patent held good no longer than the life of that King for it appears that King Edward 4. in the first year of his reign disposed thereof unto the Carthusian Monks of Montgrace in Yorkshire who accordingly enjoy'd it till the dissolution of that House by King Henry 8. Whereupon coming to the Crown it was granted to Henry Marq. Dorset and Thomas Duport and to the heirs of the said Marquess for ever upon whose attainder in 1. Mariae whereof in Astley I have spoke it returned again to the Crown and in 1 2 Ph. M. was past to William Devereux Esquire and his heirs Which William being afterwards a Knight died seized thereof in 21 Eliz. leaving Margaret the wife of Edward Litleton of Pillaton-Hall in Com. Staff Esquire and Barbara the wife of Edward Hastings his daughters and heirs But since it is come by purchase to Sir Iohn Repington Knight whose son and heir sc. Sir Iohn R. of Amington Knight now enjoys it Within the precincts of this town there was very antiently a Chapell whereunto the Monks of Bec about the beginning of H. 2. time gave xii acres of land viz. six lying on the one side of the town and six on the other Concerning which Chapell the said Monks and the Parson of Manceter then came to this agreement viz. that the Rector of Manceter for the time being should cause Divine service to be celebrated therein three days every week sc. Sunday Wednesday and Friday and if a Holy-day did happen on any other than of these to be accounted for one of them solemn Service being then to be there performed And moreover in case the passion of St. Peter should happen on any of those days that Mass should be there and then celebrated but on all other days omitted all Tithes and Obventions arising out of this Hamlet to be payd to Manceter yet that Buriall and Baptism should be performed here for the Inhabitants of Atherston except any particular person on his death bed should rather desire sepulture at Manceter than in this Chapell-yard which Agreement was ratified by Richard Peche the Bishop of Cov. and Lich. The Friers THis House was founded by Raphe Lord Basset of Draiton in 49 E. 3. for Friers Heremites of St. Augustine over the Gate whereof is yet to be seen his Armes cut in a fair Shield of Stone Touching the originall of this Order there is no absolute certaintie as Polydore affirmeth Some alleadge that St. Augustine Bishop of Hippo retiring into the Wilderness during the rage of the Manichean Hereticks then instituted it gathering together into one Covent those that were disperst in the Desert Others that divers devout persons desiring to imitate the piety and singular learning of St. Augustine even whil'st he lived left all that they had and betook themselves to the Wilderness whereupon they were called Heremites By which of these means it was I shall not farther stand to enquire but Mendicants they were for certain and for their Habite did wear in their Cloister a white garment close girt to them and when they went out a Black over it with a broad lethern Gâ—rdle buckled as on the last page is represented being shorn on the Head as the Dominicans are These first began to propagate in England about the year 1250. 34 H. 3. as did the Carmelites but in this Countie not of a long time after for to this in Atherston which was the onely House of them therein it was the 49 th of Ed. 3. ere the said Lord Basset gave the land sc. xii acres whereupon it stood at which time they begin to build their Church and came to an Agreement with the Parson of Manceter in the presence of the said Lord Basset the Abbot of Leicester Tho. Harecurt Lord of Bosworth and others Iohn Combe being their Precurator or Warden at that time Which was in substance this that for the Tithes of those places whereupon that structure was to be made and for the rest of the lands before specified they should pay to the said Parson and his Successors xx s. per an at the Feast of St. Michaell the Arch-Angell and Easter by even portions in default whereof a distress to be taken and that if they should acquire any more land then to pay Tithe in kind for the same It seems the Church and buildings were not perfected till King Ric. 2. time for it appears that the said Lord Basset by his Testament bearing date at London 12 Sept. an 1383. 7 R. 2. gave them a Legacie of five hundred marks for compleating thereof This is he that was the last Lord Basset of Draiton for he died without issue and lieth magnificently entombed in Lichfield Cathedrall on the South side of St. Chad's Shrine though the place be not now known by that name the Lord Paget's Monument being erected where that Shrine stood But I do not find that they ever had any more lands than what are above exprest for by the Survey taken in 26 H. 8. all that belonged to them was valued but at xxx s. iii d. per an over and above reprises and came to the Crown by the Act of dissolution in 27 H. 8. After which viz. in 35 H. 8. the King granted the site and circuit of the House with a Dove-cote Barn Orchard and two Messuages that stood upon the before specified ground first given thereto unto one Henry Cartwright and his heirs to hold by the xxxth part of a Knight's Fee Which Henry the same year sold it to .... Hill Since which by purchase it came to Sir Iohn Repington Knight who having bought the Mannour as hath been already shewed built a fair House of Brick upon the ruins of this
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
Pilgrimâ—ge And in 8 H. 3. was constituted Governour of the Castle and Honour of Lancaster Tâ—â— nâ—xt observable passage relating to this stout Earl â—â—â—rewith I have met is that upon the dâ—fference 〈…〉 the Kâ—ng and Richard Earl of Cornwall his Brâ—ther in 11 H. 3. whâ—re up â—n the King gavâ— away thâ—â—aid Earl of Cornwall's Castle of Berkhamsted he with others more resentinâ— the injury which he thought was ofâ—â—â—ed to the said Earl than the obligation of loyaltie to his sovereign stuck not to put himself in Arms on that Ear'ls paâ—t but the King wisely discerning that unavoidable mischief might have ensued by clashing with his Nâ—bilitie which were then so pâ—tent attributed the fault to hâ—â— Chieâ— Justice and fairly composed the business Nay thâ—s was not all for they threatned him that if he would not restore to them that Charter tâ—uching the Lâ—berties â—f the Forâ—h which he had lately cancelled at Oxford ipsi illum gladâ—is discurrentibus compellerent saith my 〈◊〉 but in all these things the King gave them satisfaction at Northampton in August f. â—â—â—ving In 13 H. 3. this Wâ—llâ—â—m Earl Ferrers was imployed by the Kâ—ng in his service of Wales In 8 H â— he had lâ—verie of the lands lying between Ribbel and Merse which belonging unto Ranâ—lâ—â— Earl of Chester 〈◊〉 wives Brâ—â—hâ—r were assâ—â—â—d â—nto Agnes 〈◊〉 wâ—â— in part of her pâ—rtion of the inheritance belonging to her self and her other sisters and coheirs â—â—r which he and she were then bâ—uâ—d to pâ—y yearly unto the Kâ—ng's Excâ—equer a Gosh 〈◊〉 xl s. In 21 H. 3. he was one of the three châ—ef Councellors recommended to the King by the Barons upon that reconciliation of their discontents for the violation of Magna Charta the King then renewing his promise for the strict observance thereof and those his Councell making Oath that they would not for any respects give him other than wholesâ—me advice which so well contented the people that they gave him a xâ—xth part of all their moveable goodsâ— excepting of Gold Silver Horse and Arms. But in 31 H. 3. scil 10 Cal. Oct. he died vir bâ—nâ—â— plenus dierum Math. Westm. calls him and Mâ—th Paris vir pacificus justus saying that he had lain long afflâ—cted with the Gout His Countess departing e this life the same month ejusdem aetatis famae bonitatis They had been man and wife at least Lxxv. years if my Author mistake not for he affirmeth that St. Thomas of Canterbury celebrated the marriage betwixt them who died in 18 H. 2. But I have seen an autograph mentioning their marriage to have been in an 1192. 4 R. 1. which falls short no less than xx years thereof To which Earl succeeded William his son and heir a discreet and good man saith M. Paris but troubled with his Father's infirmitie who the next year following viz. 32 H. 3. did his Homage and had liverie of Chartley-Castle and all other the lands of his Mothers inheritance and the same year sate in that Parliament held at London where the King made so stout an answer to the high demands of his impetâ—oâ—s Barons This Earl gave to the Canons of Derley in Derbyshire the Church of Bolesover â—n that Countie for the health of his â—oul whose grant Robert and William his two sons afterwards confirmed But there is no other matter memorable that I have seen of him till his death which hapâ—ed to be violent 9 Cal. Apr. 38 H. 3. for being carried in a kind of Chariot by reason of his Gout which through the unskilfulness of the Driver fell off the Bridge at S. Neots his limbs were so broke and body bruised that he quickly died thereof and was buried in this Abby of Merevale leaving issue by Margaret his second wife Robert his son and heir and William for by Sibill his first he had none but Daughters as the Dâ—scent sheweth Which Robert being then in minoritie for the custodie of whose lands the Queen and â—eâ—er de Savâ—â— gave six thousand marks till he should accâ—mpâ—ish his full age had the ill hap to be the last Earl of his Family for no sooner was he come to mans estate but that meeting with a discontented Nobilitie who under many fair and specious pretences infused into him all principles of disloialty his high and hot spiritted youth grew so inflamed as that in 47 H. 3. when the combustions of Civill war began to break out none was more forward to increase them than he yet nec â—iâ—us Regi neque Baronibus quasi non in Baronum numero saith Math. Paris but a world of mischief he did for having got a power of Souldiers at his heels he entred Worcester demolished that place there called the Jewrie plundred the Reâ—igâ—â—us Houses as well as other and destroyed the King's Parks thereabouts To retaliat which outrage the King sent Edward his eldest son down into Stafford and Derbyshires with a good Army where he wasted his lands and Mannours with Fire and Sword and demolished his Castle of Tutburie The next remarkable thing relating to him whereof our Historians make mention is that after the King and Prince were made Prisoners by that unhappy defeat of the Royall Army at Lewes and that Clare Earl of Gloucester grew discontented at the Earl of Leicester's assuming the rule of all to himself he secretly adhered to Clare Of which Leicester having notice layd hold on him but notwithstanding Clare stoutly adventured his life afterwards for the Royall interest yet did this Earl Ferrers no whit incline that way for though he were not in the battail of Evesham yet did he act otherwise with all the power he had so that being highly taken notice of for a most malevolent man to the King he was involved in that generall Sentence of disherison pronounc'd at Westminster on the Feast day of St. Edward's translation sc. 13 Oct. against the King's adversaries and being thereupon in person called into the Court before the King and charg'd with many high Crimes not daring to adventure that Judgement which he foresaw would be delivered against him de vita membris terris tenementis suis gratiae Regis se totaliter submisit saith the Record Whereupon the King out of his gracious disposition in consideration of a Cup of gold adorned with precious stones obtained by the said Earl from Michael de Toni for which he mortgaged to the said Mich. the Mannour of Pirie in Northamptonshire and for fifteen hundred marks to be payd at four severall payments within the compass of a twelve month pardoned his misdemeanours and undertook to secure him against Prince Edward and all others against whom he had been injurious at any time during the troubles untill the 5 th of Dec. 50 H. 3. as
Rob. de Bromcote Serlo de Grendon Robertus Jordanus xl s. But before the Norman invasion one Siward Barn was owner of it as also of som other lands in this Countie that at the Conquest were in like manner disposed of to the before specified Henry de Feriers Which Siward being a potent Englishman was kept Prisoner with divers other persons of qualitie till the end of the Conqueror's reign that the King lying upon his death-bed being moved with compunction for his hard dealing to the native English gave order for their enlargement Whether the before specified Thurstan who held it in the Conqueror's time were paternall ancestor to that Familie which for many ages afterwards enjoy'd it is hard to say Roger de Grendon being the first that took his sirname from hence in King Stephen's time Which Roger or his Father was originally enfeoft hereof in H. 1. time yet not immediatly by Ferrers but by Camvile who it seems had the first grant of it from the said Henry or his son to hold by the service of one Knight's Fee But of Robert Marmion Lord of Tamworth-Castle he held another Knights Fee lying in Dordon and Waverton and to the Church of St. Leonard at Hou gave certain lands which he held of the said Robert Marmion as also to the Nuns of Polesworth half a yard land in Waverton leaving issue Richard de Grendon who confirmed his said Father's grant and for the health of his soul and the soul of Margaret his wife bestowed on the said Nuns half a yard land more situate in the same Vilâ—age towards the support of their garments being likewise a Benefactor to the Canons of Calc near Repton in Derbyshire To this Richard succeeded Sir Robert de Grendon Knight who by Avicia the daughter of William de Bray had issue Robert which Robert being heiâ— to his said grandfather W. de Bray became thereby possest of Shenston a fair Lordship in Staffordshire After which sc. in 20 and 25. H. 3. he was a Justice of Assize in this Countie In 21 H. 3 he was in Commission for collecting a Subsidie and from 26 till 33 H. 3. inclusive a Justice of Gaol-delivery at Warwick In 34 H. 3. he was constituted Shiriff for the Counties of Salop. and Staff as also Governour of the Castles of Salop Bruges and Ellesmere at which time he gave C s. to the King for a Charter of Free-warren In 37 H. 3. he was a Knight but afterward either really or in shew an adherent to the rebellious Barons for it appears that he had some speciall favour from them in respect of a Debt that he owed to the Jews and was by them constituted Shiriff of the Counties of Salop and Staff But if he were cordially theirs he soon gave the King testimony of his more loyall affections for it appears that shortly after their overthrow in the battail of Evesham he was join'd in authoritie with the Shiriff of this Countie for the seizure of their lands and possessions as also made a Commissioner for the Gaol-delivery at Warwick and the next year following having the King 's speciall acknowledgement of his faithfull service obtain'd respite for payment of those Debts which were due from him to the Exchequer for such money as he had received whilst he was Shiriff as abovesaid having libertie to pay it by xx l. per an He was likewise a Benefactor to the before specified Chapell of St. Leonard at Hoo in which the Nuns of Polesworth for it belong'd to them found two Priests perpetually celebrating divine service for the health of his soul. Of this Robert I farther find that he contracted matrimony with one Ioane le Butiller yet did not thereupon receive her as his wife which caused a controversy betwixt them in the Spirituall-Court What he alleag'd in justification of himself appears not but by sentence of the Chief-Chanter of Lichfield and others it is evident that he was quit of her and wedded Emme the daughter to William Basset of Sapcote by whom he had in frank marriage all her Father's lands in Houby with the Homage and service of Sir Steph. de Segrave To which last mentioned Sir Robert succeeded Sir Raph de Grendon Knight one of the Justices for the Gaol-deliverie at Warwick in 2 E. 1. Bewixt whom and Geffrey de Camvile there grew certain differences touching the services to be performed for this Lordship which was held of the same Geffrey by one Knight's Fee but in 4. E. 3. they came to an Agreement sc. that the said Sir Raph and his heirs should from thenceforth answer xl s. to the King for Scutage when it might happen and according to that rate doing Homage and paying Relief upon occasion as also performing suit to the Court of the same Geffrey at Clifton-Camvile upon reasonable summons whensoever any Triall might fortune to be there by virtue of the King 's Writ or that a Thief was to be judged In 26 E. 1. this Sir Raphe had Summons amongst sundry other great men to be at Carleol on Whitson-Eve well furnisht with Horse and Armes to march against the Scots In 28 E. 1. he was a Knight In 29 E. 1. he received another command to attend the King at Barwick upon Twede to march into Scotland In 31 E. 1. having confirm'd to the Nuns of Polesworth those grants of his ancestors made to the Chapel of Hoo before mentioned he released to them all the right he had in severall assarts of Woods and arable within the precincts of Polesworth and departed this life in 5 E. 3. leaving Robert his son and heir and a daughter called Ioane marryed to Iohn Rochford Esquire Which Robert was a man but of weak understanding insomuch as Sir Roger and Sir Philip de Chetwin with Iohn de Freford who had married his Aunts alledging that A. de Clinton second wife to old Sir Raph de Grenden and mother to those three daughters had a joint estate with her said husband in all his lands challenged the inheritance of them she being dead from the before mentioned Robert in right of their wives by virtue of an Entail made in 27 E. 1. and accordingly entred upon them Whereupon the said Robert discerning that he was like to be over-born by the subtilty of those his adversaries resorted for refuge to Henry Duke of Lancaster a potent man at that time yeilding unto him the whole Mannour of Shenston to hold for terme of his life or the longer liver of them conditionally that he would protect him in the possession of this Mannour and his lands at Gopshull and Dordon c. All which being in like sort performed the said Roger de Chetwynd and Ioane quitted their interest to the same Robert
and his heirs in 17 E. 3. and so likewise did Iohn de Freford and Margaret his wife as also Alice the widow of Sir Philip Chetwynd in 19. E. 3. But afterwards sc. about the 22 th of E. 3. the said Robert died without issue so that the inheritance of these lands thereby descending to his nephew Sir Raph Rochford Knight son of Ioane the wife of Iohn Rochford before specified he the said Sir Raph entailed them upon the issue of his body by Ioane the daughter of Sir Hugh Menill Knight with remainder to his three sisters successively and then to Sir Richard Stafford and his heirs According to which entail the possession thereof continued for divers years untill at length Sir Raph Rochford being dead the said Ioane his wife married again to one Hugh de Asheby with whom Sir William Chetwyn Knight son and heir to the before mentioned Sir Phiplip making an accord became totally possest thereof having in 39 E. 3. compounded with Isabell the widow of Iohn de Rochford for her title of dower therein formerly granted to her by Sir Raph Rochford her son in Law After which he seated himself here and in 16 R. 2. obtained a License from the Bishop of Cov. and Lich. to have divine Service within a private Chapell for his House But before I descend to speak farther of the said Sir William and his posteritie I shall observe that this Family hath been of great antiquity in Shropshire scil of Chetwynd whence this their sirname was first assumed as also that Iohn de Chetwynd son of Adam had a Charter of Free-warren in 37 H. 3. throughout all his demesn lands in the Counties of Salop. Staff and Warwick for he was possest of Baxterley in this Shire at that time having likewise Ingestre Salt and Gretwich in Staffordshire by Isabell the daughter and heir to Philip de Mutton as it seems But I return to the before specified Sir William great-grandchild to the said Iohn in regard he was the first of this line that had to do here Towards the later end of King Edw. 3. reign he was by Indenture reteined with Iohn of Gaunt Duke of Lanc. to serve him aswell in times of Peace as War for ten marks per an Which Indenture being lost was again renewed by the said Duke in 50 E. 3. whereby he increased his Fee to ten pounds per an And afterwards sc. in 10 R. 2. recounting his faithfull services gave the sum of ten pounds more per an to be received out of the issues of his Honour of Tutburie I am of opinion that a great part of the Church here at Grendon was new built by the before-specified Sir William for it is evident that the pictures in glass of many of this Family in their surcoats of Arms were set up there about that time This Sir William had issue Richard of whom I find little memorable and Iohn Which Iohn residing at Alspath now called Mereden was one of the chief persons in this Countie that subscribed the Articles concluded of in the Parliament of 12 H. 6. and in 15 H. 6. served in Parliament as one of the Knights for this Shire being from 17 till 20 H. 6. inclusive in Commission for conservation of the Peace But to the said Richard succeeded Philip his son and heir a person not a little eminent in his time for in 7 H. 6. he had the Shiriffaltie of Staffordshire so also in 15 H. 6. being then a Knight In 17 H. 6. he was imployed into the Dutchy of Guien for the King's service and in 20 H. 6. constituted Governour of the Citie of Eaion in Normandie being allowed 940 marks to retein as many Archers for the safeguard thereof as might be therewith hired for a quarter of a year In 22 H. 6. he was reteined with Humphrey Earl of Buckingham to do him service during life according to his degree aswell in times of Peace as War sc. in times of Peace with as many men and Horses as he the said Earl should appoint out of the said Earl's Lordship of Holdernesse in Yorkshire as also taking bouche of Court and livery for them in his Houshold during such his continuance with him and allowance of reasonable costs for his coming and returning and in case the said Earl might be commanded in any service of War on this side or beyond the Sea upon reasonable warning to attend him with such number of men at Arms and Archers well and sufficiently armed horsed and arrayed after the manner of war as he should assign and receive the like wages and reward as the said Earl did take of the King or of any other his Captains in such expedition with Skippeson and reskippeson reasonable for himself his men and Horses but the said Earl to have the thirds of all manner of Prisoners and prizes to be taken by him the said Sir Philip through fortune of War and the third of the thirds of all Prisoners prizes c. taken by any of his men the Indenture of that his Retainer bearing date at London 13 Februarii the year abovesaid Nay it farther appears that upon the same day he was also retained with that Earl by another Indenture wherein he is stiled the right mighty Prince Humphrey Earl of Buckingham Hereford Stafford Northampton and Perche Lord of Brecknock and of Holdernesse then Captain of the Town and Castle of Calais as his Lieutenant of that Castle for one whole year with xxix men at Armes on Foot and xx Archers whereof two men at Armes on Foot and four Archers to be of the said Sir Philip's own retinue taking for himself xvi d. per diem for his said men at Arms vii d. and his Archers vi d. at the hands of the Treasurer at War to the same Earl And moreover for himself his Lady and a Gentlewoman with her and a Gentleman and two Yeomen of his own retinue bouche of Court and xx l. per an of speciall reward or else allowance for their bouch of Court according as other souldiers of their degree used to have as also for their skippeson and reskippeson And of this Sir Philip I farther find which is not the least observable that having wedded Elene the widow to Edmund Lord Ferrers of Chartley daughter and heir to Thomas de la Roche as also Cosin and heir to Iohn de Bermingham as in Bromwich appeareth he empaled her Armes on the dexter part of his own which as I conceive was for the dignitie of her person she being a Baronesse and so great an heir and that he departed this life in 24 H. 6. leaving William his grandchild his Cosin and heir Which William afterwards one of the Gentlemen-Huishers of the Chamber to King H. 7. became so much envied by Sir Humphrey Stanley then of Pipe in Com. Staff one of
to the French and regain his inheritance here in England that then he should pay back to the said Robert the younger so much of that summe as the profits of the lands of which he had received the issues did fall short thereof and that the said Robert should then enjoy the Lordships of Witringham and Coningeby in Com. Linc. Queinton in Com. Glouc. and Berewic in Com. Suss. As also that William his younger Brother should have Torinton in Com. Linc. and lands to the value of X li. per annum in Berewic abovesaid of all which they had speciall grants from their Father And further it was then concluded that the said Robert the younger should not only give the King good caution to keep this Castle to his use but upon occasion deliver it up into his hands For performance thereof these were his sureties scil Nicholas de Verdon Geffrey de Camvile William de Hardreshull Raphe fitz Raphe Thomas de Ofirton Iohn de Culi Richard Russell Robert de la Lande Robert de Passi William de Fou and Mathew de Charnels All which being effected he had the King 's speciall Precept to William de Harecurt then Governour thereof for the King to deliver it up unto him But it was not long after this that Robert the elder made his peace for in 5 H. 3. he had possession of this Castle delivered to him and the rest of his Father's lands as appears by the King's signification of his pleasure therein to all that held of it by Militarie service or otherwise as also to the Shiriff of this County So that here I must leave the said Robert the younger whose posteritie flourisht in Lincolnshire for a long time after and speak of the elder Robert I am of opinion that this Robert the elder return'd into Normandie in 17 H. 3. for in that year did he passe over the estate of all his lands in England for seven years unto Peter de Rupibus that potent Bishop of Winchester in those times together with the custodie of â—hilip his son and heir for to marry him where he should think fit without disparagement whereupon by the consent of the same Robert and Philip he made an assignation thereof unto William de Cantilupe Of this Robert I finde no more after that time than his death which hapned in 25 H. 3. But the said Philip became a person of no small account in the world for having married Ioane one of the daughters and heirs to Hugh de Kilpeck of Kilpeck Castle in Herefordshire whose custodie and disposall in marriage the said William de Cantilupe had in 33 H. 3. he was constituted Shiriff of this County and Leicestershire and Governour of the Castle of Sauvey which office he held for three yeares then next following and at that time obtained a Confirmation of the Charter of Free warren before mentioned granted to his Ancestor by King H. 1. But in 36 H. 3. he was questioned for sitting with Richard de Mundevill and the rest of the Justices for Gaol-deliverie at Warwick having no Commission so to do for which I do not find that the Kin'gs displeasure stuck long upon him in regard he attended him so soon after into Gascoin upon his return from which voyage he was taken Prisoner by the French in Poictoâ— with Gilbert de Segrave and divers other of the English Nobilitie notwithstanding that they had Letters of Protection from the French King The next mention that I find of him is that he was in that Welch expedition of 41 H. 3. and the year ensuing had Summons with divers other great men to be at Chester on the Eve of S. Iohn Baptist well furnisht with Horse and Armes to march into Wales against Lewelin ap Griffith then in Rebellion In 45 H. 3. he had the like Summons to be at London with all the chief Nobilitie upon the morrow after Simon and Iude's day in which year it was that the defection of the Barons began farther to shew it self by their intrusion upon the King's authoritie in placing Shiriffs for sundry Shires of this Realme In which respect this Philip Marmion as a person in whose fidelitie the King reposed much confidence had by speciall Patent the Counties of Norfolk and Suffolk committed to his custodie And in 47 H. 3. had summons amongst other great men to be at Hereford upon the Munday after Candlemas day well furnisht with Horse and Armes to resist the power of the before specified Lewelin so also to be at Worcester on Lammas day next ensuing in like sort accoutred to the same purpose Immediatly whereupon divers of the Barons put themselves in Armes to force the King's assent to those Ordinances which they had made at Oxford so much derogating from his regall power who seeing himself over-powred was necessitated to submit to the determination which the King of France should make therein and to bring in severall of the Peers and other eminent persons to give Oath for his performance thereof amongst which this Philip Marmion was one who likewise adhered stoutly to him throughout those turbulent times which soon after ensued For the next year following he was at the taking of Northampton and in 50 H. 3. as a reward for his faithfull services had a grant of all the King's demesns here in Tamworth aswell in that part which lyes in Staffordshire as of that in this Countie as also in Wyginton to hold during his naturall life for the Rent of xxxiv li. vi s. ix d. And was made Governour of Kenilworth-Castle immediatly upon the render thereof after that memorable six-months siege whereof I have elswhere spoke In 13 E. 1. this Philip claimed by Prescription a Court-Leet and Gallows here at Tamworth with all Weyfs found in a certain place called Asselonde within this his Mannour as also Free-warren in his demesn lands here and in those belonging to the Nunns of Polesworth all which were allowed And upon his death which hapned in 20 E. 1. it was certified that he held this Castle of the King in Capite by Knight's service finding three Knights at his own proper costs for xl days in the Warrs of Wales and that Ioane the wife of William Mortein Maud the wife of Raphe le Boteler Ioane the daughter of Raph Cromwell and Mazera his wife and Ioan Marmion were his next heirs as the Descent in the following page doth more plainly shew Which Ioan Mortein being the eldest daughter had this Castle for her share and died seized of it about three years after leaving no issue whereupon by Agreement betwixt the rest of the coheirs it was allotted to Ioane the wife of Alexander Frevile Which Alexander being brother and heir to Sir Baldwin Frevile Knight of whose inheritance he had fair lands in Norfolk and Herefordshire died seized
30 years of age Which lands had afterwards the name of a Mannour Andrew the son of Rog. Corbet being possest thereof in 30 H. 8. Which Andrew had issue Robert and he Elizabeth and Anne his daughters and heirs of full age in 37 Eliz. Newbold-Revell THis place having been part of the possessions which Leuuinus had in Edw. the Conf. dayes was after the Norman conquest disposed of to Geffrey Wirce of whom I have already spoke in Monkskirby In the Survey then taken it is written Feni-Niwebold and certified to contain 8 hydes valued at vii l. which large extent makes me of opinion that Stretton subtus Fosse as also Esenhull and Paylington were at that time involved therewith the possession whereof having also gone along with it ever since as by what I have already said appeareth As for its name viz. Feni-Niwebold there is this to be said that bold in our old English signifies a house the word Feni being onely an addition to distinguish it from the many other Newbolds in this Shire Fen with our ancestors the Saxons signifying dirt from which reason part of Cambridge and Huntingdonshires are called the Fens And that it is now called Newbold-Revell is by reason that the family of Revell were antiently Lords thereof as I shall shew by and by But it was antiently reputed a member of Wapenbury in respect that the owners of Wapenbury were Lords hereof it being doubtless part of those 5 Kts. fees which Thomas de Wapenbury held of Roger de Moubray de veteri feoffamento in 12 H. 2. and whereof his ancestors were enfeofft by Nigel de Albani father to the said Roger de Moubray in H. 1. time Which Nigel had Geffrey Wirce his lands conferred upon him as in Monkskirby I have already intimated But touching that antient family of Wapenbury who had their seat at Wapenbury whence they assumed their sirname I shall speak when I come to that place And because this Newbold came by descent from Wapenbury to Revell and afterwards from Revell to Malory I have here inserted the pedegree whereby the same may the better be understood as also what I shall say historically of the families of Revell and Malory whose seat it was Thomas de Wapenbury 12 H. 2. Ric. de Wapenbury 9 R. 1. Juliana soror haeres Rad. Extranei de Cnokin Tho. de Wapenbury 1 20 H. 3. Joh. de Wapenbury ob s. p. Agnes soror cohaeres ux ..... de Beynvill Ric. de Beynvill 14 E. 1. Lora obiit 24 E. 3. Ric. de Beyvill Ric. de Beyvill consangu haeres Ric. Lorae aet 5. ann 24 E. 3. Margeria ux .... de Wassingle Thomas de Wassingle Johanna Hugo Revell Alicia Will. Revell 14 E. 1. Rob. Revell 1 E. 2. Guliel Revell Guliel Revell obiit seisitus de terris in Buckby in Com. Northt Edmescote in Com. Warr. s. prole Iohanna ux Galf. Reynolds Ric. qui cogn fuit Ryvell de Edmescote 7 H. 4. Margeria filia Rob. Hugford de Edmescote Joh. Revell 1 E. 2. Ioh. Revel ob s. prole Guliel Revell miles ob s. p. Nich. Revel rector ecc de Cleyorton ob 6. R. 2. .... ux Ioh. Malory de Winwick Ioh. Malory 6 R. 2. Ioh. Malory 4. H. 5. Tho. Malory miles 23 H. 6. Rob. Malory obiit vita patris Nich. Malory aetat 13. ann 20 E. 4. Doroth. filia cohaeres 26 H. 8. Edw. Cave 1. maritus Cath. filia cohaeres ux Thom. Andrews de Winwick Margareta ux Thomae Boughton de Causton ob 8 Eliz. Geo Ashby 2. maritus Clemens Cave 1. maritus Margeria 26 H. 8. Ioh. Cope de Eydon in Com. Northt 2. maritus Iohan. uxor Ro. de Whitney Elena uxor Rob. Gresley Of this name and County H. Revel is the first whereof the Records that I have seen do make mention son to Rob. Revel as I guess who had to do at Swinford in Leicestersh 29 H. 2. But of this H. I can say no more than that he was a Rebel against K. Iohn for which his lands in this County were seized on and that in 1 H. 3. returning to obedience they were restored to him again Unto which Hugh succeeded W. Revel to whom K. E. 1. in 27 of his reign granted Free-warren in his demesn lands here and in other places of this County whereof I have already spoke Which Will. had issue Iohn and Robert whereof Iohn was Lord of this place in 9 E. 2. being an active man and of great trust in his time for in 6 E. 3. he had the joynt custody of this County with Thomas de Astley and Iohn de Heyford And in 11 E. 3. was in Commission for the levying and receiving Scutage for the K. Army upon his expedition into Scotland In the same year he served as one of the Kts. for this County in the Parliam held at Westm. And the next year following being appointed one of the Receivers of the xv and x. granted to the K. in Parl. the year before was eased of that trouble by the K. speciall favour as also from the Collection of the Scutage before mentioned in regard of his speciall imployment otherwise in the K. affairs as the Records express At which time I find that the K. being to make an expedition into France and to that end taking care for preservation of the Peace here in his absence did summon him being then one of the Kts. for this County amongst others to be at Westm. the morrow after the Clause of Easter before himself and his Councell to hear what should be declared unto them thereupon In 18. E. 3. he was a Kt. constituted one of the Justices for conservation of the Peace in this Shire The like authority had he the year following In 25. E. 3. he served again for this Shire in the Parl. then held at Westm. To this Iohn Revell succeeded Will. who was of the retinue to Thomas Bishop of Duresme in that French expedition 20 E. 3. whereof I have spoke in Hil-Morton And in 32. E. 3. one of the Kts. for this Shire in the Parliament then held at Westm. I suppose that he then received the dignity of Knighthood for the next year ensuing he is so stiled and bore for his Armes ermine a cheveron gules within a border engrailed sable but had no issue nor either of his Brothers insomuch as their three Sisters became Heirs to the estate viz. ...... marryed to Iohn Malory of Winwick in Northampt-shire who bore for his Armes a fesse between three boars heads couped Ioane to Robert de Whitney of Whitney in Hereford-sh Elen to Rob. Gresley who had issue by her Robert that dyed Childless and Ioane to Ric. Boteler Amongst
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
nuper ux T. Holt ar D. Thomas Byrde Cler. 25. Maii 1552. Ambr. Cave miles ratione dotis Margeriae ux suae nuper ux T. Holt ar Laur. Blakeway 30. Maii 1561. Thomas Holt de Dudston miles Ioh. Machon Cler. 1. Martii 1603. Thomas Holt de Dudston miles Ric. Dickleg Cler. 1. Maii 1611. Thomas Holt miles bar Ioh. Grent art Magr. 12. Dec. 1621. Erdington's Chantrie IN 27 H. 6. Sir Thomas Erdington Knight founded a Chantrie in this Church for one Priest to celebrate divine service daily at the Altar of the blessed Virgin perpetually for the good estate of King Henry the sixt and of him the said Sir Thomas and Ioyce his wife during their lives in this world and for the health of their soules as also the souls of their Progenitors Parents and Benefactors and all the faithfull deceased The revevenues whereof in 26 H. 8. were certified to be vii li. xix s. ob over and above iii s. iv d. for the Anniversarie of the Founder and xvi s. ob in Rents to the Lord of the Fee Howbeit in 37 H. 8. considering an Annuitie of xl s. granted out of the lands belonging thereto unto Iohn Throkmorton gentleman for life the cleer yearly value amounted to no more than vi li. But after the generall dissolution of the Chantries this with the lands belonging to it was by Letters Patent bearing date 9. Sept. 2 E. 6. inter alia granted to Ric. Pallady gentleman and Francis Foxall Citizen and Mercer of London and their heirs and the next year following another Patent thereof made to Thomas Hawkyns alis Fysher of Warwick and his heirs In the utmost window on the South side towards the West of those that perteine to the body of the Church is this inscription Orate pro bono statu fratrum de Bromwich qui hanc fenestram fieri fecerunt In the next window is this coat of Armes viz. Argent a Cheveron gules between 3. lozâ—nges sable And under it the portraiture of a man kneeling in a surcoat of the same Armes with 4. sonns behind him over whose heads is this in a scroule Mater Dei memento mei Behind them is the portraiture of a woman in a scarlet gown with 4. daughters having a scroule over her head in which is written Fili Dei miserere mei And under them all this Inscriptoin Orate pro bono statu Roberti Massey Elisabethe vxoris sue In the fourth window on the same South side is this coat viz. Argent a Lyon rampant sable Stapleton empaling Massy and under it the following Inscription Orate pro bono statu Roberti Massey Elizabethe ejus vx qui hanc fenestram fieri fecerunt In one of the like windows on the North side are the portraitures of the same Walter Ardern and Alianore his wife kneeling whose monument is in the Chancell and in the same surcoats of Armes as thereupon are exprest Over his head is this scroule Iesu Fili Dei miserere met Over hers Mater Dei memento mei And under them both this written Orate pro bono statu Walteri Arderne armigeri Elianore vxoris ejus On a stone fixed in the North Wall of the Chancell is this Inscription Henry Williams Vicar once of this Church and Parson of Aberfro in Anglicey lyeth here under who died Anno 1603. Febr. 14. Quod sibi quisque serit praesentis tempore vitae Hoc sibi messis erit cum dicitur Ite Venite On another stone in the same Wall Memoriae Sacrum Pientissimi atque optimi juvenis Olliphi Boys ex antiquâ generosa Boysiorum in Cantio stirpe oriundi patre Antonio Boys verbi divini Ministro apud Cullesden in Surria nati in celeberrima Wichamicorum societate Wintoniae primùm deiâ— Oxoniae educati bonis literis egregiè instructi gradu Magisterii in artibus ornati sacrisque ordinibus initiati Qui cum una altera Concione ad populum habitâ magnam apud omnes spem sui expectationem fecissit gravissimis calculi doloribus interceptus ac demum oppressus hic apud affines suos expiravit die 5. Augusti An. D. 1630. aetatis suae 31. Monumentum hoc Dorothea Gilmin mater amantissima L. M. Q. Posuit On the same side of this Chancell there is a very noble Monument for Sir Edward Devereux Kt. and Baronet grandfather to the now Vicount Hereford erected by his Lady who survived him the Figure whereof I have here omitted for the reasons exprest in my Preface but have added the Epitaph Here lyeth Sir Edward Devereux of Castle-Bromwich Knight and Baronet youngest son of Walter Lord Ferrers of Chartley and Viscount Hereford by Margaret his second wife daughter of Robert Garnish of Kenton Hall in Com. Suff. Esquire who married Katherine eldest daughter of Edward Arden of Park-Hall Esquire by whom he had issue five sons and four daughters Sir Walter Knight and Baronet William George Edward and Henry Margaret Anne Howard and Grace Sir Walter married Eliz. daughter and heir of Robert Bayspoole of Aldeby in Com. Norff. Esquire who died without issue Secondly he married Elizabeth second daughter of Thomas Knightley of Broughall in Com. Staff Esquire brother to Sir Richard Knightly of Fausley in Com. Northampt. Kt. George married Blanch daughter and heire of Iohn Ridge in Com. Salop. gent. Henry married Barbara daughter and heir of Robert Smallbrook of Yardley Gent. William and Edward died unmarried Margaret married Sir Hugh Wrottesley of Wrottesley in Com. Staff Kt. Anne married Robert Leighton of Wattelsborow in Com. Salop. Esquire Howard married Thomas son and heir of Sir Thomas Dilke of Maxstoke Castle in Com. Warr. Esquire Grace the youngest Which Sir Edward died the 22 th of Sept. An. D. 1622. Here lieth Lady Katherine wife to Sir Edward Devereux who died the second of November 1627. To whose memorie Sir George Devereux her second son caused this part of this Monument to be erected according to her command Nechells OF this place there is no mention at all in the Conqueror's Survey forasmuch as it was theâ—â—â—voâ—ved with Aston but the name thereof scil Nechels or Echels for it is indifferently 〈◊〉 discovereth it to have been a Wood at first Echel signifying the same in the German language whereof our 〈◊〉 is a branch as Quercus in the Latine I am of opinion that one of the old Barons of Dudley granted it originally unto one of the Family of Parles together with Hanneworth now called Hansworth in Com. Staff For I find that Osbert de Paâ—les had a Bastard son called Reynald de Asseles on whom he conferred the inheritance of all his lands here in Assells or Nechels Osbertus de Parles Reginaldus de Asseles nothus Simon de Asseles Aliva obiit s. prole Rob. de â—andsacre miles ... Agnes Alicia Georgius de Castello mil. Will. de Castello Matilda Georgius de Castello Margeria Which Reynald had issue Simon
and he three daughters that were his heirs with the eldest of whom he gave these lands of Nechels to Sir Robert de Handsacre Knight in frank marriage but she dying without issue they came to Alice her niece then the wife of Sir George de Castell Knight which Alice in her widowhood sc 4 E. 3. in consideration of xl li. of silver past away all her interest in this Mannour unto Simon del Holt of Bermingham and his heirs whose posteritie have continued Lords thereof ever since Sir Thomas Holt now of Aston Knight and Baronet being the present owner thereof Anno scil 1640. But it hath been long since totally depopulated though antiently it was a pretty Village as by severall instances might be shewed for in 34 E. 3. Sir Thomas de Arden Knight had a mansion here as appears by a License granted to him from Robert de Stretron then Bishop of this Dioces to have a private Oratorie or Chapell therein for himself and his own Family It seems that the same Philip de Aylesbury of whom I have made mention in Dudston had also some interest here in R. 2. time for he then wrote himself Dominus de Dudston de Nechells but of what extent it was I cannot say all which was passed by Sir William de Bishopsdon in 2 H. 5. unto Rich. de Clodshale of Saltley and his heirs being said to have sometime belong'd unto the same Philip de Aylesbury In 33. H. 6. there was a Fine levied betwixt Thomas Waldeyve and Williaem Leycroft Plantiffs and Robert Danvers Henry Fillongley and Iohn Holt Esquire deforciants of this Mannour for by that name it then passed by which it seemeth that the inheritance thereof became vested in the before specified Thomas Waldeyve perhaps to the use of the same Iohn Holt and his heirs for in 20 H. 8. Thomas Holt who then wrote himself de medio Templo London generosus was owner thereof which Thomas was grandfather to Sir Thomas above mentioned Dudston OF this Hamlet there is now no more left than the Mannour-house but by the name I should judge it to be a Village of great antiquitie and so called from Dode or Dud whence Dudley doubtlesse had the appellation But till E. 1. time I have not found any mention of it in Record in regard it was involved with Aston and so came to Sir Thomas de Erdington as a member thereof though it be not particularly named for it is evident that Henry de Erdington great grandchild to the said Sir Thomas did his fealtie to Ioane Botetourt Lady of Weoley as coheir to Someri Baron of Dudley on S. Mark 's day 17 E. 2. for this place together with Aston mention being made of their tenure by a pair of gilt Spurs or six pence as in the originall grant of Aston may be seen which Sir Henry for he was afterwards a Knight granted it by the name of Manerium de Dudeston to Thomas de Maidenhache and his heirs about the beginning of E. 1. time who had Free warren in all his demesn lands here together with Aston as by the King's grant thereof in 14 E. 1. appeareth but having severall daughters and heirs as in Aston is shewed this inter alia was allotted as a member of Aston unto Sibill the wife of Adam de Grymesarwe by means whereof it came to Iohn de Grymesarwe their son and heir who sold it unto Iohn atte Holt in 38 E. 3. for xl marks From which Iohn it is descended as the Pedegree in Aston manifesteth unto Sir Thomas Holt now of Aston Knight and Baronet the present Lord thereof and was his principall seat till he had built Aston house But notwithstanding the Mannour thus fixed in the Familie of Holt there was a considerable part of this Village antiently possest by the Aylesburyes of whom I have spoke in Edston for I finde that Roger de Aylesbury stiled himself Dominus de Dodestone in 5 E. 2. so also did Philip de Aylesbury in 10 R. 2. yet when or how it past from Aylesbury I have not seen but in 2 H. 5. Sir William de Bishopsden Knight granted to Richard de Clodshale all the lands and tenements lying here which had formerly belong'd to the before specified Philip de Aylesbury after which I have not met with farther mention of them Deretend THis place antiently written Dury-yatehend though it be within the Parish of Aston is parcell of the Lordship of Bermingham so that of it self there is nothing farther memorable than a certain Chapell erected about the beginning of King Ric. the second 's time wherein by an Agreement made 13. Iunii Anno 1381. 4 R. 2. betwixt the Monks of Tykford in right of their Rectorie of Aston before specified Richard Shobenhale then Vicar of Aston and Sir Iohn Botetort Knight Patron of the said Priorie of Tykford on the one part And Sir Iohn Birmingham Kt. Lord of this Hamlet Geffrey Boteler Robert Greene and others Inhabitants here and in Bordsley on the other part by the consent of Robert de Stretton then Bishop of Coventry and Lichfield the said Inhabitants of these two Hamlets partly in respect of the danger by flouds especially in Winter-time and their great distance from the said mother-Church of Aston and partly that their Children might not want Baptisme in case of necessity there should be a Font in the said Chapell and that they might have libertie to find at their own proper costs a fitting Priest to celebrate divine Service therein as also for Churching of women Provided that the same Inhabitants should repaire to the said Mother-Church of Aston on Easter-day Christmasse-day All-Hallown-day and the days of the Dedication of the said Church scil S. Peter S. Paul hapning next after the Feasts of the Nativity of S. Iohn Baptist and Purification of the blessed Virgin then and there to render and pay to God and the said Parish Church all their Tithes great and small with Oblations in such sort as they had antiently used and were of right to do to the same Church Which Priest so serving in this Chapell was by the before specified Agreement in case the Vicar of Aston for the time being or his Parochiall Priest could not attend it to visit the sicke of these two Hamlets and to administer unto them as also to confesse and absolve them so as they should shrive themselves once a yeare to the said Vicar of Aston or his Parochiall Priest as of right they ought After which viz. in 6 R. 2. did William Geffen Thoms Holden Robert of the Greene Richard â—ene Thomas de Belne and Iohn Smyth obtain License of the King to give certain lands of x. marks yearly value and lying within the said Parish of Aston for the finding of a Priest to celebrate divine Service daily in this Chapell But in 37 H. 8. were the possessions lying in Bordsley
concludeth it to use the Angelique salutation of our Lady and recommendation of her Mother in this manner Ave Maria gratia plona Dominus tecum benedicta tu inter mulieres benedicta fructus ventris tui Jesus Amen Et benedicta sit venerabilis mater tua Anna ex qua tua caro Virginea immaculata processit whereunto the Quire shall answer Amen And lastly obliging his heirs and successors under the penaltie of God's curse with the curses of the blessed Virgin S. Mâ—chaell th'arch Angell and All Saints that they should not make any advantages to themselves out of the possessions belonging to this Monasterie appointed that if the Prior did transgress in any thing pertaining to his dutie every Canon of the House should be obliged to make complaint to the Bishop thereof and the Bishop to see satisfaction made and if any Canon should faile in his particular dutie and thereof be convicted before the Prior or other competent Judge that for the space of five years â—e might not be capable to bear any Office in the Monasterie except the Prior by the advice of the better part of the Covent should think fit to abate three years thereof or any part of that time And for the firmer observance of all these his Ordinances and the more lasting memory of this his establishment he caused this his Charter to be indented and exemplified in three parts the one to remain with the said Prior and Covent for â—ver the other with the Dean and Chapter of Lichfield and the third with himself his heirs and successors unto every of which he affixed his Seal procuring likewise a ratification thereof from Roger de Northburgh then Bishop of Coventre and Lichfield as also by the Dean Chapter of Lichfield His bearâ—ng date here at Maxstoke x o ... An. MCCCxxxvi and theirs in April and May following Unto all which the K. added his Confirmation dated 4 0 Martii in the xiith year of his reign Neither was it long after this but that the said Earl made a farther augmentation to what he had so given as hath been said For within one year next following he bestowed on them the advouson of the moitye of the Church of Halughton in Leicestershire In 14 E. 3. the advouson of the Church of Tanworth which was immediatly thereupon appropriated to them by Wulstan Bp. of Worcester with reservation of a Vicaridge to the value of xx `marks yearly to the Prior of Worcester xx s. which Vicaridge was accordingly ordained within two years aftes In 17. E. 3. the Mannour of Shustoke with the advouson of the Church and Chapell or Chantry at Bentley then newly by them purchased of Iohn Lord Moubray Which grant was of so great consequence to these Canons as that by the advantage thereof they soon obtained in exchange for the same from Iohn the son and heir of Sir Iohn de Clinton before specified the antient Mannour-house of Maxstoke moated about and situate neer to this Monasterie together with the Park and all that part which hath since that time been known by the name of the Priory-Lordship Whereupon they converted the old House the antient seat of the said Founder's Ancestorâ— into Barnes keeping up the Moat for the turning of a Water-mill which so continued till within the memory of some aged persons lately deceased By which exchange it likewise appears that the said Founder had also given to this Monastery the moâ—tye of the Mannour of Netherwhitacre and that his nephew had it with Shustoke aforesaid upon that agreement In 19 F. 3. he gave the advousons of the Churches of Aston-Cantlow and Fillongley thereunto then newly obtained by him from Laurence de Hastings E. of Penbroke his son in Law which were immediately appropriated unto it viz. that of Aston-Cantlow by Wolstan B of Worcester and that of Fillongley by Pope Clement the vi th which grant Rog. de Northburgh B p of Coventre Lich. confirmed To these Concessions did Tho. de Beauchamp then E. of Warw. adde the advouson of the Church of Yardley in Worcestershire w ch was forthwith appropriated to them by Wolstan Bp. of Worcester whereupon they had a Release from the Monks of Tikford of all their right thereunto And now that they were so plentifuâ—ly provided for by their Founders bounty and favour of other Benefactors they soon after began to make severall purchases in sundry places though but petty parcells viz. in Maxstoke Coventre and Long-Ichinton as also of a Water-mill in Shustoke and in 10 H. 4. obtained from Will Lâ—rd Clinton Say x li. yearly Rent issuing out of certain lands lying in Dunton-Basset in Com. Leâ—c and in 38 H. 6. a Legacie of an C li. from Humfrey Duke of Buckingham to purchase lands of C s. per ann value to the end that the Covent here might be augmented by one Canon more in number sc. xiii in all and that the same Canon or some other should daily sing and pray for the soul of the said Humfrey and for the souls of his Ancestors wife and children at the Altar in the North I le of this Conventuall Church All which lands and possessions with some other whereof for brevitie I omit the mention were in 26 H. 8. upon the Survey then taken estimated at the worth of Cxxx li. xi s. viii d. ob per an Out of which sum considering these severall deductictions viz. for the Conventuall loaf Flagon of beer and Mess of meat given every day to the poor according to the Founder's direction as hath been already observed and valued at iv d. per diem which amounts to vi li. xx d. per ann In money bread and beer distributed to poor people upon Mâ—unday Thursday at the Gates of the Priory iv li. per annum To two Priests weekly celebrating divine service in the Chapell dedicated to the Annunciation of the blessed Virgin within the said Monastery by the appointment of Adam de Overton Lxvi s. viii d. per an Twelve pence per diem to a Canon specially celebrating for the Founders soul Lii s. per an For the Fee of Sir Edw. Ferrers Knight high Steward of the said Monasterie Lx s. per an And in Annuities to other Officers Pensions and Rents the clear yearly value amounted to no more than Lxxxi li. xiii s. vii d. ob So that by Act of Parliament the year following being involved with those which then went to wrack it was in 30 H. 8. with a multitude more granted out of the Crown unto Charles Brandon D. of Suff. and his heirs Which Duke for the sum of 2103 li. sterling sold the same with all the Lands Rectories c. thereunto belonging unto Robert Trapps of London Goldsmith as by his Deed dated 17. Iulii 32 H. 8. appeareth Unto whom succeeded Nich. Trapps his son and heir who leaving issue only
two daughters viz. Mary married to Giles Paulet a younger son to William Marquesse of Winchester and Alice unto Henry Brown Esquire the site of this Monastery with the lands in Maxstoke thereto belonging by partition afterwards made was allotted unto the said Giles and Mary whose grandchild Will. now of Cotles in Com. Wilts enjoys it Patroni Priores Will. de Clinton miles Frater Ioh. Deyvill Canon Regul S. Aug. 2. Id. Iulii 1336. Electi per Conventum Ioh. Nassyngton 10. Marti 1424. Electi per Conventum Frater Ric. Evesham post resign Ioh. Grene 8. Maii 1451. Electi per Conventum Frater Will. Symson alias Dickons 21. Aug. 1505. On the next page are represented the Arms in the Prior's lodgings I come lastly to speak of the Vicaridge for the Rectorie was appropriated to the Priorie as hath been manifested This in 26 H. 8. was valued at Cvi s. viii d. per an but the manner of the Vicar's support was thus as by a Certificate from the Parishioners to the Visitors about the beginning of Q. Eliz. time appeareth viz. that he had meat and drink for himself and a child to wait upon him every year a Gown every week three casts of Bread two Gallons of Alc his Barbour Launder Candle and Fire-wood as much as he would spend with xl s. wages and all at the costs of the House Patroni Ecclesiae Incumbentes c. Domina Ela de Odingsells Petrus de Ilmenden 13. Cal. Martii 1296. Domina Ida de Clinton Adam de Kingsford Pbr. 2. Non. Ian. 1320. D. Will. de Clinton miles Ioh. Lynye de Coleshull Cap. 7. Id. Febr. 1330. Patroni Vicariae Prior Conv. de Maxstoke Adam de VVythibrok Pbr. 10. Cal. Aug. 1336. Prior Conv. de Maxstoke Petrus de Filungley Pbr. 7. Cal. Iunii 1337. Prior Conv. de Maxstoke Will. de Lalleford Pbr. 5. Cal. Nov. 1338. Prior Conv. de Maxstoke Ioh. Wyllie Cap. 2. Id. Iulii 1349. Prior Conv. de Maxstoke Ric. Dolfin de Toneworth Pbr. 4. Id. Iulii 1376. Prior Conv. de Maxstoke Thomas Lucas Pbr. 1. Cal. Sept. 1379. Prior Conv. de Maxstoke Ioh. Wilmeston Cap. 25. Nov. 1407. Prior Conv. de Maxstoke Ioh. Rotur Pbr. 23. Nov. 1422. Prior Conv. de Maxstoke Ric. Benet Pbr. 14. Iunii 1427. Prior Conv. de Maxstoke Rog. Wylkins Cap. 4. Martii 1427. Prior Conv. de Maxstoke Thomas Nassington Cap. 27. Sept. 1428. Prior Conv. de Maxstoke Ioh. Belebowch Pbr. 3. Iunii 1448. D. Episc. per lapsum Rog. Wall Pbr. 11. Dec. 1449. Prior Conv. de Maxstoke Ioh. Kusner Cap. 19. Martii 1450. D. Episc. per lapsum Thom. Heywarde Pbr. 13. Martii 1493. Prior Conv. de Maxstoke D. Christoph. Dugdale per resign Rad. Hodde 7. Martii 1511. Tho. Burdet ar alii ex concess Pr. C. de Maxstoke D. Ioh. Bower Cler. 21. Iulii 1536. Henr. 8. Rex Angl. D. Thom. Wattys Cap. 28. Apr. 1539. Rob. Trapps de Civit. Lond. Goldsmith Rad. Pyckering Cler. 1. Apr. 1559. Armes in the East Window of the Chancell Gules a Fesse betwixt six Cross croslets Or Beauchamp Earl of Warwick Argent six Cross-croslets fichè sable and upon a Cheif azure two Mullets Or pierced gules Clinton Earl of Huntingdon Argent upon a Chief Azure two Mullets Or pierced gules Clinton of Maxstoke Monumentall Inscriptions in plates of brass upon Marble grave-stones lying in the Chancell Hic iacet Ricardus Slade armiger Margareta uxor esus qui Ricardus obiit anno Domini MCCCClxxx Hic iacet Thomas Slade armiger quondam vnus Iusticiariorum Pacis de Quorum domini regis huius Comitatus Warwicâ— ac generalis receptor supervisor terrarum illustrissimi regis Henrici octavi vocat Warwic Sarum Spencers lands Et Elizabetha Slade consors sua filia heres Iohannis Wylks armigeri Qui quidem Thomas obiit xi dic Ianuarii anno domini MDxxx. Et dicta Elizabetha obiit xx die Decembris eodem anno quorum animabus propitietur deus Of your charity pray for the soules of Edward Pye esquire and Margery his Wife which Margery deceased the ixth day of September Anno Domini MDxliii and the said Edward deceased the day of anno Domini MCCCCC On whose soules Iesus have mercy Elmedon FOllowing the stream of Blithe a little farther I come to its confluence with Cole which water being of a dark colour and therefore so called at first as I guesse ariseth in the Northern skirts of Worcestersh but soon after its entrance into this Countie is augmenetd by a petty torrent which cometh from Elmedon so that I shall next in pursuance of my wonted methode take notice of that place This having its name originally from that hilly part of the town where the Mannour-house now stands was before the Norman invasion possest by one Tochi but after the Conquest Turchill de Warwick had a grant thereof as may seem by the generall Survey q shortly after taken where it is rated at half a hide the Woods thereunto belonging containing one furlong in length and as much in breadth and all valued at v s. the same Roger who then also held Merstone being his undertenant By some of the said Turchil's descendants it was granted to the Ancestor of Simon de Barchestone whom I take to be he that had also Whitacre-superior and whose descendants were sirnamed of that place For by a Fine in 8 H. 3. betwixt Simon de Bercheston Plantiff and Simon the son of Iordan de Whitacre deforciant levied for waranty of a former Charter it appears that the said Simon de Whitacre and his heirs were to hold this place of the before specified Sim. de Bercheston and his heirs by the service of half a K t s Fee But it continued not long so for in 20 H. 3. the said half Knight's Fee here was certified to be held immediatly of the E. of Warwick and in 36 H. 3. of Thomas de Arden heir to Turchill before specified and by him of those Earls which Sim. de Whitacre in 41 H. 3. obtained a Charter of Free warren in all his demesn lands here but his Seat being at Whitacre superior I have there placed the Deâ—cent of that Family as also of the heirs female viz. Waldeiff Hore Poteler which successively possest this Mannour Of which family of Waldeiff having spoken in Alspath alias Mereden I shall here take notice of what is observable of those of Hore and Boteler who had their residence in this place Of the Hores the first was Thomas that became Lord of this Mannour by the marriage of Margaret daughter heir unto Alan Waldeyff the Ancestors of which Thomas had long before their habitation here for in 9 E. 2. I find one Ric. le Hore of Elmedon and towards the
Earl of Essex attainted in 43 Eliz. Whose son and heir Robert being restored now scil an 1640. possesseth the site thereof and much of the lands Of the Abbots I have not found the names of any more than these three Ioh. Buggeley 12 H. 6. Thomas Arnold 23 H. 8. Will. Arnold 26 H. 8. 30. H. 8. THough I have now done with this Monasterie and should according to my method proceed to Wedington which is next in order to be spoke of yet in respect that the Family of the before specified Robert Earl Ferrers have had for many ages such large possessions in this Countie and that the principall male branch now remayning of it with another fair stemme do flourish here to this day as in Tamworth and Badsley-Clinton is manifested I shall here digress a little in speaking historically thereof The first of them that setled in this Realm was Henry de Feriers son to Gualcheline de Feriers a Norman which Henry having a great proportion of land by the Conqueror's gift lying in the Counties of Berks. Wiltes Northampt. Hereford this of Warwick Leicester Glouc. Nottingham Derby Essex and Stafford seated himself at Tutburie Castle in Staffordshire near unto which he founded a goodly Monastery for Cluniac Monks endowing it with large possessions But there is little else at this distance that I have seen memorable of him saving that he was amongst other of the great Nobilitie one of the witnesses to King William the Conqueror's Charter made to the Monks of St. Edmundsburie in an 1181. 14. of his reign whereby he confirmed the lands and possessions which they had by the grant of former Kings and that he gave to the Monks of Abingdon the Tithes of Laking To which Henry succeeded Robert for it seems that Eugenulfus and William died without issue which Robert was a witness unto the Charter of King Stephen's Laws made in the first year of his reign and having brought in and commanded the Derbyshire men in that famous Battail near North-Alverton in 3. Stephani where the King had a glorious Victorie against David King of Gualchelinus de Ferrariis Normannus Henricus de Ferrariis intravit Angliam cum Will. Conquestore Bertha Eugenulphus Willlelmus Robertus de Ferrariis erectus in Comitem Derbiae 3 Steph. Robertus Comes junior de Fâ—rrariis de Nottingham Fundator Abb. de Miravale â—3 Steph. Will. Comes de Ferrariis Derb 12 H. 2. Margareta filia haeres Will. Peverell de Nottingham Rob. Comes de Ferrariis 19 H. 2. Sibilla filia Will. de Braosa Will. Co. de Ferrariis obiit in obsid. civitatis Acon 2 R. 1. Sibilla Will. Comes de Ferrariis obiit 31 H. 3. Agnes una filiarum cohaer Ranulphi Comitis Cestriae Will. Comes de Ferrariis obiit 38 H. 3. Margareta una filiarum cohaer Rogeri de Quâ—ncâ— Câ—m Wintoniae Will. de Ferraris de Groby 25 E. 1. Henr. de Ferrers obiit 15 Sept. 17 E. 3. Isab. una fil haer Theob de Verdon Margar. una fil haer Rob. de Ufford Comitis Suff. ux 1. Will. de Ferrers obiit 45 E. 3. Margaâ—eâ—a filia Henrici de Peâ—â—i relicta Rob de Unâ—ranvill fiâ—ii Gilb. Com. Aâ—gusiae Will. de Ferrers miles obiit 11 R 2. Johanna filâ—a .... dom ni Poinings Will. Ferrers de Grobi miles obiit 23 H. 6. Henricus Ferrers obiit vivo patre Eliz. consanguinea haeres Will. Ferrers de Grobi mil. ux Edwardi Grey mil. Tho. Ferrers arm quo Ferrers de Tamworth Maria filia Hug. le Brune Comitis Angolesmi ux 1. Robertus de Fâ—râ—ariis ultimuâ— Comes Dâ—rb Alianora Johannes de Ferrariis de Chartley miles 27 E. 1. Hawisia filia haer Rob. de Muscegrosâ— Robertus de Ferrariis miles 16 E. 3. Joh. de Ferrariis miles 30 E. 3. Eliz. relicta Fulconis filii Ioh. â—e Strange Rob. Ferrers miles 12 R. 2. Edmundus Ferrers de Chartley miles 5 H. 6. vide de posteris in Castle-Bromwich Rob. de Ferrers duxit Eliz. filiam haer Will. le Boteler de Wemme Oversley Will. Comes de Ferrariis obiit 38 H. 3 Sibilla una fil haer Will. Marescalli Comitis Pembr ux prima Agnes ux Will. D. Vesci Isabella 1. nupta Gilb. Basâ—eâ— postea Reg. de Mohun Matilda 1 ux Wâ—ll de Kime 2. Will. de Vinonia 3. Emercio de Rupe Canardi Sibilla ux Franc. de Bohun de Midherst Iohanna 1. ux ... Aguilon postea Ioh. de Mohun Agatha ux Hug. de Mortuomaâ—i de Châ—lmarsh Alianora 1. nupta Will. de Vallibus 2 Rog. de Quâ—â—ci Coâ—iti Winton 3. Rog. de Leiburne .... ux Walchelini Maminot Matilda ux Bertrami de Verdon Walchelinus dâ— Ferraiis Hugo de Fâ—rrariis duxit ... fil haer Hugonis de Say obiit s. prole Will. de Ferrariis Ysabella ux ..... de Mortuomari heres Fratri 6 Joh. Scots was for that good service advanced to the Earldome of Derby but died the year following sc. an 1239. leaving issue Robert his son and heir who stiled himself Robertus Comes junior de Ferrariis and likewise Comes junior de Nottingham Which Robert gave the Church of Bredon in Com. Leic. with the Tithes of his Tenants in Tonge Andreskicke and Wivelestone as also the Chapells of Worthington and Stanton and the Tithes of Newbold and Dichesworth of his Fee to the Canons of Nostel in Yorkshire which Church of Bredon became thenceforth a Cell to that House of Nostell And having been also the pious Founder of the before specified Abby of Merevale in 13 Steph. lyeth there buried wrapt in an Oxe hide To whom succeeded William as appears by that Certificate made in 12 H. 2. of the Knight's Fees he then held which amounted to Lxxix And to him another Robert of whom the first mention I find is in 19 H. 2. at which time hearing how the King's territories in France were invaded by the adherents of young Henry who through the assistance of the King of France then brake out into high Rebellion against his Father and of some ill successes which his said Father's forces had in those parts joyning with the Earls of Chester Leicester Norfolk and other great men here in England in the like hostile Actions manned the Castles of Tutburie and Duffeild against his sovereign and not onely so but raysing the power of Leicestershire marcht early in the morning to Nottingham which then was kept for the King by Reginald de Luci and having without any great difficulty entred the town burnt and plundred it slaying and taking Prisoners most part of the Inhabitants But the year following the King having notice of these