pacificè integrè cùm omnibus libertatibus praescriptis Et quòd singulus Burgensis Burgagium suum possit vendere invadiare dare vel in Testamento assignare cuicunquè vel quibuscunque voluerit exceptis Ministris Domini Regis Viris Religiosis sinè contradictione alicujus vel aliquorum salvâ mihi Haeredibus meis libertate Furni nostri in eodem Burgo Ego verò praedictus Haniundus Haeredes mei praedicta Burgagia cùm acris Terrae eis adjacentibus omnibus libertatibus suprascriptis praedictis Burgensibus meis Haeredibus suis assignatis contrà omnes Gentes in perpetuùm Warrantizabimus In hujus rei testimonium huic praesenti Chartae Sigillum meum apposui Hiis Testibus Dominis Reginaldo de Grey tùnc Justiciario Cestriae Humfrido de Bello campo Ricardo de Massy Militibus Gilberto de Aston Thomâ de Actone Hugone de Baggelegh Matthaeo de Hale Henrico de Doneham Johanne de Bowdon aliis Charta 18 Edw. 1. memb 3. Rex concessit Hamoni de Massy unum Mercatum per diem Martis apud Manerium suum de Altringham unam Feriam per tres dies duraturam videlicèt in Vigilia die crastino Festi Assumptionis beatae Mariae * * 15 Die Augusti Lib. C. fol. 260. q. The Tuesday Market continueth at this day but the Fair is kept now on the twenty fifth day of July and the later Fair-day on the eleventh day of November Although we usually stile the chief Officer here Mayor of Altrincham yet in truth he is no more than a principal Officer without any Magisterial Authority In a Rentall of Dunham-Massy dated 3 Hen. 4. 1402. I find there were about forty Freeholders or Charterers in Altrincham the rest of the Tenants of Altrincham then not above eighteen in number were Tenants at Will And it appears by that Rentall as well as by another of my own in Henry the Seventh's time that in those Ages till Hen. 8. the ancient Tenants in our County had generally no Leases for Lives as now they have and the Rents which at this day we call Old Rents were in those former Ages the utmost value of such Tenements on the Rack so much have these late Ages outstripped the former for value as well for Land as other Commodities At this day 1669. there are above twenty Charterers in this Town whereof Robert Parker 's of Oldfield-Hall in Altrincham Gentleman is of greatest value next to which is that belonging to William Leycester of Hale-Lowe Gentleman Most of all the rest are very small Parcels not worth the reckoning up the chief Lord being George Booth of Dunham-Massy Lord Delamere There are so very many small Cottages erected here by the permission of the Lords of Dunham-Massy that it is now become a Nest of Beggars Anderton The Township of Anderton is not in Dooms-day Book Inquisitio capta post mortem Vriani de Sancto Petro 23 Edw. 1. intèr alia praedictus Vrianus tenuit Manerium de Anderton in Dominico suo ut de Feodo de Domino Rege in Capite per Servitium unius Librae Piperis solvendi ad Scaccarium Cestriae c. as I find it in W. Vernon's Notes So that Vrian de Sampier held Anderton in the time of E. 1. but when first granted to the Family of Sampier or how long it continued in that Family or how and when it devolved to Sutton of Sutton nigh Maxfield in Cheshire is yet unknown to me Certain it is that Sir Peter Warburton one of the Judges of the Common-Pleas at Westminster purchased this Mannor from Richard Sutton Son of Francis Sutton of Sutton nigh Maxfield Esquire by Deed dated the twenty ninth of November 43 Eliz. 1600. from whom it descended unto Sir Thomas Stanley of Nether-Alderley Baronet now Owner thereof 1669. to wit Son of Sir Thomas Stanley Knight by Elizabeth his Wife Daughter and Heir of the said Sir Peter Warburton ⚜ It is now commonly said of this Village by the Neighborhood as it were proverbially That here is neither Gentleman nor Beggar Charterer Cottager nor Alehouse but a Common without end for that the Common is circular lying round about the Township and the Demaine hath been set to Derry-men and Tenants so as no Gentleman of long time hath lived there Appleton Hull THis Town of Appleton and Hull in William the Conqueror 's time belonged to Osbern Son of Tezzon the Ancestor to the Boydels of Dodleston as appears by the Record of Dooms-day Book Among the Evidences of Thomas Merbury of Merbury nigh Comberbach Esquire Anno Domini 1666. I found this following Deed copied out in a loose Paper the Original whereof is there underwritten to be in the possession of Thomas Stanley being so attested under his own Hand Lib. C. fol. 286. d. HUgo de Boydel omnibus tà m praesentibus quà m futuris ad quorum notitiam praesens Pagina pervenerit salutem Noverit universitas vestra me concessisse Roberto Lancelyn pro Homagio Servitio suo totam Terram Tenementum quod Ricardus Lancelyn Pater praefati Roberti tenuit de Antecessoribus meis videlicèt Pulton Bebington Appleton Hull cùm omnibus pertinentiis suis illi Haeredibus suis Faciendo mihi Haeredibus meis Servitium duorum Militum videlicèt cùm duobus Armatis apud Dodleston in Werrâ quadraginta diebus Scilicèt Servitium unius Hominis pro Pulton Bebington Servitium alterius Hominis pro Appleton Hull pro omni Servitio Salvo Servitio quatuor Hominum quolibet tertio Anno per sex dies ad meum Heimineum * To make his Hayment or Hedging faciendum apud Dodleston Pro hâc Donatione Confirmatione idem Robertus Lancelyn dedit mihi viginti marcas Argenti c. Hiis Testibus Radulpho de Manwaring Radulpho de Monte-alto Willielmo de Pall ' Thomâ Filio Willielmi Roberto de Fulford c. about the end of Henry the Second's Reign I find Geffrey Son of Adam de Dutton Ancestor to Warburton of Arley possessed of this Township in the beginning of Henry the Third's Reign and is at this present belonging to Warburton of Arley 1669. Placita Cestriae die Martis proximè post Festum Sancti Lucae 10 Edw. 3. GAlfridus de Warburton opponit se versùs Hugonem de Audley de Placito quòd justè sinè dilatione acquietet eum de Servitiis quae Willielmus de Boydel Senior ab eo exigit de libero Tenemento suo quod de praefato Hugone tenet in Hull Appleton undè idem Hugo qui medius est inter eos acquietare debet c. Vìcecomes returnavit quòd praedictus Hugo nihil habuit in Ballivâ suâ distringere c. Lib. C. fol. 287. k. The Original among the Evidences of Thomas Merbury of Merbury Esquire Anno Domini 1666. Charterers in Appleton Hull 1666. 1. Sir Peter Brooke of Mere which Lands he lately purchased from
after the death of Sir Robert de Monte alto his Uncle except the Rents formerly given unto Queen Isabel Dated 24 Edw. 3. Lib. C. fol. 230. y. The Original of this Deed remained among the Evidences of the late Lord Cholmondley and the Copy of the Fine Levied hereon in the same Year is Enrolled in the Leiger-Book of the Abby of Vale-Royal fol. 30. b. which Book was in possession of Thomas Merbury of Merbury nigh Comberbach Esquire 1666. Vide Tom. 2. of my own Evidences in principio In the Year of Christ 1364. die Veneris in Festo Sanctae Luciae Virginis John Pool came before Thomas then Abbot of Vale-Royal in the said Abby and did Fealty to the said Abbot for this Moiety of the Mannor of Nether-Pever which he acknowledged to hold of the said Abbot by the yearly Rent of Twelve Pence to be paid at the Feast of St. Michael onely and by paying to the said Abbot two Shillings for Relief as appears by the same Book Lib. C. fol. 230. z. From Pool of Hartington this Moiety was granted to George Holford of Holford about the Time of Henry the Seventh In which Family of the Holfords of Holford it continued till Mary Daughter and Heir of Christopher Holford Esquire brought the Inheritance of all Holford-Lands unto Sir Hugh Cholmondley of Cholmondley the younger in Marriage in the Reign of Queen Elizabeth Concerning which Inheritance great Suits fell between the said Lady Mary Cholmondley and George Holford of Newborough in Dutton uncle to the said Mary and next Heir-male of the Holfords These Suits lasted above forty Years At last towards the end of King James's Reign the matter was compos'd by Friends The Lady Mary had Holford-Demain and George Holford had the Demain of Iscoit in Flintshire near to Whitchurch in Shropshire The Lands in Nether-Pever Plumley and Lostock-Gralam belonging to the Holfords were promiscuously allotted Part to the one and Part to the other as at this day they be enjoyed So that in the Year 1659. Robert Cholmondley Earl of Leimster in Ireland Son and Heir of the said Lady Mary and James Holford of Newborough Esquire Son of Peter Son of George Holford abovesaid did enjoy this other Moiety of Nether-Pever between them In which Year the said Lord Cholmondley died without any Lawful Issue of his Body Concerning the Chappel of Nether-Pever see above in Budworth Picmere This Township of Picmere is not in Doomsday-book whereby it seemeth to be Waste at that time It was anciently of two Fees in the Reign of King John One Moiety Raufe Manwaring sometime Judge of Chester gave unto Henry de Aldithley or Audley in Free-Marriage with Bertrey his Daughter together with the Towns of Smallwood and Snelston and a Mark of Annual Rent in the City of Chester of the Land which belonged to one Fagun Unto which Deed Philip Orreby then Judge of Chester was a Witness The Original is in Cotton's Library at Westminster Lib. B. pag. 1. a. Henry of Audley by the consent of Bertrey his Wife gave to Thomas Son of Randle de Longsdon libero homini suo half of his Land in Picmere and half of his Wood there Rendring yearly 3 s. 4 d. as I find the Deed extracted in Vernon's Notes This Moiety of Picmere is now enjoyed by these Persons following 1666. 1. Thomas Merbury of Merbury Esquire hath one half of this Moiety which formerly belonged to the Cockers of Picmere ever since the Reign of Henry the Third until Hugh Cocker of Pickmere sold the Reversion hereof after his Life unto Thomas Merbury Father of Thomas aforesaid Anno Domini 1604. Probably this was that Part which Henry Audley gave to Thomas Longsdon 2. Thomas Daniell of Over-Tabley Esquire hath four Tenements here in Lease These were formerly held by William Wiche and called Wiche's Lands which upon the Attainder of Sir William Stanley of Holt-Castle Anno Domini 1495. Lord Chamberlain to Henry the Seventh Escheated to the King and were afterwards given to George Sutton one of the Grooms of the Chamber 14 H. 8. Sutton sold them to Richard Sneyd 7 Novembris 14 Hen. 8. and William Sneyd sold them to Thomas Daniell of Over-Tabley Esquire 36 Hen. 8. 3. Sir Peter Leycester of Nether-Tabley Baronet hath one Tenement here now in Possession of John Perceivall which was Part of Wiche's Lands and was sold by William Sneyd to Gawen Legh of Northwood in High-Legh 35 Hen. 8. 1543. before he sold the rest to Daniell And this Tenement afterwards Richard Legh of Northwood Gentleman sold among other Lands to Peter Leycester of Tabley Esquire 1633. whose Son now enjoyeth the same 4. John Swinton of Nether-Knotsford hath one good Tenement here But part of this lieth in Winsham formerly Crocket's Land of Nantwich 5. John Key of the Yate in Picmere Part of Crocket's Land formerly 6. Peter Deane of Over-Tabley hath Land in Picmere lately bought from Key of the Yate 7. Philip Anterbus of Over-Pever one Close belonging to his Free-hold Land in Aston juxtà Picmere 8. Sir George Warburton of Arley Baronet hath about one Acre and a half in Possession of Robert Deusbery and Thomas Starky of Feldy The other Moiety of Picmere together with the Mannor of Winsham William Venables gave to Maud his Sister in Free-Marriage to be held by the Service of half a Knights Fee whereunto Roger Lacy Constable of Cheshire is a Witness Which Roger died Anno Domini 1211. 13 Johannis Regis saith Matthew Paris in his History Lib. B. pag. 50. a. This Maud had two Husbands The first was Raufe Son of Roger the second was Hugh de Bixis or Brixis This Hugh and his Wife grant to Hugh Venables all the Land which William de Offley held of them in Picmere and the Wardship of the Children of Hugh Son of the said William de Offley till they come to such Age as to govern the said Land Lib. B. pag. 50. e. Ex Chartulis Glover de Picmere Hugh Venables grants to Hugh de Picmere and his Heirs the whole Moiety of the Village of Picmere for the same Service contained in the Deed of William Venables his Father the Donor of the same Lands This was tempore Henrici Tertii Lib. B. pag. 51. num 1. Afterwards William Son of Guy of Winsham grants to Henry Son of Hugh de Picmere all his Rent in the Township of Picmere to wit 3 s. 1 d. ob which he yearly received from Hugh de Picmere Rendring a Pair of White Gloves yearly Lib. B. pag. 54. num 19. And Pagan Son of Raufe de Wastneys Lord of Winsham releaseth to the said Henry all his Right in 3 s. 1 d. ob Rent which he received of the said Henry So that now he was onely to pay 3 s. 1 d. ob yearly from henceforward and a Pair of Gloves for all Services And this was in the Reign of Edward the First Lib. B. pag. 51. num 2. Hugh Picmere Son of Henry was
all the old Rents reserved to Radcliff amounting in the whole to 23 l. 00 s. 00 d. yearly or thereabout by Deed dated the 19 of April 4 Jacobi 1606. for which he paid 1530 l. Purchase-Money Randle Blackshaw This was bought from Sir John Radcliff of Ordsall by Deed dated the eighth day of August 1611. and is said to be the Ancient Demain-House of Mobberley which did belong to Radcliff Peter Legh of Booths Es Esq hath three Tenements in Radcliff's Part now in Tenure of George Leycester Cookson and the Fox-house John Gleave of High-Legh Owner of Holden-Cliff-House in Mobberley Roger Symcock lately Purchased from Mrs. Martha Hurleston formerly Oldfield's Lands Homfrey Cherry lately Purchased from Mrs. Martha Hurleston formerly Oldfield's Lands William Coppock lately Purchased from Mrs. Martha Hurleston formerly Oldfield's Lands Rafe Shaw lately Purchased from Mrs. Martha Hurleston formerly Oldfield's Lands Richard Parker for Mere-House sold away by Mr. Robinson Richard Yarwood for Bowers John Anson sold by Mr. Robinson Richard Seddall of Wood-end Richard Bruch formerly Duncalf's Thomas Hield of the Broad-Oak in Mobberley John Strethull late Bateson's House Roger Hewet of Pavement-Lane Henry Hasselhurst Richard Rowlinson of Roanes pro Fox-house VVilliam Hobson George Stubs John Symcock of the Dub'd-Hedge Daniel Yarwood formerly Oldrinshaw's Homfrey Lea. John Baggiley of the Mosse-side Widow Strethull of the Town-Lane John Holland of Dam-head hath certain Parcels of Land in Ratcliff's Part sold away by Mr. Robinson 1639. Urmeston's Lands in Mobberley bought for Pious Uses Thomas Whitchcot late John Radford's Peter Bradbury of Brook-bank a Cottage Robert Ridgeway a Cottage More THis Town of More is of the Fee of Halton Roger Lacy Constable of Cheshire and Baron of Halton had a Brother called Richard to whom he gave the Town of More and afterwards the said Richard became Leprous and was buried in the Chapter-house of the Canons of Norton Monasticon Vol. 1. pag. 860. This was about the Reign of King Richard the First The Name More signifieth a more barren Ground than Marshes be a Miry and Moorish Soil yet serveth not to get Turfs thereon Coke upon Littleton fol. 5. a. The Inhabitants of More and Runcorn were formerly Copy-holders to the Barons of Halton but have lately bought out their own Land to hold in Fee-farm in Free and Common Soccage of the Mannor of Enfield in the County of Middlesex the Kings Grant bearing date the ninth day of September 4 Car. 1. 1628. save onely these Persons following who now are and their Ancestors anciently before them were Free-holders in the Mannor of More and not Fee-farmers as followeth Free-holders or Charterers in More 1666. 1. Henry Porter of More This hath continued in the Name of Porter since Edward the Fourth This Free-hold before belonged to one Peter Arderne in the Reign of Edward the First as by the Deed now in Possession of this Henry Porter appeareth 2. Sir Richard Brooks of Norton Baronet hath now about twenty Cheshire Acres of Free-Land in More as late belonging to the Priory of Norton and also about six Acres more of Free-hold Land adjoyning lately bought from Crosby of Over-Whitley 3. These were all purchased from Brook of Norton and Brook bought them of Harper of Newton Robert Pickering of Thelwall Esquire Counsellor at Law hath one Janion's House Richard Rutter hath also other Free-hold Land Richard Dutton of Mosse-end other Free-hold Land 4. Widow Harper hath now also certain Free-hold Land in More Newton juxta Daresbury THis Town according to its Name is not of so great Antiquity For I find it granted by Parcels and Enclosures and Closes some in Henry the Third's Time some under Edward the First and some in the Reign of Edward the Second by the Ancestors of VVarburton of Arley before they had relinquished their proper Sir-name of Dutton who were Lords thereof from King John's Time unto this present 1666. The Charterers now in Newton 1666. Sable a Cross engrailed Ermine And in 11 Edw. 4. 1471. Thomas Chickford and Elizabeth his Wife Daughter and Heir of Robert de Hallum Son and Heir of William de Hallum sold the Mannor of Hallum to Sir John Nedham sometime Judge of Chester who setled the same upon Robert Nedham his younger Brother whose Line failing at last for want of Heirs Males it descended to Robert Nedham of Shenton Esquire 21 Eliz. from whom the Lord Kilmorie now Owner of Hallum 1666. I speak here out of the Lord Kilmorie's Evidences 2. Rafe Starky of Morthwait in Newton Lawyer whose Ancestor Thomas Starky married Agnes Sister and Heir of Thomas Harper and Daughter of Richard Harper of Newton 32 Hen. 6. Lib. C. fol. 205. g. 3. Grimsdich of Grimsdich in Nether-Whitley hath also Lands in Newton which Thomas Grimsdich then of Hallum by Lease bought of John Daniell of Daresbury 12 Hen. 8. Lib. C. fol. 194. num 44 46 47. And which Lands John Daniell Ancestor of the said John had in Marriage with Jonet Daughter and Heir of Thomas Hallum of Newton 1 Hen. 6. Lib. C. fol. 193. num 36 37. 4. Robert Venables of Anterbus in the Lordship of Over-Whitley hath Lands in Newton 5. John Starky of Newton Norton THis Township of Norton was given by William Constable of Cheshire the younger Son of William Fitz-Nigell unto the Canons of Runcorne in exchange for Lands in Runcorne and so he removed the Canons of Runcorne to Norton about the Reign of King Stephen Anno 1135. Monasterium de Norton in Comitatu Cestriae Fundatur à Willielmo Filio Nigelli Constabulario Cestriae Historia Aurea Johannis Tynemytensis lib. 19. cap. 41. A Manuscript in the Publick Library at Oxford inter Libros Juris v. 4. num 4. Wherewith also agreeth Polychronicon lib. 7. cap. 17. Monasticon Vol. 2. pag. 187. tells us William Fitz-Nigell Founded a Religious House of Canons Regular at Runcorne Anno Domini 1133. And afterwards William Constable of Cheshire the younger removed them from Runcorne to Norton Which agrees with the Deed Lib. B. pag. 199. num 1. After the Dissolution of Abbies in England by Henry the Eighth Richard Brooks Esquire Purchased from the King the Mannor of Norton with its Members and Appurtenances to wit Norton Stockham Acton-Grange and Aston-Grange in Cheshire and Cuerdly in Lancashire with other Lands The Charter is dated decimo die Decembris 37 Hen. 8. 1545. whose Heir now enjoyeth these Lands 1666. There is a certain Hamlet or Place called Endley now belonging to the Township of Norton and enjoyed as Part and Parcel of the same which William Fitz-Nigell Baron of Halton held as a distinct thing by it self in the Conqueror's Time as appears by Doomsday-book This afterwards came to Aston of Aston For Richard Aston of Aston Son of Gilbert gave to God and St. Mary and to Randle Prior of Norton all his Land of Hendeley with all its Appurtenances about King John's Reign Lib. B. pag. 200. num 8. Here was anciently a Church belonging to
of Abbies Henry the Eighth gave the Rectory of Runcorn and the Rectory of Great-Budworth in Cheshire unto Christ-Church in Oxford by special Grant dated 11 die Decembris 38 Hen. 8. which before belonged to the Priory of Norton This Parish comprehendeth these Villages following over and besides the Parochial-Chappelries of Daresbery and Aston juxta Sutton within the same which see in their due Places  The Mize  l. s. d. Weston 00 11 01 Runcorn Superior Inferior 01 01 04 Clifton now Rock-Savage 00 08 00 Halton 01 02 06 Norton 00 12 00 Stockham 00 08 00  04 02 11 Sale SAle is not in the Record of Doomsday-book The Town of Sale is of the Fee of Halton for we read in the Feodary of Halton sub Edw. 2. Dominus Petrus de Warburton tenet Villam de Sale pro decima parte Feodi Militis Here is Seated the ancient Family of the Massies of Sale which branched out from the Massies Barons of Dunham-Massy about the Reign of King John For I find Richard Massy Son of Robert Massy possessed of Lands in Sale under Henry the Third which Robert was younger Son of Hamon Massy Baron of Dunham-Massy And this Family of Massy of Sale is still continuing 1666. In the Offices of Massy of Sale he is found to hold the Moiety of Sale of Warburton of Arley and some of them have been Ward unto Warburton but Wardships are now taken off by Statute Anno 12 Car. 2. cap. 24. And as Massy was possessed of one Moiety so the other Lands in Sale are possessed at this day 1666. by these Persons following 1. Edward Holt of Sale whose Lands in Sale his Ancestor John Holt Son of Robert Base Son of Geffrey de Holt had in Marriage with Ellen Daughter and Heir of Thomas Sale of Sale 21 Rich. 2. 1397. Lib. C. fol. 273. a. b. The Originals in possession of Edward Holt of Sale 1666. 2. The Lord Delamere of Dunham-Massy hath seven Tenements in Sale These were Parcel of Holt's Lands and were purchased by Sr George Booth of Dunham-Massy from Thomas Holt of Whickleswick in Lancashire and Randle Holt his Son 4 Augusti 2 Jacobi 1604. being then twelve Messuages and Cottages with 4 d. Rent yearly issuing out of the Lands in Sale then in the Tenure of George Massy and also 4 d. Rent then issuing out of Thomas Wrenshaw's Tenement now the Lands of Sir Edward Moseley of Howesend in Lancashire late deceased Lib. C. fol. 273. c. 3. Geffrey Cartwright Gentleman His Lands in Sale were formerly bought from Massy of Sale 4. William Williamson of Sale 5. Richard Wrenshaw of Sale 6. The Lands of Sir Edward Moseley lately deceased to wit five Messuages and Cottages in Sale now in Lease and pays 4 d. chief-Chief-Rent yearly to Mr. Massy of Sale 7. Mr. Gerard of Riddings in Timperley three small Cottages in Sale now in Lease late Vawdrey's Land 8. Edward Legh of Baggilegh Esquire hath one small Cottage in Sale now in Lease 9. Robert Tatton of Wittenshaw Esquire hath certain Land in Sale now in Lease and and pays 3 s. 4 d. yearly Rent to Mr. Massy of Sale 10. James Wrenshaw of Limme one Tenement in Sale now Leased to Thomas Davys So that it seems Massy of Sale had anciently one Moiety of Sale and Holt another Moiety though now scattered as aforesaid For these other Parcels came some from the one and some from the other originally Stockham THis Township of Stockham belonged to the Priory of Norton and was Purchased from the King by Richard Brooke Esquire 37 Hen. 8. 1545 with Norton and other Lands also whose Posterity enjoyeth the same at this day 1666. See in Norton supra In Stockham is no Charterer at all Stretton THis Township of Stretton hath for long time belonged to the Starkeys Starkey of Stretton beareth for his Coat of Arms A Stork possibly in allusion to his Name scilicet Agent a Stork Sable the Bill and Legs Gules since the Reign of Henry the Second For Roger Fitz-Alured granted Stretton to Richard Starkey and his Heirs To hold as freely as any of the said Richard's Ancestors ever held the same for the Service of the tenth part of a Knights Fee Lib. C. fol. 135. a. This was was the Reign of King John This Roger Fitz-Alfred's Daughter and Heir called Agnes married Adam de Dutton the Ancestor of Warburton of Arley Wherefore in the Feodary of Halton under Edw. 2. we read Dominus Petrus de Warburton tenet Villam de Stretton pro decima parte unius Feodi Militis So that it should seem to be held originally from the Baron of Halton But I find it not mentioned in Doomsday-book probably it was then Waste And Sir Geffrey de Warburton released unto Thomas Starkey of Stretton and to his Heirs all his Claim in Villa de Stretton ceu in aliqua Parcella ejusdem ut de Wardis Maritagiis Releviis Escaetis Homagiis aut Servitiis quae praedictus Thomas aut Antecessores sui mihi seu Antecessoribus meis facere solebant Datum 4 die Aprilis 5 Rich. 2. 1382. Yet notwithstanding the said Thomas and his Heirs shall pay yearly to the said Sir Geffrey and his Heirs one Pair of White Gloves on Easter-day for all Service Lib. C. fol. 134. a. The Original hereof was in possession of Starkey of Stretton of the Lower-Hall 1650. Sealed with Warburton's Proper Coat of Arms Warbuâ—ton's Coat Argent two Cheverons Gules in a Canton of the second a Mollet Or. which he assumed upon taking the Sir-name of Warburton to wit Two Cheverons and in a Canton a Mollet inscribed about the Seal SIGILL GALFRIDI DE WARBURTON Sundry of the like I have seen to Deeds of Edward the Third's Time The Starkeys of Stretton branched into two Families here in Stretton long time ago The Lower-Hall and the Over-Hall Starkey of Over-Hall in Stretton is descended of a younger Son of Starkey of the Lower-Hall and branched out first about 16 Edw. 1. 1287. Lib. C. fol. 135. c. f. 134. h. k. Randle Starkey the first of the Family of the Over-Hall being younger Brother to Richard Starkey of the Nether-Hall Lord of Stretton living both 3 Edw. 2. 1309. So that Starkey of the Lower-Hall is the Original Root and Lord of the Mannor of Stretton but now lately in our days hath sold a good Parcel of the Demain of the Lower-Hall called Mosse-wood unto Raufe Jackson of Crowley whose Son Thomas Jackson now of Mosse-wood 1665. enjoyeth the same Also one George Webster alias Bromfield hath lately bought another Parcel of the Demain of Lower-Hall And William Southern late of Hatton hath bought several Tenements in Stretton from Starkey of the Lower-Hall So that this ancient Family * Of Starkey of the Lower-Hall is now languishing from when also branched the Starkey's of Wrenbury and the Starkeys of Olton in Cheshire and other Families originally In this Town of Stretton is an ancient Chappel
Ashton tertiam partem Villae de Partington faciendo liberum Servitium pro duabus partibus Feodi Militis ut per Chartam Antecessoribus dicti Georgii per Hamonem Massy Militem factam reddendo per annum de Stothe alià s dictum Sheriffs-Tooth septem Denarios Et ipse faciet Sectam Curiae quae vocatur Judger de quindenâ in quindenam ità quòd pro quâlibet defaltâ dabit per viam amerciamenti duos solidos pro certo ipse quatuor Tenentium suorum de villatâ de Carington venient ad visum Franci-Plegii In the Notes collected by Will. Vernon I read Post mortem Willielmi Boydell 23 Edw. 3. intèr Feoda dicti Willielmi inter alia Robertus Ashton Ricardus Dikenson Johannes Deane tenent medietatem Maneriorum de Sale Ashton per Servitium unius Feodi Militis quilibet eorum tertio anno tres Denarios This Robert Ashton was Rector Ecclesiae de Ashton 23 Edw. 3. These were Feoffees in Trust so that one Moiety of Ashton seems to be of the Fee of Boydell of Dodleston and the other Moiety of the Fee of the Barons of Dunham Massy It is plain the Parish Church here was a Rectory in the beginning of Edward the Third's Reign which now hath Brereton of Honford for its Patron 1666. and was invested in Sir Vrian Brereton younger Son of Randle Brereton of Malpas in the Right of Margaret his Wife Daughter and Heir of William Honford of Honford Esquire and Widow of Sir John Stanley which Sir Vrian was living 1566. The Church here comprehendeth within its Parish  l. s. d. Sale 00 10 09 Ashton one half 00 07 00  00 17 09 The greatest part of Ashton super Mersey at this day 1666. belongs to Brereton of Honford The Lord Delamere of Dunham-Massy hath about an eighth part thereof Aston juxta Sutton THis Town of Aston gave Name to the Family of the Astons who have been Seated here for a long time In the Record of Dooms-day Book we find that Odard held this Town undâ—r William Fitz Nigell Baron of Halton sub Anno Christi 1086. where we find onely one Aston named for Aston juxtà Sutton and Aston-Grange as now they be severed and distinguished I conceive were then but one Town The same Odard held part of Dutton also from Hugh Lupus Earl of Chester as appears by the same Record which Odard was the undoubted Ancestor to the Duttons of Dutton as appears by several Deeds of great antiquity among the Evidences of Dutton of Dutton which I have seen About the Reign of Henry the Second I find one Gilbert de Aston certainly possessed of this Town of Aston juxta Sutton In which Line and Family it hath continued ever since to this day Sir Willoughby Aston of Aston Baronet being now Owner of the same who hath built a sumptuous House here a little distance from the old one Anno Christi 1668. Whether that Gilbert de Aston be Descended from Odard let the more curious make strict enquiry I am sure I never yet saw any thing to prove it âšœ In this Town is now onely one Charterer 1666. which small Freehold Richard Morris of Aston is now possessed of It belonged to one Higginson whose Daughter and Heir Married the said Rich. Morris and was formerly bought by one J. Higginson the Lessee of this Land from Thomas Paver of Lostock John Thomason of Harpesford and Richard Taylor joynt Tenants thereof 25 Hen. 8. This I conceive was part of that Oxgange of Land which Richard de Aston gave away to Raufe Son of Richard de Kingsley in the Reign of Henry the Third In this Aston lieth a certain parcel of Land called Middleton-Grange as the same stands Mized by it self in our common Mize-Book of Cheshire and now belongeth to Sir Willoughby Aston Lord of this Town I conceive it is the same with that called Mid-Eston in Doomesday-Book which then belonged to the Church of St. Werburge in Chester and was held by William Fit-Nigell Baron of Halton as Tenant to St. Werburge So called as it were Middle of Aston when the Town was yet undivided and lieth between Aston-Grange and Aston juxtà Sutton howbeit it is now wholly taken to lie in Aston juxtà Sutton This Middle-Eston was confirmed to the Priory of Norton by John Lacy Earl of Lincoln and Baron of Halton about the twentieth Year of Henry the Third Anno Domini 1236. as I find the Deed transcribed in a long I archment Roll among the Evidences of Dutton of Dutton at Dutton wherein sundry other Deeds belonging to the Priory of Norton are also transcribed by the name of Middel-Estonam cùm omnibus pertinentiis quam habent ex Dono Dominae Matildae quondà m Uxoris Domini Collini de Loches And also the Earl quits the same from Wardship and Relief for him and his Heirs which was due for that Land This Middleton-Grange called also sometimes Middle-Aston-Grange was purchased from the King after the Dissolution of Abbeys by Thomas Aston of Aston Esquire 37 Hen. 8. for the Sum of 270 l. 11 s. 5 d. paying the yearly Rent of 1 l. 1 s. 9 d. So I find in the Chartulary of Aston-Deeds pag. 66. num 537. Here was anciently a Chappel called Middleton-Chappel where the Prior and Convent of Norton were bound to find a Priest in former Ages to say Mass on Sundays Wednesdays and Fridays Weekly for ever Which Chappel being out of Repair and Service said there onely on Sundays for forty Years then last past it was complained of by Richard Aston Son of Sir Robert Aston at a Visitation 3 Hen. 6. 1425. and an Order was made by Richard Stanley then Arch-Deacon of Chester the twentieth of August 3 Hen. 6. That whereas the Prior and Convent of Norton long before the same was an Abbey did Covenant with the Abbot of Vale-Royal to find at their own proper Cost a fit Chaplain to Officiate here three days a week as aforesaid It was ordered That the said Agreement should be kept and observed But these Variances concerning Middleton-Chappel between Robert Abbot of the Monastery of St. Mary of Norton and Richard Aston of Aston Esquire were composed by the mediation of Thomas Dutton Esquire and Anne his Wife Dame Isabel late Wife of Sir John Carrington and Jenkin of Leycester Dated the tenth of November 32 Hen. 6. The same Chartulary pag. 23. num 501. pag. 21. num 503. pag. 216. num 504. But after that Middleton-Chappel fell into decay another Chappel was erected in later Ages somewhat nearer to the Hall of Aston called Aston-Chappel situate within the Parish of Runcorne and in lieu of finding a Priest to Officiate here by the Abbot of Norton the King after those Lands came into his Hands gave five Pounds yearly Rent to the Maintenance of a Minister here at Aston-Chappel issuing out of the Lands late belonging to Norton-Abby by a Decree in the Court of Augmentations at London
Aston 29 Ed. 3. who died without Issue about 42 or 43 Edw. 3. or sooner And the Right Line now failing the Estate came to Sir Richard Aston If Fillote and Felice be here meant of the same Woman and Daughter of the same John Hawarden then is here some contradiction in the Evidences and the two Robert Astons confounded Son of Robert Aston of Ringey in Aston Son of Hugh Aston Brother and Heir to Richard who died without Issue It appears by the Testimony of Robin Hocan 5 Hen. 5. 1417. then aged 70 Years Deed Num 121. That he knew Robin of Aston Son and Heir of Hugh to be married by Hugh his Father to Fillote Daughter of Black John Hawarden at that time Steward of Hawarden and that Robin and Fillote were Enfeoffed of a parcel of Land called Ringey and had Issue Sir Richard Aston and other Children and afterwards Robin died in Spain in the life-time of Hugh his Father This Hugh had to Wife Cicely afterwards married to Hoknell and Hugh married Richard his Grandson Son of Robert Aston of Ringey unto Jonet Daughter of John Hoknell of Hurley and had Issue but Jonet and all her Children and Fillote Mother of Richard died all of the Pestilence at Ringey and after Sir Richard Aston married Ellen Daughter of Geffrey Dutton and that Hocan knew Sir Richard Aston occupying the whole Mannor of Aston for forty Years and more and Sir Robert his Son occupying it for seven Years and more ⚜ VIII Sir Richard Aston of Aston Knight Son and Heir of Robert Aston of Ringey in Aston From this Sir Richard downwards the Pedegree is very clear Son of Hugh of Aston married Jonet Daughter of John Hoknell of Huxley and had divers Children by her who died all of the Plague at Ringey with their Mother also Afterwards Sir Richard married Ellen Daughter and Heir of Geffrey Dutton 9. Rich. 2. which Geffrey was third Son of Sir Hugh Dutton of Dutton by whom he had Lands in Listark and Halton Ibidem pag. 5. g. pag. 8. a. 22 Rich. 2. By Ellen he had Issue Robert Son and Heir Henry living 10 Hen. 5. Elianour married Richard Priestland of Priestland Elizabeth married Thomas Son of Thomas Boydell of Gaterich in Gropenhall in Bucklow-Hundred 17 Rich. 2. but had no Issue by him After she married Robert Massy of Hale 21 Rich. 2. And lastly she married Thomas Danyel of Over-Tabley in the same Hundred of Bucklow and she died 11 Hen. 4. 1410. Lib. C. fol. 283. g. fol. 281. f. This Sir Richard was Treasurer to Queen Philip Wife of Edward the Third of her Lands and Rents in Ambrage in Wales 32 Edw. 3. and Steward of Hopesdale He was a Soldier in Spain 12 Rich. 2. and Steward of Halton 10 Hen. 4. Ellen Wife of Sir Richard after his death married John Rycroft IX Sir Robert Aston of Aston Knight Son and Heir of Sir Richard married Isabel Daughter and Heir of John Beeston of _____ and had Issue Richard Son and Heir David Aston living 23 Hen. 6. and Alice Wife of John Massy of Sale in this Hundred 24 Hen. 6. Sir Robert died 5 Hen 5. 1417. Afterwards Isabel his Widow married John Carington of Carington in this Hundred 9 Hen. 5. He was afterwards Sir John Carington Knight Isabel had the Wardship of Richard Aston her Son pag. 7. c. X. Sir Richard Aston of Aston Knight Son and Heir of Sir Robert married Maude Daughter and Heir of Peter Massy of Horton in Cheshire by Margaret his Wife Daughter and Heir of William de Horton 9 Hen. 5. This Peter Massy was younger Son of Richard Massy of Rixton in Lancashire Esq Sir Richard had Issue by Maude Thomas Aston Son and Heir John second Son living 7 Edw. 4. Geffrey Aston third Son living 19 Hen. 7. William fourth Son died without Issue 20 Hen. 7. Maude married to John Done of Flax-yoards in Cheshire Joan Wife of Roger Dutton afterwards Heir to all Dutton-Lands which Joan after the death of Roger married Sir Richard Strangewaies and Margery another Daughter married John Wood of Sutton 2 Hen. 7. Sir Richard died 8 Hen. 7. 1492. XI Thomas Aston of Aston Esquire Son and Heir of Sir Richard married Margaret one of the Daughters of Sir Thomas Dutton of Dutton in this Hundred 7 Edw. 4. 1467. She afterwards became a Co-heir to Dutton-Lands and had Kekwick and Aston-Mondrem to her share This Thomas died in the Life-time of Sir Richard his Father about 1484. Margaret his Widow afterwards married Raufe Vernon of Haslington in Cheshire Esq XII Richard Aston of Aston Esq Son and Heir of Thomas married Dowse Daughter of Piers Warburton of Arley in this Hundred Esq 1 Rich. 3. 1484. and had Issue Thomas Son and Heir Richard a Priest 26 Hen. 8. Robert Aston of Grange in Staffordshire John Aston of Grange fourth Son Katharine Wife of Richard Broughton of Broughton in Staffordshire Alice married Randle Son and Heir of Randle Manwaringe of Karincham in Cheshire Esq 23 Hen. 7. and Anne married to William Massy of Rixton in Lancashire Esq 10 Hen. 8. This Richard Aston died 20 Hen. 8. 1529. XIII Thomas Aston of Aston Esquire Son and Heir of Richard married Bridget one of the Daughters of John Harewell and Sister and Co-heir to Thomas Harewell of Shotery in Warwickshire 4 Hen. 8. 1512. and had Issue John Son and Heir Richard Peter third Son 38 Hen. 8. who had a Bastard called Thomas Aston then living at London William fourth Son married Anne Daughter of Thomas Ireland of the Hutt in Lancashire Esquire and had Issue and Francis fifth Son He had also a Bastard son called Roger afterwards Sir Roger Aston Gentleman of the Bedchamber to King James who marred Mary Stewart Daughter to Alexander Lord Oghiltrey being lineally descended from Duncan Earl of Lenox in Scotland by whom he had Issue Margaret married to Sir Gilbert Houghton of Houghton-Tower in Lancashire Baronet Mary married to Sir Samuel Peyton of Knowlton in Kent Baronet Elizabeth Wife of Sir Robert Winkfield or Upton in Northamptonshire and Anne Wife of Sir Thomas Perient of Colchester in Essex These were his four Daughters and Heirs Afterwards Sir Roger Aston had to Wife Cordelia Sister to the Earl of Chesterfield but had no Issue by her Thomas Aston of Aston was Sheriff of Cheshire 1551. 4 Edw. 6. and died 6 Edw. 6. XIV John Aston of Aston Esquire Son and Heir of Thomas married Margaret Daughter of Thomas Ireland of the Hutt in Lancashire Esquire 38 Hen. 8. 1546. and had Issue Thomas Son and Heir John a Lawyer died without Issue Edward another Son died without Issue Brigit married Thomas Bunbury of Stanney in Cheshire Esquire Elizabeth Wife of John Massy of Coughow younger Brother to George Massy of Podington Esquire and afterwards Heir to his Brother Margaret Wife of Thomas Egerton of Walgreve after of Sir Edward Tirrel of Thornton in Buckinghamshire Mary died without Issue Elianour married
Feodi Militis ut per Chartam Antecessoribus dicti Georgii per Hamonem Massy Militem factam reddendo per Annum de Stuthe aliàs dictum Sheriff-Tooth 7 den The Family of the Caringtons of Carington flourished here for a long space near 400 Years until Sir George Booth of Dunham-Massy married Jane sole Daughter and Heir of John Carington of Carington Esquire towards the end of Queen Elizabeths Reign but had no Issue by her yet enjoyed Carington's Lands which after her death he recovered by a tedious Suit Whose Grandson George Booth Lord Delamere is now possest of the whole Township of Carington entirely 1666. there being no Charterer at all therein Clifton THis Town or Place for here is onely a Mannor-House with the Demain-Lands thereof hath its name from the Cliffs or broken Rocks therein It is now at this day commonly called Rock-Savage since the structure of that sumptuous Building erected there by Sir John Savage Anno Domini 1565. 7 Elizabethae The old Hall stood a little distance thence the Remains whereof are now turned into a Granary Stable and other Houses of Office among the Out-houses and by the Servants at this day called by the name of The Old Hall John Constable of Cheshire and Baron of Halton gave unto Galfrid or Geffrey de Dutton scilicèt de Uxore desponsatâ pro Homagio Servitio suo totam Villam de Clifton Faciendo Servitium dimidii Feodi Militis ad Castellum meum de Halton nullam Wardam faciet ad Castrum Cestriae nisi supèr Sumptum meum Haeredum meorum Lib. C. fol. 150. c. This was in the Reign of Henry the Second This Geffrey Dutton was younger Son of Hugh Dutton of Dutton the Posterity of which Geffrey were also Lords of Chedle who for their Residence there were sir-named de Chedle as the manner of those Ages was At last the two Daughters and Co-heirs of Sir Roger de Chedle divided the whole Inheritance 1 Edw. 3. 1327. Clemence the elder Daughter married William Son of Raufe Baggiley she had Clifton and divers Lands in Chedle and Hulme Agnes the younger Daughter married Richard Son of Robert de Buckley she had the Capital Messuage of Chedill and the Advowson of the Church of Chedill and divers Homages Rents and Services Lib. C. fol. 150. l. Isabel the Daughter and Heir of Clemence married Thomas Daniell of Bradley in Appleton junior afterwards Sir Thomas Daniell Knight by whom he had onely one Daughter and Heir called Margaret married to John Savage about 49 Edw. 3. from whom the Savages of Clifton continuing at this day 1666. This Margaret carried away all her Mothers Lands but her Fathers Lands went to the next Heir Male of the Daniells in Old Deeds frequently written Danyers and from whom the Daniels of Over-Tabley See more of this in Over-Tabley Now followeth the Descent of the Savages of Clifton This Margaret Daniell as I have told you before had all her Mothers Lands but her Fathers Lands were setled on the Heirs Males of the Daniels She had three Husbands The first was John Ratcliffe 42 Edw. 3. who died without Issue by her not long after Lib. C. fol. 229. v. The second Husband of Margaret Daneil was this John Savage descended of the Savages of Steinesbie in Darbyshire * See Lib D. pag. 176. T. Omnibus Johannes le Savage de Sarcliffe Salutem Noveritis me dedisse Stephano le Eyr de Cesterfeld totum jus meum in Tenemento in Halywel gate Datum apud Cesterfield die Mercurii in Festo Nativitatis Sancti Johannis Baptistae 3 Edw. 2. 1310. Lib. D. pag. 180. n The Original among the Evidences at Rock-Savage Anno Domini 1669. So that this John Savage who writ himself of Sarcliffe in Darbyshire I conceive was Ancestor to the first John Savage of Clifton whom he married about 49 Edw. 3. and had Issue by her John Savage Son and Heir Elizabeth and Blanch all living 4 Hen. 4. Lib. C. fol. 290. d. But Margaret survived all her Husbands and in her Widowhood she gave the moiety of Gropenhall to her Son Piers Legh 4 Hen. 4. Lib. C. fol. 290. d. And to John Savage her Son and to his Heirs she gave Liberty of Bearing her Coat of Arms which descended to her after the death of her Father as I have seen the Copy of the Deed in French dated 3 Hen. 5. the Original whereof is now among the Evidences of Thomas Earl Rivers at Rock-Savage 1669. Vide Lib. D. pag. 175. q. And the Posterity of Savage bore Daniells Coat and Crest accordingly to wit Argent a Pale Fusile Sable the Crest A Unicorns Head Couped Argent until Sir John Savage of Clifton in the Reign of Queen Elizabeth took up Six Lions Sable for his own Proper Coat and the Lions Paw Sable erected for his Crest This Margaret Daniell died 6 Hen. 6. 1427. II. Sir John Savage of Clifton Knight 6 Hen. 5. Son and Heir of John married Maude Daughter and Heir of Sir Robert Swinnarton by whom he had the Mannor of Barrow and had Issue John Savage Son and Heir William Arnold George and Roger also Margaret married John Dutton second Son of Sir Piers Dutton of Dutton 6 Hen. 5. afterwards Heir to Sir Piers his Father Lib. C. fol. 160. w. x. Maude married Sir Thomas Booth of Barton in Lancashire He married Maude Swinnarton about the beginning of the Reign of Henry the Fourth For in Annn 1409. 10 Hen. 4. I find them married Lib. D. pag. 170. d. Whose Ancestor Sir Roger Swinnerton was made a Banneret by Edward the Third to whom the King in part of three hundred Pounds worth of Land for the supporting of the State of a Banneret for his Life had given all the Lands which belonged to Hugh le Dispenser Earl of Winchester in the Counties of Stafford and Chester ⚜ Anno 5 Hen. 6. Johannes le Vernay and other Feoffees dederunt Johanni Savage Militi Ellenae Vxori ejus Maneria de Picton Shibrok Advocationem Ecclesiae de Davenham c. quae Margareta quae fuit Vxor Radulfi Vernon Militis tenet in dotem Remanere post decessum Margaretae praefatis Johanni Savage Ellenae Haeredibus ipsius Johannis Savage in perpetuum Lib. D. pag. 174. I. So that Ellen the Daughter and Heir of Sir Raufe Vernon seems to be the second Wife of this Sir John Savage and after by his Charter dated at Nottingham 16 Julii 8 Edw. 3. 1334. Consideratione Praemissorum à c obtentu laudabilis obsequii quod idem Rogerus nobis indiès impendit Concedimus quòd ipse habeat retineat sibi Haeredibus suis Mannerium de Magnâ Barow in Comitatu Cestriae cùm pertinentiis ac omnes terras in Villis de Rushton Corneford Austanfield in Comitatu Staffordiae quae fuerunt praefati Hugonis le Dispenser He gave also Little Barrow to him and his Heirs by another Charter dated at Westminster 25 Septembris 8 Edw.
b. Li. C. fol. 75. o. The Part of Alice who married Hamon Hilond released Anno 21 Edw. 3. to the Earl of Lancaster not yet Duke I shall now put down the Descent of the Heirs of Fitton from this time I. John Fitton of Bollin in Maxfield Hundred Son and Heir of Edmund Fitton of Bollin-Fee married Cecily eldest Daughter and Co-heir of Sir Hamon Massy Baron of Dunham-Massy and had Issue Richard Fitton Son and Heir and Hugh Fitton another Son who married Margery Daughter and Heir of Robert de Pownall 1328. from whom the Fittons of Pownall This John Fitton had a younger Brother called Thomas Fitton living 1335. which Thomas married Isabel Daughter and Heir of Thomas Orreby of Gowesworth from whom the Fittons of Gowesworth Also Hugh Fitton another Brother Rector of Wimslow-Church 1335. II. Richard Fitton of Bollin Son and Heir of John married Joan _____ She was living 1335. and had Issue John Fitton eldest Son who married Christian Daughter and Co-heir of Peter Arderne of Over-Alderley and made Partition of Arderne's Lands with Margaret her Sister Wife of Richard de Wever in Anno 1350. 24 Edw. 3. but this John died without Issue Also Hamon Fitton second Son who became Heir to his Father and Francis third Son 1337. died without Issue III. Hamon Fitton of Bollin second Son and Heir of Richard married Elizabeth Daughter and Co-heir to Sir Peter Thornton of Thornton Knight and had Issue Peter Fitton who died without Issue about 42 Edw. 3. Lib. C. fol. 179. e. Joan Sister and Heir to Peter married Richard Venables younger Son of Hugh Venables Baron of Kinderton IV. Richard Venables of Bollin in Right of Joan his Wife She was in Custody of Thomas Dutton of Dutton Knight 42 Edw. 3. and was then under Age and unmarried She had Issue William Venables Son and Heir and John Venables of Anterbus in Over-Whitley from whom Venables of Anterbus V. Sir William Venables of Bollin Knight Son and Heir of Richard married Joan Daughter of Sir John Massy of Tatton and had Issue Richard Venables drowned in the Water of Ringey 3 Hen. 4. aged then about eight years and two Daughters and Heirs Alice married Sir Edmund Trafford of Trafford in Lancashire and Dowse married Robert Booth younger Son of John Booth of Barton in Lancashire Lib. C. fol. 257. b. afterwards Sir Robert Booth of Dunham-Massy Sir William Venables of Bollin died 9 Hen. 5. 1421. Lib. C. fol. 257. b. Sir Edmund Trafford and Alice his Wife and Robert Booth and Dowse his Wife make Partition of the Lands of Sir William Venables 9 Hen. 5. except Lindow-Moor and Thornton-Mosse and except the Homage and Service of Geffrey Warburton and his Heirs for the Lands which he holdeth in Aston and Budworth and elsewhere in Cheshire which remained undivided at that time Sir Edmund and Alice had to their share Morley Chorley and Hough the Rents and Services of Thomas Pownall Richard Fitton and William de Honford and the Rent and Service of Sir Lawrence Fitton id est de Gowesworth for his Lands in Bollin-Fee as also all the Lands which Sir William Venables lately had in Norden and Helsby with the Advowson of Wimslow Church Robert Booth and Dowse had Styall and Dene-row and all the Lands which Sir William Venables lately had in Fally-brome Norley Oneston Kingsley Arrow Picton Stoke and Chester also the Mannor-House of Thornton and the Advowson of Thornton-Church and Bollin-Mills and 5 l. 0 s. 0 d. to be paid yearly by the Heirs of Alice out of the Mannors of Bollin and Norcliff This Robert afterwards Sir Robert Booth having thus possessed himself of his share of the Lands of Venables of Bollin challenged his Part of the Lands of Dunham-Massy which ought to descend to him as one of the Heirs of Venables of Bollin and to Venables as Heir to Fitton of Bollin and to Fitton of Bollin as Heir to one of the Daughters and Heirs of Sir Hamon Massy of Dunham At last it was agreed between Sir Thomas Stanley Sir Robert Booth and William Chauntrell Serjeant at Law That one half of the Mannors Lands Rents and Services in Dunham Hale and Altrincham should remain to the said Thomas Stanley and William Chauntrell and their Co-Feoffees and the other half to the said Sir Robert Booth and his Co-Feoffees Dated 16 die Julii 11 Hen. 6. 1433. Lib. C. fol. 262. e. f. g. The Originals among the Evidences at Dunham-Massy 1666. And thus Sir Robert Booth got footing in Dunham whose Heirs have since made Purchases and George Booth Lord Delamere of Dunham-Massy is now 1666. possessed of the Mannor of Dunham-Massy Charterers in Dunham-Massy 1666. 1. John Crew of Crew Esquire hath three Tenements in Sunderland now in possession of Henry Heskith Robert Ashton and Henry Haselhurst 2. George Vawdrey of Dunham-wood-houses one Tenement in his own possession 3. James Johnson alias Ottiwell one Tenement in Dunham-wood-houses lately bought of Mr. Bodon late of Bodon to revert after Mr. Bodon's death 4. Mr. Parker of Parker's-Hall in Altrincham one Tenement in Dunham in possession besides five Cottages Now followeth the Genealogy of the Booths of Dunham-Massy since the time they were first possessed of Dunham Argent three Boars Heads erased erected Sable Raufe Booth here stiled the second Son married Margaret Daughter and Heir of Thomas Sibell of Sondwich in Kent and had three Daughters and Heirs Dowse married one Gomer of London Margaret married William Mere Son and Heir of Thomas Mere of Mere nigh Over-Tabley in Cheshire 34 Hen. 6. and Jane married Robert Leycester of Toft Lib. C. fol. 207. n. fol. 175. This Sir Robert Booth and William his Son and Heir were made Sheriffs for both their Lives conjunctìm vel divisìm of Cheshire and to the Survivor of them The Writ dated 8 Martii 21 Hen. 6. 1442. which is the first Patent for Life in this kind that I meet withal in our County Howbeit after Edward the Fourth had got the Crown he presently made William Stanley of Hooton Sheriff 2 Edw. 4. And so William Booth Sir Robert's Son was outed of his Sheriff-ship This Sir Robert Booth lived in the Reigns of Henry the Fourth Henry the Fifth and Henry the Sixth and seems to die about 29 Hen. 6. A word or two about the Coat of Arms of Booth I find that Thomas Barton of Barton in Lancashire gave unto John Booth Son of Thomas Booth of Barton and to his Heirs for ever liberty to Bear his Coat of Arms to wit Argent Three Boars Heads erased and erected Sable by Deed dated 5 Hen. 4. 1404. John Booth's Book Lib. H. pag. 49. wherein were extracted the Deeds of Booth of Barton and several others Which Coat of Arms have ever since been born by Booth of Barton as also by Booth of Dunham with his Distinction of a younger Son even to this present Sigillum Thomas Bothe II. Sir William Booth of Dunham Knight Son and Heir of
belonged to the Templars but is since become a Society for the Students of our Law with all the Lands and Rents thereto belonging in the Suburbs of London and in the County of Middlesex which were of the Fee of the Honor of Leycester and Confirmed unto him by the Grant of King Edward the Second Dated at York primo die Octobris 8 Edw. 2. Tom. 2. of the Couchir-Books in the Dutchy-Office Comitatus Middlesex Alice the Widow of this Thomas had the Earldom of Lincoln restored unto her by the King during her Life 20 die Septembris 1322. 16 Edw. 2. She had also the Mannor of Halton in Cheshire cùm pertinentiis restored unto her for her Life 12 die Julii 16 Edw. 2. in which Deed she is stiled Countess of Lincoln and Salisbury Lib. C. fol. 68. l. Afterwards she married Sir Eubulo le Strange without the Kings Consent about 1325. 19 Edw. 2. but had no Issue by him Eubulo Lord Strange was in her Right made Earl of Lincoln Vincent upon Broke pag. 320. and he died about 7 Edw. 3. 1333. For 9 Edw. 3. I find Alice stiled Countess of Lincoln and Salisbury Lib. C. fol. 69. p. q. After this Alice married Hugh de Frenes to her third Husband who usurped the Title of Earl of Lincoln in her Right and died 1334. Walsingham pag. 134. but had no Issue by her Concerning this Alice and one Richard de St. Martin I shall give you here the Story out of Walsingham sub Anno 1317. 10 Edw. 2. pag. 108 109. On Monday before Ascension-day 1317. the Countess of Lancaster was Ravished at Caneford in Dorsetshire by a certain Knight of the House of John Earl of Warren very many of the English being assistant to that detestable Fact and by the Kings Assent as it was said She was brought in great Triumph to the Earl Warren 's Castle of Ryegate in disgrace of her Husband Thomas Earl of Lancaster and by the way the Conductors supposing they had seen Flags or Banners between the Hedges and Woods of Halton and Farnham afar off which was nothing but Priests in their Surplices walking Procession with the People in the Fields according to their Custom were struck with a great fear thinking the Earl of Lancaster her Husband had been coming with a Power to revenge her Injury and so ran away leaving the Lady almost all alone But the matter being discovered they returned with Threatnings and Pomp with whom there was a low lame hulch-back'd Fellow of a malicious spirit called Richard dè St. Martin who being backed with great Aid challenged the miserably-derided Lady for his Wife protesting that he carnally knew her before she married the Earl of Lancaster which she openly acknowledged to be true And although she was reputed a most Noble Lady all her life-time before she was by the Wheel of Fortune proclaimed an odious Strumpet And the said Richard triumphing over her presumes to challenge the Earldoms of Lincoln and Salisbury in the King's Court as in Right of his Wife but in vain as shall after appear more fully Thus Walsingham But here seems to be great improbability in this Story Cambden tells us out of the Book of Stanlaw Monastery that she was but nine Years old when she married Thomas Earl of Lancaster Lincolnshire pag. 409. And then St. Martin must lie with her before she was nine Years old which is not probable And then these Actions and Words done and said unto her in time of Hostility to make the Earl odious might be given out against her as if she had confessed the Fact though perhaps an absolute Falsity Nor is it likely Eubulo Lord Strange would have married her as he did had these things been true which are here related by Walsingham This Countess Alice died Anno Domini 1348. 22 Edw. 3. Annóque aetatis suae sexagesimo septimo and was Buried at Berlyng Abby by Eubulo her second Husband Monasticon 2 Pars pag. 190. leaving no Issue by any of her Husbands Now for the Lands which were the Inheritance belonging to this Alice they are said to be worth 10000 Marks per Annum and more howbeit she had not above 3000 Marks thereof per Annum allowed her by the King Monasticon Pars 2. pag. 189. b. The Inheritance of Henry Lacy was so setled upon the Marriage of Alice his Daughter and Heir that in Case Henry Lacy had no Heirs of his Body in defect of such then his Lands were to revert to Edmund the King's Brother and to his Heirs for ever Dated 28 Octobris 22 Edw. 1. 1294. Lib. C. fol. 67. f. Monasticon Pars 2. pag. 189. a. So Alice having no Issue all Henry Lacy's Lands came to the Earls of Lancaster But before I proceed it will be requisite I say something here of the Earls of Lancaster before Thomas Plantagenet The first Earl of Lancaster I meet withal was John sir-named Without Land younger Brother to King Richard the First He was afterwards King John and therefore I shall say the less of him The next Earl of Lancaster was Edmund Plantagenet sir-named Crook-back younger Son to King Henry the Third and Brother to King Edward the First He had given him by his Father Honorem Comitatum Castrum Villam de Lancaster omia Dominica nostra quae sunt in Comitatu Lancastriae cùm Vaccariis Forestis de Wiresdale Lounsdale Novum Castrum subtùs Limam Manerium Forestam Castrum de Pickering Manerium de Scaleby Villam de Gomecester redditúmque Villatae de Huntendon Dated at St. Pauls in London 30 die Junii 51 Hen. 3. 1267. Lib. C. fol. 71. e. Tom. 1. of the Couchir-Books in the Dutchy-Office fol. 1. num 1. So he was made Earl of Lancaster 1267. He was also Earl of Leycester and High Steward of England by Patent dated 25 die Octobris 49 Hen. 3. 1265. upon the Forfeiture of Simon de Montfort Earle of Leycester who was slain at the Battel of Evesham 5 die Augusti 1265. He was made Earl of Derby at Kenillworth 28 Junii 50 Hen. 3. wherein he hath granted unto him Castra omnes terras quae fuerunt Roberti de Ferrariis quondà m Comitis Derbiae qui Simoni de Monteforti quondà m Comiti Leycestriae Inimico Feloni nostro Imprisis suis adhaesit tempore Guerrae quae nupèr in Regno nostro mota fuit per ipsum Simonem Lib. C. fol. 71. g. Tom. 1. of the Couchir-Books in the Dutchy-Office fol. 3. num 11. Which Robert de Ferrars was also Lord of Tutbury and was afterwards bound unto this Edmund with William de Valentia Earl of Pembroke John Warren Earl of Surrey William de Beauchampe Earl of Warwick and many other Sureties for the Payment of 50000 l. Sterling in Quindenâ Johannis Baptistae proximè venturâ 53 Hen. 3. for the Redemption of his Lands Lib. C. fol. 71. I. But I find not that they were ever redeemed This Edmund was Invested King of Sicily
Habendum tenendum praedictis Ricardo Isabellae Haeredibus vel Assignatis ipsius Ricardi liberè quietè benè pacificè cùm omnibus Libertatibus Commoditatibus Eysiamentis Eschaetis praedictis Terris Redditibus Homagiis Consuetudinibus Servitiis quoquo modo spectantibus Faciendo indè ipse Ricardus Isabella Haeredes vel Assignati ipsius Ricardi pro me Haeredibus vel Assignatis meis unam Sectam per afforciamentum * * Efforcement Gallice Utmost endeavor with all force and power ad Curiam Domini Hamonis de Massy de Dunham per rationabilem Summonitionem per facturam Hayae Hiri ††By making of the Hedge and Common â—ence Communis quae ego Antecessores mei facere Consuevimus cùm Feodo de Tatton Domino de Dunham pro Villâ de Knotsford pro omni Servitio Consuetudine exactione quâcunque demandâ Et ego praedictus Willielmus Haeredes mei omnes Terras Redditus Homagia Consuetudines Servitia cùm suis pertinentiis sicùt praedictum est praedictis Ricardo Isabellae Haeredibus vel Assignatis ipsius Ricardi contrà omnes Homines Faeminas Warrantizabimus Acquietabimus in omnibus defendemus per praedictum Servitium in perpetuùm In cujus rei Testimonium huic praesenti Scripto Sigillum meum apposui Hiis Testibus Hugone de Venables Radulfo de Vernon Militibus Willielmo de Modburlegh Willielmo de Meynwaring Thomâ de Legh Johanne de Legh Willielmo de Marâ Adamo de Tabley Eytropo de Mulinton Roberto Parsonâ medietatis Ecclesiae de Limme aliis So that by these Deeds it should seem that William de Tabley held Nether-Knotsford of Massy of Tatton immediately but mediately from the Ancient Barons of Dunham-Massy And upon the Agreement before at large set down Sir Richard Massy of Tatton was to have one Moiety of the Mannor of Nether-Knotsford and half of the Profits of the Market Fair and Court and William of Tabley the other half This William de Tabley writ himself Dominus de Knotsford and sometimes Dominus de Tabley which is to be understood of Over-Tabley He married Alice Daughter of William de Mobburley the Elder She was Widow 27 Edw. 1. 1299. and then lived at her Principal Mansion-house at Nether-Knotsford F. num 1 2. For William her late Husband had not long before granted away the third Part of Over-Tabley which was all the Lands in Over-Tabley wherewith he stood then possessed unto Sir John Grey Son of Sir Reginald Grey 22 Edw. 1. And Sir John Grey granted all his Lands in Over-Tabley which he had of the Grant of William de Tabley unto Roger de Leycester Lord of Nether-Tabley together with all the Lands Rents and Services which Alice the Widow of William de Tabley then held in Dower de praedictis Tenementis in praedictâ Villâ de Over-Tabley to revert to the said Roger Leycester after her death This was about Anno Domini 1298. F. num 1. This William de Tabley who died about 1297. 26 Edw. 1. had Issue William de Tabley eldest Son and John de Tabley another Son Lib. C. fol. 222. m. And also two Daughters Agnes married William de Torperley by whom she had Issue Margaret and Alice another Daughter of William de Tabley âšœ These Notes following are the Notes of John Halsey of Lincolns-Inn Esquire extracted out of the Evidences of the Earl of Bridgewater 1667. William de Tabley Lord of Nether-Knotsford Son and Heir of the aforesaid William had a Charter from Edward the Black Prince dated 4 die Aprilis 11 Edw. 3. 1337. to excuse him all his Life from being put on any Jury and from being Mayor Sheriff Coroner or other Officer against his will The Original now remains among the Evidences of the Earl of Bridgewater 1667. His Wife was named Aunora She was Widow 14 Edw. 3. and had Issue William de Tabley under Age and Ward to Hugh Massy of Tatton 16 Edw. 3. and died 26 Edw. 3. at the Age of 16 Years leaving his four Sisters to be his Heirs Maud Emme Marion and Agnes 1. Maud married Richard de Cotton She and her Children were all dead 45 Edw. 3. and her Part fell to the other Sisters 2. Emme the second Sister married Walter Spicer of Chester She was dead before 26 Edw. 3. and Richard Spicer their Son was found Heir 3. Marion or Mary for some Deeds call her by the one Name and some by the other married Roger Son of William de Minshull who with her Husband Leased a fourth Part of the Mannor of Knotsford to Thomas Stathum for forty Years 38 Edw. 3. Afterwards she married Thomas Hyde of Warford who with the said Thomas her second Husband Demised to David Pinke her sixth Part of the Mannor of Nether-Knotsford which came to her by the death of Agnes her Sister Rent per Annum 3 l. 6 s. 8 d. 46 Edw. 3. 4. Agnes the fourth Sister and Co-heir married Robert Son of William de Downes living 27 Edw. 3. After she married Warin de Croxton but left no Issue So that all William of Tabley's Moyety of Nether-Knotsford was now in Spicer and Marion who scattered the same into certain Parcels For Richard Son of Walter Spicer Granted to Sir John Massy of Tatton 45 Edw. 3. all his sixth Part of Nether-Knotsford which descended to him by the Decease of Agnes Wife of Warin de Croxton which Sir John sold to one John Shard and others 50 Edw. 3. and had it Re-granted back to him the said Sir John 3 Rich. 2. So that Sir John Massy had now the sixth Part of William de Tabley's Moyety the other Moyety being his own by Descent Sir Hugh Hulse had two fourth Parts Granted to him by John Stathum Nephew to Thomas Stathum his Uncle 1 Hen. 4. and which the said Thomas Stathum bought from Marion de Tabley and Richard Spicer And Hugh de Knotsford also Releaseth to Sir Hugh Hulse 1 Hen. 4. his Right in a third Part of a fourth Part which the said Hugh had from David Pinke who had it from Spicer Marion or Mary de Tabley the Widow of Thomas Hyde 19 Rich. 2. grants to Hugh de Toft Chaplain Dominium de Knotsford who re-grants the same to Mary for Life the Remainder to Thomas Haselford and Joan his Wife Daughter of the said Mary and to the Heirs of their Bodies And in Anno 21 Rich. 2. this Mary Covenants with Cicely Daughter of the last William de Mobberley to settle all she had in possession in Nether-Knotsford by Fine first to her self and the Heirs of her Body The Remainder to Sir Hugh Hulse and Margery his Wife in Tail The Remainder to Thomas Hulse their Son in Tail And so to Edmund and so to Andrew Brothers of the said Thomas And so to Elinour and so to Elizabeth Sisters of the said Thomas in Tail The Remainder to the said Cicely and her Heirs And to
Gilberti living 33 Edw. 3. Lib. C. fol. 263. k. IV. Gilbert de Limme Son and Heir of Alan had a Wife called Anabilla 1338. and had Issue Peter eldest Son whose Son Peter married Margaret Daughter of Sir Geffrey de Warburton 1338. William second Son of Gilbert Richard third Son Robert fourth Son And four Daughters Christian Cicely Agnes and Edusa all living 1338. Remanere Thomae de Legh Haeredibus Lib. C. fol. 263. h. I. Hamon Legh of the West-Hall in High-Legh about Hen. 2. II. William de Legh III. Richard de Legh Son of William had Issue Richard and Madoc cui Pater dedit medietatem de Sworton in High-Legh and Margery married Aytrop Son of Aytrop of Millington tempore Hen. 3. Lib. C. fol. 273. num 3. IV. Richard de Legh Son of Richard Son of William Son of Hamon de Legh V. Agnes Daughter and Heir of Richard had three Husbands The first was Richard de Limme younger Son of Hugh de Limme and had Issue Thomas de Legh de West-Hall After she married William Venables of Bradwell and by him had Issue John de Legh from whom the Leghs of the Booths near Knotsford And lastly she married William de Hawardyn and by him had Issue Raufe de Hawardyn Or a Lion Rampant Gules This Thomas gave away one half of his Moiety of High-Legh which came to Sir Richard Massy of Tatton Regnante Edwardo Primo so that he had onely one fourth Part of High-Legh afterwards which his Heirs enjoy at this day 1666. This Thomas Legh died about 10 Edw. 2. Lib. C. fol. 268. num 27. II. Thomas Legh de West-Hall in High-Legh Son and Heir of Thomas married Alice and had Issue Thomas Legh Son and Heir living 11 Edw. 2. Gilbert de Limme releaseth to this Thomas Legh all his Right in the Advowson of the Moiety of the Church of Limme 10 Edw. 2. 1316. Lib. C. fol. 266. num 1. Since which time the Leghs of West-Hall have been Patrons of the half of Limme-Church to this day 1666. Alice was Widow Anno Domini 1333. Lib. C. fol. 268. num 28. I find her a Widow also 1330. Ibid. fol. 268. num 38. III. Thomas Legh de West-Hall in High-Legh Son and Heir of Thomas married and had Issue Richard Legh Son and Heir Agnes a Daughter married Robert Dumbill from whom the Dumbills of Limme Gilbert de Limme releaseth to this Agnes and Robert Dumbill and the Heirs of their Bodies all his Lands in Limme cùm Servitiis liberorum Tenentium Remanere Thomae Filio Johannis Dumbill praedicti Margaretae Filiae praedicti Thomae de Legh Dated at Limme on Thursday next after Michaelmas 1342. Lib. C. fol. 263. I. So that Margaret another Daughter married Thomas Dumbill Agnes Daughter of Alan de Limme releaseth to Robert Dumbill and Agnes his Wife all her Right in all those Lands Rents and Services which formerly belonged to her Brother Gilbert de Limme in the Township of Limme Dated at Limme 33 Edw. 3. 1359. Lib. C. fol. 263. k. The Originals in possession of Dumbill of Limme 1664. IV. Richard Legh de West-Hall in High-Legh Son and Heir of Thomas married Maud Daughter and Heir of Geffrey Massy of VVinsham Anno Domini 1375. 49 Ed. 3. Lib. C. fol. 266. num 4 5. Lib. B. pag. 35. h. and had Issue John Legh Son and Heir and Alice married Richard Starky of Stretton This Richard was living 4 Hen. 5. V. John Legh of VVest-Hall in High-Legh Son and Heir of Richard married and had Issue Richard Legh Son and Heir Roger Legh of Oldgrave in Cheshire Margery married John Leycester of Nether-Tabley the younger 20 Hen. 6. 1442. Son and Heir of John Leycester of Tabley the elder Esquire Covenants of the Marriage are now in possession of Legh of VVest-Hall 1666. Alice another Daughter married John Son and Heir of John Parr of Worseley in Lancashire Esq 35 Hen. 6. Lib. C. fol. 280. h. VI. Richard Legh de VVest-Hall in High-Legh Esquire Son and Heir of John married Alice Daughter of John Leycester of Nether-Tabley the Elder Esquire Anno Domini 1442. 20 Hen. 6. and had Issue Thomas Legh Son and Heir John Legh of Oughtrington in Limme of whom the Leghs of Oughtrington Maud married Nicholas Legh of East-Hall in High-Legh 1463. Hamnet Legh third Son Peter Legh fourth Son Richard fifth Son Dowse married John Son and Heir of VVilliam Mere of Mere juxtà Over-Tabley Esquire living 1487. 3 Hen. 7. Lib. C. fol. 209. g. Isabel married Peter Venables of Anterbus in Over-VVhitley Lordship Ellen married Richard Moldesworth of VVinsham 19 Edw. 4. 1479. Lib. C. fol. 213. y. The Original penes Sir Peter Brooke of Mere 1666. This Richard Legh died about 1486. Lib. C. fol. 209. g. VII Thomas Legh of VVest-Hall in High-Legh Esquire Son and Heir of Richard married Dowse Daughter of Sir VVilliam Booth of Dunham-Massy 1 Edw. 4. 1461. and had Issue Richard Son and Heir who died in the Life-time of his Father having married Beatrix Daughter of Geffrey Boydell of Pulcroft 3 Hen. 7. by whom he had Issue Richard Legh Son and Heir This Thomas had also George Legh of Manchester second Son whose Daughter and Heir Elizabeth married Alexander Barlow of Barlow in Lancashire Alice Legh another Daughter of Thomas married Hamon Massy of Hale afterwards she married George Newton James Legh third Son of Thomas John Legh fourth Son Roger Legh Parson of Limme fifth Son And Jane married Matthew Legh of Swineyard in High-Legh This Thomas Legh had a second Wife called Joan Daughter of John Holcroft of Holcroft in Lancashire by whom he had Issue John Legh Thomas Legh and Jane Wife of Thomas Sanky of Little-Sanky in Lancashire VIII Richard Legh of VVest-Hall in High-Legh Esquire Son and Heir of Richard and Grand-son of Thomas Legh married Rose Daughter of Raufe Davenport of Davenport Esquire 20 Hen. 7. 1504. by whom he had Issue Thomas Legh Son and Heir who married Katharine one of the Daughters and Heirs of Raufe Legh of the East-Hall in High-Legh Esquire but he died without Issue in the Life-time of his Father Also Parnell and Anne two Daughters by Rose After the death of Rose Richard married Anne Hough Sister of Richard Hough of Leighton by whom he had Issue Richard Legh Heir to his Father George another Son John Legh another Son who married Mary Daughter of Alexander Barlow of Barlow in Lancashire Dorothy Legh a Daughter married David Massy of Broxton in Cheshire IX Richard Legh de VVest-Hall in High-Legh Esquire Son and Heir of Richard married Clemence Daughter of John Holcroft of Holcroft in Lancashire and had Issue Richard Legh Son and Heir John Legh second Son died young Peter Legh third Son afterwards became Heir Francis Legh of London George Legh another Son John Legh of London another Son married Dorothy Daughter and Heir of Thomas Eaton and Widow of Robert Holcroft and had Issue Thomas Legh another Son Elizabeth a Daughter married
Militis Ut autèm haec nostra confirmatio futuris temporibus rata inconcussa permaneat eam Sigilli mei impressione corà m hiis Testibus confirmavi Ricardo de Vernon Matthaeo de Filio suo Gilberto de Bostock Willielmo Filio suo Hugone de Tiwâ Hamone Briton Matthaeo de Muneshull Ricardo Fratre suo Radulfo Filio Rogeri Dispensatoris Willielmo Fratre suo Willielmo Capellano de Shibbrok aliis multis A very fair Seal In a Rondlet a Lion Rampant written about thus SIGILL WARINI DE VERNUN The Original hereof remaining among the Evidences at Merbury 1666. From hence had this Family the Sir-name of Merbury and seems to be originally a Vernon Nothing more usual than in those Elder Ages to be stiled from the Places of their Habitation which After-ages retained as Sir-names This Family hath continued in this Seat ever since by the Name of the Merburies and Thomas Merbury of Merbury Esq is now Owner thereof 1666. Out of this Family branched Randle Merbury in the Reign of Edward the First whose Son Simon married Idonea Daughter and Heir of Thomas de Walton from whom the Marburies of Walton in this Hundred were propagated See more hereof in Walton Marston THis Township of Marston is not in Doomsday-book and seemeth to have its Name from the two Meres whereto it adjoineth to wit Budworth-Mere and Pickmere-Mere as it were Meres-Town or The Town abutting on the Meres It hath very anciently belonged to the Barons of Kinderton Andrew Prior of Norton and the Convent there granted unto Sir William Venables Charissimo Amico nostro to find him the Celebration of Divine Service in his Chappel at Marston during his Life-time when either he or his Wife shall be there and do also Lease to Robert his Son Clerk their Tythe of the Mill and of the Fishings there about the beginning of Henry the Third Lib. H. num 21. It seems Hugh Son of Alfred of Marston had some Parcel of Land here tempore Edw. 3. For Richard Venables releaseth to Hamon de Venables all his Right de Pueris Hugonis de Marston Ibidèm num 7. Peter Venables Esquire now Baron of Kinderton 1666. hath an old Mannor-House in Marston with ancient Demain-Lands thereunto belonging and hath also all the rest of Marston Township in possession of his Tenants there except onely 1. Richard Symcock's Tenement in Marston now belonging to Sir Peter Leycester of Nether-Tabley which Tenement was sold by Sir Thomas Venables of Kinderton and Thomas his Son and Heir to Peter Leycester of Tabley Esquire 6 Elizabethae 1564. and adjoyneth to Nether-Tabley B. num 2. 2. Bromfield's Lands in Marston which anciently belonged to Bromfield of Witton but now Richard Wilcocson hath bought Part hereof and the other Part called Sim-fields Peter Kennardy of Aston juxtà Pickmere hath bought Marthall IN the Conqueror's Time in Doomsday-book I find no mention of Marthall But this Town anciently belonged to the Wynningtons of Wynnington nigh Northwich in whose Offices they are found to hold it of the Heirs of Manwaring of Warmincham in Soccage by the yearly Rent of one Penny Of which Family Richard Wynnington of Wynnington Esquire married Katharine the fifth Daughter and Co-heir to Robert Grosvenour of Houlme in Allostock Esquire by whom he had the Mannor of Pulford beyond Chester by Partition Anno 1465. and a fifth part of Allostock as Heir to her Sister Margery Grosvenour by Partition Anno 1474. and had Issue three Sons Richard Wynnington Peter and George and two Daughters Jane and Elizabeth all living 5 Hen. 7. Lib. C. fol. 125. F. 161. O. Richard Wynnington Son and Heir of Richard and Katharine married Joan Smith and had Issue two Daughters Katharine who died without Issue 23 Hen. 7. as appears by her Office taken 6 Hen. 8. and Elizabeth married Sir Piers Warburton of Arley 2 Hen. 8. being then sole Daughter and Heir For Richard Wynnington died 19 Hen. 7. Joan his Wife died 24 Hen. 7. and Sir Piers Warburton died 4 Edw. 6. and Elizabeth his Wife Daughter and Heir of Richard Wynnington of Wynnington Esquire died Anno sexto Mariae So that Warburton of Arley had by this Match all the Lands then belonging to Wynnington of Wynnington as well as the Part of Grosvenour's Lands before-mentioned which descended also whose Heir at this day 1666. is possessed of the Town of Marthall entirely there being no Free-holder or Charterer in this Township at all Mere. THis Town undoubtedly took its Name from the Mere therein and was held by Gilbert Venables Baron of Kinderton in the Time of William the Conqueror which one Ulviet held before Not many Ages after it became the Seat of the Family of the Meres who took their Sir-name from hence among whom Robert de Mere senior lived about the Reign of King John whether originally a Venables I cannot positively affirm Ex Bundello Escaetarum in Turri Londinensi 8 Rich. 2. Willielmus de Mere tenuit Villam de Mere cùm medietate Manerii de Bollinton de Hugone de Venables which Hugh was Lord of Kinderton Certain it is this Family of Mere of Mere continued in this Seat a long time together until in our days John Mere of Mere Esquire and William his Son sold this Mannor of Mere unto Peter Brooks younger Son of Thomas Brooks of Norton Esquire Anno Domini 1652. Which Peter also bought the Estate of Thomas Merbury of Walton and was after Sir Peter Brooks Knighted Anno Domini 1660. and Sheriff of Cheshire 1669. He hath Beautified and Built anew the Hall of Mere very handsomly and had three Wives The first was Alice Hulse Daughter and Heir of Richard Hulse of Killingworth in Warwickshire by whom he had Issue Thomas Brooks eldest Son who married Margaret Daughter and Heir of Henry Brereton of Eccleston in Cheshire Gentleman 1663. Richard Brooks second Son who married Margaret Daughter and Heir of Robert Charnock of Charnock in Lancashire 1666. The second Wife of Sir Peter Brooks was Frances the Widow of William Merbury of Merbury nigh Comberbach in Cheshire Esquire and Daughter of Sir Nicholas Trot of Quickshot in Hartfordshire but had no Issue by her The third Wife of Sir Peter Brooks of Mere was Mabill the Widow of Richard Clayton of Crooke in Lancashire Esquire and Daughter of William Farrington of Werden in Lancashire Esquire who with Sir Peter her Husband are now living 1669. but hath no Issue by her Charterers in Mere 1666. 1. Henry Legh de East-Hall in High-Legh Esquire pro Strethull-Farm not long since Purchased from Hugh Cocker of Pickmere 2. One Messuage in Possession of Robert Simmons given to the use of the Poor of the Parish whereof Massy of Mosse-house is a Feoffee 3. George Venables of Agden Esquire one small Tenement in Mere. 4. John Spinke of Howes-Heath in Mere. 5. William Pownall of Barnton for Granthams Lands 6. Peter Fernhead of Mere for Granthams Lands 7. John Bradburne of Mere.
Willielmo de Manwaring tùnc Rectore Ecclesiae de Werunith c. Lib. B. pag. 7. num 1. Richard Son and Heir of Thomas Manwaring gives all his Land in Over-Pever to William Glasebroke Anno Domini 1320. Lib. B. pag. 7. num 2. William Glasebroke releaseth all his Lands in Radbrook in Over-Pever unto William Son of John del Mere and to Agnes his Wife and the Heirs of her Body 45 Edw. 3. 1371. It continued in the Name of Mere until the Year 1501. when Robert Mere gave all his Lands in Over-Pever to Oliver Hurlebot Son of Richard Hurlebot Rendring yearly twenty Shillings Dated 14 die Augusti 16 Hen. 7. 1501. Which Rent of twenty Shillings Mere passed over to Thomas Manwaring of Nantwich Son of Nicolas Manwaring and the said Thomas Manwaring passed it to John Manwaring of Over-Pever Esquire by Deed dated 24 die Octobris 23 Hen. 7. Robert Burges of Knotsford married Joan one of Hurlebot's Daughters to whom her Father gave Radbrook Which Burges had onely two Daughters Katharine married Mr. Thomas Browne and Jane married John Harper of Hallywell near Bolton in the Moors in Lancashire Katharine had a Son called George Brown who married Townesend Sister to George Leycester of Toft Esquire and had Issue three or four Children but all died before they came to maturity Afterwards Katharine suffers a Fine and Recovery and settles these Lands on Jane Daughter of John Harper aforesaid This Jane married John Swinton of Nether-Knotsford aforesaid the ninth of February 1659. who now hath Radbrook-House in Possession Ex Chartulis Willielmi Beard 2. William Beard of Over-Pever hath part of Fodon-Land in Over-Pever which Land he lately bought of John Downes of Toft 1663. and Downes formerly bought the same by the Name of Half a Messuage called Fodon-Land from John Henshaw of Lockwood in Staffordshire Dated 6 Junii 33 Eliz. 1591. I find by ancient Deeds that there were anciently two Places or Hamlets in Over-Pever one called Cepmundewich the other Fodon William Manwaring Lord of Over-Pever gave Fodon to Thomas his younger Son under Edward the First and Thomas gave it away to Hugh de Stoke Cepmondswich William Manwaring Son of William and Brother of Thomas gave unto Gilbert Gykes towards the end of Edward the First But these Lands came afterwards to be divided and are now all bought in by the Lords of Over-Pever save that Part of Fodon which Beard now enjoyeth 7 Edw. 3. Thomas de Cepmondswich and Agnes his Wife gave to John Son of William Glasebrook and to Nicolaa Daughter of Thomas Cepmondwich unum Messuagium 21 Acras Terrae in Over-Pever in quodam Hamletto qui vocatur Fodon Capitale Messuagium nostrum decem Acras Terrae duas Acras Mossetae unam Acram Bosci in eâdem Villâ in quodam Hamletto qui vocatur Cepmondswich Remanere rectis Haeredibus praedictae Agnetis And a Fine was levied hereon at Chester 7 Edw. 3. Lib. B. pag. 6. f. So much of the Charterers in Over-Pever In this Township is also a Parochial Chappel Seated near to the Mannor-Hall of Over-Pever and hath these Villages within the Chappelry  The Mize  l. s. d. Over-Pever 01 00 00 Marthall cùm Little-Werford 00 13 04 Snelston in Maxfield Hundred 00 02 00  01 15 04 This Chappel is a Daughter of the Mother-Church of Rosthorn and seems to be first Erected about the Reign of Edward the Third But I find not any Monument in this Church exceeding the Reign of Henry the Sixth It was certainly a Parochial Chappel in Henry the Sixth's Time and had then liberty of Burial and hath now the yearly Stipend of Five Pounds six Shillings and eight Pence allowed from the Vicar of Rosthorne The neat Chappel and Vault under the same for a Burying-place on the North-side of the Chancel was built in Stone at the Charge of Ellen the Widow of Philip Manwaring of Over-Pever Esquire Anno Domini 1648. The other Chappel of Stone on the South-side of the Body of Over-Pever Church seems to be built Anno Domini 1456. as appears by the Inscription in one of the Windows of the same Chappel yet extant 1666. Now followeth the Descent of the Manwarings of Over-Pever He had Issue William Son and Heir Thomas to whom his Father gave Fodon in Over-Pever Lib. B. pag. 2. d. pag. 3. g. h. Benedict another Son Ibid. pag. 4. m. pag. 13. e. f. Guy another Son Sir Tho. Aston's Deeds pag. 31. n. Also Roger another Son whose Son William married Margaret Daughter of Roger Toft of Toft 1 Edw. 1. Lib. B. pag. 8. a. II. William Manwaring of Over-Pever Son and Heir of William married and had Issue Roger eldest Son William another Son whose Daughter Ellen married Adam Glasebrook 14 Edw. 3. 1341. Lib. B. pag. 9. g. Reginald another Son Lib. B. pag. 11. r. And Maud a Daughter to whom her Father gave a Messuage in Over-Pever which Hamond of Radbroke formerly held Lib. B. pag. 11. t. This William Lord of Over-Pever lived 1286. 14 Edw. 1. Roger Manwaring Son and Heir of William married Christian de Birtles and had Issue William Son and Heir and Joan a Daughter married Robert de Fallybrome nigh Birtles by whom she had Issue Robert John and Roger living 1342. Lib. B. pag. 27. y. pag. 9. I. This Roger died in the Life-time of his Father and Christian his Widow afterwards married John de Byrun and lastly she married Robert de Varnon living 8 Edw. 3. 1334. Lib. B. pag. 8. b. d. f. III. William Manwaring of Over-Pever Son and Heir of Roger married Mary Daughter of Henry Davenport living 19 Edw. 2. Lib. B. pag. 8. c. d. and had Issue William Manwaring Son and Heir Roger Margery and Millicent all living 8 Edw. 3. 1334. Lib. B. pag. 8. f. This William died about 12 or 13 Edw. 3. IV. William Manwaring of Over-Pever Son and Heir of William had two Wives His first Wife was Joan Daughter and Co-heir of William Praers of Baddiley near Nantwich by whom he had Issue William Manwaring Son and Heir Lib. B. pag. 13. g. 15. I. Margery the other Co-heir married John Honford of Honford in Maxfield-Hundred who had Issue John Honford Afterwards she married Hugh Holt 33 Edw. 3. but had no Issue by Holt And she died 3 Rich. 2. 1380. Lib. B. pag. 28. b. But in the Inquisition taken at Chester 28 Febr. 21 Rich. 2. it was found that John Honford the Son was a Bastard and that William Manwaring was sole Heir to Margery nullus alius Lib. B. pag. 27. z. Yet did William Manwaring by his Will Anno 1399. divide the Lands of Baddiley between John Manwaring his Half-Brother and the said John de Honford Lib. B. pag. 28. a. After the death of Joan Praers this William married Elizabeth Daughter of Nicolas Leycester and Sister of John Leycester of Nether-Tabley by whom he had Issue John Manwaring Randle Manwaring both afterwards Lords of
of Manwaring but absurdly and not right This Sir Randle the Elder built the Hall of Over-Pever anew 1586. the Fabrick being now of Brick And he was Sheriff of Cheshire 1605. 3 Jacobi Sir Randle the Elder died 27 Maii 1612. 10 Jacobi XIV Sir Randle Manwaring of Over-Pever the younger Knight Son and Heir of Sir Randle the Elder married Jane Daughter of Sir Thomas Smith of Hough aforesaid by whom he had Issue Philip Manwaring Son and Heir George Manwaring of Marthall second Son now living 1666. Margaret the eldest Daughter died an Infant Elizabeth second Daughter marrried first to Robert Ravenscroft of Bretton in Harden-Parish beyond Chester Esquire and had many Children Afterwards she married Sir Francis Gamole of Chester but she had no Issue by him She survived both her Husbands and died at Chester 13 Augusti 1661. and was buried at Harden Anne third Daughter married Robert Brierwood of Chester Counsellor at Law after Sir Robert Brierwood Knighted 1643. and Judge of three Shires in Wales Margaret youngest Daughter married Henry Birkenhed Son and Heir of Henry Berkinhed of Backford nigh Chester Esquire Prothonotary of Chester and had Issue but they all died before they came to Maturity This Margaret died at Chester 25 Julii 1661. This Sir Randle the Younger was Sheriff of Limrick in Ireland 3 Jacobi 1605. Lib. B. pag. 26. t. in which very Year also his Father was Sheriff of Cheshire The same Sir Randle the Younger was Sheriff of Cheshire 1619. and Mayor of Chester also the same Year and died 12 die Januarii 1632. 8 Car. 1. XV. Philip Manwaring of Over-Pever Esquire Son and Heir of Sir Randle the Younger married Ellen Daughter of Edward Minshull of Stoke near Nantwich Esq 20 Jacobi 1622. and had Issue Randle who died without Issue in his Youth Philip second Son died in his Infancy Thomas third Son survived Heir to his Father A fourth Son lived not to be Baptized Edmund died in his Infancy George sixth Son died in his Infancy Another Philip seventh Son died in his Infancy Edward Manwaring youngest Son living 1666. And Jane a Daughter died in her Infancy This Philip was Captain of the Light-Horse of Cheshire and was Sheriff of Cheshire 1639. He died the tenth of December 1647. Ellen his Widow surviving built a neat Chappel of Stone on the North-side of the Chancel of Over-Pever Church with two brave Monuments for her self and Husband and a fair Vault under the said Chappel for Burial Anno Domini 1648. She built also a stately Stable and Dove-house at Over-Pever 1654. and she died 1656. XVI Sir Thomas Manwaring of Over-Pever Baronet Son and Heir of Philip married Mary Daughter of Sir Henry Delves of Dodington in Widdenbury-Parish Baronet and had Issue Philip Thomas Randle who died young all three John Manwaring and William Manwaring both living 1666. Henry died in his Infancy Mary and Helen both died in their Infancy Elizabeth Anne Katharine and Grace all four now living 1666. This Thomas Manwaring was Sheriff of Chester 1657. and created Baronet 22 Novembris 1660. and is yet living 1666. Mary his Lady died at Baddiley the first day of March 1670. and was buried at Over-Pever in the Vault under the New-Chappel there on Munday the sixth of March Anno Domini 1670. Little-Pever THe Township of Nether-Pever though now divided into two Hundreds was anciently but one entire Township At this day it seems to be divided into two Townships Great-Pever which lieth in Northwich-Hundred and Little-Pever which lieth within Bucklow-Hundred severed by the River called Pever-Eye Ee is an old word for a Brook and Ees is a Bank or Land lying by the side of a Brook or River And whether you take them together as one Township by the Name of Nether-Pever or as two Towns called Great-Pever and Little-Pever yet have they jointly or severally been severed into two distinct Fees or Inheritances ever since the Norman Conquest to this day One Moiety of them was held by William Fitz-Nigell Baron of Halton in the Conqueror's Time as appears by Doomsday-book This Moiety I speak now out of my own Evidences was given by Roger Lacy Constable of Cheshire and Baron of Halton unto one Osberne de Wethale about King John's Reign to wit all his Moiety of Pever Rendring yearly half a Mark of Silver and doing Foreign Service as much as belongs to the twentieth Part of a Knights Fee G. num 1. And I find Robert de Pever possess'd hereof in the Reign of Henry the Third to whom William Son of Richard Haddlebert who as it seems claimed some Property there releaseth all his Claim in that Moiety of Nether-Pever which is of the Fee of the Constable of Cheshire that is of the Fee of Halton G. num 3. Hugh Son of that Robert de Pever sells all his Birthright in Pever which was to descend to him after the death of his Father Robert de Pever unto William de Hawarthen for One hundred Pound Sterling about the beginning of Edward the First 's Reign G. num 4. William de Hawarthen sells it to Richard Bonetable and Richard Bonetable sells it to William Son of Raufe de Mobberley for fifty Marks of Silver 1281. whose Son William de Mobberley was possessed of the said Moiety of Nether-Pever cum Homagiis Wardis c. 13 Edw. 2. G. 6 7. Afterwards this Moiety was Purchased as I take it by Robert Grosvenour of Holme nigh Nether-Pever about Edward the second In which Line it continued till Edward the Fourth about 150 Years and at last it descended to Margaret the youngest Daughter and Co-heir of Robert Grosvenour of Houlme in Allostock Esquire with the third Part of Alderley also the Wife of Thomas Leycester of Tabley Esquire by Partition dated 1465. 5 Edw. 4. Z. num 28. whose Heirs do now enjoy the said Moiety of Nether-Pever 1666. and the Rent now paid to Halton according to the Original Deed of Roger Lacy aforesaid Charterers in this Moiety 1666. 1. Thomas Wood of Little-Pever near to Pever-Bridge He pays a Pair of White Gloves yearly to Leycester of Tabley at Midsommer pro libero Tenemento suo in Pever 2. Peter Wood of Little-Pever formerly Robert Cotton's more anciently stiled Minshull-Seat did pay to Leycester 3 s. 4 d. yearly Chief-Rent But John Leycester of Tabley Esq remitted the same to Cotton by Deed dated 17 Hen. 7. 3. Hiccock's Land situate in Great-Pever now enjoyed by Powdrill Thomas Deane and Mrs. Pemberton who pay amongst them yearly 2 s. of chief-Chief-Rent to Leycester of Tabley And all these Charterers do Suit of Court to the Court-Baron of Leycester of Tabley held for his Mannor of Pever The other Moiety of Nether-Pever was held in the Conqueror's Time by Ranulphus as I take it in Doomsday-book This Moiety was given to Richard Pool of Hartington by Robert Morley Marshal of Ireland with all the Rents Homages and Services which descended Hereditarily to the said Robert in the County of Chester
seised of this Moiety whose Son Hugh had three Daughters Isabel Alice and Margaret 1343. Lib. B. pag. 52. num 6. And in Anno 1356. he settles his Mannor of Picmere for want of Heirs-Males of his Body on Hugh Bruyn of Stapleford and Margaret his Wife Daughter of the said Hugh Picmere Lib. B. pag. 53. num 12. Margaret the Widow of Hugh Bruyn of Picmere grants to Hugh Hulse of Picmere all her Lands of Picmere 42 Edw. 3. Lib. B. pag. 52. num 10. This Hugh Hulse was Lieutenant-Justice of Chester 20 Rich. 2. to Thomas Earl of Nottingham and married Ellen Daughter and Heir of Hugh Bruyn and Margaret 36 Edw. 3. The Marriage and Wardship of Ellen was granted by Margaret her Mother to David Hulse Vicar of Great-Budworth to marry Hugh Son of Sybill Daughter of William Son of Hugh de Norbery 36 Edw. 3. Lib. B. pag. 52. num 11. pag. 54. num 21. This Sir Hugh Hulse dying 3 Hen. 5. or thereabout it was found by Inquisition That he died seised of seven Messuages in Picmere 200 Acres of Land and 20 Acres of Wood ibidem quae tenentur de Willielmo Leycester ut de Manerio suo de Wethale sed per quod Servitium ignoratur Inter Recognitiones Scaccarii Cestriae Bundle 3 Hen. 5. Afterwards John Troutback Esquire married Margery Daughter and Heir of Thomas Hulse in the Reign of Henry the Sixth Lib. B. pag. 53. num 17. And Margaret Daughter and Heir of Adam Troutback married John Talbot of Albrighton in Shropshire from whom the Talbots of Grafton in Worcestershire descended whose Posterity at last came to be Earls of Shrewsbury And George Talbot Earl of Shrewsbury sells all his Lands in Picmere to wit the Moiety of Picmere unto his Tenants there Anno 1620. every Tenant buying his own and so are become particular Free-holders at this day Thomas Starkey's Lands now in Picmere were Purchased from Raufe Bostock of Moulton by John Starkey his Father 14 Aprilis 7 Jacobi 1609. and was originally given by Henry de Picmere unto Richard his younger Son 1192. A Parcel thereof was given to the said Richard by Hugh Picmere his Elder Brother 1308. Lib. B. pag. 58. a. b. c. Plumley ROger Manwaring gave Plumley to the Abby of St. Werburge in Chester when he made his Son Wido a Monk there William and Randle his Sons being Witnesses Which Grant with many others Richard Earl of Chester confirmed 1119. 19 Hen. 1. In the Feodary of Halton about Edw. 2. we read Thomas de Vernon tenet Villam de Lostock cùm Parvâ-Lostock medietatem de Plumley pro medietate unius Feodi Militis This Thomas de Vernon was second Husband of Joan de Lostock in whose Right he held these Lands Her former Husband was William de Toft younger Son of Roger Toft of Toft The Posterity of which William assumed the Sir-name of Holford from the Place of their Residence at Holford according to the Custom of those Ages This Place or Hamlet called Holford lieth Part in Plumley and Part in Lostock-Gralam and hath its Name from the Ford which runneth under the Mannor-Hall which because it is situate in a Derne Hole was therefore called Holford as if you should say A Ford in a Hole Or else from the old Word Hale which we now call Hall and so denotes as much as A Ford under the Hall Or possibly from the old Word Holt A Wood quasi Holt-Ford for that the Ford anciently was environed with a Wood round about All the Tenants of Plumley at this day do Suit of Court to the Mannor of Barnshaw which formerly belonged to the Abby of St. Werburge in Chester but was bought by Manwaring of Carincham since the Dissolution of Abbies in England Agnes the Daughter of Walthef de Plumley by Henry her Son Attornatum positum ad lucrandum perdendum by Fine at Chester 2 Edw. 1. 1274. passeth the eighth Part of Plumley unto Thomas the Smith of Plumley and to William his Son This William in his Seal calls himself Willielmus Filius Ceciliae de Plumley And by another Fine 2 Edw. 1. the same Agnes passeth over one other eighth Part of Plumley unto Richard Sladehurst of Plumley and Lettice his-Wife which Lettice in her Seal calls her self the Daughter of William de Plumley Lib. A. fol. 157. h. k. The Originals Penès Manwaring of Carincham 1666. I find also that William Mobberley of Mobberley had certain Lands in Plumley about Edward the Second Lib. A. fol. 124. y. which were held of the Baron of Halton by the yearly Rent of a Pair of White Spurs or Six Pence See suprà in Halton And Sir Raufe Mobberley of Mobberley gave his Mannor in Plumley unto Thomas Toft and Margaret his Wife and their Heirs 1357. 32 Edw. 3. Lib. A. fol. 129. II. One half of these Lands now belong to Leycester of Tabley and the other half to Bradshaw of Marple as you may see more at large in Mobberley So that now Anno Domini 1666. the whole Township of Plumley is enjoyed by these Persons following âšœ Thomas Cholmondley of Holford Esquire and James Holford of Newborough in Dutton have one Moiety of Plumley between them The other Moiety is enjoyed by these Persons following 1. Sir Peter Leycester of Nether-Tabley Baronet hath five Tenements here now in Possession of Robert Massy Geffrey Wright William Ridgeway Thomas Wright and Thomas Hough 2. Mr. Bradshaw of Marple a good Farm in Possession of Thomas Buckley 3. The Land late Litler's of Wallers-cote nigh Northwich three Tenements in Possession of Hugh Yanes Homfrey Mere and Widow Bebington 4. George Leycester of Toft Esquire one Tenement in Possession of William Highfield 5. Robert Venables of Anterbus in Over-Whitley hath three Closes in Plumley in Possession of Raufe Henshaw 6. Reynolds of Middlewich late belonging to Bostock of Moulton one Tenement in Possession of Raufe Newhall at the end of Plumley-Moore 7. John Hall of Norley one Tenement in Plumley in Possession of John Kirkman 8. Manwaring of Pever's Land sold to Holford of Holford one Tenement at the side of Plumley-Moore in Possession of Richard Eaton 9. Earl of Bridgewater a small Parcel about four Cheshire Acres Now followeth the Descent of Holford of Holford Argent a Greyhound Passant Sable Hugh de Runchamp Lord of Lostock Lib. C. fol. 126. ll Ricardus de Runchamp Gralanus Filius Ricardi de Runchamp in memory of whom the Town was called Lostock-Gralam for distinction He gave the Town of Lees unto Lidulf of Twamlow about the Reign of King John Lib. C. fol. 227. z. This Gralam also sold Houlme juxtà Nether-Pever to Richard Son of Randle * Ranulfi con Radulfi Grosvenour 1234. Lib. C. fol. 120. a. Gralam de Lostock Letitia Uxor ejus Tempore Hen. 3. Galfridus de Lostock â—ui Frater dedit medietatem de Rode Gralam de Morton Robert de Lostock Lib. C. fol. 182. b. Richard Son of Gralam de Lostock married
Rosthorne to wit quartam partem Villae quam Petrus Chanu Avunculus meus tenuit For which was a Suit per Breve de morte Antecessoris between the said William Chanu Demandant and William de Massy and Margery his Wife Tenants Testibus Philippo de Orreby tunc Justiciario Cestriae Willielmo Venables Hamone de Massy c. Sub initio Hen. 3. Ego Ricardus de Rotherston Filius Ricardi Clerici de Rothesthorne dedi Margeriae Filiae Homfridi de Rothesthorne Clerici unam Bovatam Terrae in Rothesthorne quam Petrus Chanu tenuit scilicet quartam partem Villae Pro qua Margeria dedit quatuor Marcas Argenti And so released to Richard all Covenants which had been between Richard and his Father and Wimar his Sister on the one Part and the said Margery and William her Son and Amabilia her Daughter on the other Part Testibus Philippo de Orreby tunc Justiciario Cestriae c. SCiant praesentes futuri Quod ego Rogerus de Hale Carpentarius dedi Thomae de Massy Filio Domini Willielmi de Massy totam Terram meam Tenementum meum tam in Molendinis quam in Terris quod habui in Villa de Rosthorne Faciendo inde Servitium Dominis illius Villae quod continetur in Charta Originali quam sibi deliberavi quando istam Chartam sibi feci c. Testibus Ricardo de Wilbraham tunc Vicecomite Cestershiriae Ricardo de Vernon Willielmo de Massy Willielmo de Carrington tunc Ballivo de Doneham c. This Deed was made 1270. OMnibus Christi fidelibus Willielmus Filius Willielmi Filii Gilberti de Tabley salutem Noveritis me remisisse Roberto de Massy Domino de Tatton totum jus meum in omnibus Terris quae fuerunt Margeriae Proaviae meae in Villa de Rosthorne c. Sub. Edw. 2. Richard Bruncroft gives to Richard Massy Son of Sir William Massy Knight certain Lands in Rosthorne in exchange for Lands in Quiter-hall towards the Bounds of Norshagh in Tatton Testibus Willielmo de Venables c. The Prior and Convent of Norton give to Sir Richard Massy Knight the Homage and the Service of the Lands of Henry the Hunter in Rosthorne Testibus Hamone de Massy Roberto le Grosvenour tunc Vicecomite Cestershiriae c. This was made in Anno 1286. or thereabout Robert Massy Lord of Tatton and John Legh of Booths make an Agreement and Partition to each a Moiety of Rosthorne-Mill and to each the Mulcture of their own Tenants They exchange Land and release Rent to each other and Legh is to hold a fourth Part of Rosthorne of Robert Massy in Fee by the yearly Rent of Twelve pence Testibus Hugh de Heelegh Chief-Justice of Chester * This was Hugh de Audley of Heeley-Castle in Staffordshire c. 1315. So far out of Mr. Halsey's Notes Inter les Fines Cestriae 18 Edw. 3. Finalis Concordia coram Henrice de Ferrars Justiciario Cestriae Johanne de Arderne Radulfo de Vernon Petro de Thorneton Willielmo Boydell Militibus Johanne de Wetenhale Willielmo de Praers Thoma Danyers Inter Ricardum Filium Hugonis Massy de Tatton Aliciam Uxorem ejus quaerentes Hugonem Filium Willielmi Massy de Tatton deforciantem de Mannerio de Rosthorne cum pertinentiis c. So that Massy of Tatton was Lord of the other Moity of Rosthorne ever since the Reign of Edward the First if not the Royalty of the whole How these Lands descended to the Earl of Bridgewater see the Pedegree in Tatton Charterers in Rosthorne 1666. 1. George Massy of Denfield whose Ancestors descended out of the Massies of Tatton under Edward the Third 2. Edward Allen of Rosthorne Runcorn Superior Inferior THese two Townships now distinguish'd into Over-Runcorn and Nether-Runcorn are Mized together in our Common Mize-book and are very hard Mized Here at Runcorn that Magnanimous Virago Elflede Countess of Mercia and Widow to Ethelred the Chief Governor of Mercia and Sister to King Edward the Elder did build a Town Anno Domini 916. as Florentius Huntington and other our Historians do affirm A Town and Castle saith Stow pag. 81. Probably it was then in a more flourishing condition than now it is For now it is a very poor Village and seems to be Waste in the Conqueror's Time for it is not mentioned in Doomsday-book Both these Townships comprehend not fully 300 Cheshire Acres upon a Survey of the Assessors made by estimation in the Time of our late War These little Villages are both of the Fee of the ancient Barony of Halton and were formerly Copy-hold Land to the Manor of Halton until the several Owners bought out their Lands in Fee-farm to hold in Free and Common Soccage of the Mannor of Enfield in Middlesex the King 's Grant bearing date the ninth day of September 4 Car. 1. 1628. as you may see also above in Moore Some Lands in these Townships are ancient Free-hold Land For Sir Hugh Dutton of Dutton by Office taken at Frodsham 22 Edw. 1. 1294. was found to hold seven Bovates of Land in Runcorn with other Lands of the Honor of Halton which are termed The third Part of Over-Runcorn in the Feodary of Halton Vide supra at the end of Halton But these Lands were sold lately by Gilbert Lord Gerard unto Savage of Rock-Savage in the Reign of King James Here is seated on the Bank by the Riverside an ancient Parish-Church Alhallowes of Nether-Runcorn Dedicated to All-Saints William Son of Nigell Baron of Halton founded here a House of Canons Regular Anno Domini 1133. And afterwards William Constable of Cheshire the younger Son of William Son of Nigell removed their Habitation unto Norton about the Reign of King Stephen All which Donations of William Constable of Cheshire the younger and of the Churches of Runcorn and Great-Budworth and many other things Henry the Second confirms to the Canons of Runcorn as you may see the Charter in Monasticon Vol. 2. pag. 186. Ratified also by the Charter of Edward the Third wherein he Confirms Donationem quam Hugo de Duttona Filius Hugonis de Duttona fecit per Chartam suam praedictis Canonicis de duobus Solidis octo Denariis de redditu de Pulseya ac de Terra de Frodsham cum pertinentiis de Terra de Pulles-eya cum Capella tota Terra Assartata Pastura ad sexaginta animalia ibidem ante Publicationem Statuti praedicti de Terris ad manum mortuam non ponendis editi Datum apud Glocester 30 die Augusti 3 Edw. 3. See more of the Priory of Norton of the Order of St. Augustine supra in Norton The Church of Runcorn seems to be before the Norman Conquest For we read in the ancient Roll That Nigell Baron of Halton gave the Church of Runcorn to Wolfaith a Priest his Brother in the Reign of the Conqueror This Church hath now for its Patron Christ-Church College in Oxford For after the Statute of Dissolution
Elizabeth second Daughter born at Nether-Tabley on Wednesday the sixteenth day of June 1647. married Samuel Birch younger Son of John Birch of Whitborn in Herefordshire 1666. She miscarried of a Female-Child in November 1667. and soon after died of the Small-Pox on Saturday the last of November at Whitborn aforesaid Anno Domini 1667. and was buried at Whitborn-Church Byron Leycester third Daughter born at Nether-Tabley on Saturday the sixth day of October 1655. and is yet living 1669. Sir Peter Leycester and Elizabeth his Lady are both yet living 1669. He was Created Baronet the tenth day of August 1660. 12 Car. 2. XV. Robert Leycester of Nether-Tabley Esquire eldest Son of Sir Peter and Elizabeth married Meriel Daughter and Heir of Francis Watson late of Church-Aston nigh Newport in Shropshire Esquire 6 die Junii 1667. and hath Issue Robert a Son born at Marcham in Berkshire on Friday the sixteenth day of April Anno Domini 1669. Over-Tabley THe Township of Over-Tabley was held by William Fitz-Nigell Baron of Halton in the Time of William the Conqueror We read in Doomsday-book thus Isdem Willielmus tenet Stabelei Lewinus tenuit liber Homo fuit ibi tertia pars unius Hidae Geldabilis Terra est una Caruca Wasta fuit est Silva ibi dimidia Leuva longa XL Perticis lata valuit X solidos Isdem Willielmus tenet in ipsa Villa unam Bovatam Terrae tertiam partem unius Hidae Geldabilem Segrid Ulsi tenuerunt pro duobus Maneriis liberi fuerunt Terra est una Caruca Wasta fuit est Tempore Regis Edwardi valebat septem solidos But not long after certain it is that this Township was of three distinct Fees One third Part of Over-Tabley Roger de Manwaring gave to the Monastery of Saint Werburge in Chester in the Reign of Henry the Second Lib. B. in principio This third Part came afterwards to William de Tabley * This William de Tabley writ himself Dominus de Tabley that is de Over-Tabley sometimes Dominus de Knotsford tempore Edw. 1. who gave the same to Sir John Grey Son of Sir Reginald Grey and Sir John granted it to Roger Leycester Lord of Nether-Tabley Anno Domini 1296. F. num 1. Which in all the Offices of Leycester of Tabley is found to be held of the Abby of St. Werburge And Leycester of Tabley is now possessed of this third Part at this day 1666. One other third Part was possessed by Adam de Tabley in the Reign of Edward the Third Sir William Boydell being Chief Lord thereof For William Son of John Boydell of Dodleston releaseth unto Adam de Tabley all Services due for his third Part of Over-Tabley for one Penny onely to be paid at the Nativity of St. John Baptist yearly for all Service Dated at Dodleston 17 Edw. 3. 1342. F. num 3. This Adam de Tabley I conceive was originally a Massy for he Sealed with Massy's Coat of Arms. This third Part came afterwards to Thomas Daniell younger Son of Thomas Daniell of Bradley in Appleton the Elder by Joan Norreys a second Wife in Marriage with Katharine Daughter and Heir of William Son of Adam de Tabley 27 Edw. 3. 1353. Lib. C. fol. 241. l. for which Marriage Thomas Daniell the Father gave to Adam de Tabley 46 l. 13 s. 4 d. By Katharine came also the Moiety of Bexton to Thomas Daniell the Son her Husband who was afterwards Sir Thomas Daniell of Over-Tabley 6 Rich. 2. 1382. whose Heirs are possessed of this third Part at this present 1666. One other third part remaining was possessed anciently by another Family of the Tableys called The Hall of the Wood in Over-Tabley until Matthew de Tabley was Attainted of Felony 22 Edw. 4. 1483. whose Lands by the Office taken 1 Hen. 7. were found to be held of the Honour of Halton and so were seized into the King's Hands And I find John Leycester of Nether-Tabley Esq excepting against that Office of 1 Hen. 7. and complaining to the Judges and Chamberlain of Chester and alledging That these Lands were held of him by Homage and Fealty and Twelve Pence * This 12 d. Rent is at this day paid to Leycester by Th Warburton of Tabley-Hill which Tenement is Parcel of the Hall of Wood lands yearly Rent and praying that he may be restored to these Lands as Chief Lord of the Fee C. num 31. But he had too Potent a Person to deal with And King Henry the Seventh granted these Lands to Sir William Stanley of Holt-Castle Lord Chamberlain But he being beheaded for Treason 1495. these Lands Escheated again to the King And Henry the Eighth Leased them to Randle Brereton for his Life 2 Hen. 8. And after Roger Brereton his Son had them for his Life Afterwards these Lands continuing in the King's Hands Robert Chornock and Roger Chornock of London purchased the same and sold them to Piers Leycester of Nether-Tabley Esquire for 240 l. whereof one Moiety was paid in Hand and the other he gave Bond for But Peter Daniell of Over-Tabley Esquire purchasing these Lands at 9 l. per Annum in the King's Books the Chornocks purchased them after the Rate of 18 d. in the King's Books and cheated the said Piers Leycester by a fraudulent Conveyance so that he could not enjoy these Lands It was Decreed in the Court of Requests 4 Maii 1 Eliz. 1559. That the Chornocks should restore the Money which they had received and deliver up the Bond Obligatory to be Cancelled And so Daniell had the Lands which his Posterity now enjoyeth 1666. C. num 13. Charterers in Over-Tabley 1666. 1. Edward Hewet of Mobberley hath one Tenement in Over-Tabley now in Possession of his Tenant John Kell which is within Mr. Daniell's Part. 2. There is also one other in Leycester's third Part to wit the Tenement in Possession late of Richard Duncalfe of Tabley-Hill whereunto formerly Coithurst-Meadows now part of Mr. Daniell's Demain did belong This payeth 12 d. of Chief-rent yearly to Leycester now paid by William Legh of Tabley-Hill This Free-hold was Purchased by George le Criour from Thomas Monkys 5 Ed. 4. Afterwards this Land was purchased by John Duncalfe of Mere 30 Hen. 8. After it came to Peter Hulse of Over-Tabley Hulse sells it to Whitmore of Sudlow 1604. Whitmore sold it to Peter Daniell Esquire 1611. In this Township there is an Ancient Chappel called Over-Tabley-Chappel or more generally known by the name of The Chappel in the Street for it is situate in the High-street An old pitiful Structure ill seated and now in decay This Chappel of Ease being within the Parish of Rosthorn was built about the Reign of Henry the Sixth by the Ancestors of Leycester of Nether-Tabley and Daniell of Over-Tabley for the Ease and Convenience of these two Families and of all their Tenants in Over-Tabley and Nether-Tabley Probably after the Match of Thomas Daniell and Maud Leycester which
all one Name by the Court of the King's Bench Cambden in his Remains on the Name Jane pag. 98. This Sir William Stanley of Holt was Lord Chamberlain to Hen. 7. and Brother to Thomas Stanley the first Earl of Darby of that Family which Sir William was Beheaded 1495. as supposed to encline to the Part of Perkin Warbeck See Crokes Reports 4 Car. 1. pag. 123 124. whose Lands and Goods were all Confiscated to the King He had in ready Money and Plate in his Castle of Holt forty thousand Marks besides Jewels Houshold-stuff and Stock of Cattel in his Grounds He had in Lands 3000 l. per Annum of an old Rent as my Lord Bacon saith in his History of Henry the Seventh He aspired to Petition the King for the Earldom of Chester which ended both in a denial and a distaste He had by Joyce his Wife Daughter of Edward Lord Powys and Widow of John Tiptoft William Stanley before-mentioned and Jane married to Sir John Warburton of Arley in Cheshire one of the Knights of the Body to Henry the Seventh William Stanley of Tatton died about 14 Hen. 7. 1498. Joan his Widow afterwards married Sir Edward Pickering 16 Hen. 7. 1500. And lastly she married Sir John Brereton to her third Husband living 24 Hen. 7. And Joan died 3 Hen. 8. 1511. XII Joan sole Daughter and Heir of William Stanley by Joan Massy his Wife had two Husbands First she married John Ashton Son and Heir of Sir Thomas Ashton of Ashton super Mersey in Cheshire 16 Hen. 7. She was then but eight Years old This John Ashton died young without any Issue by her 5 Hen. 8. 1513. Afterwards she married Sir Richard Brereton younger Son of Sir Randle Brereton of Malpas in Cheshire by whom she had Issue Richard Brereton eldest Son who married Dorothy Daughter of Thurstan de Tildesley in Lancashire Esquire 35 Hen. 8. 1543. But he died without Issue about 4 Edw. 6. Geffrey Brereton second Son succeeded Heir Anne Brereton a Daughter married John Booth of Barton in Lancashire Esq 32 Hen. 8. 1540. X. num 26. This Lady Jane Brereton died the sixth of April 12 Eliz. 1570. aged 77 Years Sir Richard Brereton her Husband died at Islington in Middlesex 3 4 Phil. Mar. 1557. Geffrey his Son and Heir being then of full Age. XIII Geffrey Brereton of Tatton Esquire Son and Heir of Sir Richard Brereton and Jane Stanley married Alice Daughter of Piers Leycester of Nether-Tabley Esq 5. Edw. 6. 1551. A. num 35. and had Issue Richard Brereton Son and Heir and Anne a Daughter living 8 Eliz. who died without Issue This Geffrey died in June 1565. 7 Eliz. about the age of thirty Years Alice his Widow afterwards married Robert Charnocke Gentleman and she died the second of April 1572. 14 Eliz. XIV Richard Brereton of Tatton Esquire Son and Heir of Geffrey and Alice married Dorothy Daughter of Sir Richard Egerton of Ridley in Cheshire 14 Eliz. 1572. but died without Issue December 18. 41 Eliz. 1598. Dorothy his Widow afterwards married Sir Peter Legh of Lime in Cheshire but had no Issue by him She was second Wife to Sir Peter and survived both her Husbands and she died the fourth of April 1639. This Richard Setled all his Estate on Sir Thomas Egerton Lord Chancellor of England from whom the Earls of Bridgewater are descended who are now Owners of these Lands 1667. Thelwall IN the Year of Christ 920. King Edward sirnamed The Elder built a Town here at Thelwall though now an obscure Village so called Teste Forilego from the Stakes and Stumps cut from the Trees wherewith they had environed it about as a Wall for the Saxons called such Stakes Thell and the word Wall is a word yet used for a high Fence that encompasseth any Place about with Stone or other thing or Building So Cambden's Britannia Cheshire Polychronicon lib. 6. cap. 5. ad finem and that King Edward made it a Garrison and placed Soldiers therein wherewith also agrees Florentius Wigorniensis But it seems to lie waste in the time of the Conqueror for I find no mention of it in Dooms-day Book Roger of Poictou Son of Rogerde Montgomery the first Earl of Shrewsbury was Lord of all the Land in Lancashire between the Rivers of Ribble and Mersey and gave half of the Fishing of Thelwall to the Abbot of Shrewsbury under Henry the First Monasticon vol. 1. pag. 383. This was the Fishing on the Lancashire side The Prior of Norton had the other half of the Fishing of Thelwall on the Cheshire side granted by William Constable of Cheshire the younger Baron of Halton about the Reign of King Stephen Monasticon vol. 2. pag. 186. In our Mize-book of Cheshire anciently the Abbot of Salop stood charged with three Shillings in the Mize for Fishing in Thelwall but this Mize is now totally lost no Man now living being able to inform us who ought to pay the same I conceive after the dissolution of Abbeys in England by Henry the Eighth that Fishing coming to the King's hands the Mize thereof ceased being not at all paid of late Times the Fishing being then but of little value This Township of Thelwall is of the Fee of the Honor of Halton one third part whereof William Constable of Cheshire gave to the Abbey of Salop cum pertinentiis in bosco in plano in aquâ Monasticon vol. 1. pag. 383. In the Reign of Henry the Third Edmund Lacy Baron of Halton and Constable of Cheshire gave Domino Galfrido de Dutton Ancestour to Warburton of Arley totam terram suam de Thelwall cum Wera Piscaria Stallagiis suis and also all the Land which he had of the Abbot and Convent of Evesham in Thelwall Reddendo inde annuatim unam Par Cheirothecarum Cervi Furratarum ad Festum Sancti Michaelis pro omni Servitio Lib. C. in ipso initio Ex Chartulis Roberti Pickering de Thelwall fol. 1. f. This could be but two third parts of Thelwall The Original of this Deed is now in possession of Mr. Pickering of Thelwall 1666. This Geffrey Dutton gave these Lands to Thomas his younger Son Ibidem g. Afterwards it was possessed by Clayton in the Reign of Edward the Third and continued in the possession of the Claytons till John Clayton of Thelwall sold it to Richard Brooks of Norton Esquire about 4 Eliz. 1561. whose Son Thomas Brooks of Norton Esquire sold the same to John Moores Doctor of Physick in London Anno Christi 1621. and John Moores of Kirtlington in Nottinghamshire Nephew of Doctor Moores aforesaid sold them to Robert Pickering Councellor at Law 1662. who is now possessed of the Mannor of Thelwall 1666. In this Township of Thelwall are now 1666. certain Freeholds of Inheritance possessed by these Persons following 1. Sir Peter Brookes of Mere hath four Tenements which were given him by his Father Thomas Brookes of Norton Esquire before he sold away the other
by the appointment of the King's Council T. num 80. So ended the Family of Toft of Toft The Descent of Leycester of Toft collected carefully out of the Evidences of that Family 1672. The first of the Issue of Joan that possessed the Mannor of Toft whom I meet withal was Robert Leycester Son of Robert Son of this Rafe and Joan and that 2 Edw. 4. 1462. T. num 51. for that till about this time Robert Toft Father of Joan survived or Roger his Son When John Leycester of Nether-Tabley sold away all his Right and Title to the Moiety of the Mannor of Mobberley with the Advowson of the Church of Mobberley unto John Dumvill of Mobberley and Ciceley his Wife 1 Rich. 2. 1377. which Lands were Setled on the said John Leycester by Sir Rafe Mobberley of Mobberley his Uncle by Feoffees intrusted Anno Domini 1359. M. num 32. and M. num 33. and T. num 31. It was then agreed That one third part of that Moiety should descend to Rafe Leycester his Brother after the death of John Dumvill and Cicely which was Estated accordingly by Thomas Fitton of Gowesworth and other Feoffees intrusted after division thereof made by the Name of 15 Messuages two parts of a Messuage 316 Acres half an Acre half a quarter of an Acre ten Perches and half a Perch of Land sixteen Acres of Wood one quarter and five Perches eight Acres of Moss the third part of a Water-Mill and the third part of all the Wastes of Mobberly then unmeasured together with the Rent and Services of the said Rafe Leycester and William Dawson in Mobberley to hold to John Dumvill and Cicely his Wife for their Lives and after their Deaths then to remain to Rafe Leycester and the Heirs-males of his Body and if Rafe die without Heir-male of his Body then to remain to the right Heirs of Cicely aforesaid for ever Dated at Mobberley on Tuesday in the Feast of St. Petronill the Virgin 2 Rich. 2. 1378. M. num 34. And Rafe Leycester had 15 l. 00 s. 00 d. annual Rent Estated on him during the Lives of the said John Dumvill and Cicely out of all the Lands in Mobberley by Fine Levied to the said Feoffees 1 Rich. 2. M. num 2. M. num 3. which Lands of Mobberley so Setled on this Rafe Leycester are now in possession of Leycester of Toft 1672. So that it seems Rafe Leycester aforesaid had one Messuage in Mobberley by the Grant of Nicholas Leycester his Father and Mary his Mother before these other Lands were Estated on him in Mobberley M. num 39. and he purchased William Dawson's Land in Mobberley after the Settlement aforesaid to wit 3 Rich. 2. M. num 27 28. But the third part of the Mill in the Settlement mentioned Robert Leycester sold to John Troutback 18 Hen. 6. M. num 13. This Rafe Leycester and Joan his Wife had Issue Robert Leycester who succeeded Heir and Roger Leycester living 18 Rich. 2. E. num 1. among the Evidences of Leycester of Tabley Now that this Rafe Leycester was younger Brother to John Leycester of Nether-Tabley appears by their Examinations taken on the part of Robert Grosvenour of Hulme against Scroop concerning the bearing of a Coat of Arms Anno Domini 1386. 10 Rich. 2. where John Leycester is said to be then forty six years old and Rafe Leycester forty years old Lib. C. fol. 126. KK II. The Original upon Record in the Tower of London called The Bundle inter Scroop Grosvenour A Copy of which Record transcribed in a great Book remains now with Grosvenour of Eaton-boate in Cheshire As also that the ancient Lands of the Leycesters remain at this day 1672. in the possession of Leycester of Tabley which must have descended to the Heirs of this Rafe if he had been the elder Brother Again in the Deeds of Toft M. num 10. mentioning the Partition of the Lands in Mobberley between John Dumvill and Cicely his Wife on the one part and John Leycester and Rafe his Brother on the other part for if Rafe Leycester had been the elder Brother it would have been said betwixt Rafe Leycester and John his Brother And lastly That Leycester of Toft beareth his Coat of Arms at this day with a distinction from the Coat-Armour of Leycester of Tabley by adding a Fret upon the Fess and omnis additio probat minoritatem But of this enough which I rather mention least any should judge me partial in my own Cause without certain Grounds of Truth This Rafe Leycester had Lands in Chorley juxta Warford by the Grant of Mary his Mother II Robert Leycester Son and Heir of Rafe married _____ and had Issue Robert Son and Heir Randle second Son and John third Son living 11 Hen. 4. C. num 11. This Randle Leycester second Son married Isabel Daughter and Coheir of David Crew of Pulcroft from whom the Leycesters of Poole in Nantwich Hundred are descended as appears by the Evidences of that Family This Randle died Anno Dom. 1438. whose Posterity continued here until Richard Leycester late Mayor of Chester and Alderman of that City having no Issue gave all his Lands in Poole to Sir Henry Delves of Dodington Baronet in Marriage with Mary his Neece Daughter of Randle Leycester his late Brother This Lady Mary Delves was second Wife of Sir Henry and was Widow 1666. but had no Issue by Sir Henry But these Lands are Setled to descend to another Leycester sprung from that Family after the Death of the said Mary without Issue III. Robert Leycester of Toft Esquire Son of Robert is the first of this Family whom I find stiled De Toft and possessed of the same to wit 2 Edw. 4. 1462. T. num 51. He married Jane Daughter and Coheir of Rafe Booth younger Son of Sir Robert Booth of Dunham-Massy whom the said Rafe begot on Margaret his Wife Daughter and Heir of Thomas Sibell of Sandwich in Kent This Robert had Issue Rafe Leycester Robert another Son living 1 Hen. 7. John another Son 12 Hen. 8. Agnes a Daughter married to John Birtles of Birtles nigh Over-Alderley 6. Edw. 4. 1466. M. num 14. Lib. A. fol. 133. e f g h i k. This Robert Leycester and John Legh of Booths committed an Assault on Dennys Holland Servant to Sir Geffrey Massy of Tatton in the night-time and chased and destroyed his Deer in Tatton Park for which they paid 20 l. apiece 20 Hen. 6. T. num 79. by Award IV. Rafe Leycester Son and Heir of Robert married Agnes Daughter of Robert Ratcliff 17 Edw. 4. 1477. and had Issue John Leycester Son and Heir and James Leycester living 1 Hen. 7. Lib. A. fol. 133. H I K L. This Rafe died in the Life-time of his Father to wit 1 Hen. 7. 1485. V. John Leycester of Toft Esquire Son and Heir of Rafe married Elinour one of the Daughters and Coheirs of Sir James Harrington of Wolfage in Northamptonshire M. num 37.
c. to stand to the Ordinance of Sir Thomas Dutton Hugh Venables of Kinderton Sir John Massy Parson of Stopport Thomas de Whyllok Thomas Fitton of Gawesworth William de Stanley Robert le Grosvenour John de Olton John de Damport and David de Calveley to wit That the said John Domvil and Cicely his Wife and John Leycester shall put all their Right in the Manor of Mobberley to the Ordinance of the Persons aforesaid And another Point is That the said John Domvill Cicely his Wife and the said John Leycester shall shake hands and charge the Arbitrators aforesaid as they will answer it to award nothing on either Part but according to Right And also that neither Party do make Grievance one to the other till the said Arbitrators have made their Ordinance and also that the said John Domvill and Cicely make no delay by reason they have got the Possession of the Manor but may hold what the Award shall render according to all their Power And if any of the Persons aforenamed be contrary to Reason that the rest of them shall chuse other reasonable Men in their place And also that if these Persons abovesaid cannot agree of their Ordinance then to take others at their choice where they please The Original is in French but hath no date and remains among the Evidences of Leycester of Toft 1672. M. num 5. Lib. C. fol. 15. So that I conjecture Cicely was the onely Sister to Sir Rafe by the first Wife of William de Mobberley for otherwise the other Sisters of Sir Rafe would have challenged Mobberley Lands as well as Cicely which other Sisters were Daughters of William de Mobberley by Maud Downes of Chorley his later Wife and shared their Mothers Land in Chorley as Co-heirs whereunto I find not that the said Cicely ever made any Claim Lib. C. fol. 21. C. num 16 17 18 19. But how that could avoid the Settlement on John Leycester by the Chaplains enfeoffed by Sir Rafe Mobberley before-mentioned or what was the Award of the Arbitrators elected between John Leycester and John Domvill and Cicely his Wife at Knotsford I find not positively and directly Onely I find so it was That John Domvill and Cicely his Wife did levy a Fine at Chester die Martis proximè post Festum Sancti Petri in Cathedrâ Anno primo Ricardi secundi that is in January 1377. unto John Brunstath Parson of Mobberley John Brereton Chaplain Thomas Fitton of Gawesworth and Robert Grosvenour of 35 Messuages 627 Acres of Land 100 Acres of Wood 20 Acres of Pasture 120 Acres of Moor the Rent of two Pair of Gloves two Parts of a Water-mill tertiâ parte unius Molendini Fullonici with the Appurtenances in Mobberley and Tatton together with the Homages and Services of Rafe Leycester John Lawrenson of Mobberley Roger del Bower In January 1377. and William Dawson and their Heirs c. Lib. C. fol. 14. M. num 2. After this I find that the said John Leycester Son of Nicholas Leycester releaseth unto John Domvill of Mobberley and Cicely his Wife all his Right and Claim to all those Lands which the said John Domvill and Cicely do hold of the Inheritance of the said Cicely in Mobberley Tatton Plumley Somerford juxtà Swetenham Od-Rode and elsewhere in the County of Chester and also in the Advowson of the Church of Mobberley Witnesses John de la Poole Judge of Chester John Woodhouse Chamberlain of Chester Thomas de Dutton and Geffrey de Warburton Knights Hugh Venables de Kinderton John de Holford and William del Mere. Dated at Chester on Tuesday next after the Feast of St. Mark the Evangelist In April 1378. Anno primo Ricardi Secundi Also the said John Leycester Son of Nicolas Leycester releaseth all his Right to Thomas Fitton of Gawesworth Robert le Grosvenour John Brunstath Parson of the Church of Mobberley and John Brereton Chaplain in all those Lands which the said Thomas Robert John Brunstath and John Brereton had of the Grant of John Domvill of Mobberley and Cicely his Wife in Mobberley and Tatton by Fine levied thereon at Chester In April 1378. c. Dated also at Chester in April 1 Rich. 2. 1378. Lib. A. fol. 130. kk These two last preceding Deeds are enrolled among the Pleas at Chester in the Prothonotary's Office in the Castle of Chester corà m Johanne de la Poole Justiciario Cestriae die Martis proximè post Festum Sanctae Margaretae Virginis 5 Rich. 2. And two days after these Releases made by John Leycester the same Feoffees to wit Thomas Fitton of Gawesworth Robert le Grosvenour John Brunstath and John Brereton do grant to Rafe Son of Nicolas Leycester and to the Heirs Males of his Body an Annual Rent of Fifteen Pounds for the term of the Lives of John Domvill and Cicely his Wife issuing out of all the Lands in Mobberley and Tatton which the said Feoffees had of the Grant of the said John Domvill and Cicely his Wife by the Fine levied at Chester Dated at Chester on Thursday next after the Feast of St. Mark the Evangelist In April 1378. 1 Rich. 2. Lib. C. fol. 14. M. num 3. Afterwards three of the same Feoffees to wit Thomas Fitton John Brunstath and John Brereton grant to John Domvill and Cicely his Wife 15 Messuages two parts of one Messuage 316 Acres half an Acre half a quarter of an Acre 10 Perches and half of one Perch of Land 16 Acres of Wood one quarter and five Perches 8 Acres of Moss the third part of a Watermill and the third part of all the Wastes of the same Town not measured at the making of this Deed together with the Rent and Services of Rafe Leycester and William Dawson with the Appurtenances in Mobberley To hold for the Lives of the said John Domvill and Cicely his Wife and after the death of John Domvill and Cicely then to remain to Rafe Leycester and the Heirs Males of his Body And if Rafe die without Heir Male then to remain to the right Heirs of the aforesaid Cicely for ever Witnesses John Massy of Tatton William de Legh Knights William de Mere Hamon de Ashley Robert de Toft and others Dated at Mobberley on Tuesday in the Feast of St. Petronill the Virgin 31 Maii 1379. 2 Rich. 2. Lib. C. fol. 18. Three fair Seals very perfect This Deed was enrolled before Thomas Felton Judge of Chester on Tuesday next after the Feast of the Epiphany 3 Rich. 2. The Original in Latin remains among the Evidences of Leycester of Toft 1672. M. num 34. And these are the Lands in Mobberley belonging to Leycester of Toft at this day 1672. who are descended from Rafe Leycester abovesaid about a third part of Sir Rafe Mobberley's Moiety of Mobberley So that upon the whole matter John Leycester of Tabley selleth or giveth away all his Right to those Lands in Mobberley upon some Composition but what Composition either from Domvill or from
Monuments pag. 366. Anno 1273. 1 Edw. 1. Edmund Earl of Lancaster Henry Lacy Earl of Lincoln and Reginald Grey for the Preservation of the Peace of this Nation Besieged Robert de Ferrers in the Castle of Chartley in Staffordshire which Castle Robert had entred and kept by Force it being lately given by King Henry the Third unto Hamon le Strange which Castle indeed was the Inheritance of the said Robert and descended unto him by Agnes his Grandmother third Sister and Co-heir to Randle Blundevill Earl of Chester till Robert forfeited the same by his Rebellion In this Siege many Persons were slain on both Sides and the said Robert and his Complices were at last taken Now the King Pardoned these Besiegers for the slaying of these Disturbers of the Peace and Confirms the Protection of such Persons as the said Edmund had received into Favour Dated at Rothelent 20 die Decembris 11 Edw. 1. 1282. Lib. C. fol. 67. I. Tom. 2. of the Couchir-Books at Grays-Inn in the Dutchy-Office there Derby-Ferrers num 4. This Henry by the Name of Henry Lacy Earl of Lincoln and Constable of Cheshire Confirms to the Prior and Canons of Burstow a Place called Ruddegate which Henry Torbock and Ellen his Wife had before Granted unto them so as one Leprous Person of his Fee of Widneys in Lancashire if any such were found should be admitted in the said House and be reasonably maintained and after the Decease of one another to come in his room And that the said Henry Lacy and Margaret his Wife be put in their Martyrologie and their Names written in the Canon Dated at Halton die Sancti Geronimi Confessoris which is the thirtieth day of September Anno Domini 1285. The Original hereof was in possession of Sir Simon Dewes Baronet 1646. with a very fair Seal scilicèt The Earl on Horseback with his Sword drawn and on the Breast of the Earl an Escocheon of Arms in which is A Lion Rampant and on the Reverse or Back-part of the Seal also A Lion Rampant in an Escocheon which I take to be the Coat of these Lacies Earls of Lincoln Lib. C. fol. 68. k. Queeen Elinour's Grant to Henry Lacy Earl of Lincoln That all his Tenants in the Mannor of Dynelnegh be quit of all Toll Stallage Payage Pavage Pontage Murage and Passage for ever per omnes Terras nostras Walliae in Comitatibus Cestriae Staffordiae Salopiae Glocestriae Wigorniae Herefordiae Apud Gretindon primo die Septembris 18 Edw. 1. Tom. 1. of the Couchir-Books in the Dutchy-Office fol. 28. num 49. Infinite other Grants were made to and by this Henry Lacy which here would be tedious to mention He had two Wifes Margaret Daughter of Sir William Longspée and his onely Heir was the first Wife of Henry Lacy married about Christmas 1256. 40 Hen. 3. For on Friday before Christmas in that Year it was agreed between Sir Edmund Lacy on the one Part and Sir William Longspée on the other Part That whereas the Marriage of Henry Lacy Son and Heir of the said Edmund with Margaret Daughter and Heir of the said William had been formerly mentioned in Gascoyne it was now finished by the Consent of the Parties And William Longspée gave with Margaret his Daughter and Heir in Free-Marriage to Henry Lacy the Mannors of Burencester and Middleton cùm omnibus Homagiis Redditibus Servitiis And Edmund Lacy gave for Joynture to the said Margaret his Mannors of Kypeis and Scales in Yorkshire Lib. C. fol. 67. b. Tom. 2. of the Couchir-Books in the Dutchy-Office Comitatus Oxoniae num 2. Henry Lacy was but six Years old when he was married This William de Longspée although he was Right Heir to the Earldom of Salisbury yet did he never enjoy the same nor had Henry Lacy ever that Title but all the Lands of this Longspée descended to him Henry Lacy had Issue by this Margaret two Sons Edmund and John and both died young and also two Daughters Alice and Margaret Ferne in Lacy's Nobility calls Margaret by the Name of Joan pag. 125. but falsly Onely Alice survived who became Sole Heir to her Father and married Thomas Plantagenet Earl of Lancaster Leycester and Darby Lib. C. fol. 86. So was the Barony of Halton annexed and united to the Earldom of Lancaster Brooks and Fern say That Edmund eldest Son of Henry Lacy was drowned in the Draw-well of Denbigh Castle but I am told by a more Ancient Authority Monasticon 2 Pars pag. 188 b. That in Anno 1282. Edward the First gave to Henry Lacy two Cantreds in Wales to wit Roos and Roweynock and that the King eodem Anno gave to Edmund Lacy his Son a young Girl in Marriage but five Years old namely Maud the Daughter and Heir of Patrick de Chaworth by Isabel Beauchamp his Wife Daughter of William de Beauchamp Earl of Warwick Lib. C. fol. 73. e. But this Edmund Lacy died young without Issue and John his Brother running hastily in his Youth upon a Turret in Pomfret Castle in Yorkshire fell down from the Walls and was killed The second Wife of Henry Lacy was Joan Daughter of William Martin Lord Keimis but had no Issue by her Lib. C. fol. 86. a. This Great Henry Lacy Earl of Lincoln Constable of Cheshire Baron of Halton Pomfret Blackburnshire Roos Roweynock and Protector of England died on the fifth day of February 1310. 4 Edw. 2. at his own House in Chancery lane at London now called Lincolns-Inn and was buried at St. Paul's Church in London in the New Work which was of his own Foundation under a goodly Monument with his Armed Pourtraicture cross-legged as one that had taken a Voyage in Defence of the Holy Land He was aged sixty Years at the time of his death Wever's Funeral Monuments pag. 366. and Stow in his Annals sub Anno 1310. Lib. C. fol. 69. t. Joan his Widow afterwards married Nicolas Lord Audley Lib. C. fol. 69. v. which Nicolas died 1316. And it is to be remembred That in the Time of this Henry Lacy who gave the Church of Whalley in Lancashire with the Chappels thereof unto the Monks of Stanlaw the Abby of Stanlaw was Translated unto Whalley scilicèt Anno Domini 1296. in Festo Sancti Ambrosii Episcopi id est 4 Aprilis Lib. C. fol. 61. a. Domino Gregorio de Norbury tùnc Abbate Anno 1309. 3 Edw. 2. die Vincentii Martyris obiit Gregorius de Norbury Primus Abbas de Whalley An old Parchment Book of Whalley in possession of Mr. Townley of Carre in Lancashire 1657. fol. 23. He was Beheaded at Pomfret his own Mannor Anno Domini 1321. 15 Edw. 2. 22 die Martii for Rebelling against his Sovereign King Edward the Second Stow and Walsingham Leaving no Issue of his Body to succeed him whose Lands were now forfeited to the King Anno 1314. 8 Edw. 2. he purchased from Audomare de Valentia the Temple-house at London which formerly
died in France 35 Edw. 3. 1361. without any Lawful Issue of his Body Sir Raufe had by Alice Rode his Concubine a Daughter called Margaret married to Thomas Toft younger Brother to Hugh Toft of Toft to whom Sir Raufe Mobberley gave his Mannor in Plumley 1357. Afterwards Margaret married Hugh Chaderton living 1360. Lib. C. fol. 226. v. Lib. A. fol. 129. hh These Lands in Plumley descended to the two Daughters and Co-heirs of Margaret by Thomas Toft to wit Ellen who married John Bodon of Plumley and Sybill who married Thomas Haslington of the Ermitage nigh Holmes-Chappel John Bodon Son of John Bodon aforesaid sold his Moiety of these Lands in Plumley to John Leycester of Tabley the elder Esquire 25 Hen. 6. 1446. whose Heirs enjoy the same at this day S. num 2 3 5 6 9. The other Moiety of those Lands in Plumley descended unto Cicely Daughter and Heir of Sybill aforesaid which Cicely married Hugh Winnington of Northwich 1444. and ever since continued to the VVinningtons of Ermitage until Mr. Bradshaw of Marple in Cheshire bought those Lands from VVinnington in the Reign of King CHARLES the First Thomas Buckley of Plumley being now Tenant thereof 1666. The Sisters of Sir Raufe Mobberley shared their Mothers Land in Chorley but Emme Grosvenour purchased most of the other Sisters Parts Lib. A. fol. 127. w. x. y. aa So ended the Line of Mobberley of Mobberley The Mannor-House of Mobberley of Mobberley and which at last came to the Talbots of Grafton in VVorcestershire stood close by Mobberly-Church where now 1672. the House of Mr. Mallory of Mobberley standeth But the ancient Fabrick which was more spacious and very ruinous was not long since taken down Which Old House with the Demain thereof together with the Advowson of Mobberley-Church and Mobberley-Mill was bought by Andrew Carrington of Mobberley Gentleman from George Talbot of Grafton Esquire about 14 Jacobi Part of which Demain was sold soon after by Carrington to Robert Robinson of Mobberley Gentleman The Advowson of the Church was sold by Andrew Carrington aforesaid and John his Son and Heir unto Thomas Mallory Dean of Chester by Deed dated the eleventh day oâ— October 17 Jacobi 1619. whose Heir Thomas Mallory now under Age is Patron of Mobberley-Church 1672. Son of Thomas Son of Richard Mallory Son and Heir of Dean Mallory aforesaid The Mannor-House aforesaid with what remained of the Demain unbought by Mr. Robinson was sold by Andrew Carrington aforesaid and John his Son and Heir unto Dean Mallory the eighth of May Anno primo Caroli Primi 1625. Dean Mallory also Purchased the Royalty of Talbot's Part of Mobberley from John Talbot Earl of Shrewsbury Dated the twentieth day of March 7 Car. 1. 1631. The Mill Carrington sold to Legh of Booths There is Engraven in the Stone under the Ledge or Border on the West-end of Mobberley-Steeple and on the South-west-corner as followeth ORATE PRO BONO STATU DOMINI JOHANNIS TALBOT MILITIS ET DOMINAE MARGARETAE UXORIS SUAE And then beginning again just over the said Border in the very Corner of the Steeple aforesaid PATRONAE ECCLESIAE And so passing along to the South-side of the Steeple ANNO DOMINI MILESIMO QUINGENTESIMO TRICESIMO TERTIO RICHARD PLAT MASTER-MASON Over which on the said South-side above near to the Little Window under the Bells is Ratcliff's Coat of Arms Quartered with another Coat engraven in a Stone So that Mobberley-Steeple seems to have been built with Free-stone and the Church repaired Anno 1533. 24 Hen. 8. The Names of all such Persons who now stand possessed of any Free-hold Lands of Inheritance in Mobberley Anno Domini 1672. 1. Raufe Leycester of Toft Esquire Lord of a third Part of one Moiety of Mobberley This came originally to his Ancestor as is before declared 2 Rich. 2. 1379. And he hath at this day a Demain-House there re-built this Year 1672. and also sixteen Tenenements and twelve Cottages in Lease to his Tenants 2. The other two third Parts of this Moiety together with the Advowson of Mobberley-Church lately belonged to the Talbots of Grafton in Worcestershire whose Posterity afterwards came to be Earls of Shrewsbury and were lately sold away by Talbot to his Tenants here in Mobberley in the Reign of King James Talbot's Lands as they now stand Possessed 1672. or more briefly the Freeholders of Mobberley in Talbot's Part since their several Purchases from Talbot as they now stand 1672. Edward Alcock Charles Bradbury of the Wood-end Randle Barlow Robert Barlow late Griffin's House Thomas Booth Hugh Brook late Wilkinson's John Hough William Barnes John Davenport for Mosse's House by the Mill A small Cottage Richard Strethull's Cottage formerly Hobson's House by the Mill. Hugh Strethull of Brown-Edge James Stewart of Brown-Edge Schoolmaster Raufe Wrenshaw of Brown-Edge Francis Newton of Knowl-Green late John Baggiley Hugh Strethull of Salterley in Mobberley Edward Davenport Roger Symcock late Stretche's House Hugh Strethull of Reyley-Wood Richard Wright part of Worseley's Tenement John Hawkinson late Bolton's Tenement John Hewet John Oakes Richard Parker late Edward Hewet's Roger Worthington of Hield-Mill in Mobberley and also for Hill-house John Burges of Wood-end Susan Grange Widow Henry Stewart formerly Berry's Tenement John Fletcher formerly Berry's Tenement John Holland of the Dam-head in Mobberley George Talbot of Grafton Esq sells the Tenement of John Strettle of the Dam-head to one Perine of Manchester 1 Junii 14 Jacobi Perine Mortgageth it to Francis West of London 16 Aug. 14 Jacobi West and Perine after joyn in the Sale of it to William Holland 1650. Peter Bredbury of Lea-House William Nuthall now Richard Yarwood Widow Tipping of Bowdon hath a Tenement in Mobberley now in possession of Richard Cragg of Baggiley-Green in Mobberley Peter Legh of Booths Esq hath Mobberley-Mill and three Tenements now in Possession of Loundes Barrow and Symcock and also Graisty's Cottage These were anciently Talbot's The Heir of Nathaniel Robinson Gentleman hath part of the Demain which belonged to the old Mobberley-House formerly belonging to Talbot Thomas Mallory of Mobberley Gentleman now under Age. This was the old Mobberley House And he hath also the Royalty of all Talbot's Part of Mobberley and the Advowson of the Church 3. The other Moiety of Mobberley lately belonging to the Radcliffs of Ordsall in Lancashire nigh Manchester was sold away by Sir John Radcliff about the beginning of King James's Reign over England to his Tenants there The Names of the Free-holders in Radcliff's Part since the several Purchases from Radcliffe as they now stand 1672. The Heir of Nathaniel Robinson late of Mobberley Gentleman hath now seven Messuages and eleven Cottages in Mobberley besides a Demain-House here built first by Robert Robinson about 1612. who Purchased these Lands by the Name of Robert Robinson of Manchester Clothier from Sir John Radcliff of Ordsall Knight together with the Royalty of all Radcliffs Lands in Mobberley formerly sold by Radcliff to his Tenants here and