neer those petty streams which run into it beginning always with that wherein the Church is seated and then proceeding with the severall small Hamlets or places of note whether depopulated or otherwise contained within the same Parish setting forth a succession of their antient possessors by which the rise growth continuance and decay of many Families with their most memorable actions are manifested And have also adorned it with those Armes and Pictures of many eminent persons in their times which being antiently set up in the windows of severall Churches and Houses did continue till of late And that there may want nothing conducible to the honour aswell of the Families long since extinct as those that remain I have to my utmost preserved their very Monuments and Memorialls yet remaining following the Example therein of the famous Sertorius Ursatus in his Monumenta Patavina well knowing of what high and venerable esteem such things were with the most civill people of the world in so much as amongst the Romans the defacing and violation of them was punished by great pecuniarie Fines cutting off Hands Banishment nay sometimes by Death according to the merit of the transgressors Most of which through the pious respect of the immediate heirs or neerest relations to those their worthy Ancestors and to their lasting memorie are represented excepting such Plates whereof the persons therein mentioned by particular Inscriptions partly out of some speciall respect to those that they have thus memorized and partly as an ornament to the work have born the charge And excepting these three in p. 188.498 and 758. of the following work viz. 1 of the Hugfords and Beaufoes Lords of Emscote interred in the Collegiate Church at Warwick men of great note in their days as by my discourse of them in that place appeareth whose lineall heir and successor in that estate is Henry Beaufoe now of Emscote Esquire 2 Of Thomas Spenser late of Clardon Esquire a person of much eminencie in this Shire in his time and for his large and noble Hospitalitie the honour of all these parts whose great-grandson and heir male aswell as by adoption is Sir Thomas Spenser now of Yarnton in Com. Oxon. Baronet 3 And that of Sir Richard Bingham Knight one of the reverend Iudges of the King's Bench temp H. 6. who lieth buried at Midleton with the Ladie Margaret his wife daughter and coheir to Sir Baldwin Frevill of Tamworth-Castle Knight and widow of Sir Hugh Willoughby Knight From which Sir Hugh and Margaret is Sir Francis Willoughby now of Midleton Knight descended possessing that Lordship as heir to her Which three last Monuments had I confesse been omitted could I have doubted that the persons here mentioned considering such their relations and the estates they so enjoy would have refused the preservation of their memories by a small charge to the Graver as these following are for the very same reason and no other as is well known viz. 1 of the Temples at Dasset whose heirs and successors in that estate there are Sir Richard Temple Baronet and the Lady Viscountesse Baltinglasse 2 Of Richard Murden Esquire at Morton-Morell whose sole daughter and heir is the Ladie Harvey widow of Sir Stephen Harvey Knight of the Bath 3 of Sir Edward Ferrers at Badsley-Clinton whose heir is Henry Ferrers Esquire now Lord of that place 4 And of Sir Edward Devereux Knight and Baronet at Aston juxta Bermingham whose grandson and heir is the present Viscount Hereford Of the Religious Houses Hospitalls and Chantries those signall Monuments of our Forefathers Pietie I have shewed their Foundations endowments and continuance with their dissolutions and ruine which gave the greatest blow to Antiquities that ever England had by the destruction and spoil of many rare Manuscripts and no small number of famous Monuments And to the end that my discourse of the severall places may be the more perspicuous taking notice of that excellent expression of Arias Montanus viz. Si enim absque locorum observatione res gestae narrentur aut sine Topographiae cognitione Historiae legantur adeò confusa atque perturbata erunt omnia ut ex iis nihil non obscurum nihil non difficile elici possit I have drawn exact Schemes of the severall Hundreds wherein besides the rectifying of divers places which stand amisse in the ordinarie Maps are inserted many that were hitherto omitted fixing them according to their direct stations as also the depopulated Villages and other places of note whereof there is mention in the following work extending the Rivers neerer their originall heads and adding sundry petty streamlets heretofore not taken notice of by our Geographers In etymologizing the names of Towns and Places I have not been over-bold because most of them had their originall denomination from the Britans or Saxons and that Time hath much varied the antient name by contracting it for the more ease in pronunciation or in some sort altered it from what it was at first as is evident in most of them Nor should I have adventured thus far had I not received much light from that learned Gentleman Mr. VVilliam Somnâ—r of Canterbury my singular friend unto whom I cannot attribute enough for his great knowledge in Antiquities and those commendable works which he hath already published and is now taking pains in Much variation there is I confess in the names of sundry places and persons which perhaps may cause some doubt of my care therein but in that I have been very curious having Records or other authentique writings for my authoritie which I thought much more fit to follow than to deliver the names as they are now written And as my chief aime hath been to illustrate the Antiquities of this Countie so must I desire my Readers to observe what intricate parts I have walkt in to make good that undertaking scil the whole series of publick Records and a multitude of antient and obscure Manuscripts as the references to them do shew for the better understanding whereof because the narrownesse of my Margent hath confined me to such brevitie I have added a short Scheme adjoyning to my Index which will plainly demonstrate what those pieces of words and single Letters do mean with notice where the said Records and Manuscripts were when I had the perusall of them And whereas I have cited nothing to give testimonie of the Churches Dedications that what I have said therein of them is from divers old VVills Testaments and other authorities in the Registries of the Bishops of Coventre Lichfield and Worcester which to have instanced particularly could not well be done in regard they were all in loose parcells And moreover it is to be noted that to such or such parts of the Pedegrees where no quotation at all is entred the proof to make them good will appear in the historicall part And lastly that the passages of later times are obvious to the present age wherein we live
heir to Sir Edward Guilford Knight who had his Wardship as I have said he left issue 8. sons and 5. daughters viz. Henry that dyed at Bolein Iohn who had the title of Earl of Warwick in his fathers life-time as commonly Dukes sons out of curtesie have of some Earldom whereof their fathers have the honour but dyed without issue Ambrose Earl of Warwick by the favour of Queen Elizabeth as I shall shew anon Robert created Earl of Leic. by the said Q. Guilford who suffred death in 1. M. as his father did Henry slain at S. Quintines and Charles that dyed a child His daughters were these Mary the wife of Sir Henry Sidney Knight of the Garter and Lord President of Wales from whom the now Earl of Leic. is descended Kath. wife to Henry Hastings Earl of Huntingdon As also Margaret Temperance and another Katherine who dyed young In the Parliament held 1. M. was the attainder of this Duke and four of his sons confirmed viz. Iohn called Earl of Warwick Sir Ambrose and Sir Guilford both Knights and Henry Dudley Esquire Going on with the succession of these Earls I come next to Sir Ambrose Dudley abovementioned restored in blood by Queen Mary This Sir Ambrose had in 1. Eliz. a grant of the Mannour of Kibworth-Beauchamp in Com. Leic. to be held by the service of being Pantler to the Kings Queens of this Realm at their Coronations which office and Mannour his father and other of his Ancestors Earls of Warwick had In the second year of her raign he was made Master of the Ordinance In the fourth viz. 26 Dec. Baron L'isle and Earl of Warwick and the 6. of April following had a grant from the same Queen of the Castle Mannour and Burrough of Warwick with divers other Lordships in this Shire eschaeted to the Crown by his fathers attainder in which year she made him her Lieutenant generall in Normandy and during the time of his service there caused him to be chosen Knight of the Garter In 12. of her raign this E. with Edward Lord Clinton were made Lieutenants Generall of her Majesties forces in the North parts In 13. he was constituted chief Butler of England and in 15. sworn of her Privy-Councell He had 3. wives viz. Anne daughter and coheir to Will. Whorwood esq Atturney generall to King H. 8. Eliz. x daughter of Sir Gilbert Talboys Knight sister and sole heir of George Lord Talboys and Anne y daughter to Francis Earl of Bedford but departed this life without issue 21. Febr. Anno 1589. 32. Eliz. at Bedford-house in the suburbs of London and was buried in that beautifull Chapell here at Warwick called our Lady Chapell adjoyning to the Collegiat Church where his Monument is yet to be seen The next that had this title of Earl was Robert Lord Rich grandchild to Richard created Lord Rich. of Leeze in Essex 17. Febr. 1 E. 6. and made Chancelour of England 26. Oct. following which family doe derive their descent from Richard Rich one of the Shiriffs of London An. 1441 20 H. 6. This Robert created Earl of Warwick 6. Aug. 16. Iac. had two wives viz. Penelope daughter to Robert Devereux Earl of Essex and Frances daughter to Sâ—r Christopher Wray Lord Chief Justice of the Kings Bench in Q. Elizabeths time but widow to Sir George St. Paul of Snartford in Com. Linc. Knight and Baronet By the first whereof he had issue Robert Lord Rich his son and heir Sir Henry Rich Knight of the Bath and Capt. of the Guard afterwards created Baron of Kensington Earl of Holland by King Iames and chosen Knight of the Garter Lettice his eldest daughter first marryed to Sir George Cary of Cokington in Com. Devon and after to Sir Arthur Lake Knight And Essex the second to Sir Thomas Cheek of Pirgo in Essex which Earl dyed at Warwick-House in Holburne 24. Martii An. 1618. 15. Iac. and was buryed at Felstede in Essex where his Ancestors do lye To whom succeeded in this Honour Robert his eldest son who wedded Frances daughter and heir to Sir William Newport alias Hatton Knight by whom he hath issue three Sons scil Robert Charles and Henry and three daughters Anne Luce and Frances HAving thus finisht my discourse of the Earles I shall now proceed with the town of Warwick it self whereof as to its first building by Kymbeline a King of the Britans and all other passages relating thereto during the Saxons time I have already in my Introduction and Story of those Earles said as much as I can In the Conquerors time it was a Borough id est habitaculum seu locus munitus and contained CClxi houses whereof Cxxx. were possest by the King Cxii by these his Barons whose names with the particular number held by each of them I have here added viz. The Bishop of Worcester ix The B. of Chester vii The Monks of Coventre xxxvi whereof 4. were wasted for the Castles enlargement The Bishop of Constance i. The E. of Mellent xii Earl Alberic iv Hugh de Grentemaisnill iiii Henry de Ferrers ii Rob. de Stadford vi Rog de Iveri ii Ric. Venator i. Raph de Limesi ix The Monks of Malmsbury i. Will. Bonvallet i. Will. fil Corbucion ii Geffrey de Magnaville i. Geffrey de Wirce i. Gislebert de Gant ii Gislebert Povili i. Nich. Balistar i. Steph. Stirman i. Turchil iiii Harold ii Osbert fil Ricardi i. Cristina i. Luith the Nun. ii All which were belonging to the lands they held in this County and apprized with them and the residue being xix by so many Burgesses which Burgesses enjoy'd them with Soc and Sac and all Customes as they did in Edward the Confessors days In the time of the said King Edward the Shirivalty of this County with the Borough of Warwick and all the Kings Mannours in the Shire answered lxv li. in money and xxxvi Sextars of honey or xxiv li. and viii s. in lieu thereof but at the time of the generall Survey they were rated at Cxlv li. in weight in the ferm of the Kings Mannours xxiii li. for the custome of Dogs xx s. for a Sumpter horse 1 li. for a Hawk and C s. to the Queen for a Fine Besides this they payd also xxiv Sextars of Honey of the greater measure and the Borough vi Sextars viz. xv d. a Sextar whereof the Earl of Mellent had vi Sextars and v. s. The custome of this Borough then was as by the same Survey appears that when ever the King went in person in any expedition by land x. Burgesses thereof attended him in stead of all the rest And if he that was warned to give such his attendance did not go he should pay unto the King C s. but if the King did go by Sea against his enemies the whole Borough was to
nuper ux T. Holt ar D. Thomas Byrde Cler. 25. Maii 1552. Ambr. Cave miles ratione dotis Margeriae ux suae nuper ux T. Holt ar Laur. Blakeway 30. Maii 1561. Thomas Holt de Dudston miles Ioh. Machon Cler. 1. Martii 1603. Thomas Holt de Dudston miles Ric. Dickleg Cler. 1. Maii 1611. Thomas Holt miles bar Ioh. Grent art Magr. 12. Dec. 1621. Erdington's Chantrie IN 27 H. 6. Sir Thomas Erdington Knight founded a Chantrie in this Church for one Priest to celebrate divine service daily at the Altar of the blessed Virgin perpetually for the good estate of King Henry the sixt and of him the said Sir Thomas and Ioyce his wife during their lives in this world and for the health of their soules as also the souls of their Progenitors Parents and Benefactors and all the faithfull deceased The revevenues whereof in 26 H. 8. were certified to be vii li. xix s. ob over and above iii s. iv d. for the Anniversarie of the Founder and xvi s. ob in Rents to the Lord of the Fee Howbeit in 37 H. 8. considering an Annuitie of xl s. granted out of the lands belonging thereto unto Iohn Throkmorton gentleman for life the cleer yearly value amounted to no more than vi li. But after the generall dissolution of the Chantries this with the lands belonging to it was by Letters Patent bearing date 9. Sept. 2 E. 6. inter alia granted to Ric. Pallady gentleman and Francis Foxall Citizen and Mercer of London and their heirs and the next year following another Patent thereof made to Thomas Hawkyns alis Fysher of Warwick and his heirs In the utmost window on the South side towards the West of those that perteine to the body of the Church is this inscription Orate pro bono statu fratrum de Bromwich qui hanc fenestram fieri fecerunt In the next window is this coat of Armes viz. Argent a Cheveron gules between 3. lozâ—nges sable And under it the portraiture of a man kneeling in a surcoat of the same Armes with 4. sonns behind him over whose heads is this in a scroule Mater Dei memento mei Behind them is the portraiture of a woman in a scarlet gown with 4. daughters having a scroule over her head in which is written Fili Dei miserere mei And under them all this Inscriptoin Orate pro bono statu Roberti Massey Elisabethe vxoris sue In the fourth window on the same South side is this coat viz. Argent a Lyon rampant sable Stapleton empaling Massy and under it the following Inscription Orate pro bono statu Roberti Massey Elizabethe ejus vx qui hanc fenestram fieri fecerunt In one of the like windows on the North side are the portraitures of the same Walter Ardern and Alianore his wife kneeling whose monument is in the Chancell and in the same surcoats of Armes as thereupon are exprest Over his head is this scroule Iesu Fili Dei miserere met Over hers Mater Dei memento mei And under them both this written Orate pro bono statu Walteri Arderne armigeri Elianore vxoris ejus On a stone fixed in the North Wall of the Chancell is this Inscription Henry Williams Vicar once of this Church and Parson of Aberfro in Anglicey lyeth here under who died Anno 1603. Febr. 14. Quod sibi quisque serit praesentis tempore vitae Hoc sibi messis erit cum dicitur Ite Venite On another stone in the same Wall Memoriae Sacrum Pientissimi atque optimi juvenis Olliphi Boys ex antiquâ generosa Boysiorum in Cantio stirpe oriundi patre Antonio Boys verbi divini Ministro apud Cullesden in Surria nati in celeberrima Wichamicorum societate Wintoniae primùm deiâ— Oxoniae educati bonis literis egregiè instructi gradu Magisterii in artibus ornati sacrisque ordinibus initiati Qui cum una altera Concione ad populum habitâ magnam apud omnes spem sui expectationem fecissit gravissimis calculi doloribus interceptus ac demum oppressus hic apud affines suos expiravit die 5. Augusti An. D. 1630. aetatis suae 31. Monumentum hoc Dorothea Gilmin mater amantissima L. M. Q. Posuit On the same side of this Chancell there is a very noble Monument for Sir Edward Devereux Kt. and Baronet grandfather to the now Vicount Hereford erected by his Lady who survived him the Figure whereof I have here omitted for the reasons exprest in my Preface but have added the Epitaph Here lyeth Sir Edward Devereux of Castle-Bromwich Knight and Baronet youngest son of Walter Lord Ferrers of Chartley and Viscount Hereford by Margaret his second wife daughter of Robert Garnish of Kenton Hall in Com. Suff. Esquire who married Katherine eldest daughter of Edward Arden of Park-Hall Esquire by whom he had issue five sons and four daughters Sir Walter Knight and Baronet William George Edward and Henry Margaret Anne Howard and Grace Sir Walter married Eliz. daughter and heir of Robert Bayspoole of Aldeby in Com. Norff. Esquire who died without issue Secondly he married Elizabeth second daughter of Thomas Knightley of Broughall in Com. Staff Esquire brother to Sir Richard Knightly of Fausley in Com. Northampt. Kt. George married Blanch daughter and heire of Iohn Ridge in Com. Salop. gent. Henry married Barbara daughter and heir of Robert Smallbrook of Yardley Gent. William and Edward died unmarried Margaret married Sir Hugh Wrottesley of Wrottesley in Com. Staff Kt. Anne married Robert Leighton of Wattelsborow in Com. Salop. Esquire Howard married Thomas son and heir of Sir Thomas Dilke of Maxstoke Castle in Com. Warr. Esquire Grace the youngest Which Sir Edward died the 22 th of Sept. An. D. 1622. Here lieth Lady Katherine wife to Sir Edward Devereux who died the second of November 1627. To whose memorie Sir George Devereux her second son caused this part of this Monument to be erected according to her command Nechells OF this place there is no mention at all in the Conqueror's Survey forasmuch as it was theâ—â—â—voâ—ved with Aston but the name thereof scil Nechels or Echels for it is indifferently 〈◊〉 discovereth it to have been a Wood at first Echel signifying the same in the German language whereof our 〈◊〉 is a branch as Quercus in the Latine I am of opinion that one of the old Barons of Dudley granted it originally unto one of the Family of Parles together with Hanneworth now called Hansworth in Com. Staff For I find that Osbert de Paâ—les had a Bastard son called Reynald de Asseles on whom he conferred the inheritance of all his lands here in Assells or Nechels Osbertus de Parles Reginaldus de Asseles nothus Simon de Asseles Aliva obiit s. prole Rob. de â—andsacre miles ... Agnes Alicia Georgius de Castello mil. Will. de Castello Matilda Georgius de Castello Margeria Which Reynald had issue Simon
and he three daughters that were his heirs with the eldest of whom he gave these lands of Nechels to Sir Robert de Handsacre Knight in frank marriage but she dying without issue they came to Alice her niece then the wife of Sir George de Castell Knight which Alice in her widowhood sc 4 E. 3. in consideration of xl li. of silver past away all her interest in this Mannour unto Simon del Holt of Bermingham and his heirs whose posteritie have continued Lords thereof ever since Sir Thomas Holt now of Aston Knight and Baronet being the present owner thereof Anno scil 1640. But it hath been long since totally depopulated though antiently it was a pretty Village as by severall instances might be shewed for in 34 E. 3. Sir Thomas de Arden Knight had a mansion here as appears by a License granted to him from Robert de Stretron then Bishop of this Dioces to have a private Oratorie or Chapell therein for himself and his own Family It seems that the same Philip de Aylesbury of whom I have made mention in Dudston had also some interest here in R. 2. time for he then wrote himself Dominus de Dudston de Nechells but of what extent it was I cannot say all which was passed by Sir William de Bishopsdon in 2 H. 5. unto Rich. de Clodshale of Saltley and his heirs being said to have sometime belong'd unto the same Philip de Aylesbury In 33. H. 6. there was a Fine levied betwixt Thomas Waldeyve and Williaem Leycroft Plantiffs and Robert Danvers Henry Fillongley and Iohn Holt Esquire deforciants of this Mannour for by that name it then passed by which it seemeth that the inheritance thereof became vested in the before specified Thomas Waldeyve perhaps to the use of the same Iohn Holt and his heirs for in 20 H. 8. Thomas Holt who then wrote himself de medio Templo London generosus was owner thereof which Thomas was grandfather to Sir Thomas above mentioned Dudston OF this Hamlet there is now no more left than the Mannour-house but by the name I should judge it to be a Village of great antiquitie and so called from Dode or Dud whence Dudley doubtlesse had the appellation But till E. 1. time I have not found any mention of it in Record in regard it was involved with Aston and so came to Sir Thomas de Erdington as a member thereof though it be not particularly named for it is evident that Henry de Erdington great grandchild to the said Sir Thomas did his fealtie to Ioane Botetourt Lady of Weoley as coheir to Someri Baron of Dudley on S. Mark 's day 17 E. 2. for this place together with Aston mention being made of their tenure by a pair of gilt Spurs or six pence as in the originall grant of Aston may be seen which Sir Henry for he was afterwards a Knight granted it by the name of Manerium de Dudeston to Thomas de Maidenhache and his heirs about the beginning of E. 1. time who had Free warren in all his demesn lands here together with Aston as by the King's grant thereof in 14 E. 1. appeareth but having severall daughters and heirs as in Aston is shewed this inter alia was allotted as a member of Aston unto Sibill the wife of Adam de Grymesarwe by means whereof it came to Iohn de Grymesarwe their son and heir who sold it unto Iohn atte Holt in 38 E. 3. for xl marks From which Iohn it is descended as the Pedegree in Aston manifesteth unto Sir Thomas Holt now of Aston Knight and Baronet the present Lord thereof and was his principall seat till he had built Aston house But notwithstanding the Mannour thus fixed in the Familie of Holt there was a considerable part of this Village antiently possest by the Aylesburyes of whom I have spoke in Edston for I finde that Roger de Aylesbury stiled himself Dominus de Dodestone in 5 E. 2. so also did Philip de Aylesbury in 10 R. 2. yet when or how it past from Aylesbury I have not seen but in 2 H. 5. Sir William de Bishopsden Knight granted to Richard de Clodshale all the lands and tenements lying here which had formerly belong'd to the before specified Philip de Aylesbury after which I have not met with farther mention of them Deretend THis place antiently written Dury-yatehend though it be within the Parish of Aston is parcell of the Lordship of Bermingham so that of it self there is nothing farther memorable than a certain Chapell erected about the beginning of King Ric. the second 's time wherein by an Agreement made 13. Iunii Anno 1381. 4 R. 2. betwixt the Monks of Tykford in right of their Rectorie of Aston before specified Richard Shobenhale then Vicar of Aston and Sir Iohn Botetort Knight Patron of the said Priorie of Tykford on the one part And Sir Iohn Birmingham Kt. Lord of this Hamlet Geffrey Boteler Robert Greene and others Inhabitants here and in Bordsley on the other part by the consent of Robert de Stretton then Bishop of Coventry and Lichfield the said Inhabitants of these two Hamlets partly in respect of the danger by flouds especially in Winter-time and their great distance from the said mother-Church of Aston and partly that their Children might not want Baptisme in case of necessity there should be a Font in the said Chapell and that they might have libertie to find at their own proper costs a fitting Priest to celebrate divine Service therein as also for Churching of women Provided that the same Inhabitants should repaire to the said Mother-Church of Aston on Easter-day Christmasse-day All-Hallown-day and the days of the Dedication of the said Church scil S. Peter S. Paul hapning next after the Feasts of the Nativity of S. Iohn Baptist and Purification of the blessed Virgin then and there to render and pay to God and the said Parish Church all their Tithes great and small with Oblations in such sort as they had antiently used and were of right to do to the same Church Which Priest so serving in this Chapell was by the before specified Agreement in case the Vicar of Aston for the time being or his Parochiall Priest could not attend it to visit the sicke of these two Hamlets and to administer unto them as also to confesse and absolve them so as they should shrive themselves once a yeare to the said Vicar of Aston or his Parochiall Priest as of right they ought After which viz. in 6 R. 2. did William Geffen Thoms Holden Robert of the Greene Richard â—ene Thomas de Belne and Iohn Smyth obtain License of the King to give certain lands of x. marks yearly value and lying within the said Parish of Aston for the finding of a Priest to celebrate divine Service daily in this Chapell But in 37 H. 8. were the possessions lying in Bordsley
the same for that purpose By the Survey made in 26 H. 8. I find that the Priest weekly celebrating divine Service here had a stipend of Liii s. iv d. per annum payd by the Canons of Maxstoke but this was in lieu of the Mill in Shustoke which they had for of the Tenement and half yard land lying in Bentley it doth not appear by that Survey that they were possest Patroni Incumbentes Rad. fil Nicholai ratione custodiae terrae haeredis VVill. de Asseby VValt de Stretton temp H. 3. Nich. de Astley miles Rob. Morlanges ..... 1311. D. Ioh. de Moubray D. Rob. Ireland Cap. 3. Id. Febr. 1331. post mortem Rad. de Oulmor Prior Conv. de Maxstoke Ioh. VVillie Cler. 10. Cal. Ian. 1347. Arms in the East window of this Chapell Azure a Cinquefoile Ermine Astley Argent three Eaglets gâ—les L'isle of Moxhull Blithe THis being originally a member of Shustoke and involved therewith in the Conqueror's Survey came to Nigel de Albani out of doubt with Shustoke and by the said Nigel as I guess was disposed of in H. 1. time unto the Ancestor of that Family whose seat being at Th'ester-waver now called Cester-Over assumed that place viz. VVaver for his sirname and to fortifie this conjecture I have these evincing circumstamces whereof wanting better light at so great a distance I presume to make use scil the Tenure thereof from the descendants of the before specified Nigel who took the name of Moubray and that VVilliam a younger son of VVilliam de VVaver seding here in King Iohn's time had his sirname from hence his posteritie bearing the same Coat as VVaver did viz. Argent on a Fesse sable three Escalops Or as by a Pedegree drawn about the beginning of King H. 7. time appeareth Rog. de Blithe 50 H. 3. Will. de Blithe 30 E. 1. Rog. de Blithe 16 E. 3. Will. de Blithe 28 E. 3. Thomas de Blithe Escaetor D. Regis infra Com. Warw. 9 R. 2. Thomas de Blithe 2 H. 4. Margareta una filiarum cohaer ux Will. Bishbury de Bishbury in Com. Staff ar 4 H. 6. Ric. Bishbury Roesia filia haeres ux Ioh. Cleyton de Harwood parva in Com. Lanc. gen relicta 36 H. 8. Roesia filia cohaeres ux Ioh. Grosvenour de Tetnall in Com. Staff .... ux Will Leveson Ioh. Leveson de Bishbury gen 4 Eliz. Alicia altera filiarum cohaer ux Gerardi Râ—ngley de Tubington in Com. Staff Edm. Ringley Barbara filia haeres ux Ric. Lawley 37 H. 8. To which VVilliam de Blithe succeeded Roger who in 50 H. 3. was amongst other persons of good note of the Jury for extending the lands of those in this Hundred that had taken part with the rebellious Barons then newly vanquisht in the battail of Evesham From which Roger I have here drawn the Descent of this Familie so long as the male line that continued possessors hereof lasted and through the heire female till they past away their interest here to the end that its successive owners may the more perspicuously be discoveredâ— By which it appeareth that by the coheirs of Thomas de Blithe in H. 6. time it came to Bishbury and Ringley who making no division of it their posterity became Tenants in common thereto But long they kept it not for in 37 H. 8. did Reginald Bellers purchase that moitie belonging to Richard Lawley and Barbara his wife and in 13 Eliz. the other moytie from Iohn Leveson of Bishbury cosin and heir to Rose the Widow of Iohn de Cleyton as the Pedegree sheweth So that then being possest of the whole by his Deed bearing date 6. Iulii 21 Eliz. he conferred the inheritance thereof upon William his second son which William reserving an estate therein for himself and his wife during their lives sold the reversion to Sir Edward Aston of Tixhall in Com. Staff Knight who by his lâ—st Wilâ— and Testament disposed thereof unto Henry Skipwith of Tugby in Com. Leic. Gent. and Iane his wife and the heirs of their two bodies the said Iane having been his Concubine But of them did Sir Walter Aston Knight of the Bath son and heir to the said Sir Edward purchase it again in 5 Iac. Which Sir Walter afterwards Lord Aston of Forfare in Scotland by his Deed of bargain and sale dated 14. Nov. 1 Car. conveyed it unto the William Dugdale it being the place of my residence and where I compiled this present Work Ousthirne ON the skirts of Shustoke-parish is the confluence of severall Rivers viz. Blithe and Cole Tame and Blithe as also of Tame and Bourne as the Map sheweth in pursuance therefore of my methode I must passe over to the Western bank of Tame whereâ—â— first behold Ousthirne sometime a Grange belonging to Merevale Abby and for that respect still reputed a member thereof but originally the greatest part of it did belong to Shustoke being first given to the Monks of Merevale as I guess by Walter de Camvile in H. 2. timeâ— for at that time was the said Walter Lord of Shustoke as I have shewed and that he gave lanes to that Monasterie King H. the second 's confirmation doth manifest though the particular names thereof are not there exprest But upon the dissolution of Merevale this Grange coming to the Crown was granted with the site of that Monasterie unto Sir Walter Devereux Knight Lord Ferrers of Chartley and by him given as it seems to Sir Edward Devereux Knight and Baronet his son by a second wife whose son and heir Sir Walter hath within these few years sold the site thereof and most of the lands thereto belonging unto Charles Adderley Esquire now Knight Lord of Lea hard by Lea. OF this place there is no mention in the Conqueror's Survey it being then involved with Whitacre of which Constablerie it is till this day and so consequently possest therewith by the Marmions Lords of Tamworth-Castle From one of those Marmions as it seems was the Ancestor of Iames de la Launde enfeoft thereof which Iames lived in H. 3. time and in 37. of that King's reign had a Charter of Free warren in all his demesn lands here From this Iames descended Iohn de la Launde as the Pedegree in Langdon sheweth who manifesting that his Ancestors had enjoyed a Court-Leet here with Assize of Bread and Beere and other Liberties thereto belonging in 3 E. 3. obtained a Charter from the King for confirmation thereof to himself and his heirs with Infangthef Tumbrell and Pillorie and bore for his Armes a Rend Cotized as by his Seal appears To whom succeeded Iames his son and heir the last of this Family that had to do here for in 41 E. 3. he quitted all the interest he had in this Mannour to Alianore his mother which Alianore by her
heirs release the said x s. annuall Rent unto Geffrey Sauvage brother and heir of the said Elias And moreover that the same William Burdet acquitted to Sir Philip Marmion all his right in the Homage and services of William le Salvage successor to the before specified Geffrey for these lands in Povele which from thenceforth were held immediatly of the Marmions by the service of the said Sore-Sparhawk or ii s. to be payd at the Feast of S. Iames the Apostle in the nature of a Socage tenure But by a daughter and heir of Sauvage as the Descent in Baginton manifesteth it came in processe of time to Sir Thomas de Endeshoure of Endeshoure in Com. Derb. who sometimes residing here obtained a speciall License from Pope Urban the ivth for to build a Chapell within the precincts of this Lordship and to have a Priest for celebration of Divine Service and administring the Sacraments therein by reason of the flouds at sometimes especially in Winter which hindered his accesse to the Mother-Church Howbeit in the Family of Endeshoure it rested not two Descents ere by an heir female it came to Herthull in whose male line it continued for divers ages and at length divolved to Cokain by Eliz. the daughter and heir of Sir Richard de Herthull Knight wife to Edm. Cokain Esquire From which Edmund and Elizabeth is â—ineaâ—ly descended Sir Aston Cokain Baronet now Lord of this Mannour Ioh. Cokain de Ashburne in Com. Deâ—b 44 E. 3. Edm. Cokain ar 5 R. 2. Eliz. filia haeres Ric. de Herthull militis Ioh. Cokain miles obiit 16 H. 6. Isabella filia Hug. Shirley mil. Will. Cokain à quo Will. Cokain eq aur Alderm Civiâ— London temp Regis Iacobi Ioh. Cokain ar obiit 20 H. 7. Anna filia Ric. vernon mil. Thomas Cokain cesus per ...... Burdet vivente patre Agnes filia Rob. Barlow Thomas Cokain miles obiit 28 H. 8. Barbara filia Ioh. Fitz-Herbert Remem Regis H. 7. Franciscus Cokain ar 28 H. 8. Dorothea filia cohaeres Thomae Marrow servientis ad legem Thomas Cokain factus miles apud Leith per Edw. Com. Hertf. 36 H. 8. Dorothea filia Humf. Ferrers mil. nupta 31 H. 8. Franciscus Cokain duxit Annam fil Valentini Knightley mil. obiit s. prole 38 Eliz. Edw. Cokain frater haeres obiiâ— anno 1606. Iana filia Nich. Ashby Thomas Cokain ar Anna filia Ioh. Stanhope de Elvaston mil. Aston Cokain Baronettus anno 1655. .... filia Gilberti Kniveton de Mircaston in Com. Derb. Bar. Alicia ux Edw. Litleton 36 H. 8. Alicia ux Rad. Shirley mil Ioh Cokain de Bury-Hatley in Com. Bedf. Regin Cokain 4 H. 5. These Cokains being Derbyshire Gentlemen originally and of a very antient Family had their chief seat at Ashburne in that Countie But it seems that Sir Iohn Cokain Knight son and heir to the before specified Edmund and Elizabeth made his residence here at Pooley for some time for it is evident that in 13 H. 4. when he was to go into France in the King's service in aid of the D. of Orâ—eans against the D. of Burgundy he made his Will at this place which bears date the Thursday next after the Feast of S. Barnabas the Apostle the same year whereby it appears that having enfeofâ— Sir Iohn Dabâ—idâ— court Knight and others in his Mannour of Badsley-Endsor in this Countie to the end that a certain summe of money might bâ— raised out of the profits thereof for payment of us â—â—oâ—s and towards a marriage portion for 〈◊〉 Elyn he directed that then his said 〈◊〉 should make an estate thereof unto Io 〈…〉 his son and heir and the heirs of his 〈…〉 appointed that if the said Iohn did happen to 〈…〉 â—ssue it should be amortized to find as many Priests singing to the worlds end for his soul his wifes his Children and all his Ancestors â—ouls as the Rent thereof would reasonably maintain viz. in S. Marie-Chapell at Polesworth five pounds to one Priest in S. Marie Chapell near Ashburne seven marks to another Priest and the remnant to be spent in Wax Vigils and Almesdeeds on the Eve and day of his Obit But after this voyage he lived many years for certain it is that he was a Justice of Peace in this Shire from 5 H. 5. till the end of that King's reign and a Commissioner of Array in 6 H. 5. This Sir Iohn Cokain bore the Armes of his Mothers Familie for the most part scil Argent two Barrs vert she being an eminent heir and died in 16 H. 6. leaving issue Iohn his son and heir and William a younger son from whom Sir William Cokain Knight Alderman of London in King Iames his time deduced his descent Which Sir William was father to Charles erected to the dignitie of Viscount Colâ—in by the late King Charles now residing at Râ—shton in Northamptonshire Of the last mentioned Iohn I finde that he had issue Thomas who dwelling here at Pooley and having difference with Thomas Burdet of Bromcote Esquire his neer neighbour so irritated him with affronts that he was slain by Burdet in his passage to Polesworth-Church as the tradition is Which unhappy accident fell out in his Father's life time so that Thomas his son upon the death of Iohn the grandfather in 20 H. 7. became heir who being a brave spirited Gentleman and with King H. 8. at the Seiges of Therovene and Tourney was then Knighted This Sir Thomas built the Mannour-House here at Pooley of Brick as is yet to be seen having in 22 H. 7. imparked the Woods lying Westwards thereof but by his Testament bearing date 4 Apr. 28 H. 8. bequeathed his body to sepulture in our Ladyes Quire at Ashburne where his Ancestors lye interred before the Image of S. Modwen appointing that his Executors should cause a Tombe of Marble to be made there for him which was accordingly performed with this Inscription thereon Here châ—sted in this Tombe and closed in this Clay Doth lie Sir Thomas Cokain Knight and must till Iudgment Day This martiall man so bold and eke this warlikâ— wight At Tyrwyn and at Turney siege was dub'd a worthy Knight Three goodly Houses he did build to his great praise and fame With profits great and manifold belonging to the same Three Parks he did impale therein to chase the Deere The lofâ—y Lodge within this Park he also builded here He did his House and name renew and â—herestore Which others had with negligence in time decayed before This virtuous Knight had issue male three sonns of manly port And eke three daughters virtuous and married in this sort The eldest to her husband had a Knight of worthy same Sir William Basset Lord of Blore he called was by name To Vincent Lowe of Denby Squier the second married was The third to Robert Burdet Squyer as fate
whereof Maud the wife of Iohn Charnells died seized in 13 R. 2. leaving Ioane the wife of Robert de Aston and Catherine married to William Rodburne her daughters by Henry Stanidelf a former husband her heirs But the exact succession thereof I cannot discover howbeit I finde that it had the reputation of a Mannour about the later end of H. 6. time as also in H. 8. time and since the Cokains of Pooley possessed it though how much sooner I know not But from that Familie it was past away by Sir Edward Cokain Knight within our memorie Stanidelfe THis lying within the precincts of Wilnecote is a Mannour in reputation and was the seat of Henry the son of Geffrey de Stanidelf in E. 3. time who bore for his Armes a Fesse varrè betwixt six Billets as by his Seal appeareth Which Henry left issue two daughters and heirs Ioane the wife of Robert de Aston and Catherine of Will. Rodburne as in Kingswood appeareth Which Mannour came afterwards to the Ferrers of Tamworth-Castle Sir Iohn Ferrers Knight dying seized thereof in 20 H. 7. but how they parted with it I know not for the next notice that I have taken thereof is a grant made from Q. Eliz. of it for three lives to Sir Christopher Blount Knight husband to Letice Countesse of Leicester Amington OF this place there is no speciall mention in the Conqueror's Survey wherefore I am of opinion that it was then involved with Wilnecote and that by the E. of Mellent or rather his brother the Earl of Warwick who had so large a share of his lands in this Countie Hugo fil Ricardi Founder of Wroxhall-Priorie was enfeoft thereof for that he possest it is cleer from sundry testimonies and that it was held by his heirs of the Earls of Warwick for half a Knights Fee is plain enough Which Hugh gave two yard land with all the Royaltie here on the further part the water as also some other particular parcells unto his Kinsman Alexander the son of Atrop and his heirs covenanting with him that if he should fortune to be impleaded either in the King's Court or in the Countie or Hundred Court or any other Court except that in the Chapell here at Aminton he and his heirs would at their proper costs defend the said Alexander and his heirs therein In consideration of which grant the Rent of two pound of Pepper was reserved to be payd yearly on the Feast-day of S. Edith But notwithstanding this grant the inheritance thereof returned to the heirs of the said Hugh For Osbert de Clinton who wedded Margaret his sister and heir to Hugh granchild to the same Hugh possessed it and so did his posterity for many generations whose Descent in Colshill and Maxstoke are to be seen Of which Iohn de Clinton junior claimed divers Liberties and Priviledges here by Prescription in 13 E. 1. viz. Court-Leet Gallows Infangthef and Weyfs with Assize of Bread and Beer all which were allowed whose son and heir Iohn in 28 E. 1. obtained also a Charter of Free warren in all his demesn lands here but in 1 H. 6. did Sir William Clinton Knight make sale of a large proportion here though the Mannour then past not viz. one Messuage five hundred acres of Land C. acres of Meadow CC. acres of Pasture and fishing in the River of Onkere unto William Repington and his heirs all which particulars had been then lately in the possession of Adam St Clere And in 29 H. 8. did Edward Lord Clinton grant more lands here unto Francis Repington Gentleman lineall heir to the said William But in the first grant as I suppose the Capitall Messuage or Mannour-House did passe for it appears that the said Francis died seized thereof in 4 E. 6. whose great grandchild Sir Iohn Repington Knight now enjoys it But of this Familie I can say no more than what the Descent on the next page inserted expresseth Will. Repington de Aminton temp H. 6. ..... filia .... Thurstan Will. Repington Alicia filia Rog. Acton Ioh. Repington 5 H. 7. Colletta filia cohaer Ioh. Goldsmith de Goldsmith-Grange juxta Melton in Com. Leic. Will. Repington obiit 36 H. 8. Iohanna filia Roberti Stokes de Folkeshull infra libertat Civit. Coventriae Maria ux Ioh. Swinfen de Swinfen gen Editha monialis apud Polesworth Franciscus Repington obiit 4 E. 6. Maria filia Ricardi Cotton de Ridware in CoÌ„ Staff Will. Ric. Thom. Repington ar obiit 14 Dec. 1615. Francisca filia Will. Stanford unius Justic. de Com. Banco Joh. Repington miles obiit 23. Jan. 1625. Margareta filia Edw. Litleton de Pillaton-Hall in Com. Staff eq aur Joh. Repington miles Eliz. filia Edw. Sebright de Besford in Com. Wigorn. Bar. Humfridus obâ— sine prole an 1622. Edw. Maria primo nupta .... Kendall de Smythâ—by postea Clem. Fisher eq aur Kath. ux Rob. Burton de Lindley Anna ux Tho. Corbin The Chapell here id est the Glebe and Tithes thereto belonging was in 14 E. 3. valued at x. marks Piricroft THis hath antiently past by the name of a Mannour though now it be scarce so reputed and was originally a member of Tamworth as I guess for it appears to have been held of that Castle and being therewith possest was by one of the Marmions about King H. 2. time given to the Ancestour of Raphe Fitz-Raphe whose Descent I have put in Nether-Whitacre the succession of which Mannour it attended as by the Records I have there cited may appeare untill that Will. de Clinton E. of Huntendon in 16 E. 3. obtained the moitie of it in exchange for the moytie of the Mannour of Nether-Whitacre from Richard de Whitacre and Amabill his Wife by which means it descended to the posteritie of Sir Iohn de Clinton Knight elder brother to the said Earl in regard of his death without issue as in Maxstoke is shewed Sir Iohn de Clinton Knight dying seized of it in 20 R. 2. Which moytie being granted with Bole-Hall and Glascote to Iames Leveson Merchant of the Staple in 29 H. 8. and by him past to Sir Walter Aston Knight in marriage with Eliz. his daughter as hath been already observed was in 1 Caroli or about that time sold by Sir Walter Aston Knight of the Bath and Baronet grandchild to the said Sir Walter But the residue continuing in the hands of the said Richard de Whitacre descended by an heir female as the Pedegree in Bermingham manifesteth unto Edmund Lord Ferrers of Chartley who in 14 H. 6. died seized thereof but it bore the name of no more than a fourth part of the Mannour and is now possessed scil anno 1640. by the present Earl of Essex as lineall heir to the said Lord Ferrers Soli Deo sit laus gloria a Sr. Walt. Ralegh in the Preface to his Hist. of the World b Ord. vit
afterwards the Earldome of Shrewsbury bestowed upon him by the Conq. And by him or one of his sons do I conclude that Alanus filius Fladaldi progenitor to that great family of Fitz Alan became enfâ—oft of this Lordship for that he had to do here I have seen good authority besides the testimony that his descendants Earls of Arundell were superior Lords of the fee. From which Alan it divolved to Roger de Fredvill in mariage with Sibilla his wife whose daughter 't is like she was For I find that the same Roger and Sibill gave lands out of it to the Monks of Burton super Trent in an 1132. viz. 33. H. 1. quas priùs obtulerat domina Adeliza mater Sibillae tempore Nigelli Abbatis as the Leiger book of that house expresses but who this domina Adeliza her mother was I cannot yet discover Here was in Wolston a religious House subordinate to the Abby of St. Peter super Dinam in the Dioces of Sais in France of which I shall say more anon resolving now to take notice of the posterity of the said Roger de Frevill and Sibilla with whom the inheritance of Wolston went and what I find memorable of them for the clearer understanding whereof I have inserted this descent Domina Adeliza Rogerus de Frevilla 33. H. 1. Sibilla 33. H. 1. Hamo Extraneus 1. maritus Agatha superstes 21. H. 3. Rad. Extraneus Agatha le Strange Ric. G. de Turvill archidiac Dublin 21. H. 3. Gaufrid de Thorville 2. maritus Hamundus de Thurvile 24. H. 3. R. Turvile miles â—9 E. 1. 2. E. 2. Iohan. Turvile 15. E. 2.28 E. 3 Tho. Thur. vile 19. E. 3. fil haeres Wil. Rob. Galfr. Rob. le Turvile 9. E. 2.18 E. 2. Robert de Chetwode Sibilla Wil. de Chetwode Agneta W. le Bret. de longa Ichindon 21. E. 1. 3. E. 2. Guil. le Bretun 12. E. 2.20 E 3. Avicia W. Bretun miles 45. E. 3.1 R. 2 Guido Bretun â— H. 4. Rad. de Chetwode Ric. de Frevil This Roger was a benefactor to the Cannons of Kenillworth by the consent of Sibill his wife giving them one hyde and one virgate of land here And had issue Richard Agatha and Sibill which Richard became a benefactor to the monasteries of Alcester and Combe in this County To the first whereof he granted the Church of Pebworth in Gloucester-shire and to the other his Mill at Merston in this Parish but had no children it seems for his Sisters became his heirs whereof Agatha marryed to Geffrey Thorvile and Sibill to Robert Chetwode who both with their husbands did confirm the gift of Merston-Mill made to the Monks of Combe by their Brother Richard But forasmuch as the descent from the said Agatha is not so cleared by authority of Record or other evidence as I could wish I must by that light which I have point out what I conceive hath most affinity with Truth which in this and the like uncertainties is exprest by prickt lines as in the example may be discerned This Geffrey Turvill for it may very well be he gave the Chappel of Stockingforth with certain lands there to the Abby of Leicester But the first husband to the said Agatha was Hamon Strange which Hamon by his wifes consent confirmed to the monastery of Kenillworth five virgates of land in Wulfricheston that Roger Frevill and Sibill his wife had formerly given thereto and had issue a daughter named Agatha who gave to the Abby of Combe for the health of her soul and the soul of Richard her son and the rest of her children certein errable land lying in Wulricheston fields In which grant she is called Agatha le Straunge filia Hamonis le Straunge but what her husband was I find not In 24 H. 3. amongst the Kts. fees which were assigned to Hawys the widow of Iohn Fitz-Alan in this County there is mention of one held of the said Iohn by Hamon Turvill and another by the heirs of Raphe Straunge Which Hamon as I guesse was the son of Geffrey Turvile and Agatha and gave lands in Merston within this Parish to the Monks of Combe This Agatha de Turvill lived to a great age for I find that by the procurement of Geffrey Turvill her son who was Arch-Deacon of Dublin and the Kings Treasurer there she had a Patent whereby her self and her heirs were during her life free'd from suit to the County and Hundred Courts for Wuluerecheston Merston and Bretford in this Shire Which Geffrey being elected Bpp. of Ossorie in that Kingdom had the royall assent for confirmation thereof But the next of this line that I meet withall as Lord of Wolston is Sir Richard Turvile Kt. in 29. E. 1. then one of the Coroners in this County an Office in those days of great accompt and confer'd onely upon the wisest and discreetest Knights that might best attend thereon for there is a writ in the Register Nisi sit miles whereby it appeareth that there was a sufficient cause to remove a Coroner chosen if he were not a Knight and had not C. sol Rent of Free-hold But I find that in regard of impotency he was discharged of that Office and dyed the same year as 't is like for in 9 E. 2. was Robert de Turvile certified to be Lord of Wolfricheston with the members thereto belonging To which Robert succeeded Iohn de Turvile who in 19. E. 2. levyed a Fine thereof entayling it on himself and his children by Margaret his wife but for default thereof to Thomas Ferrers and his heirs and left issue Thomas Turvile his son and heir William Robert and Geffrey Howbeit after the 34 E. 3. that this Thomas presented to the Chappel of Bretford I find no more mention of these Turviles here Nor further of this place till x. R. 2. that Sir William Wauton Kt. and Dame Ismania his wife levyed a Fine thereof to the use of Sir William Bagot Kt. and William Glym and the heirs of the said Sir William Bagot for ever by which Fine it appears that there was special warranty against her the said Ismania whence I guess that she was Turviles daughter and heir Which Sir William Bagot left issue Isabell his daughter and heir wife to Thomas Stafford who in H. 5. time past it to the Canons of Kenilworth without licence whereupon it being seized into the Kings hands was in 6 H. 6. granted to Iohn Verney Clerk and Iohn Throgmorton to hold for twelve years but in 10 H. 6. Iohn Weston of Weston Sergeant at Law Iohn Beauchampe of Kenilworth Priest and Iohn Stokes of the same Kenilworth Yeoman were certified to hold it with Merston by the fourth part of a Knights fee. How they had it or how they parted with it I find not but certein it is that Nicholas Metley a Lawyer soon after obteined
the said Prior and Covent of Carthusians and their successours for ever All which was confirmed by the K. Letters Patents bearing date 5 Iulii 20 of his reign upon the return of a Writ of Ad quod dampnum thereupon and thenceforth continued to the said Carthusians till the general dissolution of all the Monasteries by K. H. 8. After which it came to the hands of Roger Wigston descended from a family of the Wigstons in Leicester divers whereof were Merchants of the Staple Which Roger being a Lawyer I suppose for he was Steward to the Monastery of Pinley in this County by his Will dated 34 H. 8. bequeath'd his body to be buried in the Church of Wolston having been Shiriff of this County and Leicestershire in 33 H. 8. and in commission of the peace for divers years And left issue William VVigston a Justice of Peace likewise in this County and Eschaetor towards the latter end of K. H. 8. reign as also Shiriff in 5 E. 6. but Knighted in 2 3 Ph. M. who dyed 27 Sept. 19 Eliz. and lyeth buryed in the Chancell at Wolston Roger his son and heir being then xl years of age which Roger having no issue male left the inheritance of his lands to his two daughters whereof Susanne was the wife of Nicholas VVentworth Esq who in her right became Lord of this Mannour for so it is now reputed to be and left it to Sir Peter VVentworth Knight of the Bath his son and heir the now owner thereof The Church dedicated to St. Margaret IN an 1291. 19 E. 1. the value of the Rectory here was certified at xxxiii marks out of which besides the sum of xiii sol iiii d. due to the Bp of Coventre and Lichfeild for the time being as a pension there was liii sol iiii d. yearly to be paid to the poor there as the composition manifesteth The Vicaridge in 26 H. 8. was valued at xv l. x sol over and above viii l. yearly allowed for the stipend of two Priests serving in two Chappels within this Church and ii sol per annum for Synodals The appropriation of the Fruits of this Church to the Monastery of St. Peter sup Dinam was antient for I have seen a very old Copy of the ordination of the Vicaridge commonly called the Composition made by Alexander de Savensby Bp of Cov. and Litch about the beginning of H. 3. time who at his institution of Henry de Leicester Priest upon the presentation of the Prior of Tutbury Procurator general to the above mentioned Abbot and Covent makes this appointment in the behalf of the said Vicar and his successors viz. that they shall have all the Obventions of the Altar as well of the Mother Church as of the Chappels with a Messuage and a croft which one Alanus then held the Vicar out of these being to pay Synodals and to see that the Chappels were served by honest and able persons But by another Instrument of the said Bp. it appears that by the consent of the before mentioned Prior of Tutbury there was an assignation made of four marks yearly to be paid to the Vicar for the time being out of the profits of the Rectory by the hands of the Procurator of the said Abbot and Covent whoever he should be at Wolfricheston at two terms in the year viz. two marks at the day of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin and two marks on the day of her Purification out of which the Vicar was to give yearly xiii coats each containing three ells and xiii pair of shoes to the poor of the parish by the oversight of the Archdeacon of the place or his Official and whatsoever was remaining himself to have towards the maintenance of one Priest there assisting him There is one thing more that I am not willing to pass by touching this Vicaridge viz. a Commission which I find granted by the Bp. of Cov. and Lichf bearing date 1 Dec. an 1454. 33 H. 6. to certain persons there named and entrusted by him to enquire of the Ordination thereof forasmuch as the present Incumbent had signified to the said B. that the same was so slenderly endowed that having there the cure of souls he could not maintain himself in that fit manner as he ought out of the profits thereof nor well undergo what was incident to him as Vicar and thereupon humbly craveâ— remedy from the B. By which Commission the B. gives power to the persons therein mentioned to call before them the Prior and Covent of Carthusians near Coventre to whom the Rectory was appropriate appointing that this enquiry should be made by persons of credit both of the Clergy and Laity and upon oath as also thereupon to proceed in augmentation thereof as there should be cause with power of Canonical câ—eÌ„â—cion By which it appears that though the Vicaridge were formerly endowed yet if in the discretion of the B. or his successours at any time after the fruit issuing out thereof to the present Incumbent were not esteemed sufficient to maintain him in a fit manner there might be an enlargement made out of the profits of the Rectory And that the B. may lawfully do this I could manifest by very good authorities as well as undeniable reason but in regard this Argument belongs to men of another profession and that there is already a very handsome Discourse written upon this subject by Dr Ryves a learned Civilian entituled The poor Vicars plea I will spare that which otherwise I could have said therein Adding this onely that if respect be to be had that the Vicar is to have that competent and laudable support as is sutable to his degree and quality for work he may not by the Laws being to follow his study maintain hospitality releive the poor pay Procurations and defray all other charges incident to his Benefice and that the Laws do allow him to marry whereby the charge of a single person as antiently they were is by wife and children much in all probability increased then no doubt many hundreds in England ought to be in this case regarded Neither can the Impropriator justly say he hath wrong though he purchased the Rectory at a dear rate for he must needs know that it is divolved to him with no more priviledge than the Monks had it who were alwaies subject to coertion for the like augmentation as cause required it being not originally intended that they who lived plentifully in their Cloyster should sweep away the chief fruits of the Church the Parish which paid duely their Tithes having little advantage from them and that the Vicar who daily served at the Altar should snap on short commons but if there were sufficiency for both each to have share otherwise if one must want it should not be he that did undergo the work I know this will sound harshly in Impropriators ears
in all 17. quarters and a half and 6. quarters of Malt made in beer at 4 s. the quarter The yearly fee then to the principall Officers being to Henry Marq. Dorset their high Seward Liii s. iv d. To Robert Caster gent. their generall Receiver xxvi s. viii d. And to Thomas Gregory Auditor xxvi s. viii d. So that being in clear yearly value less than CC li. it was suppressed by Act of Parl. in 27. H. 8. whereupon the Monks were for the most part disposed of to other Religious Houses that then stood undissolved Thomas Tutbury the then Abbot having a Pension of 23 li. per annum assigned to him during his life Catalogus Abbatum 1. Willielmus primus Abbas obiit Id. Dec. anno 1159. 2. Rogerus obiit Non. Feb. anno 1178. 3. Nicholaus obiit Cal. Sept. anno 1188. 4. Henricus obiit 3. Id. Sept. anno 1189. 5 Will. Pershore translatus ad Bordesley 6. Will. de Campden Abbatizavit 8. ann 7. Will. de Tysoe obiit 10. Cal. Aug. an 1217. 8. Ranulphus cessit officio ann 1221. 9. Will. Gyldeford depositus ann 1231. 10. Osbertus de Westwelle renuntiavit officio Non. Sept. ann 1258. 11. Petrus Wyche obiit 9. Cal. Martii 1261. 12. Ric. de Merynton à regimine amotus ann 1272. 13. Tho. de Orlescote translatus ad Bordesle an 1277. 14. Wâ—ll de Heyford assumptus in Abb. de Bordesse an 1293. 15. Ioh. de la Sale depositus post an 16. 2. menses 16. Rob. de Hockele obiit die S. Desiderii Episc. an 1349. 17. Rob. de Atherston renuntiavit officio anno tertio regiminis sui 18. Thomas de Weston alià s dictus Tho. de Pipe successit eidem Roberto 9. Cal. Iunii an 1352. aetate juvenis Rob. Sutton 10. H. 7. Thom. Hodskinson Thom. Tutbury 27. H. 8. After the before-specified dissolution it contitinued not long in the Crown for in 30. H. 8. it was granted to Charles Brandon D. of Suff. and his heirs Which D. had issue Henry and Charles who both dying childless Sir Ric. Cavendish Knight Sir William Sidney Knight Thomas Glemham Esq. Tho. Lovell Esq. Christian Darnell widow Eliz. the wife of Walter Ayscough Esq. and Eliz. the wife of Iohn Trye were found to be their cosins and heirs Betwixt whom partition being made 21. Maii 2. Eliz. the site of this Monastery with part of the lands thereunto belonging was allotted unto William Cavendish Esq. son and heir to the said Sir Richard Which Will. by the name of Will. Cavendish of Trymley St. Martin in Com. Suff. Esq. by his deed bearing date 17. Martii 3. Eliz. sold it unto Sir Rowland Hill and Sir Thomas Leigh Knights Aldermen of London After which upon division made of divers Mannours and Lands joyntly acquired by them the site of this Monastery became allotted to the same Sir Thomas Leigh who purchasing in the greatest part of all other lands lying in Stonley thereabouts and obtain'd in 4. Eliz. a Pat. of confirmation for them all together with the Mannour of Stonley Which Sir Thomas being son to Roger Leigh of Wellington in Shrop-shire descended by a younger branch from that antient family of the Leigh's of High-Leigh in Cheshire as their descent sheweth and bred up under the said Sir Rowland Hill an opulent merchant of London became at length for his skill and diligence his Factor beyond Sea and underwent that trust so well that Sir Rowland having no child match't his neece whom he much affected to him viz. Alice daughter to ...... Barker of Hamon in Shropshire upon whose issue he bestow'd the greatest part of his estate Much might be said of this Sir Thomas Leigh who was Lord Mayor of London in 1 Eliz. but let the Epitaph upon his Monument at Mercers-Chappell where he lyeth buried suffice for he dyed in that City ....... 14. Eliz. leaving issue 3. sons Rouland Thomas and William The eldest of which was largely provided for in Gloucester-shire at Longborow and thereabouts by the said Sir Rouland Hill his Godfather But the second here And the third at Neunham in this County had ample possessions setled upon them by their father and mother she being joyned purchaser in all and lived here at Stonley to a very great age to see her childrens children to the fourth generation where departing this life ..... Ian. an 1603. she was buried at the upper end of the Chancell on the North side The memoriall of which worthy Lady though there be none over the place of her sepulture will continue in that lasting monument of her piety erected in this Town I mean the Hospitall for poor people of which I shall say more anon Thomas the second son Knighted by Q. Eliz. and honoured with the title of Baronet at the first erection of that order scilicet 29. Iunii 9. Iac. wedded Katherine daughter to Sir Iohn Spenser of Wormleighton Knight by whom he had issue Sir Iohn Leigh Knight his son and heir whom he survived And having lived to a great age in much reputation being Custos Rotulorum for this County and in all publique employments of his time one of the superior rank deceased in Febr. 1. Car. leaving Sir Thomas Leigh son to the before specified Sir Iohn his next heir Which Sir Thomas now Lord of this Mannour having been dignified with Knighthood by King Iames wedded Mary daughter and coheir to Sir Thomas Egerton Knight eldest son to Thomas Lord Ellesmere Lord Chancelour of England and firmely adhering to the late King Charles in his greatest distresses was in testimony of his stedfast loyalty advanced to the degree and title of a Baron of this Realm The Church dedicated to our Lady whereunto belonged 8. yard land being given by K. H. 1. to the Canons of Kenilworth shortly after the Foundation of that Monastery was appropriated to them by Geffrey Muschamp Bishop of Coventre and Lichfield in King Iohn's time with a Pension of v. marks out of the Vicaridge and confirmed by Pope Gregory the ix anno 1228. 12. H. 3. And in anno 1291. 19. E. 1. valued at 24. marks the Vicaridge in 26. H. 8. being likewise rated at vi li. -xv s. iv d. over and above xxx s. yearly Pension then payd to the Canons of Kenilw. and 8 s. per annum allowed for Procurations and Synodals Which Vicaridge was by the Lady Aliza Dudley augmented with 20 li. per annum out of lands purchased in Manceter whereof I have there taken notice who also gave three large and faire pieces of gilt plate to remain for the use of the Communicants here for ever The Hospitall before mentioned was founded by the said Lady Alice Leigh for ten poor people viz. five men and five women all of them to be unmarried persons and nominated by her but after her decease by Sir Thomas Leigh her son during his life and his heirs for ever
at the Norman Conquest and afterwards given by Geffr de Clinton the second to Gilebert Nutricius of whom I shall speak in Lemington in which grant it is called Molendinum de Chibbeâ—lide How the said Gilbert parted with it appears not but I find that Henry de Clinton son to the said Geffrey morgaged it to Randolph de Cocton for ten pounds of silver It seems that the same Geffr bestow'd it on the Canons of Kenilworth for so doth the confirmation of Henry his son made to them thereof imply whereby he grants unto them therewith both the Miller and his Children in which it is written Kibclive And yet it can hardly be said that he gave it for by his deed it appears that the same Canons discharged xx marks of silver which the said Miller was tyed to pay as also 2 marks of silver yearly to the said G. de Clinton during his life But in 7 E. 1. I find that the Prior of Kenilworth had two Mils here which after the dissolution of the Monasteries were granted to Ric. and Tho. Lawley and their heirs Milverton SOmewhat lower on the Southeast side of Avon â— stands Milverton wherein the E. of Mellent held 2 hydes excepting 1 virgat and a Mill valued at 50 s. as appears by the Conq. Survey all which was then rated at C s. having been the Free-hold of one Leuuinus before the Norman invasion but in that Record it is written Malvertone which shews that it originally had its name from some antient possessor thereof That most of the said E. of Mellent's lands in this County came to the Earls of Warwick is plain enough but how or when this place was disposed of by those Earls considering that we have so little light touching those elder times I am not able directly to shew The first most antient mention thereof that I have met with is that Roger Earl of Warwick upon his foundation of the Collegiat-Church in Warwick which was in An. 1123. 23. H. 1. gave inter alia for the maintenance of the Canons there half a hide in Mulvertone so it is there written and all the tithe of those lands there which were of his fee. What proportion of this village Geffrey de Clinton the Founder of Kenilworth-Castle had I cannot say but that he enjoyed a part thereof is certain for upon his death-bed he gave command to Geffrey his son that he should render two yard land lying here in Melvertone to Ermenfrede de Ponte his servant which was done accordingly After this and very antiently doe I find that there were three Lords of this Town viz. Astley Spigurnell and the third a Prebend of the Collegiat-Church in Warwick each possessing a distinct share as I shall shew anon And that what Astley had here was given to their family in H. 1. time as is evident from what I have already said in Astley But the first mention I find of Spigurnell is in 12. Ioh. where Rob. de Milverton levied a Fine of two yard land here to Walter Spigurnell and Celestina his wife Whether this was all that Spigurnell had here I cannot determine but I believe it was the two yard land which the above mentioned G. de Clinton possest This village hath antiently been accounted within the Parish of Wotton for in King Iohn's time G. Muschamp Bishop of Coventre upon the appropriation of the Church of Wotton to the Canons of Kenilworth granted unto them onely one mark yearly out of the Chappell of Milverton But Parishes being not perfectly setled till about the later end of that Kings raign as in Church over I have shewed this Chapell in the beginning of H. 3. time grew to the reputation of a Church for by that name did the above mentioned Walter Spigurnell and Celestina pass the advouson thereof to the Canons of Kenilworth in 16. H. 3. Which family of Spigurnell having their seat at Emscote in this Parish held that place together with Milverton of the Honour of Leicester by half a Knights fee in 55. H. 3. But Astley enfeof't Trussell of the most part that he had here which might be the occasion that Ric. Trussell took part with Thomas de Astley one of the rebellious Barons in H. 3. time for I find that the same Râ—chard was slain in the battail of Evesham with the said Thomas in 49. H. 3. Howbeit the residue of Astley's lands in this place were by Thomas Lord Astley inter alia given in 11. E. 3. for the foundation of a Chantry in the the Parish-Church of Astley â— as I have there manifested which afterwards when the said Chantry being augmented with greater possessions was changed into a Collegiat-Church were by the said Lord Astlâ—y assigned for the maintenance of one of the Canons therein and called the Prebend of Milverton In 7. E. 1. it was certified that Iohn Spigurnell Will Trussell and Raph de Hengham were Lords of Milverton and that the said Iohn held his share therein Emscote being joyned therewith of Elene la Zouch by the service of half a Knights fee. which Elene was one of the coheirs of Roger Quincy E. of Winchester who had part of the Honour of Leicester in right of Margaret his mother one of the coheirs to the last of those antient Earls By that Record it also appears that the same Iohn had two yard land here in demesn and five servants who held one yard land an half and a fourth part by servile tenure as abovesaid and 12. Cottiers holding one Carucat at the will of the Lord And that the Mill was then held by Iohn de Astele of the said Sir Andrew for the yearly rent of v. marks and a half and two strikes of Eeles to Will. Trussell And lastly that Raph de Hengham held his share of the Earl of Warwick viz. two yard land which four Freeholders then occupyed being a Prebend of the Collegiat-Church in Warwick howbeit in 9. E. 2. there was no other certified to be Lord of Milverton but Will. Trussell and yet in 20. E. 3. Maud Spigurnell answered for the sixt part of a Knights fee here and in Emscote which she held of the Honour of Winchester From which Will. descended Sir Allured Trussell Knight as in Billesley appeareth Who in 6. R. 2. entayled this Mannour for by that name it is recorded upon the heires male of his body with remainder to Sir Fouke Pembruge Knight and Margaret his wife and the heires of the said Margaret Whether the descendants of the said Sir Alured past away their right therein or if so when and to whom I cannot say for I find that they continued possest of a great part of this village till H. 8. time Thomas Trussell then dying seyzed of ten messuages xx yard land xxx acres of meadow xx acres of pasture and a water-mill all situat within the precincts thereof
2. yard land in demesn and 2. servants holding the residue under particular Rents and performance of servile labour It was then also certified that William Chatere held 8. yard land here of the Prior of Coventre whereof three parts of a yard land he had in demesn Which interest so belonging to the Monks of Coventre here was in right of their Mannour of Priors-Merston that extended into it for no less doth the Record of 9 E. 2. import The substance of which lands so held by Hastings came in tract of time to one Simon de Shukborow and Raph Chatere for in 6 E. 2. It was found that they two held no less than a Knights fee here of the same Iohn de Hastings From which Simon descended Iohn de Shukborow who in 20 E. 3. held of Hasting's heir the third part of a Kts fee in this place And from him Iohn Shuckborough esq who in 10 H. 6. was certified to hold a Mannour here by the 4. part of a Knights fee. But another Mannour there was also and that very antient which belonged to the family of Dive the inheritance whereof in 27 E. 3. Margaret the widow of Richard Hastang daughter and heir to Raâ—â— Dâ—ve and cosiâ— and heir to Iohn Dive of Ducklington in Com. Oxon. granted to Will. Catesbâ— and Iohn his son wherein Emme the Widow of the said Iohn in 13 H. 4. obtained a Charter of Free-warren â— in the behalf of herself and Iohn her son Which Mannour afterwards coming to the hands of Richard Collyng of Wavers-Merston gent. was in 32 H. 8. past from him unto Thomas Shuckborough esq and his heirs Lord of the other Mannour by descent from Thomas his ancestor before specified whose great-grandchild Sir Richard Shuckborough Knight now enjoys it That these Shuckboroughs were very antiently possest of lands here there is no doubt for I find one William de Suckeberge in 3. Ioh. which might be the first assumer of this denomination there being many good and great families whose ancestors â—ixt not their sirnames till afterwards But little have I seen memorable of them in those elder times other than the bare mention of their names neither am I able of a long time after by the advantage of Records to deduce their descent in a lineall succession I shall therefore briefly mention what I have met with as remarkable touching any of them and so pass on to the next In 1 E. 3. I find that Iohn de Shukburgh having been one of the Coroners in this County an office in those days of great account had his Quâ—etus est the Shiriff being commanded to cause another to be chosen in his room But it seems the Kings command was not thereupon pursued because the next year afterâ— he directed another Precept dated from Pontfract 19 Aug. to the same purpose In 6 H. 4. Iohn Shukkeburgh and Thomas Shukkeburgh were with the Shiriff and other Commissioners assigned to collect a Subsidy in this County then granted to the King in Parliament And in 7 H. 5. William Shukburgh of Shukburgh being rank't amongst those Knights and other Esquiers of this County who bore antient Armes from their Ancestors had warning by the Shiriff to appear before the Councell there to receive order for serving the King in his proper person for the defence of the Realm In 6 H. 6. he was one of the Commissioners appointed for the Collecting a subsidy of vi s. viii d. from certain Inhabitants residing within the Cities and Boroughs of this County And departed this life in 11 H. 6. being at that time one of the Coroners for this Shire From whom descended Thomas who was in Commission for conservation of the peace from 18 H. 7. to the end of that Kings raign and for many years in H. 8. time This family do bear for their Armes Sâ—ble a Cheveron betwixt three Mullets argent relating as t is observable to those little stones called Astroites which are very like a Mullet and frequently found in the plowed fields hereabouts The Church dedicated to S. Iohn Baptist being given to the Nuns of Wroxhall as I have already shewed was antiently appropriated to their use and in 26 H. 8 valued at viii li. vi s. viii d. the Procurations and Synodalls yearly payable to the Archdeacon of Coventre for the same being x s. vi d. But here was never any Vicar endowed the Cure having been served by a stipendary Which Rectory after the dissolution of the Monasteryes was granted to Sir Iohn Williams Knight in 32 H. 8. who had license the year following to alien it unto Thomas Shukborough esq from whom it descended to Sir Richard Shuckborough before mentioned Granborough I Now return somewhat neerer to the bank of Leame where I behold Granborough within which parish is Wolscote Walcote and Calcote This is one of those 24. townes that Leofrik Earl of Mercia gave to the Priory of Coventre at his foundation thereof in 1 Edw. Conf. And wherein by the Conq. Surveyâ— that Monastery was certified to hold 8. hides and 1. virgate of land there being then a Mill rated at xvi d. and the value of all recorded at viii li. At the same time it was also found that Richard Forestarius held of the King 2. hides in this place then valued at fifty shillings which before the Conquest were the freehold of one Râ—mdi But in Domesday-book it is written in one place Graneberge and in the other Greneberge whereby it appeares that the name did originally proceed from its situation on a rising ground A great part hereof was in K. H. 1. time given by Laurencâ— then Prior of Coventre the Monks of that House unto Robert the son of Noel which grant K. H. 2. confirmed to Thomas Noel his son who wedded Margaret one of the sisters and coheirs to Raph Strange of Knockin in Shropshire which Margaret held the same land in dower After whose death Alice and Ioan the daughters and heirs of the said Thomas had livery thereof Alice being then the wife of William de Harecurt and Ioan of Thomas Fitz-Eustace It should seem by what hereafter appears that the issue of Alice by William de Harecourt carryed away the whole inheritance here but whether by any grant from Ioan the other sister or that she had no issue I am ignorant For in 36 H. 3. Ric. de Harecurt was certified to hold the same of the Prior of Coventre which Richard dyed in 42 H. 3. leaving William his son and heir who doing his homage had livery of all his fathers lands In 47 H. 3. this William had summons amongst divers other great men to be at Worcester sufficiently furnisht with Horse and Arms on the Feast-day of S. Peter ad vincula commonly called Lammas to resist the power of Lâ—welin Prince of Wales then in Rebellion And the
which unjustifiable act he hasted not to take advantage by reason he was lyable to their action and so upon cool debate betwixâ— them they grew to this conclusion viz. that Mr. Lyle should suffer a Recovery thereof which was accordingly done in 6 H. 8. Richard Hurst and Iohn Forde of Walshall being the persons to whom it was adjudged Which Richard and Iohn soon after made a New feoffment thereof to some other of the Inhabitants to the use of the town and by the like renewing of Feoffments it hath continued to the said uses untill this day Stonythorpe THIS of a small Hamlet is now reduc't to one House and hath its name from the rocky condition of the ground where it stands the word Thorpe in our old English signifying a petty village But it was originally a member of Long-Ichington and held thereof though when first granted away by the Lords of that Mannour I have not seen For before 2 E. 2. I find no mention of it and then one Robert Sampsun possest it Which Robert in 4 E. 2. sold it to Sir William de Bereford Knight chief Justice of the Common pleas reserving an estate for life to himself and Margery his wife From whom it descended to Edmund de Bereford his son who was seized of it in 3 E. 3. and in 20 E. 3. by Fine entailed it upon the heirs of his body By vertue of which entail it came to Iohn de Bereford son of the said Edmund who dyed seized thereof in 30 E. 3. leaving Baldwin his brother and heir 24. years of age Eva his widow having it assigned to her in part of her dower After which it divolved to Ioan grandchild and heir to Ioan the wife of Gilbert de Ellesfield one of the sisters and heirs to the before-specified Edmund de Bereford then wife to Iohn Hore of Childerley in Com. Cantab. as the descent in Langley sheweth which Iohn and Ioan past it away to William Hore of Elmedon in this County in 8 H. 4. whose posterity in the male line enjoy'd it till about the beginning of H. 8. time that Nicholas Hanslap of Aynho in Com. Northampt. had it by marriage with Ioan the daughter and heir to Robert Hore From which Nicholas is lineally descended ..... Hanslap now owner thereof Anno scil 1640. Will. Hore de Elmedon 8 H. 4. Margareta filia Will. Allesley 4. H. 5. Thom. Hore de Elmedon Margar. filia cohaeres Alani Waldeiue Alanus Hore ..... filia Tho. Mollesley de Billesdon in Com. Staff Tho. Hore occisus s. prole Cath. soror haeres ux Joh. Boteler de Solihull Gulielmus Hore de Stonythorp Rob. Hore de Stonythorpe Joh. Hore de Stonythorpe ..... filia Benedicti Medley de Whitnash Thomas Johannes Edmundus objerunt s. p. Bishops-Ichington HAving now done with the Parish of Long-Ichinton below which Ichene falls into Leame I must ascend to the Southwest side of that torrent where the first town I find taking also its appellation from the same brook is divided into two parts Ichington-superior and Ichington-inferior in the later whereof the mother Church antiently stood but was pulled down at its depopulation as I shall further shew anon so that the Chapell of ease in Ichington-superior is since become the Parish-Church that village being not depopulated though the fields were converted to pasture The reason why this is called Bishops-Ichington is in regard it was for a long time the possession of the Bishops of Coventre and Lichfield as I shall shew by and by but the direct time when they first had it I have not seen though that the Monks of Coventre granted it to them be clear enough being one of those xxiv towns which Earl Leofrick upon his foundation of that Monastery in 1. Edwardi Conf. gave thereunto In the Conq. Survey it was certified to be in the hands of those Monks and to contain 5. hides which were then valued at xii li. and so was it in King Stephen's and H. 3. time for I find it particularly mentioned in their Charters of Confirmation made to that Monastery wherein is intimated that the Monks had newly recovered it by the Precept of Pope Eugenius though who it was that disseised them thereof be not exprest But the first Bishop of Coventre and Lichfield that had it for ought appeareth to me was Roger Molend Nephew to King H. 3. and elected to that See by the Monks of Coventre at the earnest desire of Richard E. of Cornwall the Kings brother in 42 H. 3. which makes me guesse that to him the said Monks first past it because I find that the next year following the same King granted him Free-warren here and a Mercate every week upon the wednsday with a Fair yearly to endure 3 days beginning on the Even of S. Peter and Paul commonly called Lammas The extent of what these Bishops had here was in 7 E. 1. certified at 5. carucats of land and a Windmill which they held in demesn having xvi servants who occupyed 25. yard land and a half performing certain servile work in Harvest and x. servants more holding 8. yard land and a half for which they were to Plow Mâ—w and do other service there for the said Bishop They had also xvi Cottagers here holding 17. Cottages each of them paying a certain Rent mowing at sometimes and doing suit of Court twice a year And likewise 8. Freeholders holding 8. yard land and a 4. part who did suit to their 3. weeks Court payd a certain Rent plowed at some times and mowed likewise for the Lord. And besides this had Infangthef with divers other priviledges which in 13 E. 3. were upon their claym allowed and afterwards enjoyed till 1 E. 6. that Richard Sampson the then Bâ—shop past it with the Mannours of Tachebroke Geydon and Chadshunt to one Thomas Fisher esquier for an C li. in ready money and an Annuity of 50 li. per annum reserved to himself and his successors Which grant was confirmed by the Dean and Chapter under their publique Seal 15. Apr. following But this Annuity of 50 li. per annum continued not long For the same Bishop by his Deed of Release bearing date 14 Dec. 2 E. 6. acquitted the said Tho. Fisher and his heirs thereof Which grant of these Mannours and Release so made by the Bishop K. E. 6. by his Letters Pat. dated 20. Apr. 3. of his reign confirmed And moreover granted to the said T. Fisher and his heirs within the precinct of the said Mannours Return of Writs so as the Kings Officers were not to meddle there and that for the future this priviledge should be called The Liberty of Thomas Fisher in the County of Warwick What the reason was that the said Bishop past away this and those other Mannours to the great
although it sufficed not to bear out any bad attempt of his own as my Author observeth yet was it of force to cross the evill purposes of others and therefore speeches were cast out that he caused himself to be proclaimed King in divers Counties and much more layd in charge against him by Northumberland's contrivance who when he came to his tryall was one of his Peers upon which Triall though they acquitted him of Treason yet did they find him guilty of Felony whereupon he had Judgment to be hang'd never remembring to crave the benefit of his Clergy which is by some observ'd to be a just Judgment of God upon him for having so much wronged the Church and all learning and had his head smitten off upon a scaffold on Tower-hill After this 't was not long ere infirmities seized upon the King from whom Northumb. was little absent to ordering the matter that whil'st he languish't Guilford Dudley his 4. son did marry with the Lady Iane Grey eldest daughter to Henry Duke of Suff. by Frances daughter to Mary second sister to King H. 8. and that a Patent was sealed for the said Lady Iane's succession to the Crown for drawing whereof in excâ—uding his two sisters with fair pretences the assistance of the Lord chief Justice Mountagu and Secretary Cecill was used which Letter 's were subscribed by alâ— the Privy Councell the greatest part both for number and power of the Nobility the Kings learned Councell and all the Judges at the Common Law except Sir Iames Hales one of the Justices of the Common Pleas some being guided with particular interest for that they were possest of so much Monastery and Chantry lands which if Religion should be altered through Qu. Maryes coming to the Crown they might be in danger to loose and others by fear of or obligation to the Duke of Northumberland then so potent and almost absolute in government of the State that 't was supposed he could make any title good either by his authority or his sword And having now thus designed to himself the power of a King for no less would he have had if the Lady Iane had been Queen he contrived to get the Lady Mary into his hands causing K. Edw. to write his Letters for her coming to him in his sickness but she being made sensible of the device when she was within half a days journey of London directed her course another way after which the King immediatly dyed whereupon Northumb. causes the Lady Iane to be proclaimed Queen but the tide of the peoples affections bending to Mary the Kings eldest sister she is likewise proclaimed first by the Citizens of Norwich and afterwards in Buck. and Northampton-shires neither was there want of numbers in severall parts that began to put themselves in Armes on her behalf So that 't was no sitting still now Northumberland therefore being Queen Iane's Champion with a Commission under the great Seal marcheth out with 600. Horse to suppress any power that should appear for Queen Mary having a promise from the Lords of more forces to be sent after him but such a change did he perceive in the affections of his own Souldiers whereof many forsook himâ— that to daub up the matter he returns to Cambridge and there without either Herauld or Trumpet accompanyed with the Maior and Marquess of Northampton proclaimes Queen Mary himself in the Market-place and in token of joy threw up his Cap. All which would not now secure him for the very next day the Earl of Arundell coming thithither from the Queen arrested him of Treason whence he was with his three sons Iohn Ambrose and Henry convey'd to the Tower of London and from that place ere long to his arraignment where being condemn'd for a Traitor he suffered death at Tower-hill the 22. of Aug. and was buried in the Tower Church by Iohn Cock then Lancaster-Herauld who having been his old servant was willing to shew some respect to him dead from whom living he had received so much favour and therefore begg'd his Head onely of the Queen that he might bury it in the Tower upon which suit he had his wholy body also granted Our Historians that write of his death do say that at his end he profest the Roman Religion and I have heard that for a witness of his Faith he vouch't Dr. Heath Archbishop of York afterwards Lord Chancelour yet was he so much blinded by ambition that apprehending the alteration of Religion to be the chief means whereby he might accomplish his worldly ends he told Sir Anthony Brown afterward Visc Mountacute when he moved him for restoring the Roman Religion â—hat albeit he knew the same Religion to be true yet seeing a new Religion was begun Run Dog run Devill he would go forwards One thing have I further to observe of him which is that being arrived to such a pitch of honour and greatness he was not content with those vast possessions that he had by the bounty of the K. and his own just acquisition but finding Iohn Lord Dudley grandfather to the last Baron to be a weak man whereby he had exposed himself to some wants and so became entangled within the Usurers bonds made those money-merchants his Instruments to work him out of Dudley-Castle which Usurers accordingly getting a mortgage of part of his lands let in such room for the Duke to put in a foot that he soon justled him out of his Castle and Barony so that the poor Lord being thus turn'd out of dore and left to the Charity of his friends for a subsistence spent the rest of his days in making visits amongst them with whom he usually stayed according as he found welcome being commonly called the Lord Quondam but so soon as Queen Mary had taken off the Dukes head she bestowed the Castle of Dudley and all the lands which belong'd to the quondam Lord upon Edward his son and heir who had wedded Katherine Bridges daughter to Sir Iohn Bridges Knight Lord Chandois one of her maids of Honour During the time that this our Earl of Warwick was so possest of Dudley-Castle it being a place that he thirsted after in regard of his name and for the honourableness of the House and seat from which he was desirous the world should believe he was descended for he had thrust into his titles Dux Northumbriae Comes Warwici Mareschallus Angliae Vâ—cecomes L'isle Baro de Somery Basset Tyase Dominus de Dudley praenobilis Ordinis Garterii miles Magnus Magister Seneschallus Hospitii regis he made great repairs there and built that stately fabrick within the walls thereof on the North part which was called the New work adorn'd the Gate-house tower with the Armes of Malpas Someri and the Lyon rampant by him assumed for Sutton's coat fairly cut in large shields of stone and fixt in the wall just over the Port cullice By Iane daughter and
from Iohn Carpenter then Bishop of Worcester Besides this goodly Tombe of Earl Richard which in the story of his life I have accurately represented there are in the same Chapell these following Monuments viz. of Ambrose Dudley Earl of Warwick Robert Dudley Earl of Leicester and of Robert his son who dyed young as doe here follow Here under this Tombe lyeth the corps of the Lord Ambrose Duddeley who after the deceasses of his elder brethren without yssue was sonne and heir to John Duke of Northumberland To whom Queen Elizabeth in the first year of her raigne gave the Mannor of Kibworth-Beauchamp in the County of Leyc to be held by the service of being Pantler to the Kings Queens of this realme at their Coronations Which office Mannour his said father other his Ancestours Earles of Warwick held In the second yeare of her raigne the said Queen gave him the office of maister of the Ordinance In the fourth yeare of her said raigne she created him Baron L'â—sle and Earle of Warwick In the same yeare she made him her Lieutenant generall in Normandy and during the time of his service there he was chosen knight of the noble order of the Garter In the twelveth year of her raigne the said Earle and Edward Lord Clinton Lord Admirall of England were made Lieutenants jointly and severally of her Majesties Army in the North parts In the thirteenth year of her raigne the said Qu. bestowed on him the Office of chief Butler of England And in the xv th yeare of her reign was sworn of her privy Councell Who departed this life without issue the xxi th day of February 1589. at Bedford house neer the Citty of London from whence as himself desired his corps was conveyed and interred in this place Neare his brother Robert Earle of Leicester and other his noble ancestors which was accomplished by his last Will and welbeloved wife the Lady Anne Countesse of Warr. who in further testimony of her faithfull love towards him bestowed this Monument as a remembrance of him John Dudley esquire second sonne to John Lord Dudley and knight of the Garter marryed Elizabeth daughter and heire of John Bramshot Esquier and had issue Edmund Duddeley Edmund Duddeley Esquire one of the privy Councell to king Henry the 7 â—h married Elizabeth sister and sole heire of John Grey Viâ—ount L'sle descended as heire of the eldest daughter and coheire of Richard Beauchamp â—â—wl in Warwick and Elizabeth his wife daughter and hèir of the Lord Berkley and heir of the Lord L'ysle and Ties and had issue John Duke of Northumberland John Duke of Northumberland and Earle of Warwick Vicount L'isle and knight of the Garter marryed Jane daughter and heire of Sir Edward Guildford knight and Elianore his wife sister and coheire to Thomas lord la Warre and had issue the said Lord Ambrose The said Lord Ambrose Dudley marryed to his first wife Anne daughter and coheire of William Whorwood esquier Attorney generall to King Henry the eight The said Lord Ambrose married to his second wife Elizabeth daughter of Sir Gilbert Taylbois knight sister and sole heire of George Lord Taylbois The said Lord Ambrose after he was Earl of Warwick marryed to his third wife the Lady Anne daughter to Francis Earle of Bedford Lord Russell and knight of the Garter DEO VIVENTIUM S. SPE CERTA resurgendi in Christo hîc situs est illustrissimus Robertus Dudleyus Johannis Ducis Northumbriae Comitis Warwici Vicecomitis Insulae c. filius quintus Comes Leicestriae Baro Denbighiae Ordinis tum S. Georgii cùm S. Michaelis eques auratus Reginae Elizabethae apud quam singulari gratia florebat Hippocomus Regiae Aulae subindè Seneschallus ab intimis Conciliis Forestarum Parcorum Chacearum c. citra Trentam summus Iusticiarius Exercitus Anglici à dicta Regina Eliz. missi in Belgio ab anno M.Dlxxxv ad annum M.Dlxxxvii Locum tenens Capitaneus generalis Provinciarum confederatarum ibidem Gubernator generalis Praefectus Regnique Angliae Locum tenens contra Philippum ii Hispanum numerosa Classe exercitu Angliam Anno M. Dlxxxviii invadentem Animam Deâ— servatori reddidit Anno Salutis M. Dlxxxviii die quarto Septembris Optimo charissimo marito moestissima uxor Leticia Francisci Knolles Ordinis S. Georgii equitis aurati Regiae Thesaurarii filia amoris conjugalis fidei ergò Posuit It now remains that I take notice of what else I have found worthy of note in relation to this Chapell and not already publiquely known which is that Sir Henry Nevill Kt. son and heir to George Nevill Lord Latimer by Eliz. the third daughter to the noble Earl Richard before remembred who dyed in his fathers life time was here interred at the head of the said Earl as appears by the Testament of the Lady his widow daughter to Sir Iohn Bourchier Lord Berners who also bequeathed her body to be here buried And to the intent that the Dean and Canons of this Coll. Church should devoutly pray for her soul and for the soul of her said husband and all Christen people departed she gave unto them two Gowns of blew Velvet wherewith to make a Vestment and Copes so far as they would reach to be used in the same Colledge one of which gowns belong'd to her said husband And direrected that if those two gowns would not suffice to make a Chesiple two Tunicles a Cope with Altar clothes and frontell that then her Executors should buy as much plain blew Velvet as might compleat the same for to serve to the Altar in the said Chapell And farther appointed that her said Executors should find a Priest to sing in the said Chapell for her soul and the soul of her said husband and all Christen people deceased for the space of three years next ensuing her decease And to this Church she also bequeathed her Crysome gown of fine thred and lawn to be disposed of for a Corporas Other memorable Legacies which she gave by this Testament were these viz. a Ring of gold with a table Diamond to be offered at the Shrine of S. Thomas of Canterbury in the honour of God and that blessed Martyr To her brother Sir Humfrey Bourchier Knight a Ring of gold with a flower de Lyce of Rubyes To her brother Thomas Bourchier an Ouch of gold made like a trunk with a Dyamond two Rubies and two Pearles To Dame Eliz. Lady Wells her sister a flower of gold with a Ruby and two half Pearls To her son the Lord Latimer her wedding Ring To the Parson of S. M. Magd. at old Fish-street end a Cruse of silver and to Thomas Nevill her son her great Primmer Of which Testament she constituted Executors Sir Iohn Bourchier Knight Lord Berners her father Dame Margery his wife her mother Thomas Bourchier her brother and Iohn Bradshaw the same bearing date 2. Octob. Anno 1470. 10 E. 4. and proved the
Angl. D. VVill. Mason Pbr. 2. Oct. 1557. The Hospitall of S. Iohn Baptist. IN the Suburb on the East part of the town is there a street called Smyth's-street where the Jews long since resided neer unto which stood the Hospitall of St. Iohn Baptist founded by Will Earl of Warwick in H. 2. time for entertainment and reception of strangers and travailers as well as those that were poor and infirm What endowment it had at first I am not certain but in anno 1291. 19 E. 1. I find it certified that there was a carucate of land and a Dove-house pertaining thereto the land then valued at x s. and the Dove-house at ii s. howbeit the Record doth not express where it did lye Something there was belonging to it situate in Ditchford in this County viz. one mess. and half a yard land given by Fraricus de Dicheford Lord of that Mannour besides certain small proportions of errable land by other private men as also in Miton which considering that the Donors were mean persons I forbear to mention But in 6 E. 3. Sir Iohn de Bishopdon Knight having obtained License from Henry Earl of Lancaster chief Lord of the Fee gave the advouson of the moity of the Church of Morton-Merhull in this County thereto which moitie was appropriated accordingly by Wolstan Bishop of Worcester in consideration whereof the Master and Brethren of this Hospitall by their publique Instrument bearing date on the Feast day of St. Iohn Port Latine granted for them and their successors unto the said Sir Iohn and his heirs for ever the service of two Priests Friers of the said Hospitall dayly to celebrate divine service there for the good estate of him and Dame Beatrice his wife during their lives and afterwards for their soules and for the soules of their Ancestors heirs and all the faithfull departed which two Friers the said Sir Iohn and Dame Beatrice and their heires should yearly make choise of out of the rest of the Friers of this Hospitall for the performance of that service And in 19 E. 3. Thomas de Beauchamp Earl of Warwick gave the advouson of the other moytie of this Church of Morton which was also appropriated thereto by Reginald Bryan Bishop of Worcester 16 Apr. anno 1359. 33 E. 3. So that in 37 H. 8. it was certified that the totall of all the revenues belonging thereto were xix li. xvii s. iii d. ob over and above all reprises and that it was founded to maintain one Master two Chaplains and two poor folks there continually as also to keep Hospitality But at the time of that Survey was there no such thing one Anthony Stoughton servant to the Queen a younger branch of the Stoughton's of Stoughton an antient family in Surrey having obtain'd a grant thereof from the King for his life yet the Chapell was then standing and the lead thereof prized at xii li. scil 4 li. the fouder When it was seized into the Kings hands or upon what ground I cannot well resolve in regard the Statute for dissolution of the small Houses in 27 H. 8. extended onely to Monks Canons and Nuns and that the same King by his Letters Patent bearing date xx Decemb. 32. of his raign granted an estate for life therein to Anthony Stoughton above specified unless it were by Surrender because such Hospitalls were not dissolved by Act of Parliament till 37 H. 8. How it was therefore in this particular I shall not farther trouble my self to guess but if the King had not a sound title thereto when he granted that estate for life to Anthony Stoughton the Act of Parliament in 37. of his reign did make it good after which I find that Queen Eliz. by her Letters Patent dated 25. Iunii 5. Eliz. granted the inheritance thereof to the said Anthony and his heirs male who dyed seized of it 9 Dec. 17 Eliz. leaving issue William his son and heir then 31. years of age father of Anthony the present possessor thereof Patroni Guardiani Thomas Comes Warwici Henr. Bobby frater ejusdem domus 5. Cal. Ian. 1336. Fratres ejusdem Hospit Frater Phil. de Besford 7. Kal. Martii 1343. Fratres ejusdem Hospit Ioh. de Kelingwick confrater 9. Apr. 1363. Fratres ejusdem Hospit Ioh. Hadham confrater ult Aug. 1404. Fratres ejusdem Hospit D. Ricardus Leylond 8. Oct. 1461. Fratres ejusdem Hospit Frater VValt Straunge 17. Maii 1494. The Black Friers IN the Suburbe on the West side of Warwick stood the House of Friers Preachers commonly called Black Friers This Order was begun by St. Dominick a Spaniard in the time of Pope Innocent the III who being at first a Canon with a few that he chose to be his companions instituted a new Rule of strict and holy living and least they should grow sluggish in the service of God by staying at home in imitation of our blessed Saviour he appointed them to travail far and wide to preach the Gospell their Habite being a white coat with a black cloak over it as in the following page may be seen which Order Honorius the III. who succeeded Pope Innocent confirmed and Gregory the ix canonized him for a Saint In anno 1221. 20 H. 3. they first came into England and towards the later end of H. 3. reign setled here at Warwick Iohn de Plessets being then Earl It seems that they afterwards enlarged their mansion for I find that in 9 E. 2. they purchas 't of Avicia de Pilardynton a certain piece of ground containing Clx. foot in length and C. foot in bredth adjoyning thereto for that purpose and had the Kings pardon for so doing The like pardon had they in 18 E. 3. for ten acres of land lying here in Warwick acquired of Iohn de Peito the younger as also for half an acre more of Thomas Beauchamp Earl of Warwick situate neer their habitation and to enlarge the same To this House were the Botelers of Sudley and the Montforts of Colshill Benefactors so likewise was William Harewell sometime of Wotton-Wawen in this County Esquire as appears by an Indenture made 9. Oct. 16. H. 7. between Thomas Latimer D â— of Divinity Prior of the Friers Preachers here and the said William For in consideration of xl li. sterling which he gave to the repair of their Church and other necessaries they covenanted that there should be a perpetuall Chantry by one of the Friers thereof to sing Masse at the Altar of St. Peter of Millain in the said Church betwixt the houres of nine and ten every day for the good estate of the said William and Agnes his wife whilst they lived and for their souls after their departure hence as also for all Christen souls and that during their lives there should be every day said by the Priest who was to perform that service after
Knightlow-Hundred whereunto I shall adde that 't is probable it might proceed from the Saxon word 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 which signifieth the same with Collis the situation thereof upon a little hill savâ—uring this my conceipt But I now come to what I find memorable in relation to this place In 51 H. 3. Barthol de Suthleg being then Lord thereof had a Charter granted to him and his heirs for a Mercate to be kept every Friday weekly here and a Fair annually for three days viz. the Eve of S t Iames the Apostle and two days after And in 7 E. 1. Iohn de Suthley was certiâ—iâ—d to be Lord hereof where it is written Magna Dercet but said to be a member of Suthley as also to be held by him of the King in Câ—pâ—â—e with his Barony by the service of two Knights fees And that he had at that time here Liii servants holding xix yard land and a half paying severall Rents and performing divers servile labours with xxiv Freeholders holding 24. yard land and a half And moreover it there appears that the Chief Chanter of the Church of Lichfield held here at that time a fourth part of one yard land and the Canons of Erdbury two yard land one whereof the Church was endowed with As also that the Templars of Balshall then had xi Tenants here who held four yard land paying severall Rents and performing severall servile labours The Liberties and Priviledges which the said Iohn de Suthley then had in this Lordship were the Mercate and Faire whereof I have already toucht Free-warren Court-Leet Gallows Cuckstool and Pillory with Assize of Bread and Beer All which together with weyfs as also to be quit of Murther and suit to the Hundred and County Court he claimed partly by Prescription and partly by Charter but it being then found that for Murther he used to partake with the Hundred he was amerc't for that undue claim the rest of his Challenge being fully allowed Which Iohn de Sudley became a speciall Benefactor to the Monastery of Erdbury of his Ancestors foundation by the grant of lands and other advantages thereunto out of this place as I shall punctually shew when I come to speak of that Religious House I often find in Record that this town is called Cheping-Derset the reason whereof is because of the Mercate for Cheping with our Ancestors did signify the same that buying and selling doth with us whence it is that Cheping-Norton in Oxford-shire Chepinham in Wilt-shire and Chepstow in Monmouth-shire had their names But the last of the Sudleâ—'s that had to doe here was Sir Iâ—hn de Sudley Knight who dying without issue in 41 E. 3. left Thomas Boteler son of Ioan his eldest sister then dead and Margerie his younger sister his heirs whereby as also by the death of the said Margerie afterwards without issue the said Thomas became possest of this and all the rest of Sudley's lands which Thomas being afterwards a Knight dyed seized of this Mannour jointly with Alice his wife daughter to Sir Iohn Beauchamp of Powyk 21. Sept. 22 R. 2. then leaving Iohn his son and heir xiv years of age who in 8 H. 4. confirmed the estate for life therein which had been granted by certain Feoffees unto the said Alice she being at that time marryed to Sir Iohn Dalyngrugge Knight This Iohn and William his brother were sons to Sir Thomas Boteler by his first wife but both dyed without issue as it seems for upon the death of the abovespecified Alice in 21 H. 6. Sir Raph Boteler Knight was then found to be heir unto her and begotten by the said Sir Thomas being then xl years of age which Sir Raph became a man of great note in H. 6. time as it seems for I find that being Knight for the Body to the King â—e was made his Standard-bearer 28. Martii 17 H. 6. And by Letters Patent dated at Westminster x. Sept. 20 H. 6. created Lord Sudley with the grant of CC. marks per annum to himself and his heirs for the better maintenance of that dignity He was also constituted Lord Treasurer of England 7. Iulii 22 H. 6. which office he held about three years but in 13 E. 4. he departed this life leaving Sir Iohn Norbury Knight and William Belknap his heirs which Sir Iohn Norbury was son of Sir Henry Norbury Knight by Elizabeth and Will. Belknap son of Hamond Belknap by Ioan sisters to the said Raph for he left no issue male Sir Thomas Butler his only son dying in his life time which Sir Iohn Norbury and William Belknap in 16 E. 4. had livery of all the lands descended to them by the death of the abovespecified Sir Raph Boteler The partition whereof was made betwixt the said Sir Iohn and Edward Belknap Esquier son of Henry brother and heir to William Belknap aforesaid in 13 H. 7. whereby this Mannour inter alia became assigned to Belknap for in 2 R. 3. William dyed without issue leaving Henry Belknap his brother and heir 50. years of age which Henry by his Testament dated 25. Iunii anno 1488. 3 H. 7. bequeathed his body to be buried in the Chapell of our Lady at Bekle in Sussex It seemes he lived there for by the same Testament he gave to the high Altar in that Church xx d. in lieu of his Tithes forgotten and not payd and departed this life 10 Iulii following leaving the said Sir Edward his son and heir xvii years of age who became a man of much publique action for in 2 H. 7. he was one of the Commanders in the Kings Army at the Battail of Stoke In 6. a Commissioner of Array in this County In 12. a Commander in the Battail of Blackheath in Kent against the Western Rebells In 17. he had the custody of Warwick-Castle committed to his charge being at that time Squier of the Body to the King And from 8 H. 7. for the most part during all that Kings raign was in Commission for the Peace in this County as appears upon the severall renewings thereof and sometimes for Gaol delivery In consideration of whose acceptable services the said King by a speciall Patent dated 14. Apr. 24. of his raign granted him immunity from being troubled or questioned for that Inclosure and depopulation which he had made in this Lordship contrary to the Statute in the third of his raign He was also Squier of the Body to King H. 8. being in the first of his raign again constituted Constable of Warwick-Castle for he resided at Weston subtus Wethele in this County as it seems by what I have there manifested And in 8. a Knight The Depopulation and Inclosure that he made within this Lordship scil in 14 H. 7. was of xii mess. and CCClx. acres
of land unto every of which messuages 24. acres belonged But by the Inquis then taken I find it certified that this decay of tillage was no prejudice but benefit to the publique for whereas before that time they were able to entertain but xx strangers upon occasion they could afterwards entertain Lx. as well And that the Church and ornaments were then in better condition than before having since cost the Parish CC li. That there were also xxi Ploughs maintained in the Parish And whereas before the Inclosure they had but one Priest then were there 2. and many Clerks performing divine service every Holy day by Note and divers times with Prick-song none such having been kept before by reason of the disability of the Parishioners That the Benefice was better and more of value to the Incumbent than when the lands did lye in tillage by iii li. or thereabouts That the Children of the Parish were better taught and better Houses kept and that there were then within the precincts of the same Parish Cxl. Communicants By his Testament bearing date 23. Martii anno 1520. 12. H. 8. he bequeathed his body to sepulture in the Black-Friers near Ludgate in case he departed this life in London but if in Warwick-shire then to be buried in the Charterhouse neer Coventre And also appointed that Iohn Cotes with whom he had exchanged the Mannour of Whitchurch in this County for other lands should receive x. marks yearly to him and his heirs out of this Mannour till his Executors or his heirs had clearly discharged the said Iohn and his heirs of and for the Rent of xiii Quarters of Wheat and xiii Quarters of Barley and part Masselin against the Nuns of Pinley and their successors granted to their Predecessors by Sir Peter de Montfort sometime Lord of that Mannour And dyed by a pestilentiall aire in France 26. Martii the same year without issue being at that time a Captain in the English Army there leaving Anthony Coke son of Iohn Coke by Elizabeth his sister Mary wife of Gerard Danet Esquier and Alice the wife of William Shelley his two other sisters his heirs I have not as yet seen when or how the division was made betwixt these coheirs but I presume that Shelley's part came shortly after to Sir Edw. Wotton Knight son of Sir Rob. Wotton by Anne another sister to the said Sir Edw. Belknap for I find that the same Sir Edward was seized of the third part of this Mannour in 29 H. 8. From whom descended Edward created Lord Wotton 13. Maii 1. Iac. And that Gerard Danet being Squier of the Body to King H. 8. had issue Sir Iohn Danet Knight father of Leonard Danet that sold his interest here to Peter Temple Esquier in 2 Eliz. whose posterity do still enjoy it The Church dedicated to All Saints being given to the Canons of Erdbury by Raph de Sudley Founder of that Monastery was approriated thereunto by Geffrey Muschamp Bishop of Coventre in King Iohn's time and endowed with one carucate of land the Vicaridge being ordained in anno 1232. 16 H. 3. by Alex. de Savensby Bishop of Coventre and Lichfield In anno 1291. 19 E. 1. the Rectory was valued at xxiv marks but the Vicaridge had another endowment in H. 7. time so that in 26 H. 8. upon the valuation then made it was rated at xiv li. Patroni Vicariae Incumbentes c. Prior Conv. de Erdbury Dominus Ioh. de Sudley miles Rad. de Derset Pbr. die Purif 1301. Prior Conv. de Erdbury Dominus Ioh. de Sudley miles D. Will. de Knistecote Pbr. 14. Cal. Dec. 1311. Prior Conv. de Erdbury Dominus Ioh. de Sudley miles Rad. de Derset Pbr. 8. Iulii 1314. Prior Conv. de Erdbury Dominus Ioh. de Sudley miles Thomas de Willoughby Pbr. 16. Cal. Nov. 1323. Pr. C. de Erdbury D. Edm. de Bereford Hugo de Brok Pbr. 2. Non. Oct. 1332. Pr. C. de Erdbury D. Edm. de Bereford Ric. de Bereuhby Cap. 4. Non. Iulii 1349. Pr. Conv. de Erdbury Alianora de Sudley Hugo de Claâ—dâ—n Capâ— 14. Cal. Aug. 1358. Pr. Conv. de Erdbury Alianora de Sudley Will. Adams Pbr. 14. Cal. Ian. 1358. Pr. Conv. de Erdbury D. Alicia Boteler Domina de Sudley Ioh. Harris 14. Sept. 1421. Pr. Conv. de Erdbury D. Alicia Boteler Domina de Sudley Henr. Greene penuls Febr. 1425. Pr. Conv. de Erdbury D. Alicia Boteler Domina de Sudley Ric. Leventhorpe 12. Dec. 1439. Pr. C. de Erdbury D. Rad. Boteler miles D. de Sudley Thomas Conway Pbr. 16. Ian. 1448. D. Episc. per lapsum D. Ranulphus Goldsmyth Cap. 9. Nov. 1541. Anth. Cooke miles Ric. Powle Cler. 18. Aug. 1564. Edw. Dominus Wotton Iohn Tayler Cler. 27. Feb. 1607. Thom. Andrews de Derset gen ex cont Mariae Mynne de Hayes in Comit. Midd. vid. Thomas Freman in art Bac. 9. Apr. 1613. Thomas Temple miles Bar. Ioh. Reignolds Cler. 20. Iulii 1619. D. Thomas Wotton Baro de Marleigh Ioh. Craige Cler. 21. Ian. 1629. Monumentall inscriptions in the Church Upon a Marble where have been two portraitures in brasse Here under this stone lyeth the body of Peter Temple Esquier who departed out of this world at Stow in the County of Buckingham the xxviii â—h day of May Anno .......... whose soule God hath in his blessed keeping Fixt in the wall betwixt two Corinthian Pillars Here under lyeth the body of Iohn Temple of Stow in the County of Buck. Esquire one of the Lords of this Mannour And Susan his wife who was the daughter and heir of Thomas Spenser of Everton in the County of Northampton Esquire who had issue six sons and six daughters as here may appear The said Iohn Temple deceased the ninth day of May 1603. being of age Lxi. years and the said Susan decâ—ased the .... day of .... being of the age of ..... years Cur liberos hic plurimos 〈◊〉 hic amicos pluâ—imos 〈◊〉 plurimas pecunias 〈◊〉 scire câ—r reliquerâ—t Tâ—mpellus ad plures abâ—it In the East window of the Chancell these Armes Or two barrs gules Sudley I will now proceed with the Hamlets beginning with Herdwick for that which is called Great Dasset is involved with Burton-Dasset alias Cheping-Dasset whereof I have already spoke Herdwick THis being a member of Dercet is not particularly mentioned in Domesday book but was then reckoned in the number of hides which are there certified for that place In H. 2. â—â—me Raph de Sudley part of whose possessions it was as belonging to Dercet gave some quantity of what he had here to the Templars which in 31 H. 2. was valued at xl s. per annum And in 7 E. 1. rated
be without prejudice of the mother Church which License was to continue only for two years To him succeeded Laurence his son and heir who by marriage with Maud daughter and heir to Sir Thomas Charnells of Aylmesthorpe in Com. Leic. much increast his estate and amongst other lands of her inheritance had the Mannour of Bilton in this County as in my discourse of that place is shewed Which Laurence had issue by her Sir Will. Trussell Knight who by the death of Margaret the wife of Sir Fouk Pembruge Knight daughter of Sir VVill. Trussell of Acton-Trussell before specifyed and heir not only to her fathers estate but also at length to the lands of Sir Iohn Trussell her Uncle as hath been already shewed became possest of Cublesdon and Acton-Trussell with divers other Lordships lying in the Counties of Staff Salop. Northampt Berks. Norff. and Essex and left issue Sâ—r Thomas and he another Sir VVill. Shiriff of Staffordshire in 6 H. 5. but had his residence in Leicestershire at Aylmesthorpe in H. 6. time Which Sir VVill. Trussell in 11 E. 4. being then the Kings servant in the Office of Valâ—t de Chambre had a grant of the custody of the Kings private Pallace at Westminster for life But afterwards scil in 14 E. 4. he was one of the Kts. for the body to the same K. retained by Indenture to serve him in his French wars for one whole year with six spears himself accounted for one and Lx. Archers well and sufficiently armed and arrayed taking for himself ii s per diem wages xii d per diem for the other Spears and for the Archers vi â— In 15 E. 4. he bore the Office of Shiriff for this County and Leicestershire and dyed 22 Ian. 20 E. 4. seized of the Mâ—â—nours of Acton-Trussell Bedenhale Shiriff-Hales and Thriff-Haly lying in the Counties of Staff and Salopâ— Waburne in Norfolk Shotesbroke in Berks. Aylmesthorpe in Câ—m Leic. Langport Eston-Maâ—duit Merston and Thorp-Malesours in Com. Northampt. Kenington and Wâ—nington in Essex as also of this our Billesâ—ey in Warwickshire but how that comes to passe I doe not apprehend leaving Edw. his son and heir who departed this life 10 Iunii 14 N. 7. Eliz. his daughter and heir being then not much above two years of age whose wardship and marriage in 22 H. 7. was granted by the King to Iohn Vere then Earl of Oxford and to Iohn Vere cosyn of the said Earl which Iohn marryed her and became afterwards Earl of Oxford in whose family most of the lands of her inheritance continued till of late time I now come to Sir Edmund Trussell Kt. second son to Will by Roese the daughter and heir to Will. Pantulf of Cublesdon He marryed Margaret the daughter to Walt. de Osevile and left issue Will. and Edmund which Edmund having to do at Mancestre and other places in this County as shall there be shewed was a man of some note and action as well as his elder brother for I find that he assisted Guy de Beauchamp E. of Warw. and his complices in the murther of Piers de Gaveston It seems that he and his brother had committed some high misdemenour about the 16 of E. 2. for that year did the K. by a speciall Pat. dated at Yorke 20 Sept. appoint Robert de Digby to pursue arrest and seize upon them In 12 E. 3. being â—hen a Knight he founded a Chantry at Hill-Morton as I have there shewed and gave for his Armes argent a Crosse fleurè gules debruised with a bend .... but whether he left any issue or not I cannot determine So likewise was Will. his elder brother a K t in 12 E. 2. and then gave for his Armes Argent a Crosse fleurè gules but his principall seat was at Flore in Northamptonshire though he also possest Morton-Bagot and Nuthurst in this County This is the man that was imployed by the Commons in that wofull convention of theirs in 20 E. 2. called by themselves a Parliament who pronounct the words of Deposition to that unhappy King in this manner as Knighton relates Ego Will. Trussell vice omnium de terra Angliae totius Parliamenti Procurator tibi Edwardo reddo homagium prius tibi factum extunc diffido te privo omni potestate Regia dignitate nequaquam tibi de caet ero tanquam Regi pariturus There are some circumstances that induce me to think that he did repent of this strange fact or at least that he did abhominate that cruell murther of K. E. 2. which so soon followed his said deposal for thouh his lands were seized on as a Rebell by King E. 3. after the beginning of his reign yet upon his submission in the Parl. held at Winchester he was received into favour again having had restitution of them and pardon for his offence which as I conceive was for adhering to Edmund Earl of Kent brother unto the murthered King at that time when being made to believe K. Edw. the second was alive he designed the delivery of him from imprisonment for during that Parliament held at Winchester 1 E. 3. was the said Earl of Kent arrested and lost his life for that buisnesse It seems he was a man of great abilities for immediately upon receipt of his pardon the King made him his Secretary sent him Embassadour to the King of Arragon to treat for a marriage â—etwixt Peter his son and heir and Alianore sister to our K. Edward which took not effect After which I find him imployed as a Commissioner in this County and Leicestershire upon sundry occasions viz. in 6 E. 3. for the Gaol delivery at Warwick In 10 E. 3. for hearing and determining cases of Felony and other misdemeanours In 11 E. 3. for declaring the Kings purposes to the Clergy and Laitie upon their lending money to prevent war betwixt England and France In 12 E. 3. for conservation of the peace in this County as also in the Counties of Worcester and Oxford In 19 E. 3. again for conservation of the peace in this County In which year being of the Kings Councell as the Pat. expresseth he had a grant of xl â—â— per an fee to be received at Michaelmas and Easter yearly out of the Exchequer so long as he should attend that imployment To which Will. succeeded Theobald and to him Iohn of whom and his descendants I shall here say no more than that he was Lord of Solihull in this County about the latter end of E. 3. and beginning of R. 2. time in right of his wife as when I come to that place shall be manifested whose issue male became shortly after extinct so that Sir Alured Trussell Knight his brother became Lord of this Mannour it being setled upon him and the heirs of his
sister but upon the said Lewelin his breaking out in Rebellion the King taking no notice of such his disposal thereof caused it to be seized on howbeit when manifestation was made of the same grant the Barons of the Exchequer received command that the said Iohn Scot who was then Earl of Huntingdon should quietly enjoy it But the next possessor thereof of whom I find any mention was Baldwin Wake in right of Hawifia his wife it being of her inheritance daughter as I take it to Humfrey de Bohun jun. who married Ioane one of the daughters and heirs to Rob. de Quincy third son of Saier de Quincy Earl of Winchester by Helene the widow of Iohn Scot Earl of Chester and Huntingdon for Humfrey de Bohun who was taken in the battaill of Evesham in 49 H. 3. had lands here and in Brome for upon the purchase of it made by Rob. Burnell Bishop of Bathe and Wells in 8. E. 1. from the said Baldwine and Hawise there is speciall warranty against the heirs of her the said Hawise Which Bishop having so obtain'd it within two years after procured a new Charter from the King for the weekly Mercate upon the Fryday bearing date at Westm. 24 Nov. 10 E. 1. And another also of the same date for Free-warren in all his demesn lands here and dying seized thereof left Sir Philip Burnell Knight son of his brother Sir Hugh Burnell his cosyn and heir Which Sir Philip had issue Sir Edw. who deceased in 9 E. 2. without issue leaving Maud his sister and heir first married to Iohn Lovell and afterwards to Sir Iohn Handlow Knight as by the Descent in Brome appeareth Which Sir Iohn Handlow and Maud entailed this Mannour upon the heirs male of their two bodies wherein at that time Aliva the widow of Sir Edw. Burnell had an estate in dower and for default of such issue to the right heirs of her the said Maud. By vertue whereof upon the death of the same Aliva which hapned in 37 E. 3. Nich. son of the said Sir Iohn Handlow and Maud which Nich. assumed the sirname of Burnell had livery thereof and dyed in 6 R. 2. leaving Sir Hugh Burnell Knight his son and heir 26 years of age whose son Sir Edw. Burnell Knight dying in his life time without any issue male it returned to the right heirs of Maud the sister and heir of Sir Edw. Burnell Knighâ— before specified viz. Henry Lovell Lord Morley lineal heir to her the said Maud by Sir Iohn Lovell Knight her first husband above mentioned Which Henry being also tenant in tail sc. to the heirs male of his body and dying without issue the estate therein came to Francis Visc. Lovell his brothers son and his heirs How it came to passe I cannot tell but certain it is that in H. 6. time Ioane Beauchamp Lady Bergavenny and others had an interest in this Mannour during which they demised it to Thomas Harewell and granted the inheritance thereof in reversion unto Thomas Earl of Salisbury and others all which was I suppose but in trust in regard it descended to the same Henry Lord Morley as I have shewed and so came to the said Francis Viscount Lovell upon whose attainder in Parliament about the beginning of H. 7. reign it eschaeted to the Crown therein continued till 6 H 8. that the King by his Letters Pat. dated 24 Martii granted it to Gerard Danet one of the Esquiers for his body and Mary his wife and to the heirs male of their two bodies which Gerard and Mary had issue Sir Iohn Danet Knight that dyed in his mothers life time leaving Leonard his son and heir 29 years of age at the death of the said Mary his grandmother Which Leonard in 6 Eliz. had a confirmation of his estate herein granted to him by the Qeen as also of the Friday Mercate every week with the grant of two Faires yearly I come now to that Mannour which belong'd to the Monastery of Bordsley In 13 E. 1. the Monks of that House were questioned for holding a Court Leet here and clayming Assize of bread and beer therein who pleaded Prescription for the same whereupon the Jury certified that one of the preceding Abbots of Bordsley about an hundred years before that time built divers houses upon this their Lordship and placed certain Freeholders there and that he and his successors had kept a Court Leet and had Assize of bread and beer in this place whereupon the Monks were permitted to enjoy those priviledges The extent of what they had here was in an 1291 19 E. 1. certified to be v. Carucates of land then valued at x s carucate and two Mills rated at xxs. All which by the name of a Mannour together with the site of Bordsley Abby c. after the surrender of that House of the K. use was by a special Fine levied in Trinitie Terme 30 H. 8. by Iohn Byley Abbot of Bordsley and the Covent of that Monastery passed unto the said K. his heirs and successors for ever who being accordingly seized thereof by his Letters Pat. dated 1 Iunii 37 H. 8. granted it inter alia to Tho. Badger Tho. Fowler and Rob. Dyson and their heirs there being at that time a certain mansion named Bidford Grange with three Mills called the Grange Mills reputed parcell thereof together with the Tithes of the said Grange and fishing in Avon to be held by the xx th part of a Knights Fee It should seem that these Patentees made some partition of the lands so passed to them by K. H. 8. and that thereupon this Mannour with th' appurtenances was allotted to the said Thomas Badger for by the Inquis taken after his death it appears that by his last Will and Testament bearing date 15 Oct. 13 Eliz. he gave the inheritance of the Grange before specified to Thomas his son and heir To Will his yâ—unger son and his heirs a House and Land in Bidford and to Ric. and Edward his other sons and their heirs the three water Mills and other lands which Thomas the son of Thomas dying seized of the said Mannour 8 Feb. 38 Eliz. left Will his son and heir then 23 years of age In 23 H. 1. two parts of the Tithe issuing out of the Inclosures here were given by Roger Earl of Warwick to the Collegiate Church of Warwick then newly by him founded in which Tithes the said Earl claimed interest as it seems by reason of the Church of Salford within the Parish whereof Bidford was by him supposed to be Whether it were really so or not I will not stand to argue but sure I am that though Bernard the first Prior of Kenilworth after the foundation of that Monastery chalenged this as a member of Salford whereof I shall speak in its proper place
6. which is that there was then but nine Housholders in it But upon the generall dissolution of the Religious Houses in 30 H. 8. it came to the Crown and was inter alia granted out to Edward Aglionby of Balshall Esquire and Henry Hugford of Solihull Gentleman and their heirs by Letters Patent bearing date 26 Maii 7 E. 6. From which Edward and Henry Clement Throkmorton of Haseley Esquire purchased it and dying seized thereof 13 Dec. 16 Eliz. left it to Iob Throkmorton his son and heir whose grandchild Clement now enjoys it The advouson of the Church dedicated to All Saints hath been long severed from the Mannour for in 16 H. 3. it was granted to Pauline Peyvre and confirmed to Iohn Peyvre son to Pauline as I suppose in 47 H. 3. by Robert de Maneby Prior of S t Iohn's the Hospitalars being then possest of this Lordship But from Peyvre it soon came to the Montforts of Beldesert as appeateth from the Presentations thereto and so to the Frevills and Willughbyes as heirs to Montfort In anno 1291. 19 E. 1. the Rectory here was valued at vi marks and a half and in 14 E. 3. at iv li. vi s. viii d. but in 26 H. 8. at no more than iv li. Patroni Ecclesiae Incumbentes c. D. Petrus de Monteforti Petrus de Leycester Cler. die S. Greg. 1274. Exec. Testam D. Will. de Bellocampo Com-Warw ratione custodiae terr c. Ioh. de Monteforti Will. de Dalby Cler. 15. Cal. Apr. 1301. D. Petrus de Monteforti miles Thom. de Compton accol 11. Feb. 1336. D. Petrus de Monteforti miles Thomas atte Moore Pbr. 28. Sept. 1361. D. Petrus de Monteforti miles Rob. Barleston Cler. 9. Iulii 1368. D. Baldewinus Frevile Oliverus Glede penult Apr. 1374. D. Will. Beauchamp miles Rob. Pollesworth 26. Oct. 1388. D. Will. de Bellocampo Dominus de Bergavenny Will. Iokin 5. Oct. 1408. D. Will. de Bellocampo Dominus de Bergavenny Ioh. Colman 22. Ian. 1410. D. Episc. hac vice D. Ioh. Grete Cap. 7. Iulii 1431. D. Rad. Boteler miles Rob. Aston ar Io. Hynde 27. Dec. 1438. Ric. Bingham unus Iustic D. Regis de Banco Margar. ux ejus Thomas Barbour Cap. 14. Nov. 1460. Margareta Bingham â—â—lia haeres Baldw. Frevill mil. D. Phil. Echington Cap. 14. Ian. 1486. Henr. Willughby miles D. Ric. Hawle Cap. 25. Febr. 1512. Ioh. Willughby miles Rog. Freman Cap. 17. Feb. 1533. Ph. M. Rex Regina ratione minoris aet Thomae fil haer Henr. Willughby mil. D. Will. Trentham Pbr. 27. Apr. 1557. Thomas Ellesmere de Burmingham Tanner Henr. Evans Cler. 21. Apr. 1602. Thomas Spenser ar Rob. Sawer Cler. 17. Febr. 1607. Upon a grave-stone in the Church this Epitaph Here lyeth Iohn Randoll by birth a Somersetshire man sometime a Student of the Law regardfull of his own and publique Peace who on the Purification of S. Mary in the yeare of our Redemption dyed 1626. IN this Church there was a Chantrie founded by Peter de Montfort of Beldesert who in 20 E. 2. gave xxx acres of land with â— piece of meadow ground as also v s. vi d. in silver v. strikes of Muncorn and one strike of Oats to be yearly paid by certain Feoffees and their heirs therewith intrusted for the finding of a Priest to celebrate divine service daily at the Altar of our Lady within this parish-Church for the health of his soul and the souls of his Ancestors and successors Haselholt THis if it were ever a place of habitation hath now no appearance thereof being onely certain grounds so called having had its name from the situation Holt in our antient English importing a Grove of Trees standing on high Nor till 50 H. 3. have I found it mentioned but then doth it appear that Peter de Montfort slain a little before in the battail of Evesham as in Beldesert is shewed had four marks of Rent issuing out of this place After whâ—ch viz. in 14 E. 1. it was with Beldesert and divers other Lordships entailed by Peter de Montfort son to the said Peter upon the issue of his son Iohn by Alice the daughter of William de la Plaunche the extent thereof being half a Knights Fee and held of Roger de Moubray But in 13 H. 4. William de Beauchamp Lord Bergavenny dyed seized of it together with the Castle and Mannour of Beldesert whereof it was then reputed a member the reversion of it belonging to William Boteler of Suydley and Baldwin the son of Sir Baldwin Freville Knight as heirs in tail Beldesert ON the East side of the last mentioned brook runneth a Hilly tract bordered with deep Vallies on each part the point whereof maketh a kind of Promontorie whose ascent being somewhat steep gave occasion of the fortifying there at first considering its situation in these wood-land parts where through the oportunity of so much shelter advantage was most like to be taken by the disherited English and their ofspring to make head for their redemption from the Norman yoak 'T is not unlike but that this mountanous ground may be it which we find by the name of Donnele in the Conqueror's Survey for as that is therein recorded to be â—n the Earl of Mellent's possession and ranked next unto Preston before spoken of so doth the name argue no lesse don and dune in our old English signâ—fying a Hill But if it were so this now called Beldesert is of a larger extent than that could be for that was then certified but at one hide having a kind of Parke or inclosure containing halfe a mile in length and as much in breadth all which was valued at xxx s. having been the inheritance of Alwoldus in Edw. the Confessors days Therefore in case it were so it must be concluded that a great part of the before specified Preston was afterwards added to it From this Earl of Mellent most sure it is that the greatest part of what he possest in these parts came soon after to Henry de Newburgh his Brother the first Earl of Warwick of the Norman line who thereof and of divers other fair Lordships enfeoft Thurstane de Montfort his neere kinsman Which Thurstane finding it so capable of Fortification erected thereupon that strong Castle whereunto by reason of its pleasant situation the French name Beldesert was given which continued the chief Seat of his Descendants for divers ages but at length through coheirs coming to such Families whose principall mansions were in other places to prevent the advantage which in the times of civill dissention betwixt the Houses of Yorke and Lancaster might have been taken on either side to the prejudice of its owners as I conceive was either demolished or suffred to go to ruine so that now there is not only any one stone
of Does in Wiltshire bequeathing C li. to be given to certain Prâ—ests to pray for the souls of his Father and Mother and all the faithfull deceased and appointing that every of his old servants should be rewarded at the discretion of his Executors and within two years after died for the Probate of his said Testament bears date 19. Cal. Feb. anno 1369. 43 E. 3. Of which Peter all that I have seen farther memorable is that in 20 E. 2. he gave certain lands and Rent for the finding of a Priest to celebrate divine service daily in the Parish-Church of Preston-Bagot for the health of his own soul as also the souls of his Ancestors successors whereof I have more particularly spoke in my discourse of that place But that which I have to say of his posterity I reserve to be spoken in Colshill where they setled by the marriage of Iohn his eldest illegitimate son with Ioan the daughter and heir to Sir Iohn de Clinton Knight And shall now returne to make enquiry through what hands this Castle and Mannour hath since past In which I find that Thomas de Beauchamp Earl of Warwick son to the said Earl by whom the said entail was made as aforesaid by his Deed bearing date at Warwick 19. Iulii 50 E. 3. granted unto Sir William Beauchamp Knight his brother an estate for terme of life therein for the yearly Rent of a Red Rose payable at the Feast of S. Iohn Baptist. But the inheritance thereof did the said Earl passe away to Sir Baldwin Frevill Knight and Sir Thomas Boteler who were the right heirs to Montforts lands whereupon in 9 R. 2. upon the agreement for a partition betwixt Sir Baldwin Frevill Knight and Sir Thomas Boteler Knight of all the lands which by the marriage of those coheirs unto their Ancestors were descended to them it was accorded that when the said William Beauchamp should happen to depart this life the same Sir Baldwin and his heirs should inter alia entirely enjoy this Mannour of Beaudesert in case the said Sir Thomas Boteler had satisfaction in other lands by a reasonable extent in lieu of his right therein And the same Sir William Beauchamp by his Instrument dated at London 5. Febr. 17 R. 2. wherein he is stiled Seigneur de Bergaynne reciting the before specified grant made by his brother Thomas Earl of Warwick to Sir Baldwin Frevill Knight son and heir to Sir Baldwin as abovesaid attourned accordingly But it should seem that Frevill did not afterwards make such an assignation to Butler of any lands to equalize the interest he had here in Beldesert and that in default thereof there was another partition by which Butler had the site of the Castle and the Park wherein it stood and certain other lands in Beldesert with the advouson of the Church all which past by the name of the Mannour of Beldesert together with the town of Henley as parcell of the Mannour of Beldesert for by an Inquis taken after the death of Sir Raph Boteler of Sudley Knight in 13 E. 4. it appeareth that he dyed seized of all these leaving Sir Iohn Norbury Knight and Henry Belknap Esquire his cosins and heirs as by the Descent in Griffe appeareth From which Sir Iohn and Henry did King Edward the fourth in 17. of his reign obtain it as by an Obligation in two thousand marks wherein they the same Sir Iohn and Henry became bound unto the said King to release all their right and title therein by the name of the Mannour of Beaudesert with the appurtenances four Mâ—ssuages four Gardens two Acres of Land CCCC acres of Meadow a thousand Acres of Pasture CCCC acres of Wood and xii li. of Rent with the appurtenances in Beaudesert Henley Whitley and Uinhale unto Iohn Bishop of Worcester Anthony Wydevile Earl Rivers and others to the use of the said King appears And in 21 of his reign constituted Thomas Frebody Receiver to his Highnesse thereof together with other Mannours in these parts From which time it continued in the Crown till King Edward 6. by Patent dated 22. Dec. in the first year of his reign past it away by the name of the Mannour of Henley in Arden alià s Henly-Beaudesert with two Parks thereunto belonging unto Iohn Dudley Earl of Warwick and his heirs Which coming again to the Crown in 1 Mariae by his attainder whereof I have elswhere spoke was by Q. Elizabeth in the fourth of her reign granted to Ambrose Dudley then Earl of Warwick and the heirs of his body who dying issuelesse it returned again to the Crown from whence Alderman Cawdwell a Londoner purchased the site of the Castle with the Park wherein it stood in our time But the residue of Beldesert which Frevill enjoyed descended to Baldwin his son and heir who died seized thereof upon Thursday in the third week of Lent 5 H. 5. Eliz. wife to Tho. Ferrers Esquire a younger son to the Lord Ferrers of Groby one of the sisters to the said Sir Baldwin Robert Aston son of Sir Roger Aston Knight and Ioice his wife another sister and Margaret the wife of Hugh Willoughby the third sister being found his heirs Betwixt whom Partition also was afterwards made by vertue whereof as it seems this by the name likewise of the Mannour of Beldesert was allotted to Aston for I find that Sir Edward Aston of Ticksall in Com. Staff Knight son of Sir Walter being seized thereof sold it in 36. Eliz. to Francis Smyth of Wotton-Wawen Esquire and his heirs who in 15 Iac. obtained a Charter of Freewarren in all his demesn lands here and dying seized thereof left it to Sir Charles his son and heir since created Lord Carington the present owner thereof Of the Church dedicated to S. Nicholas I find no mention at all in that Taxation of Anno 1291. 19 E. 1. But in 14 E. 3. the Record runneth thus Ecclesia de Beldesert non extenditur propter paupertatem sed valet per annum xl s. and in 26 H. 8. it was rated at viii li. there being at that time ii s. yearly payable out of it for Procurations and Synodals and ii s. as a Pension to the Church of Wotton Patroni Ecclesiae Incumbentes c. Petrus de Monteforti D. Ric. de Budiford Cap. 6. Non. Martii 1327. Petrus de Monteforti Ioh. de Grafton Accol 15. Oct. 1331. D. Episcopus Ioh. de Alne Pbr. ult Iulii 1332. D. Petrus de Monteforti Henr. de Pyrie Pbr. 4â— Aug. 1333. D. Petrus de Monteforti Galfr. Capellanus de Ilminton 1. Feb. 1368. D. Will. de Bellocampo dominus de Bergavenny D. Henr. Leeke Pbr. 8. Iulii 1407. Rad. Boteler miles Rob. Aston ar Rob. Loughborough Cap. 25. Sept. 1439. Rad. Boteler dominus de Sudley D. Ioh. Hopkyns 24. Ian. 1451. Henr. 7. Rex Angliae D. Iac.
through the heir female but by virtue of a speciall Entail made by Iohn de Hastings E. of Pembroke son and heir to the before specified Laurence whereof in Fillongley I shall speak was setled together with the Castle and Honour of Bergavenny and other large possessions upon Sir Will. de Beuchamp K t second son to Thomas E. of Warwick and his heirs Which William bearing the title of Lord Bergavenny dyed seized thereof in 12 H. 4. from whom it descended to Ric. Beauchamp Earl of Worcester his son and heir whose daughter and heir Elizabeth being wedded to Sir Edw. Nevill Knight a younger son to Raph Earl of Westmerland thenceforth summoned to Parl. as Lord Bergavenny brought it with other lands of a large extent to that noble Family wherein it hath ever since continued being enjoy'd by the right honourable Iohn Lord Bergavenny at this day The Church dedicated to St. Iohn Bapt. being given to the Canons of Studley as I have formerly intimated by the last Will. de Cantilupe in H. 3. time was in an 1291 19 E. 1. valued at xxxiii marks which grant did not stand so firme but that the heirs of Cantilupe repossest it again for in 24 E. 1. it appears that the said Canons granted to Iohn de Hastings then Lord of this Mannour lands to the value of xiii li. per an lying here in exchange for the said advouson Nay I find that after this the Family of Hastings being potent had it again from the said Canons for in 19 E. 3. did Laurence de Hastings Earl of Pembroke passe it away to Will. de Clinton Earl of Huntingdon and his heirs who immediately thereupon gave it to the Priory of Makstoke then newly by him founded whereupon the Canons of Mackstoke obtained License from the K. for appropriating it to their House which appropriation was accordingly accomplisht the same year by VVolstan then Bishop of Worcester as by his Instrument dated at Blocklegh 4 Oct. appeareth and confirmed by his Chapter by reason whereof they had a yearly Pension of xiii s. iiii d. payable on the Feast day of the Annunciation of our Lady granted to them In which year was likewise an Ordination of the Vicaridge But notwithstanding all this it so fell out afterwards that the Canons of Studley by colour of their originall title got into the possession thereof again whereupon great suits arose betwixt those of Mackstoke and them yet in the end they of Makstoke prevailed who to strengthen their title had the King's confirmation in 5 H. 4. For which they gave a Fine of Lxxi li. xi s. that they might enjoy it according to the tenor of the appropriation thereof so made to them as aforesaid In 26 H. 8. the Vicaridge was valued at x li. at which time the Synodalls and Procurations issuing out of it were x s. v d. ob Patroni Ecclesiae Incumbentes c. D. Alianora Regina Angliae Rad. de Alemannia Cler. 8. Id. Dec. 1277. D. Ioh de Hastings D. Will. de Stratford Cap. 2. Cal. Maii 1295. D. Ioh de Hastings Ioh. de Brom Accol 14 Cal. Ian. 1299. D. Ioh de Hastings Aegid de Baggeshoure Cler. 15 Cal. Apr. 1305. D. Rad. de Monthehermerii Mr. Ioh. Mauduit 4 Non. Oct. 1319. Nobilis mulier Isabella de Hastings Will. de Beresord Cler. 23 Apr. 1328. Nobilis mulier Isabella de Hastings Rob. Mauduit Cler. 2 Cal. Iulii 1330. Patroni Vicariae Prior Conv. de Makstoke Nich. de Sheldon Pbr. 17 Iulii 1339. Prior Conv. de Makstoke D. Adam de Overton Pbr. 14 Sept. 1345. Prior Conv. de Makstoke Ric. de VValford Pbr. 14 Sept. 1361. Prior Conv. de Makstoke Rob. de â—irchesley Non. Febâ— 1365. Prior Conv. de Makstoke Ric. Pulâ—eney Pbr. 22 Nov. 1369. Patroni Ecclesiae Henr. Rex Angl. per recuperat juris ad praesent de Pr. C. de Studley Thomas Burdet Cler. 25 Iunii 1402. Pr. Conv. de Studley Thomas Shelford Cler. 12 Maii 1403. Pr. Conv. de Makstoke Thomas Lucas Pbr. 15 Nov. 1407. Patroni Vicariae Pr. Conv. de Makstoke D. VVill. Drewe Cap. 27 Sept. 1409. Pr. Conv. de Makstoke D. Henr. Hurle Cap. 28 Apr. 1410. Pr. Conv. de Makstoke D. VVill. Andrew Cap. 23 Martii 1423. Pr. Conv. de Makstoke Ioh. Barun ult Maii 1425. Pr. Conv. de Makstoke D. Ioh. Salwey Cap. 18 Aug. 1427. Pr. Conv. de Makstoke D. Ioh. Hende Cap. 16 Aug. 1457. Pr. Conv. de Makstoke D. Rog. Felawe Cap. 4 Aug. 1469. Pr. Conv. de Makstoke D. Rog. Montgombry Cap. 12 Ian. 1484. Pr. Conv. de Makstoke D. Thomas Berton Cap. 16 Iunii 1486. D. Episc. per lapsum D. Rogerus ........ 8 Apr. 1491. Pr. Conv. de Coventre Petrus Irlam Cap. 23 Febr. 1531. H. Dux Suff. D. Franc. ux ejus D. Marg. Clifford Will Stanley miles cohaer Caroli D. Suff. VVill Burton Cler. 20 Dec. 1553â— Thomas Chapman ratione concess W. Stanley mil. D. Rad. Brock Pbr. 25 Sept. 1557. D. Episc. per lapsum Thom. Clerke Cler. 15 Oct. 1560 Henr. 8. Rex Angl. c. D. Thomas King Pbr. 23 Feb. 1536. Ric. Wright de Clopton sen. gen VVill. Tomlinson Cler. 29 Iulii 1622. In this Church there was antiently a certain Fraternity or Gild consisting of the Parishioners only being founded by them to the honour of God and the blessed Virgin but it had no lawfull establishment till 9 E. 4. at which time upon the humble Petition of the Inhabitants License was granted to Sir Edw. Nevill Knight then Lord of the Mannour that he should so settle and order the same as that there might be a certain Priest maintained there to celebrate divine service daily at the Altar of the blessed Virgin in the said Church for the good estate of the said K. Edw. 4. and Eliz. his Consort as also for the Brethren and Sisters of that Fraternitie during this life and for their souls after their departure hence and the souls of all the faithfull deceased which accordingly was effected and lands disposed thereunto for that purpose valued at vii li. ix s. ii d. ob per an in 37 H. 8. Armes depicted on the roof of the Chancell Gules a fesse betwixt six Crosse Crosslets Or. Beauchamp E. of Warwick Argent 3 Crosse Crosslets fiche sable upon a cheif Azure a Mullet and a Rose Or. Argent 6 Crosse Crosslets fichè Sable upon a cheif Azure two Mullets Or. Clinton Earl of Huntingdon Wilmecote IN the Conqueror's time Osbernus fil Richardi possest this place it being then certified to contain three hides which were valued at Lxs. and at that time held of him by one Urso but before the Norman invasion
was in exchange for certain lands in Bedfordshire and the summe of 774 li. 09 s. 02 d. granted unto Sir George Throkmorton Knight and his heirs 30 Maii 33 H. 8. From which sir George is S r Robert Throknorton Baronet of whom in Coughton I have spoke lineally descended who in 7 Caroli obtained a special Charter for himself and his heirs to hold a Court Leet here and to have Free-warren with certain other priviledges But here before I proceed farther I may not omit to observe that though the possession of this Lordship went thus from the line of Gascoine yet is the honorary title thereof revived in his posterityâ— for in 4 Caroli the King taking notice of Sir Thomas Wentworth of Wentworth-Woodhouse in Yorkshire Knight and Baronet descended by an heir female from the said Sir William to be a man of singular prudence and eminent word and theâ—efore resolving to employ him in the highest affairs of State advanced him to the dignity of Baron Wentworth of the same Wentwoâ—â—h-Woodhouse Newmarcâ— as also of this Oversley and afterwards to the Lieutenancy of Ireland and Earldome of Strafford Nor must I forget that likewise from the same stock viz. from Nicholas a younger brother to the Chief Justice Gascoin before spoken of is also sprung my special friend Richard Gascoine late of Bramham-Biggin in the said County of York Esq a gentleman well worthy of the best respects from all lovers of Antiquities to whose good affections and abilities in those studies his own Family and several others of much eminency allied thereto are not a little obliged How long the Tithes of this Lordship were enjoyed by the Monks of Alcester in order to the grant made by Raph Boteler Founder of that Monastrie I am not certain but in 26 H. 8. it doth not appear that they had them And by what I have otherwise seen it is evident that the Church of Arrow wâ—thin the precincts of which Parish this place is possest them till that Mich. Clerke Parson there in Q. Eliz. time grew so a Composition with Sir Rob. Throkmorton Knight then Lord of Oversley for the same wherby it was concluded that the said Sir Rob. his heirs and assignes owners of this Mannour should be exempt from payment of any Tithes whatsoever arising within the compasse thereof in consideration of which immunity they should pay to the said Michaell and his successors the summe of vi li. of current English money at the Feasts of the Annunciation of our Lady S. Iohn Bapt. S. Mich. th'Archangell and the Nativity of our Lord by even portions but that the Parson of Arrow for the time being should receive all personal Tithes from the Inhabitants of the Hamlet called Oversley-greene and also the Tithe of certain parcells of medowing there particularly expressed Exhall THis in Edw. the Confessor's days having been the Fâ—â—ehold of one Suain but after the Norman Invasion with divers lands of a great extent in this and other Counties bestowed by the Conqueror on Will. fil Corbucion was by the generall Survey whereâ—n 't is written Eccleshelle certified to contain one hide and a half valued at v s. and then held of the same William by Turchill To the posterity of which Corbucion it continued till King Iohn's time or thereabouts but then Will. de Cantilupe obtained it from Ric. Corbicun a younger son to Peter as I guesse of whom in Studley I have spoke which Will. bestowed it on Sibill his sister and Geffrey Pancefot her husband and the heirs of their two bodies Howbeit there is little else that I have seen relating to the Mannour which makes me suppose that it was parcell'd out to Freeholders and no Courts kept whereunto they did any suit or service But I find that Walter Pykerell in 26 E. 1. died seized of one Messuage and two yard land here being of the Fee of Budiford And that Peter de Leicester in 32. E. 1. held Lxxx. acres of land lying here also leaving Iulian his sister and heir then married to Walter de Berntâ—orpe As also that in 10 H. 6. Iohn Ippewell yeoman possest two Messuages and three yard land here which he held by the fifth part of a Knights Fee And that in 37 H. 8. Eliz. Walsingham widow died seized of two Messuages and Lxii acres of land lying in this place leaving Iohn Walsingham her cosin and next heir But farther I have not seen any thing of much note relating thereto other than that the heirs of Corbison have been certified to hold the fourth part of a Knights Fee here of the Earl of Warwick it being now reputed a member of Overslei the Lord of that Mannour having the Roialty thereof Touching the Church originally a Chapell belonging to Saltford and therewith given to the Canons of Kenilworth I find that it was dedicated to S. Giles by Simon Bishop of Worcester in H. 1. time as also then endowed with Glebe and Tithes as by his confirmation which I have thought fit here to transcribe appeareth Universis c. Simon Dei gratia Wigorniensis Ecclesiae minister humilis in Domino salutem Confirmo praesenti pagina donationem quam probi homines de Eccleâ—â—ala donaverunt Ecclesiae praedicti Manerii in die qua eam dedicavi Sciendum est autem quod Robertus Corbusceon ejus uxor donaverunt eidem Ecclesiae imperpetuum unam virgatam terrae cum prato ad tantum terrae pertinente totam suam partem ejusdem Crosti except is duabus acris quas Wido erga eum excambiavit ad opus ejusdem Ecclesiae cum moro sub â—rosto Wido verò ex sua parte quatuor aeras in campo dimidium in prato Robertus similiter duas acras Hanc donationem similiter omnes fecerunt cum Decimis suis plenartis eidem Ecclesiae liberam quietam ab omni seculari servicio Et ego ex mea parte volo praecipio ut libera sit quieta ab omni Episcopali consuetudine Qui autem aliquid inde subtraxerit sive minuere vel perturbare praesumpserit Anathematis gladio feriatur Testibus Gervasio Archidiaconâ— Radulpho Priore de Stanes Pagano Capellano c. And as it was a Chapelry to Saltford so had the said Canons of Kenilworth a ratification thereof to them by the before specified Bishop with Releases from Raph de Budiford and Sir Ric. de Eccleshale Kt. of their right in the advouson thereof which Sir Richard was the same man as I take it who in the grant to Will. de Cantilupe formerly spoke of is called Richard Corbusceon Howbeit the fruits thereof were never appropriated to that Monastery but continued still to the Parson serving the Cure therein In An. 1291 19 E. 1. this Rectory was valued at x. marks but in 26 H. 8. at x li. at which time it appeareth that there was a Pension of xiii s. iiii d.
Dudston Saltley and Bermiâ—gham which belong'd thereunto seized upon as Chantrie lands and then valued at xiii li. xix d. per annum out of which two Priests officiating in the said Parish Church of Aston had x li. per an betwixt them Dordsley THis being originally a member of Aston and therewith involved at the time of the Conqueror's Survey descended to the Someries Barons of Dudley by the heir female of Paganell as the Castle of Dudley which was part of William fitz Ausculf's possessions together with Aston did yet have I not seen it particularly mentioned in any Record till H. 3. time but then was it certified to be in the Earl of Chester's hands who had obtained the Wardship of the son and heir to William Percival de Someri whose posterity were onely sirnamed Someri And afterwards scil in 1 E. 1. being assigned to Anabill the widow of Roger de Someri as part of her Dower was valued at xviii li. xvii s. v d. q. having a Leet which the Barons of Dudley antiently held here extending into Bromwych parva Bromwych magna Dodeston Saluthley Echells Overton and Erdington as by the Claim of Roger de Someri in 13 E. 1. appears At which time it was also found that three Rodmen of Witton a Hamlet likewise in the same Parish did usually by turnes do suit to the King's Hundred-Court of Hemlingford from three weeks to three weeks for all those Hamlets except Erdington but that all the Freeholders of Erdington did personally perform their suit to the said Hundred from three weeks to three weeks or pay a Fine of xix d. And that all the said Hamlets before specified together with Erdington used to pay for the Shiriffs Aid xxxiv s. To the Leet a mark and for Warthe xi d. q. but that the King was in possession of the Weyfs Which Roger de Someri had issue Roger upon whose death in 19 E. 1. the extent of what he had here was thus certified viz. a certain Grange with an Oxe-house Lxi. acres of land in demesn three Meadows scil one lying here another in Dodeston and the third at Olton as also a certain proportion of pasture ground That he had likewise xvi Customarie Tenants which held in Villenage six yard land and a half with a fourth part and ten Acres paying Lx s. xi d. ob per an And four Freeholders who held in Socage four Messuages and four half yard lands paying yearly xxxvi s. x d. q. doing suit of Court as also giving Heriot and Relief as it should happen And moreover that besides these there were Lxxviii Freeholders that held lands without Houses newly reduced to tillage paying yearly xii li. xv s. iii d. q. and performing two appearances in the year unto the Court held at this place All which being put together amounted to xxvii li. xii s. ii d. per annum whereof iv li. viii s. v d. ob was assigned towards the Dower of Agnes his widow But by the constant possession which the Barons of Dudley had of this Lordship it came at length to be reputed as a member of Dudley and was therefore after the death of Iohn de Someri in 16 E. 2. certified to be held of the King in Capite as part of that Baronie and so came to Ioane one of his two sisters and coheirs then the wife of Thomas de Botetort and by her death in 12 E. 3. to Iohn de Botetourt her son and heir a great Baron in those dayes together with Weoley in Com. Wigorn. a Castle scarce three miles distance from hence built by Rog. de Somerie in H. 3. time which afterwards was his principall seat Howbeit these with the rest of his lands for want of issue male came to Ioyce his grandchild scil daughter unto the said Iohn who brought them in marriage to Sir Hugh Burnell Knight Which Ioice dying without issue 1. Ian. 7. H. 4. Maud and Agnes Botetourt Maurice de Berkley Agnes Wykes and Ioice Wykes became her cosins and heirs of which Maud and Agnes Rotetourt were Nuns the first at Polesworth in this Countie and the second at Elnestow in Bedfordshire viz. Maurice Berkley son of Maurice son of Katherine sister of Iohn Botetourt father of tâ—e said Ioyce Agnes and Ioyce Wikes being daughters of Ioane daughter of Alice the other sister to the said Iohn Botetourt The estate of which coheirs came by purchase in H. 5. time to Ioane Beauchamp Lady Bergavenny as at large may appear by these Records Which Ioane by her last Will setled it upon Iames of Ormund her eldest son by Iames Earl of Oâ—mund her last husband so that by the attainder of the same Iames in 1 E. 4. no being then Earl of Wiltshire it eschaâ—ted to the Kâ—ng who the next year following in consideration of the good and acceptable service which Sir Thomas Erdington Knight had performed to him in his adversitie confer'd it upon the said Sir Thomas and Ioyce his wife to hold during the life of the longer liver of them without any Rent or other thing to be given in lieu thereof And by his Letters Patent bearing date at Westminster 10. Dec. in the sixt year of his reign in consideration of the great and memorable services which Sir Iohn Dudley Knight Lord Dudley had likewise performed granted the reversion thereof to the said Lord Dudley and the heirs male of his body But whether the said Lord Dudley survived them and so became actually possest of it I cannot tell for in 11 H. 7. there was a Fine levied thereof by Edward Bishop of Chichester Sir Thomas Ormund Knight with dives others Plantiff and Sir William Berkley Knight and Anne his wife Deforc by which Fine the inheritance thereof became vested in the before specified Sir Thomas Ormund with Warrantie against the heirs of the same Anne Which Sir Thomas Ormund was brother to Iames Earl of Wiltshire formerly attainted as hath been shewed and left issue two daughters his heirs viz. Margaret the wife of Sir William Bullein and Anne married to Sir Iames St Lâ—ger Knight which Anne in 11 H. 8. wrote her self Domina de Bordesley To whom succeeded Sir Iohn Sâ— Leger Knight her grandson and heir that sold it to Edward Arden of Park-Hall Esquire about the beginning of Queen Elizabeth's time whose posteritie do still enjoy it Heybarnes HAving thus traced down the succession of Bordesley I shall not need to say much of Heybarnes it being only a member of the other and by the Inquis taken after the death of Sir Iohn Botetourt Knight certified to contain one Messuage and three Carucates of land all which hath been and is to this day still possest by the owners of Bordsley Saltley THis place also having been originally a member of Aston is involved therewith in
the Conqueror's Survey and was soon after granted by the then possessor of Dudley-Castle unto the Ancestor of Henry de Rokeby to hold by the fift part of a Knight's fee as the Confirmation thereof made unto the same Henry and his heirs by Gervase Paganell Lord of Dudley in H. 2. time doth manifest wherein it is written Saluthley From which Henry descended Ranulph de Rokeby whose daughter and heir Annabill marryed unto Sir Iohn Goband Knight as in Rokeby appeareth whereby the inheritance hereof came to the same Sir Iohn Goband who in 16 E. 2. was certified to hold it of Iohn de Someri Baron of Dudley then newly deceased by the said service of the fift part of a Knight's Fee Which Sir Iohn Goband and Aâ—nabill in 5 E. 3. granted it unto Walter de Clâ—dshale and Richard his son to hold during the lives of them the said Walter and Richard for the Rent of x li. per annum sterling but afterwards to returne unto the said Sir Iohn and Annabil and the heirs of Annabill Of this Annabill I find that surviving her said husband and afterwards being wedded to Iohn Brown of Burbach in Com. Leic. she past away the inheritance thereof to the before specified Walter and Richard de Clodshale in 17 E. 3. For the better confirmation of which title Iohn the son and heir to the above mentioned Sir Iohn Goband and Annabill released unto them the said Walter and Richard and the heirs of Richard all the right and claim that he could pretend thereto as by the same bearing date at Bermingham in 20 E. 3. sealed with his Armes viz. Gules two barrs Or with 3. Besants in Chief appeareth Which Walter de Clodshale and his descendants in the male line so long as it continued had their seat here and increasing their estate by the marriage of severall heirs were reckoned amongst the Gentlemen of the superior rank in this Countie Agnes 5 E. 2. Walt. de Clodshale 5 E. 2. Alicia filia haeres Rog. de Bishopesden 19 E. 3. Râ—c de Clodshale 24 E. 3. Iohanna relâ—cta Roberti de Ribsford Ioh. de Clodshale 47 E. 3. Beatrix soror haeres Will. Golofre 47 E. 3. Ric. Clodshale 3 H. 5. Isabella filia haeres Ric. de Edgbaston relicta Thomae Midlemore Eliz. filia haeres uxor Roberti Ardern de Park-Hall ar 4 H. 6. But from what originall his Ancestors were other than Townsmen of Bermingham wherein they had lands of good worth as by a multitude of antient Deeds appeareth I cannot expresse Of which lands out of the good affection by him born to that place in 3 E. 3. he obtained License from Sir William de Burmingham then Lord of Burmingham of whom they were held to amortize four Messuages and xx acres as also a Rent of xviii d. for the foundation of a Chantrie at the Altar of the blessed Virgin in the Church of S. Martin there in Bermingham for one Priest to celebrate divine Service daily thereat for the souls of him the said Walter and Agnes his wife their Ancestors and successors with all the faithfull deceased Of the same Walter and Richard his son I further find that being by the Commissioners of Array in this Countie 21 E. 3. charged with two Archers they were abated one of them paying xl s. for the expences of that one as also that the said Richard for the health of his soul and the soul of Alice his wife about the same time added five Messuages x. acres of land and x s. Rent to the Chantrie before specified and moreover that in 32 E. 3. he payd a Fine of x li. for his Pardon in respect he came not in to receive the Order of Knighthood upon Proclamation made that all such as were possest of lands or Rents of the value of xl s. should appear for that purpose And likewise that in 34 E. 3. he was in Commission for the assessing and collecting of a xv th and Tenth then granted to the King in Parliament and the same year had a speciall License granted to him from Robert de Stretton then Bishop of Coventre and Lichfield dated 3. Cal. Ian. for an Oratorie or Chapell in his House here at Saltley and lastly that he bore for his Armes ...... per pale indented with certain Martlets in the place of a borborder on the dexter part of his shield as appears by his Seal which doubtlesse was in reference to the tenure of his antient lands from the Berminghams whose coat it did so nearly resemble But the last of the male line that had to do here was Richard grandchild to the said Ric. who in 4 H. 4. had the title of Esquire for so he writes himself in a Bond for payment of 500 li. to William de Bermingham Esquire Betwixt this Richard and the same William de Bermingham was there a suit at Law touching the advouson of the Chantrie before specified founded by Walter de Clodhale his Ancestor in the Church of Bermingham in which suit he prevailed and accordingly presented thereto in 5 H. 4. In 7 H. 4. he was one of those gentlemen of note in this Countie Arma portantibus de Armis antiquis as the words of the Writ are who had summons to attend the King in their proper persons for defence of the Realm and in 4 H. 6. underwent the office of Shiriff for this Countie and Leicestershire By his Testament bearing date at Egebaston 7 Maii Anno 1428. 6 H. 6. he bequeathed his body to sepulture in the Church of Bermingham within his own proper Chapell of our Lady constituting the Duke of Bedford whom he there termes his honourable Lord one of his Executors and departed this life the same year as appears by the Probate thereof The Armes which this Richard bore did much differ from his Grandfathers being two Barrs nebulè betwixt six Estoiles as his Seal manifesteth which coat I believe he assumed for the allusion that it hath to his name scil the representation of Clouds to Clodshale for it was a common usage in antient time where they could hit upon any thing that sounded neer or like to the name to bear it in their Armes as by a multitude of instances might be demonstrated But dying without issue male Elizabeth his daughter became heir to this Mannour as also to that of Pebmore in Com. Wigorn. and other lands who being wedded to Robert Ardern of Park-Hall Esquire brought them to that Family wherein they continue till this present Anno scil 1640. Ward end alias Little Bromwich THis place heretofore called Little-Bromwich was at first either a member of Castle-Bromwich or of Aston which contained both But the antientest mention I finde of it is in 13 E. 1. where it appears that one Iohn de Bradewell had a suit for lands therein with Walter de Eylesbury Steward to
the year next ensuing In 8 R. 2. he served again in the Parliament at Westminster was also a Commissâ—oner for the assessing a xv th and Tenth then granted to the King and the same year constituted Shiriff for this Countie and Leicestershire but the certain tâ—me of his death I cannot discover After which Elizabeth his widow one of the daughters and heirs to William de la Plaunch by whom he had no issue married to the Lord Clinton as in Maxstoke shall be shewed and held this Lordship of Bermingham in dower till her death which hapned not till 2 H. 6. But before I proceed further it will not be incongruous I hope to say something of Sir Thomas de Bermingham Knight brother to the before mentioned Sir Iohn especially because he had his residence in this Countie and very likely here at Bermingham though he was not Lord of the Mannour In the Parliament held at Westminster 51 E. 3. he was one of the Knights for this Shire The same year and in 1 R. 2. a Commissioner of Array In 2 R. 2. he served again as a Knight for this Shire in the Parliament then held at Gloucester and in another at Westminster In 3 R. 2. he was in Commâ—ssion for arraying of men and for assessing a Subsidie in this Countie and wedded Isabell the daughter of Iohn de Whitacre grandchild and heir to Richard son of Richard son of Simon de Whitacre an antient Family in this Countie as in Whitacre shall be shewed Which Isabell in her widowhood had the custodie of the lands in Wales belonging to Thomas son and heir to Sâ—r Iohn de la Roche Knight deceased committed to her during the minoritie of the said Thomas unto whom she afterwards gave her daughter and heir Elizabeth in marriage Which Elizabeth by the same Thomas de la Roche left issue Elene the wife of Edmund Lord Ferrers of Chartley and Elizabeth of George Longvile Esquire who were found to be Cosins and heirs to the before specified Sir Iohn de Bermingham Howbeit the inheritance of this Lordship was by some Entail as it seems setled upon the heir male of the Family viz. another William de Bermingham son of William son if I mistake not to Iohn uncle to the before mentioned Sir Fouk for it appears that in 20 Ric. 2. he confirm'd unto certain Feoffees to the use of the Lady Elizabeth then the wife of Sir Iohn de Clinton but formerly of Sir Iohn de Bermingham an estate for life in this Mannour saving the reversion to himself and his heâ—rs and yet stiled himself Dominus de Bermingham before her death as is evident by his presentation of a Priest in 4. H. 4. to Clodshales Chantrie in the Church of Saint Martin here at Bermingham And so for ought I know was reputed notwithstanding the interest that Edm. Lord Ferrers of Chartley had therein in right of Elene his wife as by the Inquis taken after his death may seem This VVilliam Burmyncham was not much inferiour to any of his Ancestors for publick employments in this Countie In 1 H. 5. he served as one of the Knights for this Shire in the Parliament then held at Westminster yet afterwards till 17. H. 6. he lived retired as it seems but then he was first put in Commission for conservation of the Peace and the same year had a speciall exemption that no Purveyor or Victualler should take any provision within this his Lordship for the expences of the King's Household in which Patent the King calls him dilectus Armiger noster In this mans time viz. in 19 H. 6. I find it certified that this Lordship of Bermingham was held of Sir Iohn Sutton of Dudley Knight as of his Castle of Dudley by military service scil by Homage Fealtie and Escuage that is to say when Escuage runneth at xl s. so much and when more more and when less less and by suit to his Court at Segesley called Knygton-Court as also by Castleward In â—21 H. 6. he underwent the Office of Shiriff for this Countie and Leicestershire In 27. he was a Knight In 28 he was a Commissioner for assessing a Subsidie then granted to the King in Parliament as also for treating with the people about lending money to the King but after H. 6. time I do not find him made use of for any publick service whereby I conclude that he adhered to the House of Lancaster for he died not till 18 E. 4. leaving VVilliam his son and heir then thirty years of age I am of opinion that Thomas Bermingham whom King H. 6. made one of the Esquires for his Body was Brother to this Sir VVilliam Which Thomas in 24 H. 6. had the grant of an Annuitie of L. marks to receive during life for his daily attendance upon the same King's person as Esquire of his Body and within two years after was made Master of the King's Hawks having a grant of the Mannour called the Mews with the appurtenances in reversion after the death of Sir Raph Cromwell Knight to hold for his life with all the Fees belonging to that Office But passing from him I come to the last Sir William Bermingham of this Family of whom I can say no more than that he wedded Isabell the daughter and heir of William Hilton and by her had issue VVilliam who departed this liâ—e 7 Iunii 15 H. 7. leaving Edward his grandchild and heir not much above three years old whose Wardship being in 17 H. 7. granted by the King to Edw. Lord Dudley together with the custody of the lands of his inheritance viz. the Mannours of Over-Worton Netherworton Moch Tewe Lytil Tewe and Shutford in Com. Oxon. Hogston in Com. Buck. Byllesley in Com. Wigorn and this of Bermyngham â— was purchased it seems by Elizabeth Bermyngham his mother for I find that she afterwards sold it to William Coningsby Sergeant at Law This Edward hapned to be the last of the Family that had to do here For being contemporary with that ambitious man Iohn Dudley afterwards Vicount L'isle more commonly known by those greater titles which he sometime had viz. Earl of Warwick and Duke of Northumberland he was strangely wrested out of this Lordship For the said Iohn having possest himself of Dudley Castle as in Warwick I have shewed and observing Bermingham a fit ornament for so noble a seat but being the principall residence of such a Family as had for some Hundreds of years enjoy'd it not likely to be purchased from the then rightfull owner conspired by a wicked stratagem to work him out of it which he soon put in practise the Story whereof is in substance thus as by tradition from divers discreet persons I have heard viz. that Dudley did set on some of his Agents to lodge in Bermingham and to learn when
Alice one of the sisters and coheirs to Iohn Masterson Which Thomas in the first year of Q. Mary being one of the Justices of Peace in this County received a speciall Precept from Francis Earl of Huntingdon the Queens Levtenant forthwith to muster and levy such and so many able men well appointed for the Warrs as he should call together meet to serve the said Queens highnesse under that Earl against the Duke of Suffolk and his complices then proclaimed Traitors and to bring them forthwith both Horse and Foot to Warwick Castle where the said Earl then lodg'd In which service he was so active that as a reward for his diligence the Q. granted him a Warrant under her Signet to the Marquesse of Winchester then Lord Treasurer for a grant to passe the great Seal of the Mannour of Hampton in Arden for xxxi years in reversion after the decease of the Lady Margaret then wife to Sir Gawen Carew Knight upon the old accustomed Rent of xxx li. to be reserved unto the said Queen her heirs and successors But the number of years fell short in the Patent for it was but for xxâ— years and the Rent increased to Lv li. As for the rest which relates to this Family either in point of descent or matches the Pedegree before inserted will shew all that I can say Returning now to the banks of Tame I come to Ousthirne whereof in respect it was heretofore a Grange belonging to Merevale I shall reserve what is to be said till I speake of that Abby and so ascending the stream of Blithe whose confluence with Tame is near this place take notice next of Solihull within the precincts of which Lordship it first enters this Hundred Solihull OF this I have not seen any mention till King Iohn's time where the profit of the Leetes kept for the severall Hundreds and some other places is certified one Mark is accounted for it but though the name be of no greater antiquity yet that the place I mean the whole territory which of antient time and still is reputed to belong thereto is I will presently demonstrate notwithstanding that it had at first another appellation and to that end shall begin my discovery by the light of that incomparable Record viz. Domesday book Where I find that it was heretofore called Uluerlei and that Edwine Earl of Mercia possest it in Edward the Confessor's days but after the Conquest one Cristina then owner of Ichinton longa in this County At which time it was certified to contain viii hides and that the Woods belonging thereto were 4 miles in length and half a mile in breadth there being then a Church How it came to passe appears not but certain it is that the rate of all was much lesse at that time than before the Norman Invasion for then it amounted to x li. in value whereas at the time of the generall Survey but iiii li. That this with the other lands which the said Cristina then held came to the Familie of Limsie I have in Long-Ichinton already manifested here being the seat of Limsie's Barony I mean in that place called Ulverle about a mile distant from Solihull Northwards though there be now so litâ—le memory thereof that were it not for some grounds lying adjacent to a petty Hamlet called Olton which yet retaining the name of Hullerley gave me occasion of farther search I should have been at a great losse for the discovery thereof but looking well thereabouts and making diligent enquiry of the Inhabitants I found a large Moat containing within it at least an Acre whereon they say a Castle long since was situate though now nothing be left thereof a parcell of old Oaks growing where the buildings stood which tradition hath the more colour of truth forasmuch as there is a Lane near at hand bearing the name of Castle lane Some of the neighbourhood do call this Hoggs moat which I conceive is intended Odingsells moat but by corrupt pronuntiation now so termed for I have seen the name of Odingsells very antiently written Hoginsells Which grounds being at least a mile diameter have heretofore been a Park as the Country people say and is probable enough from the large bank that lieth on the out side of them invironed with Lanes Not far from whence are the Vestigia of three very large Pooles long ago converted to meadow ground And 't is not to be doubted but that the Village now called Olton was antiently this Wolverle above specified which since the plantation at Solihull having lost the true name is and hath since Edw. 1. time for brevitie been called Olton id est the Old town In H. 1. time I find that Raphe de Limesi the first of this line who was a great man in the Conqueror's days as appears by the possessions he then had lying in divers Counties of England gave to the Church of Piriton in Hartfordshire which he had founded two parts of the Tithes here at Wolverle â— then written Hulferle From which Raph the male line of these Limesies continued but four descents and then between two sisters and coheirs the Barony became divided as in Ichinton I have shewed this upon the partition falling to Basilia the wife of Hugh de Odingsells by whom it was disposed of to Will. de Odingsells his younger son in whose time was Solihull out of the ruines of Wulverle grown to be a town of some note as it seems for in 26 H. 3. he had a Charter bearing date 9 Apr. for a Mercate on the Wednsday every week and a yearly Faire beginning on the Eve of S. Alphage and continuing for 3 days that being the Saint to whom the Church had been dedicated for that it was a very antient usage to have the Faire at that time when the day of the Churches Dedication was yearly solemnized I have in my discourse of Stratford super Avon given a reason In the same 26 th year of H. 3. was this Will attendant upon the King in person beyond the Seas but being returned the next year following he obtained License that there should be a Perambulation made betwtixt the lands in Kings-Norton and Bromesgrove in Worcestershire belonging to the Crown which then were in the hands of Henry de Hastings by Lease and the lands of the above specified Will. de Odingsells here at Solihuâ—l by the Shiriffs of Worcestershire and Warwickshire and xii lawfull and discreet Knights of each Countie After which viz. in 33 H. 3. this William whom my Author calls miles strenuus being made Governour of Montgomeri Castle in Wales was the same year one of those that met at the Tourneament then held at Brackley in Northamptonshire where he had some affront offered to him by Will. de Valence the King's brother who being an Alien had got Richard Earl of Gloucester to side with him by which means the English were much insulted
memorable other than that he inclosed this Lordship and that he departed this world 29. Aug. Anno 1517. 9 H. 8. leaving issue by Eliz. his first wife daughter to Sâ—r Raufre Arundell Knight Isabell wife to Thomas Marrow Sergeant at Law and Constance married to Sir Edward Ferrers Knight By Katherine his second wife daughter of ...... Lumpeck Edward Brome who died childless And by Lettice his third wife daughter of Nicholas Catesbyâ— Raph Brome from whom they of Woodlow are descended Which Sir Edward Ferrers â— bâ—ing son and heir to Sir Henry Ferrers of Hambleton in Com. Rutl. Knight second son of Thomas Ferrers of Tamworth-Castle in this Countie by Eliz. sister and coheir to Sir Baldwin Frevile Knight as the Descent in Tamworth sheweth had in right of the said Constance this Lordship of Badsley for her share whose posterity have continued owners of it ever since amongst which the memory of Henry Ferrers great gradchild to the same Sir Edward who for his eminent knowledge in Antiquities gave a fair lustre to that antient and noble Family whereof he was no small ornament is yet of high esteem in these parts That which is now the Church here dedicated to S. Iames having been antiently a Chapell of Hampton in Arden and therewith coming to the Canons of Kenilworth as in Hampton is shewed was appropriated to that Monasterie in Anno 1217. 2 H. 3. But notwithstanding this Appropriation it continued as a Rectorie and in an 1291. 19 E. 1. was valued at two marks in 14 E. 3. at Lxvi s. viii d. and in 26 H. 8. at iv li. vi s. viii d. Patroni Ecclesiae Incumbentes c. Iacobus de Clinton Magr. Will. le Archer 5. Id. Maii 1305. D. Episc. per lapsum Ioh. de Ashyby Cler. 5. Cal. Iunii 1318. Thomas fil Iac. de Clinton Galfr. de Stoneley Cap. 9. Cal. Maii 1328. D. Ioh. de Moubray patronus hac vice Rob. de Enderby Cler. Id. Apr. 1339. D. Ioh. de Clinton miles Will. Serle de Sutham Cler. 6. Id. Febr. 1346. Ioh. de Coningesby Ioh. le Kinge Cap. 5. Cal. Nov. 1349. Ioh. de Coningesby Rog. de Notingham Pbr. 8. Cal. Maii 1353. Ioh. Fouke Will. Clecher Cap. 8. Id. Iulii 1364. Ioh. Fouke Ric. Hanne 3. Cal. Martii 1365. Ioh. Fouke Rad. Poutrell Pbr. 5. Id. Iunii 1381. Nich. Dudley Will. Osmunde Pbr. 1. Sept. 1396. Rob. Burdet D. de Badsley Thomas Hogges Cap. 3. Nov. 1402. Rob. Burdet D. de Badsley Rob. Harlaston Cap. 27. Oct. 1409. Rob. Burdet D. de Badsley Ioh. Osgodby Cap. 22. Sept. 1414. Iohanna Burdet Domina de Badsley D. Ioh. West Cap. 4. Nov. 1418. D. Episc. per lapsum Alex. Awen Pbr. 23. Maii 1493. Nich. Brome ar Will. Sneleston Cap. 14. Nov. 1499. Nich. Brome ar Rob. Banke Pbr. 8. Oct. 1501. Iacobus Rex per lapsum Mauritius Iones Cier 5. Iunii 1606. Iacobus Rex per lapsum Franc. Edwards Cler. 11. Iunii 1619. In the upper part of the East window of the Chancell here at Badsley are curiously represented in Glasse the portraitures of Sir Edward Ferrers Knight and the Lady Constance his wife with three sons and six daughters all kneeling before S. George with this expression in a scroul coming from his mouth Sancte Georgi ora pro nobis as also his Armes empaling hers both with quartrings and supported with two Vnicorns Ermine And in the lower part of the same window is the picture of the same Sir Edward and the Lady Constance his wife with Nicholas Brome Eâ—quire her Father all kneeling in their furcoats of Aâ—mes before a Crucifix the scroul from the lips of the said Sir Edward having this written therein scil Amor meus Crucifixus est And of a later time set up towards the bottom of the same window these four Coats 1. Ferrers empaling Hampden 2. Ferrers empaling Windsor 3. Ferrers empaling White 4. Ferrers impaling Pâ—to with these Inscriptions as I have here divided them 1. Nicholas Brome â—squire Lord and owner of Badsley marâ—â—â—â— Elizabeth daughter of Sir Rawâ—re Arundell of Eggleshole in the Countie of Cornwall Knight Anno Dom. 1473. and died thâ— x â—h 〈◊〉 October 1517. leaving issue Isabell and Constance his two daughters and lieth buried at this Church-dore 2. Sir Edward Ferrers Knight son and heire of Sir Henry Ferrers of East-Peckham in the Counâ—ty of Kent Knight maâ—ried Câ—nstance daughter and coheir of the same Nicholas â—f this Mannour of Badsley-Clinton Anno Dom. 1497. He dâ—ed 2â— Aug. 1535. and lieth buried in the Tombe of the Chancell 3. Dame Constance Ferrers daughter and coheir to Nicholas Brome and Elizabeth Aâ—undel his first wife who married to Sir Edward Ferrers An. D. 1497. and died 30. Sept. 1551. leaving issue by him Henry Edward George and Nicholas and six daughters Jane Ursula Anne Margaret Elizabeth and Alice figured as abovesaid 4. Henry Ferrers Esquire son and heir of the same Sir Edward and Dame Constance married Catherine daughter and coheir of Sâ—r John Hampden of Hampden in the Countie of Buck. Knight Anno 1524 and died 1526. leaving issue only Edward Ferrers his heir and lieth buried in this Tombe 5. Edward Ferrers Esquire son of the same Henry married Bridget daughter of William Lord Windsor Anno Dom. 1548. and died 11. Aug. 1564. leaving issue Henry Ferrers his heir and lieth buried in Tarbick-Church in the Countie of Worcester 6. Henry Ferrers Esquire son of the same Edward and Bridget his wife married Jane the youngest daughter and coheir of Henry White of South-warnborn in the Countie of Hamps Esquire Anno Dom. 1582. and died the x th of October 1633. leaving issue onely Edward Ferrers his heir and lieth buried in this Chancell 7. Edward Ferrers Esquire son of the same Henry and Jane his wife married Anne the eldest daughter of William Peto of Chesterton Esquire Anno Dom. 1611. She died the xii th day of September Anno Dom. 1618. leaving issue onely Henry Ferrers born the 18 th day of December Anno Dom. 1616. All which portraitures and Armes together with the Monument of the same Sir Edward Ferrers and the Lady Constance his wife situate in an Arch on the South side of this Chancell were drawn by my self and designed ready for the Graver with great curiosity to the intent that the beauty of them which is so subject to perish by time and unhappy accidents might have been represented to the world in such sort as others are in this present work for their lasting memorie But so frugall a person is the present heir of the Family now residing here as that he refusing to contribute any thing towards the charge thereof and it not being proper for me to undergo it totally they are omitted The Epitaph upon that Monument of the before specified Sir Edward Ferrers Knight Here lyeth Sir Edward Ferrers Knight son
to them of Mergate in 〈◊〉 Bedf. and appropriated to that Religious House In anno 1291. 19 E. 1. it was valued at ix marks and the Vicaridge at two marks but in 26 H. 8. the said Vicaridge was estimated at vii 〈◊〉 s. ii d. over and above ix s. vi d. yearly allowed for Procurations and Synodalls Patroni Vicariae Incumbentes c. Priorissa Conv S. Trin. de Bosco juxtae Merkyate Galfr. de Newnham Cap. D. Alanus de Waverton 7. Cal. Nov. 1320. Priorissa Conv S. Trin. de Bosco juxtae Merkyate Ioh. de Wylmunâ—â—cote 4. Id. Iâ—n 1325. Priorissa Conv S. Trin. de Bosco juxtae Merkyate Ioh. Martin Cap. 15. Cal. Nov. 1330. Priorissa Conv S. Trin. de Bosco juxtae Merkyate Henr. de Umbresley Cap. 4. Noâ— Oct. 1349â— Priorissa Conv S. Trin. de Bosco juxtae Merkyate D. Will. le Warde prid Id Ian. 1358. Priorissa Conv S. Trin. de Bosco juxtae Merkyate Will. atte Gâ—ange Cap. 2. Id. Martii 1362. Priorissa Conv S. Trin. de Bosco juxtae Merkyate Ioh. Spâ—nne Pbr. 19. Maii 1395. Priorissa Conv S. Trin. de Bosco juxtae Merkyate Nich. Burton 28. Ian. 14â—8 Priorissa Conv S. Trin. de Bosco juxtae Merkyate Will. Bichenhull Cap. 3. Iunii 1416. Priorissa Conv S. Trin. de Bosco juxtae Merkyate Will. Erle Pbr. 6. Aug. 1447. Priorissa Conv S. Trin. de Bosco juxtae Merkyate D. Thomas Orme 15. Sept. 1522. Priorissa Conv S. Trin. de Bosco juxtae Merkyate D. Humfr. Robyns 22. Iunii 1537. Eliz. Angl. Regina Thomas Vagham Cler. 3. Dec. 1565. Eliz. Angl. Regina Andr. Dent Cler. 10. Sept. 1582. Clem. Fisher de Pakinton miles Ioh. Keeling Cler. 31. Oct. 1605. Maria Fisher vidua Will. Hytsonne Cler. 20. Nov. 1620. Middle-Bickenhill and Hill Bickenhill THese were antiently reputed but for one Hamlet and called Little-Bikenhill being in King Iohn's time possest by Richard de Kaines which Richard gave it unto his three sisters scil Raâ—ace Ala and Margaret Will. de Kaines their other brother confirming the grant and Henry de Bickenhull releasing to them all his right therein By these sisters it was divided but a good part thereof came afterwards to the Nunns of Henwood and after the generall dissolution was past out of the Crown inter alia to Edward Aglionby of Balshall Esquire and Henry Hugford of Solihull Gentleman and their heirs by the name of a Mâ—nnour with certain lands and Rents in Hill Bickenhill all which were purchased as it seems shortly after by Iohn Fisher of Pakington Esquire for by the Inquisition taken after his death it appears that he died seized of them from whom they are descended to Sir Clement Fysher Baronet his great grandchild who now enjoys them Kington alias Kingsford part in Bickenhill and part in Solihull-Parish THis is a very antient place though now there be little signe thereof for I find that there stood a Church here in the beginning of H. 3. time the â—dvâ—uâ—on whereof was granted in 5 â—â— of that King's reign to the Nunns of Mergate in Bedfordshire by one Henry le Notte But afterwards viz. in 16 E. 2. it had the reputation for no more than a Chapell belonging to Bikenhill In 37 H. 6. it appears that the Mountforts of Colshill were Lords thereof and therefore I am of 〈◊〉 that it came to them by the daughter and 〈◊〉 of â—ecâ—e a Hampton in Arden did For in that year Sir Baldwin son and heir to Sir William Mountfort passed his estate therein unto Sir Humphrey Stafford Knight son and heir to the Duke of Buck. and others which grant was but in trust as it seems for in 7 H. 7. did Sir Simon Montfort Knight son and heir to the said Sir Baldwin demise it by the name of the Mannour of Kingsford unto Henry and Thomas his two younger sons and in 10 H. 7. died seized of it but attainted as in Colshill is shewed whereupon it eschaeting to the Crown was soon granted inter alia to Girald Earl of Kildare and Elâ—z S t Iohn his wife and to the heirs male of their two bodies lawfully begotten by which it came to Sir Iames Fitz Girald Knight son to the said Earl by that Ladie who being attainted in 28 H. 8. as in Dunchurch appeareth it resorted again to the Crown and in 7 E. 6. was with other lands granted unto Thomas Lucy of Cherlecote Esquire and his heirs which Thomas afterwards a Knight sold it unto Thomas Dabridgment Esquire of whom in Langdon I have made mention Waver's Merston OF this place there is no mention at all in the Conqueror's Survey so that I presume it was then involved with Bikenhill because it afterwards appeareth to be of Arden's Fee From one of which Familie I am of opinion that Anketill de Crafte was first enfeoft thereof about King Stephen or H. 2. time for cleer it is that the same Anketil possest it and had his residence here From whom it descended to Roger de Crafte his nephew scil son of Roger his brother which Roger about the beginning of King Ric. 1. time sold it unto William de Waver son of Robert de Waver his kinsman for XL. li. of silver to be held of him the said Roger and his heirs by the sixth part of a Knights Fee whereupon for distinction from the many other Merstons in this Countie it came to be called Waver's-Merston whose grandchild William in 41 H. 3. obtained a Charter of Free warren in all his demesn lands here But taking part with the rebellious Barons in 49 H. 3. for which his lands were seized and this Mannour given to Roger de Someri Lord of Dudley upon his Composition according to the Diclum de Kenilworth he was necessitated to sell it 〈◊〉 to the said Roger for CC. marks of silver Howbeit afterwards either he or his son Robert redeem'd it again for in 35 E. 1 the same Robert entailed it at his son's marriage together with Th'ester-waver and other lands as in my discourse of that place hath been already said In whose â—ine it continued till 6 H. 6. that Iohn Waver of Th'ester-waver Esquire past it unto Iohn Catesby of Lapworth from whom it came to Iohn Catesby oâ— Stowell grandchild to the said Iohn who in 16 E. 4. obtained a Release from Henry Waver of Th'ester-waver Esquire of all his right and title thereto and afterwards though by what direct steps I have not seen unto the descendants of Thomas Catesby a younger son of Sir Will. Catesby Knight whose Pedegree is in Lapworth to be seen one of which viz. Iohn about the beginning of King Iâ—mes his time sold it unto Henry Mayne of Bovington in Hartfordshire in reversion after his own decease by which
means it is come to Iohn Mayne now of Elmedon Gentleman grandchild to the said Henry Merston-Culy IN King Edward the Confessor's time this place was possest by one Aluric who after the Norman Conquest sold it with the License of King William unto Robert de Oilgi Of which Robert Robert Venator held it at the time of the generall Survey it being then accounted for two hides having Woods which extended to four furlongs in length and one in breadth all valued at xx s. But from this time till King H. 3. reign that Hugh de Culi was owner thereof I have seen no more of it nor after that till 21 E. 3. that Sâ—r Fouk de Bermingham possest it as appears by a speciall License by him then granted unto one Ranulph Leyecroft to amortize two Mess. two yard land and xii s. Rent lying therein for the maintenance of a Priest to celebrate divine Service here every day in the Chapell of S. Leonard for the health of the soul of him the said Ranulph and of his Ancestors and all the faithfull deceased From which Ranulph who had a good proportion of lands here besides what he had so disposed of descended Robert Leecroft by whom in 22 R. 2. the whole Mannour was purchased from Thomas Roche and Eliz. his wife it being of her inheritance as daughter and heir unto Thomas de Bermingham To the descendants of which Robert it continued till H. 8. time that Anne the daughter and heir to William Lecroft of Colshill was wedded unto Iohn L'isle of Moxhull Esquire whose son and heir scil Nicholas Lâ—isle sold it in 25 H. 8. to Reginald Digby of Colshill Esquire in which line it still continues Lindon THat this Hamlet was originally so called from the situation thereof the name doth plainly manifest Lhin in the Brittish signifying a Lake or Pool and don in the Saxon a Hill for at the foot of an indifferent rising ground it standeth but the first mention I have found of it in any Record is in 34 H. 3. where it appears that Gunilda de Lynden brought an Assize of Novel disseisin against Walter de Bishopesdon and others for lands here yet is it no Mannour of it self but the lands of other Lordships reach into it whereof I shall not need to give instance Little Pakinton OF this place I find no mention in the Conqueror's Survey though it seems to have been part of the Earl of Mellent's possessions at that time for it appears that the antient Earls of Leicester were chief Lords of the Fee But certain it is that in King H. 1. time Robert de Ceraso possest it and after him Gilbert the son of Picot which Gilbert had issue William Picot unto whom Nicholas the son of Richard de Torpe released all his right therein that descended to him by inheâ—iâ—ance from the same Robert de Ceraso his grandfather This Gilbert Picot being a Knight had fair possessions in Leicestershire viz. Barow Segrave Glen c. And in 4 H. 3. was William â—icot his â—on one of the Justices for the Gaol-delivery at Warwick and Leicester both In which line of Picot it continued till about the middle of King H. 3. reign but then by daughters and heirs two parts divolved to Murdac and Ireys and the third to Nicholas Pikot which came shortly after to one Gilb. Petemon betwixt whom there grew suits for their interest here in 27 H. 3. But of these coparceners Sir Henry Murdac was the chief being Shiriff of this County and Leicestershire in 46 H. 3. and one of the Justices for the Gaol-delivery at Warwick in 56 H. 3. Which Sir Henry doing homage to Roger de Quency Earl of Winchester as Lord of the Honour of Leicester for the fourth part of a Knight's Fee that he and the other coheirs held of him here at Pakinton had authoritie given him by the said Earl to receive the homage of Thomas le â—reys and Agnes his wife as also of Nich. Pikot his fellow partners before spoken of at which time he gave to the same Earl xl s. of silver in the behalf of himself and them and his and their heirs to be released from attendance at the three weeks Court a Leicester making their appearances at hâ—â— Leet only To this Sir Henry succeeded Sir William Murdac Knight who bore for his Armes Bendè of ten pâ—â—ces Arg. and Gules and had issue Alice his daughter and heir wedded to Sir Thomas â—oyvile Knight unto whom she brought a fair inheritance of lands in Leicestershire Which Beyviles had their residence at Stokfaston in that Countie But wiâ—hin tâ—e câ—mpasse â—f that time as they had to do hâ—re they obtained one of the two other parts of this Lordshâ—p◠〈…〉 as it seems So that upâ—n the 〈…〉 three daughters and heirs of the last Iâ—hn viz. â—liz the wiâ—e o 〈…〉 Bury Hatley iâ— Com. Herâ—f abâ—â—t the laâ—â—r end 〈…〉 it unto Sâ—r Râ—bâ—rt Brâ—â—â—â—ll of Dene in Com. Northampt. Knight From whom deâ—cendâ—d Thomas Brudâ—elâ— Eâ—quâ—re afâ—erwardsâ— scil 3. Car. created Lord â—ruâ—â—ell a person much to be honoured for his great lâ—aâ—ning prudenceâ— and eminent knowledge in Anâ—â—quities who by his Deed of bargain and sale dated 19 Maii 4. Iac. past it unâ—o Sir Edward Brabazon then of Nether-Whitacre in this Câ—untie Knight whicâ— Sir Eâ—ward diâ—poâ—ed thereof to Siâ— Anthâ—â—y â—rabazon Knight his younger son tâ—e late â—wner thereof Touching that part whâ—ch Ireâ—s had I find that in 13 E. 3. Thomas le â—â—eys passed iâ— awayâ— by the name lâ—kewise of the Mannour of Pakinton-Pigot to Philip de Aâ—leston and 〈…〉 and the heâ—rs of their two 〈◊〉 but for lack of such issue to return unto the râ—gâ—t â—eirs of the said Thomas which makeâ— me 〈◊〉 that the said Kaâ—â—eâ—â—ne was his daughter Aâ—â—er this â—iz in 50 〈…〉 of whom in Maxstoke I shall speak puâ—câ—ased oâ—e third part 〈…〉 Mâ—nnâ—ur 〈…〉 and Ioane his wiâ—e but 〈…〉 were that which Philip de 〈◊〉 above 〈…〉 the othâ—r formâ—râ—y belongiâ—g to Gâ—lbert 〈◊〉 I cannot well discâ—ver Which third part continued to his posteâ—ity tiâ—l the beginniâ—g of H. 7. time though how much longâ—r I know not for in 20 H. 7. Iohn Creâ— Vicount L'isle was found tâ— dye sâ—â—zed 〈◊〉 â— by the name likewise of the Mannâ—ur of Pakinton-Pâ—got which from him divolved to â—homas Mâ—rquess Dorsâ—t his Unclâ—'s son and so consequently to Henry Duke of Suff. After whose attainder in 1 Mariae whereof in Astley I have spoke it eschaeted to the Crown and continued therein till Queen Elizabeth in the second year of her reign granted it to Edward Earl of Lincolne lâ—neaâ—l heir to the Clintons before specified which Earl sold â—t to one Sampson Baker Gentleman 30 Oct. 15 Eliz. who died seized thereof in 26 Eliz.
Eliz. filia Will. Deincourt militis Wâ—ll de Clinton miles dominus de Clinton de Say Anna filia .... domâ—ni Bâ—treaux relâ—cta Fulâ—onis Fitz Warm militis Iohannes dominus Clinton de Say 10 H. 6. Ric. Clinton ar Thom. Clinton de Amington miles duxit Iohannam fil cohaer ..... Meignill Will. de Clinton Co. Huntend duxit Julianam filiam Thomae de Leyburn mil. relictam Ioh. de Hastings obiit sinc prole 28. E. 3. Which Iohn in 17 Edw. 2. was a Knight and in 3 Edw. 3. constituted one of the Conservators of the Peace in this Countie howbeit shortly after he arrived to far greater advancement by his Brother's means as I guess for in 6 7. 8 E. 3. he was summoned to Parliament amongst the Barons of this Realm but little have I farther seen in relation to him though he lived till the twentieth year of this King 's reign at least other than that he bore for his Armes Argent upon a cheif Azure two Mullets of 6. points Or peirced gules and that he wedded Margerie the daughter to Sir William Corbet of Chadsley in Worcestershire in 18 Edw. 2. by whom he had issue Sir Iohn de Clinton Knight his son and heir but his story I shall respite for a while till I have spoke of William his noble Uncle whose great actions and eminent imployments made no small splendor amongst our English Worthies of that age This William being a Knight in 17 Edw. 2. wedded Iulian the daughter and heir unto Sir Thomas de Leybourn widow of Iohn Lord Hastings of Bergavenny in 3 Edw. 3. Which match was as I guess a great step to his farther advancement For the next year following he was constituted Justice of Chester scil 23. Oct. and within lesse than two months after Constable of Dovor Castle as also Warden of the Cinq-Ports in which high places his prudence grew so conspâ—cuous that he was thought worthy to be rankt amongst the superiour Nobiâ—ity and thereupon had summons to the Parliament held at Westminster in 5 Edw. 3. which advancement to Honour did rather increase his pietie than â—late his minde Fâ—r having that very year obtained License to amorize xx li. per annum Lands and Rents lying here in Maxstoke together with the advowson of the Church for the maintenance of certain Chantry-Priests to celebrate divine Service daily there for the soul of King Edward the third after his departure out of this life and for the souls of his Ancestors as also for his own soul and the soul of Iulian his wife about five months following he setled the number of five Priests for the purposes aforesaid In 7 E. 3. he was constituted Admirall of the Seas on the Western coast of England In 10 Edw. 3. he began the Foundation of a goodly Monastery for Canons Regular of S. Augustin on the South part of this Lordship which he amply endowed as I shall shew by and by And standing high in the King's favour became forthwith advanc't to the Earldome of Huntendon as by his Charter of Creation dated 16. Martii 11 Edw. 3. appeareth having not onely xx li. given him out of the issues of that Countie to be payd by the Shiriff at the Feasts of Easter and Michaelmasse yearly but for his better support of that Honour in consideration of his former acceptable services a grant of a thousand marks per an lands to himself and the heirs male of his bodie for ever And moreover a speciall Precept directed to Rich. de Fâ—riby late Master of the Wardrobe to account and make satisfaction unto him for his Fee and Robes due from the time that he had been retained to serve the said King as a Baneret In 12 Edw. 3. he had another Patent constituting him Constable of Dovor-Castle again So likewise in 15 E. 3. for being Admirall of the Western Seas and in 17 E. 3. for the custodie of all the King's Forests from Trent Southwards Being therefore thus honoured and muchâ— and also advanc't to such places of power and trust in 19 E. 3. he began the Foundation of a fair and strong Castle here in a quadrangular forme for the behoof of his nephew Iohn de Clinton and his heirs having no issue of his own body the Prospect whereof is represented on the next page making a Park of the Out-wood And the next year following he received the summe of 82â— li. 12 s. 04 d. of the King's gift as a remuneration of his services in the Warrs beyond Seas This noble Earl bore for his Armes Argent Crusulè fichè sable upon a Cheif Azure two Mullets Or pierced Gules which Coat differs from that of his elder brothers onely in the Crosslets having not been born by any other of this Family till of late time By his Testament bearing date 23. Aug. 1354. 28 Edw. 1. he bequeathed his body to sâ—pulture in the Priorie-Church here at Maxstoke and departed this life 25. Aug. the same year leaving Sir Iohn de Clinton Knight his brother's son his next heir then 28. years of age Which Sir Iohn from 31 Edw. 3. during all the same King's reign as also of K. Ric. 2. till his death having summons to every Parliament with the rest of the English Barons was likewise imployed in sundry affairs of trust in this County viz. in 41 E. 3. and 15 R. 2. for arraying of men in 3 5 and 6 Ric. 2. for pursuing of the Rebells and in 20 R. 2. upon the attainder and banishment of Tho. de Beauchamp E. Warwick had the Castle of Warwick with all the lands and Mannours thereto belonging committed to his custody By Idonea his first wife one of the sisters and at length coheirs unto William Lord Say he left issue Sir William and Sir Thomas de Clinton both K t s and Edward a younger son Of which Sir Thomas I shall take farther notice when I come to Aminton but Sir William the eldest died before him in 7 R. 2. His second wife was Elizabeth one of the daughters heirs to Will. de la Plaunch of Haversham in Com. Buck. having been first married to Robert Lord Grey of Rotherfâ—eld secondly to Sir Iohn de Bermingham of Bermingham in this Countie thirdly to him and lastly to Sir Iohn Russell Knight But by her having no issue he departed this life in 20 R. 2. leaving William his grandson his next heir and of full age which Lady Elizabeth held this Castle with other lands setled upon her at marriage during her life and having been a great Benefactress to the foundation of the Collegiate-Church at Knoll in 4 H. 5. at length became one of the coheirs to Sir Roger Hillarie Knight as apeareth by her Deed whereunto her Seal of
Armes is affixt in which she bears her paternall coat in the mid'st and the two Noble-men her husbands on the dexter side with the two Knights Bermingham and Russell on the other In whose Testament I finde little memorable farther than that she disposed her body to be buried in the Chancell at Haversham above specified before the Image of our Lady and gave to the Canons here at Maxstoke to pray for her soul and the soul of the Lord Clinton her husband xl s. But in 2 H. 6. she died being more than Lxxx. years of age so that then the possession of this Castle and Mannour returned to her grandson-in Law scil Sir William de Clinton Knight Lord Clinton and Say Which Sir William sate in Parliament with the rest of the Barons from 23 R. 2. till his death as appears by his severall summons In 1 H. 4. he was in Commission for arraying of men in this Countie and in 9 H. 5. retained by Indenture to serve the King in his warrs of France with xl men at Armes viz. himself one Knight and the rest Esquires as also CCC Archers well and sufficiently mounted armed and arrayed taking for himself iv s. per diem for the Knight ii s. and for each other man at Armes i s. with the reward accustomed Neither was he forgetfull of the before mentioned Canons here at Maxstoke for I finde that in 10 H. 4. he bestowed on them x li. yearly Rent issuing out of certain lands lying in Dunton-Basset in Com. Leic. And having married Anne daughter to the Lord Botreaux but widow of Sir Fouk Fitzwarin Knight departed this life in 10 H. 6. leaving Iohn his son and heir xxii years of age Of whom I have little to say considering that within six years after he came to his estate he passed away the inheritance of this Castle and Lordship unto Humphrey Earl Stafford and Anne his wife in exchange for the Mannours of Whishton and Wodeford in Northamptonshire as by the Deed whereunto his Seal of Armes is affixt viz. quarterly Clinton and Say with two Greyhounds supporting the Timbre appeareth which bears date 17. Maii 16 H. 6. After which though he retained some other Lordships in this County yet did he not reside therein so that here I am to leave this branch of that ancient and noble Family from whence the now Earl of Lincolne is lineally descended and trace down the succession of this Castle through such other hands as it hath since fallen into It seems that the before specified Earl had a a very great liking to this Castle for no sooner did he so obtain it but that he plated the Gates all over with Iron and adorn'd them with his own Coat impaled with Nevill his wife being the daughter to Raphe Nevill Earl of Westmerland and supported by two Antelopes in respect that Anne his mother was one of the daughters and coheirs unto Thomas of Woodstoke Duke of Gloucester And in further memorie that these Gates were then so strengthened and beautified he caused the burning Nave and Knot the antient Badges of his Ancestors to be imbossed in the Iron-work thwarting the midst thereof as are yet to be seen This great Earl being created Duke of Buckingham in 23 H. 6. constituted William Draicote his Constable of this Castle for executing which Office he had the Fee of five marks per annum Within the body thereof is a little Chapell in which by speciall dispensation from Reginald Boulers then Bishop of this Diocess was solemnized the marriages of Iohn Talbot son and heir to Iohn Talbot Earl of Shrewsbury and Katherine Stafford one of the daughters of this Duke in 36 H. 6. As also of Iohn Stafford one of his younger sons afterwards created Earl of Wiltshire and Constance the daughter of Henry Greene Esquire To which Duke succeeded Henry his grandson upon whose attainder in 1 Ric. 3. the custodie of it was committed to Walter Grant one of the Gentlemen-Huâ—shers to the Queen The next thing observable thereof is that King Ric. 3. upon his march towards Nottingham in the last year of his reign came from Kenilworth hither and commanded that part of the inner buildings should be taken down and carried to that Castle with all speed but what was done therein I know not for he was soon after slain at Bosworth-field whereupon King Henry his successor constituted William Trussell Eâ—quire his Constable here Howbeit within a short space Edward Duke of Buckingham son and heir to the said Henry reposessing what his Father had in 18 H. 7. made Iohn Harewell of Waxen's-Wotton Esquire Constable thereof But that Duke forfaited all by his attainder in 13 H. 8. Whereupon Commissioners were appointed to enquire what Castles Mannours Lands c. he was at that time seized of with the names of all his Officers and their severall Fees At which time it was certified inter alia that Hugh Mervyn Esquire had the Keepership of the Park here having been admitted thereto by the said Duke at ii d. by the day as also Bayliffe there at ii d. by the day the old Fee having been but a penny William Phipps Porter at xl s. per annum by an old grant from the said Duke for life he being then above Lxxx. years of age and Iohn Archer Constable his Fee Lxvi s. viii d. per annum Which Duke suffred death 17 Maii in the year abovesaid whereupon 20. Octob. following the King granted unto Sir William Compton Knight and to the heirs male of his body this Castle Park and Mannour to be held of the Crown in Capite by Knights service but because there had been a Recovery of them suffred by the said Duke in 5 H. 8. whereby the Recoverers stood seized to the use of himself and his heirs so that it did not eschaet to the King by his said forfaiture therefore to make all sure it was in the Parliamâ—nt of 15 H. 8. enacted that the before specified Duke should stand and be convicted and attainted of High Treason and forfait to the King and his heirs all Honours Castles Mannour c. whereof he or any person to his use were seized in Fee-simple Fee-tail c. the 24 th of Aprâ—l 4. H. 8. or any time since with a speciall Provâ—so that the same Act should not prejudice the Kâ—ng's grant above mentioned made to Sir William Compton Knight in 13. of his reign Which Sir Will. Compton had issue Peter upon whose death in 36 H. 8. the King supposing he had left no issue male so that the inheritance of this Castle had again return'd to the Crown made a grant unto Edward Lord Clinton of the Custodie of it and the Park with the Herbage and paunage thereof as also of the Bathwick of the Lordship for life but when he understood that the said Peter had a son born
after his Father's death as my authoritie saith he then made a new grant of the premisses to the same Lord Clinton during the minority of the heir then his Ward whereupon the said Lord Clinton in consideration of Lxx li. sterling made an assignation of the said Custodie c. unto Iohn Hales Gentleman at that time Clerk of the Hamper and a very active man in the world as in Coventre I have shewed To the posterity of which Sir Will. Compton it continued till that Will. Lord Compton his great grandchild by his Deed bearing date 3. Febr. 39 Eliz. sold it unto Sir Thomas Egerton Kt. then Lord Keeper of the great Seal from whom Thomas Dilke Esquire afterwards Knight purchased it scil 21. Iunii 41 Eliz. whose grandson William now enjoys it The Church dedicated to S. Michael was in anno 1291. 19 E. 1. valued at viii marks In 5 E. 3. Sir William de Clinton Knight purposing to found a Chantrie therein obtained License to bestow the advouson thereof inter alia upon the same with Lands and Rents to the value of xx li. per annum In pursuance whereof he gave to Iohn Lynie Priest Warden of the said Chantrie and his successors a certain piece of land lying then betwixt the road-way leading from Filongley towards Colshill on the one side and the Church-yard of Maxstoke on the other and extending in length from the Lord of Maxstoke's Quarrie to the Pale of his Park together with the advouson of the Church as by his Charter bearing date at Maxstoke on the Feast day of the Annunciation of our Lady 6 E. 3. appeareth And moreover by the same Charter granted unto the said Warden and his successors 8. Messuages six yard land lying in Long-Ichinton as also the Bodies of viii Natives dwelling there with all their Chattells and Off-spring And besides this xx s. yearly Rent payable by one William Snede and Iohn his son out of a Messuage lying in Long-Ichinton aforesaid with the reversion of the same Messuage and one yard land after their deceases and lastly 4. Acres of land lying in the said town of Ichinton together with the advouson of the Church Which endowment being so made he forthwith by the consent of Roger de Northburgh at that time Bishop of this Dioces Iohn Lynie the then Parson whom he constituted Warden as abovesaid Sir Iohn de Clinton Lord of Maxstoke his brother and Parishioner there as also all the other Parishioners of Maxstoke ordained that the said five Priests should thenceforth celebrate divine Servâ—ce daily in the same Church where the Bodies of his Ancestors lay interred for the good estate of him the said Sir William de Clinton Iulian his wife Sir Iohn de Clinton his brother Alice his wife and for the souls of Sir Iohn de Clinton his Father the Lady Ida his Mother as also for the good estate of Edward the third then Kâ—ng of England Laurence de Hastings and for aâ—l the Lords Hastings in time to come And moreover of the said Roger then Bishop of Coventre and Lichfield Henry Prior of Coventre and â—heir succâ—ssors and for the souls of all the Kâ—ngs oâ— England Lords Hastings Bishops of Coventre â—nd Lichfield Priors of Coventre Brethren and sisters Parents and benefactors and all the faithâ—uâ—l deceased Appointing that the said Warden and his successors as aâ—so the Subwarden and his should be always Priests in Orders admitted and instituted by the Bishop or Coventre and Lichfield for the time being and after the decease of him the said Sir William always presented by the said Sâ—r Iohn de Clinton his brother and his heirs having a House convenient for themselves and the other three adjoyning to the Churchyard of Maxstoke afâ—resaid there to inhabâ—te and lodge together And that the said Warden and his succâ—ssâ—rs shâ—uld pâ—â—vâ—de from time to timeâ— Bâ—â—â—ks Vâ—â—â—ments Lâ—ghts as also two Clerks fâ—r the use of himself 〈◊〉 Sub-warden and the other Priests aswell in the Church as in the Houseâ— viz. their Hall and Chamberâ— nâ—ght and day And mâ—reover that he and his said Sub-warden and thâ— othâ—r Priestsâ— shâ—â—â—d wear white Surpliceâ— with black Copes and Sâ—â—les after the manner of the Vicars-Chorall in the Caâ—hedrall of Lichfield whil'st they were about divine Service both in the Church and Quire And that the charge of the Books and Ornaments shâ—uld belong to the Sub-warden whose Office was to direct câ—ncerning the celebration of Masses viz. of whâ—m what howers and in what order by himself and the other Priests they were to be performed And that Bread Wine Water and Lights should be ready for the said Masses and divine exercises but at the charge of the Warden to be provided And further that aswell the Warden when he could fitly be at leisure and Sub-warden as all the Priests except some great occasion did hinder every day after dinner and before Vâ—â—pers should together in the said Church sing the full Office of the Dead viz. Placebo and Dâ—riâ—e except on double Fâ—â—tivalls and the time of Easter in whâ—ch theâ— ought to observe the custome of the Church of Salisbury in saâ—â—ing the said Office Aâ— also 〈…〉 and Canonicall howers with Note â— in the Qâ—â—re of the Church aforesaid admitting the Chaplains and Clerks of the same Church to sing with them if they pleased And likewise that after the Compline they should say the Commenâ—â—â—tion of the Dead â— in â—he said Quire according â—o the course above described And every Holy day in the Quire together the seven Penitentiall Psalmes and the â—v â—radualls with the Letanie and accustomed Prayers unless there were cause exprest by the Warden that they should say them out of the Quâ—re And that both the Warden and Sub-warden all the other Priests should every day celebrate their particular Masses in the said Church or Quire according to appointment except there were a lawfull impediment so that upon every Sunday the Masse of the B. Virgin should be celebrated with Note and the Mass of the day in such sort as was fit And upon every Munday one of them whom the Sub-warden should appoint to celebrate the said Mass of our Lady by Note with the Office for the Dead for the souls of the persons before recited and all the faithfull deceased And after the death of the said Sir William de Clinton and Sir Iohn his brother for their souls also And that another of the said Priests should celebrate the same day the high Mass of S. Michaell th'arch Angell Patron of that Church and of all the holy Angells with Note and the rest throughout the week thus Upon every Tuesday the Mass of S. Thomas sometime Archbishop of Canterbury by Note besides the high Mass of the day by Note also On Wednsday the first Mass of our blessed Ladie by Note and the high Mass of the said day with Note as also a memoriall of S. Katherine the Virgin On
Peto junior and Beatrice his wife to hold during their lives and the life of the Survivor of them reserving x li. per annum to be payd to himself and his heirs after the decease of the said Henry and Beatrice without issue which Henry and Beatrice confirmed that estate to them the said Iohn and Beatrice the next year ensuing This Beatrice the wife of Iohn de Peto was daughter and heir to Iohn de Sheldon of whose alliance to the said Henry I am not certain But unto Sir Iohn Murdak of whom in Compton-Murdak I have spoke succeeded Sir Thomas Murdak Kt Lord of this Mannour as heir to his Father which Sir Thomas in 48 E. 3. past away all his title therein unto Sir Roger Meres of Kyrketon Knight for CC li. sterling whose son scil Iohn Meres obtained a confirmation thereof from the before mentioned Beatrice the widow of the said Iohn de Peto to take place after her decease which makes me think that she was next heir in blood to the same Henry de Sheldon and in 9 R. 2. sold the same reversion unto Sir Raphe Basset of Draiton Knight who died seized thereof in 14 R. 2. leaving Thomas Earl Stafford and Alice the wife to William Chaworth his cosins and next heirs as the Descent here inserted sheweth .... Basset de Draiton Margareta .... Stafford Rad. Comes Staffordiae Hugo Comes Staffordiae Tho. Co. Staff consangu unus haered Rad. Basset de Drayt. Matilda Iohanna Rogerus Iohannes Catharina Alicia uxor Will. Chaworth altera cohaer Rad. Basâ—â— de Drayton Rad. Basset Rad. Basset Rad. Basset ob s. prole 14 R. 2. To which Thomas succeeded William Earl Stafford his Brother and heir and to William Edmund who in 4 H. 4. granted inter alia to Sir Hugh Shirley Knight this Mannour of Sheldon by the name of Est-Hall and West-Hall upon condition that if he the said Hugh should decease without issue mâ—le of his body then to revert to the before specified Earl and his heirs in confirmation whereof Iohn Browne Parson of Brochole in 2 H. 6. released to Sir Raphe Shirley Knight whom he calls cofin to Sir Raph Basset of Drayton Knight and to the heirs male of his body all his right therein and in other lands which he the said Iohn had together with Walter Skyrlaw Bishop of Duresme and other Feoffees by the grant of the before specified Raphe Basset in Fee-simple without any condition whatsoever Whereupon the said Sir Raph Shirley by the name of Sir Raph Shirley of Radclif super Sore in Com. Nott. Knight in 10 H. 6. was certified to be Lord of this Mannour and to hold it by the service of the fourth part of a Kts. Fee but long it was not ere that the said Earl Stafford had it again though by what agreement I have not seen for by a Bayliffs Accompt of Humfrey Earl Stafford's lands in 23 Hen. 6. it appears that the said Earl then possest it Which Earl being created D. of Buck. soon after died seized thereof viz. in 39 H. 6. leaving Henry his son and heir 4 years of age unto whom succeeded Edw. D. of Buck. attainted in 13 H. 8. by means whereof it came to the Crown and by Letters Pat. dated 29 Martii the same year was last granted out unto Thomas Grey Marq. Dorset for life and about two years after in Fee taâ—l to him and the heirs male of his bodie viz. 27 Iunii 15 H. 8. whose son and heir Hâ—â—râ— D. of Suff. being attainted in 1 M. as in Astley I have 〈◊〉 it resorted again to the Crownâ— and was by Q. Eliz. first granted to ..... 〈◊〉 and others in 2 of her reign but by other Letters Pat. in 17 H. 8. to Heâ— Grey Eâ—q in Fee taâ—l wh â—h 〈…〉 his estate therein to Sir George Digby or Colshill Kt. who died seized thereof in 29 Eliz leaving Robert his son and heir xii years of age and upwards which Robert for fâ—rther corroboration of his title in 3 Iac. obtained a Pat. thereof from the Crown bearing date 15 Nov. to himself and his heirs being thâ—n a Kt. Since which time his posteritie have enjoyed it Besides this Mannour of Est Hall and West-Hall there was another 〈…〉 Sheldon which originally being nothing else 〈◊〉 a mâ—mber of Solihull came in time to have the reputation of a Mannour but the first 〈◊〉 I â—ave seen of i◠〈◊〉 3 R. 2. where it is by 〈◊〉 found that Alice 〈…〉 Sir Hugh le Dâ—spenser inter alia Sulihull 〈…〉 Rent here in Sheldon pay the partly by Fee-holder and partly by those that held in Vilâ—enage which Alice had issue Sir Hugh le Desâ—enser Kt. who in 3 H. 4. died seized of viii l. Rent here leaving Aâ—â—â— the wife of Sir Edw. Boteler Kt. his Sister and heir Howbeit within two years after this which was no more than a certain Rent issuing out of sundry lands here was called a Mannour as appears by a Fine thâ—n levied the eof together with the Mannour of Solihull betwixt Sibill the widow of the said Sir Hugh le Despenser and the before specified Sir Edward Boteler Kt. and Anne his wife Of which forasmuch as it afterwards accompanied Solihull for a long time I shall not need to say more it being a member thereof as is farther manifested by the Inquiâ— taken after the death of George D. of Clarence upon whose attainder it came to the Crown where it rested till 12 H. 8. that the King by his Letters Pat. dated 12 Febr. granted it together with the advouson of the Church to Thomas D. of Norff. and the heirs male of his body which Duke in 20 H. 8. past it away with Solihull unto Edmund Knightley Esq. and Eustaâ—e Kitteley Gent. to the use of Sir George Throbmorton Knight and his heirs whose grandchild Thomas being seized of it in 23 Eliz sold it unto the before specified Sir George Digby as I have heard The Church dedicated to St. Gules was in An. 1291. 19 E. 1. valued at viii marks and in 26 H. 8. at viii l. x s. x. d. over and above ix s. vi d. allowed for Procurations and Synodalls Patroni Ecclesiae Incumbentes c. Rad. de Perham Thom. de Stodham 3 Id. Maii 1318. Will. de Clinton Co. Huntendoniae Nich. de Sheldon Pbr. 16 Cal. Dec. 1342. Ioh. de Peto junior Ioh. Sromer Cap. 6 Cal. Iulii 1349. Ioh. de Peto junior Ric. de Kinton Cap. 18 Cal. Ian. 1350. D. Rad. Basset de Drayton miles Nich. Nichols Pbr. ult Sept. 1387. Beatix relicta D. Hug. Shirley mil. Thom. Galpyn Cap. 7 Martii 1407. Beatix relicta D. Hug. Shirley mil. Rob. Greene Cap. 12 Maii 1408. D. Rad. Shirley miles Ioh. Parker Cap. 20 Oct. 1427. D. Rad. Shirley miles Thom. Gamul Pbr. 29 Ian.
not for taking part with Thomas Earl of Lancaster in 15 E. 2. he was beheaded at Yorke after which it became soon disposed of by the King together with Creke in Com. Northampt. unto Elianore the wife of Hugh le Despenser the younger to hold during her life to the use and behoof of Gilbert le Despenser son to the said Hugh which I suppose she held accordingly during the remainder of the said King's reign and no longer as may seem by an Inquis then taken and a confirmation made the year following by Iohn de Moubray son and heir to the last mentioned Iohn unto Sir Richard Pesehale Knight of the third part thereof together with the advouson of the Church which Aliva de Moubray mother of the said Iohn of whose dowrie it was had granted to him the said Richard to hold during life But besides this third part it seems that the said Sir Richard obtained an estate in the rest to hold likewise during his own life for in 16 E. 3. when William de Clinton then Earl of Huntendon had began the Foundation of Maxstoke Priorie having a minde to endow it with lands and possessions situate convenient thereto it appears that after he had agreed with the Lord Moubray to have this Lordship in Exchange for the Mannour of Hinton in Cambridgeshire he gave unto the said Sir Richard in lieu of his terme in this the inheritance of the Mannour of Gudlesdon juxta Colshill with leave to take down a new House which he had built here at Shustoke and to remove it whither he should think fit as also all such timber as was then fallen by the said Richard in the Park here at Shustoke and libertie to cut down in the said Park six more Oaks for Timber and six for Fewell the same grant bearing date 5 Ian. 16. E. 3. After which scil the morrow following Ascension day the said Lord Moubray granted the same with the advouson of the Church unto that Earl and his heirs for ever Whereupon he accordingly by his Deed dated the Saturday before the Translation of S t Thomas the Martyr setled it upon the Canons of Maxstoke and their successors who the next year following for their better conveniencie past it away unto Iohn de Clinton nephew to the before specified Earl in exchange for that part of Maxstoke which was afterwards and still is called the Priorie-Lordship Aâ—l which being thus performed the same Iohn de Clinton immediately granted it unto the said Earl his uncle to hold during life who being so seized thereof procured a Charter bearing date 20. Ian. the year ensuing that himself for his life and his said nephew and his heirs for ever should have a Court Leet within this Mannour extending likewise into the Hamlets of Bentley and Blithe within the same Parish together with Assize of Bread and Beer Pillorie Tumbrell as also the Liberties of Infangthef and Outfangthef Gallows and Weyfs rendring for the same to the said King his Heirs and Successors xviii d. yearly by the hands of the Shiriff in augmentation of the ferme of the Countie By which Charter there was farther granted to the said Earl as also to his nephew and his heirs Free warren in all his demesn lands within the precincts aforesaid Upon whose death in 28 E. 3. his said nephew Sir Iohn de Clinton had liverie thereof From whom descended Iohn Lord Clinton and Say whose lands were seized on in 38 H. 6. for adhering to the House of Yorke at which time this Lordship inter alia was given by the King to Sir Edmund Mountfort Knight one of his Kervers in consideration of his faithfull service against the said King's enemies but the deposall and ruine of King Henry hapned so soon after as that the Lord Clinton was not long out of possession thereof in whose line it continued till 31 H. 8. that Edward Lord Clinton and Say sold it unto Iames Leveson of Wolverhampton Esquire a rich Merchant of the Staple as by his Deed bearing date 6. Febr. the same year appeareth Which Iames gave it in marriage in 36 H. 8. unto Walter the son and heir of Sir Edward Aston of Ticksall in Com. Staff Knight whose grandson Sir Walter Aston Knight of the Bathe being plunged into vast debts by supporting himself in that Embassie of Spaine towards the later end of King Iames his time first sold the greatest part of the Fermes to the severall Tenants and soon after the Mannour it self unto Sir George Devereux of Sheldon Knight the now owner thereof The Church dedicated to S. Cuthbert was in anno 1291. 19 E. 1. valued at x. marks and the advouson thereof in 17 E. 3. given by William de Clinton Earl of Huntingdon together with the Mannour unto the Priorie of Maxstoke then newly by him founded whereupon soon ensued its appropriation scil 4. Id. Iulii the same year And in 26 H. 8. the Vicaridge was valued at Cvii s. over and above ix s. vi d. allowed for Procurations and Synodalls Patroni Ecclesiae Incumbentes c. D. Rad. fil Nicholai ex conces D. Regis ratione custodiae haeredis D. Will. de Eseby Rad. le Breton Cler. post mortem Gilb. de Camvile ult Rectoris an 1250. D. Ioh. de Moubray miles Ioh. de Acom Pbr. 3. Id. Oct. 1336. post mortem Ric. de Colshull ult Rectoris Patroni Vicariae Incumbentes Prior Conv. de Maxstoke Will. Edithe Cap. Cal. Martii 1343. Prior Conv. de Maxstoke Rob. le Spicer Cap. 4. Cal. Martii 1349. Prior Conv. de Maxstoke Will. Edithe Cap. 12. Cal. Aug. 1353. Prior Conv. de Maxstoke Ric. de Linley Pbr. 7. Id. Martii 1365. Prior Conv. de Maxstoke Ioh. Kytewyld Pbr. 21. Dec. 1390. Prior Conv. de Maxstoke Ric. Bishop Pbr. 24. Aug. 1398. Prior Conv. de Maxstoke Ioh. Pryce Diac. 21. Sept. 1425. Prior Conv. de Maxstoke Will. Orme Pbr. 5. Martii 1456. Prior Conv. de Maxstoke Ric. Eliot Cap. 18. Iunii 1494. Prior Conv. de Maxstoke Thomas Perkins Pbr. 20. Oct. 1500. Prior Conv. de Maxstoke Henr. Sutton Cap. penult Iulii 1501. Prior Conv. de Maxstoke D. Ioh. Robynson Cap. 7. Apr. 1536. D. Edw. 6. Rex Angliae D. Rad. Pykering 13. Febr. 1547. D. Eliz. Angl. Regina Nich. Haighe Cler. 9. Maii 1562. D. Eliz. Angl. Regina Georgius Mutley Cler. 2. Oct. 1576. D. Eliz. Angl. Regina Ric. Warde Cler. 29. Oct. 1594. Iac. Rex Angl. c. Iosepâ—â—s Harison Cler. ..... 1605. Carolus Rex Angl. c. Ioh. Warde in art Magr. 18. Maii 1632. The present fabrick of this Church was erected in King Edw. 2. time as is evident by the picture of Richard de Coâ—â—ull the last Rector which stood within these few years in a South
the said Roger were they taken into the King's hand and continued in the Crown till 13 H. 6. that VVilliam VValdeff and Thomas VVylcok obtained a grant of them for the space of ten years Which VVilliam in 26 H. 6. being cosin and heir to Ioyce Plumpton of Notingham one of the daughters and heirs of Roger Plumpton and sister and heir to Phipippa the other daughter and heir to the said Roger as he stiled himself of whose inheritance they were granted them to Thomas VValdeyve his son From which Thomas by an heir female the Willingtons of Hurley do derive themselves and are still owners of all or a great part of these lands Flanders-Hall THis place was antiently so denominated from one Hugh a younger brother to William de Odingsells of which Family I have spoke in Ichington Solihull and Maxstoke as Mr. Burton in his Description of Leicestershire affirmes in regard that his Ancestors came out of Flanders whose descendants assumed it for their sirname but upon the death of Iohn de Flanders the last male branch of this line it was allotted by partition in 13 H. 6. to Elianore the wife of Sampson Erdswike one of his three daughters and heirs by which means it descended to the issue of Iohn Herdwick of Lindley in Leicestershire her first husband and so came to the Purefeys of Caldecote in marriage as I have heard with Ioyce one of the daughters and coheirs to the last Iohn Herdwyck wife to Michael Purefey From which Michael descended William Purefey Esquire who in our time sold it unto Sir Robert Fisher of Packington Knight and Baronet Hallaton OF this place I have not seen any mention till 17 H. 3. at which time it was reputed a member of Coshill and part of the dowry of Elisant the widow unto Osbert de Clinton But after this it came to be possest by the same Robert Marmion of whom I have spoke in Nether-Whitacre and by those authorities which I have there voucht seemeth to have gone with that Mannour till Q. Eliz. time for it appeareth that Walt. Devereux Visc. Hereford in 12 Eliz. sold it with Nether-Whisacre unto Edmund Skerning then of Erdbury Esquire Drakenedge THis was originally a member of Nether-Whitacre as I conceive and so consequently possest by the Marmions of Tamworth-Castle and from one of them granted therewith to Nicholas Fitz Raphe or his Ancestour for it is evident that the Familie of Mancestre who for a good while enjoyed it held it of the heirs of Nicholas Fitz Raphe Lords of Nether-Whitacre by the service of a pair of gilt Spurâ—s and that they held it over of those Marmions Of which Mancestres I find that Hugh in 36 Hen. 3. had a Charter of Free warren extending to all his demesn lands here and that from him it descended to Guy de Mancestre his grandchild who in King Edw. 3. time past it to Robert de Herle and his heirs by the name of a Mannour Which Robert dying without issue of his body it divolved to Sir Raph de Hastings Knight his cosin and heir viz. son of his sister Margaret and from him through divers descents to William Lord Hastings Chamberlain to King Edward the fourth who died seized thereof in 1 Ric. 3. leaving Sir Edward Hastings Knight his son and heir xvii years of age But farther hereof I have not seen than that Richard Hastings in 9 H. 8. was presented for depopulating the Capitall Messuage and CC. acres of arable land lying thereto Whateley IN this place which was originally a member oâ— Kingsburie â— are there certain lands that were antiently given to the Canons of Studley all which after the dissolution of the Monasteries were inter alia granted out of the Crown in 36 H. 8. unto Iohn Beaumont Esquire by the name of the Mannour or Lordship of Whateley who past them away the same year unto Nicholas Wilson and ..... his wife by whom they were sold to Thomas Overton who died seised of them in 32 Eliz. leaving Nicholas his son and heir fifty years of age Slateley THis is a petty Hamlet and parcell of the Mannour of Kingsburie as by severall Records is evident so that there needs no more to be said thereof Holt. IN this which is also parcell of the Mannour of Kingsburie had the Monks of Merevale a yard land given unto them by the first Iohn de Bracebrigge whose grant thereof William de Bracebrigge his brother and heir confirmed But the Village was in part depopulated by Iohn Bracebrigge Esquire who in 19 H. 7. decayed three Messuages upon the Inclosure thereof of which lands Thomas Bracebrigge was possest in 3 Edw. 6. Cliffe THis hath its name from the situation thereof near to the descending ground towards the bank of Tame but of it I have not seen other mention than that Thomas Herthill was presented in 10 H. 8. for depopulating two Messuages and inclosing xl acres of land here Dosthill I Am not sure whether this place be particularly taken notice of in the Conqueror's Survey if it be that which is there written Dercelai â—s intended for it which R. de Oâ—lgi had at that time in pawn from Turchill de Warwick and is said to contain two hides having a Mill of xxxii d. yearly value and Woods extending to two furlongs in length and as much in breadth the whole being valued at xl s. But in 12 H. 2. certain it is that Hugo fil Ricardi of whom in Hatton I have spoke was possest of it as appears by that Certificate which William Earl of Warwick then made whose Father or Grandfather had enfeoffed the said Hugh thereof with other lands of a great extent in King Henry the first 's time it being then written Derteulla By this Hugh was it doubtlesse granted to Thomas fil Thurstani for it is manifest that Robert de la Launde son to the same Thomas gave to Richard Fitz Raphe in marriage with Amicia his daughter the Mill here it being then written Derchethull From which Robert it descended to Iames as the Pedegree in Langdon sheweth who was certified to hold it of the Earl of Warwick in 20 H. 3. But it appears that Albrena Marmion of whom I have made mention in Arrow granted the service of the same Iames de la Laund for this place unto William de Camvile her son whereby it should seem that the immediate grant which the Ancestour to the said Iames had of this place was not from the Earl of Warwick but from one of the Marmions who obtained it from some of those Earls This Iames in 31 H. 3. past unto Robert de Grendon and his heirs all the interest he had here by the name of the Mannour of Dersthull then amounting to half a Knight's Fee Which Robert in 40 H. 3. granted
the Knights for the Body to same King and Shiriff of that Countie in 9 H. 7. as that by means of a counterfeit Letter in the name of Randolf Brereton Esquire delivered on Friday night before the Feast of St. Iohn Baptist's Nativity requesting his meeting with him at Stafford the next morning by five of the Clock being allured out of his House at Ingestrie and passing thitherwards accordingly with no more attendance than his own son and two servants he was way-layed upon Tixhall-Heath by no less than xx persons whereof seven were of the said Sir Humphrey's own Familie some with Bows and other with Spears all armed with Bregandines and Coats of Male who issuing out of a Sheep-coat and a deep dry Pit furiously assaulted him saying that he should die and accordingly killed him the said Sir Humphrey at that time passing by with at least xxiiii persons on Horseback upon pretence of hunting a Deer All which the Petition to the King made by Alice his widow wherein she craves that the same Sir Humphrey and his said servants might answer for it doth manifest But what was done therein I have not seen neither any farther of his Descendants forasmuch as their residence hath been for the most part in that Countie other than what the Pedegree before inserted sheweth The Church dedicated to All Saints was originally but a Chapell and belonging to Overton subt Arden in Com. Leic. now called Orton on the Hill and therewith confirmed to the Monks of Merevale in King H. 2. time by Pope Lucius the third but I do not find that it was ever appropriated to them or that they continued long Patrons thereof the Advouson having been for many ages in the Lords of the Mannour In an 1291. 19 E. 1. it was rated at xvi marks over and above half a mark which the Parson of Overton before specified did receive out of it and in 26 H. 8. at xx l. iii s. iiii d. besides ix s. vi d. allowed for Procurations and Synodalls Patroni Ecclesiae Incumbentes c. Rob. de Grendon miles Henr. de Grendon Cler. an 1253. Rad. de Grendon miles Will. de Edrichesley Cler. 10 Cal. Apr. 1300. Rad. de Grendon miles Will. de Edrichesley Cler. 10 Cal. Apr. 1300. Rad. de Grendon miles Will. de Clinton Pbr. 7. Apr. 1330. Rad. de Rocheford Nich. de Ivynho Accol 2 ld Dec. 1349. D. Henr. Dux Lanc. VVill. de Slattebourn Cap. 12 Cal. Dec. 1360. D. Will. Beeke miles Will Chetwynd miles Thomas de Hampton Pbr. 14 Cal. Iunii 1369. Ioh. Dux Lanc. Rob. Attemore Pbr. 7 Cal. Iunii 1369. D. Will. Chetwynd de Iagestre miles Ioh. de Bynbroke Pbr. 26 Apr. 1382. D. Alicia de Chetwynd VValt Bullok 3 Ian. 1401. D. Alicia de Chetwynd Ioh. Abyndon 15 Ian. 1401. Ric. Chetwynd fil haer D Will. Chetwind mil. Ioh. Pulford Cap. 18 Febr. 1404. Mag. Ioh. Stafford Legum Dr. Thes. Angl. Sim. Melburn ult Iulii 1423. Thomas Littilton Iohanna ux ejus VVill. VVore 19 Martii 1447. Thomas Littilton Iohanna ux ejus Ric. Cokket Pbr. 4 Aug. 1449. Thomas Littilton Iohanna ux ejus Rog. VVall. in Decr. Bac. Pbr. 26 Ian. 1449. D. Phil. Draicot miles ex concess Will. Chetwyn ar D. Edm. VVondefende 1 Iulii 1538. Ioh. Chetwyn de Ingestre ar D. VVill. Rowley Cler. 17. Oct. 1558. Ioh. Chetwin Will fil haeres ejus Ioh. Sprotte Cler. 3. Dec. 1578. Will. Chetwyn ar Thomas VValker Cler. 10 Oct. 1579. Will. Chetwyn miles Georgius Kent Cler. 26 Iunii 1607. Whittington THat this petty Village was originally a member of Grendon within which Parish it lyes and therewith involved in the Conqueror's Survey I am fully satisfied for part of it was given to the Monks of Merevale by Robert Earl Ferrers upon his Foundation of that Monasterie but the residue did the Family of Grendon owners of Grendon possesse as a branch of that Lordship which in process of time being granted away by some of the Lords of Grendon came to be reputed a Mannour one Margerie Ribbif in 6 R. 2. holding it for life by that name the inheritance being in Sir Geffrey Fuljambe Knight Which Sir Geffrey left issue Alice his daughter and heir about a year old in 12 R. 2. Howbeit after this I do not find it termed a Mannour for upon the grant thereof from Iohn Heklyng of Lyndeby Esquire and Ioan his wife unto William Repington of Amington in this Countie Esquire in 13 H. 6. it passed by the name of ten Messuages CCCC acres of land xxx acres of meadow and xl acres of pasture from whom is descended Sir Iohn Repington now of Amington Knight the present owner thereof That which the Monks of Merevale had here yeilded Liiii s. yearly Rent of Assize in 26 H. 8. but coming to the Crown by the dissolution of that Abby was in 32 H. 8. granted with the site thereof and a multitude of other lands unto Sir Wâ—lter Devereux Knight Lord Ferrers of Chartley and so consequently divolved to Robert Earl of Essex the present owner thereof an scil 1640. Polesworth NExt below Grendon-Parish is Polesworth situate which containeth within its precincts divers Villages and places of note scil Badsley-Endsor Dordon Freseley Hall-end Dodenhale and Pooley on the South side of the River with Stipershill Waverton and Bramcote on the North. Of this place though there be no particular mention in the Conquerour's Survey as of divers the most antient Towns and Burroughs is not yet for antiquitie and venerable esteem needs it not give precedence to any in this Countie being honoured with the plantation of the first Religious-House therein that was in all these parts founded by King Egbert our first English Monarch But before I farther proceed to speak thereof I resolve here to take notice of what I have seen most considerable touching the antiquitie of a Monastick life practised by women as I have done in Coventre for men wherein I cannot discern till towards the fourth Centurie any thing thereof For though a learned person observeth that Non solùm viri sed Mulieres etiam Apostolorum Christi tempore ministerio Ecclesiae addicebantur yet he saith Verum procedente tempore instituta sunt Collegia seu Monasteria Virginum Deo consecratarum solennibus votis obstrictarum And that Marcella was the first who began it in the Western Church we have the testimonie of St. Hierom Marcella saith he in Occidente circa an CCCXL Virginum Viduarum didicit disciplinam which kind of life was taught her by Athanasius as Baronius affirms But that they excercised it so soon in that solemn manner as in after times hath been used viz. under the threefold Vow of Povertie Obedience and Chastitie cannot be made good For cleer it is from the testimonie
marriage inter alia with Eliz. his daughter unto Walter son and heir of Sir Edward Aston Knight From whom descended Sir Walter Aston Knight of the Bathe who in 1. Caroli or about that time sold it to the Tenants But that whâ—ch the Monks of Burton had here coming to the Crown at the generall dissolution of the Religious Houses in 30 H. 8. was in 33. of that King's reign given to the Collegiate-Church of Burton before specified for King Henry having outed the Monks placed a Dean and secular Canons in their roome But this Collegiate-Church soon following the fate which the Abbies had being likewise dissolved in 37 H. 8. the King by his Letters Patent bearing date 31. Ian. the same yeare granted this Mannour for by that name it is past unto Sir William Paget Knight and his heirs to be held in Capitâ—â— by the xxth part of a Knight's Fee Which Sir William by the name of William Lord Paget of Bendesert for so he had been created by his Deed dated 30. Dec. 1. 2. Ph. M. sold it unto the Lady Elianore Brereton widow sometime wife of Sir William Brereton Knight and to Richard Brereton Esquire her son and heir to the use of them the said Elianore and Richard and the heirs of the said Richard From which Richard it descended to George his son and heir late of Ashley in Cheshire who died seized thereof in 30 Eliz. leaving William his son and heir above xix years of age The Church dedicated to S. Nicholas was in 55 H. 3. given by Osbert de Clinton son of Thomas to the Monks of Burton and in anno 1291. 19 E. 1. valued at xvi marks as also appropriated to that Religious House by Pope Urban the sixt in 2 R. 2. In 26 H. 8. the Vicaridge was rated at viii li. over and above ix s. vi d. allowed for Procurations and Synodalls Patroni Ecclesiae Incumbentes c. Thomas de Clinton miles Williel de Cherlecote Philippus de Assellis anno 1248. Abbas Conv. de Burton D. Will. de la Warde 10. Cal. Febr. 1303. Abbas Conv. de Burton Ric. de Staunton Cap. 4. Cal. Iunii 1328. Abbas Conv. de Burton Rog. de Baukewell Cler. 4. Id. Febr. 1330. Henr. de Northwell Patronus hac vice Ioh. de Deping Pbr. 3. Id. Maii 1340. Abbas Conventus de Burton D. Ric. Lucas Pbr. 2. Oct. 1369. Patroni Vicariae Incumbentes c. Abbas Conventus de Burton Rob. Lucas Pbr. 2. Oct. 1378. Abbas Conventus de Burton Ioh. Ivelyth Cler. 20. Nov. 1404. Abbas Conventus de Burton Will. Batayll Cap. 27. Iunii 1413. Abbas Conventus de Burton Ric. Hasard Pbr. 11. Apr. 1429. Abbas Conventus de Burton Ioh. Alisawndre 9. Febr. 1437. Abbas Conventus de Burton Ric. Parker 3. Iulii 1438. Abbas Conventus de Burton Henr. Fulcock 5. Martii 1501. Abbas Conventus de Burton Will. Darley in art Magr. 12. Febr. 1524. Ric. Coton gen alii ex concess Abb. Conv. de Burton D. Thom. Farmer Cap. 7. Sept. 1542. Sim. Harcot ar Ranulphus Orton 19. Aug. 1567. Humfr. Ferrers ar ex concess Roberti Comitis Leic. Rog. Molde Cler. 8. Oct. 1583. Iacobus Rex Angliae c. Rob. Bostok Cler. 10. Iunii 1619. Iacobus Rex Angliae c. Mich. Bostok Cler. 3. Nov. 1620. Iacobus Rex Angliae c. Ioh. Prior Cler. in art Bac. 7. Nov. 1623. Newton THis seems to have been originally a member of Sekindon as by what I shall say when I come to speak of the Church will appear for there is no mention of it in the Conqueror's Survey and till 5 H. 2. it being in the King's hands was for that respect called Newton-Regis but then granted to Geffrey Sauvage it continued to his Descendants whilst the male line lasted and afterwards to the sisters and coheirs to the last William as the Pedegree in Baginton manifesteth Howbeit the second Geffrey was exposed to a defence of his title thereto in 7 R. 1. against Thomas de Arden the service by which he held it being half a Knight's Fee But by heirs female coming to Ednesoure and Meinill I find that in 13 E. 1. Thomas de Ednesoure and Philippa de Meinill jointly claimed a Court-Leet with Assize of Beer Gallows and Free warren therein by the grant of King H. 2. all which were allowed From which said Thomas son of Thomas by Lucia one of the Sisters and coheirs to the said Will. le Sauvage the one moitie thereof descended to the Herthulls of whom in Baginton I have spoke and from Herthull after divers Descents to Cokain as the Descent in Pooley manifesteth in which Family it continued till Sir Edward Cokain grandfather to Sir Aston Cokain Baronet now living sold it But from the before specified Philippa the second sister and coheir of Sauvage the other moytie came to the Meinills of Derbyshire â— she being the wife of Hugh de Meinill of Langley-Meinill in that Countie where the chief seat was sometime Steward to William de Ferrers Earl of Derby and continued in that line for divers Descents Sir Hugh Meinill great-grandchild to the said Hugh and Philippa having in 24 E. 3. a Charter of Free warren â—inter alia in all his demesn lands here To which Sir Hugh succeeded Sir Richard and to him Sir Raphe who died in 12 R. 2. without issue male whereby his four daughters became heirs to the estate viz. Ioane first married to Iohn Staunton and afterwards to Sir Thomas Clinton Knight Elizabeth to William Crawshawe Margaret and Thomasine betwixt whom Partition being made it was allotted to Elizabeth by which means it came to Sir Raph Shirley of Staunton-Harold in Com. Leic. Knight with Margaret her daughter and heir by the said Iohn and did continue in that Familie till that Sir Thomas Shirley Knight a younger son to Sir George Shirley Baronet within these few years sold it to the Tenants The Church dedicated to the Assumption of the blessed Virgin was in H. 2. time but a Chapell to Sekindon and in an 1291. 19 E. 1. valued at viii marks In 39 E. 3. upon some diâ—â—erence which arose betwixt the Parson of Clifton-Camvile in Com. Staff and the Parson of this Church touching the perception of certain Tithes I find that it was by Robert de Stretton then Bishop of this Diocess thus accorded viz. that of all Calves Colts and Lambâ— belonging to the Inhabitants of Newton and falling within Clifton-Parish as also for the Mâ—lk of the Kine there calving the Parson of Clifton should thenceforth receive according to the Custome of the Countrey id est for a Colt a penny a Lambe a half penny and for a Calf
to the before spefied Sir Iohn Botetourt through which means part of that fair inheritance came to this Familie of Ferrers By whom he had issue Baldwin xix years of age at his Fathers death which happened in 11 R. 2. But of this Baldwin I find nothing memorable excepting his marriage in 12 R. 2. with Ioane the daughter of Sir Thomas Greene Knight and his death which happened in 2 H. 4. To whom succeeded Baldwin his son and heir then but two years of age who departing this life in his minoritie scil 6 H. 5 leaving three Sisters and heirs the inheritance came afterwards to be thus divided in 31 H. 6. viz. to Thomas Ferrers then Tenant by the curtesie Elizabeth the eldest of those coheirs being dead and to Thomas son and heir of the same Thomas and Eliz. this Castle and Mannour of Tamworth the Mannours of Lee juxta Merston Stretford juxta Tamworth and Haverburgh in this Countie as also the Mannour of Stichall juxta Coventre the Mannour Tadington in Com. Heref. with lands and Rents in Waverton Allesley and Mereden in this Countie as also in Wiginton in Com. Staff To Robert Aston Esquire son of Ioice one other of the said Sisters and coheirs the Mannours of Ashsteds and Newdigate in Surrey Becknore in Com. Wigorn. Yatesburie in Com. Wilts Pinley within the Liberties of Coventre and the moâ—tie of the Mannour of Henley in Arden in this Countie with the advouson of the Church of Preston juxta Henley And to Sir Richard Bâ—ngham Knight then one of the Justices of the King's Bench and Margaret his wife formerly the wife of Sir Hugh Willoughby of Wollaton in Com. Nott. Knight the Mannours of Midleton and Whitnash with lands in Wilmecote in this Shire The Mannour of Wikin juxta Coventre with certain other lands and Rents lying within the Countie of that Citie as also the Mannours of Gunthorpe and Loudham in Com. Nott. with Bradford Ferne and Mawne in Com. Heref. Which Partition bears date 5. Oct. the year abovesaid This Thomas Ferrers was second son to William Lord Ferrers of Groby and underwent the Office of Shiriff for the Countie of Staff in 26 H. 6. but departed this life in 37 H. 6. being then the principall male branch of this line of Groby as the Descent in Merevale sheweth in token whereof he bore his Armes with a Labell of three points Azure To which Thomas succeeded as Lord of this Castle Thomas his son and heir then xxxvi years of age who was constituted Shiriff of this Countie and Leicester-shire in 39 H. 6. so also in 1 E. 4. Which Thomas having been a faithfull adherer to the House of Yorke and taken Prisoner in the battail of Wakefeild where he was put to CCC marks Fine obtained a speciall Precept from King Edward 4 th to the Barons of the Exchequer wherein is acknowledged his signall fidelitie to Richard Duke of Yorke Father to the said King and slain in that Battail commanding them to remit unto him CC. marks of the summe for which he was then accomptable to them by reason of his Receipts whilst he underwent that Office in which Precept it further appeareth that the said Thomas was then a Knight being so made as it seems by the same King Edw. in the first year of his reign Nay I find that after this he became a Knight of the Bath at the Creation of the Duke of Yorke 14 E. 4. and from 4 E. 4. till his deathâ— was in Commission for conservation of the Peace in this Shire as also in 8 E. 4. again Shiriff of this Countie and Leicester-shire and that by his Testament bearing date 10. Febr. 12 H. 7. he bequeathed his body to be buried on the North side of the Quire within the Collegiate Church here at Tamworth by Anne his wife appointing a marble to be laid over them with their portraitures and Armes in brasse and such Inscription as his Executors should devise departing this life 22. Aug. 14 H. 7. To whom succeeded Sir Iohn Ferrers Knight his grandchild and heir For Sir Iohn his son who in 15 E. 4. was in the King's service in Normandie died in his life time Of which Sir Iohn I find little memorable other than that he was one of the Knights for the body to King H. 7. and in Commission for the Peace from 18. of that King's reign till his death which happened in 1 H. 8. as appears by the Probate of his Will whereby he bequeathed his body to sepulture within th Chancell here at Tamworth before the Image of S. Edith Of whose descendants I shall say no more than that some of them have been Knights and in many publick imployments as by divers Comissions appeareth Iohn son and heir to the last Sir Humphrey being now owner of this Castle referring my Reader to the Pedegree before inserted which manifesteth their matches with sundry good antient Families Upon an Alabaster Tombe-stone lying in the midst of the Chancell at Tamworth under which is buried the body of Sir Iohn Ferrers Knight is this Epitaph If thou hast a minde to know Whose Corps interred lye below Lest thou thinke these words in stone Are all that 's left of him being gone Give eare unto the upright tongue Of whosoere he liv'd among Then free'd from doubt thou wilt consent He left a choicer Monument 1633. Upon another lying neer thereto Here lieth Sir Humfrey Ferrers Knight who married Anne one of the daughters of Sir Iohn Packington of Hampton-Lovet in the Countie of Worcester Knight By whom he had issue three daughters and one son His age was thirty and three years when he departed this life and he was here interred on the second day of November in the year of our Lord 1633. Bole-Hall I Now come to the particular Villages before mentioned which are within this Countie and in the Parish of Tamworth though the Church be in Staffordshire and first of Bole-Hall Of this place I have not seen any thing in Record till 13 R. 2. where with severall other Mannours Sir Iohn de Clinton of Maxstoke Knight entailed it upon the issue of his body by Elizabeth then his wife but from severall circumstances I am satisfied that it was originally a member of Amington which adjoyns thereto and whereof the same Sir Iohn was then possest From whom descended Iohn Lord Clinton who about the beginning of H. 7. time decayed the capitall Messuage here And from him Edward Lord Clinton and Say that sold it in 29 H. 8. unto Iames Leveson Merchant of the Staple which Iames gave it in marriage inter alia with Elizabeth his daughter unto Walter Aston son and heir to Sir Edward Aston of Tixhall Knight whose grandson Sir Walter Aston Knight of the Bath and Baronet sold it unto William Anson of Lincolns-Iâ—ne in Com. Midd. Esquire Of whom
it was purchased by William Comberford of Tamworth Esquire and Anne his wife 2. Oct. 13. Iac. and is now possessed by Will son to the said William and Anne Glascote THe name of this place I take to be Brittish Glascoit in that language signifying Sylva viridis but of it I have not seen any thing till about the beginning of King H. 2. time that Will. the son of Hugh de Hatton confirmed to the Nunns of Polesworth all those lands lying here which William le Franceis had given them By which confirmation it appears that they were of the inheritance of Maud wife to the said William de Hatton But the next possessor hereof was Raphe Fitz-Raph Lord also of Nether-Whitacre where his seat was Which Raph in 6 Ioh. purchased some lands here of Hugh de Culi From whom descended Giles Fitz-Raph as the Descent in Nether-Whitacre sheweth whose daughter and heir called Isabell brought it to Robert son of Philip Marmion in marriage From which time it past along with Nether-Whitacre before specified as the Records there cited do manifest till after the beginning of Edw. 3. time After which till H. 6. time I finde no mention of any more than six Messuages and one yard-land here belonging to Sir Iohn de Clinton of Maxstoke Knight which are said to be parcell of the Mannour of Piricroft but upon the Death of Sir William Clinton in 10 H. 6. it appears that he was seized of the moitie of a Mannour here Whether his descendants purchased in the residue afterwards or whether there be any other member of a Mannour here saving a fourth part which the Lord Ferrers had together with Nether-Whitacre as may seem by some authorities I cannot say but sure it is that in 29 H. 8. Edw. Lord Clinton lineall heir to the before specified Sir Will. sold it together with Bole-Hall by the name of a Mannour or certain Messuages unto Iames Leveson Merchant of the Staple all which came to Sir Walter Aston Knight in marriage with Elizabeth daughter to the said Iames and since to William Cumberford Esquire in such sort as Bole-Hall did Stretford juxta Tamworth THis is now a depopulated place and had its name originally from the situation thereof upon that great Roman way called Watling-street where it thwarts the River towards Faseley But the first mention that I have seen of it is in 37 H. 3. at which time Iames de la Lande was possest of it and had Free-warren granted to him in all his demesn lands thereof There is no doubt but that it was at first a member of Tamworth and granted by one of the Marmions to the Ancestor of this Iames whose sirname was Tamworth as the Descent in Langdon sheweth In the line of which De la Laundes it continued till 19 E. 3. but shortly after came to the Frevills Lords of Tamworth-Castle for I find that Sir Baldwin Frevill the elder Knight made a Feoffment in trust thereof inter alia unto Sir William de Beauchamp Knight and others and that upon the Partition made betwixt the heirs of Frevill in 31 H. 6. whereof in Tamworth I have spoke it was allotted to Ferrers in which Familie together with Tamworth-Castle it continueth to this day Wilnicote IN Edward the Confessor's days this was the Freehold of one Levenot but after the Conquest it being given unto the Earl of Mellent with a multitude of other Lordships in this Shire by the generall Survey soon after made was certified to contain three hides the Woods extending to one mile in length and half a mile in breadth all which together with the rest were then rated at xxx s. whereof v s. was accounted for an Iron-work here at that time In that Record it is written Wilmundecote whereby it may seem that the name originally sprung from some one that possest it in the Saxons time Howbeit till 6 Ioh. I have not seen any more thereof but then it appears that Robert de Valle of which Family I have spoke in Ludinton was in suit for six yard land here whereof Robert his Father had been wrongfully dispossest by William de Longcamp Bishop of Ely and Chancelour to King Richard the first But from the Earl of Mellent part hereof came as the most of those lands which he had in this Countie did unto the old Earls of Warwick and so to Marmion for it is manifest that Will. de Ludinton held part of a Knight's Fee here of Albreda Marmion which divolved to William de Camvile then Lord of Sekindon in this Hundred being held of those Earls But of another part which afterwards had the reputation of a Mannour were the posteritie of the before specified Robert de Vale seized as by an Autograph that I have seen bearing date in 28 E. 1. is evident and so continued till that Sir Robert de Vale Knight in 18 E. 2. sold away the inheritance thereof in reversion after his Father's death unto Roger de Culi son to Sir Hugh de Culi Knight Which Roger was certified to hold it of Henry Duke of Lancaster unto whom a great part of the Honour of Leicester heretofore belonging to the said Earl of Mellent came by the fourth part of a Knight's Fee When it past from these Culies I have not seen but plain it is that Sir Raph Bracebrigge of Kingsbury Knight died seized thereof in 14 H. 6. From whom it descended to Iane and Margerie daughters of William Bracebrigge as the Descent in Kingsburie sheweth and heirs to Michaell their brother which Iane was the wife of Leonell Skipwith of Calthorpe in Com. Linc. and Margerie of Waldeiffe Willington of Hurley in this Countie Gent. who in 8. Eliz. kept Court here in right of their said wives and after that Thomas Willington son and heir to the said Margerie in 43 Eliz. to whose posteritie this Mannour still doth continue Beside this Mannour last spoke of there is yet another here in Wilnicote whereof Sir William Brabazon Knight now Earl of East-Methe in Ireland is owner This I take to be it which Roger Brabazon purchased partly of Adam de Wellesbergh and Maud his wife in 25 E. 1. and partly of Simon de Bruilli and Ioane his wife within two years after But by the name of a Mannour I have not seen it called in Record till 29 H. 8. The Chapell here being a Prebend belonging to the Collegiate Church of Tamworth was in 14 E. 3. valued at vi marks Kingswood THe antientest mention that I find of this place is in 11 E. 2. where Hugh de Meinill entailes one carucate of land lying therein together with the Mannour of Kings Neuton upon the issue male of his body with severall remainders Which carucate was afterwards accounted as parcell of that Mannour having a Messuage situate thereupon called Wardbernes
to the King To give some reason why they were called Counties I shall here exhibite the authoritie of an antient MS. which making mention of Osulph Earl of Northumberland hath these words Nec invâ—nâ—ur quod ante pâ—aedictum Osulphum Comitem aliquis fuerat Comes Northumbriae per consequens nec ibi Comitatus quia Comitatus à Comite dicitur id est dignitas Comitis vel tantum spacium terrae quantum ad Comitem pertinet Whereof more to the same effect in the Glossarie of the learned Sir H. Spelman Knight titulo Comitatus is to be seen and that matters of Controversie were heard before the Earl in his Countie-Court or before his substitute whom the Saxons called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 that is Shire-reeve 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 or 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 signifying in our old English to part or divide or rather as we yet say to share a thing and Reeve from the Saxon word 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 or 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 a Provost or Steward which name is yet used in divers Mannours being attributed to him who is appointed to collect the Lord's Rents Having said thus much of the beginning and occasion of the Hundreds I shall adde a line or two more from the aforesaid Gloss where there is a large and learned discourse upon that word Est autem Hundredus c. The Hundred is a portion of the Countie wherein antiently dwelt an hundred Sureties for the King's peace as a Tithing wherein were ten and therefore a Hundred contained ten Tithings the number of an Hundred being Ten times ten And 't is not a little observable that before the Normans entrance the Bishop sate in the Hundred-Court with the Lord of the Hundred as he did in the Countie-Court with the Earl and in the Shireeves-Turn with the Shireeve Primi igitur sedebant saith Sir H. Spelman in omnibus regni Comitiis tribunalibus Episcopi in Regali quidem palacio cum Regni magnatibus in Comitatu unà cum Comite Justiciario Comitatus In Turno Vicecomitis cum Vicecomite In Hundredo cum Domino Hundredi sic ut in promovenda Justicia usque quaque gladius gladium adjuvaret nihil inconsulto Sacerdote qui velut Saburra in Navi fuit ageretur And so likewise after the Conquest till King William prohibited it as is evident by these ensuing words of his Mandate to the Dean and Chapter of Lincoln Propterea mando regiâ authoritate praecipio ut nullus Episcopus vel Archidiaconus de Legibus Episcopalibus ampliùs in Hundredo placita teneat nec causam quae ad regimen aniniarum pertinet ad judicium secularium hominum adducat sed quicunque secundùm Leges Episcopales de quacunque causa vel culpa interpellatus fuerit ad locum quem ad hoc Episcopus elegerit nominaverit veniat ibique de causa sua respondeat non secundùm Hundredum sed secundùm Canones Episcopales Leges rectum Deo Episcopo suo faciat Howbeit besides this dividing the Kingdom by King Alfred as hath been said it should seem that he made an exact Survey thereof much like that which was afterwards performed by King William the Conqueror Talem Rotulum saith Ingulphus speaking of Doomesday-book multum similem ediderat quondam Rex Alfredus in quo totam terram Angliae per Comitatus Centurias Decurias descripserat sicut praenotatur qui quidem Rotulus Wintoniae vocatus est quia deponebatur apud Wintoniam conservandus which Roll time hath consumed I believe for I could never discern that our greatest Searchers after Antiquities had seen it Yet of that Survey so made by the Conqueror there is still remaining a most perfect and excellent memoriall kept in the Treasurie of the Exchequer at Westminster and intituled by the name of Liber Judiciarius or Doomesday-book by the light whereof I have been guided in discovering the most antient possessors of the principall places in this Shire touching which Survey our Historians do somewhat differ in the time when it began as these Authorities cited in the margent do shew but the Red book manifests that it was in the fourteenth year of that King's reign and that it was not perfected till the xx th the volume it self declareth That this work was performed with great curiositie and strictnesse observe what an eminent and very antient Historian saith Misit autem dehinc Rex potentissimus Justiciarios per unamquamque Scyram id est Provinciam Angliae inquirere fecit per jusjurandum quot Hydae id â—st jugera uni aratro sufficientia per annum essent in unaquaque villa quot animalia Fecit etiam inquiri quid unaquaeque Urbâ— Castellum Vicus Villa Flumen Palus Silva redderet per annum Haec autem omnia in Chartis scripta delata sunt ad Regem inter thesauros deposita usque hodie servantur And to the same purpose Ingulphus Abbot of Crouland a Writer of great credit who lived in that age saying that he himself went up to London and took brief notes of the lands belonging to their Monasterie so surveyed as they were recorded in the before specified Book for his successors better knowledge hath this expression Totam terram descripsit nec erat Hyda in tota Anglia quin valorem ejus possessorem suum scivit nec Lacus nec locus aliquis quin in Regis Rotulo extitit descriptus ac ejus redditus proventus ipsa possessio ejus possessor Regiae notitiae manifestatus juxta taxatorum fidem qui electi de qualibet patria territorium proprium describebant the substance of all which is thus Englished by an old Poet The Kynge William for to wite the worthe of his londe Lete enqwere streytliche thorwm al Engelonde How many Plowmh londe and eke Hiden also Were in eche Schire and what worthe therto And the Rentes of eche Towne and of watres eche one That he wiste the worthe thorwm al Engelonde And lete it wryte in a Boke and sithe put hit I wis In the Tresoure of Westminstre ther as hit mutis So that our Kynges sithen when that they raunsome toke Alredi wist what folke mymt paie they founde in thilke Boke By this Survey is evident to be seen what vast possessions the Conquerour did bestow upon those Normans Britans Anjovins and other French that had assisted him the better to interest them in the keeping of what he had thus by strong-hand got of which I shall have occasion to mention many in the following tract and therefore have spoke the more largely of it And shall further crave leave considering how vast a change this Conquest made to go on a little in taking a breif view of the courses then exercised to make a firm establishment thereof And first for his Crueltie to the native English 't is
This Henry was a Knight for so by his grant under seal he is stiled whereby with the consent of Ranulph his son and heir he gave a yard land in Rokeby to the Prior and Monks of Kirby And in the 39 of H. 3. obtained for himself and his heirs a Charter for a weekly Mercate here every Saturday and for a Fair yearly beginning on the Even of St. Laurence to endure for three daies with Free warren in all his demesn lands in Warwickshire For the advantage of which Mercate the Abbot of Combe earnestly moved the Monks of Pipwell for permission that they might purchase or erect a house in Rokeby to receive those Monks of theirs as they should have occasion to imploy thither Howbeit in 13 E. 1. Annabilla the Widow of the said Henry holding this Mannour in dower and claiming Free warren with a Mercate and Faire here for which she exhibited the Charter of K. H. 3. extended her claim further than that Charter warranted as it seems for it was then found that she challenged liberty to punish the breakers of the Assize of Bread and Ale whereof being not seized the Shiriff entred upon the Market Fair and Free warren for the King To which last mentioned Henry succeeded Ranulph his son and heir who dyed before 20 E. 1. for in the 24 of that Kings reign Raph Basset son and heir of Simon Basset of Sapcote granted the custody of Annabil his daughter and heir with her marriage to Peter de Leicester Clerk Which Annabil was the wife of Sir Iohn Goband Kt. Howbeit Annabil her mother being married to ......... Mundevill held Rokeby in dower 3 E. 2. In 1 E. 3. the before specified Iohn Goband and Annabil his wife had a Court Leet and other priviledges granted to them in this their Mannour of Rokeby after which it continued not long in that family for in 23 E. 3. Iohn the son and heir of Sir Iohn Goband Kt. past the inheritance thereof with the advouson of the Church to Raph Lord Stafford and Sir Iohn Oddingsells Kt. and their heirs In which grant he makes mention that the same was setled upon Iohn Brown and Annabil his wife and upon him the said Iohn Goband and his heirs by Iohn Charnells Parson of the Church of Swepston in Leicestershire I suppose that this Annabil married to her second husband the before mentioned Iohn Brown for in 20 E. 3. Iohn Brown is said to be Lord of Rugby which doubtless was in her right After which in 24 E. 3. Sir Thomas Charnells Kt. releast to the said Raph Lord Stafford all his interest in this Mannour And in 7 R. 2. Nicholas Goband Rector of the Church of Cley did the like to Hugh Earl Stafford son of the said Raph in consideration whereof he received xl l. sterling Which Nicholas Goband sealed with three Crosses crosslets fitchè upon the fesse to difference him from the principall branch of that family who bore a plain fesse and 3. besants in chief The Release of Sir Iohn Odingsells to the said Baron of Stafford I have not seen Howbeit there is no question but that such a thing there was for in the same 23. year of E. 3. the Lord Stafford as Patron of the Church exhibited his Clerk to the Abbot of Leicester according to the Agreement before exprest This Mannour continued in the Family of Stafford till the death of Humfrey Duke of Buckingham in 38. H. 6. but how much longer I have not yet seen for the next mention I find thereof is that Ric. 3. an 1. of his Reign granted it to Iohn Lord Dudley and to the Heirs of his body in which Patent it appears that it came to his hands by the death of Margaret Countess of Richmund who was mother to K. Henry 7. and that he so gave it to the Lord Dudley for his faithfull service in favouring his usurped title to the Crown It should seem that Thomas Lord Stanley who was Husband to the Countess of Richmund held it during his life for I have seen a Grant by the said Lord Dudley dated 1 Aug. 2. R. 3. whereby he makes dilectum consanguineum for so he calls him his beloved Kinsman Will. Catesby Esq. Steward thereof whensoever it should come into his hands or the possession of his Heirs and to receive for his yearly Fee ten marks sterling In which grant it is exprest that the said Lord Stanley then had it for that term But I perceive it came again to the house of Stafford though I have not yet seen how nor when for immediatly upon the attainder of Edward Duke of Buckingham Henry 8. granted it to Sir Gilbert Talboys Kt. and Elizabeth his Wife and the Heirs of their two bodies expressing that it was Edward late Duke of Buckingham's attainted Which Sir Gilbert and Elizabeth had issue Elizabeth their Daughter and Heir wedded to Ambrose Dudley afterwards Earl of Warwick who in 2 Eliz. sold it together with the advowson of the Church to Iohn Wyrley and Dorothe his wife Which Dorothe dyed seized thereof ult Martii 28. Eliz. Francis her Son and Heir being then 40. years of age In an 1291. 19. E. 1. the Church dedicated to St. Andrew was valued at seaven marks and a half And in 26. H. 8. at xvii li. xix s. ii d. over and above xx sol yearly Pension issuing out of it to the Abb. of Leicester and ix sol vi d. for Procurations and Synodalls Patroni Ecclesiae Incumbentes temp Instit. Abb. de Leic. ad nominationeÌ„ Henrici de Rokeby milit secundùm tenorem cyrographi inter ipsos Alex. de Rokeby Cleric ... an 1253. 37. H. 3. Annabilla domina de Rokeby Rog. Capellanus ... an 1291. 19. E. 1. D. Rad. Basset ratione custodiae haeredis de Rokeby ...................... D. Petrus de Leycest Rob. de Halughton Pbr. iiii Non. Iulii an 1301. Annabilla de MuÌ„â—â—vile D. de Rokeby Ric. de Toucestre accolitus xii Kl. Dec. an 1313. Ioh. Gobant Radulphus Gobant Cleric ... an 1313. Abb. conv Leic. ad nominationeÌ„ Ioh. Goband D. de Rokeby Ioh. Falconarius .... an 1314. Abb. C. de Leic. ad nominationem D. Ioh. Goband mil. D. de Rokeby Ric. de Walton Pbr. Nonâ— Iunii an 1332. Abb. conv Leic. Will. de Lyons Pbr. vi Id. Martii an 1341. Ioh. Goband Will. le Pyndere Capell .... an 1349. 23. E. 3. Abb. C. de Leic. ad denominationem D. Baronis de Stafford Petrus de Bilney Câ—p. xii Kl. Aug. an 1349. Abb. C. de Leic. Will. Parker Pbr. iii. Kl. Sept an 1361. Abb. C. de Leic. ad nominationem D. Rad. Comitis Staff Rog. Geffen Pbr. xiii Kl. Ian. an 1361. Abb. C. de Leic. Will. de Langton Cler. xi Kl. Sept. an 1375.
de Boyvile Cap. iii. Non. Aug. an 1330. Edw. R. Angl. ratione temporal Priorat de Wolfrichston in manu sua existen Ioh. de Weston accol pridie Non. Dec. an 1337. D. Rex hac vice Ioh. Grene Pbr. xv Kl. Dec. an 1357. D. Rex c. Will. de Swafeld Cler. iiii Febr. an 1383. Pr. Conv. S. Annae ordinis Carthus juxta Coventre Will. Penreth Cler. xxi Apr. an 1408. Pr. Conv. S. Annae ordinis Carthus juxta Coventre Will. Penreth accol vii Oct. an 1408. Pr. Conv. S. Annae ordinis Carthus juxta Coventre Gregorius Neuport decret bacc 7. Sept. an 1416. Pr. Conv. S. Annae ordinis Carthus juxta Coventre Rob. Helpe Pbr. xvi Oct. an 1421. Pr. Conv. S. Annae ordinis Carthus juxta Coventre Nich Bolton xxi Martii an 1425. Id. Pr. C. Ioh. Norton in decretis bacc x. Febr. an 1452. Id. Pr. C. D. Thomas Walker ix Apr. an 1508. Id. Pr. C. Mag. Rog Carleton .... an 1534. Ioh. Bradburne hac vice ratione concess Pr. Conv. Carthus juxta Coventre Mag. Rob. Baytt in sacra theol bacc iii. Ian. an 1546 Tho. Leigh miles Maior modernus Civitatis London Humfr. Bate in art baccal vi Febr. an 1559. Tho. Leigh miles VVill. Bolton Cler. x. Aug. an 1567. Chr. Hoddesden Gener. hac vice patronus ex concessione Will. Leigh militis Ioh. Sclater in art Mag. xviii Maii an 1612. Long-Lawford THis place as I have said is in the Parish of Church-Lawford In the Conq. time Geffrey VVirce of whom I am to speak in Monkskirby possest it and in the xii year of that Kings reign gave to the Monastery of St. Nicholas at Anglers in France amongst other things two parts of the Tâ—thes of Corn and Cattel and the whole Tyth of the Wool and Cheese arising within the Precincts thereof which were received by the Prior and Covent of Monkskirby before mentioned In that Grant it is written Lellevort but in the Conq. Survey where the same Geffrey is certified to hold five hydes here Lelleford The addition of the first Syllable Longe being of later times used to distinguish it from the other which we now call Church Lawford and doubtless was put thereto in respect that it lyes not so round together as many other towns do That Nigellus de Albany Progenitor to the family of Moubray became possest of all VVirce his lands is apparent whereof I shall speak more largely when I come to Monkskirby which Nigellus or Roger his Son who assumed the name of Moubray enfeoft Robert de Stutville thereof for I find that the said Robert about the beginning of H. 2. time passed it to Iohn de Stuteville his younger brother who for the health of his own soul and of the souls of his father and mother Robert his brother both their childrens souls as also the souls of K. Henry 2. and his Queen bestowed it on the Monks of Pipwell Within the Precinct of this Lordship was a certain Spynney called Black-thyrne whereupon those Monks built a Corn-Mill and a Fulling-Mill which graunts were in the beginning of H. 2. time for by the said Iohn de Stutevile's confirmation he ratified it unto the Monks by the name of Thyrne-Mill with the Floodgates and Damme to the same height and breadth as it was that year in which the said K. Henry returned from Tholose viz. the vi year of his reign All which were confirmed by William the son of the said Robert de Stotevile Iohn and Roger sons of the said Iohn and by Roger de Moubray chief Lord of the Fee as also by Roger Pantolfe nephew and heir to Roger de Stutevile betwixt which Roger and the Monkes of Pipwell there were two agreements concerning Common in the Moor of Long-Lawford digging of Turf for fewell and likewise about fishing in the River of Avon one of these bearing date in xi Ioh. and the other 3. H. 3. as are to be seen at large in the Leiger-Book of that Monastery In 11. E. 1. the Monks of Pipwell had Free warren inter alia granted to them in this Lalleford But there is little else of moment that I have met with concerning this place till after the dissolution of the Monasteries howbeit then viz. in 33 H. 8. did the K. Grant amongst other things to Edward Boughton Esq. and his heirs the graunge of Long-Lawford Thyrn-Mill and divers other lands there which were belonging to Pipwell-Abby And in 7 E. 6. the Mannour unto one Iohn Green of the City of Westminster and Raphe Hall of London Scrivener and their heirs which Iohn in 1 Mariae past away his right therein unto Elizabeth Boughton But I suppose that Hall's part came shortly after to one Thomas VVightman for in 4 Eliz. the said Thomas granted it by the name of the Manour of Lawford which belong'd to the Monks of Pipwell unto Sir Thomas Leigh Kt. and Dame Alice his wife which Sir Thomas dyed seized thereof and at this day Francis Lord Dunsmore his great grand-child by Sir VVilliam Leigh a younger son enjoys it viz. an 1640. I have now done with Long Lawford There is in this Parish of Church-Lawford a place called the Stude situate upon Dunsmore-heath where was antiently a Chappell which with divers Churches and other things became appropriate to the Priory of Coventre in the year of our Lord 1260. 44 H. 3. and as appears by the Grant of K. Philip and Mary an 1. 2. of their reign was an inclosed grove but stands from the town about a mile South-west Wolston FOllowing the stream of Avon the next place I come to is Wolston which is a large Parish and conteins sundry villages and hamlets viz. Merston Stretton upon Dunsmore and Prinsthorpe on the same side the River with Brandon and Bretford on the other In the Conq. days Earl Roger held it by Rainaldus his under-tenant it being then certified to contein five hydes and one virgate of land but in the generall Survey written is Uluricetone in one place and Uluestone in another all under the title of Terra Rogerii Comitis at which time there was a Church and had its appellation originally from some antient possessor thereof in the Saxons time Wulfricus being a name usuall in those days from whence it hath antiently been written Wulfricheston and Wolfrichston though by contraction it be now called Wolston This Rogerius Comes before mentioned is he who was surnamed de Montegomerico by our old Historians being one of the chief Councellours to VVilliam Duke of Normandy for his expedition into England and to second his advice adventured himself in the Battail against K. Harold in which the Duke was victor whereupon as a reward for his fidelity and service he had first the City of Chichester and Castle of Arundell and
of his body who dying without issue in 31. Eliz. it returned to the Crown whereupon the said Queen by her Pat. dated 28. Oct. 40. Eliz. passed it to Randle Crew of Lincolns-Inne Esq. and Richard Cartwright of London Gent. and their heirs who by their deed of bargain and sale bearing date xxiii Iunii 41. Eliz. granted it to Thomas Dilke Esq. but afterwards Kt. and to his heirs whose Grand-child William Dilke of Maxstoke-Castle now enjoys it The Church here was very antiently given by the Prior of Coventre unto the Cathedrall of Lichfield in the name of a Prebend and in 1291. 19. E. 1. was valued at xv marks but in 26. H. 8. at xi l. vi sol viii d the Procurations and Synodalls being then vi sol viii d. per an and the Curate a stipendary to the Prebend But in it are neither Arms nor Monuments Bobenhull BElow Rieton lyes Bobenhull which in the Conq. time being possest a by Robert de Statford of whom I am to speak in Wotton-wawen and of him held by one Aluric whose freehold it had been before the Norman invasion contained then five hydes whereof the woods were two furlongs in length and two in breadth there being at that time a Mill but the value of all then certified at fifty shillings where it is written Bubenhalle In 13. Ioh. this Mannour answered for the third part of a Knights fee amongst the lands which were of the Honour of Herveus de Stafford And in 36. H. 3. amongst the fees held of the Lord Stafford it was certified that the Earl of Warwick held two parts of a Knights fee here But in 7. E. 1. Iohn Fitzwith being Lord thereof held it of Hugh de Plessets by the third part of a Kts. fee the same Hugh holding it over of the Baron of Stafford which Iohn had at that time here one carucate of land in demesn ten servants that held two yard land and a half seven Freeholders holding ten yard land and eight acres as also eight Cottagers In whose family it continued till the later end of Edw. 3. time but then went away with a Daughter and heir as the descent here inserted will shew Wido filius Roberti 36. H. 3. Ioh. fil Guidonis 7. E. 1. Rob. fil Guidonis miles 3. E. 2. Guido fil Rob. 9. E. 2. Eliz. filia haeres infra aetat 10. E. 2. Thomas de Lucy Joh. le Fitzwith 20. E. 2. Joh. Fitzwith Johan ux 2. postea nupta Will. de Tyrington 15. R. 2. Robertus le Fitzwith dictus le Fitz-Gy 30. E. 3. Agnes filia Will. Catesby Iohanna filia haeres probavit aetatem 49. E. 3. Joh. Beauchamp de Holt Joh. Beauchamp mil. obiit 8. H. 5. Alicia Ioh. Pauncefot 1. maritus Margareta filia haeres Ioh Wysham 2. maritus 1. H. 6. Rob. le Fitzwith I am of opinion that these Fitzwith's had their seat here as I shall further instance anon therefore I purpose here to memorize what I find notable of them Of this Iohn whom I have already mentioned I find that he was the first that assumed the sirname of Fitzwith being the son of one Guido or Guy called Guido filius Roberti as in Shotswell I shall have occasion to shew and in 3. E. 1. one of those who had Commission for the Gaol delivery at Warwick as also that in 5. E. 1. he attended the King in his expedition into Wales at which time the Welch were reduced to subjection their Prince being then content to accept of such termes as K. Edward would afford him And that in 29. E. 1. he was one of those that received the Kings precept to be at Berwick upon Twede sufficiently appointed with Horse and Armes to march against the Scots To whom succeeded Robert called Robertus filius Guidonis who being a Kt. in 3. E. 2. wrote himself of this place which Robert had issue Guy that dyed in 10. E. 2. leaving Elizabeth his Daughter and Heir within age who departed this life without issue as it seems for the inheritance came to Robert le Fitzwith Nephew to the last Guido by Iohn his Brother which Robert having no issue setled part of his lands in his life time upon the said Robert le Fitzwith his Nephew as I shall more fully shew when I come to Bernangre the rest descending to him This last mentioned Robert had two wives Agnes the Daughter of Will. Catesby and Ioane who survived him and marryed to Will. de Tyrington and died in 36. E. 3. leaving issue Ioane his Daughter and heir ward to Sir Richard Penbruge Kt. by the Kings grant which Ioane marryed to Iohn Beauchamp of Holâ— in Worcester-shire and proved her age in 49. E. 3. whereupon her husband and she had livery of her lands This Iohn Beauchamp had the honour to be the first man that ever had creation to the dignity of a Baron in England by Patent which bears date at Wodstoke x. Octobris undecimo R. 2. but he enjoy'd it not long for the same year the rebellious Lords having rais'd a potent army came up to London and there mustering their men in the sight of the Tower where the King then lodg'd forced him to call a Parliament wherein by their power they did what they listed causing Sir Robert Tresilian chief Justice of England and divers others to be attainted of treason of which number this Sir Iohn Beauchamp then Lord Steward of the Kings house-hold being one was thereupon hang'd drawn and quartered But by the Kings writ of Monstraverunt directed to the Justices of the Common Pleas in xv R. 2. upon the allegation of William de Tyrington and Ioane his wife wherein they set forth that the said William and Ioane had recovered the third part of this Mannour in 43. E. 3. as the dowrie of Ioane against the said Iohn Beauchamp and Elizabeth it appears that the said Iohn and Elizabeth long before this attainder viz. the Sunday being the feast day of the exaltation of the Holy cross in 7. R. 2. did demise it unto Iohn Catesby to hold during the said Iohn Catesby his life in consideration of viii l. per an to be payd to the said Iohn Beauchampe and Ioane and their heirs so that by reason of this demise the viii l. Rent per an onely and the reversion after Iohn Catesby his death were seized for the King in regard of the aforesaid attainder And which is not the least notable that his coat of male being then in the hands of one Iohn Reede an Armorer of London was thereupon delivered up unto Henry E. of Derby afterwards King by the name of Henry the 4. by a speciall command But this attainder as all things else done in that Parliament of xi R. 2. held by force being made void in the Parliament of 21. R. 2.
of Richard fitz Robert To which William succeeded Thomas who in 55 H. 3. held half a Knights fee in this place and Eton now Nun-Eaton with Sapcote in Leicestershire After which have I not seen any thing considerable relating thereto till 20 E. 3. that William Moton answered for the 8th part of a Knights fee here held of the Honour of Winchester whose title therein divolved as it seems to Richard Grey of Codnoure and Laurence Dutton for in 11 R. 2. the half Knights fee before specified lying here and in Eaton was certified to have been held by them of Henry Lord Ferrers of Groby From which time till 1 Mariae can I discover no more thereof but then was it found that Sir Walter Smyth of whom I have spoken in Shirford dyed seized of the third part of this Mannour As also 300 acres of pasture 60 acres of meadow and 2 s. rent lying here and in Hinkley purchased of Iohn Leeke and Richard Astell leaving Richard his son and heir 22 years of age which Richard in 35 Eliz. being possest of two parts setled them upon William Littleton in marriage with Margaret his daughter in the same manner as he did Shirford whereof I shall speak at large since which it hath accompanyed the possession of that Lordship Burton-Hastings SOuthwards from Stretton and adjoyning thereto lyes Burton antiently called Burton-Hastings by reason that the Hastings were sometime Lords thereof which with other Lands whereof I shall make mention in their due places being part of the possessions belonging to Siunard sirnamed Barn a potent man in England before the Conquest was among other the distributions which William the Conquerour made given to Henry de Fereires one of his Normans Progenitor to that great Family afterwards Earls of Derby and contained then 4 hydes having 2 mills belonging thereto the value of the whole being certified at xl s. But in the general Survey it is written Bortone howbeit in after times Burthon Burhton Burugton Burughton and sometimes Burtone from the old English word 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 as I guess signifying with the Saxons not onely a place fortified with some warlike rampier or wall but that which had a kind of fence or closure about it or else from 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and then may it be colonorum villa In H. 2. time half this Town was given to the Monastery of Nun-Eaton by Geffrey le Abbe and Emme his wife it being of her inheritance with the consent of Raph de Turvill and Richard le Abbe heirs to the said Geffrey and Emme and confirmed to them by the Charter of the same King the residue as it seems coming soon after to the family of Hastings for in 36 H. 3. it was certified that Henry de Hasteng held 1. Kts. fee here and in Shireford of the Earl Ferrers And in 53 H. 3. upon the death of Henry de Hastings amongst other Kts. fees assigned in dowry to Ioane his wife there was one in this Burton which Nich. de Turvile then held How or when Turviles interest passed away I have not seen but in 9 E. 2. Iohn the son of Fouke de Orreby having as by his deed he expresses granted all his Lands which he had in the Village of Borghton to William de Herle and his heirs paying to the said Iohn and his heirs 7 marks of silver yearly at the feasts of Easter and St. Michael the Archangel by equal portions then released to the said William all his title to that Rent of 7 marks reserving 6 marks to be paid by the said William during the life of him the said Iohn which release bears date at Stapleford in Cheshire 9 R. 2. whereupon the same year it was certified that the Prioress of Eton and William de Herle were Lords of this place Which William had issue Sir Robert de Herle Kt. assigned one of the Justices for conservation of the peace in this County in 18 and 19 E. 3. who gave a messuage in Eaton to the Nuns there and in 21 E. 3. departed this life leaving his son Robert then 30 years of age which Robert dyed in 38 H. 3. without issue whereupon Sir Raph Hastings Kt. son of Margaret sister to the said Robert became his next heir which Sir Raph had issue Raph that dyed 21 R. 2. leaving issue Raph Richard and Leonard Of these Raph the eldest being attainted for Treason lost his head 20 Iul. 6 H. 4. for conspiring with Richard Scroop Archb. of Yorke and others against the King but Richâ—rd his younger brother a man of better affectionâ— to the Crown had restitution of his Lands and in 2 H. 5. underwent the Shiriffalty for this County and Leicestershire After which viz. in 9 H. 5. he was retained by Indenture to serve the K. in his wars beyond Sea with 10 Men at Arms and 30 Archers taking 2 s. a day for his own wages 1 s. for every of the said Men at Arms and 6 d. for every Archer In 1 5 and 11. H. 6. he had again the custody of those Counties But in 15 H. 6. dyed leaving Leonard his brother and heir xl years of age Which Leonard being also Shiriff for these Counties in 32 H. 6. departed this world in 34. leaving William his son and heir afterwards Lord Chamberlain to K. Edw. 4. and erected to the degree of a Baron by the same King as also made Master-worker of the K. Moneys both Gold and Silver and Keeper of all manner his eschange and interchange in the Tower of London Ireland and Caleys This is he whom Ric. D. of Glouc. afterwards Kning by the name of Ric. 3. caused to be pull'd from the Councel Table in the Tower and immediatly beheaded upon a peice of Timber within the walls of that place as our Historians do manifest But he had a more honourable burial viz. in the Chapel of St. George at Windsor by the appointment of his last Will and Testament and in a place assigned for that purpose by K. E. 4. in his life time where is a fair Monument erected over him by his Executors for the making whereof he bequeathed an hundred marks To whom succeeded Edward his son and heir stiled Lord Hastings and Hungerford who by his Testament in 22 H. 7. bequeathed his body to be buried in the Colledge at Windsor near his Fathers Tombe and left issue George Lord Hastings which George was afterwards created Earl of Huntington 8 Dec. 21 H. 8. and sold this Mannour to Thomas Harvey Esq a rich Merchant who by his last Will and Testament bequeathed it together with one messuage lying in Wodcote in this County to the use of 3 Priests during xxi years to keep an Obit for his soul. After which time it returned to his four
souls of the father and mother with the ancestours and heirs of the said Will. la Zuche and Will. Danet and of all the faithfull deceased Concerning which Chantry the B. of Cov. and Lich. upon his Ordination thereof the next ensuing year thus declared That there having been a Chappel of the blessed Virgin Mary within this Mannour of Weston and therein divine service celebrated time out of mind which being grown ruinous was then newly fallen down Sir Will. la Zuche of Haringworth Kt. had rebuilt the same with a fair fabrick in honour of the said blessed Virgin for the good estate of himself as also of Sir Will. la Zuche of Totenes and the Lady Eliz. his wife with their children during this life and afterwards for the health of their souls and for the souls of Will. de Boys Sir Eudo la Zuche Melisent de Montalt Maud la Zuche Elene la Zuche and their children departed this life And for the souls of Will. Danet and Richard Dobyn and other Benefactors with all the faithfull deceased But whereas the first licence for amortizing the lands before mentioned was for two Priests as I have said it seems the said Sir VVill. la Zuche chang'd his purpose for I find that in 21 E. 3. he had the K. licence for the alteration thereof for one Priest onely so that the said Priest might have another under him for performance of that service Belonging to the Lord Zouch his Mannour-house here there was antiently a Park as it seems for in 46 E. 3. Sir VVill. la Zuche had licence to turn a way for the enlargement thereof Howbeit in 10 H. 6. where VVill. Lord Zouch was certified to hold this Mannour it is called Weston-Arnold for distinction from the other Westons in this County in regard that Arnold de Boys had antiently been owner thereof But after the attainder of Iohn Lord Zouch in 1 H. 7. the K. granted it to Sir Iames Blount and to the heirs males of his body nevertheless it seems that the family of Zouch afterwards regain'd it for in 6 E. 6. George Lord Zouch was possest thereof and dyed seized of it 19 Iunii 19 Eliz. leaving Edward his son and heir who sold it to Humphrey Davenport Esq. and Richard Bucknam with Bulkinton and other lands by which means it came to Sir Christopher Yelverton Kt. of the Bath and Anthony Stoughton Esq the present Lords thereof as Bulkinton did A Tradition there is that one of the Lord Zouches who much affected to reside here and wanting sufficient mowing ground for his use upon a time invited the Free-holders of Bulkinton to his house and welcoming them with very good entertainment proposed the purchasing of their several doles in a fair large meadow which lay fitly for him All which assented except one Rogers Whereupon the rest urging him to do as they had done the Lord Zouch said Let the Churle alone with his peice And so to this day the posterity of the said Rogers continue possest thereof it being called the Churles peice Rieton juxta Bulkinton THE first mention that I find of this place is in that grant of the Tithes thereof to the Abby of Leicester as a member of the Parish of Bulkinton viz. when the Church of Bulkinton was first given thereto by Roger de Watervile of which I have already spoken but that it was and is a member of Bulkinton or rather Weston where the Lord had his seat all the testimonies from Record which I have produced before do manifest and therefore I shall not need to say any more thereof Bramcote THis place in the Conq. time contained two hydes whereof one and a half then belonged to Earl Alberie of whom I have made mention in Clifton and the other half hyde to Ric. Forestarius of whom I shall speak in Chesterton But before the Conquest one Salo was owner of that which Earl Alberic had being the same man that afterwards held Bulkintone of the Earl of Mellent The other half hyde one Sexi possest It is there written Brancote perhaps from Bran the Saxon and coit or coed the British word which signifie the burnt wood That the inheritance of this Village was as antiently in Watervile as any of those before specified were I am induced to believe for Roger de Watervile gave six yard land and the Mill here to the Abby of Leicester by the consent of Robert Earl of Leicester his Lord and Founder of that Monastery which grant was afterwards confirmed by Arnold de Boys his Nephew and all the rest of the succeeding Arnolds Yet in an Inspex made by Thomas Earl of Lanc. whereby he recites divers grants to the Canons of Leic. and amongst those the same yard land in Bramcote he declares it to have been given to them by Geffrey le Abbe of whom I had occasion to make mention in Burton-Hastings and together with his confirmation thereof ratifies also the gift of two yard land more which one Ranulph held so that there being eight yard land therein belonging to the Abby of Leic. besides the Mill and what was appurtenant thereto the Canons of that House did as in other their lands in this County claim a Court-Leet and other priviledges therein in 13 E. 1. as granted by the Ks. progenitors to that Monastery for which they then produced their Charters But in 6 E. 2. I find that the heirs of Henry de Hastings held the third part of a Kts. fee here of Iohn de Hastings the elder then deceased it being then written Brompcote The like is certified as to the tenure of that third part by the heirs of the said Henry in 49 E. 3. 14 H. 6. and 16 E. 4. But what the Lord Zouch possest in this Village I am not able directly to point out howbeit certain it is that something he enjoy'd in regard the Free-warren granted to him in 7 E. 2. extended into his demesn lands here as well as in those of Weston Bulkinton and Ryton As for that which the Abbot of Leic. had it amounted to the third part of a Kts fee for in 20 E. 3. it is certified that so much he held of the Earl of Lancaster who then had the Honour of Leic. as is well known All which lands so belonging to that Abby were in 38 H. 8. granted to Edward Watson Esq and Henry Herdson and to the heirs of the same Edward who as I have heard had two daughters that were his heirs the one marryed to ..... Turner the other to ..... Lisle from which ..... Lisle descended ..... Lisle that sold his moytie to George Purefey of Wolvershill Gent. And from ..... Turner William his Grandson of whom Gamaliel Purefey son to the said George purchased the other Wolvershill THE first mention that I meet with of this place is in 21 E. 1. where it is setled
blood from those great families of Vaux Longvile and Bellers a younger branch of Moubray left issue Everard Fildyng his son and heir Shiriff of this County and Leicestersh in 21. E. 4. and in 2 H. 7. a Commander in the Kings Army at the battail of Stoke juxta Newarke So likewise at Black-heath in Kent in 12 H. 7. which Everard being made Kt. of the Bath at the marriage of Prince Arthur in 15 of that King's reign was Custos Rotulorum in the County of Leic. within two years after And by his Testament bequeathing his body to be buried before the Altar of our blessed Lady in the Black-Fryers at Northampton departed this life in 6 H. 8. leaving issue by Iellis Russell his wife VVill. Fildyng Esq. Shiriff of Rutlandshire in 11 and 12. as also in 18 H. 8. but afterwards Kt. who having been imployed about raising forces out of his Tenants and otherwise for the Wars of France and Scotland in the time of H. 8. as by severall Privy Seals appeareth assisted likewise with no lesse than xvi Horse at his own charges against the Scots as from the Registers sometime belonging to the Councell-table hath been observed As also with ten able persons most Archers and Gunners in that Navall preparation made by the same King under the conduct of the Earl of Southampt for preventing such attempts as might be exercised by the Pope or his Agents whose Supremacy he had abolished And was in such esteem with Q. Iane third wife to the said K. H. that in 29 H. 8. upon her delivery of Prince Edward she sent a Privy-Seal unto him signifying the same with desire of his congratulation and prayers This S r Will. by Eliz. Daughter to S r Thomas Pultney of Misterton K t leaving issue Basill dyed 24 Sept. 2. E. 6. which Basill was Shiriff of this County in 11 Eliz. and took to wife Godith second of the 7 Daughters and coheirs to Will. Willington of Barcheston Esq by whom he had issue William Shiriff of this County also in 31 Eliz. and thrice of Rutland viz. 24 34 and 40 Eliz. who being afterwards a K t by Dorothy the Daughter to S r Raph Lane by a Daughter and coheir to the Lord Parre of Horton had issue Basill Shiriff of this County in 9 Iac. which Basill by Eliz. Daughter to Sir Walter Aston of Tixshall K t had issue William Lord of this place an scil 1640. who being Knighted by K. Iames about the beginning of his reign and after made Custos Rotulorum in this County was in 18 thereof advanced to the dignity of Baron and Vicount Fildyng And in 20 ob generis claritatem nuptias admodum honorandas sed praecipuè ob eximiam virtutem erga nos Coronam nostram fidem as the words of that Charter importâ— created Earl of Denbigh And having been constituted Master of the great Wardrobe and Admirall at Sea in severall expeditions did likewise by his marriage with Susan Sister to George late D. of Buck. not a little enlarge the honour of this Family In another Window of the Parlour In the parlour Window at Newnham Cester-Over THis was antiently a village of many dwellings but long since depopulated so that there remains now no more than the Mannour House and that reduced to so mean a condition as 't is scarce capable of any Inhabitant other than an ordinary Feâ—mour the grounds for the most part being converted to Sheep-pasture Of later times it hath been by the vulgar called Cester-Over which occasioned Mr. Cambden in his Britannia to represent it as a place of great antiquity and no less then a City in the Romans time to which opinion the adjacency of Watlingstreet did as it seems the more encline him But that addition which is by the corrupt pronunciation of the vulgar called Cester â— should in truth be Thester for so 't is antiently written as I shall shew anon and not used neither till a long time after the Conquest for in Domesday-Book it is called Wara where the place now called Church-Over is written Waure as well as Wara and Browns-Over also Waure and Wara as I have already shew'd with the reason thereof As for this addition of Thester for distinction from the other towns before mentioned it is no more than to signify the Eastern situation thereof from Monkskirby in which Parish it is and so by contracting two words into one viz. The Easter or The Eastward for the more brief expression is called and written Th'ester Robertus temp Conq. Robertus de Waure temp H. 2. Will. de Wavere dom de Thester-Waver 3. R. 1. Will. cognom de Blith Rob. de Waver miles Emma filia Rogeri Pantolf cohaeres Will. Pantolf fratris sui Will. de Waver miles 35. H. 3. obiit 56. H. 3. Johanna haeres Rob. de Hayrun dom de Church-Lalleford Will. de Waver 35. E. 1. Alicia filia Rob. Lovet de Neuton 35. E. 1. Robertus de Thestre-Waure 20. 47. E. 3. Ioh. Waver de Thestrewaver 10. H. 6 Christiana filia .... lakes Hen. Waver miles Aldermannus Civit. Lond. obiit 10 E. 4. Joh. Waver Thomas Waver Henr. Waver fil haeres ob 19. E. 4. Will. Brown ar 1 maritus Christiana filia haeres aet 5. an 19 E. 4. ob 37. H. 8. Humfr. Dimock ar 2. maritus Ioh. Browne â—sabella Edw. Browne ar consangu haeres Christianae aet 22. an 37. H. 8â— In the Conq. dayes Geffrey Wirce of whom I have so often made mention possest it at which time being certified to contain 5. Hides and having a Mill it was valued at xl s. one Robert then holdng it of the said Geffrey which Robert was paternall Ancestour as I conceive to the family of Waure written afterwards Waver who assuming their Sirname from hence flourished here till toward the end of E. 3. time as this descent manifesteth But the first of this line touching whom I have found any thing of note is Sir Rob. de Wavere Kt. who wedded Emma one of the two Daughters of Sir Roger Pantolf Kt. Lord of Neubold-Pantolf and coheirs to Will their Brother This Sir Robert was a good benefactor to the Monks of Combe for besides the grant of 2. yard land common for 100. Sheep 24. Beasts and 30. Hoggs for xxii marks of silver he gave them 96. acres of errable land lying in this village with his Body to be buried in that Monastery appointing the like solemnity to be performed for his Obit as for a Monk of that Covent To him succeded Sir William his Son and heir who wedded Iuliana heir to Rob. Hayrun Lord of Church-Lawford Which Sir VVill. in 35. H. 3. founded a Chantry in the Priory of Monkskirby and endowed it with certain lands and Rents lying in Cosford In 38. H.
hides and a half here which were then valued at xx s. and whereof before the Conquest 4. Theins were possest At that time there was one Anseisus who held also 4. hides more in this place which in Edw. the Conf. time were the freehold of Bruning These were likewise valued at xx s. there being then a Priest which shews that it had a Church so ancient and a Mill rated at xvi d. In that Record it is written Herdeberge which gives me occasion to conjecture that the name at first arose partly from the situation and party from the herds of cattell there kept the old English word 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 signifying a Hill When it went out of the hands of these persons above specified I am not able to shew but long it was not ere that a family assuming their sirname from hence possest a great part thereof howbeit the residue in substance with the advouson of the Church being that part it seems which Anseius held in the Conq. time did very antiently come to the family of Langley for it appears that Geffrey de Langley gave some part thereof to the Monks of Combe in H. 2. time and that Geffrey his grandchild in 39. H. 3. sold to them all the rest that he had here amounting to 2. carcucats reserving only the said advouson and a rent of x. li. vj. s. sterling per ann to himself and his heires issuing out of those carucats and payable in the great Church of Coventre on Christmas eve Easter eve Midsummer eve and Michaelmass eve by equall portions But I returne to the line of Herdeberge Ansketillus de Herdeberg 16. H. 2. Hugo de Herdeberg 1. H. 3. Rog. de Herdebergh 33. H. 3. Hugo de Herbergh 53. H. 3. Isabella relicta 14. E. 3. Rog. de Herdeberg mortuus 14. E. 1. Ida relicta 14. E. 1. Ela filia cohaeres infra aet 14. E. 1. primò nupta Walt. de Hopton sâ—cundò Will. le Boteler de cujus progenie vide in Willey Isabella filia cohaeres Joh. de Hulls 33. E. 1. Ela â—ive-Ioh fil Ioh. Alicia f. de Peto cohaeres 2. maritus 18. E. 2. Joh. de Langley Galfr. de Langley defunctus 4. E. 3. Maria 18. E. 3. Will de Kareswell 2. maritus defunctus 33. E. 3. Galfr. Langley defunctus 33. E. 3. Iohanna filia haeres aet 17. ann 33. E. 3. ux Ioh. filii Alani de Cherleton militis Petrus Careswell miles 46. E. 3. Dionysia filia cohaeres ux Ioh. de Watervill 18. E. Hasculfus Of these Hugh de Herdeberg was one of that number who being in armes against K. Iohn return'd to obedience in 1. H. 3. having then restitution of his lands seized on for that offence His grandson Hugh in 3. E. 1. was constituted one of the Justices for the gaol-delivery at Warwick Whose son Roger left onely two daughters betwixt whom the inheritance of this mannour hapned to be divided as it seemes for it appears that Ela the widow of Walter Hopton in 33. E. 1. passing a way her right to Iohn Hulls and Isabell her sister and the heires of the said Isabell it came to Ela one of the daughters and coheirs of the said Isabell who taking to her second husband Iohn de Peyto joyned with him in the entayling thereof upon her issue by the said Iohn with remainder to Sir Walter Hopton Kt. and his heirs son to the before specified Walter as I guess By which means it divolved to Sir Iohn Hopton Kt. whose posterity in 1. H. 5. obtained that interest which Iohn de Langford son of Henry de Langford had here for some title they had it seems by descent from one of the coheirs to Will. le Boteler second husband to Ela de Herdeberg before specified as the descent in Willy doth manifest Of these Hopton's the last was Walter who departed this life in 1. E. 4. seized of the moytie of this mannour leaving Eliz. his sister and heire then 30. years of age and wedded to Roger Corbet of Morton in Com. Salop from whom descended Robert Corbet who died 30. Maii. 25. Eliz. leaving Eliz. and Anne his daughters and heires within age As for the other moitie â—tis plain that Iohn de Langley first husband to Ela one of the daughters and coheirs to Iohn de Hulls and descendant to Geffrey before mentioned had it in the right of the said Ela whose posterity past it away to Sir Baldwin Frevill the elder as it seemes for plain it is that upon the partition of Frevill's lands betwixt the sisters and heires of the last Sir Baldwin in 31. H. 6. thâ— same moitie there called the mannour was allotted to Thomas Ferrers Esq. in right of Eliz. his wife the eldest of those coheirs by which meaâ—s it descended to his posterity Lords of Tamworth-castle as by severall authorities appeareth But as for the x. li. vi s. rent and advouson of the Church I find that Sir Peter Careswell Kt. son and heire to Sir Will. Careswell second husband of Mary wife to Geffrey de Langley â— son and heire to the abovementioned Iohn and Ela obtained it and by their deed bearing date 45. E. 3. granted them unto the before specified Sir Baldwin and his heires by which means they divolved also with the mannour unto the family of Ferrers In An. 1291. 19. E. 1. the Church dedicated to All Saints was valued at vii marks and a half but in 26. H. 8. at xiv l. xiii s. ii d. over and above ix s. vi d. allowed for Procurations and Synodals Patroni Ecclesiae Incumbentes D. Ioh. de Langford miles Rob. de Farendon 13. Kal. Ian. 1305. D. Will. de Caverswell miles Adam de Sadyngton Pbr. 5. Kal. Martij 1335. D. Will. de Caverswell miles Will. de Thornton cap. Kal. Martij 1336. Ioh. Trillow Dominus de Pinleye Hen. Caytewayte Pbr. 6. Id. Aug. 1361. Fulco Bermyncham miles Procur generalis Baldw. Frevill militis Simon de Eston Pbr. 3. Kal. Martij 1366. Adam de Pâ—shale miles Will. Layscheser 8 Ian. 1404. Adam de Pâ—shale miles Will. Smyth Cap. 8. Nov. 1417. Tho. de Ferrers ar Rog. Aston miles Hugo Willoughby ar Tho. Roxson 8 Aug. 1421. Tho. de Ferrers Ric. Bingham Rob. Aston ar Ioh. Stodelay Cap. 20 Nov 1450. Tho. Ferrers ar Tho. Rogers Cap. 18 Oct. 1458. Tho. Ferrers mies D. Ioh. Paynell Pbr. ult Maii 1497. Will. Wirley alii ex concess Humfr. Ferrers de Tamworth militis Anselmus Seyll 18 Ian. 1540. Ioh. Ferrers Franc. Kymberley Cler. 16 Iunii 1557. Tho. Basset de Brouns-Over ex conc Will. Boughton de Lawford Tho. Basset sil dicti Thomae 21 Dec. 1629. Harborow-parva OF this place have I met with nothing but
heir created Baronet 24 Dec. 16 Iac. whose son and heir Francis advanced to the dignity of Lord Dunsmore 11 Iulii 4 Car. and afterwards to be Earl of Chichester now scil an 1650. enjoyes it The Church dedicated to ..... is not presentative nor hath in it any Arms or Monuments Arley HAving now taken notice of all those places which lye contiguous to the River Avon on its North side till the stream of Sow meet therewith I must in pursuance of my method ascend to the head of that brook which riseth Westwards from Astley as the Map will shew and not far from the skirts of Arley And therefore to dispatch this corner of the Hundred I will begin with Arley whereof there is a member called Sloley though little taken notice of now but because I find that antiently there is mention of it in Records I must not omit it The later sillable of this Towns appellation is very frequently used as we know for terminating the names of sundry Villagesâ— and if we ascend to the British for its original we shall find I le in that language to be the same with locus in the Latine but if to the Saxons ley there signifieth ground untill'd and in that sense we still use the word in relation to such land As for the former viz. Ar 't is British and signifieth the same with super in Latine which very well agreeth with the situation hereof the greatest part of the Parish being high ground in respect of the ascent to it almost every way so that then Ar-lei is by interpretation in effect locus altus In the Conq. time this was possest by one Cristina a great Woman and with her other lands in this County came immediatly to Raph de Limesi a Baron of eminent note whose chief seat was at Wulverle in those dayes a remarkable place though now there is nothing left thereof more than some grounds within the precincts of Solihull bearing the name and that somewhat corrupted by length of time In the general Survey it is recorded for one hyde the woods whereof contained a mile and half in length and half a mile in bredth all being then valued at lx s. and was as it may seem a member of Wolverle but it is there written A Blei in capital letters the Clerk mistaking the R for a B. Of this Raph de Limesi and his posterity I am to speak when I come to Wolverle where I shall insert the descent of that family whereby it will appear that the daughters and heirs thereof were matcht to Lindesei and Odingsels the former a Scot the other a Fleming Which family of Lindesei continued but a while but that of Odingsells remained even till our fathers memory as in Long-Ichington I shall fully shew Touching this Mannour of Arley I find that one Raph de Limesi who lived in K. H. 3. time had it and granted the inheritance thereof to Richard de Limesy his brother and to his heirs which Richard had issue Peter Howbeit whether the above mentioned Raph de Limesi issued from some younger brother of the family of Limesy whose descent I have plac't in Wolverle I am not able to say but I have seen an antient Pedegree of Odingsells which derives him from that family as son to the first Gerard who lived in H. 3. time expressing that he quitted his paternal name and called himself Limesi to preserve the memory of his Grand-mother Basilia de Limesi I presume in that she was so great an heir which was a course usual enough in antient time to do as I have elswhere observed Following therefore the guidance of that descent I have put this Raph and his brother Richard as younger sons to the said Gerard de Odingsells and the rather for that I conceive that the same Gerard was Lord of this Mannour in regard that he and his brother William had a trial at Northampton against Will. de Waverton and Gerard de Lindesei in 28 E. 3. concerning the advouson of this Church though afterwards it did not constantly accompany the possession of the Mannour as most in those elder times did For Will. de Odingsells of Solihull son to the before mentioned William had it in E. 1. time and yet afterwards Peter de Limesy presented as will appear by the Institutions The return therefore to the said Peter son of Richard whom I find thus possest of Arley as abovesaid He had Free-warren granted to him and his heirs here in 4 E. 2. and being a Knight in 5 E. 2. assisted the Earls of Lancaster Hereford and Warwick in the beheading of Piers de Gaveston for which with the rest he had his pardon in 7 of that K. reign In 9 E. 2. he was in Commission for choosing of foot-souldiers in this County for the wars of Scotland and the same year one of the Knights for this Shire in the Parliament then held at Lincoln In which Parliament the Commonalty giving unto the K. a xvi th towards the charge of his wars in Scotland the foot-souldiers elected as aforesaid were released by the K. command this Peter being with others assigned for levying the said sixteenth In 11 E. 2. he was in Commission for enquiry who they were that furnisht themselves with Arms and retained souldiers horse or foot or did confederate themselves by private meetings in this County And the same year being constituted Shiriff of the Counties of Salop. and Staff had the custody of the Castles of Shrewsbury and Bridgenorth committed to his charge In 14 E. 2. he was in Commission for the Goal-delivery at Warwick but afterwards in the rebellion with Thomas Earl of Lancaster for which his lands being forfeited were seized into the K. hands and dyed at Yorke the Monday next before the feast of the Epiphany in 18 E. 2. but whether a natural death or not the Record doth not specifie leaving issue Iohn de Limesy his son and heir then 24 years of age on whom this Mannour was setled by the grant of Ric. de Limesy his Grandfather What became of this Iohn de Limesy or what issue he had I find not but plain it is that in 2 E. 3. Sir Roger Corbet of Caus Kt. and Amicia his wife granted unto Sir VVill. Camvile Kt. son of Thomas Camvile the reversion of this Mannour as also of the Mannour of Sibbesdon in Leic. which Sir Roger had a daughter also called Amicia wife of Iohn de Odingsells as in Long-Itchington appeareth The next mention I meet with of it is in 19 R. 2. where it appears that Sir Roger Corbet of Lygh Kt. dyed seized of a third part thereof leaving Thomas his son and heir aged 23 years But in 5 H. 4. after the death of Sir Iohn Odingsells of Long-Itchington it was found that Sir Raph Rochford Kt. then held it with
his issue Male extinguisht this Mannour inter alia came by force thereof to Sir Will. Beauchamp Kt. second Son to Thomas Beauchamp E. of Warwick which Will. being afterwards summoned to Parl. as Lord Bergavenny had issue Richard whose Daughter and Heir Eliz. brought this Lordship unto the family of Nevill as in Fillongley is also more fully shew'd In which line it continued till Sir Henry Nevill late Lord Bergavenny sold it in our time to Sir Henry Compton Kt. of the Bath now scil an 1640. owner thereof Upon the brow of an hill in the Park here at Allesley do appear some ruins of building which as the Inhabitants say were of a Castle but in Record I cannot find that it was ever so termed That the Church was originally but a Chappell belonging to the Priory of Coventre and the occasion of its building I have already declared In 33 H. 3. there were certain persons delegated by the B. of Cov. and Lich. who with the consent of the Monks of Coventre and the then incumbent presented by the Lord Hastings did ordain that the said Incumbent and his successors should have of the profits belonging thereto all oblations obventions tythes and other emoluments reserving 6. s. 8. d. yearly to the said Church of Coventre in lieu of all burialls and excepting also the tythes of Allesley-Park and all personall tythes which were used amongst the oblations to be offered upon Sundaies in regard that the Lord Hastings being Patron of the Church had released to the Church of Coventre all his right of common in Coventre and Coundulme and the Hamlets adjacent which Ordination bears date on the day of St. Tiburce and Valerian an M. CCXLIX 33. H. 3. Patroni Incumbentes Edm. Com. Cornub ratione minoris aet custodiae haeredis c. Henr. de Hastings Gaufr de Stokelle Cler. 1283. Tho. le Blound miles Sim. de Gaynesburgh accol 13. Cal. Ian. 1326. Will. de Clinton Co. Hunt Ioh. Lynie Pbr. 7. Id. Maii 1337. Will. de Clinton Co. Hunt Tho. de Blythe accol 8. Id. Feb. 1341. D. Iuliana de Hastings Comitissa Hunt Henr. Hunte Cler. 3. Id. Martii 1357. Com. Penbrok Rob Ferror Pbr. 4. Kal. Aug. 1373. D. Rex ratione Dominii de Allesley post mortem Com. P. in manâ— sua exist Ioh. Bekâ—n Pbr. 4. Id. Ian. 1375. D. Rex ratione Dominii de Allesley post mortem Com. P. in manâ— sua exist Will. Reynald Pbr. 7. Kal. Dec. 1376. D. Iohanna de Beauchamp domina de Bergavenny Will. Neuport Cler. ult Martii 1422. D. Iohanna de Beauchamp domina de Bergavenny Tho. Rishum Cap. 19. Apr. 1426. Edw. Nevill dominus de Bergav Ioh. Strangwish Cler. 2. Oct. 1438. Edw. Nevill dominus de Bergav Will. Loveles Cap. 29. Aug. 1450. Rob. Diâ—son gen ratione conc H. Nevil mil. D. de Bergav Tho. Steele Cler. 20. Oct. 1554. Edm. Brode hac vice per conc H. domini de Bergav Phil Brode in art Bac. 17. Iunii 1569. Margar. Sanders vidua hac vice per conc ejusdem H. D. de Bergav Sam. Sanders Cler. 4. Oct. 1570. Coundon THis was originally a Member of Coventre as I have said and involved therewith in that grant of E. Leofric made to the Monks upon the foundation of the Monastery 1 Edw. Conf. though it be not particularly named in his Charter By the Conq. Survey it appears that the proportion belonging to the Monks in Condone for so it is there written extended to three virgats of land as also that the words were three furlongs 30. perches in length and 3. furlongs in breadth all being valued at xx s. And in the same Survey it is also recorded that Will. fil Corbuâ—ionis of whom I am to speak in Studley had one virgat of land here at the same time with woods conteining half a mile in length and four furlongs in breadth all which were then valued at 4. s. but there it is written Condelme so that in regard the name at that time is so variously recorded and altered out of doubt by corrupt pronunciation from what it first was I shal not trouble my self to guess at the Etymology thereof In 41 H. 3. the said Monks of Coventre had inter alia Free-warren granted to them in all their demeâ—â— lands here And in 44 H. 3. the tythes of this place amongst other of their Mannours were appropriated to them as belonging to Trinity Parish one of the Churches in that City In 53. H. 3. I find that Iohn Beneth of Allesley hâ—ld the xx part of a Kts. Fee here of Henry de Hasting Lord of Allesley which I suppose to be the same that is certified by the Conq. Survey to have been in the hands of Will. fil Corbucionis before specified the extent whereof was in 7 E. 1. signified to be but half a yard land and two acres then in the hands of three Freeholders So that the Monks of Coventre being owners of all the rest had a yard land thereof in demesn and nine Freeholders who held half a Carucat and 12. acres paying severall Rents doing suit of Court twice a year and performing certain servile work in Harvest In this village had the said Monks also a Court-Leet gallows with Assise of Bread and Beer by the grant of K. H. 3. As also weyfs estreys Felons-goods and for Heriots the principall vesell the names of what they so held in demesn being a certain grove named Fowlesmore and a parcell of ground called Priors-field The greatest part of which lands together with the tythes were after the dissolution of the Monasteries granted unto Ric. Andrews Gent. and Leonard Chamberlein Esq. but how they have past since is not much materiall for me to enquire Coventre FOllowing the stream of Shirburn it leads me next into Coventre still a City of eminent note yet much short in glory and Riches to what heretofore it hath been as I shall shew anon but for the originall of its name I can give no positive reason and therefore whither the first part thereof viz. Coven was occasioned by some Covent of Religious persons antiently founded here as some think for there was a Monastery of Nuns long before the Priory as I shall shortly manifest or whither from this little brook of which others conceive the true name to be Cune I will not stand to argue Sure I am that the last Sillable thereof viz. Tre is British and signifieth the same that villa in Latine doth from whence I conclude that the first plantation here hath been of very great antiquity though when or by whom made I cannot expect to discover having so little light of story to guide me through those elder times And as certain is it that a great part thereof and probably the most antient stood on the bank without Bishop-gate North-westward of the City for no less do
short and round their habit being the same with the Monks saving the scapular which reacheth but a little below the middle and is girt close to them Which Institution by Bruno was in the year 1080. as Polydore affirmeth but others say in ann 1084. Howbeit they observe the Rule of S. Benedict as to their diurnal and nocturnal offices yet have not antiently in any one Covent exceeded the number of xiii persons Into England they were first brought by K. H. 2. in ann 1181. 27 H. 2. who founded a Monastery for them at Witham in Somersetsh whereof Hugh Bishop of Lincoln was the first Prior. But now returning to this in particular I will begin with the time and occasion of its foundation Ordinis Carthusiani Monachus In the year 1381. 5 R. 2. Will. Lord Zouch of Haringworth in Northamptonsh having a desire to found a House of this Order near Coventre in honour of S. Anne obtained from Sir Baldwyn Frevile the elder Kt. 14 acres of land here at Shortley where he purposed to build the House resolving to endow it with sufficient possessions but being the same year prevented by death lying upon his sick bed he appointed that C marks per ann should be paid out of his lands untill his heirs did procure as much in Churches appropriate to be setled thereto Which Legacy his Confessor and others who were then about him thought too large and therefore prevailed with him that it should be no more than lx l. per ann The great affection that he had to the founding of this Monastery occasioned him to procure from the House of Carthusians in London three Monks viz. one Robert Palmer at that time Procurator there and the originall mover in that business Iohn Netherby then Vicar of the same Monastery and Edmund Dalling who accordingly came to Coventre on the Eve of S. Andrew the Apostle and began their abode in the Hermitage of S. Anne In which place associating to themselves three Monks from the Monastery of Beauvale in Notingham-sh and four more who were then newly profest of this Order they continued by the space of seven years But the Lord Zouch departed this life in Lent following whereupon his good intentions and fair beginnings were prosecuted by others For Rich. Luff sometime Mayor of Coventre and Iohn Botoner his fellow Citizen bestowed no less than 400. marks upon the Quire Church and Cloysters with three Cells in the east part next to the Chapter-house and making of seven ponds Iohn Holmeton of Sleford 180. li. towards the structure of the Quire and with xx li. of the goods of Will. Tilney whose Executor he was made the Cell at the West-corner of the Cloyster The fourth Cell on the East side was built by Margery Byri of Newarke who thereupon and for the Books of Isaiah and Ieremie with Coments bestowed xx li. The fift being the utmost on the said East side by the Lady Margerie Tilney of Rotston who gave x. li. also to the making of the East window of the Quire The sixt by Iohn Bokingham B. of Lincoln The seventh next to it on the same side by Thomas Beauchamp E. of Warwick And K. Rich. 2. returning from Scotland in the year 1385. about the Nativity of the blessed Virgin and coming to Coventre on Satturday within the Octaves of that Feast at the speciall instance of Q. Anne his consort with his own hands layd the first-stone of the Church viz. at the East end of the Quire publiquely protesting in the presence of his Nobles as also of the Mayor and Citizens of Coventre that he would be the Founder thereof and bring it to good perfection Neither were others slack in so pious a work For the eight Cell viz. the third on the South side was made with xx li. given as a Legacy thereto by Adam Botoner Citizen of Coventre The ninth next to it by Sir Nigel Loryng Knight at the procurement of Rob. Braybrok B. of London The tenth viz. the first in the West corner out of the goods of Will. Tilney before mentioned The eleventh by Iohn Morton Canon of Lichfeild But further I cannot go in the description of these Cells in regard I have not seene any more of the history of its Foundation Neither should I have delivered thus much but that by the care and affection of my worthy friend Mr. Iohn Langley whose delight and knowledge in Antiquities deserves greater commendation then I can in a few lines express the fragment whence I had this being a Manuscript of two leaves in Parchment and written in R. 2. time was redeemed from utterly perishing having been by some ignorant person made the Cover to a School-boy's Book I shall now therefore proceed with what I have from our publique Records wherein I find that K. Rich. 2. by his Precept bearing date 18. Martii in the said fift year of his raign directed to Sir Baldwin Frevill Kt. Rich. Dodenhale then Major of Coventre and Rich. Luff wherein he expresseth that Iohn Netherbury was assigned Prior of this House so intended to be founded in Shortleyfield within the libertyes of Coventre And declaring the bounds of those 14. acres of land so given by Sir Baldwin Frevill viz. in length from the path-way leading towards London on the East part to the river of Shirburne on the West and in breadth from the common road which goeth towards Warwick on the South part to the Mill called Bushele-milne on the North part doth command that the said Sir Baldwin Richard and Richard shall deliver possession thereof unto the same Prior and Monks Soon after which did the said K. grant license to these Monks that they might obtain advousons of Churches to be appropriated to the value of c. li. per annum over and above what should be assigned for endowment of Vicars in the same And within two years following bestowed on them the advouson of the Church of Walton super Trent in Derby-shire In 9. of his reign he gave them the advouson of the Church of Ecclesfeild in York shire In 13. he granted License to the Monks of S. George at Bauquerville in Normandy that they might settle their mannour or Priory of Edweston in Rutland upon them And in 16. in recompence for the advouson of the Church of Walton before mentioned which he had granted with the Mannour to Iohn Delves esq gave them license to purchase the Priory of Lymberg alias Limbroke in Hereford-shire with the parcells of Curtelyngton and Ashby-Mares together with the advouson of the Vicaridges all which belong'd to the Abby of Aveneye in Normandy Certain it is that the strictness of their Rule begot an exceeding regard towards them from many good people as by the increase of their possessions is evident For in 17. R. 2. they had license to purchase from the Abbot of S. Sergius and Bachus in Normandy the Mannours of Swauseye and Dry-Drayton in
been granted by Thomas Wygford Prior of Coventre and his Covent to one Will. Allicock for 80. years from the 29. of Sept. 26. H. 8. And that afterwards viz. 32. Eliz. the Q. by her Letters Pat. bearing date 21. Martii conveyed inter alia to Sir Iohn Harington Knight afterwards created Lord Harington of Exton and Iohn Read gentleman this Mannour of Sow so before leased Which said Sir Iohn and Iohn by their deed of bargain and sale bearing date 2. Iunii the same year past away the Mannour house to Edw. Lapworth and his son with divers lands thereto belonging from whom descended Alexander Lapworth the present owner thereof Anno 1640. But the Royalty or Mannour with some lands there being reserved by the said Sir Iohn Harington were by Lucie Countesse of Bedford his daughter and heir bequeath'd by Will as I have heard to Mr. George Purefoy of Belgrave in Leicestersh who still enjoys it I now return to that part which Richardus Forestarius held This as Chesterton in Kineton-Hundred also did went with Margery the daughter and heir of the said Richard unto William Crok which William leaving it to his son William who was hang'd for felony it escheated to the Crown but by the favour of the King was given to Rob. de Brok that had marryed Margery sister to the said William which Robert leaving one onely daughter and heir who was wedded to Hugh de Loges it thereby came to that family and so through Loges his heir generall at length to Peto as will more clearly be discerned by the descent in Chesterton where I have observed what is memorable of all those families I shall therefore here take notice onely of them so far as they had relation to this place and no further And first concerning Croc I find that though by the abovesaid forfeiture his estate here was confiâ—cate and that Loges had his interest by force of the Kings grant yet did the said Loges think fit to strengthen his title by an agreement with the heir of Croc as may appear by a Fine that Gilb. Croc levyed thereof in 1. Ioh. to the use of the said Hugh Loges and Margerie his wife and their heirs the proportion being the same viz. 1. hide as in the Conq. time the before specified Richardus Forestarius held Betwixt which Gilbert and the Prior of Coventre there had been suit concerning some claime that the said Gilbert made here for conclusion whereof the Prior granted to him Husbote and Heybote and the moytie of the third peny which should be made of the paunage in Sow In 7. E. 1. the particulars that Loges possest in this place were certified for two Carucats of land which he kept in demesne with six Freeholders who held two Cottages one yard land a half and fourth part and two acres by certain Rent and particular services and xl acres of out-wood wherein the Freeholders had reasonable estovers together with a Court-Leet all which he held of the King by Sergeanty viz. to be Keeper of the Forest of Cank though he had no originall grant to shew but certifies that it was per antiquam tenuram sine Charta Which words clearly manifesting that grants by Deed or Charter were not frequent in those elder times it will not be amisse I suppose to shew when such concessions first began wherein I shall exhibite the authority of a most authentique Historian I mean Ingulphus Secretary to the Conq. while he was only D. of Normandy and afterwards Abbot of Crouland who being so great a Schollar and withall a strict observer of the most eminent passages in his time deserves much the more credit Nam Chirographorum confectionem Anglicanam saith he quae antea usque ad Edwardi Râ—gis tempora fidelium praesentium subscriptionibus cum crucibus aureis aliisque signaculis firma fuerunt Normanni condemnantes Chirographa Cartas vocabant Chartarum firmitatem cum cerea impressione per uniuscujusque speciale Sigillum sub instillatione trium vel quatuor testium astantium conficere constituebant Conferebantur etiam primò multa praedia nudo verbo absque scripto vel charta tantùm cum Domini gladio vel cornu vel galea vel â—ratera plurima tenementa cum Calcari cum Strigili cum Arcu nonnulla cum Sagitta Sed hac initio regni sui posterioribus annis immutatus est iste modus The first sealed Charter that we have in England being that of King Edward the Confessor upon his foundation of Westminster Abby who having his education in Normandy brought into this Kingdom that and some other of their fashions with him which afterwards came to be imitated by all others though by the inferior sort not of a â—â—ng time as Mr. Lambert out of the History of Battail-Abbey observes where Ric. de Lucy Chief Justice of England in H. 2. time is reported to have blamed a mean subject for that he used a privat Seal when as that apperteyn'd as he said to the King and Nobility only But returning to Loges I finde that he held five tenements in this place of the Earl of Chester by the service of conducting the said Earl towards the Kings Court through the midst of the Forest of Kanck meeting him at Rotford-bridg upon notice of his coming and at Hopwas-bridg upon his return In which Forest the Earl might if he pleased kill a Deer in his going and another at his coming back giving unto Loges at each time he should so attend him a barb'd Arrow After which viz. in H. 3. time it appears that Hugh de Loges granted to Will. Bagot and his heirs all his lands in Sow to hold of him the said Hugh and his heirs by the payment of a pair of white Gloves price 1 d. or 1 d. in money at the feast of St. Michael yearly for all services Howbeit this though confirm'd by the King 16. Febr. 54. H. 3. took not effect For Richard de Loges son of the said Hugh commencing suite for the same land as his inheritance proved that his father was not compos mentis at the time when he sealed that Deed and so recovered it again Whereupon it became assigned by the name of a Mannour inter alia unto Eliz. the widow of the above mentioned Richard in 28. E. 1. upon whose decease in 11. E. 3. it was found that she held in dowrie certain lands here by petty-Sergeanty viz. giving to the King one barb'd Arrow as often and whensoever as he should pass through the road-way in Sow towards Wales to hunt there How this Mannour came by descent from the family of Loges to Peto the Pedegree in Chesterton will fully shew in whose line it hath ever since continued till this present age In this parish are the hamlets of Attoxhale and Woodend with the Mannour of Hanksbury but of the two first have
to the Barony of Rob. Grundebeof his grandfather which K. H. 1. had given away to Nigel de Albany father to Rog. de Molbrai who then possest it as I have already intimated in Newbold super Avon and that there was then an Agreement betwixt them whereupon Rog. de Moubray gave to the said Rob. Kirby-Moresheâ—d in Yorksh. with the appurtenances for ix Kts. fees to the end that the said Rob. should make no further claim yet because that the same accord had no confirmation in the K. Court nor by his royal authority VVill. de Stutevile son to the said Rob. commenced new suits against the before specified VVill. de Moubray in the beginning of K. Iohn's time which at length were determined by the said King and his great Councel in this manner viz. that the said VVill. de Stutevile should relinquish his claim to the before specified Barony in consideration whereof VVill. de Moubray was to pass unto him ix Kts. fees and xii l. rent whereupon they were made friends in the presence of the King then at Lue a house of the B. of Linc. within the Province of Lindsey in Lincolnsh on the Sunday called Septuagessima the second year of K. Iohn But these ix Kts. fees were over and above the other ix which by the Agreement in H. 2. time Stutevile had for they were in augmentum as the Historian as also the Record touching that determination manifesteth And for the xii l. rent above mentioned this very Brinklow was assigned to the said VVill. de Stutevile excepting onely the service of one Samps de Cornubia for what he held here by military service of the said VV. de Moubray To which Will. de Stutevile succeeded Nicholas his brother and to Nicholas Nicholas his son and heir who had a Mercate granted to him here by K. Iohn to be kept upon the Monday every week and a Faire yearly upon the Feast of S. Margaret which were confirmed to the same Nich. as by K. H. 3. his Charter dated here at Brinklow 15 Iulii 2 H. 3. and attested with the Seal of Will. Mareschall then Governour of the K. and Kingdome manifesteth But after this ere long it came to the possession of Segrave for in 24 H. 3. the K. granted to Steph. de Segrave a weekly Mercate here upon the Tuesday It seems that it continued but a while in that family for Ioan de Stutevile daughter and heir to the last Nicholas and afterwards the wife of Hugh Wake granted it to Albred de Wytlebiri to hold by the service of a sore Sparhauk yearly at Lammas or ii s. howbeit at that time the E. of Leicester held a Court here twice a year as also pleas of Withernam and had Assize of Bread and Beer in this place From which Albred descended Iohn de Whitelbury who in 9 E. 2. was certified to be Lord thereof but after him I find no more of that family that had to do here neither any thing else notable relating thereto till 18 E. 3. that the K. gave license to Will the son of Sir Rob. Thorpe Kt. to grant it to the Monks of Combe and their successors for ever it being then held of Thomas Lord Wake of Lydell by fealty and the service of a sore Sparhauk or 2 s. yearly Which Thomas held it over of the E. of Lanc. by Kts. service Whereupon the said Will. de Thorpe past it to them by his deed accordingly assigning Iohn Merinton and Philip Purefey to deliver possession thereof Which act of his was not onely confirmed by the said Thomas Wake but by Iohn Lord Moubray and Henry E. of Lanc. who were superiour Lords of the Fee Howbeit out of that grant to the Monks of Combe was excepted a Watermill with the Pool belonging thereto as also xx acres of meadow and ten acres of pasture all which Sir Iohn Rivell Kt. Eliz. his wife and Iohn their son held for term of their lives by lease from the said Will. de Thorpe Which Pool was called Magnum vivarium de Brinklow But upon the dissolution of that Monastery this Mannour coming to the Crown was granted by Q. Mary in 4 5 Ph. M. to Sir Rob. Lane Kt. and Anthony Throgmorton Esq to be held in socage Which said Sir Rob. and Anthony had license the same year to alien it unto Will. Daws to be held in capite Touching the site of the Castle all that I find is that it came afterwards to Arth. Gregory of Stivichall near Coventre who dyed seized thereof 1 Dec. 2 Iac. leaving Iohn his son aged 25 years But further it is memorable of this Brinklow that our famous Antiquary Iohn Rous of whom I shall speak in Guyes-cliff was descended of a family of that name which resided here In ann 1291. 19 E. 1. the Church dedic to S. Iohn Bapt. was valued at vi marks the annual Pension issuing out thereof in 26 H. 8. being 26 s. 8 d. Patroni Ecclesiae Incumbentes Prior Conv. de Kenilworth Hugo de Vnderwood Cler. 1252. Prior Conv. de Kenilworth Will. de Pontefracto Prior Conv. de Kenilworth Hugo de Uppewell Subdiac 1298. Prior Conv. de Kenilworth Ioh. de Poppering Accol 7 Id. Maii 1309. Prior Conv. de Kenilworth Ioh. de Horâ—on Cap. Id. Iulii 1320. Prior Conv. de Kenilworth Hen. de Halford Cal. Febr. 1324. Prior Conv. de Kenilworth Hugo de Stoke Accol 4. Cal. Sept. 1328. Prior Conv. de Kenilworth Nich. de Astelegh Cler. 2. Cal. Iulii 1331. Prior Conv. de Kenilworth Tho. de Banebury Cler. 5. Cal. Sept. 1334. Prior Conv. de Kenilworth Rob. de Shakerston Subdiac 6 Id. Ian. 1337. Prior Conv. de Kenilworth Ric. de Schareston 4 Cal. Febr. 1338. Prior Conv. de Kenilworth Rob. Sarazin 16 Cal. Oct. 1339. Prior Conv. de Kenilworth Ric. de Shakerston Cler. Non. Maii 1349. Prior Conv. de Kenilworth Will. de Frankton Cap. 2 Cal. Maii 1350. Prior Conv. de Kenilworth Adam Abbots Pbr. 24. Nov. 1374. Prior Conv. de Kenilworth D. Ioh. Stokes Triburensis episc 4 Iulii 1407. Prior Conv. de Kenilworth Rog. Reyner Cap. 5. Febr. 1408. Prior Conv. de Kenilworth Tho. Drowth Cap. 23 Sept. 1455. Prior Conv. de Kenilworth Ioh. Williams 20 Iulii 1524. Prior Conv. de Kenilworth Rad. Whitehead ...... 1528. Prior Conv. de Kenilworth Henr. Breton in Decretis Bacc. 4 Maii 1534. Ric. Haw Gen. ratione concess Pr. C. de Kenill Will. Harwar Cler. 28. Maii 1541. Eliz. Regina Gervasius Carington Cler. 3. Iulii 1583. Eliz. Regina Ioh. Bolton Cler. 15 Febr. 1584. Iacobus Rex Franc. Rodes Cler. 12 Oct. 1611. Iacobus Rex David Stokes in art Magr. 15
livery of those lands doing their homage in 44 H. 3. whereupon the possession of this Mannour went with Ednesoure Menill having of Savages lands in this County Neuton before mentioned as shall there be shewed at large Of this Tho. de Ednesoure I find that he was in Armes with the Barons against K.H. 3. whereupon his lands were confiscate and given by the K. first to Stephen de Eddeworth and afterwards making other satisfaction to the said Stephen to Philip Marmion Lord of Tamworth But by the Decree called Dictum de Kenilworth repossessing them again was in 7 E. 1 certified to be Lord of this Mannour then held of Tho. de Arden by the service of half a Kts. fee having in demesn 1 carucat 1 yard-land and 4. acres a water-mill and grove containing 1 acre of land and a half with a park of 4. acres As also xii villains holding 4. yard-land and a half in bond service xii Freeholders occupying xi yard-land and half and one acre by certain Rent and suit to his Court here at Bathkinton and Freewarren having appropriated to himself the fishing in the river Avon on the one side from Fintford-bridge to the bounds of Stonley as also the fishing of Sow on the one side from the lands of the Prior of Coventre unto Bathkinton-park That he had likewise Court-Leet Gallows Assize of bread and beer and all things else belonging to such liberties but by what authority not known Whereunto the said Tho. answered that he used those priviledges by vertue of a certain Cup that K.H. 1. gave to Leticia the daughter of Siward de Arden then his Concubine which allegation of his makes it not improbable that the favour vouchsafed to Hen. de Arden from that K. for enjoying this with some of those other lands of his grandfather Turchill's before mentioned was for her sake for he much affected beautiful women But shortly after this viz. in 13 E. 1. the said Tho. de Edneseure was questioned by what authority he used those privilidges here who pleading prescription it was by the Jury found that he and his ancestours had enjoy'd a Court-Leet and Weyfs time out of mind howbeit as to his other claims he fell short and so they were not allowed This Tho. gave to the Monks of Stoneley all his lands in Hull juxta Wotton vulgarly now called Hill wotton and to the Nuns of Polesworth a piece of ground within his Lordship of Badsley-Ednesoure containing 125. foot in length and 61. in breadth in both which grants he is stiled a Kt. For his descent he was of a very antient family viz. of Ednesoure in Derbysh. whence his ancestors assumed the name and in respect of his relation to the Ferrers Earls of Derby I mean by the tenure of his lands in that County bore for his Armes a fesse betwixt three Horse shoos as by his Seal appears but dyed in 13 E. 1. without issue so that Amicia his sister the wife of Sir Walt. de Miriden Kt. and Ric. de Herthull grandchild to Ioane his other sister became his heirs which Sir Walter had then livery of her inheritance doing his homage This Amicia upon the partition it seems had Baginton for her share but over living Sir Walt. de Miriden took to husband .... de Derley whom she likewise survived and in 20 E. 1. founded a Chantry in the Church of Bathkinton endowing it with one carucat of land and xxx s. yearly rent for doing whereof she had the license of the K. and of Will B. then E. of Warw. the Priest to serve there being to sing Mass daily for the health of her soul the souls of her ancestors and successors and for the soules of the said W. Beauchamp Maud his wife and their children and of all the faithfull deceased And moreover gave one acre and half of land one rood and three â—elions lying in this Lordship to one Ric. Deverell and his heirs to provide for her and her heirs two torches to be burning daily at the high Altar in the Church here at Bathkinton at the elevation of the Host as also to find one Lamp burning at all divine excercises in her Chappell there for ever and dyed in 30 E. 1. leaving Ric. de Herthull her Cousen and heir who then doing his homage had livery of her lands in whose line they continued for divers descents Being now therefore to speak of these Herthull's I shall first in the generall observe that this was an antient family in Derbysh. and Lords of Herthull whence they assumed their sirname being owners of other good possessions in that County This Ric. de Herthull was 30 years of age 30 E. 1. and became a man of much action and note in his time In 29 E. 1. he had summons to be at Berwik upon Twede thence to advance with the K. in person against the Scots The same year was he one of the Commissioners appointed in this County for taxing of a xv And in 30 E. 1. being one of the Kts. for this Shire in the Parl. then held at Westm. was joyn'd in Commission with the Shiriff to collect the Aid for Marriage of the K. eldest Daughter granted in the Parl. of 18 E. 1. In 34 E. 1. he served again in the Parl. as one of the Kts. for this Shire and in 1 E. 2. I find him a Kt. as also in 7. one of the Justices for the gaol-delivery at Warwick In 14 E. 2. he had warning to attend the K. against his rebellious Barons at that time in Arms whereof Tho. E. of Lancaster was the ringleader but being weak and ill could not himself go in person whereupon he sent his son Ric. who served in that expedition under Raph Lord Basset This Sir Ric. gave to the Nuns of Polesworth and to the Chappell of St. Nich. at Badsley of which Mannour he was Lord that mess. and half yard land which those Nuns had held of his ancestors in Badsley aforesaid And on Will. Silvester Vicar there and his successors he bestowed a certain tenement which Alan the precedent Vicar held in the time of Will. Sauvage his ancestour And dyed in 18 E. 2. leaving Adam his son and heir who doing his homage had livery of his lands being then 32 years of age In 10 E. 3. this Adam was a Kt. but departed the world the next ensuing year leaving Ric. his son and heir then aged 25. years which Ric. being likewise a Kt. in 16 E. 3. was in 18. in Commission for assessing of a xv then granted to the K. in Parl. and in 20. with others assigned in this County to levy the Aid granted to the K. in Parl. for making his eldest son Kt. In 21 E. 3. upon the array of souldiers being charg'd with two Hoblers he was for some speciall respect as
the Record expresseth by the K. Councell discharg'd of one In 33 E. 3. I find him in two Commissions with sundry persons of the best quality in this County for arraying of Souldiers according to the Statute of Winchester In 40. and 42. one of the Kts. for this Shire in the Parl. then held In 45. Shiriff of these Counties and the same year one of those that was assigned for the assessing of a subsidy then granted to the K. in Parl. The next year following for the assessing of a x. and xv in this Shire In 50 E. 3. Shiriff once more which office he also bore again in 1 R. 2. but in 5 R. 2. he sold this Lordship to Sir Will. Bagot Kt. Two wives he had viz. Alice daughter of Sir Giles Astley Kt. by whom he had his issue and Mary who overliv'd him and dyed in 13 R. 2. leaving Will. his Grandchild his heir ten years of age which Will. in 2 H. 4. had livery of his inheritance the K. then respiting his homage but deceased the year following without issue leaving Eliz. his aunt and heir first marryed to Edm. Cokeyn Esq. of Ashburne in Derbysh. but then the wife of Iohn Franceys of Inggelby who having issue by her had livery of her lands doing his homage but of such her issue purposing to speak in Pooley I return to Sir Will. Bagot as Lord of this Mannour the estate therein being convey'd to him by divers feoffees into whose hands the said Sir Ric. had past it Sir Iohn Cokeyn son and heir to the said Edm. and Eliz. releasing also to him his interest This Sir Will. being a branch of that antient family of the Bagot 's in Staffordshire as may seem by the observation of one well verst in the antiquities of that County in 6 R. 2. wrote himself of this place and the next year following was constituted Shiriff of these Counties In 11. of that K. reign he served in the Parl. held at Westm. as one of the Kts for this Shire and in 12. in the Parl. held at Cambridge So also in 14 again at Westm. in which year he was likewise in Commission for conservation of the peace in this County and the next year following a Commissioner of Array In the severall Parl. viz. of Winchester in 16 R. 2. of Westm. 17.18 and 20 R. 2. he served again as one of the Kts. for this Shire And upon renewing the Commissions for the peace in 20 and 22. R. 2. was joyned therein In that notable Parl. of 21. R. 2. wherein the K. became so powerfull as our Historians do shew he was a forward ambitious and active man and being one of his chief favourites and Councellers in that turbulent time when Henrry D. of Lanc. who had been formerly banish't landed at Ravenspur in Yorksh. fled with the rest of his fellows to Bristoll there hoping to protect himself in that strong Castle but the discontented Lords taking advantage of the K. absence then in Ireland quickly rais'd an Army of no less than 60000 and besieging that Castle in short time took it and therein all of them except this Sir Will. Bagot who having made his escape fled into Ireland and of those so taken forthwith beheaded Will. le Scrope L. Treasurer Sir Iohn Bushy and Sir Henry Green All which fell out in the 22. and last year of K. R. 2. whose desposall soon after ensued It seems that this Sir Will. came back again into England with K. Ric. for within a month after the new K. began his reign he committed him prisoner to the Tower of London viz. 22. Nov. yet on the 24. of Dec. following the Shiriff of this County received command for speciall reasons thereunto moving the K. as the Writ saith that he should permit the B. of S. Davids and other the feoffees of his lands in this County amongst which this Mannour of Bagington is mentioned in the first place to have possession of them howbeit though for what reason I know not the 23. of Ian. following he superseded the Shiriff as to that restitution But this displeasure of the K. continued not very long for the 12. of Nov. following he gave command to the Constable of the Tower for his enlargement It seems he was still popular for in the Parl. held at Westm. the same year the Commons petitioned that he might be restored to his lands whereunto the K. answered that as he had allowed him pardon so would he otherwise shew him Justice which extended to his reception into grace for in 4 H. 4. he served in the Parl. at Westm. as one of the Kts. for this Shire And the next ensuing year the clouds being over had a full Release from the B. of S. Davids and other his feoffees of all their interest in this Mannour and the rest of his lands But after this he lived not long for on the 6. of Sept. an 1407. 8 H. 4. he departed this world as may seem by that part of his Monumentall Inscrip here at Baginton where he lyes interred with Margaret his wife the sister and heir of Rob. de Whatton of Notinghamsh leaving issue Isabell his onely Daughter marryed to Tho. Stafford of Pipe in Staffordsh son of Sir Tho. Stafford K. nephew and heir to Edm. Stafford B. of Exeter and one of the Kts. for this Shire in the Parl. held at Leicester 2 H. 5. as also one of the Esquires retain'd for life with Ric. Beauchamp E. of Warwick Which Tho. resided here at Baginton whil'st it continued unsold but that was not long for Sir Iohn Bagot Kt. one of the feoffees of Sir Will. Bagots lands by his deed dated upon Palm-Sunday 5 H. 5. wherein making mention of the last Will and Testament of the said Sir Will. Bagot made and published by which he appointed that Margaret his wife should hold this Mannour during her life the remainder to the aforenamed Tho. Stafford and Isabell and the heirs of the body of the said Isabell lawfully begotten and in case she should dye leaving no such issue then to be sold and the money received for the same disposed and distributed for the health of the souls of him the said Will. and Margaret did with the consent of the said Margaret Tho. Stafford and Isabell sell and grant the reversion of this Mannour which ought as he there expresseth to have come to him the said Sir Iohn Bagot after the decease of the said Margaret Tho. and Isabell without issue unto Ric. Beauchamp E. of Warwick Will. Mountfort and others their heirs and assigns for ever the same Tho. Stafford by his deed dated the Friday before the feast of St. Luke the Evang. in the same year confirming the grant Which Earl by his last
will and Testam bearing date 8 Aug. 15 H. 6. appointed that if it should please God to send him another son his Executors should pass an estate to him inter alia of this his Mannour and Castle of Bathkington and to the heirs male of his body with remainder to his right heirs for ever But departing this life ult Apr. an 1439. 18 H. 6. and leaving Hen. his son and heir afterwards created D. of Warw. the said Henry enjoy'd it and after him Ric. Nevill E. of Salisbury in right of Anne his wife sister and heir of the whole blood to the said Duke unto whom â—being also in that respect advanced to the same Earldom of Warwick the Executors to the same Ric. Beauchamp did in accomplishment of his said last Will and Testam deliver and confirm it inter alia upon condition that he the said Earl and his Countess should forthwith grant it unto the Dean and Chapter of the Collegiate Church in Warwick and their successors in pure and perpetuall alms which was accordingly performed Whereupon it continued thereto till that grand dissolution of the Religious houses by K. H. 8. but then by the Survey made in 26. of that K. reign having been valued at 34. l. 14. s. it became swallowed up in the Crown and by Letters Pat. dated 13 Apr. 36 H. 8. was thence granted unto Francis Goodere of London Gent. and his heirs who dyed seized thereof 1 E. 6. leaving Henry his son 13. years of age Which Henry being afterwards Kt. did by Indenture bearing date 20 Ian. 37. Eliz. entayl it upon the heirs male of his body but fayling of such issue and desiring that his lands might continue to his posterity and name marryed Frances his eldest daughter unto his own brothers son viz. Henry Goodere son and heir to Sir Will. Goodere then of Monkskirby Kt. and setled this Mannour on them and their descendants which Henry being afterwards Knighted and a Gentleman of the Privy-Chamber to K. Iames but not so fortunate as to augment his estate by following the Court engaged this Lordship to Sir Henry Raynsford of Clifford in Gloucestersh and others who in 16 Iac. sold it to William Bromley Esq. descended from Sir Walter Bromley of Bromley in com Staff Kt. temp R. Ioh. the now seat of the Lord Gerard whose family hath for many ages flourisht in the Counties of Staff Salop and Chester and lineall heir Male to the sometime famous Sir Iohn Bromley who in 4 H. 5. recovering the Standard of Guyen in that memorable battail of Corby then gained by the French in a fierce charge on that wing which Hugh Stafford Lord Bourchier his near kinsman then commanded had for that eminent service not onely the dignity of Knighthood confer'd upon him but lands of great value in the Dutchy of Normandy with offices of speciall power and trust in those parts as also an augmentation to his Arms viz. the same Standard of Guyen for his Crest To which Sir Iohn succeeded Sir Iohn his son and heir who by his first wife leaving none but femal issue amongst whom by reason of a speciall Entail a large inheritance was shared afterwards wedded M. daughter of Ric. Widvile E. Rivers by Iaquet Dutchess of Bedford a branch of the Imperiall family of Luxemburgh and great grandchild to K. Edw. 3. by the Princess Isabell his eldest daughter and by her had issue Thomas whose direct heir male is Will. Bromley Esq. son to the before specified William now Lord of this Mannour a person whose speciall endowments do shew that he hath not degenerated from such his worthy ancestors unto whom I have dedicated the Map of this Hundred whereof he is so great an ornament as by his Arms therein graven with that honourary Crest before mentioned which hath been born by them ever since may be seen Of the Castle sometime standing here is there now besides the moat nothing remayning except heaps of rubbish nor when it was demolisht have I yet found but this is memorable thereof viz. that when Henry D. of Hereford and Iohn D. of Norff. should have determined the difference then betwixt themselves by a personall combat upon Gosford green near Coventre in 21 R. 2. the said Henry then lodg'd thereat and from thence advanc't to the place appointed upon his white Courser barded with blew and green velvet gorgeously embroidered with Swans and Antelops of Goldsmiths work and armed at all points In an 1291. 19 E. 1. the Church here dedicated to S. Iohn Bapt. was valued at vii marks but in 26 H. 8. at viii l. xx d. over and above viii s. allowed for Procurations and Synodalls Patroni Eccl. Incumbentes c. Prior Conv. de Kenilworh Tho. de Dunton Cler. 1285. Prior Conv. de Kenilworh Will. de Shulton Cler. 4. Id. Sept. 1314. Prior Conv. de Kenilworh Ric. hatte Birches de Solihull Cap. 4. Cal. Iun. 1353. Prior Conv. de Kenilworh Ioh. Fylot Cler. 3. Cal. Feb. 1361. Prior Conv. de Kenilworh Henr. Wyther Pbr. 4. Ian. 1377. Prior Conv. de Kenilworh Will. de Stonley Pbr. 23. Sept. 1383. Prior Conv. de Kenilworh Ric. de Burley 21 Iunii 1384 Prior Conv. de Kenilworh Ioh. Porter Cap. 26. Aug. 1405. Prior Conv. de Kenilworh Ioh. Haghmund Cap. 18. Ian. 1409. Prior Conv. de Kenilworh Will. Smyth Cap. 5. Dec. 1421. Prior Conv. de Kenilworh Mag. Ioh. Sparrow in decretis baccal 14. Apr. 1506. Prior Conv. de Kenilworh Ioh. Pysfort art Mag. 11. Apr. 1511. Will. Willington de Bercheston ratione conc c. Pr. C. de Kenill Rob. Wildy Cap. 17. Febr. 1539. Henr. Porter Gen. ratione ut supra Ioh. Farmer Cler. 9. Sept. 1552. Iohanna Winter de Stonley Gen. Ioh. Hyckes Cler. 25. Martii 1555. Edw. Underhill Gen. Edm. Mylnerson 12. Oct. 1557 Ph. M. Rex R. Tho. Dagyll Cler. 9. Dec. 1558. Edw. Underhill de Bathkinton Gen. Tho. VVotton Cler. 1. Sept. 1560. Henr. Goodere ar Iac. Gybson Cler. 24. Apr. 1584. Carolus Rex ratione minoris aetat Will. Bromley Tho. Gybson in art Mag. 16. Dec. 1628. Kenilworth LIttle more than a mile below Baginton is the river of Sow more enlarged by a small brook coming from Kenilworth of which place before I pass further I am next in order to speak Before the Conquest it was a member of Stoneley being antient demesn of the Crown and had within the precincts thereof a Castle situat upon the bank of Avon in the woods opposite to Stoneley-Abby Which Castle stood upon a place called Hom-hill but was demolished in those turbulent times of warr betwixt King Edmund and Canutus the Dane By the Conq. Survey it appears that this which now beares onely
Castle then approaching he could not long hold it stole privatly away and got into France there endeavouring to obtain forces in aid of that rebellious remnant yet unsubdued in England leaving Henry de Hastings Governour hereof in his absence whom he encouraged to hold it out stoutly giving him assurance that within a certain time he should be relieved But when that assistance which the King expected was come to him amongst which was Osbert Geffard who brought the Posse Comitatus of Oxford-shire and Reginald fil Petri the like for this County he set forwards towards Kenilworth with Banners and Ensignes displayed and on the morrow after the feast of the Nativity of S. Iohn Baptist begirt this Castle on every side where taking care to have all fit supply of Victual for his Army he commanded the Shiriff of Norf. to cause 36 tuns of wine to be brought hither from Lenne which were bought for his use by Purveyours there but being desirous to avoyd the spilling of more blood he sent a gratious message to those that held it whose hopes were such either upon young Montfort's promises or dissidence so great knowing what mischiefs they had done that they did not onely slight the Kings offers but maimed the Messenger and with much resolution defended themselves against all the assaults that were made having Engins that cast forth stones of great bigness and making bold and frequent sallies did very much mischief neither could the Sentence of Ottobon the Popes Legate who was there in the Camp nor the K. power any whit daunt them The K. therefore that those whose estates were thus by the Parliament at Winchester utterly confiscate and given away as I have already said should not through desperation betake themselves to such wayes of revenge as might have imbrewed the Kingdome in universal streams of blood for a long time of his gratious disposition advising with his Councel and the said Legat caused a convention of the Clergy and Laity of the Land here at Kenilworth who elected xii persons of the most potent Nobility and prudent Prelates to whom power was given to make a certain determination touching the estates of those that were disherited they being accordingly sworn to what might be most convenient Whereupon the K. with the Clergy and People before mentioned did likewise swear that they would inviolably observe the said Decree The persons thus chosen being Walter Bronescombe B. of Exeter Walter Giffard B. of Bath and Wells Walt. Cantilupe B. of Worcester ..... ..... B. of S. Davids Gilb. de Clare E. of Glouc. Humfrey de Bohun E. of Hereford Philip Basset Iohn Baliol Rob. Walraund Alan la Zouch Rog. de Somery and Waryn de Bassingburne the Articles whereof I shall not need to insert in regard that they are publickly printed but the substance of them was to this effect That every person disherited might redeem his lands by a pecuniary Fine according to the nature of his offence which Fine should be paid unto those that then possest them so that the same were not above 5 years value at the most nor under 2 at the least except the wife and children of the E. of Leicester concerning whom the K. referr'd himself to the K. of France and excepting Rob. Ferrers E. of Derby who was to pay 7 years value of his lands and excepting Henry de Hastings and those that maimed the K. Messenger who were to be imprisoned 7 years or submit to the K. mercy This was that memorable Decree called Dictum de Kenilworth by all our Historians and Records for in the K. Camp at the siege of this Castle was it by Proclamation published Prid. Kal. Nov. an 1266. 51 H. 3. though the persons elected met at Coventre in respect of conveniency for lodging and otherwise that could not be had in the Army And on the morrow after being the Feast of All Saints it was confirmed by all the Prelates of England not onely by their corporal Oaths but under their Seals which they being specially convocated by the Legate before mentioned affixed unto it Which Legate made publick Declaration thereof in the Pulpit of the Collegiat Church in Warwick the very next Sunday following the K. and his Councel with a great auditory of all states and degrees being then present These things being performed the K. forthwith sent special Messengers to the besieged in this Castle and to those that had fled and possest themselves of the Isle of Ely amongst which young Simon Montfort was one tendring them mercy upon the Articles before specified but they all returned answer that they would not submit thereto first because they had no voyce in choosing any of those that were makers of the Decree and secondly for that they held the Decree it self intolerable At which the K. being much moved took a firm resolution to storm the Castle and for that purpose by his special Writ bearing date 20 Nov. commanded the Shiriff of this Shire to bring in all the Masons and other Labourers within his precinct which we now call Pioners with their Hatchets Pick-axes and other Tools to meet at Northampton upon the day of S. Lucia the Virgin viz. 11 Dec. next following to receive his further commands therein but so it fell out that in short space not onely their Victual within the Castle grew very scant but a pestilent disease raged so amongst them that many dyed insomuch as the K. by special providence sending again to them and offering that if they did render it he would receive them to mercy they proposed that in case he were content they might send beyond Sea to Sim Montfort and receive a certain answer whether he could come to releive them by a fixed day or not they were resolved if he did not come accordingly to yeild it up and that in the mean time all acts of hostility on either part should cease Whereunto the K. advising with his Councel assented And the same agreement being proclaimed through his Army Messengers were accordingly dispatcht to Simon but the Fiux and other grievous diseases increased so much amongst those in the Castle that they which were not tainted were loth to hazard the infection and so before the Messengers return delivered the Castle upon Articles to the King viz. that Henry de Hastings then Governour with all the rest that were therein should have 4 dayes time to carry out all their goods and go freely away with Horse Arms and all accoutrements throughout any part of the Kingdome The principal persons that so held it besides the said H. de Hastings were Sir Iohn Hastang Lord of Lemington Ric. Amundevile Lord of Berkswell Sir Iohn de Clinton Lord of Colshill all in this County Sir Iohn de la Ware and Iohn de Eston every of whom with the rest had the K. Letters of safe conduct dated
by the Spensers insomuch as the giddy multitude were easily stirr'd up to appear in Arms for any design which savoured of Reformation whose strength and assistance when the great ones had got they made no other use of it than the deposal of their rightfull King upon which in short time ensued his barbarous Murther But the circumstances of this tragique business I must not stand here to tell our Stories being large enough of it howbeit that which relateth to this Castle I will briefly touch which is that the K. being seized upon in Wales by Henry E. of Lanc. brother and heir to the before mentioned Thomas who was beheaded and others was by the said Earl forthwith brought hither viz. in Dec. 20 of his reign where he had not long staid ere news came to him that in a Parliament held at Westm. on the morrow after Twelf-day he was deposed and his son young Edward elected King in his stead being then but 14 years of age Which wofull tidings being accompanied with a Message from the same Parl. for so they called that headless meeting proposing to him the renouncing of his Regal Dignity and Crown and permitting his said son to reign otherwise they would do homage to his son and proceed in what they had begun the distressed K. knowing no remedy told them that seeing they would reject him he was glad that his eldest son might be received Which answer of his being return'd by the same Messengers they proclaimed the new King on the 20 of Ian. and set out Proclamations in his name declaring to the people that K. E. 2. had made a voluntary and free resignation of his Regal Dignity to his eldest son whom within few dayes after they formally crowned at Westm. But they who had prosecuted their wicked contrivances against their rightfull K. thus far thought all was not safe except they went further and therefore gave it out that the deposed King was too much observed and respected so that about Palm-sunday following he was committed to the custody of Sir Tho. Berkley and Sir Iohn Matravers â— who hurried him from hence privately to Berkley-castle in Gloucestershire where their horrid intentions towards him wrought perpetual jealousies in their heads that he would be rescued which caused them closely to carry him from thence to Corf castle in Dorsetshire And to the end it should not be certainly known where he was kept him in perpetual motion to one secret place or other till about the Feast day of S. Mathias the Apostle that they most barbarously murthered him with a spit red hot thrust up into his body at the Fundament at Berkley aforesaid But I return to the succession of this Castle In 1 E. 3. Henry brother and heir to Thomas E. of Lanc. beheaded at Pontfract and attainted as I have already shew'd was restored to the Earldomes of Lancaster Leicester c. and all his brothers lands whereof this was part Which Earl dyed at Leicester 19 E. 3. and was there buryed leaving issue Henry his son created E. of Derby 16 Martii 11 E. 3. his father being then alive Earl of Lincoln 20 Aug. 23 E. 3. and lastly Duke of Lancaster 6 Martii 25 E. 3. which D. dyed seized inter alia of this Castle the Tuesday next after the Feast of the Annunciation of our Lady 35 E. 3. leaving his two daughters his heirs viz. Maud then 22 years of age and Blanch 19. and was buryed in the Collegiat-Church at Lâ—icester of his own foundation Which Maud became the wife to Will D. of Bavaria E. of Henault Holland c. and Blanch. of Iohn of Gant fourth son to K. E. 3. who shortly after was created D. of Lancaster viz. 13 Nov. 36 E. 3. so that upon partition of the lands of the said Henry Duke of Lancaster this Castle inter alia came to Blanch. Which Iohn of Gant began the Structure of all the antient buildings here now remaining excepting Cesars-tower with the outer walls and turrets towards the later end of R. 2. time as it seemeth for in 15 R. 2. I find that the King did appoint Iohn Deyncourt then Constable hereof and his Lieutenant as also Robert de Skyllington Mason to hire Diggers of stone Carpenters and Labourers to the number of xx persons and to provide stone timber tile and all other necessaries for the use of the said Duke in his buildings here Which Record above cited doth also agree with the tradition of the Inhabitants by whom the same part of the Castle is to this day called Lancasters buildings But this Iohn D. of Lanc. having issue Henry sirnamed Bullenbroke by reason of his birth at Bullenbroke in Lincolnshire afterwards King of Engl. by the name of H. 4. upon the deposal of King R. 2. as is very well known this Castle came to the Crown and is contained in the Act amongst other the possessions belonging to the Dutchy of Lancaster that were united to the Dukedome of Cornwall in the Parl. of 1 H. 7. Whose son and successor K. H. 8. bestow'd much cost in repairing thereof removing that building erected by K. H. 5. near the tail of the Pool in a low marish ground thereupon called Le plesans en marys and setting part thereof up in the base court of the Castle near the Swan-tower In the Crown it continued till Q. Eliz. by her Letters Pat. bearing date 9 Iunii 5 of her reign granted it to Robert Lord Dudley and his heirs Which Robert being one of the sons to Iohn Dudley D. of Northumberland was upon the 28 of Sept. 6 Eliz. created Baron of Denbigh and the day next following Earl of Leicester â— and having obtained this noble seat spared for no cost in enlarging adorning and beautifying thereof witness that magnificent Gate-house towards the North where formerly having been the back-side of the Castle he made the Front filling up a great proportion of the wide and deep double ditch wherein the water of the Pool came And besides that stately peice on the Southeast part still bearing the name of Leicesters-buildings did he raise from the ground two goodly towers at the head of the Pool viz. the Floud-gate or Gallery-tower standing at one end of the Tilt-yard in which was a spacious and noble room for Ladies to see the exercises of Tilting and Barriers and at the other Mortimers-tower whereupon the Arms of Mortimer were cut in stone which doubtless was so named by the E. of Leicester in memory of one more antient that stood there formerly wherein as I guess either the Lord Mortimer at the time of that great and solemn Tilting formerly mentioned did lodge or else because Sir Iohn Mortimer Kt. prisoner here in H. 5. time was detain'd therein The Chase he likewise enlarged impaling part of Blakwell within it and also a large nook extending from Rudfen-lane towards the Pool
which being then a wast wherein the Inhabitants of Kenilworth had Common in consideration thereof he gave them all those fields called Priors-fields lying North of the Castle I have heard some who were his servants say that the charge he bestowed on this Castle with the Parks and Chase thereto belonging was no less than 60 thousand pounds Here in Iuly an 1575. 17 Eliz. having compleated all things for her reception did he entertain the Queen for the space of xvii dayes with excessive cost and variety of delightfull shews as may be seen at large in a special discourse thereof then printed and entituled The Princely pleasures of Kenilworth Castle having at her first entrance a floating Island upon the Pool bright blazing with Torches upon which were clad in silks the Lady of the Lake and two Nymphs waiting on her who made a speech to the Q. in meeter of the antiquity and owners of that Castle which was closed with Cornets and other loud Musick Within the base-court was there a very goodly Bridge set up of xx foot wide and lxx foot long over which the Queen did pass on each side whereof were posts erected with Presents upon them unto her by the Gods viz. a cage of Wild-fowl by Silvanus sundry sorts of rare Fruits by Pomona of Corn by Ceres of Wine by Bacchus of Sea-fish by Neptune of all habiliments of War by Mars and of Musical Instruments by Phoebus And for the several dayes of her stay various and rare Shews and Sports were there exercised viz. in the Chase a Savage man with Satyrs Bear-baitings Fire-works Italian tumblers a Country Bride-ale with running at the Quintin and Morrice-dancing And that there might be nothing wanting that these parts could afford hither came the Coventre-men and acted the antient Play long since used in that City called Hocks-tuesday â— setting forth the destruction of the Danes in King Ethelred's time with which the Queen was so pleas'd that she gave them a brace of Bucks and five marks in money to bear the charges of a Feast Besides all this he had upon the Pool a Triton riding on a Mermaid 18 foot long as also Arion on a Dolphin with rare Musick And to honour this Entertainment the more there were then Knighted here Sir Thomas Cecill son and heir to the Lord Treasurer Sir Henry Cobham brother to the Lord Cobham Sir Francis Stanhope and Sir Tho. Tresham The cost and expence whereof may be guest at by the quantity of Beer then drunk which amounted to 320 hogsheads of the ordinary sort as I have credibly heard Shortly after which viz. the next ensuing year he obtained by the grant of the said Q. a weekly Mercate here upon the Wednesday with a Faire yearly on Midsummer-day But this great Earl who bore no little sway in his time as besides our Annals some yet living can testifie having wedded the Lady Lettice daughter to Sir Francis Knolls Knight of the Garter Treasurer of the Houshold to Q Eliz. and widow to Walter E. of Essex â— wanting by her any surviving issueâ— by his last Will and Testament dated at Midleburgh in Zeland 1 Aug. an 1587. being then General of the English Auxiliaries for the United Provinces gave it to Ambrose E. of Warwick his brother for life and the inheritance to Sir Robert Dudley Knight whom he then thought not proper to stile his lawfull son and to his heirs Which Sir Robert being a person of great learning and parts coming to the possession of it within little more than a year after his fathers death for his Uncle surviv'd him no more as in Warwick I have shew'd made it his seat and endeavouring to assert his legitimacy which as to very many stood somewhat dubious in regard of his said fathers marriage with the before specified Countess of Essex during the life of the Lady Douglasse his mother widow to the Lord Sheffeild and daughter to Will Lord Howard of Effingham but failing thereof travelled into Italy where he past away his right therein unto the late Prince Henry the story whereof with the circumstances forasmuch as 't is memorable in sundry respects I shall here succinctly deliver About the beginning of K. Iames his reign this Sir Robert having marryed Alice daughter to Sir Tho. Leigh of Stoneley Kt. and considering with himself that in case he made good his legitimacy not onely the title to the Earldome of Leicester as heir to his father as also that of Warwick for want of issue by the before specified Ambrose his uncle together with the dignity of Lord L'isle would rightfully accrue to him but likewise the Castle of Warwick with divers fair Lordships in this County by vertue of an entail upon his said uncles first advancement to that honour did by reason of the great Plague at that time in London obtain a Commission from the Archb. of Cant. out of his Court of Audience directed to Dr Zachary Babington then Chancellour of Litchfeild and other for examining witnesses to prove his said fathers marriage But no sooner was it discerned by the before specified Lady Lettice and her friends that the consequence thereof would much reflect upon her than that they procured Sir Edw. Coke the K. Atturney general to exhibit a Bill in the Sâ—ar-Chamber against the same Sir Rob. and Dame Alice his Lady as also against the said Lady Douglasse Sheffeild for so she was called then wife of Sir Edw. Stafford Kt. and against the before mentioned Sir Tho. Leigh Dr Zach. Babington and divers other charging them with no less than combination and conspiracy to defame the said Lady Lettice and unjustly to entitle himself to those Honours c. And upon the petition of the Lord Sâ—dney procured a command from the Lords of the Councel not onely to stop the said proceedings at Lichfeild but to bring all the depositions there taken to remain within the said Court of Star-Chamber in the Councel-chest Nevertheless did they vouchsafe liberty to the said Sir Robert to examine Witnesses in that honourable Court in order to the making good of his legitimacy Whereupon by full testimony upon â—ath partly made by the said Lady Sheffeild and partly by divers other persons who were present at her marriage with the before specified Earl it appeared that she having been first contracted in Cannon-Row within the City of Westminster about two years before was solemnâ—y wedded to him in her Chamber at Asher in Surrey by a lawfull Minister according to the form of Matrimony by Law establisht in the Church of England in the presence of Sir Edward Horsey Knight that gave her in marriage as also of Robert Sheffeild Esq and his wife Dr Iulio Henry Frodsham Gent. with five other persons whose names are there specified and that the Ring wherewith they were so marryed was set with five pointed Diamonds and a table Diamond which had been given to him the said Earl by the then Earl of
survey'd by Commissioners from the K. and the Lord Privy-Seal with directions from his Lordship to find all things under the true worth and upon oath of Iurors as well Free-holders as customary tenants which course being held by them are notwithstanding surveyed and returned at 38554 l. 15 s. 0 d. Out of which for Sir ROB. DUDLEY'S contempt there is to be deducted 10000 l. and for the Lady DUDLEYS joynture which is without impeachment of wast whereby she may fell all the woods which by the Survey amount unto 11722 l. The total of the Survey ariseth as followeth In Land 16431 l. 9 s. 0. In Woods 11722 l. 2 s. 0. The Castle 10401 l. 4 s. 0. His Majestie hath herein the mean profits of the Castle and premisses through Sir ROB. DUDLEY'S contempt during his life or his Majesties pardon the reversion in fee being in the Lord Privy-Seal But it was not long afterwards that Prince Henry affecting it as the most noble and magnificent thing in the midland parts of this Realm made overture by special Agents to the said Sir Robert of a desire to obtain his title thereto by way of purchase Whereupon in consideration of 14500 l. to be paid within the compass of a twelve-month unto the said Sir Robert or his Assigns certain Deeds were sealed bearing date 21 Nov. 9 Iac. an scil 1611. and Fines levyed setling the inheritance thereof as also of the Mannour and lands in Kenilworth together with those of Rudfen Balshall and Long-Itchington upon the said Prince and his heirs but with condition that the same Sir Robert should during his life hold and enjoy the Constableship of the said Castle by Patent from the same Prince Howbeit Prince Henry departing this life there was not above 3000 l. of the said sum ever paid as I have heard and that likewise to a Merchant which broke so that it never came to Sir Robert Dudley's hands Nevertheless did Prince Charles as heir to his brother hold the possession thereof and in 19 Iac. obtain'd a special Act of Parl. to enable the Lady Alice wife to the said Sir Rob. in regard she had a joynture therein to alien all her right unto him as if she had been a feme sole which accordingly she did by her Deed bearing date 4 Maii 19 Iac. in consideration of 4000 l. assigned to her out of the Exchequer And being thus come to Pr. Charls as hath been shew'd the custody thereof was by Pat. dated 15 Martii in the first year after he came to the Crown granted to Rob. E. of Monmouth Henry Lord Carey his eldest son and Tho. Carey Esq together with the Park and Chase during their lives and the longer liver of them with the fee of xii d. per diem and an annuity of xl s. per ann for repairing the walls and buildings to be paid by the K. Receiver of this County in whose possession it now rests ann scil 1640. But one thing have I yet further to observe touching the before specified Sir Rob. Dudley and then I shall proceed which is that having thus setled himself in Italy within the Territories of the great D. of Tuscany of whom he had extraordinary esteem he was so much favoured by the Emp. Ferdinand the second as that being a person not onely eminent for his great learning and blood but for sundry rare endowments as is very well known he had by Letters Pat. from his Imperial Majestie bearing date at Uiennaâ— 9 Martii 1620. the title of a Duke given unto him to be used by himself and his heirs throughout all the Dominions of the sacred Empire That which I have further to say of Kenilworth concerns the Church dedicated to S. Nicholas which is that in an 1291. 19 E. 1. it was valued at viii marks and the Vicaridge at one mark But in 26 H. 8. it appears that the Vicar of Kenilworth had onely an yearly stipend of 6 l. 13 s. 4 d. per ann paid by the Prior and Covent which being so small a portion continued thus till 20 Iac. that the Lady Aliza Dudley augmented it with xx l. per ann out of lands in Manceter as in my discourse of that place is manifested Patroni Vicariae Incumbentes c. Prior Convent de Kenilworth Henr de Lodbrok Pbr. 5. Id. Nov. 1300. Prior Convent de Kenilworth Galfr. Marmion Pbr. 15. Cal. Iulii 1312. Prior Convent de Kenilworth Rog. Boyvill Cap. prid Id. Martii 1312. Prior Convent de Kenilworth Will. de Stoneley 16. Cal. Martii 1316. Prior Convent de Kenilworth Ioh. de Hinslap Cap. 13. Cal. Feb. 1323. Prior Convent de Kenilworth Henr. de Ansty Cap. 3. Non. Iunii 1346. Prior Convent de Kenilworth Will. de Preston Cap. 9. Cal. Maii 1349. Prior Convent de Kenilworth Ioh. de Calwich Cap. Id. Iunii 1349. Prior Convent de Kenilworth Rad. Rokeby Cap. 6. Id. Aug 1349. Prior Convent de Kenilworth Rog. de Bermicham 12. Cal. Febr. 1351. Prior Convent de Kenilworth Ioh. King Pbr. 8. Cal. Maii 1353. Prior Convent de Kenilworth Will. de Covele Pbr. 7. Id. Sept. 1361. Prior Convent de Kenilworth Ric. atte Birches Pbr. 2. Non. Martii 1373. Prior Convent de Kenilworth Will. Port. Cap. 21. Oct. 1411. Prior Convent de Kenilworth Rob. Loghtburgh Pbr. 1. Maii 1436. Prior Convent de Kenilworth Ric. Lyne Pbr. 4. Octob. 1437. Prior Convent de Kenilworth Ioh. Smyth Pbr. 21. Nov. 1441. Prior Convent de Kenilworth Will. Chapman Pbr. 19. Oct. 1447. Prior Convent de Kenilworth Ric. Braunston 13. Aug. 1454. Prior Convent de Kenilworth Ioh. Audley Pbr. 4. Ian. 1457. Prior Convent de Kenilworth Tho. Rawlynson Pbr. 19. Oct. 1498. Prior Convent de Kenilworth Ioh. Wright Cap. 19. Sept. 1500. Prior Convent de Kenilworth Tho. Westerby alias Barbour Cap. 6. Iunii 1504. Prior Convent de Kenilworth Ioh. Pulteny Cap. penult Dec. 1524. Henr. 8. Rex Tho. Bird in art Bacc. 11. Sept. 1545. Iacobus Rex Ioh. Bust in art Magister 8. Apr. 1611. Rudfen THE first mention that I find of this place is that Geffrey de Clinton son to Geffrey Founder of Kenilworth-Priory gave it unto the Canons of Kenilworth it being there written Wridefen but I rather think that the true name is according to the usuall pronunciation at this time viz. Rudfen in regard it so well agrees with the situation thereof which is in a dirty soil of a red Colour for Rud is Red and Fen in the Saxon or old English signifieth Dirt. Being thus in the hands of those Canons it appears that in 4. H. 7. the Prior of Kenilworth made the Park here and inclosed xl acres of errable-land therein storing it with Deer But after the dissolution of that Monastery it was
seems that did not end the business for upon a full Agreement betwixt them where it appears that the said Geffrey allow'd him a third part of the said Kts. fee there is mention made that they had a trial by Battle for it After this scil in 9 H. 3. there was a great suit betwixt Henry E. of Warwick and Will. Maâ—duit and Alice his wife sister to the said Earl for 2 carucats 22 yard land and xvi s. rent with th' appurtenances in this Wotton whereof the E. alledged that E. Walleran his father dyed seized But the said Will. and Alice exhibited the Charter of the same E. Walleran whereby he gave those lands unto her and received her homage thereof causing the Free-holders to do homage also to her the said Alice who was then within age and in the tuition of Alice de Harecourt her mother What further became of this business I have not seen and therefore shall proceed with my discourse thereof in relation to Savage In 36 H. 3. it was certified that the heir of the said Geffrey Savage held one Kts. Fee here of Thomas de Clinton heir male to the first mentioned Geffrey and he of the E. of Warwick To which Geffrey Savage succeeded Philippa as one of the heirs to the last Geffrey who with Robert de Mortimer the Abbot of Stoneley and Prior of Kenilworth in 7 E. 1. held this Wotton and Hull with the Crosse-grange for one Kts. fee. Which Philippa had here at that time 12 servants holding 1 yard land at will and giving Aid at the Feast of S. Mich. at the Lords pleasure with 4 Cottyers and 3 Free-holders which held half a yard land by certain rent fealty and suit of Court twice a year as also a Court-leet and Assize of Bread and Beer by the confirmation of K. H. 1. That which Rob. de Mortimer had was the third part of a Water-mill as also 8 servants holding 3 yard land a half and fourth part at will performing Aid at the Feast of S. Michael The Abbot of Stonley 3 servants holding 1 yard land and a fourth part at will as also 5 Free-holders holding 21 acres and one acre of meadow The Canons of Kenilworth 2 carucats with the Mill of Gibbeclive which they held in demesn besides the Church appropriat endowed with one yard land And likewise 2 servants holding 33 acres of land at will giving Aid viz. mowing reaping raking harrowing making Hay c. eight Cottyers who perform'd the like services and 4 Free-holders paying certain rent and doing suit of Court twice a year But the Mannour belonging to Savage came by inheritance to Menill as may be discerned by the Pedegree in Baginton For in 13 E. 1. Will. dâ— Menill claim'd a Court-leet with Assize of Bread and Beer in this place then termed Woâ—ton-Savage which were allowed From which Will. descended Sir Hugh Menill Kt. who in 24 E. 3. granted the moytie of this Village to Henry E. of Lancaster and his heirs then Lord of Kenilworth-castle whereunto it lay convenient which I suppose was all that Savage had here How it came to the Crown wherein it still continues I need not here declare having made it so plain in Kenilworth the possession of which Castle it hath since accompanied The Church dedicated to All Saints appropriated to the Canons of Kenilworth in K. Iohn's time having been originally granted to that Monastery upon the very foundation thereof was in ann 1291. 19 E. 1. valued at x marks and the Vicaridge in 26 H. 8. at Cxii s. over and above 8 s. allow'd for Procurations and Synodals Which being so small became augmented by the Lady Aliza Dudley with xx l. per ann as in Manceter where the lands were purchased may be seen That which the Canons of Kenilworth had here besides the Church being after the dissolution of that House granted to Iohn D. of Northumb by K. E. 6. came again to the Crown through his attainder and was by Q. Mary passed to Sir Rouland Hill Kt. and others in 1. of her reign by the name of the Mannour of Leek-UUotton alias Crosse-grange and is now in the possession of the Lord Leigh of Stonelâ—y by descent from Sir Tho. Leigh Kt. and Alderman of London his great grandfather to whose use the same was purchased by the before specified Sir Rouland Hill c. Patroni Vicariae Incumbentes temp Inst. Prior Convent de Kenilworth Rog. de Boyvill Cap. 2 Id. Sept. 1316. Prior Convent de Kenilworth Tho. de Coventre Pbr. 6 Id. Martii 1328. Prior Convent de Kenilworth Nich. de Haselovere Cap. Id. Iunii 1349. Prior Convent de Kenilworth Will. de Bradweye Pbr. 4. Non. Sept. 1361. Prior Convent de Kenilworth Ioh. de Tâ—ucester Pbr. 9. Cal. Febr. 1361. Prior Convent de Kenilworth Will. de Stonley Pbr. 9 Cal. Ian. 1362. Prior Convent de Kenilworth Ric. de Rossale Pbr. .... Apr. 1377. Prior Convent de Kenilworth Will. Sprunt 2 Iulii 1380. Prior Convent de Kenilworth Tho. Hulle Pbr. 5 Nov. 1394. Prior Convent de Kenilworth Ioh. Brou Pbr. 28 Martii 1401. Prior Convent de Kenilworth Ioh. de Barston Cap. 25. Nov. 1408. Prior Convent de Kenilworth Ioh. Repton 23 Iulii 1409. Prior Convent de Kenilworth Ric. Grewe Cap. 14 Oct. 1409. Prior Convent de Kenilworth Ric. Ashby Cap. ult Iulii 1416. Prior Convent de Kenilworth Ioh. Racheford Cap. 26. Oct. 1417. Prior Convent de Kenilworth Tho. Flynderkyn 15 Apr. 1425. Prior Convent de Kenilworth Ric. Browne 4 Aug. 1425. Prior Convent de Kenilworth Tho. Weston Cap. 15 Maii 1428. Prior Convent de Kenilworth Will. Sutton Pbr. 20 Nov. 1433. Prior Convent de Kenilworth Ioh. Sokeling Pbr. 3 Martii 1439. Prior Convent de Kenilworth Ioh. Clerke Cap. 9 Oct. 1456. Prior Convent de Kenilworth Tho. Edwards 1 Iunii 1515. Prior Convent de Kenilworth Rob. Kinge Cap. 23 Ian. 1529. Edw. Sanders miles Capit. Baro Scac. Will. Churchley Cler. 20. Maii 1560. Edw. Sanders miles Capit. Baro Scac. Anthon. Offley 17 Sept. 1569. D. Cath. Leigh de Stoneley vidua Humfr. Smalwood art Magr. 14 Aug. 1627. Hill-Wotton THis place antiently written Halle lying Southeast from Wotton about a mile and reputed a member of it taketh its name from the high situation thereof The first mention I find of it is not till the beginning of H. 3. time where Godwin the son of Godewin de Wotton gives to the Canons of Kenilworth with his body which he determined to be buryed in that Monastery an annual rent of v s. issuing out of certain lands here held of Sir Hugh de Beckbirie Kt. which gift of his Aliva de Beckbirie in her widowhood confirmed But being a member of
Wotton it belong'd to Savage as that did and had within the precincts thereof a Mill called Yartford-Mill whereof two parts were given by Geffrey Savage and the third by Sir Will. de Wholton Kt. to the Monks of Stoneley To which Monks Sir Tho. de Ednesoure Kt. who marryed one of the co-heirs of Savage gave also certain lands here Heath I Am not very well satisfied where this Hamlet directly stood but by some circumstances I guess that the same which is now called Hill-UUotton contained the greatest proportion of it being certain by what I shall presently manifest that the rest of it was situate on the other side of the little torrent called Holbroke as the Map will shew There is no doubt to be made but that its name was originally occasioned from the nature of the soyl being of a Heathy disposition at first before tillage did alter it And as confident I am that it was then a member of UUotton forasmuch as it is not mentioned in the Conq. Survey Till H. 1. time I have not seen any thing thereof but then viz. in 23 of that Ks. reign Roger E. of UUarw. upon his foundation of the Collegiat-Church of S. Mary in UUarwick gave thereunto a hyde of land lying here Shortly after which did Geffrey de Clinton son to Geffrey the Founder of Kenilworth-Priory inter alia confirm the grant that Odo de Turri made to that Monastery of all the rest as it seems of this Village for he sets forth the bounds thereof from Holbroke to Avon and so to Ashoe and beyond Holbroke from the way leading to UUarwick from Coventre overthwart the long hill unto the way which goeth from UUotton to Kenilworth by Hineleford In 7 E. 1. Tho. de Ednesoure one of the co-heirs of Savage was certified to be Lord of this Hamlet having here 1 mess. and half a yard land in demesn with 3 Free-holders who occupyed 31 acres of land and 2 acres of meadow under a certain rent and suit of Court twice a year at Baginton besides ten acres of land and 2 acres of meadow more then held of him by the Hospital of S. Iohn in Coventre But this was not all thereof for in 19 E. 1. the Canons of UUarwick had also 1 carucat of land here which being given at first as I guess by Earl Roger to the Collegiat-Church there by some exchange afterwards came to the Priory of Kenilworth But that which the Canons of Kenilworth had now belongeth unto the Grange called Crosse-grange and so did questionless before the dissolution of that Monastery As for the residue of this Hamlet which Savage had it is so confounded with UUotton that there is no distinction can be made thereof from that Lordship Woodcote THis being at first a â—ingle House and seated amongst woods whence it had that denomination is now reduced to what it was at first there being at present no more than the Mannour-house but in the Conq. dayes and long after it had divers Inhabitants At that time the E. of Mellent possest it it being by the Survey then taken certified to contain two hydes whereof one was the Free-hold of Leuricus before the Norman invasion and the other of Cantvin and Turbern having woods of a mile in length and half a mile in bredth all which were valued at 50 s. In that Record it is written Widecote and descended to Robert Earl of Leicester the lineal heir to the said Earl of Mellent who held it in 20 H. 2. By which Earl it was given I suppose to Rob. Boteler a great man in this County and a principal Officer unto him as in Oversley I shall shew for his son sc. Raph. â—oteler granted it to Iohn Belet and his heirs in 14 Ioh. to hold of him and his heirs by the fourth part of a Kts. fee. But this it seems was onely Woodcote-inferior for by that name do I find it distinguish'd the other viz. Woodcote-superior beiâ—g held by Simon de 〈◊〉 and Roger de Crafâ— of the Earâ—s oâ— Warwick together with Fulbroke in this Countyâ— by half a Knights fee in 20 H. 3. Which half Kts. fee was in the tenure of the same Râ—ger de Craft and Iohn Mace in 36 H. 3. A 〈…〉 52 H. 3. of Henry Hubaud Of this Woodcote superior there were afterwards many 〈◊〉 for in 7 E. 1. it appears that Henry 〈◊〉 Hugh de Herdeberge Robert Parson of Bedworth and Dionysia Mace held it of the Earls of Warwick by the fifth part of a Kts. fee. And that Woodcote-inferior granted to Belet as abovesaid was then held by Rob. Masse of Raph Boteler by the fourth part of a Kts. fee. Which Robert had there at that time xi tenants who held 3 yard land and a half with 3 acres and a half at the will of the Lord performing Aid at the Feast of S. Mich. and paying Scutage That which Hugh de Herdebergh had here was in 19 E. 2. setled upon Iohn de Peyto and Alice his wife the heir of Herdebergh And in 13 E. 3. upon Sir Walter Hopton Kt. and Ioan his wife and the heirs of the said Sir Walter after the death of the same Iohn de Peyto But in 43 E. 3. I find that Iohn Manduit held lxiii s. iiii d. yearly rent here issuing out of several Tenements held by Copy of Court-Roll which Tenements were then held of the D. of Lancaster as of the Honour of Leicester And that the said Iohn Manduit and Agnes his wife dying without issue male of their bodyes the said Tenements came to Will the son and heir of Iohn de Molins and of â—gidia his wife Which Wâ—ll dyed seized of them in 4 R. 2. leaving Sir Râ—c Molins Kt. his son and heir then 24 years of age whose grandchild Alianore sc. daughter and heir to Wâ—ll his son matching to Rob. Hungerford brought this with a fair Inheritance besides unto that noble family From whence it came to Hastings as it seems Edw. Lord Hastings taking to wife Mary the daughter and heir of Sir Tho. Hungerford which Edw. had issue George created E. of Huntingdon 21 H. 8. who sold it together with Burton-Hastings in this County unto Tho. Harvye a rich Citizen of London whereby it is descended together with the same Burton-Hastings unto Sir Tho. Cotton now of Connington in Com. Hunt Baronet from Lucie his great grandmother one of the daughters and co-heirs to the said Tho. Harvye The last mention that I find of Hubaud in this place is that Tho. Hubaud in 6 E. 4. held the sixth part of a Kts. fee here of the E. of Warwick Nor is there much more that I have seen memorable hereof other than the complaint of our Countryman Rous who reckons both these Woodcotes amongst the depopulated towns on this side the County Wedgnock-Park THis is one of the most antient Parks in England for I
Clement it came to Iohn Dunheved in right of Christian his wife heir to the said William Which Iohn upon the death of the then Incumbent had a purpose to have entred upon the rights of the Church howbeit the Abbot of Pipwell being advertised thereof got a great number of men Horse and foot and kept possession of it by force whereupon the said Iohn forbore to prosecute his intention yet afterwards the Monks and he came to an Agreement so that with Christian his wife he did by a Fine in 31 H. 3. quit his right in the advouson thereof to the said Monks Within the precincts of this Lordship was the same Wâ—gan of whom I have spoke in Willoughby enfeof't by K. H. 2. with 8. yard land whose son Raph bestowed upon these Monks of Pipwell 7. yard land and a half thereof giving the residue to the Church of this place In consideration whereof the said Monks made him partaker of all the Prayers and benefits of their Order and covenanted to receive him to be a Monke in their Covent or else his brother in case either of them should be willing to live a regular life And besides all this gave unto him 27â— marks of silver to his mother 2. Cows with Calves to Thurstane his brother a Horse and to Wygan his other brother xii d. Which Monks having so large a portion did in 11 E. 1. inter alia obtain a Charter of Free-warren in all their demesn-lands here In 28 E. 1. two parts of this Mannour were setled by the before specified Iohn Dunheved upon himself and Eustachia his wife for their lives the remainder to Stephen their son Which Iohn in 29. E. 1. with divers other persons of note had summons to attend the K. with Horse and Armes at Barwick upon Twede on the feast day of the Nativity of S. Io. Bapt. to march against the Scots To this Iohn succeeded Iohn his younger son Stephen being dead as it seems who in 11 E. 2. entred into Covenants with Sir Iohn Peche Kt. Lord of Hampton in Arden to prosecute suit at the costs charges of the said Sir Iohn touching this and other Mannours as his right by inheritance against whomsoever should lay claym thereto and having cleared his title to enfeoff the said Sir Iohn Peche of them to the use of him the said Sir Iohn and his heirs In consideration whereof the same Sir Io. covenanted to find provide for the said Io. Dunheved during his life a Robe of the same suite that he gave his Esquiers and in time of peace to furnish him with a Horse a Groom in such sort as he allowed to the rest of his servants of that rank but in Warr with two Horses and Grooms and one Horse armed in like fashion as he did to others paying to him the said Iohn x li. per annum quarterly at Hampton in Arden before specified Which Agreement bears date the Sunday after S. Luke the Evangelist the year before mentioned After this viz. in 19 E. 2. I find that Edm. de Verdon and Agnes his wife did by their deed dated 16. Sept. grant to the said Sir Iohn Peche and Alianore his wife and the heirs of their bodyes lawfully begotten this Mannour of Dunchurch but how Verdon came to any title therein appears not And that in 4 E. 3. Iohn Dunheved levyed a Fine thereof to the uses of the said Sir Iohn Peche and Alianore and the heirs of their two bodyes and for default of such issue to Nich. Peche son to the said Sir Iohn for life but after his decease to the right heires of the same Sir Iohn In whose family it continued so long as the male line lasted and then by Margaret one of the daughters and heirs to the last Sir Iohn came to Sir William Montfort of Colshill Knight to whose posterity it remained till the attainded of Sir Simon Montfort in 10 H. 7. Of which families viz. Peche and Montfort I shall peak historically when I come to Hampton in Arden and Colshill in Hemlingford-Hundred But then eâ—cheating to the Crown was by King H. 7. given to Girald Earl of Kildare and Eliz. S. Iohn his wife and to the heirs male of their bodyes 25. Aug. 12 H. 7. And by another Patent dated 20. Iulii 18 H. 7. confirmed whereby also Free-warren was granted to them therein which King H. 8. likewise ratified By vertue of which entail it divolved to Sir Iames Fitz Gerald Knight one of his sons by the said Eliz. S. Iohn But by attainder of the said Sir Iames in 28 H. 8. again resorted to the Crown and in 32 H. 8. was granted to Sir Sir Iohn Fitz Williams Knight and his heirs From which Sir Iohn it came very suddainly to one Anthony Stringer of London to whom I find that King H. 8. in 35. of his reign granted in lieu thereof and other lands which he then had of him in exchange the site of the Priorâ— of S. Margarets near Marlborough in Wilt-shire After which it stayd in the Crown till Queâ—n Marie's time and then was passed in 1. â— of her raign to ...... Smyth and others who the same year aliened it to Sir Rouland Hill and Sir Tho. Leigh Aldermen of London And so being by partition betwixt the said Sir Rouland and Sir Thomas allotted inter alia to the said Sir Thomas was setled upon Sir William Leigh his younger son which Sir William had issue Sir Francis who in 18. Iac. obtained a speciall Pat. for a Court-Leet to be yearly held within this Lordshâ—â— Fâ—â—m whom it is descended to Francis Lord Dunsmore his son and heir now living An. scil 1640. That which the Monks of Pipwell had here came in time also to have the reputation of a Mannour and in 3. 4. Ph. Mar. was granted out of the Crown to the said Sir Rouland Hill and Sir Thomas Leigh and their heirs and so upon the same partition being assigned to Sir Tho. Leigh is enjoyed by the Lord Dunsmore as abovesaid The Church dedicated to S. Peter being given to the Monks of Pipwell as I have already shewed was appropriated to that Monastery by Ric. Peche B. of Cov. in H. 2. time and the Vicaridge endowed by Alex. Savensby his successor an 1220. 13 H. 3. at which time there was x li. per ann reserved to be payd out of the fruits of the Rectory to the Cathedrall of Lich. for ever In an 1291. 19 E. 1. it was valued at xv marks per an over above the xv marks yearly Pension payable to the Dean and Chapter of Lichfield the Vicaridge at lx s. But in 26 H. 8. at xiv li. xxii d. over above viii s. yearly allowed for Procurations and Synodals Patroni Vicariae Incumbentes c. D. Episc. Cov. Lich. Lambertus de Hale Cap. 8. Cal.
here in which Ks. time it hapning that the Prior of Kirby impleading them for the Grange of Causton for so it was called the Attorney for the Monks of Kirby so subtilly managed the suit that they of Pipwell were foyled therein which occasioned much sadness amongst them But at that time Rog. de Seytone being chief Justice of the Common Pleas after Judgement given discerning the fraud of the adverse part went to the K. taking with him the Abbot of Pipwell and Prior of Kirby and manifested the whole business unto him whereupon the K. made a final determination therein ordering that the Monks of Pipwell should enjoy the said Grange paying to them of Kirby CC marks For which good service they concluded to keep his Anniversary for ever in their Monastery on the xi Cal. of May. But after this viz. in 3 E. 2. the Grange here at Causton by an unhappy accident of a Candle carelesly stuck upon a wall was almost totally consumed with fire This Village hath been long decayed as it seems for our Countryman Rous making mention thereof sayes that there being nothing but a Grange remaining the place was become a den of theeves and manslayers by whom the road from Coventre towards Dunchurch growing much infested exposed all Travailers over Dunsmore-heath to much peril for which he doth not a little blame the Monks as minding more their own particular benefit by depopulation than the publick But by the dissolution of the Monasteries it came to the Crown and being granted 15 Iulii 37 H. 8. to Tho. Boughton Gent. and his heirs a younger son to Wâ—ll Boughton of Lawford descended to Edw. his son and heir who through the countenance of Robert Earl of Leic. a potent man in Q. Eliz. time bore a great sway in this County and having gotten materials by pulling down the White-Friers Church in Coventre raised here the most beautifull Fabrick that then was in all these parts Wâ—lliam his great grandchild being the present owner thereof Thurlaston IN the Conq. time the E. of Mellent held two hydes and a half in this Village valued at xxxv s. and possest by one Wlgar in Edw. the Conf. dayes Other two hydes and a half Hubertus held of Hugh de Grentmaisnill then rated at lx s. having been the Free-hold of one Baldwin before the Conquest In the general Survey it is wrâ—tten Torlaveston whence I conclude that the name originally proceeded from some antient owner thereof in the Saxons time But these two hydes and a half last mentioned continued not to the posterity of the said Hugh for thereof did K. H. 1. enfeoff one Wigan sirnamed Marescall of whom in Willoughby I have spoke who held it together with the rest in Wilughby Dunchurch and Hulle by Sergeanty as I have elswhere shewed All which descended to Raph his son and heir and from Raph to Will his son and heir which Will. granted it to Will. de Cantilupe who about the 13 of H. 3. past it away to Stephen de Segrave and his heirs the extent whereof being x yard land and reputed for half the town was held by one Kts. fee the said Stephen then Iusticiarius Angliae having changed the Tenure from Sergeanty to Kts. service Here was in this Village a great quantity of land besides given by many particular persons to the Monks of Pipwell amongst which one mâ—ss with 3 yard land Will. the son of Rob. de Thurlaveston gave cum corpore suo anima Deo S. Mariae de Pipwell in manu Roberti Abbatis obtulit as are the words of his grant Ric. son to the same Will with Tho. de Verdun and Iohn de Verdun Lords of Brandon confirming the same Which Richard was reputed Lord of the Mannour here because he dwelt in the capital messuage that sometime belonged to Wigan le Marescal above mentioned Upon that land so given to the Monks of Pipwell was there a Grange called the Bigging id est aedificium domorum and situat upon that part of the field named Stokewell-furlong It seems that the family of Verdon Lords of Brandon in this County had antiently a Kts. fee here held of the Earls of Warwick which I suppose might be part of what Lescelina daughter to Geffrey de Clinton brought in marriage to Norman de Verdon as by my discourse in Brandon may be gathered but in 20 H. 3. Will. le Franceis held it and in 36 H. 3. Iohn de Thurlaweston of Roes de Verdon And afterwards Sim. fil Margeriae and Iohn Darset From which Iohn descended Will. Dorset alias Dasset as 't is like who in 25 H. 8. past it to Edw. Cave Esq by which means it divolved to Edw. Boughton late of Causton Esq son of Thomas by Margaret daughter and heir to the said Edward Touching this interest of the Verdons here the Register of Pipwell sayes that they had it by means of some that dwelt in the Capital Messuage or Mannour-House that belonged to Wigan Marescall above mentioned but by no good right as is thereby insinuated Which expression of the Monks I conceive to have been partial for I find them complain of their being summoned to do service at the Court of Brandon for their lands in this place to be freed whereof they obtained several Charters from the successive Lords of that Mannour In 11 E. 1. the Monks of Pipwell had a Charter of Free-warren in all their demesn lands here Which lands after the dissolution of that Monastery being by Q. M. granted to Sir Rouland Hill and Sir Tho. Leigh were in like sort as the Mannour of Dunchurch whereof I have already spoke by partition alotted to the said Sir Thomas and setled upon Sir Will. his youngest son whose grandchild Fr. Lord Dunsmore now scil ann 1640. enjoys them Touching the Mannour which Segrave had here it continued in that family as long as the male line lasted and at last by Eliz. the daughter and heir to Iohn Lord Segrave came to Tho. Moubray D. of Norf. as by the descent in Caludon may be discerned Whose son Iohn Moubray D. of Norf. in 10 H. 6. was certified to hold 9 mess. and 9 yard land in this Village by the service of half a Kts. fee but without mention that he was Lord of the Mannour Yet by the Inquis taken the year following after his death it is so called and likewise in all Inq. afterwards and so divolved to the family of Berkley through Isabell one of the daughters and co-heirs to Iohn D. of Norf. in such sort as Caludon did Thom. Lord Berkley dying seized thereof in 26 H. 8. leaving Henry his son and heir then within age Here hath antiently been a Chapel dedicated to S. Edmund in which Rob. de Stretton B. of Cov. and Lich. at the request of Will. de Pettou gave liâ—cense to the Inhabitants
bearing date Kal. Dec. ann 1360. 34 E. 3. that they should have divine service for the space of two years therein But about the beginning of Q. Eliz. time it was pulled down by the Lord Berkley's Officers Tofte THis is a member of Dunchurch and had its name originally from some decayed dwelling house for the word Toft signifieth a place where a Messuage hath stood as our Lawyers well know and came to Montfort by descent from Peche as did Dunchurch but after Montfort's attainder was a so granted to the E. of Kildare therewith Since which time for ought I have seen to the contrary it hath attended the possession of that Mannour But there is also another Mannour at least in reputation within the compass of this small Village whereof Iohn Burghton of Burghton in Com. Staff Gent. was possest in E. 4. time by whom 14 Oct. 4 E. 4. it became convey'd to Humfrey Swinnarton Gent. and Iohn Horeway Priest which Humfrey and Iohn 8 Apr. 12 E. 4. setled it upon Humfrey Hill of Blore in the same County of Staff and Ioan his wife daughter of the said H. Swinnarton and the heirs of their two bodyes From whom descended as it seems Humfrey Hill of Buntingisdale in Com. Salop. who by his Deed dated 8 Febr. 18 H. 8. granted it to Iohn Lettely of Dunchurâ—h Yeoman To which Iohn succeeded Iohn Lytley of Thurlaston Gent. who 28 Iunii 5 Eliz. sold it to Iohn Fawkes of this place whose grandchild Iohn still enjoys it Bourton super Dunsmore FOllowing the Northern bank of Leame I next come to Bourton super Dunsmore which one Ingenulfus held of the E. of Mellent in the Conq. time it being then certified to contain 5 hydes valued at lxx s. But before the Norman invasion Leuuinus possest it Within this parish is also Draicote antiently a member of Bourton and in Record so intermix'd therewith that for a long time the particular owners of each are not easily to be distinguish'd But till H. 3. time I have not seen any thing more directly relating to this place howbeit by what I discern of the then possessors thereof viz. Garshale and Verdon who descended from the daughters and heirs of Henry de Burton I shall conclude that the Ancestors of the same Henry being Lords of this Mannour and having their chief residence hereâ— assumed their sirname from hence And the rather do I incline to this opinion in regard I find by very good authority that the same family of Burton were also Lords of Ibbestoke in Leicestersh which with this descended to Garshale and Verdon by the said co-heirs and therefore I have here inserted so much of the line of Burton whereunto those of Garshale and Verdon are knit as also that of Burdet who marryed Garshale's heir all which Families were undoubtedly owners of this and Draycote Robertus de Bortona 23 H. 1. Will. de Burtona temp H. 2. Henricus de Burton A da uxor Rob. de Garshale 1 H. 3. Bertramus de Garshale Tho. de Garshale 51 E. 1. Rob. de Garshale 14 E. 2. Rob. Burdet de Huncote miles 20 E. 3. Eliz. filia haeres Rob. Burdet ob s. p. Joh. Burdet de Huncote miles 21 R. 2. Eliz. filia haeres uxor Humfridi Stafford de Grafton mil. tâ—mp H. 4. Matilda Thomas ob s. p. Iohanna ux .... de Verdon Rob. de Verdon Rob. de Verdon Ric. de Burtona This Mannour being held of the Verdons Lords of Brandon as I shall shew anon was part of that which Lescelina daughter to Geffrey de Clinton brought to her husband Norman de Verdon as I guess and granted by them to Rob. de Bortone and his heirs by the service of one Kts. fee for from the posterity of the said Norman and Lescelina did the descendants of Burton hold it Of which family all that I find memorable is first that Rob. de Burtone was witness to the Charter of foundation of the Collegiat-Church in Warwick made by Rog. E. of Warwick 23 H. 1. As also that he gave xx acres of land lying in this town to the Nuns of Wroxhale Next that Ric. de Burton who I conceive was son to that Robert gave the Village of Hodenhull to the Monastery of Nun-Eaton And lastly that Will. de Borthun bestowed Blakedon-mill upon the Monks of Combe by the allowance of Bertram de Verdon of whom he held it But having done with the line of Burton I come now to that of Garshale whereof Rob. husband to Ada one of the co-heirs to Henry de Burton was the first that had to do here who taking part with the rebellious Barons against K. Iohn had his lands seized but returning to obedience in 1 H. 3. enjoyed them again Of which Rob. de Garshale it was certified in 20 H. 3. that he with Philip de Esseby held Burton super Dunsmore of the E. of Warwick by a Kts. fee. Howbeit in 36 H. 3. it appears that they held it immediatly of Roes de Verdon of whom I have made mention in Brandon and that she held it over of the E. of Warwick by the said Kts. fee But how Philip de Esseby his title grew I am not yet satisfied and therefore will leave it to be further enquired after for he was a man of much note in this County as appears by his being so often in Commission for taking Assizes of Novel-disseisin and Goal-delivery at Warwick To which Rob. de Garshale succeeded Bertram de Garshale of whom I meet with nothing memorable but Thomas the son of Bertram had divers eminent imployments In 15 E. 1. I find that he was one of the Kts. which were assigned in this Shire for taking care that the Articles contained in the Statute of Winchester for conservation of the peace should be observed And in 22 E. 1. one of the Commissioners appointed for levying and gathering a Tenth in this County granted to the K. in Parl. for support of his Wars In 34 E. 1. for levying and collecting a xxx th and xx th part In 1 E. 2. for a xx th and xv th and in 3 E. 2. for a xxv th granted also to the K. in those several Parliaments And bore for his Arms quarterly Argent and Azure upon a bend gules 3 flower de luces Or as by his Seal and other authorities appeareth To him succeeded Rob. de Garshale who entailed this Mannour with the advouson of the Church upon the heirs of his body by Amicia his wife and dyed leaving Eliz. his daughter and heir marryed to Sir Rob. Burdet of Huncote in Leicestersh a younger son to Rob. Burdet of Sekindon and Arrow in this County whose posterity descended from her continued Lords thereof in the male line till H. 4. time that the heir general Eliz. marrying to Sir Humfry Stafford of Grafton
Mâ—nastery as a member and Chappell of Wotton out of which upon the appropriation of Wotton to those Canons half a marke per annum was reserved for their use but afterwards it seems they had it wholly for so doth the Record of 7 E. 1. express whereby it also appears that it was endowed with a yard land and half having been appropriated to them the very preceding year by R. de Meulend Bishop of Coventre and Lichfield and and confirmed by the King In anno 1291. 19 E. 1. it was valued at viii marks and the Vicaridge at two marks but the Vicaridge in 26 H. 8. was rated at Cxiii s. iv d. per annum over and above 8 s. 4 d. yearly allowed for Procurations and Synodals That which now beareth the name of Blakdon is onely a hilly ground in Lillington-field having originally had its denomination from the dark colour thereof done or dune signifying a Hill The Mill which yet also retains the name thereof lyeth upon Avon at the skirt of the same field and was given to the Mâ—nks of Combe by William de Burton as in Bourton super Dunsmore I have shewed Whether there were ever any village at this Blakdon I know not but do findâ— that it was part of that which the Canons of Kenilworth had in Lillinton though not of the Mannour it and Wridfen being held of Verdon's heirs by a Knights fee and half Patroni Vicariae Incumbentes temp Inst. Prior Conv. de Kenilworth Will. de Kylkeni an 1252. Prior Conv. de Kenilworth Maâ—r Wâ—scard an 1255. Prior Conv. de Kenilworth Ioh. Camezane Auditor contradict D. Papae an 12â—6 Prior Conv. de Kenilworth Rog. de Reygate an 1284. Prior Conv. de Kenilworth Ioh. dictus Lok Diaâ— 8. Id. Oct. 1308. Prior Conv. de Kenilworth Will. de Henyugham Cap. 5. Cal. Apr. 1344. Prior Conv. de Kenilworth Ric. de Rodburne 5. Id. Ian. 1375. Prior Conv. de Kenilworth Ioh. Robolot Pbr. 13. Iunii 1397. Prior Conv. de Kenilworth Ric. Stamford Pbr. 5. Feb. 1398. Prior Conv. de Kenilworth D. Adam Felchyn 9. Maii 1401. Prior Conv. de Kenilworth Ioh. Racheford Cap. penult Ian. 1421. Prior Conv. de Kenilworth Rad. Wikeley 17. Ian. 1425. Prior Conv. de Kenilworth Ioh. Blaby Pbr. 29. Oct. 1431. Prior Conv. de Kenilworth Ioh. Cowper Pbr. 16. Febr. 1435. Prior Conv. de Kenilworth Ioh. Normanton Pbr. 17. Apr. 1493. Prior Conv. de Kenilworth Will. Snelston Cap. 10. Febr. 1506. Will. Pynnok ar ratione concess Pr. C. de Kenilw. Ioh. Shirburne art Magr. 7. Martii 1552. Henr. Porter alii ratione concess Rob. Grey gen Agnetis Grey Viduae Thom. Badnall 24. Iulii 1554. Rob. Craston Brigittaux ejus Rob. Chewe Clâ—r 3. Apr. 1566. Laur. Grey gen Ioh. Brooke Cler. 8. Apr. 1594. Iana Domina Puckering de Warwick Thom. Mayoe Clâ—ric 16. Martii 1598. Tho. Puckering Mil. Bar. Will. Cooper Cler. in art Bacc. 20. Iulii 1631. Wolphamcote HAving thus followed the Northern side of Leame till it meets with Avon it now remains that I ascend to the South-east part thereof where it enters this Hundred which is within the precincts of Wolphamcote This is now vulgarly called Ovencote contaning within its parish the villages of Flekenhâ— Nethercote and Sawbridge in all which there are decayed Chappell 's and in the Conq. time was possest by Turchill de Warwick the content thereof being certified at 4. hides and a half valued at lx s. having also a Church situat therein but in that Survey it is written Ulfelmescote and was before the Norman invasion the freehold of one Aschil As for the originall of the name 't is evident enough that it sprung from some antient planter or Inhabitant there in the Saxons time Wlfelmus being a usuall appellation amongst them and the Word Cote as I have elsewhere observed being the same with domus or habitatio To the before specified Turchill succeeded Siward de Arden his son and heir who being permitted to enjoy this as part of his rightfull inheritance granted it to Lecelina daughter to Geffrey de Clinton and her heirs Ailwin the then Bayliff of Flekenho and his sons being some of the witnesses thereto qui reddiderunt pecuniam as the Deed expresses id est making attournment by paying some money in token thereof Which Lecelina marryed to Norman de Verdon as in Brandon I have shewed and had issue by him Bertram de Verdon in whose line it continued till towards the end of H. 3. time that Iohn de Verdon past it away by the name of a Mannour to Walter de Langlegh and Alice his wife and their heirs for the service of half a Knights fee provided that they the said Walter and Alice and their heirs should appear in their proper persons twice a year with their tenants at the Court-leet of him the said Iohn and his heirs at Flekenho in case they did reside here at Wolfhamcote and if not then their Bayliff to supply their room Which grant though not dated was made as I guess about 40 H. 3. For in 41. the said Walter and Alice had a Charter of Free-warren granted to them in all their demesn lands here But the said Alice surviving her husband did in 23 E. 1. settle it upon Robert de Langley her younger son and his heirs To whom succeeded Margaret his daughter and heir wedded to William de Peto whereby it divolved to that family about the beginning of E. 3. reign From which time I shall not need to instance by particular proof from Records that their descendants were successively Lords thereof for they continued so till within these few years that Sir Edward Peto of Chesterton Kt. in consideration of 2520 li. by his Deed dated 2. Apr. 11. Iac. sold it to Rob. Clerke Yeoman then his tenant thereof This Lordship being antiently held of Verdon as I have shewed upon partition of Verdon's inheritance was held of Will. de Ferrers son and heir of Isabell one of the coheirs to the last Theob de Verdon William de Peto grandchild to the before specified Will. doing his homage accordingly for the half Knights fee here unto William Lord Ferrers of Groby in 2 H. 4. But further than what I have said I do not find any thing memorable of this place other than the complaint which our Countrey-man Rous long since did make of the Depopulation here as well as in many other towns of this County In An. 1291. 19 E. 1. the Church dedicated to S. Peter was valued at xxv marks the advouson whereof was in 38 E. 3. granted by Sir Iohn de Peto Kt. Ian. 9. unto Thomas de Beauchamp Earl of Warwick and to Thom. B. his
subt Wethele made this the place of his residence his posteriâ—y continuing it for their habitation and hence assuming their sirname There are some of opinion that he was a branch of the Vernons Barons of Shipbroke in Cheshire which may very well be for the Arms of this family do dâ—ffer no otherwise in the ordinary from that than by the Escalops upon the fesse taken as 't is like in respect that in some parts of this Lordship there are stones of that kind I mean like unto Escalops found as in the next viz. Shukborough be those called Astroiâ—es Which usage in assuming such particulars for their bearing in Arms as the place where the person hath reresided was famous for hath been very antient witness the Ermines by the Dukes of Britanny being a furr wherewith that Country much aboundeth by reason of those little Beasts so called which are in those parts As also the Mascles by the Dukes of Rohan in regard the Carps in that Dutchy have such marks upon their scales as that learned Gentleman my singular friend and furtherer of this present work Edw. Bâ—she Esq in his judicious observations upon Vpton hath manifested But I return to the before specified Robert That which he had here with Weston was held of the same Earls posterityâ— by the service of two Kts. fees they having the Leet and divers other priviledges in both these places as appertaining to the Honour of Leicester But besides what the family of Napton had in this place there was much that other persons held though a perfect succession of their several interests I cannot set forth I shaâ—l therefore next take notice of what I have met with relating to the line of Napton which is historical Adam de Napton 20 H. 2 Adam de Napton 3 Ioh. Agnes una filiarum haer Rob. de Salceto 20 H. 3. Adam de Napton 40 H. 3. Isolda 40 H. 3. Adam de Napton Adam de Napton miles 13 E. 1 Rob. de Napton miles 4 E. 2. Lucia filia Guid. de Bellocampo Com. Warr. Adam de Napton def 44 E. 3. Thomasina ux Will. White Ioh. White consangu haeres Ioh. Napton Iana ux Ioh. de Shukburgh Ioh de Napton fil haeres Will. de Napton Thom. de Napton obiit sinâ— prole Joh. de Napt duxit Alic. filiam Ric. de Misterton Agnes ux Galf. Filding In 16 H. 3. the second Adam de Napton was one of the Commissioners in this County for assessing and collecting the xl part of all movables imposed upon the people for the K. use and marryed Agnes one of the daughters and heirs to Rob. de Salceto Of his son Adam I find that in 36 H. 3. he was a Commissioner for the Goal-delivery at Warwick being then one of the Coroners in this Shire from which Office he had leave to be free the same year by reason of his imployment in the service of Raph Fitz Nicholas a great man in those dayes and Steward to the K. as in Stretton-Baskervile I have intimated yet the next ensuing year was he again made Coroner but in regard of his disability to undergo it had shortly after a discharge from that Office This Adam was a Kt. in 13 E. 1. and left issue Robert who amongst many other great men in 29 E. 1. had Summons to be at Barwick upon Twede on the Feast-day of the Nativity of S. Iâ—hn Bapt. sufficiently accoutred with Horse and Arms to march against the Scots and the same year was constituted one of the Commissioners for assâ—ssing and collecting a xv in this County In 4 E. 2. he was a Kt. In 13. he was with Iohn de Langley assigned to levy and collect the Sâ—utage in this County for the expedition inâ—o Scotland and in 15. he had a Charter for a Mercate to be kept here at Napton weekly upon the Thursday and a yearly Fair to last for 3 dayes viz. the Even day and morrow after the Assumption of the blessed Virgin This Sir Robert marryed Lucia the daughter to Guy de Beauchamp E. of Warwick and had issue Adam his son and heir which Adam being dead before the 44 E. 3. left issue Iohn his son and heir and two daughters viz. Thomasine marryed to Will. White and Iane to Iohn de Shukburgh as the descent sheweth But that this Mannour of Napton divolved to the Shukboroughs by reason of that marriage though the said Iâ—ne or her descendants at length became heirs or coheirs to the family of Napton I make a question For in 1 H. 4 Iohn Napton and Eliz. his wife past it to Ric. Cosford and Ric. Geydon Priests and in 12 H. 4. Wâ—ll the son of Alice Betons of Napton and Agnes his wife levyed a Fine thereof to Will. Sâ—ukburgh and others and to the heirs of the 〈◊〉 W. Shugburgh with warranty against 〈…〉 heirs Which Will. Shukburgh â— of Shukburgh for so â—e is termed was certifiâ—â— to be Lord thereof in 10 H. 6. from whom it is by inheritance come to Sir Ric. Shukburgh now of Shukburgh Kâ— the present owner thereof And fâ—â—m an heir female to a younger branch of these Nâ—ptons are the Feildings of Newnham likewise descended as not onely by certain old quarterings in their Arms but by the Pedegree on the last page appeareth through whose right they heretofore posseâ—â— the Mannour of Misterton ir Com. Leic. out of which a Rent is still paid to them It should seem that those lands which Turchill de Warwick held here in the Conq. reign continued for some time to his posterity for in 52 H. 3. Thom. de Ardern lineal heir to Turchill was certified to hold the xâ— part of a Kts. fee in this place of the E. of Warwick In 20 H. 3. I find that Rob. de Alâ—eto held half a Kts. fee here of the Prior of Coventre and in 9 E. 2. Raph Basset of Sapcote the v. part lying on that side of Napton antiently called Napton-Boscher for which in 44 E. 3. Ric. de Compton and his tenants did answer but in whom these are now or to shew any thing more of them is past my skill Besides this Mannour whereof I have already spoke there are two other within the precincts of Napton the one commonly called Vaux his Mannour and the other Brownes of which I have here added what I have fâ—und in Record or otherwise The first of these was by a Fine levyed 9 E. 2. between Rob. de Harwedon Pl. and Iohn de Wileby Deforciant setled upon the said Rob. for life the remainder to Rob. the son of the said Iohn de Wileby and Emme his wife and the heirs of their two bodyes and for default of such issue to the right heirs of Iohn de Wâ—leby Of this in 6 H. 6. did Thom. Chaumbre and Elianore his wife
Canons of Kenilworth had Free-warren granted to them in all their demeâ—n lands here which they enjoyed till the generall dissolution of the Religious houses by K.H. 8. But after that fatall blow whereby the Monastery lands became dispersed Sir Thomas Darcy Kt. obtained this Mannour of Radford to himself and his heires by Pat. bearing date 27. Aug. 37 H. 8. And being afterwards created Lord Darcy of Chich in Essex past away this Lordship to Ric. Knevit and Elene his wife entayling it on the heirs male of the said Richard by her the said Elene and for default of such issue on Luce the wife of Sir Henry Gate Kt. Anne the wife of Nich. Robertson and Alice the wife of Edm. Verney esq which Ric. Knevit departed this life 1 Nov. 1 Eliz. leaving by her the said Elene Henry his son and heir aged 7. months and 15. days who about the 36. year of Q. Eliz. sold it to Iohn Brown of Barnam in Com. Suss. lineal heir to Iohn Brown esq who being Standard bearer to Iohn D. Bedford at such time as he was Regent of France bore for his Armes sable 2. bends verry Or and gules and lost his life in those warrs as the Pedegree of this family doth manifest Which Iohn had issue Sir Will. Brown late of this place deceased who for the better fortifying his title obtained a new Pat. from the Crown dated 12. Martii 15. Iac. to himself and Iohn Warde and the heirs of him the said Sir Will. in Fee-ferm viz. paying to the said K. his heirs and successors the yearly Rent of iii li. xviii s. v d. ob Which said Sir Will. dying seized thereof not long since left George Brown esquier his son and heir the present owner thereof In 10 H. 4. the Hundred presented that this village ought to repair the Bridge called Quenes-brigge lying within the precincts thereof over the river Leame but what was determined therepon I find not The Church dedicated to S. Nicholas being given to the Monastery of Kenilworth by Henry de Simely in H. 1. time as I have already shewed was appropriated thereto by G. Muschamp B. of Coventre in K. Iohn's time and in An. 1291. 19 E. 1. valued at vi marks but the Vicaridge at ii marks Which Vicaridge in 26 H. 8. was rated at ....... over and above ii s. allowed for Procurations and Synodals Patroni Vicariae Incumb temp Inst. Prior Conv. de Kenilworth D. Ioh. de Chadlefhunt Cap. 2. Id. Apr. 1320. Prior Conv. de Kenilworth Ioh. de Whitnash Cap. 6. Cal. Iulii 1349. Prior Conv. de Kenilworth Barthol de Wappenburry Pbr. 15. Cal. Aug. 1352. Prior Conv. de Kenilworth Ioh. de Bedford Pbr. 14. Cal. Oct. 1361. Prior Conv. de Kenilworth Henr. Bryth Pbr. 3. Nov. 1378. Prior Conv. de Kenilworth Ric. Starter Pbr. 8. Iunii 1397. Prior Conv. de Kenilworth Ioh. Cowper Cap. 10. Iulii 1422. Prior Conv. de Kenilworth Thomas Yonge Pbr. 12. Iunii 1436. Prior Conv. de Kenilworth Henr. We le Cap. 5. Febr. 1450. Ric. Knyvet ar D. Edw. Lysterley Cler. 15. Martii 1552. Ric. Knyvet ar Ioh. Cruce Cler. 12. Maii 1557. Elena Knevet vidna Ric. Gardiner Diac. 29. Martii 1564. Thomas Brown Ric. Gardiner Cler. 13. Maii 1575. Will. Brown de Radford miles Nath. Potter Cler. in art Mâ—gr 21. Iulii 1631. In the West window of the Church these Arms. Arg. a plain Crosse gules S. George the tutelary Saint for England Or. 2. bends gules Sudley Whitnash FOllowing the course of Leame I come next to Whitnash wherein the same Hunfridus of whom I made mention in Leminton-Hâ—stang was certified to hold 2. hides of Hasculf Masard in the Conquerors time then valued at C s. and which were the Freehold of one Alured before the Norman invasion In that Survey it is written Witenas but afterwards in most Records Witenes As to the originall occasion of the name I cannot speak positively but do suppose that it was Brittish and by time much corrupted as most others are For I have observed that Coit which with them signifieth a wood is sometimâ—s found to be written quit and Whit by our English and Norman Ancestors so that then the syllable nes with the Brittans importing the same as propè doth in Latine sheweth that this place in probability had it's first denomination by being situat nigh some wood then growing there From the before specified Hunfridus descended the family of Hastang whereof in Leminton I have spoke who enjoyed this Lordâ—hip for some descents during which time one of them viz. Aâ—trop Hastang confirmed the grant made to the Canons of Oseney by Ric. Kentensis of half a hide of and lying in this Village But to Hastang in the possession of this Lordship succeeded Roger de Cherlecote who lived in K. Iohn's time From whom descended Sir Thomas de Haseley Kt. who assumed his sirname from that place in 〈◊〉 it was his principall seat as when I come to Hâ—seley â—hall be manifested Of which Sir Thomas in 7 E. 1. it was certified that he held this Mannour of Rob. de Hastang by the service of half a Knights fee excepting iv s. and that he then had here a Water-mill and 3. carucats of land in demesn as also a great pool with xix servants holding 7. yard land six acres and a fourth part at the Will of the Lord performing divers servile imployments and six Free-holders occupying 3. yard land and a hallf It was then also certified that the Kts Hospitalars had 4. messuages lying in this Village held by 4. Free-holders and given unto them by Atrop Hastang Which Sir Thomas de Haseley had issue Robert who granted this Mannour unto Iohn his son from whom descended Thomas Haseley of Whitnash â— who by his Deed dated on the day of S. Lucie the virgin 20 E. 3. past it awy to Tho. Savâ—ge of Tachebroke-Malory in this County which T. Sâ—vage had a fair estate in lands here before purchased by Iohn his father from Iohn Malory of Walton in Leicestershire descended to him the said Iohn from Will. Malory his grandfather All which lands together with the said Mannour did the same T. Savage by his deed bearing date on the feast-day of the translation of S. Edward the K. 1 R. 3. grant unto Benedict Medley of Warwick and his heirs Besides this there was another Mannour here in Whitnash but of its antiquity I can say little for the first mention I meet with of it is that Sir Baldwin Frevill Kt. was seized thereof and that by partition betwixt his sisters and coheirs in 31 H. 6. it fell to Margaret then the wife of Sir Ric. Bingham one of the Justices of the Common Pleas but formerly of Sir Hugh Willoughby Kt. whose grandchild viz. Sir Henry Willoughby Kt. sold
amounted then to C s. per ann but had a Church-yard and Ecclesiastique sepulture In 22 R. 2. it was appropriated to the said Collegiat Church of our Lady a Pension of iii s. iv d. per ann being thereupon reserved to the Bishop and his successors out of it and in 26 H. 8. valued at iii li. vi s. viii d. per ann which sum the Dean and Canons of the said Collegiat Church then received Patroni Incumbentes c. D. Episc. auctoritate Diocesana Gilb. de Kyneton Cler. 10. Non. Feb. 1282. Canonici Eccl. B.M. Warw. Gilb. de Kington Subdiac 14. Cal. Dec. 1283. D. Episc. Henr. de Olney Cap. 6. Id. Nov. 1322. D. Adam de Herwynton Canon Praeb Eccl. Coll. B. M. Warw. Thom. de Burneby Cler. 9. Kal. Iunii 1325. D. Adam de Herwynton Canon Praeb Eccl. Coll. B. M. Warw. Will. de Walsh accol Non. Oct. 1338. Praebendarius de Comptox Adam Coriate Pbr. ..... 1339. Ioh. de Bokyngham Praeb Ioh. Roer Pbr. 15. Iunii 1357. Praebendarius de Compion Murdak Ric. de Broughton Pbr. 27. Aug. 1380. The Church of S. Iames being originally but a Chapell and founded over the West gate of this town was given to that of our Lady by Roger Earl of Warwick upon the making thereof Collegiate by him in King Henry 1. time as I have already shewed And in 41 E. 3. was presentable by the Dean and Canons of the above recited Colledge but being at that time void as it had been for many years had no more revenue than xx s. per ann belonging to it and neither Church-yard nor Ecclestique sepulture In 6 R. 2. the advouson thereof was bestowed on the Gild of S. George in Warwick whereof I shall speak anon Patroni Incumbentes c. Will. de Bellocampo Comes Warw. Thom. de Beoleg Pbr. 3. Id. Iunii 1294. Thom. de Bellocampo Com. Warw. D. Will de Benynton Pbr. 22. Iunii 1330. Thom. de Bellocampo Com. Warw. Rob. Sotemay Pbr. 27. Iulii 1339. Thom. de Bellocampo Com. Warw. Philippus Bosse Pbr. 18. Maii. 1340. Thom. de Bellocampo Com. Warw. D. Walt. de Ulnehale Cap. 20. Martii 1342. Thom. de Bellocampo Co. Warw. Ioh. de Harwode Pbr. 19. Iunii 1374. Thom. de Bellocampo Co. Warw. Ric. Colet Pbr. 12. Sept. 1374. Thom. de Bellocampo Co. Warw. Hugo de Pykton Cler. ult Dec. 1378. The Priory FRom hence I come to the Priory of S. Sepulchers situate on the North side of this town on a most pleasant ascent the Foundation whereof was begun by Henry de Neuburgh the first Earl of Warwick after the Conquest in K. H. 1. time the occasion thereof being by the recourse of divers Pilgrims in great devotion to the Holy Land the Christians prevailing much about that time who solicited this Earl to erect a Monastery in imitation of those Canons Regular there instituted in the Church of the Holy Sepulcher of our blessed Saviour which Canons used the like habite that other Regular Canons did adding onely a double red Cross upon the brest of their Cope this being the first House of that peculiar Order either in England Wales Scotland or Ireland But after the destruction of Hierusalem again which hapned in Anno 1188. 35 H. 2. almost all the Houses of this Rule began to decay so that then the Religious persons of this Order betook themselves to solicit and implore the aid of good people for help to regain the Holy Land having power to bestow great Indulgences upon those that were bountifull thereto their habite being then chang'd to a gray Cloake and the Prior going with a Pastorall staff howbeit all their endeavours for regaining the Holy Land at last comming to nothing their lands and revenues were transferred to the Order of Friers of the Holy Trinity for redemption of Captives touching the first Institution whereof I have spoke in Thelesford Canonicus Regularis S. Sepulchri The Church of Snitfield given by Hugh fil Ricardi Certain lands lying betwixt Tunstall and Stochull near Warwick by Geffrey de Vinea A stone-house and some particular ground in Warwick by William the son of Gilbert Nutricius Those grounds called Levenhull situate on the Northwest side of Warwick by Robert de Morton in 29 H. 3. One yard land in Lighthorne confirm'd i by Nigell de Mundevill which his father gave when he bequeath'd his body to sepulture here Certain lands in Upton by Thomas de Arden The Church of Hasele confirm'd by Thomas de Cherlecote Lord of Hasele having been given by some of his Ancestors Certain lands in Solihull by Sir William de Odingsells An annuity of 50 s. by Margery de Nerburne given out of Austrey in this shire Certain lands in Claverdon by Ela Longespe Countess of Warwick which she gave for the health of her soul and for the soul of Thomas Earl of Warwick her husband William Earl of Salisbury her father Ela her mother VVilliam and Richard her brothers and Ida her sister sometime wife of VValter fil Roberti Besides all these there belong'd thereto five Mess. one carucat of land and x s. x d. yearely Rent lying within the parish of S. Clements-Danes in the suburbs of London together with the advouson of the said Church of S. Clements all which the Prior and Canons of this House exchanged away unto VValter Stapleton Bishop of Exeter to the use of his Bishoprick for eight acres of land in Snitfield before specified with the advouson of the Church in 17 E. 2. Which Church they had then License to hold appropriate to them and their successors and did accordingly so that it seems the former title they had thereto by the grant of Hugh fil Ricardi either was not good or else they had aliened it away soon after It also seems that much of the lands they had here at Warwick was antiently Common for by an Inquis taken 9 H. 8. I find that they had inclosed foure hundred acres here and depopulated one mess. whereunto eighty acres belonged But over and above these lands had they sundry liberties and priviledges granted to them by King Henry 2. and Richard 1. and confirm'd by King Hen. 3. and Edw. 3. so great an esteem had they of that Order as the Preamble of King Henry 3. Charter implies scil pro reverentia S. Dominici Sepulchri And by the Survey taken in 26 H. 8. it appears that besides the Rectories of Snitfield and Haseley above specified there belong'd to this Monastery the Church of Gretham in Com. Rutl. antiently of the Earl of Warwick's advouson though when given thereto I am not very certain all which with the rest of its possessions lying in Warwick Hatton Claverdon Church-Lawford Austrey Snitfield Pinley Solihull and Fenni-Compton were then rated at no more than
in Seginho and Richmont in Bedfordsh with remainder to his son Thomas for want of â—ssue male of the said Edmund and departing this life on the 3. of Sept. 1525. 17 H. 8. was buried before the Altars in the Gray-Friers Church before specified which Church is yet standing and now commonly known by the name of Christ-Church near Smithfield in the Suburbs of London but if you look there for his Tombe stone it is not to be found For of Cxiv persons that were buried there whereof Iohn Stow makes mention reciting the name of each that had a Monument amongst which is Margaret daughter to Philip K. of France and wife to K. E. 1. Isabell wife to K. E. 2. Ioan Q. of Scotts daughter to K. E. 2. with divers of the English Nobility and other persons of speciall quality and in particular the name of this Sir T. Lucy there is not now one to be seen And if you desire to know what is become of their Tombes hearken to what the same Author says viz. All these and five times so many more have been buried there whose Monuments are wholy defaced for there were ix Tombes of Alabaster and Marble inviron'd with strikes of iron in the Quire and one Tombe in the body of the Church also coped with iron all pulled down besides Cxl. grave-stones of Marble all sold for fifty pounds or thereabouts by Sir Martin Bows Goldsmyth and Alderman of London Thurstanns de Cherlecote Rog. de Cherlecote 7 R. 1. Thomas de Cherlecote 7. H. 3. Tho. de Cherlecote 51 H. 3. Rob. de Hasâ—le 30 E. 1. Ioh. de Hasele de Whitnash 36 E. 3. Ric. de Hasele 36 E. 3. Henr. de Cherlecote Rog. cogn de Witele Walt. de Cherlecote miles 5. Ioh. Cecilia Ysab. filia Magistri Absolonis de Aldermoneston Will. cogn de Lucy 1 H 3. Matilda soror cohaeres Ioh. Cotele Williel de Lucy 34 H. 3. Amicia filia haeres Will. de Furches Fulco de Lucy obiit 31 E. 1. Domina Petronilla Will. de Lucy miles aet 26. an 31 E. 1. Elizabetha 2 E. 2. Will. de Lucy jun. 15 E. 2. Eliz. relicta 28 E. 3. Thomas de Lucy 25 E. 3. Philippa ux 2. 28 E. 3. Will. de Lucy miles 5 R. 2. Thomas Lucy miles obiit 3 H. 5. Alesia soror haeres Will. Huggeford 1 H. 5. Ric. Archer 2. maritus 3 H. 5. Will. Lucy obiit 6 E. 4. Alianora filia Reginaldi D. Gray de Ruthin Will. Lucy miles obiit 7 H. 7. Alesia ux 2. obiit 10 H. 7. Maria ux Ioh. Densell Will. Lucy 10 H. 7. Edw. Lucy Margareta filia Ioh. Brecknock thesaur Regis H. 6. Edm. Lucy aet 28. an 8 H. 7. Iohanna 9 H. 7. Radegunda Edm. Tho. Lucy miles ob 17 H. 8. Eliz. filia Ric. Empson mil. relicta Georgii Catesby ar Edm. Lucy Thomas Lucy Will. Lucy ar ob 5 E. 6. Anna filia Ric. Farmer ar Edm. Timoth. Will. Ric. Tho. Lucy factus miles 7 Eliz. Jocosa filia haeres Thomae Acton ar Thomas Lucy factus miles 36 Eliz. obiit 1 Iac. Constantia filia haeres Ric. Kingsmill Franc. Lucy Will. Lucy S. Theol. Dr. Ric. Lucy eq aur de Broxburne in Com. Bedf. Tho. Lucy miles obiit 7. Dec. 1640. Alicia filia haeres Thomae Spenser de Claverd ar Fulco Thomas Georgius Ric. Lucy Rob. Lucy Spenser Lucy ob s. p. Const. ux Will. Spenser eq aur Marg. ux Briani Broughton ar Elizab. Maria. Jana Martha Jocosa Anna. Radegunda Barbara Anna 10 H. 7. .... ux Galfr. fil Rob. Lascells Eliz. filia haeres Guidonis filii Roberti 25 E. 3. Galf. de Lucy 48. H. 3. Of William Lucy son and heir to the said Sir Thomas I find that he wedded Anne the daughter of Richard Farmer esquier and dyed ...... 5 E. 6. leaving issue Thomas his son and heir afterwards a Knight Richard William Timothy and Edward and these daughters viz. Alice Mary Iane Martha and Ioyce which Sir Thomas in 1 Eliz. built the House here at Cherlecote of brick as it now stands But of his descendants I shall need to say no more than what the Pedegree here inserted together with their Monumentall Inscriptions do shew That which I have else to take notice of relating to this place is that it is one of the towns whereof our Countreyman Rous temp Edw. 4. complained of for Depopulation And that the Church in H. 1. time being a Chapell of Wellesburne was by Simon Bishop of Worcester then confirmed to the Canons of Kenilworth having been annexed to the said Church of our Lady in Wellesburne by Henry de Newburgh the first Earl of Warwick of the Norman line as appears by the Confirmation thereof made by William Earl of Warwick grandchild to the same Henry in H. 2. time What agreement was made touching it with the said Canons of Kenilworth by the Cherlecotes who were antiently Lords of this Mannour as I have shewed hath not yet appeared to me but some such thing there was for otherwise could not William de Lucy Founder of the Monastery of Thevelesford in H. 3. time have given the advouson thereof as he did to the Canons of that House It seems there was a portion of xx s. per annum then reserved to the Priory of Kenilworth for so much doe I find that they had out of this Chapell in anno 1291. 19 E. 1. In 14 E. 1. it was valued at 4 marks And by a Certificate upon an Inquisition taken in 12 H. 7. it appears that upon the grant thereof to the said House of Thelesford by William de Lucy before specified it was appropriated to that Monastery but that Robert Prior in E. 1. time gave the right of Presentation to the Vicaridge unto Fouk de Lucy then Lord of Cherlecote and his heirs with whom it continued till about the beginning of H. 7. time that Sir Will. Lucy Kt. bestowed the same patronage upon the Canons of Thelesford and their successors Edmund his son and heir confirming the grant At the time of this Inquisition taken the Vicaridge was found to be of xii marks per annum value being endowed with all Oblations and Obventions Tith corne only excepted and that the Vicar there was lyable to find Bread Wine and Wax for the daily Celebration of Divine Offices and in every usuall Visitation to pay xii d. towards the expences of the Ordinary Patroni Vicariae Incumb tempt Instit. Fulco de Lucie Ioh. de Wilee Cler. 18. Kal. Dec. 1268. Fulco de Lucie Ioh. de Wyk Pbr. Id. Iulii 1285. Will. de Lucie Rob. de Syleby Pbr. 2. Id. Iulii 1306. Attornati Baldwini de Bereford mil. D. Rob. Pardu 11. Cal. Ian. 1366. Baldw. de Bereford miles Will. Manning
at 4. yard land being then held by xi Tenants as in Dasset I have already intimated But of the residue did the Sudley's continue owners Iohn de Sudley in 9 E. 2. being certified Lord thereof together with Dasset and as a member of the same Howbeit that which the Templars had here came to the Hospitalars in E. 2. time as all their other lands did and soe continued in their possession till the generall dissolution of the Religious Houses in 30 H. 8. that they were brought to the Crown After which in 7 E. 6. these lands in Herdwick were granted to Edward Aglionby of Balshall and Henry Hugford of Solihull gent. and their heirs who within the compasse of the same year past them to ..... Wotton Esquire There hath antiently been a Chapell here dedicated to S. Leonard but now it is ruinous the Village being totally depopulated Knightcote THis was heretofore also a member of Dasset and so not particularly taken notice of in the Conquerors Survey The first mention that I find of it is in H. 3. time and then was there one Simon de Knitecote son to Raph de Knitecote owner of it which Raph or some of his Ancestors being doubtlesse enfeoft thereof by one of the Sudleys assumed it seems their â—irname from hence by reason of their residence here and had a Chapell in this Village But the inheritance hereof descended to Ioan Dycon of Derset as daughter and heir to Iulian daughter to the abovesaid Symon de Knitecote Which Ioan past a way all the right she had in the Mannour of Knightecote for by that name it was then stiled to William the son of William Sutton and Amicia his wife and to the heirs of the said William by her deed bearing date on the Feast day of S. Iames the Apostle 24 E. 3. who kept his estate therein but a while for on the Feast day of S. Mathew the Apostle next ensuing he granted it to William de Peyto and his heirs and levied a Fine thereupon in 27 E. 3. Which William in 3. R. 2. granted to Laurence Dive of Herlaston in Com. Northampt. all his right in this Village who the self same year past it unto Sir Henry Arden Knight Robert Burgoyllon and others and their heirs as Feoffees it seems to the use of Thomas Purefey for it appears that very shortly after they quitted their right therein to the said Thomas which Thomas in 10 H. 7. convayed it unto Will. Husseâ— Esquier with certain other lands in Wellesborough in Com. Leic. and Folkshill within the Liberties of Coventre in exchange for that Mannour in Fenny-Drayton in Com. Leicester called Hussey's Mannour The next possessour whereof that I have met with was Sir Walter Smyth Knight of whom I have spoke in Shirford and Fletchamsted whose grand-child Sir Iohn Smyth of Crabbet in Sussex now enjoys it Northend THis is likewise a part of Dasset and originally had its name from the Northern situation thereof from thence there being nothing at all memorable therein other than a Chapell which it hath antiently had Aven-Dasset SOuthwards from Burton-Dasset stands Aven-Dasset but whither it was originally a member thereof and part of what the Earl of Mellent held there in the Conquerors time is hard to determine without farther light than I have yet had The most antient possessor of it that I find was William Giffard a Retainer to Roger Earl of Warwick in King Stephens time as may be observed from his so frequent being a witnesse to that Earls Charters and a Benefactor to the Templars by the gift of some lands here as may seem by that Account of their possessions taken in 31 H. 2. where it is written Afne Dercet To him succeeded Andrew Giffard though not immediatly whose heir in 36 H. 3. was found to hold one Kts. fee here of Roes de Verdun and she of the Earl of Warwick But in 7 E. 1. Margerie de Cantilupe was certified to be owner of this Mannour and to hold it of Theobald de Verdon by the service of one Kts. fee having then one Carucate of land and a half here in demesn anâ— 5 yard land besides which was held by divers Tenants who payd certain Rents and performed severall services for the same From which Margerie descended Walter de Cantilupe Lord thereof in 9 E. 2. it being then reputed as a Hamlet of Farnborough which Walter was Parson of Snitfield and became possest of this Mannour by the grant of Sir Iohn de Cantilupe his Brother But in 12 E. 2. the same VValt de Cantilupe past away the inheritance thereof together with the advouson of the Church unto Christian de Bishopsden widow of Sir VVill. de Bishopsden Kt. reserving to himself an estate for life only Which Christian â— by her Deed bearing date the Tuesday next after the Feast of St. Valentine the Martyr 13 E. 2. sold her said estate in reversion herein to Sir Iohn Peche the elder Kt. and his heirs to whose posterity it continued as long as their male line lasted and afterwards came to the Montforts of Colshill with the rest of Peche's lanâ—s by the marriage of a Daughter and heir as in Hampton in Arden shall be shewed And by the attainder of Sir Simon Montfort Kt. in 10 H. 7. to the Crown Out of which it was passed 25 Aug. 12 H. 7. to Gerald Earl of Kildare and Eliz. St. Iohn his wife and to the heirs male of their two bodies lawfully begotten which Earl and his Lady had a Charter of Freewarren granted to them in all their demeâ—n lands here dated 20 Iulii 18 H. 7. But leaving issue Sir Iames Fitz-Gerald Kt. attainted in 28 H. 8. it eschaeted again to the Crown and by K. E. 6. 15 Dec. in the fourth year of his reign was granted to Sir Raph Sadler Kt. Master of the great Wardrobe and Laurence Wenington Gent. and to the heirs of the said Sir Raph to be held in Socage who by their Deed bearing date 6 Febr. next ensuing sold it to Iohn VVoodward of Butlers-Merston and his heirs from whom is descended Richard Woodward Gent. the present owner thereof The Church dedicated to St. Iohn Bapt. had antiently two yard land belonging thereto and in an 1291. 19 E. 1. was valued at xii marks but in 26 H. 8. at xiii l. xviii s. viii d. Patroni Ecclesiae Incumbentes c. D. Walt. de Cantilupo Ioh. de Lapworth Pbr. 3. Id. Martii 1302. D. Walt. de Cantilupo Thomas Betoun de Snytfeld Cap. 12. Cal. Oct. 1316. .......... Hugo de Brok 10 Aug. 1332 Thomas Alysaundre D. de Aven Derset Ioh. Richard Cap. 14. Cal. Apr. 1342. Thomas Alysaundre D. de Aven Derset Rog. Ennok Cap. 9. Cal. Iunii 1349. Thomas Alysaundre D. de Aven Derset Ric. Boule Cler. 2. Non. Iulii 1351.
find that Nicholas the Son of Hugh de Fernberge in Ric. 1. time made a grant that in case it happened he should sell or pawn any of his lands to the Canons of Claâ—ercote or any other Religious House it might be no prejudice to the Church of this place in their Tithes arising out of any Cattell depasturing thereon And that Sir Thomas de Say Kt. in H. 3. time granted to Thomas de Wymundham then Parson thereof the homage and service of Will. de Williamscote uncle to him the said Sir Thomas and of his heiâ—s for 1. mess. and 1 yard land which he the said Will. held of him here in Farnborough In an 1291. 19 E. 1. this Rectory was valued at xi marks and in 11 E. 2. the advouson thereof was granted by Iordan de Say Lord of the Mannour unto Iohn de Ralegh and his heâ—rs After which viz. in 13 E. 3. I find that Sir Will. Shareshull Kt. purchased it of Thomas de Hulhampton Kt. and Margaret his wife but how they had Iohn de Rale's title therein I know not And the next year following granted it to the Canons of Lilshull in com Salop. and their Successors which Canons obtained an appropriation thereof from Roger de Northburgh Bishop of Cov. and Lich. 3 Non. Martii an 1345. 19 E. 3. the Vicaridge being endowed the xii Cal. of Dec. following and a Pension of v. sol per an granted to the Dean and Chapter of Lichfield and their Successors by the said Canons of Lilshull out of the fruits of the same Rectâ—â—y But the said endowment was made void as it seems for it appears that by an Instrument bearing date x. Kal. Iulii 1367 41 E. 3. upon a Petition exhibited to the Abbot of Lilshull by the Canons of that House setting forth how short their maintenance was the said Abbot by the consent and License of Rob. de Stretton then Bishop of Cov. and Lich. granted all the profits thereof unto them for augmentation of their dyet and clothing though what was thereupon reserved for the Vicar I have not seen which Vicaridge in 26 H. 8. was rated at C xii s. over and above viii s. allowed for Procurations and Sinodals Patroni Ecclesiae Incumbentes c. D. Episc. per lapsum Wâ—ll de Pichford Pbr. crast Apost Petri Paulâ— 1307. Gâ—lf de Cornwayl miles Petrus de Norton Pbr. 16. Kal. Maii 1323. Patroni Vicariae Abbis Conv. de Lilshull Ioh. de Waverton Cap. 2. Cal. Dec. 1345. Abbis Conv. de Lilshull Rog. de Wâ—â—thynton Cap. Id. Ian. 1352. Abbis Conv. de Lilshull Ioh. Morys Cap. 5. Id. Nov. 1361. Abbis Conv. de Lilshull Wiâ—â— Power Pbr. 4. Id. Nov. 1363. Abbis Conv. de Lilshull Râ—b de Kitton Pbr. Non. Martii 1364. Abbis Conv. de Lilshull Thomas aâ—â—e Nashe Pbr. 2. Aug. 1375. Abbis Conv. de Lilshull Hâ—go de Wardyngton Pbr. Non. Apr. 1367. Abbis Conv. de Lilshull Ric. Câ—lâ—e Pbr. 25. Nov. 1391. Abbis Conv. de Lilshull Ioh. Gâ—over Cap. 22. Nov. 1414. Abbis Conv. de Lilshull Thomas Alfoâ—th Pbr. 12. Maii 1427. Abbis Conv. de Lilshull Ioh. Stoke Cap. 8. Oct. 1432. Abbis Conv. de Lilshull Ioh. Kirge Pbr. 16. Apr. 1436 Abbis Conv. de Lilshull Ioh. Edwardâ— Pbr ..... 1440. Abbis Conv. de Lilshull Petrus Green Pbr. 17. Ian. 1443. Abbis Conv. de Lilshull Ric. â—ele 19. Dec. 1444. Abbis Conv. de Lilshull Ioh. Wesâ—ourne Pbr. 11. Dec. 1449. Abbis Conv. de Lilshull Wâ—ll Bradbury Cap. 22. Nov 1453. Abbis Conv. de Lilshull Ioh. Vlceby Cap. 28. Sâ—pt 1454. Abbis Conv. de Lilshull Hâ—nr Syddall Diac. 24 Maii. 1533. Abbis Conv. de Lilshull D. Hâ—go Lache Cap. 6. Dec. 1534. Dominus Rex D. Thomas Cotton Cap. 8. Iunii 1546. Symon Ralegh arm Thomas Rowley Cler. 4. Iunii 1569. Symon Ralegh arm Thomas Warde Cler. 23. Martii 1577. Symon Ralegh arm VVill. Hobson Cler 2. Iulii 1581. Edw. Ralegh miles Samps Gaâ—ge Cler. in art Bac. 6. Iulii 1620. Cancellarius Magistri Scolar Uuiversitatis Oxon vigorâ— Actus Parl. Tâ—om Gâ—stelow S. Theol. Bac. 6. Martii 1629. In the Church windows are no Arms by reason the whole fabrick hath of late times been rebuilt Mollington THere is but part of this town in Warwick-shire the rest lying in Oxford shire wherewith I am not to meddle That which is certified by the Conq. Survey to be in this County was then rated at v. hides which were valued at lx s. and possest by Osbernus fil Ricardi of whom in Aston Cantilupe I have spoke but before the Norman invasion belonged unto the Mother of Leuvinus de Niâ—ueham From the descendants of which Osbernus the one half thereof came to Iuliana de S. Remigio who bestowed it upon the Canons of Kenilworth about K. H. 2. time to whom it continued tâ—ll the dissolution of that Monastery but then coming to the Crown was purchased by Fouk VVoodhull Gent. in 37 H. 8. who had a grant thereof bearing date 12. Iunii the same year to himself and his heirs to hold in Capite by the xl th part of a Kts. fee paying x s. ix d. ob yearly Rent Which Fouk had issue Leonard and he Iohn that dyed seized of it 30 Ian. 30 Eliz. leaving Anthony his son and heir then of full age But the other part came to Thomas de Arden of Rotley or his Ancestor by grant from some of the descendants of the before specified Osbernus to hold by the half of a Kts. fee for by the Record of 36 H 3. it appeareth that Agnes Cagthelewe then held â—t of the said Thomas and he of Ricards-Castle From which Agnes it divolved to Alianore dâ— Claâ—e who in 1 E. 2. held it of the heirs of Ricards Castle by the like service and in 5 E. 3. dyed seâ—zed of it leaving Iohn her son and heir 22 years of age After which Iohn de Herdwike in 20 E. 3. held it by the third part of a Kts. fee at which time the Prior of Kenilworth's part answered for no more but in 13 R. 2. it went for half a Kts. fee as formerly Howbeit in 18 R. 2. Edm. Waldeyve was found to dye seized thereâ—f and that he held it in right of Margaret his wife as of her inheritance leaving Thomas his son and heir xiiii years of age But how to derive the title that these had from each other is past my skill except I had the sight of private evidence And as much am I to seek in the discovery of its succession till of late for after this till H. 8. time I have not seen ought else thereof neither then do I find any more but two Fines the one levied
same year confirming it again by another dated at Oxford 26. Dec. 13. of his reigne whereby he added the grant of an yearly Faire to continue for two days viz. upon the Even and day of S. Peter and Paul To which Stephen succeeded Gilbert de Segrave and to Gilbert Nicholas his son and heir who being in that rebellion with the Barons in 49 H. 3. and thereby forfeiting his whole estate this Mannour so eschaeting to the Crown was by the King given to Edmund his son afterwards created Earl of Lancaster which Edmund foon after bestowed it on Raph le Butiller and his heirs who thereupon had the King 's confirmation thereâ—fâ— bearing date at Kenilworth 3. Oct. 50 H. 3. reâ—erving the Rent of xv li. to be yearly payd into his Exchequer at Eâ—ster and Michaelmasse by even portions Howbeit such application did the said Nicholas use towards the before specified Edmund that he not only obtained this Mannour again the next year following but extraordinary respects otherwise Neither was Raph le Butiller without satisfaction by way of recompence instead thereof After which viz. in 7 E. 1. the same Nicholas being certified to hold it in Fee-ferm of the King by the Rent of xii li. per annum before exprest in which Record it is said to be de anâ—iquo dominico had four carucates of land in demesn two Wind-mills and two Dove-houses with a Court Leet Gallows and other Liberties besides the Mercafe As also xxxvii Sokemen who held 31. yard land under severall Rents and divers servile imployments And in 20 E. 1. had Free-warren granted to him in all his demesn lands here But from this family of Segrave it divolved at length by Eliz. a daughter and heir to Iohn de Moubray as Caludon whereof I have already spoke did who in 29 E. 3. had a pardon for the Relief thereupon due by them to the King And upon the partition of Moubray's lands betwixt the coheirs viz. Howard and Berkley comming to Berkley's share was in 9 H. 7. assigned in part of her dowrie to Anne the wife of Will Marquesse Berkley To which family it continued till of late years for I find that Henry Lord Berkley son of Sir Maurice Berkley was seized thereof in 2 Eliz. There hath been antiently a Castle here situate North-east from the town about two furlongs whereat as the tradition is King Iohn sometime kept his Court. The Church dedicated to S. Peter was by King H. 1. given to the Canons of Kenilworth as I have already intimated and confirmed to them by Baldwin Bishop of Worcester in H. 2. time In an 1291. 19 E. 1. it was valued at xxi marks and being rebuilt about the beginning of E. 2. time was consecrated anew by Walter Maydenston Bishop of Worcester xvi Kal. Iulii anno 1315. 9 E. 2. When the Vicaridge was ordained I have not seen but in 26 H. 8. it was valued at viii li. vi s. viii d. per annum that being the stipend wherewith as it seems it had been originally endowed Patroni Ecclesiae Incumbentes c. Prior Conv. de Kenilworth Henr. Vicarius Eccl. de Leminton an 1338. Prior Conv. de Kenilworth Rob. Harwode Pbr. 19. Iunii 1374. Prior Conv. de Kenilworth Phil. de Warmynton Pbr. 7. Apr. 1379. Prior Conv. de Kenilworth Will. Slygh Pbr. 13. Maii 1379. Prior Conv. de Kenilworth Ric. Smyth 23. Febr. 1384. Prior Conv. de Kenilworth Rob. Hunte 23. Maii 1386. Prior Conv. de Kenilworth Ioh. Shukburgh Cap. 22. Aug. 1399. Prior Conv. de Kenilworth D. Will. Baker Pbr. 15. Iulii 1405. Prior Conv. de Kenilworth D. Ioh. Gylot 1. Dec. 1408. Prior Conv. de Kenilworth Ric. Shepley 2. Ian. 1416. Prior Conv. de Kenilworth D. Ioh. Tamworth Pbr. 25. Febr. 1439. Prior Conv. de Kenilworth Will. Vauce 17. Oct. 1448. Prior Conv. de Kenilworth Magr. Ric. Bonyfaunte S. Theol. Bacc. 12. Sept. 1484. Prior Conv. de Kenilworth D. Thomas Rawlinson Cap. 11. Sept. 1499. D. Elizab. Angliae Regina Rob. Williams Cler. ult Ian. 1585. D. Elizab. Angliae Regina Ioh. Haal Cler. 17. Martii 1586. D. Elizab. Angliae Regina Thomas Howghton Cler. 17. Aug. 1587. Edw. Bentley ar Ric. Wotton Cler. 11. Aug. 1624. Armes in a South window of the Church Nebule Arg. and gules Arg. a fesse engrailed betwixt 6. billets gules Aylworth Kineton parva OF this place I have seen nothing till 7 E. 1. and then was it certified that Nich. de Segrave had 3. Tenants here holding .... yard land by performance of severall services it being a member of Kineton before spoken of It should seem that those lands which the Canons of Kenilworth had within the precincts of Kineton were in this Kineton-Parva for in that grant made by King H. 8. to Ric. Andrews and Leonard Chamberlain and the heirs of Andrews whereby the capâ—tall messuage and site of this Mannour and six yard land belonging thereto are past unto them it is said that the same was part of the possessions belonging to that Monastery Brokehampton THis Village situate on the bank of the little brook below Kineton taketh its name from thence and being originally a member of that Lordship continued involved therewith till that King Iohn gave it to Raph de Thurbervill and his heirs by the name of the Mannour of Brochamton to hold by the service of the 4. part of a Knights fee. Which Raph was a person of no ordinary note and trust as it seems For in 6. Ioh. when Alice Countess of Warwick gave that great Fine whereof in my story of the Earls I have made mention to the end that she might continue a widow during her own pleasure have the tuition of her children and a reasonable dowrie c. the Shiriff of this County was commanded that for her payment thereof and performance of what else was to be done on her part security should be taken before him the said Raph as also her Oath in such sort as he should expound it To him succeeded Lucas de Turbervill or Trublevill for I find it both ways written from whom this land being taken as an Eschaeâ— it seems about the 12. year of King Iohn was in 1 H. 3. restored to Raph de Tâ—ublevill his brother as belonging to him by right of inheritance and yet forasmuch as it had been part of the demesns of the Crown as a member of Kineton was in 6 H. 3. through the advice of the Kings great Councell reseized by the Shiriff as all other lands of that nature were How the said Raph made his agreement with the King appears not but in 13. of his reign he granted and confirmed it to him and his heirs together with seaven yard land in
Prior Conv. de Kenilworth Petrus de Salle Pbr. Cal. Feb. 1333. Prior Conv. de Kenilworth Ioh. de Ansty Pbr 12. Maii 1339. Prior Conv. de Kenilworth Ioh. de Clynes Pbr. 19 Iulii 1339. Prior Conv. de Kenilworth D. Ioh. Lane Cap. 20. Maii 1439. Prior Conv. de Kenilworth D. Thomas Whatton ult Apr. 1449. Prior Conv. de Kenilworth Thom. Young Cap. 3. Oct. 1450 Prior Conv. de Kenilworth D. Ioh. Mongomery 23. Dec. 1455. Prior Conv. de Kenilworth D. Will. Longedone Cap. 2. Iulii 1460. Prior Conv. de Kenilworth D. Henr. Russell 8 Sept. 1463. Prior Conv. de Kenilworth Ioh. Billingham penult Nov. 1469. Prior Conv. de Kenilworth D. Adam Stapul Cap. 26. Martii 1489. Prior Conv. de Kenilworth D. Tho. Hayken Pbr. 22. Ian. 1512. Eliz. Angliae Regina Ioh. Overton Cler. 7. Nov. 1577. Eliz. Angliae Regina Will. Bristow Cler. 23. Iulii 1584. Wellesburne-Mountfort OF this place I make no question but that Thurstane de Mountfort of whom and his family I shall discourse in Beldesert was enfeoft by the same Henry Earl of Warwick or his son Roger in H. 1. time as part of those x Knights fees and a fourth part which he then had given to him by one of those Earls To whom succeeded Rob. de Montfort his son and heir by whose forfeiture it eschaeted to the Crown about the 22. of K. H. 2. reign for at that time did the Shiriff account x li. for the half years Rent thereof as also according to the same rate in 23.24.25 and 30 H. 2. And in 31. H. 2. Mich. Belet the then Shiriff reckoned C s. layd out for CC. sheep towards the storing this Lordship forthe K 's. use vi s. for 5 Sows and a Boar and xxxvi s. for 8 Cows and a Bull In 33 H. 3. xxiii l. for the ferm thereof that year And in 1 R. 1. xxiii l. xv s. was accounted for the same But the next year following did Henry de Montfort Brother and heir to Robert before specified give a Fine to the K. of C l. for which he obtained it again and soon after enfeoft Will. de Bissopesdune and his heirs in C s. of land here with Iulian his Daughter in marriage viz. six yard land held in Villenage with the villeins residing thereon and all the service of Robert the son of Clerenbald and one yard land which a Herdsman held with the said Herdsman as also the fourth part of all his Lordship here in Wellesburne with Housbote and Heybote in Wellesburne-grove for repair of his buildings and hedges by appointment of his Forrester And a fourth part of his wood at Badsley And in 34 H. 3. Peter de Montfort Grandchild to the said Henry obtained a Charter of Freewarren to himself and his heirs in all his demesn lands here as also in divers other places but being slain in the Battail of Evesham 49 H. 3. there was a totall seizure of his estate at which time 't was certified that he had two Carucates of land here and x l. yearly Rent To whom succeeded his son Peter who in 4 E. 1. had a Gallows here as also Assize of Bread and Beer with weifs and in 7 E. 1. held it of the Earl of Warwick by the service of one Kts. fee at which time he had xx Tenants here holding xix yard land a half and fourth part paying sundry Rents and performing divers services as plowing mowing making and carrying Hay raking Corn and the like unto whom he was to allow at mowing time a vessell of Beer containing 52 Gallons and a Mutton or xii d. This Peter had then also five Freeholders who held severall parcells of land under certain Rents and suit of Court All which together with the Customary Tenants before spoke of had Common in Kingswood with paunage for their Hogs and certain proportions of wood for fuell It was then likewise certified that he had Freewarren and a Court Leet here by the grant of K. H. 3. Besides these Customary Tenants and Freeholders it was then also found that Will. the son of Thomas de Bishopsdon held half an acre of land here in demesn and had 4 Tenants holding the vi yard land and 3 quarters before specified by sundry servile imployments all which used to appear at the Court Leet held by the said Iohn Severall Cottiers had the same Peter also here who performed the like services as the other Tenants did All which priviledges of Court Leet Freewarren c. were pleaded in 13 E. 1. and allowed From this Peter descended Guy as the Pedegree in Beldesert will shew who taking to wife Margaret one â—f the Daughters to Thomas Beauchamp Earl of Warwick in 22 E. 3. entailed it with other lands upon the issue of his body to be begotten on the said Margaret and for default thereof upon the same Earl and Katherine his wife and the heirs of him the said Earl But this entail took not effect for Guy dying without â—ssue Sir Baldwin Frevill and Sir Thomas Boteler Kts. by a Writ of Formedone recovered this and the other Lordships so entailed as Cosins and heirs to P. de Montfort above mentioned whereupon by partition made betwixt them in 9 R. 2. it was allotted to the said Sir Thomas But the issue male of this Sir Thomas extinguishing in Sir Raph Boteler Kt. his son and heir Lord Treasurer of England in H. 6. time Sir Iohn Norbury Kt. and Will. Belknap Esq. being the descendants of Eliz. and Ioan his Daughters as the Pedgree in Griff sheweth became heirs to this inheritance Which Sir Iohn Norbury with Edw. Belknap Cosin and heir of the said VVilliam Belknap divided Botelers lands betwixt them in 13. H. 7. whereupon this Mannour fell to the said Sir Iohn and from himâ— by Anne his Daughter and heir wife to Ric. Hallywell to Iane his Cosin and heir wedded to Sir Edm. Bray Kt. which Iane dyed seized thereof 24 Oct. 5. 6. Ph. M. leaving Sir Will. Cobham Kt. Lord Cobham son of Anne one of the Daughters of the said Iane 26 years of age Eliz. Catesby late wife of Sir Ric. Catesby Kt. and afterwards of Will. Clerke Esq. aged 46 years Fridiswide wife of Sir Percevall Hart Kt. aged 43 years Dorothe the wife of Edw. Lord Chandois aged 29 years and Frances the wife of Thomas Lifeild her Daughters and heirs Walton-D'Eivile IN the Conq â—s time this being possest by the Earl of Mellent was certified to contain v. hiâ—â—â— and rated at vii l. having then a Mill of vi s. valueâ— unto which Earl succeeded Henry Earl of Warwick his Brother in the enjoyment of this Lordship as he did the most of his lands in this County who as 't is probable
intimation I find of it is in 20 H. 3. where half a Knights fee in this place is certified to be held of Raph de Todneye yet who it was that then so held it is not exprest but in 36 H. 3. it appears to be William le Bretun The next that had to do here I mean in this part was Walter Pykerell yet not reputed Lord of the Mannour though he had the advouson of the Chapell so that considering that the Abbot of Bordesley was shortly after certified to be Lord of this town as I shall more plainly shew by and by I may without much presumption conclude that by one means or other the Monks of that Monastery obtained a large proportion in this part thereof after that Walter Cumin as I shall declare anon had given them all that he had here Which Walter in 10 E. 2. levied a Fine of what he had here and in Hilborough viz. two mess. three carucates of land and eight marks Rent with the advouson of the Chapell whereby he entailed it upon â—he issue of his body by Agnes his wife the remainder to Iohn de Leicester Priest But it seemes that Pikerell had no children by that woman for Leicester enjâ—yed it according to this Entail and presented to the Chapell as will appear anon From whom it came to Roger Hillary who had Free-warren granted to him in all his demesn lands in this place and in Stafford-shire 4. Maii 18 E. 3. and held what he had here oâ— the Earl of Warwick by the fourth part of a Knights fee. Which Roger was a Kt. and had issue Sir Roger who dying childlesse in 1 H. 4. Sir Iohn Rochford Knight son of Saer de Rochford by Ioan his elder sister and Eliz. daughter to Will. de la Plaunch by Eliz. his other sister became his heirs which Eliz. had 4 husbands First Sir Iohn Bermingham Knight Secondly Sir Iohn Russell Knight Thirdly Sir Iohn Clinton Knight and Lastly Robert Lord Grey of Rotherfeild whereupon by partition betwixt these coheirs in 13 H. 4. the said Eliz. had inter alia this Mannour allotted to her but dying without issue in 2 H. 6. the posterity of Sir Iohn Rochford became her heirs as to it viz. Ioan the wife of Sir Robert Roos Knight Margaret the wife of Frederick Tilney and Alice of Iohn Gibthorp Betwixt whom partition being made it was assigned to Ioan for Sir Robert Roos presented to the Church in 5 H. 6. and dyed ult Sept 20 H. 6. leaving Margaret the wife of Thomas de Pinchbeck and Alianore his daughters and heirs which Margaret was afterwards marryed to Iohn Wittlebury But from Witlebury it ere long divolved to Sir Richard Clement Knight by Anne a daughter and heir as I guesse by the Presentations The other part of this town possest by Osbernus filius Ricardi in the Conquerors time as I have shewed was by Osbertus filius Hugonis grandchild to the said Osbern granted to Hugh Hubald progenitor to the Hubauds of Ipsley and his heirs to hold by the service of one Foot-man in the Marches of Wales for 8. dayes yearly upon xv days notice which Hugh past it away to Walter Cumin reserving the said service Osbertus filius Hugonis confirming the grant But it continued not long in the line of Cumin for Walter Cumin son to the said Walter gave it to the Monks of Bordsley at which time it was accounted three hides whose grant Henry Hubauld of whom it was held confirmed for the yearly Rent of x s. and the before specified service of a Footman c. which was to be performed in the guarding of Ricards-Castle as that Charter testifieth But it seems that the Monks of Bordsley obtained more lands here in Stretton besides these for in 4 E. 1. I find that they had 4. hides and in 9 E. 2. were certified to be Lords of the town which being the greatest part thereof continued to them till the dissolution of that House but soon after scil in 37. H. 8. was past out of the Crown together with the Grange unto Thomas Badger Thomas Fowler and Robert Dyson From whom it came at length to one William Freeman who in 1 Eliz. dyed seized thereof leaving Iohn his cosin and heir xv years of age In anno 1291. 19 E. 1. the Church here was not valued but in 14 E. 3. I find it rated at iii. marks and a half yet is there no mention of it in 26. H. 8. Patroni Ecclesiae Incumbentes c. Walt. Pykerel Ioh. de Cestaneslade Cler. 8. Id. Oct. 1298. Ioh. de Leicester Cler. Henr. de Schulton Cler. 17. Iulii 1330. Ioh. de Leicester Cler. Ioh. de Wentebrig 10. Nov. 1339. Ioh. de Leicester Cler. Rog. Clonne Pbr. 27. Apr. 1340. Walt. de Leicester Cler. D. Thomas de Bernak Cap. 2. Martii 1341. Rog. Hillarie miles Henr. de Ombrysley Pbr. 23. Martii 1393. Rog. Hillarie miles Ioh. de Sloghtre Pbr. 24. Iulii 1361. Ioh. de Hampton Dominus de Stretton D. Ioh. le White Pbr. penult Oct. 1371. Rog. Hillarie miles Rob. de Caldecote Pbr. 6. Dec. 1361. Rog. Hillarie miles D. Ioh. Sweter Cap. 28. Nov. 1368. D. Eliz. Domina de Clinton Gilb. Bury Cap. 5. Martii 1412. D. Eliz. Domina de Clinton D. Ioh. Handy Cap. 28. Aug. 1420. Rob. Roos miles Ioh. Staundford Pbr. .... 1426. Thomas Pinchebek ar D. Ioh. Westbury Pbr. 21. Nov. 1429. Ioh. Wittlebury ar Margar. ux ejus D. Ioh. Sonwyn Cap. 24. Ed. 1442. Ioh. Wittlebury ar Margar. ux ejus Will. Lumbard Cler. 11. Martii 1444. Rob Wyttelbury ar D. Rob. Lowth Cap. ult Iunii 1484. Anna Wittelbury D. Will. Flocton Cap. 18. Feb. 1506. Ric. Clemens ar VVill. Robyns 8. Dec. 1524. Anna Grey vidua nuper ux Ric. Clement militis Hugo Zulley Cler. 6. Apr. 1549. Rad. Sheldon ar Thomas Evans Cler. 29. Iulii 1575. Nich. Hobday Yeoman ex concess Rad. Sheldon ar D. Franc. Hunt Cler. 28. Aug. 1581. Barcheston SToure being increast with this torrent which passes by the skirts of Stretton hasteth Northwards and on its Eastern bank leaveth Barcheston with Willington a petty Hamlet Part of this town viz. two hides and a half belonging to Will. fil Corbucionis in the Conquerors time of whom in Studley I have spoke was then held of him by one Iohais and valued at xl s. having a Mill therein rated a C d. But the residue viz. one hide and half a virgate Aluriâ— then held of the King which is certified in the generall Survey amongst the lands of Ric. Forestarius and valued at xl s. All which with the two hides and a half before exprest was the freehold of one Wiching in Edward the Confessors dayes In Domesday book it is
Nevill Theobaldus de Nevill Alicia ux Joh. Hakluyt 11 E. 3. Johanna uxor Rob. de Hastang Which VVill. became eminently imployed in his time In 5 H. 3. he was constituted one of the Justices of Assize for determining the difference betwixt Philippa Marmion widow of Robert Marmion and Rob. Marmion son to the said Robert touching her dowry in Tamworth and Midleton and from 6 till 11 H. 3. a Justice of Assize in this County To the Monks of Bordsley he gave two acres of land in Edrichestun and left issue VVill. his son and heir one of the Justices of Assize also in this shire for sundry years and likewise in Commission for the Gaol delivery from 27 till 37 H. 3. Which VVill. confirm'd to the Monks of Bordsley all the land that had been granted to them of his fee within his Lorship of Langley his Seal of Armes being a Labell with 4. points standing in the place of a Bend sinister and left issue two daughters his heirs Alice the wife of Peter de Nevill and Ioan of Rob. de Hastang From whom descended Theobald de Nevill and Iohn de Hastang who were certified to hold 1 Knights Fee here of Will. de Odingsells in 23 E. 1. But it seems that the inheritance which belong'd to the two daughters above specified came at length to be divided betwixt their heirs for I find in 7 E. 2. and afterwards that this Mannour of Budbroke became wholy possest by Hastang and in E. 3. time was past away in Exchange together with other lands unto Thomas Beauchamp Earl of Warw â— for the Mannours of Grafton and Upton-war in in Worcestersh with whose posterity it continued till 3 H. 7. that all the other lands of that great Earldome came to the Crown as in Warwick is manifested After which it was by K. E. 6. in 1. of his reign granted inter alia unto Iohn Dudley E. of Warwick and his heirs but in 3 E. 6. exchanged back to the K. again and the next ensuing year reobtained upon another exchange so that eschaeting to the Qu. in 1 Mariae upon the attainder of the said Iohn then D. of Northumb. it was leased out to Iohn Kitley for xxâ— years at the Rent of 16 li per an and 4 Nov. in 2. and 3. of her reign granted to Edw. Sutton Lord Dudly and the heirs male of his body whose son and heir viz. Edward Lord Dudley in 31 Eliz. sold it to Iohn Puckering Sergeant at Law which Iohn left issue Sir Tho. Puckering K t and Bar. the late owner thereof The Church dedicated to S. Michael with all the Tithes was by Rog. E. of Warwick given to the Canons of his Collegiate Church in Warwick upon its Foundation in 23 H. 1. who being thus possest of it granted the same to one M t Iohn a Canon there to hold during life with caution that in acknowledgment of the mother Church id est the Coll. Church abovesaid whereof it was a member he should once every year within the quinzime of S. Michael distribute xv s amongst the Communicants of this parish But shortly after this there growing some difference betwixt Rob. de Curli Lord of the Mannour of Budbroc as I have already intimated and the before specified Canons in the presence of certain persons delegated by the Bishop of Worcester to be Judges thereof the said Rob. rendred up to them all his title and claim therein acknowledging it to be only a Chapell belonging to that mother Church By which recognition of his it also appeareth what Glâ—be and Tythes then appertained thereunto viz. lx acres of Inclosure of the said town on one part of the feild and as much on the other together which the Priest's dwelling house and Crofts antiently belonging to the Church as also all the Tithe of Budbroc aswell of the demesn as otherwise and of Hampton Norton and Crevecuor together with the Tithe of the Mill and Pool all which were belonging to the said Church from the time of Gâ—ffrey de Clinton formerly mentioned who is there stiled Vetus Camerarius in regard that his son Geffrey was also Chamberlain after him By this Agreement doth it also appear that the Vicar of Budbroc and his successors should be presented to the said Church by the Canons of Warwick yet not without the good liking and approbation of the before mentioned Rob de Curly and his heirs But for better confirmation of this Church to those Canons did Will. de Curly quit all his right to them therein in 12 H. 3. In aâ— 1291 19 E. 1. being valued at xvi marks the portion out of it belonging to the said Canons was certifyed to be xvs. But in 41 E. 3. the condition thereof stood thus viz. that it was a Prebendary to the beforementioned Coll. Church and that the prebend did Present a Rector of Parson thereto which Parson presented a Vicar who served the Cure and had a competent portion assigned unto him by the Bishop the value of what the Rector then had being x li per an Howbeit after this viz. in an 1398. 22 R. 2. there was a new Appropriation made thereof to the said Canons of Warwick by Tideman Bishop of Worcester in respect that in the originall annexation the word successors of the Dean and Canons to whom it had been first granted was deficient by reason whereof they had been outed from their possession in the time of Will. Wittlesey Archb. of Cant. there being a Pension of vi s. viii d. reserved to the said Bishop and his successors out of it So that in 26 H. 8. the Vicaridge was valued at viii li. but in aâ— 1584 27 Eliz. there was a new Ordination or Composition made whereby the Vicar's rights were better setled Patroni Ecclesiae Incumbentes c. D. Episc. per lapsum Ric. de Bradewell Cler. 7 Id. Maii 127â— D. Rad. de Hengham alii Canon Eccl. b. M. Warwici Petrus de Leicester Subdiac 5. Cal. Dec. 1282. D. Rad. de Hengham alii Canon Eccl. b. M. Warwici Thomas de Houghton Pbr. 10 Cal. Apr. 1290. D. Rad. de Hengham alii Canon Eccl. b. M. Warwici Petrus de Barton Subdiac 7 Cal. Ian. 1303. Patroni Vicariae Decan Eccl. b. M. Warw. Ioh. de la Hale Pbr. 17. Cal. Iulii 1312. D. Episc. per lapsum D. Will. de Nayleston Cap. 2. Non. Iunii 1316. Decan ut suprà D. Heur de Hewynton 18 Cal. Maii 1319. Patroni Ecclesiae Prebendar Preb. de Compton-Murdak Nich. de Southam Pbr. 28. Nov. 1349. Prebendar Preb. de Compton-Murdak Sim. de Bloston 4. Iulii 1354. Patroni Vicariae Tho. Brok Rector Eccl. de Bodebrok Rob. Loâ—â—kyn Pbr. 8. Feb. 1352. Patr. Eccl. Ioh. de Bokyngham Prabendarius Nich. Andrew 24. Iulii 1357. Patr. Vic. Rector Eccl.
new Knight to the Chapell with much Musick even to the high Altar and there he shall kneel and putting his right hand upon the Altar is to promise to maintain the rights of holy Church during his whole life 17. And then he shall ungirt himself of his Sword and with great devotion to God and holy Church offer it there praying unto God and all his Saints that he may keep that Order which he hath so taken even to the end all which being accomplished he is to take a draught of Wine 18. And at his going out of the Chapell the King 's Master-Cook being ready to take off his Spurs for his own Fee shall say I the King's Master-Cook am come to receive your Spurs for my Fee and if you do any thing contrary to the Order of Knighthood which God forbid I shall hack your Spurs from your heels 19. After this the Knights must conduct him again into the Hall where he shall sit the first at the Knights Table and the Knights about him himself to be served as the others are but he must neither eat nor drink at the Table nor spit nor look about him upwards or downwards more than a Bride And this being done one of his Governours having a Handkerchief in his hand shall hold it before his face whâ—n he is to spit And when the King is risen from his Table and gone into his Chamber then shall the new Knight be conducted with great store of Knights and Minstrells proceeding before him unto his own Chamber and at his entrance the Knights and Minstrells shall take leave of him and go to Dinner 20. And the Knights being thus gone the Chamber dore shall be fastned and the new Knight disrobed of his attire which is to be given to the Kings of Armes in case they be there present and if not then to the other Heraulds if they be there otherwise to the Minstrells together with a mark of silver if he be a Knight Batcheler if a Baron double to that if an Earl or of a superior rank double thereto And the russet Night-cap must be given to the Watch or else a Noble 23. Then is he to be cloathed again with a blew robe the sleives whereof to be streight shaped after the fashion of a Priest 's and upon his left shoulder to have a Lace of white silk hanging And he shall wear that Lace upon all his Garments from that day forwards untill he have gained some honour and renown by Arms and is registred of as high record as the Nobles Knights Esquires and Heraulds of Arms and be renowned for some feats of Arms as aforesaid or that some great Prince or most noble Ladie can cut that Lace from his shoulder saying Sir we have heard so much of the true renown concerning your honour which you have done in divers parts to the great fame of Chivalrie as to your self and of him that made you a Knight that it is meet this Lace be taken from you 21. After Dinner the Knights of honour and Gentlemen must come to the Knight and conduct him into the presence of the King the Esquires Governours going before him where he is to say Right noble and renowned Sir I do in all that I can give you thanks for these honours curtesies and bountie which you have vouchsafed to me and having so said shall take his leave of the King 22. Then are the Esquires Governors to take leave of this their Master saying Sâ—r We have according to the King's command and as we were obliged done what we can but if through negligence we have in ought displeased you or by any thing we have done amiss at this time we desire pardon of you for it And on the other side Sir as right is according to the Customs of the Court and antient Kingdoms we do require our Robes and Fees as the King's Esquires companions to Batchelers and other Lords Having said thus much of this antient and honourable Order I return to the before specified Sir Thomas Cokesey The next year following sc. 2 H. 7. he was made a Banneret for his good service done in the Battail of Stoke and in 4 H. 7. one of the Commissioners for making choice of Archers in this County to be sent into Britanny for releif of that Dutchy The next year was he constituted one of the Justices for Gaol delivery in this County and in 6 H. 7. a Commissioner for arraying of men in defence of this Realm then in danger of an invasion by Charles the ix th King of France being also from the 6 th to the 12h. of H. 7. in Commission of the Peace in this Shire upon the severall renewings thereof But Leland saith that he was a Râ—ffler and slew a Bastard-son of Stafford of Worcestershire notwithstanding the great brag that the Staffords bore in that County This Thomas dyed in 14 H. 7. leaving Rob. Russell and Rob. Winter his Cosins and heirs as the Descent in Wylie sheweth by which it seems that his two sisters above specified had no issue whereupon this Mannour by â—â—â—ce of the entail made in 3 H. 4. resorted to Ioh. Grevill great grandchild to Lodowik second son to the first William which Lodowik took to wife Margaret the daughter and heir of Sir Gilesâ— Ardern Kt. by whom he had the Mannour of Draiton near Banbury in Oxfordshire where he dyed 28 Aug. an 1438. 17 H. 6. and is interred leaving Will. Grevill his son and heir who departed this life within two years after To whâ—ch Will. succeeded .... Grevill who wedded Catherine the sister and coheir to Rob. Pointz by whom he had issue the same Iohn Grevill heir to this Lordship by Sir T. Cokesey 's death without issue maleâ— as abovesaid which Iohn in 15 H. 7. was one of the Justices for the Gaol deâ—ivery at Warwick and in 17. and 18. in Commission of the Peace in this County To whom succeeded Edw. his son and heir first constituted a Justice of Peace in this Shire in 1 H. 8. and shortly after Knighted but dyed in 20. H. 8. without any thing else memorable of him and was buried in St. Annes Chapell in the Church of Weston super Avon according to the appointment of his Will leaving issue Iohn his son and heir and Fouke a younger son of whom and his posterity I shall speak in Beauchamps Courâ— which Iohn was one of the Kts. for this Shire in that Parliament of 30 H. 8. so fatall to the Religious Houses and being Knighted at the Coronation of K. Edw. 6. dyed 25 Nov. the year following leaving Edw. his son and heir 30. years of age who marryed Margaret one of the daughters and heirs to Will. Willington of Bercheston in this County and dyed a Kt. 24 Dec. 2. Eliz. To whom succeeded Lodowik his son and heir then 22 years
to be yearly kept here for 8. days beginning on the Even of S. Barnabas the Apostle In 1 E. 3. he was constituted Constable of England but dyed the year following whose brother William then found his heir and xl years of age did not enjoy this Lordship of Alcester in regard the said Walter had about xii years before setled it upon Giles de Beauchamp another brother Of which William all that I have seen memorable is that upon the death of Guy de Beauchamp Earl of Warwick who was Shiriff of Worcestershire by inheritance he had the custody of that County committed to him during the minority of his heir But of Giles I find that in 15 E. 2. he was made Shiriff of Caernarvonshire and Governour of the Castle of Beaumaris that in 14 E. 3. he had a Charter to fortify his Mannour-house here at Alcester with a wall of lime and stone and to embattle the same for the use of himself and his heirs and having had summons to the severall Parliaments amongst the other Barons from 20 E. 2. to 9 E. 3. he left issue Iohn of whomâ— I have seen but little other than his founding a Chantry in the Parish-Church here at Alcester in 36 E. 3. whereof I purpose to speak particularly in its proper place and he Sir Will. Lord of this place and Powik and Sir Walt. de Beauchamp a younger son from whom the Beauchamps Barons S. Amand did descend which Walter in 4 H. 4. was retained by Indenture to serve the King in a voyage royall that he intended for France in his proper person with four men at Armes himself accounted for one and xii Archers whereof the third part were to serve on Foot and the rest on Horseback for one whole year taking for himself ii s. per diem For his men at Armes xii d. and for his Archers vi d. And in 3 H. 5. to serve the King for one whole year in a voyage that he made in person into Guienne in which service he was to have four men at Armes and xii Archers all on Horseback and to receive xl marks a piece for his men at Armes and xx marks a piece for each of his Archers But I come now to Sir William the elder brother of whom it appears that in 16 R. 2. he was made Constable of the Castle of Gloucester In 3 H. 4. Shiriff of Worcestershire and in 1 H. 5. of Gloucestershire This Sir William took to wife Catherine one of the daughters and heirs of Gerard Ufflete and left issue Sir Iohn Beauchamp Knight who in 17 H. 6. upon the death of Richard Beauchamp Earl of Warwick was constituted one of the Commissioners unto whom the Guardianship of all his Castles and lands during the minority of Henry his son and heir were granted and in 22 H. 6. purchased of Thomas Botereux the other moytie of this Mannour of Alcester which had continued in that Family for divers descents as I shall shew anon And being now intire Lord of the whole in 25. of the same King's reign obtained a speciall Charter which reciting that he the said Iohn and his Ancestors had time out of mind enjoyed a Court-Leet of all their Tenants and Inhabitants within this town to be kept twice every year viz. once after Easter and once after Michaelmasse as also Weyfs Streys and all other priviledges to a Leet belonging together with a Mercate upon the Tuesday every week and a Faire yearly on the Sunday next after the Feast of S. Fayth the Virgin did confirme them to him and his heirs And moreover in consideration of the good and acceptable services performed unto that King and to King Henry the fift his father had he by the same Charter a grant of sundry other priviledges viz. Return of Writts and all other Mandates Precepts and Attachments belonging to the said King his heirs and successors his Justices Eschaetors or other Commissioners Steward and Marshall of his houshold as also of all Summons of the Exchequer levying of Estreats from the said Exchequer execution of Writts and Attachments c. all which thenceforth to be performed and executed by the said Sir Iohn and his heirs or such Officers as he or they should appoint within this town and precincts of the Mannour so that no Shiriff Coroner Bayliffe or other Officer belonging to the King should have ought to do there To which was further added that the said Sir Iohn and his heirs should have cognisance of all Pleas belonging to any of the King's Courts touching such lands and tenements as are within this town and Mannour of Debts Accompts Trespasses Covenants Contracts and causes of Contracts arising within the limits of them as also of Assizes of Novell disseisin and Mort D'ancestor Iurates and Certificates of all lands and tenements within the same to be held before the Steward to him and his heirs here for the time being And likewise full power and authority of holding hearing and determining before their Stewards without any speciall Writ from the King Pleas of Pie pouders and all other Pleas of Debts Accounts Trespasses Covenants Contracts and other Controversies whatsoever arising within this town and Mannour or their precincts although they exceed the summe of xl s. value and to make out Processe against such persons as shall be lyable to any action or distresse by his and their own Officers and Ministers and to attach theit persons within the said town and Mannour and precincts of them in case they have not goods whereby to be summoned and distreined And moreover that the said Sir Iohn his heirs should have the priviledges of Infangthef and Outfangthef the goods of Felons Fugitives and all such as are condemned put in exigend for Treason or Felony as also the Chattells of persons outlawed whether it be at the Kâ—ng's suit or at the suit of the party with the Chattells of those that are Felones de se or any way confiscated And likewise all Fines and Redemptions Issues Amerciaments and Forfeitures with Fines for license of concord Year Day Strepe and Wast of all his and their Tenants as well resident as not resident within this town and Mannour and their precincts in whatsoever of the King's Court they shall happen c. And that neither the King's Steward Marshall Coroner of his Houshold Clerk of the Mercate for the time being nor any servant or Officer belonging to any of them shall have power to meddle within the same or the precincts thereof nor any Purveyor to take any thing there from him the said Iohn his heirs or any the Inhabitants of this place And further that all the Tenants thereof aswell resident as non-resident should be for ever quit of Toll Stallage Pontage Pavage Murage Kayage and Chiminage in all places as well by Land as Water throughout the whole Realm of England and
elsewhere within the King's dominions And lastly that he and his heirs should have another Faire yearly within this Town beginning on the Even of S. Dunstan and continuing for two dayes following Which ample Charter bears date at Westminster xviii Nov. in the year before specified After which ere long viz. in 28 H. 6. was he made Lord Treasurer of England but in that Office he continued not long as also a Commissioner for conservation of the Peace and assessing of Subsidies in this County but in these I presume he acted little in respect of his other great imployments being a Baron of this Realm and summoned to severall Parliaments in the said King's time By his Testament bearing date ix Apr. An. 1475. 15 E. 4. he bequeathed his body to sepulture in the Church of the Dominican Friers at Worcester in a new Chapell to be made on the North side of the Quire To which House of Friers for his buriall there he bequeathed the value of xx marks to be had in vestments and stuff besides a pair of Organs of his own residing at that time at Chelchith in the County of Midlesex Appointing that a Priest of that Friery should daily say Masse at the Altar within the said Chapell before his Tombe after the Order of a Trentall for his soul and the souls of his Father and Mother Brethren and Sisters his Children and Ancestors souls and especially for the souls of Sir Iohn Fastolf Knight Will. Botreaux and all Christen souls taking by the week for the said Masse so daily to be said viii d. for evermore Which Chapell and Tombe with his statue thereon in Alabaster he did by the said Testament ordein that his Executor should cause to be made and departed this life the same year leaving Sir Ric. Beauchamp Knight his son and heir then 40. years of age who in the private Chapell of this Mannour-house here called by the name of Beauchamps-Court having speciall License from the Bishop of Worcester wedded Eliz. the daughter of Sir Humfrey Stafford Knight by whom he had issue three daughters that were his heirs viz. Eliz. married to Sir Robert Willoughby Lord Brook first summoned to Parl. by that title in 7 H. 7. Anne to Ric. Ligon and Margaret to Will. Rede which Sir Robert had in her right this Mannour of Alcester in partition and dyed seized thereof 10 Nov. 13 H. 8. leaving Eliz. Anne and Blanch his cosins next heirs viz. daughters of Edw. Willoughby his son by the before specified Elizabeth Of which daughters so in minority Eliz. the eldest was committed to the tuition of Sir Edward Grevill of Milcote Knight who obtained her wardship as I have by tradition been informed with purpose to marry her unto Iohn his son and heir but she better affecting Fòuke the younger became his wife to whom she brought this Mannour of Alcester with other lands which Fouke much enlarged his Mannour-house at Beauchamps-Court taking stone and timber from the then newly dissolved Priory at Alcester for that purpose as also his Park with part of the wast belonging to this Lordship and bore the Office of Shiriff for this County and Leicestershire in 34 H. 8. being then a Knight so also in 1 E. 6. and departed this life 10. Nov. Anno 1559. 1 Eliz. leaving issue Fouke his son and heir and Robert a younger son which Fouke was Knighted in 7 Eliz. being then 29 years of age In 12 Eliz. he came first into Commission for conservation of the Peace in this Shire and departing this life in an 1606 4 Iac. left issu by Anne his wife daughter to Raph Nevill E. of Westmerland Fouk his son and heir Which last recited Fouk having been a servant in Court to Q. Eliz. made Under-Treasurer and Chancelour of the Exchequer by K. Iames as also one of the privy Councell and a Gentleman of his Bedchamber in 15. of that King's reign obtained a speciall Charter confirming all such liberties as had been granted to any of his Ancestors in the behalf of this Town upon a new Rent of x s. per annum then reserved to the said K. his heires successors and was created Lord Brook of Beauchamps-Court before mentioned 9. Ian. 18. Iac. with limitation of that Honour for lack of issue male of his own body unto Robert Grevill son of Fouk son of Robert before specified a younger son to the first Sir Fouk This Fouk Lord Brook obtaining the Castle of Warwick from King Iames when it was in a very ruinous condition bestowed so much cost in the repairs thereof beautifying it with most pleasant Gardens and Walks and adorning it with rich furniture that considering its situation no place in this part of England doth compare with it for statelinesse and delight But delaying to reward one Hayward an antient servant that had spent the most of his time in attendance upon him being expostulated with for so doing received a mortall stab on the back by the same man then private with him in his Bed-chamber at Brook-house in London 30. Sept. Anno 1628 5 Car. who to consummate the Tragedy went into another roome and having lock't the dore pierced his own bowells with a sword After which viz. 27. Oct. the said Lord Brook's body being wrapt in Lead brought to Warwick was there solemnly interred in a vault on the North side the Quire of S. Maries Church under that beautifull Monument erected by himself whereof I have there taken notice To whom succeeded in this his Lordship of Alcester and divers other lands of great value the before specified Robert Grevill Lord Brooke by vertue of a speciall grant whereby they were so setled I now come to speak of that Family of Botreaux which possest the other half of this Mannour till 22 H. 6. as I have intimated Robertus Corbet ..... Reginaldus Comes Cornub Regis Henrici primi nothus Henricus Filia cohaeres Henricus fil Herberti Petrus fil Herberti 6. Joh. Herbertus fil Petri 33 H. 3. Regin fil Petri 56 H. 3. Johannes Herbertus Alicia altera filiarum cohaeredum Will. Boterell Will. Boterell 6. Joh. ob s. prole Albreda fil Walteri Waleran Reginaldus de Boterell frater haeres Will. de Botereus 2 E. 1. Will. de Botereus 9 E. 2. Regin de Botereus 4 E. 3. Walt. de Botereaux obiit 41 E. 3. Joh. Botereaux aetat 6. an 41 E. 3. Margeria filia Will. Dunfrell Joh. Botreaux de Wetheley in Com. Warw. gen 10 H. 6. Thomas Botreaux 22 H. 6. Of Will. de Botreaux who married Alice one of the daughters and coheirs to Rob. Corbet I find that he confirmed to the Monks of Alcester all that they there held of his Fee and that he left issue Will. and Reginald which second Will. in 6. Ioh. gave two Horses for the great saddle
Fullwode and others divers lands for to find two Priests celebrating divine service here for ever all which being forfeited to the King in regard of such disposall made of them without the Royall License contrary to the Statute in that case made and provided were thereupon given away by K. Ric. unto one Iohn Swet who having a desire to assign over his right and state in them unto Rose Mountfort then a great woman in this Parish obtained a Pat. from K. H. 4. in the first year of his reign whereby the said K. gave them unto her and her heirs for ever to the intent that shâ— and they should provide and maintain two Chantrie-Priests to celebrate divine service daylie in this Church at the Altar of our Lady before mentioned aswell for the good estate of the said K. Henry during this life and afterwards for the health of his soul and the souls of his Mother and Queen deceased as for the soul of the said Rose and the souls of her ancestors and heirs and other Benefactors to the said Chantrye Which Rose by her Deed bearing date 8 Maii in the same year reciting the grant so made to her as abovesaid gave those lands unto Iohn Blakenhale and Ric. Boys Priests serving at the before specified Altar to hold to them and their successors Priests of that Chantrie to celebrate divine service there for ever according to the limitations before mentioned The advouson of which Chantrie descended by the said Rose Mountfort to the Catesbies but by reason of the attainder of Sir Wil. Catesbie in 1 H. 7. was granted in 3 H. 7. to Sir Iames Blount and to the heirs male of his body In â—6 H. 8. the lands belonging thereto were valued at xiii l. vi s. viii d. per an but in 37 H. 8. to no more than vii l. vii s. iiii d. at which time I find it certified that this Parish was xx miles in compass so that in case of Plague or ohter sickness there the Priests belonging thereto did use to assist the Vicar in ministring the Sacraments and Sacramentals The lands of both which Chantries were granted in 7 E. 6. to Kenelm Throkmorton Clem. Throkmorton and Iohn Throkmorton Esquires and their heirs I now come to the particular places of note within this Parish viz. Umberslade Monkspath Cley-Hall Codbarow Cheswikes Betlesworth Lodbroke's-Mannour Sidenhale and Crewenhale of which in their order Vmberslade THis being onely an antient Mannour house was in H. 2. time partly given by Henry de Vilers Sewer to Will Earl of Warwick unto Rob. Archer and Seliit his wife and to the heirs of Seliit in which grant it is termed terra de Ombreslade and the said Robert called Rob. Sagittarius and partly by Roger de Hulehale to her the said Seliit onely From which Robert and Seliit I have on the next page represented the lineall descendants with their matches clearly warranted from the originall Charters and evidences of this antient Family whose principall seat it still continues Of William the son to Rob. and Seliit I find that he had a grant of much land here in Tanworth by VValeran Earl of Warwick about the beginning of K. Iohn's reign which is set forth by speciall boundaries according to the use of those times and likewise a Bull from Pope Gregory the ix th for a peculiar Chapell at this place bearing date in 19 H. 3. In the Windows whereof are yet standing and of no less antiquity than E. 3. time the Arms of Beauchamp E. of Warwick Clinton Earl of Huntingdon as also of this Family as they were then set up in the Glass Which VVill. left issue Iohn who being Champion to Thomas Earl of Warwick obtained a speciall Charter from the said Earl to himself and his heirs for freedom to hauk and hunt every where within the territories of Tanworth excepting the Park and to excercise all other Liberties belonging to the said Earl within Monkspath and Ombreslade paying therefore unto him and his heirs xii broad Arrow heads a couple of Capons at Whitsontide yearly This Iohn had issue Iohn and divers other children whereof Thomas was Lord Prior of the Hospitall of St. Iohn of Hierusalem in England in 14 E. 2. which Iohn the younger matching with Margery the daughter of Sir VVill. Traci of Todington in Gloucestershire an eminent family in those parts left issue Iohn and Thomas Of which Thomas I find that having been in that Rob. Sagittarius temp H. 2. Seliit Ricardus Johannes Will. le Archer obiit circa 23 H. 3. Margeria Iohanna ux Walt. filii Sim. de Cherlecote Isab. ux Wil. filii Rad. de Lee. Thomas Joh. le Archer obiit temp H. 3. Christiana secundò nupra Will. de Berneville Tho. Prior S. Ioh Hicrosol in Anglia 14 E. 2. Wil. Rector Eccl. de Pilardinton Rob. Rector Eccl. de Queinton Ioh. le Archer ob ante 28 E. 1. Margeria filia Will. Traci de Toding ton in Com. Glouc. Ric. Rector Eccl. de Ilmindon 23 E. 3. Will. le Archer 2 E. 2. Thomas 10 E. 2. Ioh. le Archer obiit circa 22. E. 3. Isabella filia Rad. Escote 1 E. 3. Ioh. le Archer 16 E. 3. Thomas le Archer obiit 46 E. 3. Margareta filia .... Cleburie Gilbertus le Archer Agnes filia Walteri Cokesey mil. Thomas le Archer obiit 4 H. 6. aetat 84. an Alicia ux 2. Alicia filia Will. Hugford de Midleton in Com. Salop mil. obiit 8. H. 5. Ric. Archer obiit 11 E. 4. aetat 85. Margareta relicta Tho. Newport de Ercall ar ux 2. Alicia filia haeres Wil. Lea de Stotfold ux 3. Ioh. Archer obiit 3. E. 4. vivo patre Christiana sola filia haeres Rad. de Blacklow Civis Lond. relicta Hen. Sewall nupra 25 H. 6. Ioh. Archer obiit 4 Dec. 11. H. 8. Alicia filia Baldwini Mountfort de Colshill mil. nupta 7 E. 4. Ioh. Archer obiit 16 Apr. 12. H. 8. Margareta filia Humfridi Staftord de Blatherwick nupta 19 H. 7. obiit 21. H. 8. Edw. Archer obiit coelebs temp Iac. Regis Iohannes Robertus Ric. Archer ob 5. Oct. 36. H. 8. aet 39. Matilda filia cohaer Nich. De la mere de Hereford parva ob 23. Aug. 6 5. Ph. M. Edw. Fulco Miles Francisca Wimfrida Anna Humfr. Archer obiit 24 Oct. 4. Eliz. Anna filia Rob. Tounsend de Ludlow mil. Capit Iustic Walliae obiit 28 Nov. 5. Iac. Ioh. Archer duxit Elianoram fil haer Ric. Frewin de Handley in Com. Wigorn. Andreas Archer ob 23. Apr. An. 1629. Margar. filia Sim. Ralegh de Farnborough at obiit 16 Aug. 1614. Ric. Archer de Nethorp in Com. Oxon. duxit MariaÌ„ fil haer Roul Bull de Nethorp Simon Archer natus 21 Sept. 1581. factus eq aur per Regem Iac. 21 Aug. 1624. Anna filia Ioh. Ferrers de Tamworth castro eq aur
Philip de Aâ—lesbury was Lord of Edston in this County This Ric. de Mountfort a younger son to Sir Peter de Montfort by Lora de Astley a Concubine as in Beldesert appeareth after his marriage with the above mentioned Rose resided here at Lapworth as I think for I find that he frequently wrote himself of this place In 37 E. 3. he was one of the Knights for this Shire in the Parl. then held at Westm. and in 46 E. 3. he and his wife came to an Agreement with Phil. de Ailesbury and Agnes his wife for their moytie of this Mannour by which it appears that they the said Ric. and Rose should hold it during their lives paying to the before specified Philip and Agnes a Rose yearly at the Feast of the Nativity of St. Iohn Bapt. but that after their deceases it should return to the above mentioned Philip and Agnes and the heirs of the said Agnes In 47 E. 3 this Ric. de Mountfort founded a Chantrie here at Lapworth as when I come to speak of the Church shall be shewed In 48 E. 3. he was in Commission for assessing a Tenth and xv th in this County then granted to the K. in Parl. and bore for his Armes the paternall cote of that Family scil Rendè of ten pieces Or and Azure with a border gules Of Rose his wife I find that she lived many years after him and in 1 H. 4. founded a Chantrie in the Church of Tanworth residing then at Codbarow within that Parish and by her Deed bearing date at Lapworth the Tuesday next after the Feast of St. Faith the Virgin 6 H. 5. past away the inheritance of this Mannour to Iohn Catesby of Ashby-Legers in Northamptonshire and other Feoffees which Iohn having wedded Margaret one of the two daughters and coheirs to Will. Mountfort son and heir of Ric. Mountfort and Rose his wife before mentioned granted back to her the said Rose an estate for terme of life therein After which it was not long ere all these Mannours in Lapworth became united For Rog. Aylesbury son and heir to the before specified Philip and Agnes by his Deed bearing date 13 H. 4. granting all the lands in this County accruing to him by inheritance from his said Father and mother unto Sir Will. Bishopsden Kt. and his heirs amongst which Lapworth Hall juxta Henle is mentioned Sir Will. Catesby Kt. son and heir to the said Iohn taking to wife Philippa one of the daughters and coheirs to the same Sir W. de Bishopsden became in her right seized thereof Forasmuch therefore as the said Sir Will. Catesby and his descendants till of late time being possest of this Lordship and had for the most part their residence here and that his Ancestours from E. 3. time had a fair estate at Rodburne and Lodbroke in this County I have here resolved to speak historically of them I have seen an antient Pedegree which makes Will. de Catesby the first that assumed this sirname in E. 1. time as is there exprest to be son of Iohn de Esseby Brother to Will. de Esseby of Esseby now commonly called Ashby ..... in com Northampt Whether that were so or not I am not conâ—cern'd to enquite but that they sprung from the Family of Esseby is not improbable considering that divers younger sons in those times relinquisht their paternall names and took other from the places where they seated themselves and that the two Lions passant which for many ages they have born for their Arms is the same Coat which Esseby gave by their Seals appeareth But the antientest Lordship that any of them had in Warwicksh is that of Lodbroke which Will. de Catesby obtained in E. 3 time first by an estate in reversion entailed upon him in 21 E. 3. and afterwards through Releases made by those that had the present interest as in Lodbroke is shewed Nevertheless before this it doth appear by his speciall imployments that the said Will. had some interest in this County for in 13 E. 3. he served as one of the Knights for the Shire in the Parl. then held at Westm. And the next year following was constituted Eschaetor for this County and Leicestershire together with the Counties of Nott. Derb. and Lanc. being the same year also Kt. for this Shire in the Parl. of Westm. Severall times also did he afterwards serve as Kt. for this Shire viz. in 27.28.31 and 39 E. 3. those Parliaments being held at Westm. and in 28 E. 3. was in Commission with other persons of the superior rank for enquiry touching the excess of Labourers wages as also for conservation of the Peace for divers years In 33 for arraying of Souldiers In 37 he had a speciall Pat. to exempt him from serving on Juries as also from the Office of Shiriff Bayliff Eschaetor or Coroner In 40 E. 3. he was assigned one of the Commissioners Will. de Catesby 13 E. 3. Joh. de Catesby 36 E. 3. Emma fil haeres Rob. de Crawnford Will. de Catesby fil haeres ob s. p. 9 H. 4. Ioh. de Catesby frater haeres 9 H. 4. Margar. una fil cohaer Wil. de Montfort Edm. Catesby defunctus 17. E. 4. Ioh. Catesby de Stowell ar 16. E. 4. Wil. Catesby miles 31 H. 6. Philippa una fil haered Wil. Bishopsden mil. ux 1. Wil. Catesby attinctus 1 H. 7. Margareta fil Wil. D. Zouch Georgius Catesby restitutus 11 H. 7. Eliz. filia Ricardi Empson mil. Will. Catesby defunctus 10. H. 8. Dorothea filia Ioh. Spenser mil. ux 1. Ric. Catesby miles obiit 7 E. 6. Will. Catesby obiit vivo patre Cath. filia una cohaer Wil. Willington ar Will. Catesby miles 20 Eliz. Anna filia Rob. Throkmorton de Coughton mil. nupta 11 Eliz. Anna ux Henr. Brown eq aur Robertus Catesby attinctus 3. lac Catherina filia Thomae Leigh de Stoneley eq aur Will. Catesby ob s. prole Robertus obiit s. prole Ric. Catesby miles obiit 7 E. 6. Eliz. filia Will. Astell de Nun. Eaton Thomas Catesby Ric. Catesby aet 42. an 20. Eliz. Wil. Catesby miles 31 H. 6. Iohanna fil Tho. Barry mil. ux 2. Ioh. Catesby de Althorp in com Northamp ob 20 H. 7. Tho. Catesby ar 1 R. 3. à quo Catesbei quon dam de Wavers-Merston Ioh. Catesby 1 H. 7. Rob. de Catesby 6 H. 4. Alicia uxor Tho. filii Ioh. de Lodbroke mil. 24 E. 3 Agnes uxor Rob. Fitzwith Simon de Catesby 23 E. 3. for levying and receiving a certain Toll upon sundry commodities for walling the town of Coventre In 42. he underwent the Office of Eschaetor for this County and Leicestershire so also in 44 of Shiriff notwithstanding his Pat. of privilege before specified and left issue Iohn his son and heir constituted one
or the lande at Evertons and the xli and pray you in every place see cleerness in my soul and pray fast and I shall for you and Iesu have mercy on my Soule Amen My Lords Stanley Strange and all that blood helpe and pray for my Soule for ye have not for my Body as I trusted in yow and if my issue rejoyce my Land I pray you lett Mr. John Elton have the best Benefice and my Lord Lovell come to grace then that ye shew to him that he pray for me And uncle John remember my Soule as ye have done my Body and better and I pray you see the Sadler Hartlington be paied and in all other places After which viz. in the Parl. begun 7 Nov. 1 H. 7. ensued his attainder whereupon all his lands eschaâ—ting to the Crown this Lordship in 3 H. 7. was bestowed on Sir Iames Blunt Kt. and the heirs male of his body To this William succeeded George his son and heir who in 10. H. 7. having Livery of divers lands descended to him aswell by inheritance from Margaret his mother as from William Lord Zouch and Elizabeth his wife Father and Mother to the said Margaret and being by Act of Parl. held the year following restored to his Father 's forfeited possessions whereby this Lordship came again to that Family wedded Elizabeth daughter of Sir Richard Empson Kt. one of the great Projectors in H. 7. time and by his Testament bearing date 8 Maii 19 H. 7. bequeathed his Body to be buried in the Church of Ashby-Legers before the Image of the holy Trinity in his Chapell there appointing that two marble stones price of each vi l. xiii s. iiii d. should be brought thither one to be layd upon his Father and Mother and the other upon himself as a memoriall for him and his wife The Probate whereof bears date two years after which shews that he dyed about the latter end of 20 H. 7. leaving William his son and heir by reason of his minority in ward to Iohn Spenser of Wormleâ—ghton who departed this life about the 10 th of H. 8. leaving Richard his Brother and heir in ward also to Sir Will. Spenser Kt. in 19 H. 8. Which Richard having been one of the Kts. for this Shire in that Parl. of 30 H. 8. so fatall to the Monasteries and the next year following Shiriff and so also in 37 H. 8. being then a Knight had two wives scil Dorothe daughter to Sir Iohn Spenser Knight and Eliz. daughter to Will. Astell one of the daughters and heirs to the Lady Iane Bray and departed this life 4 Maii 7 E. 6. leaving William his grandchild and heir for his eldest son William died in his life time Which William being likewise a Knight and residing much at Bushwode underwent the Shiriffalty of this County in 20. Eliz. and by Anne his wife the daughter of Sir Robert Throkmorton Kt. had issue Robert and other sons which Robert having sold this Lordship to Sir Edward Grevill of Milcote Knight of whom Sir Thomas Holt of Aston juxta Bermingham purchased it being unhappily confederate with the Gunpowder Conspirators in 3. Iac. and thereupon slain with Percy at Holbeach-house in Worcestershire was afterwards by Act of Parl. attainted as is fully manifested by our vulgar Writers The Church dedicated to St. Mathew being given about the later end of K. H. 3. time by Will. de Harecurt son of Rob. de Harecurt of whom I have already made mention unto Iohn the son of Peter de Glen and by the said Iohn granted to the Warden and Schollars of Merton Colledge in Oxford â— was by them past over to King Edw. 1. Which King in 4. of his reign conferred it on the Provost and Canons of the Hospitall of Montchensy as by his Charter bearing date 24. Nov. appeareth But it seems that those Canons had little benefit by this grant for I find that the same K. by another Charter bearing date 4. Iunii the year ensuing rendred and restored it to the Warden and Schollars of Merton Colledge above mentioned After which viz. in an 1291. 19 E. 1. it was valued at xvii marks and a half but in 26 H. 8. at no more than x l. per an the Procurations and Synodals yearly payable out of it being x s. v. d. ob Patroni Ecclesiae Incumbentes c. D. Episc. per â—â—psum Rob. de Lutleburi Cler. 2. Id. Nov. 1286. Custos Scolares domus de Merton Ioh. de Cliva Diac. Non. Maii 1286. Custos Scolares domus de Merton Magr. Thomas de Wylton 8. Id. Oct. 1303. Custos Scolares domus de Merton Magr. Will. Waleys 3. Id. Iulii 1320. Custos Scolares domus de Merton Ioh. Heyne Cler. 19. Nov. 1349. Custos Scolares domus de Merton Ioh. Beaugrant Subdiac 9. Cal. Ian. 1367. Custos Scolares domus de Merton Rob. de Horton Pbr. 8. Iulii 1370. Custos Scolares domus de Merton Will. Rous. .... 1370. Custos Scolares domus de Merton Magr. Will. Heryngton 14. Maii 1411. Custos Scolares domus de Merton Ioh. Coke 4. Maii 1422. Custos Scolares domus de Merton Rad. Paret 13. Maii 1433. Custos Scolares domus de Merton D. Rad. Spire 29. Martii 1446. Custos Scolares domus de Merton Ioh. Hill penult Febr. 1456. Custos Scolares domus de Merton Magr. Rob. Arden in Art Magr. 10. Ian. 1488. Custos Scolares domus de Merton Magr. Ioh. Iohnson Art Magr. 7. Maii 1509. Custos Scolares domus de Merton Thomas Raynolde Pbr. 17. Aug. 1540. Custos Scolares domus de Merton D. Ioh. Raynshaw Cler. 10. Nov. 1556. Custos Scolares domus de Merton Ioh. Litton Cler. 30. Oct. 1584. Custos Scolares domus de Merton Ioh. Morley Cler. in art Magr. ult Maii 1613. Custos Scolares domus de Merton Ioh. Elly Cler. 16. Oct. 1613. In 47 E. 3. there was a Chantry founded in a certain Chapell adjoyning to this Church by Ric. de Montfort Roger de Ulbarwe Roger atte Greene of Lapworth and Richard Dolfyn a Priest and by them endowed with two messuages two carucates of land twelve acres of meadow and xvi s. Rent all lying in Toneworth for maintenance of a Priest to sing Masse there every day to the honour of the blessed Virgin S. Thomas the Martyr and All Saints which lands were then called by the name of Wodardes-Lond Heath-land â— and Lysterley-field as appeareth by the Earl of Warwick's License for amortizing of them whereby also he gave authoritie to the said Richard Montfort and the heirs male of his body to present a fit Priest thereto as often as cause should require but in
paternall inheritance into which he was by the said Decree again so reinvested had restitution of an Annuitie of Lv li. per annum to be paid out of the Exchequer to himself and his heirs which had been formerly granted to his Father in lieu of certain woods lying in the Forest of Rutland wherein he had quitted his title to the said King After which I find that resolving on a Pilgrimage to S. Iames in Gallicia he constituted Humphrey de Hastang and Richard de Wrenhull or one of them his Atturney to transact his affairs in the mean time but whether he went the same year or not being 56 H. 3. I am not certain for in 3 E. 1. he had another License to that purpose and within a short space grew in such esteem with King Edward that being imployed in his service for the warrs of Wales 5 E. 1. in 8. of that King's reign he granted unto the renowned Queen Elianore the marriage of Iohn his son and heir with power that she should dispose of him in that kind to whom she pleased and in 11 E. 1. attended the King in that Welch expedition wherein those parts were wholy reduced to obedience for which service he was acquitted of L li. debt due by him to have been paid into the Exchequer This Peter altered his coat of Armes from what his Father and grandfather bore changing their Bendé of six pieces to Bendé of ten but retaining the Colours and departed this life in 15. E. 1. leaving issue Iohn his son and heir and Elizabeth a daughter afterwards married to Will son and heir of Simon de Montacute for which Lady there is yet standing a very beautifull Monument of Marble with her statue cut to the life on the North side of the Quire at Christ Church in Oxford heretofore the Conventuall Church of S. Fridiswides Monasterie there where there was afterwards a Chantrie of two secular Priests founded to celebrate divine service daily for her soul and for the souls of the said William de Montacute as also of Iohn Bokyngham Bishop of Lincolne Sir Peter de Montfort her father the Lady Maud her mother and of Iohn de Montacute William de Montacute Earl of Salisbury Simon de Montacute Bishop of Ely Edward de Montacute Alice de Aubenie the Lady Mary Cogan Elizabeth Prioresse of Haliwell the Lady Hawise Bavent the Lady Maud Abbesse at Berking the Lady Isabell a Nun of Berking children of him the said Sir William de Montacute and her and moreover for the souls of Sir Thomas de Furnivall her second husband Sir Peter Limsie her kinsman and Simon Islipâ— and for the souls of all her parents and friends But of the said Iohn de Montfort do I find very little memorable other than that he took to wife Alice the daughter of Will. de la Plaunche by whom he had issue Iohn and Peter with two daughters viz. Eliz. and Maud whose issue came to possesse a great part of the inheritance pertaining to this family as I shall shew anon for Iohn their elder brother who was one of the murtherers of Peirs de Gaveston having in 7. E. 2. received his Pardon for that offence march't with our English Army into Scotland and there lost his life in the battail of Strivelin without issue Peter the other brother having none legitimate Which Peter for I am next in course to speak of him was first in Holy Orders but after his brother's death enjoying a fair inheritance notwithstanding his sacred function was so dispensed with as it seems that he betook himself to the world and became a Knight And standing loyall to King E. 2. in the time of that great defection when so many adhered to Thomas Earl of Lancaster had a joint Commission with Will. de Beauchamp and Roger de Aylesbury for the safe custody of the City of Worcester In 20. of that King's reign he was made Governour of Warwick Castle then in the King's hands by reason of the Earls minority In 18 19 25 and 26. of E. 3. one of the Commissioners for conservation of the Peace in this County In 20. for arraying of Clx. Archers and in 29. for putting the Statute of Labourers in execution This Iohn took to wife Margaret daughter of the Lord Furnivall but by her had issue no more than one onely son called Guy betwixt whom and Margaret one of the daughters to Thomas de Beauchamp Earl of Warwick there was a marriage in 21 E. 3. by vertue of a speciall dispensation from Roger Northburgh Bishop of Coventry Lichfield having authority from Pope Clement the sixt for the same in regard they stood allied in the third and fourth degrees of Consanguinity which marriage was designed by the said Peter and the Earl for the better founding a league of friendship betwixt them and their posteritie in regard that many suits had been betwixt their Ancestors by reason that their lands in divers places lay contiguous Shortly after which marriage there was an estate in tail made of this Castle and Mannour with divers other Lordships lying in this Countie as also in the Counties of Nott. Rutl. and Surrey whereby for want of issue by the said Guy and Margaret they were after the decease of the said Sir Peter to remain unto Tho. de Beauchamp then Earl of Warwick and Katherine his wife and the heirs of the said Earl Which Thomas having obtained such an estate thereof in reversion in 35 E. 3. the same Guy being then dead without issue entailed the same upon Thomas his son and heir and the heirs male of his body and for lack of such issue on William his second son afterwards Lord Bergavenny and the heirs male of his body and for want of such issue on his own right heirs But all this while was Sir Peter de Montfort living who having had certain issue by an old Concubine called Lora de Ullenhale in E. 2. time daughter to one Richard Astley of Ullenhale took care for their advancement as may appear by those possessions they enjoyed whereof I have taken notice in due place And being grown an old man made his Testament bearing date on Saturday next after the Feast of the Conception of our Lady anno 1367. 41 E. 3. by which he bequeathed his body to sepulture in the Church of the Friers Preachers at Warwick whereunto he gave x li. that the said Friersâ— should pray for his soul. To the Nuns of Pinley he gave x. marks for the like purpose and to the Lady Lora de Astley his old paramour then a Nun there C s. To Sir Baldw. Frevill the elder Kt. his kinsman xx li. To his son Richard de Montfort all hâ—s silver and gilt plate as also all his goods moveable and unmoveable lying in his Mâ—nnours of Kingsâ—urst in this Countie and
Gardner Cap. 22. Maii 1491. Henr. 7. Rex Angliae D. Ioh. Normecote Pbr. 9. Feb. 1497. Ioh. Comes Warwic Vic. L'isle Will. Squier Cler. 25. Feb. 1550. Ambrosius Comes Warwici Magr. Will. Bolton art Magr. 26. Martii 1573. Ambrosius Comes Warwici Will. Doverdale Cler. 12. Oct. 1580. Iacobus Rex Angl. c. Ioh. Ellie Cler. 26. Nov. 1606. Henley IN speaking of this place next I shall somewhat thwart my accustomed order in regard it is in the parish of Wotton-Wawen but considering that it hath so antiently belonged to the Family of Montfort whereof I have last discoursed and that it lyes so neer unto Beldesert whereunto I conclude that it was in some sort antiently annexed I have thought it most proper to be here taken notice of In the Conquerors Survey there is nothing at all of it in respect it is there involved with Wotton whereof it was originally a member and granted as I conceive by one of the Barons of Stafford to the first Montfort that seated himself at Beldesert Nor till King Stephen's time that Maud the Empresse granted to Thurstane de Montfort a Mercate at that his Castle formerly spoke of was there any habitation here as I guess the first building having been occasioned as is most probable for reception of and accomodations to Mercate-people it lying at the very foot of the Hill whereon the said Castle stood and upon the common Road leading from Stratford super Avon to Bermingham for the soonest mention that ever I could meet with of it is in a grant of the Mill to the Monks of Wotton by Henry de Montfort in H. 2. time And the next to that is in 5 H. 3. where Peter de Montfort had a grant of a Mercate here upon the Munday every week and an yearly Faire for two days viz. the Even and day of S. Giles whereof he was to take benefit till he should come of age In which Record it is called Hanley â—ut in truth it ought to have been written Heanley as the ordinary sort of people doe still pronounce it for that was its originall name and occasioned from the ascending ground whereunto it is so neerly situate hean in our old English signifying high Which dayes for the Mercate and Faire being one and the same with that of Beldesert granted to the said Peter and his heirs in 11 H. 3. though here exprest apud Manerium suum de Hanley and there apud Manerium suum de Beaudesert doth much fortifie my former conjecture but as for the manner of the grant they onely thus differ viz. that in this place it is limitted to him alone and to continue till his coming of full age and in the other to him and his heirs from whence may also be inferred that in 11 H. 3. he was out of minoritie In those days it yielded xv li. per annum Rent the Toll and the Eâ—chaets being valued at five marks but after the battail of Evesham it answered very little in regard it was then burnt In 13 E. 1. I find that Peter de Montfort son to the said Peter claimed to have here divers Liberties viz. Gallows Assize of Bread and Beer as also a Mercate and Free-warren within this his Mannour and for the Mercate and Free-warren produced the Charter of King H. 3. but for the rest pleaded Prescription which was allowed And in 24 E. 1. that upon the extent of Iohn de Montfort's lands he dyed seized thereof it being there termed Burgus de Henleye as also that there were then Lxix Burgesses which payd vii li. xviii s. x d. ob Rent and likewise a Park with two Water Mills and moreover that the Pleas and perquisites of Court extended to Lviii s. all which were held of Edmund Baron of Stafford by the service of iii s. or one pair of Scarlet Hose It seems that the Mercate here grew in time to be well frequented for in 10 E. 3. the Inhabitonts of this town procured License from the King to take Toll of all corn and other comodities brought hither to be sold for the space of 3 years towards the defraying their charge of paving the streets which work being not then compleated they obtained another Patent for the like Toll for the space of three years more Neither did this allowance finish the said paving for in 6 R. 2. they had a third Patent for taking Toll in like sort during the terme of five years more As to the entail of this Mannour whereby the remainder for lack of issue by Guy de Montfort was setled upon Thomas de Beauchamp Earl of Warwick and the heirs of his body I shall not need to say more than what is exprest in Beldesert neither when or how the inheritance thereof was passed out of the said Earl or his son But certain it is that Sir William Beauchamp Lord Bergavenny held it for life for by the partition made betwixt Sir Baldwin Frevill and Sir Thomas Boteler in 9 R. 2. whereof in Beldesert I have spoke so much is intimatedâ— and an accord then made betwixt them that the same Sir Baldwin should have this Mannour of Henley intirely after the death of the said Sir William Beauchamp in case he did passe to him the said Sir Thomas other lands of as good value which it seems he did not do for it is most cleer that the heirs of Boteler afterwards enjoy'd it and that Sir Raph Boteler Knight Lord Sudley by an ample Charter in 27 H. 6. wherein is recited that himself and his Ancestors possessors of this town and Mannour used to have a Court-Leet of all their Tenants and other persons resident within the same twice every year there to be held with Weyfs Estreys and whatsoever elfe to a Leet belonged as also a Mercate every Munday all which were then confirmed had moreover a grant that himself and his heirs by their Bayliffs or Officers should within the precincts thereof have Return of Writts and Precepts and Summons from the Exchequer Extraits and Precepts of the Justices of both Benches and Itinerant together with Attachments aswell of Pleas of the Crown as Bills and Precepts of the Steward Marshall and Clerke of the Mercate of the said King's houshold his heirs and successors so that no Shiriff nor other Officer should have power to enter therein concerning any execution of their Office As also of Infangthef Outfangthef Goods of Felons and Fugitives or of any condemned persons and that no Purveyor for the King's Houshold should take any thing there of him the said Sir Raph or his Tenants or any person resident within the precincts thereof All which Tenants the said King did thereby acquit of Toll Stallage Pontage Pavage Poundage Murage Kaiage and Chiminage in whatsoever places throughout the Realm And lastly that he the said Raph and his heirs should have here every year 2. Faires scil one on the Tuesday in Whitson-week
H. 6. Ioh. de Stanford 15 E. 2. Margeria Matilda 12 R. 2. Ioh. de Stanford obiit s. p. 37 E. 3. Iohanna secundò nupta Thomae dâ— Morâ—hall his Armes Argent upon a Fesse wavy sable three Hares heads cooped Or vith a labell of three points in Chief and by his last Will and Testament bearing date the Tuesday next after the Feast of the Conception of our Lady anno 1428. 7 H. 6 wherein he stiles himself Esquier bequeathing his body to sepulture in the Church of S. Peter here at Wootton and vi li. xiii s. iv d. to the reparation of the great road-way leading betwixt the said town of Wootton and the Heremitage at Sillesburne departed this life the same year leaving issue divers Children of some whereof I shall speak anon in the mean time taking notice of what I have seen in relation to his brother Thomas In 3 H. 5. he was Eschaetor for this County and Leicestershire In 5 c a Justice of Peace for this Countie in which imployment he continued till his death And having been one of those three who with the Shiriff in 7 H. 5. made that return of the names of such gentlemen of note in this Shire which bore antient Armes from their Ancestors and had summons to serve the King in their proper persons for defence of the Realm dyed without issue in 22 H. 6. leaving Thomas son of Roger son of Iohn his brother his next heir But I return to the issue of Iohn elder brother to the said Thomas which were Roger his son and heir that enjoy'd these lands in Wootton Richard who by his Fathers Testament had the Mannour of Shoterich in this County bequeathed to him and lyeth buried before the Altar of S. Andrew the Apostle in the Church of the Holy Trinity at Stratford super Avon William sometime Lord of the Mannour of Stoâ—rton and Iohn that had Whitley Which Roger wedded Agnes the daughter coheir of Sir William Clopton of Clopton in Somersetshire and had issue by her William Harewell who by the death of Ioan daughter and heir to the before specified Richard without issue had the Mannour of Shoterich of his grandfathers inheritance This William was a trusty friend to the House of Lancaster as it seems for upon the regaining of the Kingdom by King H. 6. he had the custody of this Countie and Leicestershire and before the end of that his Shirivealtie fought stoutly on King Henrye's part at Barnet field in which battail being taken prisoner r he was thence carried to Windsor-Castle whereupon also his lands were seized by the King and bestowed on Humphrey Stafford Esquire to hold during the King's pleasure But after a while through the solicitation of his kinsman Iohn Leighton Esquire made with Iohn Talbot then Earl of Shrewsbury he was released of his imprisonment and restored to his lands For which favours the said Earl had first xl li. that the same Iohn Leighton promised to give him for obtaining his enlargment lands and xl marks more which he exacted over and above But after this in 14 E. 4. he was constituted one of the Justices of Peace in this County yet I do not find that upon the next renewing of those Commissions or ever after that he had the like imployment during King Edward's reign howbeit in 2 R. 2. he was appointed one of the Commissioners of Array in this Shire All that I have seen more of him is that in 16 H. 7. he founded a Chantrie in the Friers Preachers at Warwick of which I have particularly spoke in my discourse of that place and that departing this life 2. Dec. the same year he was there buried leaving Iohn his son and heir 30. years of age Which Iohn in 18 H. 7. being constituted one of the Justices of Peace in this County was the same year made Constable of Maxstoke Castle by Edward Duke of Buck. and by his Testament bearing date 8. Apr. Anno 1505. 20 H. 7. gave to the said Duke whom he there calls his Lord his great Dun Horse for a Heriot and by Anne his wife daughter and heir to Richard Midleton had issue two sons and five daughters whereof Thomas the elder dyed without issue before 3 H. 8. and William was a Priest whereupon the sisters came to inherit viz. Elizabeth Anne Brigit and Agnes for Maud the Eldest wife of Iohn Leighton dyed without issue before the partage was made betwixt them Of which Elizabeth first the wife of Anth. Ralegh and afterwards of Leonard Rede had for her share the Mannours of Bear-cracombe and Copland in Somersetshire and vi s. viii d. yearly Rent issuing out of the Mannour of Thongland in that County Anne wife to Iames Clifford of Frampton in Com. Glouc. the Mannours of Knoll and Broseley in the Counties of Somerset and Salop. as also certain lands in Sturmister-Marshall in Dorsetshire and Billingsley in Shropshire with iii s. annuall Rent issuing out of Fentre in Com. Salop. and vi s. per annum out of the Mannour of Thongland in that Countie Brigit the wife of Thomas Aâ—hton of Ashton in Cheshire the Mannours of Ashley Water-Eaton and Longnore in Staffordshire the Mannour of Billingsley in Shropshire and certain lands in Walkeslow before mentioned to the value of ten marks per annum with xxiii s. iv d. yearly Rent issuing out of the said Mannour of Thongland Agnes the wife of Iohn Smyth one of the Barons of the Exchequer for her part this Mannour of Wootton called Lucies Mannour and the Mannour of Shoterich as also certain lands in Stratford super Avon Henley Preston and Edstonia this Shire with divers lands lying in Mickleton in Com. Glouc. the Mannour of Milinchop in Com. Salop Lands in Hungerford Postern magna Postern parva Mounslow and Dydlebery in Shropshire and x s. iv d. yearly Rent issuing out of the before specified Mannour of Thongland the same Partition bearing date 4 Febr. 25 H. 8. From which Baron Smyth by the said Agnes is Sir Charles Smyth Knight since erected to the dignity of Lord Carington and now residing here descended as the Pedegree before inserted sheweth Of whose Family I may not omit here to observe what I have seen attested by Sir William Dethick sometime Garter principall King of Armes and Robert Cooke Clarenceux viz. that the said Iohn Smyth the Baron was grandchild to Iohn Carington and the said Iohn Carington lineally descended from Sir Michaell Carington Knight Standard-bearer to the famous King Richard the first in the Holy Land And of this Iohn Carington as to the occasion that he changed his name to Smyth they do specially certifie from the credit of an antient Manuscript written with the proper hand of him the said Iohn in K. Henry the fourth's time that in his youth he was bred up in
of the possessions of Waga of whom I have spoke in Wootton in Edw. the Confessors days was held by Robert de Stafford in the Conq. time and by the generall Survey then taken wherein it is written Holehale certified to contain one hide the woods being half a mile in length and one furlong in breadth all valued at iv li. From which Robert or his son Nicholas did Roger Earl of Warwick obtain it as it seemes and enfeoft thereof one Roger who residing here assumed the sirname of Ulehale from whom descended certain male branches which continued till Edw. 1. time at the least whereof one viz. Robert grandchild to the said Roger wrote himself Dominus de Holenhale and in 36 H. 3. was certified to hold a fourth part of a Knight's fee here of the Earl of Warwick I suppose by some circumstances that this Mannour first came to the family of Mountfort about King H. 3. time for I find that Peter de Mountfort did then confirm the grant of certain particular parcells of land lying here given by petty Freeholders to the Monks Wootton but the first positive proof that I have which manifesteth Montfort directly to have been Lord thereof is in 32 H. 6. where one Richard Hawnell who was enfeoft thereof by Sir William Mountfort of Colshill Kt. releases his right therein to Humphrey Duke of Buck. and others which Duke with the rest had likewise but an estate in trust thereof for it appears that it came to the Crown in 10 H. 7. by the attainder of Sir Simon Montfort Knight as in Colshill shall be shewed and was by the same King in 12. of his reign granted away with divers other Lordships in this Countie to Gerald Earl of Kildare and Elizabeth S. Iohn then his wife and the heirs male of their two bodyes K. H. 8. in 2. of his reign confirming the same From which Earl it descended to Sir Iames Fitz Gerald Knight one of his sons by the said Eliz. But by his attainder in 28 H. 8. as I have elsewhere shewed returned again to the Crown and in 1 Mariae was by that Queen granted unto Michael Throkmorton Esquire a younger son to Sir Robert Throkmorton of Coughton Knight who died seized thereof 1. Nov. 5 6 Ph. M. leaving Francis his son and heir seven years of age which Francis had issue Iohn Throkmorton of whom it was purchased in our time by Mr. Bolton a Citizen of London Here is a fair Chapell dedicated to the blessed Virgin wherein the Vicars of Wootton for the time being have of antient time used to find a Priest at their own proper charge to celebrate divine service The Epitaph belonging to the Monument represented on the next page Here lieth the body of Francis Throkmorton Esquire borne in the Citie of Mantua in Italy son and heir unto Michaell Throkmorton Esquire and of Agnes Hide of Southamptonshire which Michaell was borne at Coughton-Court in the Countie of Warwick and was youngest brother to Sir George Throkmorton of Coughton aforesaid Knight And after that the said Michaell had lived many years in Italy in good and great reputation with bountifull Hospitalitie entertaining most of the Noble-men and gentlemen of England that had occasion to come that way and did returne into the Realm of England in the very beginning of the reigne of Q. Mary and received of her gift the Maenours of Honiley Blackwell Packhurst Winderton Vllenhall in Ullenhall and others as appeareth by her Majesties Letters Patent bearing date in the first year of her reign And after went into Italy againe where he departed this life and lieth buried in S. Martin's Church in the said Citie of Mantua under a fair Tombe The said Michael married Iudith Tracie daughter of Richard Tracie of Stanway in the Countie of Gloucester Esquire and of Barbara Lucy of Charlecote in the aforesaid County of Warwick and sister to Sir Paul Tracie Baronet and had by her six Children whereof three that is to say Francis Michaell and Iudith are departed this life without issue and the other three are living that is to say Iohn Michaell and Iudith Anno Dom. 1617. anno decimo quinto domini nostri Iacobi Regis Angliae Mors mihi lucrum portus refugium Sic transit gloria Mundi Omnia vana vidi solo mea Christo repono Mors tua Mors Christi fraus Mundi gloria Coeli Et dolor inferni sunt meditanda tibi Botley THis being originally a member of Wootton is not taken notice of in the Conqueror's Survey but the name which is Saxon shews it to be of greater antiquity for Botle was the word which our Ancestors used in the same sense that we do Domus in Latine In H. 2. time Robert de Stadford possessor also of Wootton gave to the Canons of Kenilworth certain lands lying in this place with the homages and services of severall persons as also to Geffrey Malore and his heirs all those lands homages services which he likewise held of him here reserving the payment of a Sparhawk to himself and his heirs by the said Geffrey and his heirs which Geffrey was of those Malories that resided at Tachebroke in this Countie From whom descended Iohn Malore who in 9 E. 3. had Free warren granted to him in all his demesn lands here and at Tachebrooke before specified as also at Walton on the Woulds in Leicestershire and from him another Iohn who with Ankitell Malore his son and heir by their Deed bearing date the Thursday after the Feast of S. Michael th'arch-Angell 22 H. 6. aliened it to Richard Archer Esquire and his heirs whose posteritie have ever since enjoy'd it Sir Simon Archer of Tanworth Knight being the present owner thereof Whitley THis being in the Conqueror's time possest by Robert de Stadford with Wootton and then certified to contain three hides was held of him by one Drogo which name we now call Drew having then a Mill Woods extending to half a mile in length and two furlongs in breadth all which were valued at xl s. and before the Norman Invasion had been the inheritance of three brothers Some have affirmed that this Drogo was a Norman and servant to the said Robert de Stadford and that his posterity assumed the sirname of Whitley in regard of their residence here as also that from this Family of Whitley came the Offords and Fulwoods the one from Robert who seating himself at Offord whereof I shall speak anon left that name to his descendants and the other from Richard who planting at a place in the parish of Tanworth then called Fulwood but now Clea-Hall had also thence that denomination all which from antient evidences is likewise in some sort manifested Of this Family was one Thomas de Witele who had issue Robert which Robert in consideration of x. marks of silver past
heard who left two daughters and coheirs scil Margaret the wife of Sir Sim. Clarke Baronet and Elianor of Charles Stanford grandchild to Sir VVill. Stanford Kt. sometime one of the Justices of the King's Bench by Sir Rob. Stanford Kt. his second son Which Charles had issue Iohn and he VVilliam the present owner thereof About the time of K. H. 2. reign there was an Agreement made betwixt the Monks of Evesham and the Canons of Kenilworth touching the Chapell of this Little Salford whereby it appeareth that the said Canons released to those Monks all the land which had been given to maintain divine Service in that Chapell preserving always the first Composition made betwixt the Monasteries of Evesham and Kenilworth before the building of that Chapell And as for the meadow which was given to this Chapell the Monks by this Agreement granted that the Church of great Salford should have that part of it which lyeth betwixt the Water and the Foot-path leading from Salford Mill to Clive Mill by the upper Foarde but the other part of the meadow to continue as the demesn of the Abbot upon condition that it might not be grazed or mowed before the whole meadow should be cut Wood-Bevinton Cock-Bevinton THese two petty Hamlets being originally members of Salford-Priors were involved therewith both in the Conqueror's Survey and in the grant to the Canons of Kenilworth as appears by that Certificate made in 9 E. 2 wherein by the name of Byvinton major and Byvinton minor they were so reputed Of which Wood Bevinton the said Canons did make a Lease to VVill. Grey the elder in H. 7. time who in 21 of that King's reign depopulated here 6 Messuages and one Cottage xxx acres of arable land belonging to each Messuage which he converted unto pasture To whom succeeded Will. his son and heire who surrendring that Lease purchased the inheritance thereof from those Canons for a Fee-ferm Rent of xiiili xiiis iiiid per an and in 10 H. 8. when the Statute of Inclosures was lookt into reedifyed four of the said Messuages Which Will. had issue Eliz. his daughter and heire wife to Edward Ferrers second son to Sir Edw. Ferrers of Badsley-Clinton in this County Kt. who left only daughters whereof Elizabeth the eldest was married to Thomas Randolph son z and heir to Thomas Randolph of Codington in Com. Buck. who purchasing the interest of the other Sisters became intirely Lord of this Mannour and left issue Ferrers Randolph his son and heir now owner thereof Of Cock-Bevynton I can say no more than that it is now possest by Sir Simon Clerke Baronet together with Salford wherewith I suppose thath past ever since it was in the Crown Dunnington THis is also a member of Prior's Salford and involved therewith in all grants by which means it is now possest by the before specified Sir Sim. Clarke HEMLINGFORD HVNDRED THe place whence this Hundred takes its appellation is the Foard or passage over Tame somewhat more than a Flight shoot Southwards from Kingsbury Church of which likewise the Mill near unto it is still called Hemlingford Mill but antiently Colshill that stands about the midst of the Hundred gave name thereto as appears by the Conquerors Survey and to this day the Three-weeks Court held for the same Hundred is kept there 'T is very like that the original occasion of calling the Inhabitants to this place whereupon the name came so to be changed was for that some of the Ardens whose seat Kingsbury long since was being Shiriffs of the Countie caused the meeting of the Hundreders there in regard of their Vicinitie to it but leaving this as a conjecture I come to its antiquity the first mention that I find of its name being in 8 H. 2. Where Raph. Basâ—et the then Shiriff accompts for certain money by way of Amercement for Murther payd out of it and after this scil in 16 H. 2. two marks were answered into the Exchequer for it pro placitis concelatis yet there it is written Sipesocha de Humeliford and so are Cnuchtelaw and Chinton all which had the title of Hundreds soon after But doubtlesse it should have been Sithesoca the old Saxon 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 being mistaken for a p as in Knightlow I have already intimated which importeth as much as the Fraunchise Libertie or Jurisdiction of a certain company of men suppose an hundred or the like number coming from the Saxon 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 or 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 signifying a number multitude or company and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 a priviledgeâ— Libertie or Jurisdiction And in 21 H. 2. xv marks was accounted to the King for three Murthers whereas it had been amerced but there it is written Sibbesocâ—â— de Humiliford the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 being mistaken for a b. as before it was for a p. So also in 24 H. 2. Howbeit in â— H. 2. 1 R. 1. upon the like amerciament for Murther it is called Humeliford Hundred which manifests that the word Sithesoca and Hundâ—edus do intend one and the same thing After which it is constantly termed Hundredus de Humeliford But in K. Iohn's time the Ferm thereof was xx marks the profits of the Leet xl s. the Shiriffs Aid xvii li. xviii s. and the Warth money v s. Which Warth silver now by corruption of speech called Wharfe money I take to have been at first a certain payment for service of warding the King's Castles in this County for antiently it is written Ward peny as by sundry authorities I could manifest In 21 H. 3. Will. de Luscy being â—hen Shiriff accounted For The Ferme thereof xx marks The Shiriffs Aid vi li. The Leet xli s. iiii d. Warth silver v s. In 4 E. 1. by Inquisition taken before the Justices Itinerant it was found that the profits of this Hundred besides perquisites amounted to xiiii li. iii s. ii d. ob per an and the perquisites xx li. it being then in the King's hand In 11 E. 2. the Bayliwick thereof was committed to one Will. Reymond to hold during the Kings pleasure paying yearly to the Shiriff of this County for the time being as much as others had used to doe so that he should keep the same Bailywick according to the forme of the Statute of Lincolne Nor can I find that it was ever out of the Crown untill 3 Eliz. that the Queen by her Letters Pat. bearing date 10 Ian. granted it with all the rights belonging thereto unto Brian Cave Esquier and Edw. Williams and their heirs to hold in Socage of the Mannour of East Grenewich To which Brian succeeded in the possession thereof Sir Ambrose Cave Knight who dying seized of it in 10 Eliz. left Margaret his daughter and heir then wife of Henry Knolls Esquier Which Henry having issue by her two daughters and heirs viz. Mary
marrâ—ed to Will Lord Paget and Eliz. to Sir Henry Willoughby of Risley in Derbyshire by partition betwixt them it was allotted to Elizabeth and is by the same Sir Henry accordingly enjoyed the Towns that now owe suit thereto I mean to the Leet being these viz. Berkswell the three Bikenhills Sheldon Edgbaston Curdworth Minworth Kingsbury Hurley â— part of Merston juxta Kingsbury Whateley Holt Slateley half Wilneccote juxta Tamworth the half of Sekindon in Austrey the Mannour sometime belonging to Burton Abby Badsley-Endesoure Ansley Hartshill and Whitacre superior Tame fluv BEing now to speak of the particular places within this Hundred of Hemlingford according to my accustomed method in the â—est I must follow the course of Tame which having its rise from several heads about Dudley and Walshall in Staffordsh glides along with a slow and gentle course whence perhaps it became at first so called as Arrow was by reason of its swiftnesse and entring it at Aston moveth for a while Eastwards but being augmented by divers petty streams in its passage bendeth at length Northwards leaving the same together with the County at Tamworth whereunto as a farewell it giveth that name Aston juxta Bermingham This for distinction from others of that name is now commonly called Aston juxta Bermingham but antiently it was written Estone having originally had that name perhaps from the situation thereof Eastwards from Wedsbury in Staffordshire a town of some note in the Saxons time Before the Norman Conquest Edwine Earl of Mercia was Lord of this place but upon that great distribution made by King William to his friends and followers it with other vast possessions of the disherited English lying in the Counties of Surrey Berks. Buck. Oxon. Northampt. Worcester and Stafford besides much more in this Shire was bestowed on William Fitz Ausculf who had his principall seat at the Castle of Dudley in Staffordshire and by the generall Survey then taken certified to contain viii hides valued at C s. there being at that time a Church with a Mâ—â—l rated at iii. s. as also Woods extending to 3. miles in length and half a mile in breadth all then held of him by one Godmund To which William Fitz Ausculf succeeded in the Barony of Dudley and possession hereof Gervase Paganell who dying without issue left Hawise his sister and heir wife to R. Someri whereby the whole Barony of Dudley divolved to that Family Which R. Someri by her had issue Raph Someri who being possest of this Lordship as a member of the saâ—d Barony gave unto Thomas the son of William de Erdintone and his heirs about the beginning of King Iohn's time his Mannour house here at Estone with all the demesns as also divers Tenements particularly mentioned in his Charter to be held of him the said Raph and his heirs by the service of a pair of gilt Spurs or the price of them viz. vi d. payable at Easter for all services and demands whatsoever Touching which Family of Erdington I shall speak historically in Erdington where I have inserted the Descent and therefore will here take notice of what only concerns them in reference to this place In 2 H. 3. this Mannour together with Erdington was assigned by the King to Roese de Cocfeld the Widow of the before specified T. de Erdington for her present maintenance till her dowry should be set out howbeit the next year following the Shiriff had command though for what reason appears not to deliver possession of it unto Philip de Ascells for the King's use and that he should not permit William Grasse to meddle therewith nor to make any wast or destruction in the land or woods belonging thereto This being the utmost Lordship towards Staffordshire and some dispute growing touching the bounds thereof King H. 3. directed his Precept to the Justices Itinerant in 20. of his reign whereby declaring it to be his royall pleasure that there should be speciall and certain marks set forth for the limits of each Countie about the parts of this Eston in Warwickshire and Hannewurth in Staffordshire he gave command to the Shiriff of Warwickshire to bring into Lichfield upon Sunday next after the Feast of S. Iames the Apostle xii discreet and lawfull Knights there to make and establish such metes and divisions upon their Oaths and the like to the Shiriff of Staffordshire for as many out of that Countie To which Thomas de Erdinton succeeded Giles and unto him Henry which Henry about the beginning of Edw. 1. reign enfeoft Thomas de Maidenhach in this Mannour bounded by the Rivers of Tame and Burne as his Charter manifests who being so possest of it in 13 E. 1. claimed by Prescription Assize of Beer Gallows Infangthef Utfangthef with a Court Leet and Weyfs As also that he and his Tenants should be free from any suit to the Countie or Hundred Courts bounding his claim within the limits of those two Rivers before specified and had allowance of them accordingly After which viz. the next ensuing year did the said Thomas de Maidenhach obtain a Charter of Free-warren for himself and his heirs in all his demesn lands here It seems he was a servant to the King for in that grant the King calls him dilectus Valettus noster our beloved Esquire in 18 E. 1. he impleaded William de Bermingham for fishing in a part of his water called Moylsich to Scraford-bridge within this his Libertie of Aston And in 19 E. 1. was certified to hold this Lordship together with Dudston of Roger de Someri as of his Mannour of Bordesley juxta Burmingham by the Rent of ii s. viii d. payable yearly at the Feast of S. Michael for all services But all that I find farther of this Thomas de Maidenhach is that being to attend the King in his voyage beyond Sea 14 E. 1. he had speciall Letters of protection granted to him as also that he was a Benefactor to the Hospitall of S. Thomas the Apostle in Bermingham by giving thereto ten Acres of Heath lying within this his Lordship of Aston and that he departed this life without issue male for by an Inquis taken after the death of Isabel his widow in 12 E. 2. Ioane Sibill Isabell and Margaret were found to be his daughters and heirs the youngest then being above xxi years of age Of which Ioane shortly after died issulesse so that by Partition made in 12 E. 2. the possessions of the said Thomas were divided betwixt the other three viz. this Mannour of Aston with the Mannours of Gersindon in Oxfordshire Wikes and Sondâ— in Sussex and Bergholtes in Suffolk besides other lands and Rents lying in the Countie of Southampton whereof Sibill then the wife of Adam de Grymesarwe had this Lordship for her share Which Adam and Sibill had issue Iohn unto whom the said Sibill his mother by
sons Iohn and Roger died young so that the inheritance divolved to Thomas who by the death of Maâ—garet wife of Sir Roger de Clarindon Knight without issue came to possesse a fair part of the Barony of Tyllaghlarg in Ireland by righfull descent as the Pedegree before inserted sheweth Which Thomas had issue onely two daughters betwixt whom his lands were divided this Mannour falling to Elene the wife of Sir Edmund Ferrers of Chartley Knight and so descended unto William Lord Ferrers of Chartley her son and heir who died seâ—zed thereof in 28 H. 6. leaving Anne his daughter and heir then the wife of Walter Devereux Esquire which Walter in 2 E. 4. and so afterwards during that King's regn and in 1 R. 3. was summoned to Parliament amongst the Barons by the name of Walter Devereux de Ferrers Chevalier whose grandchild Walter Vicount Hereford setled it upon Edward his son by a second wife and his heires which Edward built a fair House of brick here wherein he resided and being created Baronet 25. Nov. 10â— Iac. departed this life 22. Sept. in 20â— of that King's reign leaving Sir Walter Devereux his son and heir now Lord of this Mannour Anno scil 1640. Park-Hall THis having been the chief seat of the Ardens for neer CCC years last past had in 38 E. 3. the name of Park-Hall being situate in haya de Bromwich the House as it should seem by an antient moat then standing at the top of the hill Southwards from the River But in 2 H. 5. it was called Manerium de Park-Hall As a member of Bromwich it did originally belong to the old Barons of Dudley for so the tenure thereof implies but when it came to the Ardens or was by them impark't I have not yet discovered In 2 H. 8. I find that the Park was enlarged with Cxl. acres of Wood and Pasture as also with x. acres of arable ground by Iohn Arden Esquire by which it seems that the extent of it before was not great And that afterwards scil in 32 H. 8. it was called Manerium de la Logge alias Park-Hall And here should I according to my accustomed methode speak historically of the Ardens but in regard that Curdworth and Minworth have been of their inheritance even from the Norman Conquest I have thought it more proper to refer what I have to say of that antient Family thither Water Orton THis little village hath its name from the situation standing neer the River and upon such an ascent Before 32 H. 6. I have not found it termed a Mannour but then by an Inquisition taken after the death of Raph de Arden it was so reputed coming to the same Raph by the marriage of Eliz. the daughter and heir of Richard de Clodshale to whose posteritie it still continues That it was originally as a member of Aston belonging to the old Barons of Dudley there is no cause to doubt considering that it hath so antiently been within the view of their Leet held at Bordsley for all the Hamlets in Aston parish and that it appears to have been held as Saltley was the grant whereof from Gervase Paganell I have already vouched But that the Ardens had some lands therein long before the match with Clodshale's heir is as evident There is besides this another Mannour at least in reputation within the precincts of this Hamlet concerning which there was a Fine levied betwixt Francis Morgan and others Plantiffs and Richard Tate and others deforc in 6 E. 6. before which time I have not seen any mention of it and whereof in 43 Eliz. Will. Tate son of Barth Tate was possest At which time I find it certified to be held of Ardens Mannour before mentioned The Inhabitants of this Village being within the parish of Aston did antiently use to hear divine Service in the Chapell of Bromwich but in 20 E. 3. having built one of their own they obtained License from Roger Northburgh then Bishop of Coventre and Lichfield for a Priest to performe the like service therein for one year provided that they should not retain any thing of their dues from the Vicar of Aston which License bears date at Heywood 2 Aug. Anno 1346. For the antiquity of the Bridge here I cannot speak positively but in 37 H. 6. I find that Reginald Bowlers then Bishop of this Dioces taking into his consideration that it was out of repair granted a speciall Indulgence of xl days bearing date 24. Sept. to all the Inhabitants of Coventre-Archdeaconry who should within the space of three years next following charitably contribute to the amendment thereof But whether that Bridge was then of stone or not I am not sure for there is a tradition that Iohn Harman alias Vessy Bishop of Exeter in H. 8. time built it and Curdworth bridge at his own Charges causing the stone for that purpose to be brought from the old Mannour-House of Sutton of which Bishop I shall say more when I come to that place Witton THis was the freehold of one Staunchel before the Norman invasion but afterwards being disposed of with Aston to William Fitz Ausculfe the same Staunchel became Tenant to this new Lord as generally the native English were constrain'd to do so that at the time of the Conqueror's Survey it was certified with the rest of Fitz Ausculf's lands in this Countie and containing one hide was valued at xx s. in which Record it is written Witone But the next possessor thereof afterwards that I can yet discover was Andrew de Wicton who held it in 25 H. 3. being the first perhaps that became enfeoft thereof by one of the Batons of Dudley at which time there was some dispute betwixt the same Andrew and William de Pyrie touching the bounds betwixt this Lordship and that of Pyrie in Staffordshire whereupon the King directed his Precept to the Sheriff of this Countie to bring with him twelve discreet and lawfull Knights of Warwickshire having done the like to the Shiriff of Staffordshire so that upon Perambulation made there might be certain metes and bounds exactly set forth betwixt them which were to be certified to the King's Justices at the next Assize and there it is written Wicton which plainly shews that though it be vulgarly pronounced Witton the originall occasion of its name was from the situat on that it hath so near the bent of the River The next mention I find of it is in 19 E. 1. upon the death of Roger de Someri Lord of Dudley where it appears that Iohn the son of Will. Dyxele held it of the same Roger by the eighth part of a Knight's fee. Which Iohn had issue Iohn who wrote himself Dominus de Wicton in 18 E. 2. But in these Dixleys it continued not much longer for in 14 E. 3. did Sarra the widow of the said Iohn de Dixele and
through a Wood who being presently encountred by the Enemy and the Earl not seconding him was over-powred with numbers and so routed himself with our Sir Will. de Bermingham and eight more Knights besides Esquires very many taken Prisoners and carried in triumph to Paris This Sir Will. de Bermingham died before the 32 of E. 1. for in that year do I find Iohn de Ayleston Clerk presented to the Church of Bermingham by Isabell de Bermingham his widow in whose Seal are 3. Escocheons viz. one with the Bend lozengè another with a Lion rampant and the third a Lion Rampant debruised with a Bend but whose Armes the two last are except I knew the colours is hard to say From which Sir Will. descended another William and Henry a younger son afterwards a Knight who bore for his Armes partie per pale indented Argent and Sable as by his Seal and certain antient Rolls appeareth Touching this last mentioned VVilliam I find that in 2 E. 2. his Bayliffs distrained divers Inhabitants of Bromsgrove and Norton commonly called King's-Norton in Com Wigorn. for Toll in the Mercate here at Bermingham so that there grew a suit betwixt them whereupon producing the Charters of divers King 's as also that of Gervase Paganell formerly mentioned for justification of his Mercate he further alleadged that his Ancestors for so the pleading calls them had a Mercate here before the Norman Conquest But the men of Bromsgrove and Norton to this answered that those Lordships where they so inhabited were of the antient demesn of the Crown of England and that they as all other resident upon the like lands ought to be freed from payment of Toll throughout the Realm for all petty commodities as Victuall and the like except it could appear that they did buy and sell as common Merchants and were acquitted accordingly by the Judgement of the Court having costs awarded them against the said Bailiffs In 11 E. 2. this William was a Kt. but after that finding no more of him by that title I have adventured to conclude the next mentioned William to be his son VVhich VVilliam had many eminent imployments viz. in 18 E. 2. for choosing of 400. Foot-souldiers within this Countie excepting the towns of Warwick and Coventre and arming them for defence of the Realm and likewise the same year for the electing of Knights Esquires and other men at Armes to attend the King into Gascoin The next ensuing year he was a Commissioner appointed to enquire and certifie the names of all those in this Shire that having xl l. lands per an had not received military Armes as also for the arraying of men according to the Statute of Winchester In 20 E. 2. he had the custodie of Dudley Castle with the appurtenances but this was so granted to him by those that then excercised Regall power in the King's name for the King was then a Prisoner and shortly after deposed and murthered The Record says that it was upon the forfeiture of Hugh le Despenser the younger perhaps that upon the death of Iohn de Someri which hapned about 4. years before leaving none but Female heirs the same Hugh had the trust thereof as the King 's speciall Favourite committed to his charge In 1 E. 3. this VVilliam was in Commission with Iohn de Merdak for conservation of the Peace in this Countie as also to put the Statute of Winchester in execution so likewise in 5. E. 3. being at that time a Knight I do not directly find how long he had the custodie of Dudley Castle but in 7 E. 3. 't is evident that it was not out of his hands for by his Patent being to answer for the profits thence arising unto the King's Exchequer and then complaining that the Treasurer and Barons there did refuse to admit of his Accompt whereby he had made defalcation of such wages as had been paid to the Porter and VVatchman of the said Castle and to the Forresters and Keepers of the Chase of Pensened as also of the Parks of Dudley Seggeley and the old Park pertaining to the same Castle there was a speciall Mandamus directed by the King to the said Treasurer and Barons commanding them to let it pass In 9 E. 3. he was in Commission for arraying of men as well Knights as others according to their severall states and degrees in order to the Statute of Winchester to the end that they might be in readiness for the defence of the Realm whensoever they should be called upon In which Commission he is called William de Bermingham senior so also in two others the same year the one for conservation of the Peace and the Statute of Northampton and the other of Array To this last Sir VVilliam succeeded Sir Fouk de Bermingham Knight of whom the first mention that I find is in 16 E. 3. he having then lent 48. marks to Sir Baldw. Frevill of Tamworth Castle for which he had five Mills at Tamworth viz. 3. in Warwickshire and two in Staffordshire in Lease for one year In 20 E. 3. he was retained by Thomas Bishop of Durham to attend the Kâ—ng in his French expedition 'T is probable that in this voyage he used the Coat which Sir Henry de Bermingham hâ—s uncle bore viz. partie per pale indented Arg. and Sable for the next year following it appears that he sealed with it though in 16 E. 3. with the Bend lozengè the antient Coat of his Family and a Label of 5. points In 25 E. 3. â—e was one of the Knights for this Shire in the Parliament then held at Westminster So also in the Parliament of 35 E. 3. The same year was he first a Commissioner for conservation of the Peace in this Countie In 36 he served again in the Parliament then held at Westminster as one of the Knights for this Shire so likewise in 39 and 40 E. 3. In the same 40 th year he was one of the Commissioners of Array in this Countie and likewise in 41 E. 3. and lastly in 47 E. 3. one of the Kts. for the Shire in the Parliament held at Westminster To him succeeded Iohn his son and heir who in 50 E. 3. was a Knight and in 2 R. 2. Shiriff of this Countie and Leicestershire This Iohn bore for his Armes partie per pale Arg. and Sable as his Father last did and in 4 R. 2. served in the Parliament at Northampton as one of the Knights for this Shire being the same year Shiriff for the Counties of Buck. and Bedf. In 5 R. 2. he was again one of the Knights for this Câ—untie in the Parliament then held at Westminster and a Commissioner for raising power against the Rebells id est the followers of Ioâ—n VVicliff So likewise
words of the grant omnibus pertinentiis suis in bosco in plano totam illam partem nemoris sui quae est inter filum aquae de Ebroc filum aquae de Tame cum Insula de Wychesholme usque ad divisas de Erdinton cum pannagio omnibus libertatibus c. Which grant was confirm'd by William and Waleran both Earls of Warwick it being of their Fee as all the rest of Arden's lands were Some small parcells lying also here in Berwood did Thomas de Arden nephew to the said Hugh give likewise to those Canons Here was antiently a Chapell of our Ladie belonging to the said Canons which long since went to decay for in the beginning of H. 4. time upon an extent of what they had in this place there was certified to be onely a Hall with Chambers Buttry Bakehouse and all other necessarie rooms Concerning which Chapell I further find that Sir William de Ardey Knight gave to Robert sometime Abbot of Leicester and his successâ—rs one Mess. one Mill and a large proportion of land lying in Curdworth to find two Canons to celebrate divine service therein for the health of his soul and of the souls of his predecessors and heirs But this together with the Mannour of Berwood as also the Rectory of Curdworth appropriated to the before specified Canons was after the dissolution of the Abbies purchased from the Crown by Thomas Arden of Park Hall and Simon his younger son for the sum of CCLxxii l. x s. and to be held of the King his heirs and successors by the xx th part of a Knight's fee paying the yearly Rent of xxx s. iiii d. into the Exchequer Whereupon the next year following by virtue of a speciall Feoffment made by the above-mentioned Thomas and Simon the inheritance thereof became vested in William Arden eldest son to the said Thomas and the heirs male of his body Dunton THat the high situation of this place did originally occasion its name is plain enough Dun in our antient English signifying a Hill But till 36 H. 3. that Hugh de Mancestre of whose Family I shall speak in Mancestre had a Charter of Free-warren in all his demesn lands here together with those at Mancestre and Drakenege in this Countie I have not found any mentâ—on of it in Record Which Hugh was then possest of certain lands therein but not of the Capitall Messuage for 't is apparent that Philip Luvell in 41 H. 3. had the like grant of Free-warren from whom the Lords of this Mannour do derive their title This Philip is he â—f I mistake not who was one of the King's Clerks in 34 H. 3. being brought into his service by Sir Iohn Mansell his chief Councellor but Math. Paris gives him the Character of a crafty and deceitfull man making particular mention of his corrupt doings for which he was removed from his imployment and in disgrace yet was it not long ere he got into favour again by the intercession of Alexander King of Scotland the King's son in Law whose speech in his behalf our Historian doth relate and was made the King's Tresurer in which Office he continued till for abusing the great favours he had received sc. by wasting the King's Deer in his Forrests he was outed Which disgrace went so near to his Heart that he retired to his Benefice at Hamestable for he was a Clergie man and there died of grief the next year following whereof so soon as the King had notice he commanded all his possessions to be seized on till satisfaction should be made to his own content To whom succeeded Henry Lovell Clerke in the possession of this Lordship who required suit unto his Court here from the Abbot of Leicester for a certain yard land named Monks-field As also an Oath of Fealtie and other services whereupon the Canons of that House whilst the difference was thus depending past away their title therein unto William the son of Ankitell de Bracebrigge of Kingsbury of whom the said Henry required the like service but at the intercession of friends they came to this Agreement viz. that the said William and his heirs should pay unto them xx d. yearly Rent without any suit of Court or other service to the Lords of Dunton for the same After this ere long it appears that Raph de Gorges became Lord of this Mannour though by what title I have not seen who together with Ioane his wife in 22 E. 1. commenced suit against the said William de Bracebrigge concerning those lands before mentioned as also against Iohn Lovell of Tichmersh whereby they required the said Iohn to discharge them of such services as Amice the widow of Hugh de Strelly challenged of them for their estate in Dunton To which Action the said Iohn Lovell appeared but after the Declaration read he departed in contempt of the Court whereupon the Shiriff had command to distrain him and to compell his appearance again To this Raph de Gorges succeeded Hugh his son who obtained License from Guy de Beauchamp Earl of Warwick to inclose that place of Wood lying within this his Mannour of Dunton called Clapshaw and to make such a fence about it as that neither Hart Hinde Buck nor Doe no nor Goat might enter therein with this proviso that if it should not be sufficiently inclosed to keep out the Earls Deer belonging to the Chase of Sutton and that upon warning given by the Earls Bailiffs the same were not made good within xx days thereof that then it should be lawfull for the Earl to lay it open again And that if any of the said Earls Deer being driven by hunting did break into it that the said Earl or his Servants might pursue them into the said Park and there take and carry them away without doing wilfull hurt to any of the Deer belonging to the before specified Raufe And for the better finding of such hunted Deer that the Earls Hounds might likewise enter but no Bow to be brought in with them Which concession being about the 28 E. 1. as I guess for it hath no date was witnessed by Sir Bernard de Brus Sir Iohn de Clinton Sir Iohn de Beauchamp Sir Ric. de Whitacre and others But after this scil in 30 E. 1. the same Sir Raph de Gorges for it seemes he was then a Knight came to a farther Agreement with the said Earl both for cutting down his Woods in Dunton and making improvement of his Wast according to the Assize of the Chase viz. that he and his hâ—irs should have liberty to make a Ditch of three foot and a half large with a Hedge upon it not a foot and a half high in consideration whereof he and his heirs were yearly to pay to the said Earl his heirs or assigâ—eâ— at their Mannour House of Sutton a Soar Sparhawk or six
all his lands in this Wishawe Langley Sutton and elsewhere upon Will. de Bereford his Brother It shâ—uld seem that these Berefords had that here in Wishawe â— which belong'd to the Templars for in 20 E. 2. which was after the accession of the Templars lands to the Hospitalars as in Balshall shall be shewed it was found that Will. de Bereford beforenamed held a Mannour here of the said Hospitalars by the service of xvii d. to be paid at Michaelmas and the Feast of the Annunciation of our Lady by even portions for all services Touching the Descendants of which Will. de Bereford having spoke in Langley their principall seat in this Countie I have â—ere no more to say of them than that in 19 E. 3. Edmund de Bereford had a Charter of Free warren in all his demesn lands here From which Family it came to Hore and from Hore to Pudseâ— both by heirs femaleâ— as the Descent in Langley sheweth and therefore 't is needlesse here to gâ—ve farther instance thereof In An. 1291 19 E. 1 the Church dedicated to S. Chad was valued at v. marks and in 19 E 2. the advouâ—on thereof granted by Will. de Castell to Will. de Bereford but in 26 H. 8. the value was certified at Cv s. over and above ix s. allowed for Procurations and Synodalls Patroni Ecclesiae Incumbentes c. Will. de Castello mil. Nich. de Castello 5 Id. Dec. 1306. Georgius de Castello miles Will. de Laberton Accol 10 Cal. Feb. 1310. D. Edm. de Bereford miles Ioh. Stene Cler. 7 Id. Sept. 1342. D. Edm. de Bereford miles Nich. de Lichfeld Cler 14 Cal. Aug. 1349. D. Edm. de Bereford miles Ioh. Grant Cap. 2 Cal. Iulii 1350. Baldw. de Whitenay Decan Eccl. Coll. de Tamworth Tho. de Morehall hac vice Ric. de Geytingdon Cap. 12 Cal. Sept. 1361. Baldw. de Whitenay Decan Eccl. Coll. de Tamworth Tho. de Morehall hac vice Will. de Osmundeston Pbr. 5 Cal. Dec. 1361. D. Baldw. de Bereford miles Steph. de Carleton Pbr. Id. Nov. 1367. D. Baldw. de Bereford miles Thomas Frome Pbr. 3 Non. Sept. 1375. D. Baldw. de Bereford miles Ioh. de Eton Pbr. 12 Cal. Apr. 1376. D. Baldw. de Bereford miles Thomas Haddon Pbr. 11 Cal. Dec. 1377. D. Baldw. de Bereford miles Henr. Eaytewayte Pbr. 18 Nov. 1383. D. Baldw. de Bereford miles Ric. Brewes Pbr. 14 Martii 1396. D. Baldw. de Bereford miles Ioh. Romay 15 Aug. 1405. Eliz. relicta Baldw. de Bereford militis Ioh. Wermote Cap. 2 Oct 1412. Eliz. relicta Baldw. de Bereford militis Nich. Braddeley 7 Iulii 1413. Custos Coll. liberae Capellae Reg. de Windsore Ioh. Rolf Cap. 27 Aug. 1414. Eliz. relicta Balw de Bereford mil. Will. Clerke Cap. 23 Iulii 1416. Ioh. Hore dominus de Wishaw arm Thomas Hemyngburgh 8 Oct. 1425. Ioh. Hore dominus de Wishaw arm Ioh. Harman Pbr. 9 Oct. 1431. Ioh. Hore dominus de Wishaw arm Rob. Yerburgh Pbr. 19 Martii 1431. Ioh. Hore dominus de Wishaw arm Rad. Horleston Pbr. 18 Nov. 1433. Hilb. Hore de Childerley ar Thomas Spenser Pbr. 8 Aug. 1436. Hilb. Hore de Childerley ar Ioh. Gallard 3 Sept 1439. Hilb. Hore de Childerley ar Ric. Sturges ult Apr. 1441. Hilb. Hore de Childerley ar Ioh. Tamworth Canon regul S. Aug. 7 Dec. 1444. Thomas Hore ar Will. Beket Cap. 15 Ian. 1456. Rob. Perham ratione minoris aet Gilb. fil haer Tho. Hore Thomas Dene Cap. 19 Iunii 1494. Rob. Perham ratione minoris aet Gilb. fil haer Tho. Hore Will. Clayton art Magr. 21 Ian. 1494. Tho. Fulthorp Editha ux sua â—ilia haer Ioh. Hore Magr. Will. Burgh in leg Bac. penult Martii 1504. Tho. Fulthorp Editha ux sua â—ilia haer Ioh. Hore D. Will. Smith Cap. ult Maii 1538. Rob. Pudsey gen D. Will. Bowes alias Vicars 5 Aug. 1552. Ioh. L'isley ar ex concess Georgii Pudsey ar Edw. Warde in art Bac. 21 Ian. 1584. Geo. Pudsey ar Ioh. Wilston Cler. 10 Feb. 1602. Geo. Pudsey de Langley gen Mich. Walford Cler. in art Magr. 7 Oct. 1629. Moxhull THis though it be in the Parish of Wishaw seemeth to have been originally a member of Curdworth for 't is evident that the Ardens held it immediately of the Earls of Warwick But the Ancestors of that Family which doth still enjoy it have possest it for more than four hundred years and had it first from one of the Ardens lord of Curdworth as is cleer enough by the Tenure for by severall Inquisitions and other authorities it appeareth to be held of their posterity The first mention that I have met with thereof in any Record is in 36 H. 3. Where it is written Mukeshull Walt. de Bereford having brought an Assize of Novell desseisin against Nich. de L'ile and others for Common of pasture there which Nicholas was the son of William and he of Henry as I think for I have seen antient evidences which do import as much so that 't is like that Henry was he that seated himself here and probable enough it is that Herbert del Yle for so is his name written might be Father to Henry for I find him a witnesse to severall Charters of Geffrey de Clinton son to Geffrey the Founder of Kenilworth Castle and and Priory about the beginning of H. 2. time This William father of Nich. was a person of the superior rank amongst the gentry in this Shire as may seem by a specialll Commission constituting him one of the Justices for the Gaol-delivery at Warwick and Kenilworth but all that I have farther seen of him is that he was a Witnesse to the grant of certain assarted lands in Pedimore which Henry Earl of Warwick made to Thomas de Arden Neither after 10 E. 1. have I found any mention of the before specified Nicholas he being then exempted from serving on Juries by the Kings Letters Pat. To which Nich. succeeded Anketil de L'ile who wedded Iulian the daughter and heir to Rob. de Blaggreve of Midleton and did his Homage to Philip Marmion Lord of Tamworth Castle for the lands he had with her in frank marriage of his Fee Which Ankâ—tel had suits with Raph de Gorgesâ— of Dunton concerning certain lands here in Moxhull about 22 E. 1. and left issue Henry who was a Servant in much trust and esteem unto Raph Lord Basset of Draiton a great man in these parts For in the Commission he had from that Baron to treat with Sir Rob. Marmion concerning the Mannours of Netherwhitacre Halughton Pericroft and Glascote all in this County in 14 E. 2. the Lord Basset calls him nostre chiere bien ame Vadlet his dear and welbeloved
greatnesse and power durst not appear to challenge the Jurie so that he had CCC â— given him for damages against them But it so fell out that in 3 E. 3. this mighty man being seized upon by the King at Notingham Castle and by a Parliament there held condemn'd for Treason was put to death whereby all his possessions became confiscate insomuch as the Inhabitants before specified petitioned the K. that he would be gracious unto them in forbearing to proceed to Judgment upon that Verdict whereupon he was pleased to remit thereof CCxlvi li. xiii s. iiii d. Whether by any conveiance from the Bishop of Ely before spoken of it was that Rob. de Moreby of Moreby in Yorkshire had an interest here I know 〈◊〉 nor what he so had but in 7 E. 3. I find that the K. granted to him a Charter of Free warren in all his demesn lands here at Solihull as also at Bonnewick and Moreby in Yorkshire It seems that the inheritance thereof was in the Bishop's heirs what ever estate the same Rob. de Moreby had for in 26 E. 3. by a Fine then levied betwixt Anne the widow of Edw. le Despenser Plantiff and Iohn de Hothum of Bondeby Kt. Deforâ—â— this Mannour with the advouson of the Church was setled upon the same Anne during her life the remainder to Hugh le Despenser son to the said Edw. and Anne and Alice his wife daughter of the said Sir I. Hothum and the heirs of their bodies and so to Katherine sister of the said Alice c. Which Alice was afterwards married to Iohn Trussell who in her right held this Lordship in 50 E. 3. But by her first husband she had issue Sir Hugh le Spenser Kt. and Anne a daughter married to Sir Edw. Boteler Kt. which Sir Hugh dyed without issue in 3. H. 4. leaving Anne his sister and heir then 32 years of age Of this Sir Edw. Boteler and Anne his wife I find that in 5 H. 4. they came to an Agreement with Sibill the widow of the said Sâ— Hugh le Spenser whereby it was concluded that she the said Sibill shou'd hold this Mannour during her life but afterwards to return unto the same Sir Edward and Anne and their heirs who dying without issue K. H. 5. by his Letters Pat. dated 16 Apr. in the second year of his reign passing to Edward Duke of York for life all the lands which were Thomas Lord Spenser's attainted by Parl. Octab. Hill 3 H. 4. the remainder to Ric. Beauchamp of Bergavenny Kt. and Isabell his wife sister and heir of Richard son and heir to the said Thomas late Lord Despenser deceased and the heirs male of the same Richard and Isabell the Duke by virtue of that grant possest himself of this Mannour 〈◊〉 colour that for want of issue by the â—aâ—d Sir Edward Bâ—teler and Anne the inheritance thereof belonged to the same Thomas le Despenser Earl of Glouc. so attainted and held it till his death which hapning in 3 H. 5 for he was slain at the battell of Agincourt 25 Oct. the same year Ric. Beauchamp and Isabell his wife had livery 〈◊〉 Hothum Episc Elien Perius Hothum Ioh. Hothum miles Fâ—w le De spenser Anna. Edm. Dux Ebor. Edw. Dux Elâ—â—r Constanstia Ric. le Despenser Co. Glouc. ob s p. Isabella sola filia haeres ux Ric. Beauchamp domini de Bergav Edw. le Despenser Tho. le Despenser Co. Glouc. Hugo le Despenser Anna ux Edw. Boteler ob s. p. 10 H. 4. Hugo le Despenser miles ob s. p. Ioh. Hothum mil. Alicia Ioh. Trussel mil. 2 maritus Ioh. Trussel ob s. p. Catherina Petrus Hothum Matilda Thomas .... Alicia Margareta ... Skerne Henricus Skerne Edm. Skerne 38 H. 6. thereof 18 Mâ—rtii next ensuing Neverthelesse upon farther consideration and view of the Fine levied in 5 H. 4. whereby it had been so inâ—aâ—led the Inquisitions after the several deceases of the said Sir Edw. Boteler and Anne his wife of Sibill the widow of the before specified Sir Hugh le Despenser the K. directed his Precept bearing date 14 Nov. 5 H. 5. to his Eschaetor for this County to seize it into his hands For the cleerer understanding of which titles I have inserted the preceding Descent Of the before mentioned Hugh le Despenser I find that he was interred in the Friers at Stanford and that Thomas Collum then Parson of the Church here at Solihull bore so great an affection to him and the lady Sibill or Isabell his wife for both wayes I find her written that by his Testament be bequeathed a fair Missale to the Church of Solâ—hull that the Parishioners should provide a Priest to celebrate divine Service there by the space of one year for the souls of the said Sir Hugh and Isabell he himself ordaining that another Priest should do the like there for the space of two years It seems that this Lordship continued in the Crown a good while for in 16 H. 6. the custody thereof was committed by the King to Thomas Greswould for seaven years but in 22 H. 6. by his Letters Pat. dated 25 Sept. he granted it inter alia to Iohn Duke of Somerset and the heirs male of his body to enjoy during the life of Iaquet the widow to Iohn D. of Bedford Raph Boteler and Iohn Beauchamp and the longer liver of them Which Iohn D. of Somerset departing this life without any such issue 27 Maii the same year the King by other Letters Pat. dated 20 Iulii then next following committed the custody thereof together with the Mannour of Sheldon in this County to Edm. Mountford Esq for life answering for them both L. marks sterling per an Yet was it not long that he so held them for it appears that the next year ensuing he surrendred his Pat. into the Chancery to be cancelled to the intent that the King should make a grant of them to Sir Iames Fenys Knight which was accordingly effected 27 Sept. the same year for the speciall services he had done to hold during life without rendring any accompt at all for the same This Sir Iames being afterwards created Lord Say dyed in 30 H. 6. Whereupon this Mannour returning to the Crown was with Sheldon likewise again committed to the custody of Edm. Mountford before mentioned for the term of ten years at L. marks per an as they formerly were But it seems that this Pat. became shortly after surrendred for on the 28 th of March 31 H. 6. the King granted the custody of them to Edm. Earl of Richmund and Iasper Earl of Pembroke for â—ii years and upon cancelling that Pat. the first of Iuly ensuing sealed another whereby he past the unheritance of them to those Earls Howbeit in 38 H. 6. one Edmund Skerne as Cosin and heir to Iohn Hothum Bishop of Ely after the death
and heir of Sir Henry Ferrers and Margaret Hekstall his wife of East Peckham in the County of Kent Knight He died th xxix th day of August 1535. leaving issue Henry Edward George and Nicholas Here also lieth Dame Constance his wife daughter heir to Nicholas Brome Esquire of this Mannour of Badsley-Clinton who died the xxx th day of September 1551. Here also lieth Henry Ferrers their eldest son and heir who married Catherine one of the daughters and coheirs of Sir John Hampden of Hampden in the Countie of Buck. Knight He died Anno D. 1526. leaving issue Edward Ferrers married to Briget daughter to William Lord Windsor of Bradenham 1548 and died Anno Dom. 1564. Ecce hic in pulvere dormimus Hic nostrae residet gloria carnis Disce mori mundo Vivere disce Deo Hodiae nobis Other Monumentall Inscriptions Upon a stone in the midst of the Chancell Here lieth Henry Ferrers Esquire son and heir of Edward Ferrers and Briget Windsor his wife who was sometime Lord of this Mannour and married Jane one of the daughters and coheirs of Henry White son and heir of Sir Thomas White of South-Warnborn He died the x th day of October Anno Dom. 1633. of his age the 84 th leaving issue Edward Ferrers Upon another near the former Here lieth the body of Edward Ferrers Esquire son and heir of Henry Ferrers and Jane White his wife sometimes Lord of this Mannour who married Anne the eldest daughter of William Peto of Chesterton Esquire and Elianor Aston his wife who died March the xx â—h aged 65. Anno à pariente Virgine 1650. leaving issue onely Henry Ferrers Haec mihi lapidea marmorea posita est immo tibi qui hoc legis quisquis es vigila dum vigilas in rem tuam maturè propera horam scit nemo Vale. In the body of the Church Here lieth Anne the eldest daughter of William Peto of Chesterton Esquire and Elianor Aston his wife who was married to Edward Ferrers Esquire Lord of this Mannour of Badsley the xii th day of February Anno Dom. 1611. and died in child-birth the xii th day of September Anno 1618. aetatis suae 33. leaving issue onely Henry Ferrers Inscribed on the South side of the Chancell in stone Edward Ferrers Esquire son and heir of Henry Ferrers and Jane White his wife did new build and reediâ—ie this Chancell at his own proper costs and charges Anno Dom. 1634. Monuments and Monumentall Inscriptions now defaced which were taken notice of by Mr. Henry Ferrers in Queen Elizabeth's time In the Chancell upon a raised Monument Hic jacet Beatrix Brome vidua filia Radulfi Shirley militis quondam uxor Iohannis Brome de Badsley-Clintoâ— armigeri que obiit â— die mensis Iulit anno Domini MCCCClxxxiii cujus anime propitietur Deus Amen Vpon a Marble there whereon was a large Portraiture in Brasse of a man in armour Hic jacet Philippus Purefey armiger filius heres Willielmi Purefey de Shirford in Com. War armigeri qui obiit xviâ— die mensis Septembris anno Domini MCCCClxviâ— cujus anime propitietur Deus In this Chancell there is a large grave-stone whereon is a plaine Cross but no Inscription under it lyeth buried Dorothy sole daughter and heir of Thomas Marrow Sergeant at Law who was first married to Francis Cokeyne of Pooley in this County Esquire and afterwards to Sir Humfrey Ferrers of Tamworth-Castle Under a large marble lying within the Church dore at the very entrance whereupon hath been a faire portraiture in brasse of a man in armour lyeth buried Nicholas Brome sometime Lord of this Mannour And under the next stone lyeth Elizabeth one of his daughters wife to Thomas Hawe of Solihull Under another neare thereto lyeth Edward Brome son of the said Nicholas by Katherine Lampeck his second wife which Edward married Margery the daughter to Iohn Bâ—aufo of Emscote in this County Eâ—quire and dyed Anno 1531. 23 H. 8. Church-Bikenhill REturning now to the stream of Blithe I come next to Church-Bikenhill This containeth four other petty Hamlets viz. Hill-Bikenhill Midle-Bikenhill Kingsford Wavers-Merston Merston-Culy and Lindon of all which Turchill de Warwick was possest in the Conqueror's time but then they were reputed for no more than two Villages the one certified to contain two hides with Woods of four furlongs in length and as much in breadth having been the freehold of Aluuardus before the Norman invasion And the other likewise two hides the Woods belonging thereto being xii furlongs in length and six in breadth all which one Aluric enjoyed in Edw. the Confessor's days In Domesday-book they are both written Bichehelle but afterwards Bychenhulle and Bigenhull wherefore considering therewith the present manner of pronouncing the word I do conâ—clude that the name originally grew from the old English word Biggen which signifieth a Hall on Mannour-House the later syllable shewing that it stood upon an ascent as we see this town doth It should seem that a younger branch of Arden's Familie whereof the said Turchill was the root had that which is now called Church-Bikenhill assigned for his patrimonie for in the Deed made by Henry de Arderne Turchil's grandson and heir of certain lands for the dowrie of Leticia his wife he likewise grants unto her servitium Eustachii de Arderne de Bychenhulla which it appears that he held of him But I am of opinion that the descendants of this Eustace forsook the name of Ardern and in respect of their residence here assumed the name of Bikenhull for in 33 H. 2. and afterwards I find mention of Thomas de Bikenhulle with relation to this place and about the beginning of H. 3. time Alexander de Bykenhull which Alexander bound himself in the summe of â—v marks of silver unto Sir Hugh de Arden of Hampton Knight that he would neither sell or pawn any part of his lands without the consent of the said Sir Hugh and in 19 H. 3. was one of the Justices of Assize in this Countie After which scil in 23 E. 1. Alice de Langley of whom in Wolfhamcote I have spoke wrote her self Domina de Bygenhull perhaps she was widow unto the said Alexander and yet the same year did Thomas whom I conceive to be his son stile himself so likewise But the next possessor of it though how I find not was Walter Parles about the later end of E. 2. time To whom succeeded William Parles who in 1 E. 3. past away his title therein unto Sir Iohn Peche of Hampton in Arden Knight whose grandchild Sir Iohn Peche in 28 E. 3. obtained a Charter of Free warren in all his demesn lands here From which time for want of light I have not discovered any more thereof The Church dedicated to S. Peter though at the first Foundation of the Monasterie of Henwood it was united thereto continued not 〈◊〉 â—o thâ—se Nunns but was transmitted
leaving Iohn Baker his brother and heir L. years of age Which Iohn together with Humphrey Baker then residing at the Charter-House neer Coventre by their Deed bearing date 29 Ian. 33 Eliz. aliened it unto Robert Brudnell of Duddington in Com. Hunt Esquire whose son and heir Thomas now Lord Brudnell past it away together with that other Mannour formerly Boyvile's and by the same Deed unto Sir Edward Brabazon by which means it came to Sir Anthony his younger son before specified There was antiently an Hermitage within the precincts of this Lordship situate neer to the borders of Maxstoke the place bearing that name to this day built by one Hemeric Parson of this Parish in the time of Robert de Ceraso Lord of the Mannour before spoken of and together with the Church of Pakinton given by Gislebert Picot to the Monks of Worcester for the health of his soul as also of his Ancestors and successors in pure Almes which gift William Picot his son confirmed with addition of a large proportion of land lying neer thereto exprest by metes and bounds over and above what his Father before him had granted with it In consideration whereof he received from the said Monks four marks of silver and two bâ—sants of Gold which gâ—ants were confirm'd by Pope Innocent the third 4. Id. Febr. in the 4 th year of Kâ—ng Iâ—hn's reign Some other concessions there were to this Heremitage by ordinarie persons but for brevity I omit them All which lands upon the dissolution of the Monasteries by King H. 8. were in 33. of his reign granted inter alia to the Dean and Chapter of Worcester unto whom they still continue Anno scil 1640. But after the Church was so given to the Monks of Worcester by the said Sir Gilbert Picot and confirm'd by Walter Durdent Bishop of Coventre there grew a dfference betwixt those Monks and the said Gilbert concerning the rights due thereto in so much as they went to suit with him about it howbeit at length they came to a friendly agreement whereupon the same Gilbert was for himself and all his Tenants to pay Tithe Hay and to allow them xii loads of Wood yearly by the oversight of his Woodward as also an habitation for the Priest there officiating and timber with six forâ—s for the building of it and likewise for sustainâ—ng it always in repair together with half an acre of Land and trouse out of his Woods for the continuall fencing thereof In Anno 1291. 19 E. 1. the value of this Church was certified at one Mark but in 26 H. 8. at iii li. over and above iii s. x d. allowed for payment of Procuratioâ—s and Synodals having at that time an annuall Pension of x s. payable by the Prior of Maxstoke Patroni Ecclesiae Incumbentes c. Prior Capitulum Eccl. Cath. Wigorn. Ioh. de Albodesle 15. Cal. Dec. 1339. Prior Capitulum Eccl. Cath. Wigorn. Thomas Wray Cler. 3. Id. Nov. 1349. Prior Capitulum Eccl. Cath. Wigorn. Ioh. de Pakinton Cap. 13. Cal. Martii 1351. Prior Capitulum Eccl. Cath. Wigorn. Ioh. Clerk in prima tonsura constitutus 25. Febr. 1397. D. Episc. per lapsum Rad. Worston Pbr. 22. Oct. 1433. Prior Cap. Wigorn Ioh. Rogers Pbr. 6. Decemb. 1442. D. Episc. per lapsum Ioh. Ansteley Pbr. 18. Aug. 1447. Prior Cap. Wigorn Ioh. Wykkyns Pbr. 4. Apr. 1493. Prior Cap. Wigorn D. Râ—c Iorden Cap. 24. Maii 1537. Prior Cap. Wigorn D. Leonardus West Cap. .... 1538. Decan Cap. Wigorn Will. Clarke Cler. 22. Iunii 1566. Decan Cap. Wigorn Georgius Field Cler. 28. Martii 1573. Eliz. Regina per lapsum Ioh. White Cler. 22. Maii 1596. Decan Cap. Wigorn Rob. Greeneough in Aâ—t Magr. 16. Martii 1618. Decan Cap. Wigorn Henr Banks Leg. Bac. 5. Martii 1628. Berkswell THis lying on the other side of Blithe containeth Barston and Morecote-Hall within its parish Before the Norman invasiâ—n one Levenet was owner thereof but upon the Conquest by Duke William it with other vast possessions were conferred upon Robert Earl of Mellent in whose hands they continued till after the generall Survey in which this was rated but for one hide and valued at no more than v s. the reason whereof I conceive to be because the substance of it was then involved with Barston In Domesday book it is written Berchewelle having first had that denomination as I guess from the large Spring which boâ—leth up on the South side of the Church-yard Of those lands belonging to the Earl of Mellent which Henry de Newburgh his brother who obâ—â—ineâ— the Earldome of Warwick had this of Berkswell being part was by him given to Ranulf de Manâ—eville in King H. 1. time as may easily â—e gathered from what I have observed in Lighthorne To which Ranulf succeeded Nigel de Amundevile who in 12 H. 2. was certâ—fied to hold one Knight's fee of the Earl of Warwick de veteri feoffamento which Knight's fee is after manifested to â—ye here and in Lighthorne This Nigel had his â—eat here as I guess for it appears that he had then a Park at this place and that Oliva his wife had the whole Lordship in dower but all that I have observed of him worthy the recitall is that he gave to the Canons of Kenilworth for their fâ—well as much dead wood in his Woods here at Berkswell excepting onely his Park and that called Bernet as two Carts throughout the year Winter and Summer could carry and that because it was his wives dowâ—ie as I have said she had a Palfrey and xl s. in money for her consent To this Nigell succeeded Richard de Mundevill who in 13 H. 3. was suretie for the payment of xx li. for Thomas Earl of Warwick being part of C li. due to the King for his Relief After which he had many publique and eminent imployments in this Countie for in 21 H. 3. I find him one of the Commissioners for assessing a xxxth part of all mens goods for the King's behoof In 20 21. and 22 H. 3. a Justice of Assize In 26 H. 3. in Commission with the Shiriff and Iohn Durvassall for assessing of Armes and conservation of the Peace From 27. till 34 H. 3. a Commissioner for the Gaol-deliverie at Warwick and in 34 H. 3. a Knight After which viz. in 37 H. 3. he had a Charter of Free warren extending to all his demesn lands both here and in Lithtehirne and the same year received an exemption for serving on Juries whence I conclude that he was then grown old And therefore because his son and heir was also called Richard I will now begin to speak of him whose publique Actions were no lesse eminent than his Fathers had been In 41 H. 3. he attended Richard
gen Iulinus Winspere Cler. 14. Martii 1617. Guliel Wheate gen Henr. Doughty Cler. 24. Oct. 1629. Packinton magna BEfore the Norman Conquest this was possest by one Alauardus a Saxon but afterwards Turchil de VVarwick had it and of him did Godmund his brother hold it at the time of the generall Survey by which it was estimated for four hides valued at xxx s. having two Mills rated at ii s. and Woods extending to a mile in length and as much in breadth but in that Record it is writter Patitone the c being mistaken for a t. Which Turchil or Siward de Arden his son and heir â—â—â—ated it unto Geffrey de Clinton Founder of the Câ—â—â—le and Priorie of Kenilworth temp H. 1. Whereby it descended to Geffrey his son who gave it to that Monastery for the reception of Robert de Clinton his brother to be a Canon there reserving the like service for it as he himself was to perform for the same viz. half a Knight's Fee whereupon the Canons of that House acquitted him of L s. per annum lands which he owed to them for the soul of his brother William and besides that gave him xx marks of silver and that Horse for the great Sadle formerly belonging to Maurice de Clinton his Nephew Which grant was confirmed by King Stephen and likewise by Hugh de Arden and Henry sons of Siward with the consent of their other Brethren who in consideration thereof received from Bernard â— the first Prior of that House ten marks of siâ—ver and for Cecilie their mother one mark After which the said Canons in 19 E. 1. obtained a Charter of Free warren in all their demesn lands here the whole extent of their possessions within thâ—s Lordship being about that time certified at one Carucate and virgate of land rated at xxx s. the profits of the store xx s. In Rent of Assize vi li. xix s. Three Mills at xl s. per annum In Pleas and perquisites yearly iv s. and the Paunage iii s. The totaâ—l xi li. xvi s. But at the generall dissolution in 30 H. 8. all coming to the Crown it was in 36. of the said King's reign aliened to Iohn Fisher Esquire for the sum of 626 li. 1 d. by Patent dated 20. Sept. to be held in Capite by the xx th part of a Knight's Fee the yearly Rent reserved thereupon to the Crown being Liv s. ix d. per annum Which price was the more easy as t is like in regard of a long Lease thereof then in being for in 27 H. 8. the Canons of Kenilworth well discerning by the dissolution of the lesser Monasteries a greater storme approaching demised it for Lx. years thence next ensuing unto one William Wheeler the elder of Kenilworth From which William it came to Simon Wheeler his son whose widow scil Kathetherine daughter to Sâ—r Thomas Digby of Olney in Buckinghamshire marrying to the said Iohn Fisher gave him the first advantage of fixing here This Iohn was of the Family of those Fishers of Dottel in Shropshire and one of the Pensioners to King Henry the 8. K. Edw. the sixt Q. Mary and Q. Eliz. and in 4 Eliz. constituted Steward unto Ambrose Dudley Earl of Warwick for the Castle and Borough of Warwick with all the rest of his Mannours in this County and Leicestershire for the execution of which Office by himself or his Deputie he had the yearly Fee of five marks He it was that built the whole body of the present Fabrick here at Pakinton as may be seen by the Armes carved on the timber-work and set up in Glass through sundry parts thereof And had the Shiriffalty of these Counties in 5 Eliz. being a Justice of Peace in this Shire from the beginning of Queen Maryes reign till his death which hapned 8 Martii 13 Eliz. To whom succeeded Clement his son and heir a person so much esteemed for his integrity and prudence by Robert Earl of Leicester that he constituted him his Treasurer for that warlike expedition into the Netherlands when he went Generall of the English Auxiliaries in Anno 1585. 27 Eliz. After which being Knighted by King Iames he made a Park of the Out-wood and some other grounds here And having been imployed in all the affaires of greatest moment relating to this Countie in his time lest issue Robert his son and heir Knighted in his Father's life time but afterwards advanced to the dignitie of a Baronet Which Sir Robert raised that large Pool Eastwards from the House built the Lodge in the Park and much adorn'd this Seat with other places of delight and had issue severall sons and daughters as the Descent here inserted sheweth Ioh. Fisher ar Katherina filia Thomae Digby eq aur Clemens Fisher eq aur obiit 1619. Maria filia Franc. Repington de Amington ar Rob. Fisher eq aur Bar. Eliz. filia Anth. Tiringham eq aur Clemens Fisher natus an 1613. Thomas Fisher. Franciscus Fisher Leticia ux Ric. Shilton eq aur Katherina ux Thomae Wightwick fil haered Ioh. Wightwick serv. ad legem Anna primò nupta Tho. Dilke eq aur postea Herv Bagot Bar. Leticia ux Clem. Throkmorton eq aur Maria ux Edwardi Littleton eq aur The Church dedicated to S. Iames belonging with the Mannour to the Priory of Kenilworth had first an yearly Pension of xxviii s. granted out of it to the Canons of that House by Geffrey Muschamp Bishop of this Dioces in King Iohn's time But afterwards viz. in 6 E. 1. was totally appropriated to them by Roger Molend then Bishop as appeareth by his publique Instrument dated at Tachebroke 6 Cal. Aug. the same year In anno 1291. 19 E. 1. it was valued at v. marks and the Vicaridge at one mark but in 26 H. 8. the same Vicaridge was rated at vii li. x s. i a. over and above ix s. vi d. allowed for Procurations and Synodalls The Inscriptions upon the preceding Monument Iohn Fisher Esquire and Katherine his wife the daughter of Sir Thomas Digby Knight dyed in March A o Domini 1570. and left issue Clement and Thomas which Thomas dyed in Ireland without issue whose souls rest in heaven The other lives confessing Christ trusting to be saved by his death The said Iohn served K. Henry the eight K. Edward the sixt Queen Mary and Queen Elizabeth in Court as Gentleman Pensioner to them all Here lye the Bodyes of Sir Clement Fisher Knight Lord of this Mannour and Dame Mary his wife the Daughter of Francis Repington of Amington Esquire who had issue Robert and three other sonns who dyed Infants They had also issue three daughters viz. Anne the eldest married to Sir Thomas Dilke of Maxstoke Lettice the second marryed to Sir Clement Throgmorton of Haseley and Mary the third married to Sir Edward Littleton of Pillington-Hall This tombe
concludeth it to use the Angelique salutation of our Lady and recommendation of her Mother in this manner Ave Maria gratia plona Dominus tecum benedicta tu inter mulieres benedicta fructus ventris tui Jesus Amen Et benedicta sit venerabilis mater tua Anna ex qua tua caro Virginea immaculata processit whereunto the Quire shall answer Amen And lastly obliging his heirs and successors under the penaltie of God's curse with the curses of the blessed Virgin S. Mâ—chaell th'arch Angell and All Saints that they should not make any advantages to themselves out of the possessions belonging to this Monasterie appointed that if the Prior did transgress in any thing pertaining to his dutie every Canon of the House should be obliged to make complaint to the Bishop thereof and the Bishop to see satisfaction made and if any Canon should faile in his particular dutie and thereof be convicted before the Prior or other competent Judge that for the space of five years â—e might not be capable to bear any Office in the Monasterie except the Prior by the advice of the better part of the Covent should think fit to abate three years thereof or any part of that time And for the firmer observance of all these his Ordinances and the more lasting memory of this his establishment he caused this his Charter to be indented and exemplified in three parts the one to remain with the said Prior and Covent for â—ver the other with the Dean and Chapter of Lichfield and the third with himself his heirs and successors unto every of which he affixed his Seal procuring likewise a ratification thereof from Roger de Northburgh then Bishop of Coventre and Lichfield as also by the Dean Chapter of Lichfield His bearâ—ng date here at Maxstoke x o ... An. MCCCxxxvi and theirs in April and May following Unto all which the K. added his Confirmation dated 4 0 Martii in the xiith year of his reign Neither was it long after this but that the said Earl made a farther augmentation to what he had so given as hath been said For within one year next following he bestowed on them the advouson of the moitye of the Church of Halughton in Leicestershire In 14 E. 3. the advouson of the Church of Tanworth which was immediatly thereupon appropriated to them by Wulstan Bp. of Worcester with reservation of a Vicaridge to the value of xx `marks yearly to the Prior of Worcester xx s. which Vicaridge was accordingly ordained within two years aftes In 17. E. 3. the Mannour of Shustoke with the advouson of the Church and Chapell or Chantry at Bentley then newly by them purchased of Iohn Lord Moubray Which grant was of so great consequence to these Canons as that by the advantage thereof they soon obtained in exchange for the same from Iohn the son and heir of Sir Iohn de Clinton before specified the antient Mannour-house of Maxstoke moated about and situate neer to this Monasterie together with the Park and all that part which hath since that time been known by the name of the Priory-Lordship Whereupon they converted the old House the antient seat of the said Founder's Ancestorâ— into Barnes keeping up the Moat for the turning of a Water-mill which so continued till within the memory of some aged persons lately deceased By which exchange it likewise appears that the said Founder had also given to this Monastery the moâ—tye of the Mannour of Netherwhitacre and that his nephew had it with Shustoke aforesaid upon that agreement In 19 F. 3. he gave the advousons of the Churches of Aston-Cantlow and Fillongley thereunto then newly obtained by him from Laurence de Hastings E. of Penbroke his son in Law which were immediately appropriated unto it viz. that of Aston-Cantlow by Wolstan B of Worcester and that of Fillongley by Pope Clement the vi th which grant Rog. de Northburgh B p of Coventre Lich. confirmed To these Concessions did Tho. de Beauchamp then E. of Warw. adde the advouson of the Church of Yardley in Worcestershire w ch was forthwith appropriated to them by Wolstan Bp. of Worcester whereupon they had a Release from the Monks of Tikford of all their right thereunto And now that they were so plentifuâ—ly provided for by their Founders bounty and favour of other Benefactors they soon after began to make severall purchases in sundry places though but petty parcells viz. in Maxstoke Coventre and Long-Ichinton as also of a Water-mill in Shustoke and in 10 H. 4. obtained from Will Lâ—rd Clinton Say x li. yearly Rent issuing out of certain lands lying in Dunton-Basset in Com. Leâ—c and in 38 H. 6. a Legacie of an C li. from Humfrey Duke of Buckingham to purchase lands of C s. per ann value to the end that the Covent here might be augmented by one Canon more in number sc. xiii in all and that the same Canon or some other should daily sing and pray for the soul of the said Humfrey and for the souls of his Ancestors wife and children at the Altar in the North I le of this Conventuall Church All which lands and possessions with some other whereof for brevitie I omit the mention were in 26 H. 8. upon the Survey then taken estimated at the worth of Cxxx li. xi s. viii d. ob per an Out of which sum considering these severall deductictions viz. for the Conventuall loaf Flagon of beer and Mess of meat given every day to the poor according to the Founder's direction as hath been already observed and valued at iv d. per diem which amounts to vi li. xx d. per ann In money bread and beer distributed to poor people upon Mâ—unday Thursday at the Gates of the Priory iv li. per annum To two Priests weekly celebrating divine service in the Chapell dedicated to the Annunciation of the blessed Virgin within the said Monastery by the appointment of Adam de Overton Lxvi s. viii d. per an Twelve pence per diem to a Canon specially celebrating for the Founders soul Lii s. per an For the Fee of Sir Edw. Ferrers Knight high Steward of the said Monasterie Lx s. per an And in Annuities to other Officers Pensions and Rents the clear yearly value amounted to no more than Lxxxi li. xiii s. vii d. ob So that by Act of Parliament the year following being involved with those which then went to wrack it was in 30 H. 8. with a multitude more granted out of the Crown unto Charles Brandon D. of Suff. and his heirs Which Duke for the sum of 2103 li. sterling sold the same with all the Lands Rectories c. thereunto belonging unto Robert Trapps of London Goldsmith as by his Deed dated 17. Iulii 32 H. 8. appeareth Unto whom succeeded Nich. Trapps his son and heir who leaving issue only
made in 2 E. 1. betwixt the daughters and heirs of Cantilupe came to Eudo la Zouche with Milisent his wife This Thomas de Clinton was a man of fair possessions for it appears that he held five Kts. fees of the Earl of Warwick In 32 H. 3. I find that he had a great suit with Hugh de Culi touching Common of pasture here in Colshill which the said Hugh claymed as belonging to his lands in Merston-Culi adjacent and that in the same year he was one of the Justices for the Gaol-deliverie at Warwick as also in 35 H. 3. constituted the King's Eschaetor in this Countie in those days an Office of great note for performance whereof he made Oath in the presence of Henry de Wengham afterwards Chancellour of England and the Shiriff of the Shire and had a speciall precept to the same Shiriff to exempt him from serving on Juries by reason of that imployment which held till 37 H. 3. In 38 H. 3. he obtained a Charter of Free-warren in all his demesn-lands here In 45. and 49 H. 3. he was again in Commission for the Gaol-deliverie at Warwick and bore for his Armes onely a Chief which I conceive was Azure the feild being Argent in regard that his posteritie retained the same ordinarie with those colours and wedded Mazera the daughter and heir of Iames de Bisegg Lord of Badsley in this Countie by whom he had issue divers children as the Descent sheweth whereof unto Iohn whom I take to be his second son he gave the inheritance of this Mannour with all his right in the advouson of the Church reserving to himself an C l. sterling during his own life in consideration thereof and the performance of such service to his heirs as to the Chief Lord of the Fee was due and accustomed as also after his own decease 1 d. yearly to be payd at Christmass to his heirs for all services except forrain entailing it upon his other son Osbert and his heirs in case the same Iohn should die without issue which grant was made in 44 H. 3. as appears by the Fine then levied for confirmation thereof This Iohn adhering to the Barons against K. Henr. 3. was one of those that held out Kenilworth-Castle touching the siege whereof I have elsewhere spoke for which offence this Mannour being inter alia seized on was bestowed upon Roger de Clifford but thereof was he not long out of possession through that favourable Decree called Dictum de Kenilworth after which he grew in such esteem for his fidelitie that from 6 E. 1. till 20 of the same King's reign he was sundry times in Commission for the Gaol-deliverie at Warwick and in 25 E. 1. intrusted together with Andrew de Astley a great person in these parts to choose and retain all such Knights and Esquires within this Countie as they should think fit for the service to attend Prince Edward then the King's Lieutenant in England with Horse and Armes at London on the Octaves of S. Mich. to be imployed as he the said Prince and the King's Councell should direct In 13 E. 1. he claimed by Prescription within this his Lordship of Colshill Assize of Bread and Beer Gallows Pillorie Tumbrell a Court-Leet Infangthef â— and Utfangthef Mercate Faire and Free-warren but it being demanded of him how he could justifie the said claim he replied that thereto he was not bound to make answer without the King 's speciall Writ to enquire of his Ancestors being seized thereof whereupon there was no more at that time said and bore for his Armes Argent upon a chief Azure two flower de Lices Or as by his Seal and Monument in an arch of the Wall of Colshill-Church where he lieth in male cross-leg'd is yet to be seen which kind of Buriall was onely used by those that had taken upon them the Cross to serve in the Holy-land as Mr. Cambden observes To him succeeded Iohn de Clinton his son and heir who being afterwards a Kt. and in 28 E. 1. constituted one of the Conservators of the Peace in this Countie the next year following had summons amongst dâ—veâ—â— great men to be at Barwick upon Twede on the Feast of the Nativitie of St. Iohn Bapt. well furnisht with Horse and Armes to attend the King in his Scotch expedition So also in 34 E. 1. to be at Carleol in the quinzime of the Nativitie of St. Iohn Bapt. with the King's Army to march against Robert Brus then in Armes in Scotland and in 16 E. 2. had the custodie of the passage from England towards Scotland from Whitoff haven unto Creshopheved This Sir Iohn bore for his Armes Or three piles Azure and a Canton Ermine as by his Seal and other authorities appeareth and wedded Alice the daughter of Sir Rob. de Grendon Kt. by whom he had issue Iohn his son and heir who in 5 E. 3. was a Kt. and bore for his Armes Argent upon a Chief Azure two flowre de Lices Or as his grandfather did and departing this life in 27 E. 3. left issue by ..... daughter of Sir Roger Hillarie Kt. Ioane his daughter and heir within age who first became the wife of Sir Iohn Mountfort Kt. by which means this Lordship of Colshill divolved to that Family secondly of Sir Iohn Sutton Kt. Lord of Dudley and thirdly of Sir Henry Griffith of Wichnoure Kt. Which Sir Iohn de Montfort was the illegitimate son of Peter de Montfort of Beldesert in this Countie but by reason of his said marriage made his residence here and in 35 E. 3. served in the Parliament at Westminster as one of the Kts. for this Shire In 38 E. 3. he was one of the principall Commanders of those few English forces which having besieged the Castle of Doverey in France encountred Charles de Bloys with neer thrice that number which he routed slew the said Charles with neer a thousand others took Prisoners two Earls 27 Lords besides xv men at Armes and left issue Sir Baldwin de Montfort Kt. But Ioane his widow held this Lordship during her life and in 45 E. 3. being then Sir Henry Griffith's wife entailed it upon his issue by her and for lack of such issue upon Iohn the son of Sir Iohn de Sutton and the heirs of his bodie and for lack of such issue upon Baldwin the son of Sir Iohn de Montfort her first husband with divers other remainders Whence I observe that her husband Griffith though he was the last became the first in her respects and Montfort the first set in the last place But all that I have seen worth observance of this Sir Baldwin is that he was one of the Commissioners of Array in this Countie in 8 R. 2. as also that he attended
the Duke of Lancaster â—nto Spain in 9 R. 2. and there died â—eaving issue by Margaret the daughter to Sir Iohn de Clinton of Maxstoke Kt. Iohn Wiâ—liam Baldwin Thomas and Margaret which Iohn was under age at his father's death whereupon Sir Wiâ—l Bagot Kt. had his Wardship and married Catherine his daughter to him but he died without issue before 23 R. 2. unto whom succeeded William his brother in the inheritance Of which William I find that having been in H. 4 time one of the chief Esquires retained with the Earl of Warwick for the siege of Callais and in 5 H. 5. Steward of the Household to the same Earl being retained with him at xl marks per an fee As also from 9 H. 5. at which time he was a Kt. till his death in Commissiâ—n for conservation of the Peace in this Countie he was one and indeed chief of the Councell unto the same Earl and Executor to the Ladie Isabell his Countâ—ss and that almost in all imployments for the publick service of the Countrie he had a principall place for in 4.8.14.19 and 24 H. 6. he was in Commission for treating with the people concerning Loans of money to the King In 14. and 28 H. 6. for assessing and levying of Subsidâ—es In 15 and 23 H. 6. one of the Knights for this Shire in the Parliament then heâ—d In 12 H. 6. one of those who swore to the observance of those Articles agreed on in the Parliament of that year and three times Shiriff of this Countie and Leicestershire viz. in 10.20 and 29 H. 6. As also that he bore for his Armes Aâ—â—ent upon a chief Azure two flowre de 〈◊〉 O being the Coat of Clinton his grand-mothers Father In whose time that fair Spire-Sâ—eâ—ple here beâ—ng newly built from the ground and the Chancell as appeareth by the structure and Armes in sundry of the Windows he was without doubt a speciall Benefactor thereto His Testament bears date the Wednesday next after the Feast of St. Mathew the Apostle 30 H. 6. but there is very little worth notice therein other than the disposall of all his lands in Mollington for the Foundation of a Chantrie here at Colshill which was never accomplished By his first wâ—â—e sc. Margâ—ret daughter and heir to Sir Iohn Peche of Hampton in Arden he had issue Sir Baldwin Mountfort Kt. Iohn that died without issue Robert Richard Parson of Ilmindon and Raph Which Robert being possest of the Mannour of Monkspath in this Countie and of Bescote in Staffordshire left issue one onely daughter and heir named Catherine married to George Booth son and heir to Sir Will. Booth of Dunham in Cheshire of the antient Familie of the Booths of Barton in Lancashire From which George is lineally descended Sir George Booth now of Dunham Baronet But by Ioane a second wife born in Little Briâ—tany had the said Sir Will. Mountfort a son called Edmund first one of the Esquires to King H. 6. and afterwards a Kt. and Shiriff of this Countie and Leicestershire in 38 H. 6. As also one of the Carvers to the same King and a Commissioner for arraying of men the same year A man indeed much in favour with that unfortunate Prince as appears by an acknowledgement of his services exprest in the preamble of a certain Patent whereby he had the Lordships of Shustoke and Bole-Hall in this Countie then given to him which were seized on for the activeness of Iohn Lord Clinton and Say on the behalf of the House of York Which Sir Edmund by his Testament bearing date 12 Martii 10 H. 7. bequeathed his body to sepulture in our Lady Chapell within the Parish Church of Henley upon Thames in com Oxon. at the window side before the Image of our Lady in the same Chapell appointing thereby that a metely Tomb should be made according to his degree and his Armes set upon it with this inscription Here lyeth Sir Edmund Mountford Knyht sometime Counceller and Kerver with the most blessed King Henry the sixt and after Chamberleyne to the high and mighty Prince Jasper D. of Bedford brother to the said Prince the said King But I return to Sir Baldwin who at his Father's death in 31 H. 6. was xl years of age and in 34 H. 6. a Kt. being then in Commission for conservation of the Peace in this Countie Betwixt this Sir Baldwin and Sir Edm. Mountfort his half brother there was a great contestation for this Mannour of Colshill and the Mannour of Ilmindon for it seems that Sir Will. Mountfort their Father being wrought upon by the importunitie of Ioane his second wife did endeavour the disheâ—iâ—on of his Children by the first for the better bearing out whereof he enfeoft Humphrey D. of Buckingham a potent man in that age to the use of the same Ioane and of Edmund his son by her which Edmund to make the said Duke the more frm to his interest setled the reversion in case he should have no issue upon him and Humphry Earl Stafford his son so that when Sir Baldwin made his claim thereunto the Duke through his greatness so terrified him with threats that he forced him solemnly to disclaim the former intail and not onely so but to procure Richard and Iohn his brothers of the whole blood under their hands and Seals to do the like Notwithstanding all which Sir Baldwin afterwards taking heart did set a-foot his title again so that at length the matter was referred to Thomas Bourchier Archb. of Canterb. Richard D. of Yorke Ric. Earl of Salisbury Iohn Earl of Worcester and Henry Vicount Bourchier who awarded the said Duke to have Colshill to himself and to his heirs and that Ilmindon should be to the same Sir Baldwin and his heirs whereupon they released each to other and the said Sir Edmund released to Humphrey Earl Stafford before specified all his right to this Mannour and Sim. Montfort son and heir to Sir Baldwin gave bond of a thousand pounds to the said Duke not to molest the said Ioane and Edmund for the same By which means she the said Ioane and her son went away with the present possession thereof the reversion remayning in the before specified Duke and his heirs Howbeit the said Sir Baldw. and his son upon the attainder of that Duke who was slain in the battail of Northampton an 38 H. 6. procured a speciall clause to be inserted in the Act for the regaining of their right hereunto which forasmuch as it is memorable I have here inserted Foresien alwey that this Act of atteynder in noo wise hurt nor prejudice the right title nor posâ—session of Symond Mountfort Esquire of in nor for the Mannours of Colshull and Ilmyndon in the Shire of Warrewyk and the Manor of Rampnam in Berkshire and the advouson
of the Churches of the same Manors with their appurtenances parcells members nor any of them nor any parcell of them nor the right title or possession of eny persone or persones having joynt estate in the said Manors or eny of them with the seide Simond nor the right title nor possession of any persone or persones having estate in the seid Manors or any of them to the use of Baldewyn Mountfort Knight fader of the seide Simond nor eny of them nor their heirs nor assignes nor eny of the heires of the seide Baldewin or Simond which Manors bin entailled on the heirs of the body of the seide Baldewyn begotten as openly appeareth by evidens thereof redy to be shewed for the disheryting of which Baldewyn and Symond of the seide Manors Edmond Montfort Kt. Karver to Henry the vi th late K. of England in dede and not of right by the favour and might of the seide late soo King Humfrey late D. of Buck. and James late Earl of Wilteshire be full unconsciously moynes long time laboured as opunly is known to many of the estates and worshipfull peopul of this Royalme to the utterst empoverishing of the same Baldewyn and Simond Which said Sir Baldewyn the better to manifest what unjust and ill dealing had been excercised by the before specified D. of Buck. for the utter disheriting of him and his son made publication thereof to posteritie by a particular Instrument whereunto he set his hand and Seal which for that it discovers so much of the high oppression therein excercised I have here thought sit to transcribe To all true Cristen pepull to whom this present writinge shall come Baldewyn Mountfort Kt. and Prest sendeth greting c. Know ye me the forseyd Baldewyn being in my good heele and good mynd the day of the making hereof at Hampton in Arderne to say testifye and report for trouthe there being present the Priour of Maxstokeâ— with many other that all such Obligations Recoveres Relees or other writings which y made to Humfrey late D. of Buck. Humfrey late Lord of Stafford and James late Erle of Wiltes or to Sir Edm. Mountfort my brother or eny of them for or of the Manours of Coleshull Ilmyndon Rampnam or eny other parcell of my livelode which was late Sir Will. Mountforts my faders hit was done by compulcion of the seid Duke and for fere of my deth and of my son Sir Simond's For in trouth the seid Duke keped me in Coventre xiiii deyes and aftir had me to the Castel of Maxstoke and there kept meâ— And my son Sir Symond was 〈◊〉 in the Castell of Gloucester and we coude never be delivered out till we agreed to certain Articles written in a â—ill anexid to this my writinge which Articles were send bi the seid Duke and Edmond under the Seale of the said Edmond to my seid 〈◊〉 when he was in prison in the seid Castel of Gloucester rehersyng that we should suffer Recâ—verâ—s to be had ayeyne us such as the late Duke 〈◊〉 Stafford and Earl of Wiltshire or Eâ—m Mâ—unâ—fort by the advice of their Councell cowde or would devise for ther pâ—ofet and also to relece all our right which we had in the seid Mannors to the same Duke and other above rehersed and to do other things as but aâ—pâ—reâ—h more plainly in the seid Bill or els 〈◊〉 seid son should never have comen out of Prison nor y should not have abidden in my Cuntry but to have had and to have stonden in the indignacion of the Lordship of the seid Duke and other Lords above rehirsed which in thoo deys had byn too hevy and too importable for me or my seid son to have boren By the which â—ecoveres Relâ—ce and Obligations so had and made by compulcion the said Edmund my brother would disherit me and mine yssue for ever contrarie to right and consciens God knoweth For in trouth where the seid Duke seid that and if eny man would sey and prove that eny of the seid Manors were entailled to me the seid Sir Baldwyn eyther by Dede or by Fyne he wold not be about to disherit me nor myne heires for M l. and my Lady of Buckingham affirmed and seys the same since tho deth of my seid Lord late her husband all that notwithstanding the seid Edmond my brother at the time of the seid Releces or Obligacions made or eny Recoveres had ayeyne me of the seid Manors had in his kepinge all the evidences concerning the seid Manors and he sware himself and caused me to swere and my brother the Parson and Robert before the seid Duke that we saw never Dede of yntaile of the said Manors nor Fyne whereby they should be entayled where that indeed the seid Sir Edmund was forsworn and caused me and my Brether to be forsworn for he had at that time divers Dedes and Fynes in his â—epyng whereby the seid Manors were and are yntailled which byn now redy to shew Wherefore I the seid Sir Baudwyn in my last deyes requier and charge yow that he presente at the making hereof that ye informe in that ye may my seid Lady of Buckingham and my yonge Lord of Buck. and all other Gentilmen and good men of this Countrey that the seid Manors bin entaylled to me both by Dede and by Fyne which Dedes and Fynes I shew you here at this time to the intent that my Children may have their livelode according to the taille and as right and good consciens will so that they be not disherit by the hiding of the seid Dedes and Fynes and the colour and craft of my seid Brother Sir Edmond being about to hurt not onely his own soul but the soules of the seid good Lord late D. of Buck. and H. late Lord of Stafford his son and James late Earle of Wiltes with many other good and well disposid persons labourers in the same mater not understanding what they did God knoweth In witnes c. I have set my Seale and signe manuell at Hampton aboveseid the Thursday next before S. Hillarie's dey xlix th H. 6. and of the taking ayene of his royall power the first yeere This Sir Baldwyn being at length a widower betook himself to a religious course of life and entring into holy Orders in 39 H. 6. demised unto Simon his son and heir the Mannour of Hampton in Arden â— reserving onely for himself another Priest and six Children celebrating divine Service there with a competencie of meat and drink and other necessaries during his life according to their severall degrees stiling himself Knight and Pâ—iest and died in 14 E. 4. leaving the before specified Simon his son and heir who in K. H. 5. time being a servant in Court to Q. Catherine and in 35 H. 6. retained of Councell to Ric. Nevill Earl of Warwick was in 1 E. 4. a Kt. and in 4. had a Release from that King of all his right
But none of them had better advantages for his faithfull services than the before mentioned Simon for in the first year of that King's reign he obtained the Stewardship of severall Lordships in com Rutl. viz. Upâ—ingham Preston Barowghdon Esenden and Greteham and all the lands in that Countie which had belonged to George D. of Clarence to hold during life and the like Office together with the Receiver-ship for the Mannour of Bedale in Yorkshire And having in the second been a Commander in the King's Army at the battail of Stoke had in consideration of his acceptable services a grant of the Mannour of Ravysbury in the Parish of Micham in Surrey and to the heirs male of his body in which the said King calls him dilectus serviens noster and the next year ensuing bestowed on him the Office of Comptroller of his petty Customes in the Port of London as also the Forestership of Thornewodes in Shirewood formerly conferred upon him by K. Edw. 4 th And in 11 H. 7. this Lordship of Colshill as I have already observed After which viz. in 12 H. 7. I find that he had a Commission to exercise Marshall-Law in the Counties of Devon and Cornwall against divers malefactors and that in 22 H. 7. he was first in Commission for the Peace in this Countie in 23 for the Gaol-deliverie at Warwick and in 1 and 9 H. 8. underwent the Shiriffaltie of this Countie and Leicestershire as also that by his Testament bearing date 22 Aug. 9 H. 8. he bequeathed his body to sepulture in the Chancell here at Colshill under the Tombe made by himself in his life-time which still remaineth and departed this life 24 Feb. 12 H. 8. leaving issue by Alice his wife daughter and heir to Iohn Waleys of Est-Raddon in com Devon Esq. Reginald Digby his son and heir Which Alice by her last Will and Testament bearing date ult Nov. 12 H. 8. gave a messuage here in Colshill of the yearly value of xxxviii s. viii d. and the Rent of vi s. viii d. issuing out of other lands as also one acre of land lying in Colemeadow within the said Mannour of Colshill to the intent that the issues and profits of the same should be distributed after this manner viz. every day in the year immediatly after the sacring of the high Mass in the Church of Colshill and at the end of the same Altar where the said Mass should so happen to be sung to a Child viz. male or female whose parents are Householders dwelling within the Parish and under the age of ix years that can and will before the said sacring kneel down at the said Altars end and say five Pater nosters five Aves and a Creide for the soul of Simon Digby her late husband hers her Childrens and all Christen-souls a peny of silver sterling beginning first at the House next to the Church and so in order passing on from House to House till all be gone through And to the Dean of the said Church for the time being yearly for his labour and diligence in seeing the said Prayers so performed and himself also saying at the said time a Pater noster an Ave and a Creed for the souls abovesaid the yearly summe of vi s. vâ—â—i d. And that the remainder shall be to maintain a solemn Obit in the said Church for the souls abovesaid with the number of three Priests whereof the Vicar of Colshill to be one and the Deacon and the Clerke besides the said Vicar in case he be present to have viii d. And to xii poor people the same time kneeling about the Herse and saying our Ladies Psalâ—er xii d. To the Bell-ringers v. d. For Waxe and Torches burnt then likewise xii d. To the reparation of the House out of which the greatest part of the Rent issueth iii s. iiii d. To the chief Lord of the Fee ii s. And the remainder being viii d. to run on and be kept in store for renewing of this Feoffment as occasion shall be But this bequest being in after times deemed superstitious and the land so given divolving therefore to the Crown the Inhabitants of this Parish obtained it by purchase as I have heard and setled part of the yearly profits thereof for the maintenance of a School there and part for to distribute to such Children viz. pence a piece as abovesaid which repairing to the Church at ten of the clock every morning shall say the Lords-Prayer before the Clerke who for tolling a Bell at that time and hearing the Children to perform that dutie hath also a certain yearly allowance payd unto him Of the before specified Reginald and his descendants I have little more to say till within the compass of this last age considering that their severall matches are expressed in the Pedegree before inserted and that t being Gentlemen of the superior rank they underwent the most publick imployments of note scil Justices of Peace Shiriffs and Commissioners upon all great occasions But in Sir George Digbye's issue grandchild to the said Reginald was there an accession of very much honour to this antient Familie First by the marriage of Sir Rob. Digby Kt. his son and heir with Lettice grandchild and heir female to Gerald Earl of Kildare in Ireland whose son and heir viz. Robert having a fair estate in that Kingdom of his mothers inheritance was by K. Iames created Lord Digby of Geashill his Castle there which Dignitie descends to the heirs male of his body And secondly by Iohn fourth son to the said Sir George who being a person of extraordinary parts and imployed by the same King in that notable Embassie of Spain for a marriage betwixt a daughter of that Kâ—ng and the then Prince of England was created Lord Digby of Shirburne in Dorsetshire 25 Nov. 16 Iac. and about four years after Earl of Bristoll Which Robert Lord Digby in 20 Iac. obtained a a new Charter for a weekly Mercate here upon the Wednesday and two Faires yearly the one upon St. Mark 's day and the other on St. Mathew's in regard the Mercate and Faire granted by K. Iohn as hath been said were discontinued The Church dedicated to St. Peter was very antiently given to the Nuns of Merkyate in Bedfordshire for in H. 3. time it had a Vicar endowed Nevertheless about the beginning of Edw. 1 reign there grew suits betwixt these Nuns and Iohn de Clinton sen. touching the Advouson thereof but at length they came to an accord and gave him C. marks of silver to quit his title thereto which he did by a Fine then levied whereby it appears that the now Churches of Lea Over-Whitacre and Nether-Whitacre were Chapelries antiently belonging thereto In an 1291. 19 E. 1. the Rectorie then appropriated to those Nuns was valued at xviii marks and the Vicaridge at vi marks but in 26 H. 8. at x l.
to the posteritie of the said Sir George passed away all his right therein to Sir Rob. Digby Kt. and his heirs by whom it is enjoyed together with Colshill at this day Hawkswell THis is no Mannour of it self but as a member of Colshill and involved therewith hath been and is still enjoyed by the owners of that Lordship Gilsdon THis was heretofore written Gudlesdone for it seems that the Hill which lyes North-Eastwards from the Village being antiently so called gave denomination thereunto But the first mention I find of it in Record is in 10 E. 3. where it appears that one Will. le Wrounge of Colshill whose inheritance it was past away his right therein unto Sir Ric. de Peshale Kt. for an C. marks of silver the occasion whereof was this Sir Richard having an estate for life in the Mannours of Hinton in Cambridgeshire and Shustoke in this Countie was requested by Will. de Clinton then Earl of Huntingdon of whom in Maxstoke I have spoke to quit his right therein unto him inasmuch as he the said Earl had obained the estate in reversion of those Lordships from the Lord Moubray in exchange for other lands whereunto the said Sir Richard assented upon condition that he might have this Mannour cleerly and libertie to take down and remove whether he pleased a certain new House then built by him at Shustoke and likewise to carry away such timber as he had cut down in the Park at Shustoke as also to fell and take away six Oaks more for timber and six for fuell out of the said Park All which being assented unto there were Indentures made betwixt the said Sir Richard and Iohn de Peto junior then of Sheldon in the behalf of the said Earl unto whom he was of Councell for consummating the bargain So that it hereby appears that the C. marks given to the before-specified Will. le Wrounge came out of the Earl of Huntindon's purse Unto which Sir Richard's part of the Indentures is his Seal of Armes affixed viz. Argent upon a Crosse fleuriâ—è sable an Escâ—cheon of Augmentation bearing a Lion rampant But it was not long ere that the said Sir Richard again quitted his right to this Mannour unto the before specified Earl whereupon the said Will. le Wrounge and Isabell his wife for the better confirmation thereof levied a Fine to the same Iohn de Peto unto the said Earl's use for in 20 E. 3. did the said Earl pass it unto Iohn de Collesley and his heirs in exchange for certain lands lying in Colshill near Dywyke-bruge which lands do bear the name of Collesleys to this day From this Iohn de Collesley it descended to his two daughters and heirs sc. Margaret the wife of Thomas Holt and Alice betwixt whom partition being made in 23 E. 3. it was allotted to the said Margaret who surviving her first husband afterwards married to Philip de Budeford which Philip joyned with her in the sale thereof unto Will. le Mascy of Swonley in Cheshire whose grandchild William of Sirescote in Staffordshire had issue Catherine his daughter and heir married to Will. de Chisâ—nhale of Chisenhale in Lancashire Lord of this Mannour and of Sirescote in her right who in 12 〈◊〉 2. sold it to one Iohn de Barwe a Smith of Coventre Which Iohn in 13 R. 2. past it to one Raph Richards who in 3 H. 4. aliened it to Iohn Tate of Coventre in whose line it continued till 27 H. 8 that Iohn Tate a descendant from the said Iohn conveyed it to George Kebyll To whom succeeded in the possession thereof Thomas Kebyll and to him Iohn Wise Gent. by purchase in 14 Eliz. a branch of the Wises of Devonshire as by some antâ—ent writings shewd unto me may seem whose nephew Richard Wise scil son of his Brother William now enjoys it At the skirts of this Parish sc. Coleshill wherewith I have now done Cole meets with Blithe which carrieth away the name scarce half a mile further for having there met with Tame that River hath the prioritie a little below which confluence Bourne likewise enters unto the head whereof next having recourse I come to Corley Corley I Am of opinion that this place had its name originally from the situation which is very high Coryn in the Brittish-tongue signifying the Head or top of any thing for in the Conquerour's Survey it is written Cornelie In that Record it is rated at one hide the Woods belonging thereto being a quarter of a mile in length and half as much in breadth all which were then in the hands of the same Godvine who was owner thereof before the Norman invasion and valued at xxx s. The next that possest it of whom I have seen any mention were the Hasting's Lords likewise of Fillongley hard by yet how soon I cannot declare but by some one of them was Hugh de Ringedon or his ancestor enfeoft thereof which Hugh had it in 4 H. 3. from whom descended Raph de Ryngesdon who in 53 H. 3. was certified to hold it of Henry de Hastings by the service of half a Kt's fee. It should seem that the heir generall of the said Raph de Ryngesdon married to one of the Mancesters Lords of Mancester in this Countie for by severall authorities it appears that the family of Mancester held this Mannour of the heirs of Hastings But for want of light from private evidence I cannot discern how it went from the Mancesters nor of a long time after who possest it I must therefore pass from the later end of Edw. 3. time for then did the male line of Mancester determine untill the reign of E. 4. wherein I find that Iohn de Champernoun died seized of it in 15 E. 4. leaving two daughters and heirs viz. Blanche the wife of Sir Robert Willoughby Kt. and Ioane Which Sir Robert was summoned to Parliament amongst the Barons in 7 H. 7. and afterwards by the name of Rob. Willoughby de Brooke Chivalter by reason of his residence at Brooke in Wiltshire and had issue Robert Willoughby Lord Brooke whose heir was married to Sir Fouke Grevill as in Alcester I have manifested by which means this Lordship of Corley is come with the rest of Grevill's lands to the Lord Brooke who now enjoys it The Church was antiently given to the Monks of Coventre yet neither by whom nor the direct time when have I seen but in 44 H. 3. they had it In an 1291. 19 E. 1. it was valued at four marks and in 26 H. 8. at iiii l. over and above ix s. vi d. allowed for Procurations and Synodalls In a North window of the Church Gules a Saltire varrè betwixt xii billets Or Champernoun Patroni Ecclesiae Incumbentes Prior Conv. de Coventre Egidius de Trebys an 1250. Patroni Vicariae Henr. Over Gen. D.
that the contest for those of the Earls of Pembroke sc. Or a Manche gules betwixt Reginald Lord Grey son to the before mentioned Reginald and Edw. Hastings brother and heir to the last mentioned Hugh lasted little less than twenty years in the Court Militarie before the Constable and Marshall of England wherein after much money spent the said Edw. Hastings who chalenged them as heir male of the Familie was not onely condemned in 970 l. 17 s. 10 ob q. costs â—rey swearing that he had spent a thousand Marks more and the Armes adjudged to Grey but imprisoned xvi years for disobeying that Sentence The particular proceedings in which business with the hard measure which the said Edward had for brevities sake I pass by referring my Reader to that learned Comment upon Sir Henry Spelman's discourse of Armes lately published by my worthy friend Edw. Byske Esq. where they are compendiously set forth and return to the before specified Wil. Beauchamp Which William possessing this Lordship of Fillongley â— and the greatest part of the said Earl of Pembroke's lands by virtue of that entail was impleaded for the same by the above mentioned Edw. Hastings and having invited his learned Counsell to his House in Pater Noster Row within the Citie of London amongst whom were Rob. Charlton then a Judge Will. Pinchbeck Will. Brenchesley and Iohn Catesby all learned Lawyers after Dinner went into his Chapell and at his coming out in an angry fashion threw to each of them a piece of Gold saying Sirs I desire you forthwith to tell me whether I have any right and title to Hasting's Lordships and Lands whereupon Pinchbeck stood up the rest being silent fearing that he suspected them and said No man here nor in England dare say that you have any right in them except Hastings do quit his claim therein and should he do it being now under age it would be of no validitie Perhaps there had been some former entail to settle them upon the heir male of the Familie which preceded that before spoken of but what ever it was sure we are that Hastings apprehended the injury done to himself so great as that with extream anguish of mind at his later end he left God's curse and his own upon his Descendants if they should not attempt the vindication thereof Of this Will. de Beauchamp who was a younger son unto Thomas de Beauchamp Earl of Warwick by Catherine Mortimer sister of Agnes mother unto Iohn de Hastings Earl of Pembroke before specified I find that he was in 4 R. 2. retained by Indenture to serve the King in his wars with CCL men at Armes and CCL Archers for a quarter of a year under the command of Edmund de Langley Earl of Cambridge the King's Uncle in the parts of Portugall and Spain in which expedition the said Earl was Generall So also in 6 R. 2. with that warlike Bishop of Norwich sc. Henr. Spenser who was so victorious in the parts of Flanders about that time and should have had 500. marks for the service of himself in particular of which he received part but because he had it not all before-hand he refused to stir from home After which viz. in 7 R. 2. he was constituted Governour of Calais and retained by Indenture for the safe custodie thereof with CXL men at Armes on Horseback whereof himself with nine other Kts. to be part CL. Archers on Horseback C. men at Armes and CLxxxiii Archers on foot and four Esquires on Horseback with condition that xx men at Armes and ten Archers on Horseback as also ten Archers on foot belonging to the Treasurer of Calais should be under his command in relation to that service and in consideration thereof to receive four shillings per diem for his own wages for the rest of the Knights ii s. and men at Armes serving on Horseback xii d. Which retainer was for two years but the next year ensuing the like Covenants were renewed for the terme of three years more and in 11 and 12 R. 2. for each of those years singly In 10 R. 2 he was made Governour of the Castles of Pembroke and Kilgaran In 16 R. 2. first summoned to Parliament with the Barons by the name of Will. Beauchamp de Bergavenny chivalier and made Knight of the Garter being then possest of the Castle of Bergavenny with the other lands which the befâ—re specified Iohn de Hastings Earl of Pembroke had so entailed upon him as hath been said In 1 H. 4. made Justice of South-Wales and frâ—m 2 H. 4. till 8. inclusive was in Commâ—ssion for conservation of the Peace in this Countie But farther of his Militarie or Civill imployments I have not seen nor can I say more of him than that he gave to the Collegiate Church of Warwick for the good estate of K. Ric. 2. and Q. Anne his Câ—nsort as also of himself and Ioan his wife during their lives in this world and for the health of all their souls afterwards the advouson of the Churches of Spellesbury and Chadsley-Corbet in Worcester'shire and that he was in some sort a Benefactor to the Gild of the Holy Trinitie our Ladie and S. Iohn Baptist in Coventre as may seem by his portraiture set up in glass on the East side of St. Mary Hall together with his Ladie in robes of great state which in my discourse of that place are most exactly represented And lâ—stly that by his Testament bearing date at Bergavenny 25 Apr. an 1408. 9 H. 4. he bequeatned hâ—s body to be buried in the Church of the Friers Preachers at Hereford next and beneath the Tombe of the before specified Iohn de Hastings Earl of Pembroke appointing that five Tapers should be hung about his Bodie as soon as mâ—ght be after his death as also that xxiiii men should be cloathed in black each of them hâ—lding a Torch in his hand and to have ii d. a piâ—ce for the same To which place of his burâ—all he bequeathed xx marks or more as his Executors should think fit and over and above what hath been already exprest C l. for the charges of his Funerall directing that ten thousand Masses should be sung for his soul in all the hast that might be after his death by the most honest Priests that could be got as also that four good Priests be found by the space of ten years singing for his soul and for the soul of his Lord Sir Iohn Hastings Earl of Pembroke and for all the souls unto whom he had obligation And moreover to his poor Tenants withâ—n his Lordships C l. To Ioane his wife a pair of Basyns covered and overgylt having the Armes of Warwick and Arundell empaled upon them To Richard his son his best Sword and Harneis to be armed withall aswell for War as Peace as also all his other Harneis for
the Justs of Peace which belong'd to War To Ioane and Elizabeth his daughters a thousand marks a piece to their marriage And constituting Thomas Arundell Archb. of Canterbury Thomas Earl of Arundell Ioane his wife c. his Executors departed this life in 12 H. 4. leaving issue by the same Ioane who was one of the daughters and coheirs to Ric. Earl of Arundell Richard Beauchamp his son and heir Of this deceased Lord I have the rather taken occasion to speak in regard that he made his residence at some times in this Countie as I presume his Lady also did in her widdowhood for I find that she was at severall times in Commission for treating with the people about Loanes to the King within this Shire surviving him many years her death hapning not till 14 H. 6. Of whose Testament forasmuch as by it that greatness and state wherein the English Nobilitie in those days lived may in some sort be seen as also the pomp of their Funeralls I have here transcribed the greatest part In the name of the blessed Trynyte Fader sonn and Holy Ghoast the xth day of Ianyver in the yeer of our Lord MCCCCxxxiiii I Johanne Beuchamp Lady of Bergavenny as a meke daughter of holi Chirche full in the Christen fayth and belive hool in minde and body blessed be God considering that the freel condicion of this wrechid and unstable lief ys ful of perels and the yend and conclusion thereof is not elles but Deth fro the which no persone of none astate schall escape and therfore purposyng with the love of God to dyspose such goods as of his grace he hath lent me in such use as aryght be most to hys plesauns and profit to my soule and all theirs that I am bounden to I have ordeyned and make my Testament and last Will in this forme First I bequethe my soule to the mercy of my blessed Saviour and maker Ihesu Chryst through the besechyng of his blessed Moder Mary and alle holy companye in Hevene and my symple and wreched body to be buried in the Queer of the Frere-Prechours of Hereford in a new Tumbe by my worthi Lord and somtime husband Sir Will. Beuchamp on whoo 's soule God have merci But I wâ—l that my Bodi be kept unburied in the place where hit hapneth me to die unto the time my maigne be clethed in black my Hers my Chare and other covenable purviance made and then to be carried unto the place of my buryeng before rehersed with alle the worship that ought to be done unto a woman of myne astate which God knoweth wele procedeth not of no pompe or vayn glorie that I am set in for my Bodi but for a memorial and a remembrance of my soule to my kyn friends servants and alle other And I wol that every Parish Chirch that my seid Bodi resteth ynne a night after hit passeth fro the place of my dying be offred two Clothes of Gold and if hit rest ynne any College or Conventuall Chirche three Clothes of gold Also I devyse that in every Cathedrall Chirche or Conventuall where my Bodi restes a nyght toward the place where my Bodi shall be buried that the Dean Abbot or Prior have vi s. viii d. and everi Chanon Monk Vicar Preste or Clerke that ys at the Dirige at the Mass in the morning shall have xii d. Also I ordeyn that anon aftur my burying there be done for my soule five thousand Masses in alle the hast that they may goodly And I bequethe unto the House of the seid Freres at Hereford in generall CCC marks for to fynd two Prostes perpetuall for to syng for my Lord my Husbond my Lord my Fader my Lady my Moder and me and Sir Hugh Burnell Kt. and alle my good doers and alle Crysten soules the one Prest to syng the fyrst Mass in the mornyng in the same House and the other the last Mass that ys done in the day yn the same House so that it be sene that there be sure ordinauns made therefore to be kept perpetually as Law wolle And I bequethe ech Frere of the same House in speciall the day of my burying to pray for my soule iii s. iiii d. And I wool that the forseyd Freres have a hool sute of black that ys to sey a Chesepyl two Tunycles three Coopes with my best pair of Candelsticks of sylver wrethen and my best sute of vestments of Clothe of gold with Pecocks with Autere-clothes and Aubes and alle that longeth thereto for a memoriall perpetualle to use hem euerie yere at the Anniversarie of my Lord my Husbond and of me And for the costes of myne enterement upon my deth and burying I ordain and devyse a thousand Marks And I devyse C. marks to be dalt peny mele or more after the discretion of myne Executors among poer men and women that come to myne eâ—teremenâ— the day of my burying And I ordain and devise to have five Prestes for to syng for me xx wynters for my Lord my Fader my Lady my Moder my Lord my Husband my son Richard Earl of Worcestre Sir Hugh Burnell Kt. and alle my good doers and alle Crysten soules and that of the most honest persones and good conversacions that mow be founden of which â—ive Prestes I ordeyn and devyse two to syng in the parish of Rocheforde and other three in Kirkeby-Belers in the Counte of Lecestre duryng the terme aforeseyd Moreover I devyse CC. marks to be departed among my poer Tenants in England in such place as moost nede ys aftur the discrecion of myne Executors Also I devise C l. to be dysposed in clothyng Bedding Hors Oxen and other bestial and necessaries within halve a yere aftur my deth to be yeven dalt among Bed-red men and other poer people dwellyng in the Lordships that I have And also I devyse that Bartholmew Brokesby and Wauter Kebyll be everi yere at Hereford the day of my Anniversarie seing that my Obite with the remnant of my obsequies be done in due wise to the most profit of my soule spendying about the execution thereof at every time x l. after here discrecion Moreover I devise to the marriage of poer Maydens dwellyng withyn my Lordships C l. And to the makyng and emendyng of febull Brugges and foul weyes C l. And to the fynding and deliverans of poer Prisoners that have ben well condicioned xl l. Also I bequethe to Sir James son and eyre of the Erle of Ormond Five hundred pounds to be dispent by myne Executors about the defence of the lands that I give and assigne him by the Will of my Landes in caas they be chalenged or ympugned wrongfully within his age or elles to have the same money or elles so much thereof as ys unspend at hys ful age to the same intent and a payr of Baysins of silver gylt and covered with my Armes And I devyse and bequethe to
Winâ—rida ux Edw. Willoughby Abigal Francisca Hugo Willoughby miles periit in mare glaciali anno 1553. Which Sir Henry being made a Banneret at the battail of Stoke 11. Iunii 2 H. 7. and in 4 H. 7. a Commissioner in this Countie for appointing Archers to the relief of Britanny as also a Knight of the Sepulcher by his Testament bearing date 20 H. 8. bequeathed his body to be buried in the Church of S. Leonard at Wollaton in Com. Nott. and departed this life 11. Maii the same year leaving issue Sir Iohn Willoughby Knight his son and heir that married Anne one of the sisters and coheirs to Edward Grey Viscount L'isle Sir Edward Willoughby Knight his second son and Sir Hugh Willoughby Knight the third famous for his skill in Navigation but unhappy in his adventure in Anno 1553. being then frozen up in the Northern Seas as our Historians relate Which Sir Iohn Willoughby dying without issue Henry son to his brother Edward became heir to the estate who wedded Anne daughter of Thomas Grey Marquess Dorset and departed this life in 3 E. 6. leaving Thomas his son and heir who dying issulesse the estate came to Francis his yonger Brother afterwards a Knight Which Sir Francis built that stately House at Wollaton in Com. Nott. being the most eminent piece of Architecture in all those parts but departing this life 16. Nov. 38 Eliz. without issue male the inheritance of his lands divolved to daughters so that this Mannour of Midleton inter alia being alotted to Briget the eldest Wife to Sir Percivall Willoughby Knight descended from the Willoughbyes of Ersby in Lincolneshire by Sir Thomas Willoughby one of the Justices of the Common Pleas in King H. 8. time a younger son of that House as their Pedegree sheweth whose son and heir Sir Francis Willoughby Knight now enjoys it Of the Church dedicated to S. Iohn Baptist the Advouson was purchased from Sir Philip Marmion by the Dean and Chapter of the Collegiate-Church at Tamworth in 41 H. 3. After which being appropriated thereto it became a Prebend thereof so that the Cure was served be a Stipendiarie Baxterley PAssing the River now to the other side I come to Baxterly situate at the head of a slender torrent which coming by Hurley enters Tame a little above Kingsburie But of this place there is no particular mention in the Conqueror's Survey it being then involved with Grendon and so consequently possest by Henry de Fâ—rrerâ— From whom it came to one of the old Earls of Warwick and so to Harecourt as may seem by the Record of 36 H. 3. where it is plain that Richard de Harecourt held the sixt part of a Knight's Fee here of the Earl of Warwick And from Harecourt to Luvell for about the beginning of King Edw. 1. reign did Iohn Luvell the son of William Luvell grant to Sir Iohn de Chetwynd his kinsman the inheritance thereof paying to him the said Iohn and his heirs or to Richard de Harecurt Chief Lord of the Fee as the Deed expresseth a pound of Pepper yearly at Easter After which scil in 9 E. 1. it was found that the same Sir Iohn de Chetwynd had certain Customary Tenants here who payd unto him C s. per annum Rent and did suit twice a year at his Leet the extent of what he had here being certified at iv yard land but in 17 E. 3. it appears that Sir Iohn de Chetwynd had xvi Messuages vi yard land vi acres of Pasture and two acres of Wood in this place It seems that the Chetwynds did not long after this retain the possession of these lands for in 19 E. 3. the moytie of this Mannour together with the advouson of the Church was given by some Ecclesiastique persons who were Feoffees to one William de Henover unto the Abby of Merevale to find certain Priests to celebrate divine Service in the Chapell of our Ladie near the Gate of the said Monastery for the soul of the said William de Henovere deceased so that 't is like they were about that time purchased of Sir Iohn de Chetwynd for that purpose in regard of their vicinitie to Merevale All which after the dissolution of that House were in 32 H. 8. together with it purchased from the Crown by Sir Walter Devereux Knight Lord Ferrers of Chartley and so descended to Robert Earl of Essex Lord thereof in anno 1640. Within this moytie is a fair mansion called Baxterley Hall built in King Edw. 6. time by Iohn Glâ—ver then a Retainer to the Lord Ferrers as may appear by the Armes and Badges carved upon the timber-work thereof but formerly a Servant to the Abbots of Merevale as by tradition I have heard Unto which House did that famous assertor of the Protestant Religion scil Hugh Latimer sometime Bishop of Worcester resort whose ghostly Instructions so well grounded Robert Glover Brother to the said Iohn that rather than he would recede from them he chose to lay down his life being burnt at Coventre in 5 6 Ph. M. as M r Fox in his Catalogue of Martyrs hath declared Which Robert had issue Hugh who inherited these lands as cosin and heir to his uncle Iohn in whose line they continue till this day As for the other moytie the soonest discoverie that I have made thereof afterwards is in 12 â— 4. where Thomas Litleton at that time one of the Justices of the Common Pleas gave it to Roger Wall then one of the Canons of Lichfield and other his Feoffees for performance of his last Will From whom descended Sir Edward Litleton of Pillaton-Hall in Com. Staff Knight who sold it of late years to George Corbyn â—eorge Ludford and Richard Whitehall Gentlemen Trustees for the Freeholders in whom it now resteth The Church being originally but a Chapell belonging unto Orton on the Hill antiently written Overton subâ—us Arden was with it given to the Monks of Merevale by Robert Earl Ferrers Pope Lucius the third confirming the grant in anno 1185. 32 H. 2. But the patronage thereof after the grant of the moytie of the Mannour together with the Advouson to the Monks of Merevale as formerly hath been said was jointly in the said Monks the heirs of Harecurt superioâ— Lords of the Fee being exercised by turns as the Institutions will manifest In anno 1291. 19 E. 1. it was valued at five marks but in 26 H. 8. at C s. over and above iv s. vi d. allowed for Procurations and Synodalls Patroni Ecclesiae Incumbentes c. W. filius Roberti de Henover Will. le Archer Cler. an 1302. Rob. de Stokes per concess D. Ric. de Harecurt Thomas de Boudon Cler. 2. Id. Apr. 1303. Will. de Schulton Rector Eccles. de Ashesho Ioh. de Walton Pbr. 16. Cal. Iulii 1343. D. Will. de Harecurt miles
sterling Which Robert having thus got footing therein procured a Charter of Free warren inter alia extending into all his demesn lands here howbeit this was but temporarie for it appears that Iohn de Bracebrigge son and heir to the last mentioned Iohn at length enjoying it againâ— did in 29 E. 1. obtain another Charter for Free warren here as also at Bracebrigge and Wrauby in Lincolnshire Which Iohn having in 3 E. 2. a speciall Patent from the King exempting him from serving on Juries or undergoing the place of Shiriff Coroner or any other Office against his own liking being at that time a Knight a so bore for his Armes Varre Arg. and Sable a Fesse Gules as by his Seals and certain old Roules appeareth and departed this life in 9 E. 2. leaving Iohn his son and heir ten years of age of whom I have not seen any thing farther till â—5 E. 3. that he presented to the Chantrie of Kynebaldley nor after 31 E. 3. at which time he was a Kâ—â—ght But the next Bracebrigge that had to do here after the death of the before specified Sir Iohn was Raphe whom I suppose to have been his Brother which Raphe presented to the said Chantrie in 9 E. 3. and in 11 E. 3. levied a Fine of two parts of â—hâ—s Mannour This Sir Raphe for he was then a Knight had Summons in 19 E. 3. to fit himseâ—f with Horses and Armes against the Feast of S. Laurence to attend the King into France and in 22 E. 3. had a speciall Patent of exemption from serving on Juries or undergoing the Office of Shiriff Eschaetor Coroner c. In 8 R. 2. he was in Commission for arraying of men in this Countie and in 19 R. 2. died leaving Sir Iohn Bracebrigge Knight his son and heir then xix years of age which Sir Iohn died soon after for by severall authorities it appeareth that Raphe succeeded him as heir whom one Inquisition taken in 1 H. 4. calls Frater Iohannis propinquiâ—r haeres praedicit Radulphi But the Ladie Ioane his mother was Mistresse here for her life as it seems for in 20 R. 2. she obtained License from Richard Scroope the Bâ—shop of Coventre and Lichfield to have Divine service in a private Chapell within this her Mannour-house Of which last mentioned Raphe I find that he was a Knight in 10 H. 4. that in 13 H. 4. he married his son Raph though then but yong unto Ioane the daughter of Sir William Newport Knight that in 7 H. 5. amongst other persons of note Arma portantes de Armis antiquis as the words of the Writt are having speciall summons to attend the King in person for defence of the Realm he was the first in the list of those which were returned by the Shiriff of this Countie In which seventh year of King H. 5. he took a Lease of the Mannour-house Park and Pooles at Sutton of Richard Beauchamp then Earl of Warwick to hold for life one of which Pooles beareth the name of Bracebrigge-Pool to this day and was afterwards retained with the said Earl to serve him with ix Lances and xvii Archers for the strengthening of Calais To him succeeded Raphe his son and heir before mentioned who is rankt amongst the Esquires of this Countie for the subscription of the Articles agreed on in the Parliament of 12. H. 6. And in 14 H. 6. departed this life leaving Richard his son and heir ix years of age of whom I find little memorable other than that difference which Walt. Arden of Park-Hall had with him touching the stealing away of Iohn Arden his son and heir to marry unto Alice his daughter concerning which I have already spoke in Curdworth Neither after this last mentioned Raphe was there one of them imployed in any publique affairs of the Countrey so that having deduced the Descent down to the last that possest this place I have little to observe fartherâ— than that after this Eclipse Thomas the fourth in succession from the said Richard having buried his first wife who was of an antient good Family and marrying a second of mean parentage became so much alienated in affection to his issue by the former that by a Feoffment made of this Lordship unto Sir George Griffith Knight and others bearing date 16. Aug. 5. E. 6. he utterly disherited them thereof setling the same after reservation of a meere estate for life to himself and Ioyse at that time his wife upon Thomas his eldest son by the said Ioyse with remainder for want of heirs male of his body to Iohn and so to Ankitill his other sons by that woman But what successe came of that causelesse disherison of the true heir I cannot omit to take notice which in brief was this In November anno 1557. 5 4 P. M. his said wife dies whereupon his love to those Children that were ere while his darlings cooled so that in 2 Eliz. having run himself into many debts by extravagant courses he contracted with Sir Ambrose Cave Knight then Chancelour of the Dutchie of Lancaster and by a Deed of bargain and sale passes unto him the inheritance of the Mannour-house with the demesns of which act his son Thomas took such advantage that he entred upon that and layd claim to all the rest as forfeited by vertue of the Feoffment before mentioned but getting a piece of money of Sir Ambrose makes good the sale reserving only an Annuitie of xliii li. per annum to himself and his heirs and continued his claim to the residue whereof after much striving he at length had possession About a year after which viz. 1 Martii 11 Eliz. his Father died so that then though he had no interruption for enjoyment of it yet did he so intangle himself with debts that at last he sold it all to Sir Fancis Willoughby of Midleton Knight and through his great improvidence came to die miserably So that here I am to put a period to my story of this antient Family having taken notice of the issue male still remaining in the Pedegree before inserted Kingsbury From which Sir Ambrose Cave did the premisses descend unto Margaret his onely child the wife of Henry Knolls Esquire who leaving issue by her two daughters scil Mary and Elizabeth the one married to the Lord Paget of Beaudesert in Staffordshire and the other to Sir Henry Willoughby of Risley in Derbyshire an equall division was in our time made thereof betwixt them But from Sir Francis Willoughby before specified the Mannour and Tenements so by him purchased did in right of Briget his eldest daughter and coheir come to Sir Percevall Willoughby Knight who sold the Fermes to the Tenants as I have heard but left the Mannour to Sir Francis his son and heir The Church dedicated
de Herle Four Messuages also lying here and in Rothy Com. Leic. by Iohn Huwet and William Wytherley Priest The appropriate Rectorie of this Parish-Church at Nun-Eaton by the Prior and Covent of Shene All which with the rest whereof I have not found the grants or which being not very considerable for brevities sake are omitted were as a preparative to that fatall dissolution soon after following by the Survey made in 26 H. 8. valued at CCXC li. xv s. ob Out of which inter alia were deducted for the Fees of Henry Marquess Dorset then high Steward of this Monasterie and Iohn Dabridgcourt the Under-Steward vi li. xiii s. iv d. per annum Of William Fynderne Receiver generall ii li. xiii s. iv d. and of William Font Auditor i li. xiii s. iv d. So that being one of the greater Monasteries it was not dissolved till 31 H. 8. But then did the Prioresse and her Covent by their publique Instrument under Seale dated 12 Sept. surrender it to the King whose names as they are subscribed theretoâ— with the severall Pensions by Patent allowed them for life I have here added Agnes Oulton Prioresse xl li. Agnes Wylsey iii li. Isabell Purfrey iii li Ioane Whalley iii li. Eliz. Milward iii lâ—â— Ioane Wetnall iii li. Isabell Repington Liii s. iv d. Ioice Fitz-Herbert Liii s. iv d. Anne Everat Xlvi s. viii d. Luce Haselrig Xlvi s. viii d. Ioane Bale Xlvi s. viii d. Ioane Haseley Xlvi s. viii d. Margaret Dixwell Xlvi s. viii d. Rose Cetonâ— Xlvi s. viii d. Marie Worsley iii li. Ioane Copston Xl s. Marie Barington Xl s. Elene Townsend Xl s. Dorothe Ryddell Xl s. Ioyce Clarke Xl s. Eliz. Berdmore Xxvi s. viii d. Eliz. Banaster Xxvi s. viii d. Ioane More Xxvi s. viii d. Agnes Kyngeston Xxvi s. viii d. Ioane Palmer Xxxiii s. iv d. But in the Crown it continued not long for it appears that King Henry by his Letters Patent dated 29. Maii 32. of his reign which was abought eight months after the Surrender gave it with all the lands in this Countie thereto belonging unto Sir Marmaduke Constable junior of London Knight then his servant son of Sir Robert Constable of Flamborough in Yorkshire which Sir Marmaduke sold part thereof but died seized of the site as also of the Mannour and greatest proportion of the lands so given him 28. Apr. 2 Eliz. leaving Robert his son and heir xxx years of age unto whom the said Queen in the sixt of her reign for the summe of CCCCxxxv li. xiii s. granted the reversion of the premisses scil to him and his heirs generall Of which Sir Robert they were soon after purchased by Sir Ambrose Cave Knight who died seized thereof 2. Apr. 10 Eliz. leaving Margaret the wife of Henry Knolls Esquire his daughter and heir by which means it is come to the Lord Paget and Sir Henry Willoughby in like sort as Kingsburie is whereof I have already spoken and divided accordingly In farther reference to this town the most notable passages which have come to my observation are these viz. That after the Mercate and Faire was so obtained by the Nuns in 7 â— 2. as hath been said they procured speciall Patent to take Toll of all vendible commodities coming thither by the space of five years towards the charge of paying it and next that in 9 E. 3. the Townsmen had the like Patent to take Toll for four years of all such commodities for repairing the Bridge there The Church dedicated to S. Nicholas was given to the Monasterie of Lira in Normandie by Robert sirnamed Bossu Earl of Leicester in Hen. 1. time whose Charter thereof inter alia King H. 2. confirmed In anno 1291. 19 E. 1. it was valued at xxxii marks but after the dissâ—â—ution of the Priories-Alien whereof in Wolston and Wootton-Wawen I have spoke it was sâ—â—â—ed upon the Carthusian-Monks at Shene in Surrey by King H. 5. in 3. of his reign when he founded that Religious House of whom the Nuns here at Eaton obtained it in 38 H. 6. In 26 H. 8. the Vicaridge was valued at xix li. xiv s. vi d. over and above ix s. vi d. per annum allowed for Procurations and Synodals and C s. per annum Stipend to the Curate serving in the Chapell at Attilborough Patroni Vicariae Incumbentes c. Procurator Abb. Conv. de Lira Galfr. de Vilers 14. Cal. Apr. 1310. Procurator Abb. Conv. de Lira Thomas de Blyburgh Non. Iulii 1318. Procurator Abb. Conv. de Lira D. Edm. de Schireford Cap. xv Cal. Apr. 1321. Edw. Rex Angl. ratione posses Abb. de Lira in manu sua exist Sim. de Thorp Pbr. 4. Id. Ian. 1341. Edw. Rex Angl. ratione posses Abb. de Lira in manu sua exist Walt. de Heyworth 5. Cal. Oct. 1351. Edw. Rex Angl. ratione posses Abb. de Lira in manu sua exist Sim de Thorp 2. Id. Nov. 1351. Edw. Rex Angl. ratione posses Abb. de Lira in manu sua exist Rob. de Haselbech Cap. 18. Cal. Iulii 1357. Procurator Abb. C. de Lira Ioh. Bosevill Cap. 19. Cal. Sept. 1361. Procurator Abb. C. de Lira Magr. Ioh. de Carswell 4. Non. Aug. 1364. Procurator Abb. C. de Lira Will. Lorkin Pbr. 7. Id. Febr. 1368. Dominus Rex ratione ut suprà Henr. Hunt 3. Cal. Nov. 1373. Dominus Rex ratione ut suprà Nich. Derby Pbr. 10. Nov. 1390. Abb. Conv. de Lira Will. Deper Cap. 29. Iulii 1402. D. Henr. Rex Angl. ratione ut suprà Ioh. Wylton Cap. 2. Dec. 1406. D. Iohanna Regina Angliae Ioh. de Tybbay Cap. 13. Dec. 1412. D. Iohanna Regina Angliae D. Ric. Mortomy Cap. 20. Febr. 1412. D. Iohanna Regina Ioh. Tybbay Cler. Nich. Derby Cap. 2. Iulii 1413. Prior Conv. Domus Iesu de Bethlem apud Shene Thomas Waryn Cler. 14. Iunii 1501. Prior Conv. Domus Iesu de Bethlem apud Shene Thomas Dei gratia Panadensis Episc. 4. Iunii 1505. Prior Conv. Domus Iesu de Bethlem apud Shene D. Rob. Whittinton 10. Iunii 1521. Rob. Langley gen Iac. Lyngard in art Bac. 14. Martii 1558. Elizabetha Regina Angl. Thomas Stonynge Cler. 5. Maii 1561. Elizabetha Regina Angl. Nich. Cleyton Cler. 10. Apr. 1565. Elizabetha Regina Angl. Georgius Downes Cler. 7. Iunii 1572. Elizabetha Regina Angl. Iac. Persons Cler. 24. Sept. 1583. Elizabetha Regina Angl. Will. Gurrie Cler. 24. Febr. 1591. Iacobus Rex Will. Butterton in Art Magr. 11. Oct. 1604. Carolus Rex Sampson Hawkhurst Cler. S. Theol. Bac. 19. Maii 1626. Carolus Rex Will. Cradok Art Magr. 3. Sept. 1627. Leek's-Chantrie IN this Parish-Church did one Iohn Leek found a Chantrie in 23 H. 7. of one Priest
filia .... domini Say Barth de Sudley defunctus 20 E. 2. Matilda filia Ioh. de Monteforti Ioh. de Sudley defunctus 14 E. 3. Alâ—anora filia Rob. domini de Seales Ioh. de Sudley defunctus â— p. 41 E. 3. Iohanna ux Will. le Boteler mil. defuncta 41 E. 3. Iohanna filia Ioh. Beauchamp de Powyk mil. Thomas Boteler consangu haeres Ioh. de Sudley 41 E. 3. Alicia ux secunda postea nupta Joh. Dalingrugge mil. Ioh. Boteler deâ—unctus s. p. 5 H. 5. Will Boteler 5 H. 5. Rad Boteler miles Thesaur Angl. duxit Aliciam fil haer Will. Deincourt mil obiit 13 E. 4. Thomas Boteler miles duxit Alianorâ—m sororem Joh. Talbot mil. domini L'isle obiit vivo patre Eliz. ux ..... Norburie Henr. Norburie miles Joh. Norburie miles unuâ— consangu haered Rad. Boteler de Sudley mil. 13 E. 4. Anna filia haeres Ric. Haliwell Iana consangu haer Joh. Norburie mil. 15 H. 8. Edmundus Bray miles 15 H. 8. Anna ux ... Coâ—ham Eliz. 1. nupta Ric. Catesby mil. postea Wil. Clerke ar Fridiswida ux Percevalli Hart. mil. Maria ux Rob. Peckham mil Dorothea ux Edw. Domini Chaundos Francisca ux Tho. Lifeild Iohanna ux ..... Belknap Will. Belknap ar ob s. p. 2 R. 3. Henricus Belknap Edw. Belknap miles obiit 12 H. 8. Margeria ux Rob. Massy mil. defuncta â— prole 3 R. 2. pasturage for Cattell in Derset Radway and Chelverscote But after 20 E. 2. I have not found any more mention of him neither of Iohn his grandchild scil son of Bartholmew is there much to be sayd who died in 14 E. 3. leaving Iohn his son and heir little more than a twelve month old which last Iohn departed this world without issue in 41 E. 3. whereupon Thomas Boteler son of Sir Will. Boteler of Wemme by Ioane eldest daughter to the last Bartholmew and Margerie her sister afterwards married to Sir Robert Massy Kt. became his Cosins and next t heirs This Thomas Boteler was a Kt. in 9 R. 2. To whom succeeded as heir to his Mother Sir Raphe Boteler Kt. a man eminently imployed and highly advanced as I shall forthwith shew For having in 8 H. 6. served the King with xx men at Armes and Lx. Archers in his personall expedition for France he was in 20 H. 6. created Baron of Sudley with an Annuitie of CC. marks per an to himself and his heirs for the better support of that dignitie and became soon after Lord Tresurer of England But in that Office he continued not long for in 28 H. 6. he was retained by Indenture to serve the King for five years as Governour of the Cittadell at Calais with .... men at Armes on Horseback xxix men at Armes on foot and xx Archers all able men of war taking for himself ii s. per diem for his men at Arms on foot viii d. and for his Archers vi d. besides the speciall Fee of C s. the quarter for himself And immediatly thereupon being made the King's Lieutenant of that Town covenanted for the defence and saâ—eguard thereof and the Marches adjoyning to keep C. men at Arms over and above the number before specified and DCCCC Archers for a quarter of a year taking for his men at Arms xii d. a man and his Archers vi d. besides the reward accustomed And was in so great esteem with the Canons of Erdburie for his munifence to them in sundry wiâ—e but specially in procuring for them the Appropriation of the Church at Leyth in Lancashire dated 15 Ian. 28 H. 6. that in consideration thereof they did by their publick Instrument ordeign that two of their Covent should every day celebrate divine service in that Monasterie for the health of his soul appointing parâ—icular Masses for each day of the week binding themâ—elves and their successors to observe his Anniversarie after his decease with Placebo Dirige and Masse of Requiem and to spend vi s. viii d. yearly on the day of his said Anniversarie in their Covent by way of Pittance over and above their usuall allowance After which viz. in 30 H. 6. he had a speciall Pardon granted to him for all offences whereby any advantage mâ—ght be taken against him in respect of his great and generall imployments in which pardon his partâ—cular services to King H. 5. aswell as to the said K H. 6. in France and in the Dutchie of Normandieâ— even from his very youth are gâ—atefully â—cknowledg'd For he had been Lord Tresurer and Chamberlain to K. H. 6. and Standard-beaâ—er and chief Butler of England as also Knight of the Garter and Steward of his Household But after this I find no more of him till his death which hapned 2 Maii 13 E. 4. where it appears that Iohn Norburie and Will. Belknap were his câ—sins and heirs for Sir Thomas Boteler his son died before him without issue So that this Mannour came at length inter alia by Partition made 15 Maii 11 H. 7. to Sir Iohn Norburie and so by Iane his grandchild and heir to Sir Edmund Bray which Iane died seized thereof 24 Aug. in the last year of Q. Maries reign leaving severall daughters and heirs as the Descent before inserted sheweth whereof Frances married to Thomas Lifeild who by the name of Thomas Lifeild of Stoke-Dabernon in com Sur. Esq. together with the said Frances his wife did by his Deed of bargain and sale Dated 7 Maii 3 Eliz. in consideration of 1050 l. sell and convey it unto Iohn Giffard of Chillington in com Staff Esq. whose grandchild sc. Peter son of Walter Giffard in our memorie passed the Mannour consisting of a Royaltie and certain chief Rents to Sir Iohn Newdigate of Erdburie Kt. and the Demesns to certain persons in trust for the use of Thomas Lord Coventre late Lord Keeper of the great Seal of England So that at this day the said Mannour is now enjoyed by Ric. Newdigate Sergeant at Law son to the same Sir Iohn and the demesns by the Lord Coventre son and heir to the said Lord Keeper The Priorie of Erdburie WIthin the precincts of Chilverscoton Parish stood the Monasterie of Erdburie built in K. Henry 2. time by Raphe de Sudley for Canons Regular of St. Augustine the Foundation Charter whereof I never saw but do conceive that the substance wherewith he at first endowed it was as followeth viz. the Church of Chelverdescote with two yard land belonging thereto as also six yard land and a Wood there reputed for half a hide ten Acres of land lying in Broadmedow and a place called the Breche at Whitemore with certain messuages and half a VVood called the Hudells And besides this with some lands and a meadow at Sulingfen together with the Church of Dercet and CC. acres of land lying in one of Dercet fields As also ten
and his heirs in 17 E. 3. and so likewise did Iohn de Freford and Margaret his wife as also Alice the widow of Sir Philip Chetwynd in 19. E. 3. But afterwards sc. about the 22 th of E. 3. the said Robert died without issue so that the inheritance of these lands thereby descending to his nephew Sir Raph Rochford Knight son of Ioane the wife of Iohn Rochford before specified he the said Sir Raph entailed them upon the issue of his body by Ioane the daughter of Sir Hugh Menill Knight with remainder to his three sisters successively and then to Sir Richard Stafford and his heirs According to which entail the possession thereof continued for divers years untill at length Sir Raph Rochford being dead the said Ioane his wife married again to one Hugh de Asheby with whom Sir William Chetwyn Knight son and heir to the before mentioned Sir Phiplip making an accord became totally possest thereof having in 39 E. 3. compounded with Isabell the widow of Iohn de Rochford for her title of dower therein formerly granted to her by Sir Raph Rochford her son in Law After which he seated himself here and in 16 R. 2. obtained a License from the Bishop of Cov. and Lich. to have divine Service within a private Chapell for his House But before I descend to speak farther of the said Sir William and his posteritie I shall observe that this Family hath been of great antiquity in Shropshire scil of Chetwynd whence this their sirname was first assumed as also that Iohn de Chetwynd son of Adam had a Charter of Free-warren in 37 H. 3. throughout all his demesn lands in the Counties of Salop. Staff and Warwick for he was possest of Baxterley in this Shire at that time having likewise Ingestre Salt and Gretwich in Staffordshire by Isabell the daughter and heir to Philip de Mutton as it seems But I return to the before specified Sir William great-grandchild to the said Iohn in regard he was the first of this line that had to do here Towards the later end of King Edw. 3. reign he was by Indenture reteined with Iohn of Gaunt Duke of Lanc. to serve him aswell in times of Peace as War for ten marks per an Which Indenture being lost was again renewed by the said Duke in 50 E. 3. whereby he increased his Fee to ten pounds per an And afterwards sc. in 10 R. 2. recounting his faithfull services gave the sum of ten pounds more per an to be received out of the issues of his Honour of Tutburie I am of opinion that a great part of the Church here at Grendon was new built by the before-specified Sir William for it is evident that the pictures in glass of many of this Family in their surcoats of Arms were set up there about that time This Sir William had issue Richard of whom I find little memorable and Iohn Which Iohn residing at Alspath now called Mereden was one of the chief persons in this Countie that subscribed the Articles concluded of in the Parliament of 12 H. 6. and in 15 H. 6. served in Parliament as one of the Knights for this Shire being from 17 till 20 H. 6. inclusive in Commission for conservation of the Peace But to the said Richard succeeded Philip his son and heir a person not a little eminent in his time for in 7 H. 6. he had the Shiriffaltie of Staffordshire so also in 15 H. 6. being then a Knight In 17 H. 6. he was imployed into the Dutchy of Guien for the King's service and in 20 H. 6. constituted Governour of the Citie of Eaion in Normandie being allowed 940 marks to retein as many Archers for the safeguard thereof as might be therewith hired for a quarter of a year In 22 H. 6. he was reteined with Humphrey Earl of Buckingham to do him service during life according to his degree aswell in times of Peace as War sc. in times of Peace with as many men and Horses as he the said Earl should appoint out of the said Earl's Lordship of Holdernesse in Yorkshire as also taking bouche of Court and livery for them in his Houshold during such his continuance with him and allowance of reasonable costs for his coming and returning and in case the said Earl might be commanded in any service of War on this side or beyond the Sea upon reasonable warning to attend him with such number of men at Arms and Archers well and sufficiently armed horsed and arrayed after the manner of war as he should assign and receive the like wages and reward as the said Earl did take of the King or of any other his Captains in such expedition with Skippeson and reskippeson reasonable for himself his men and Horses but the said Earl to have the thirds of all manner of Prisoners and prizes to be taken by him the said Sir Philip through fortune of War and the third of the thirds of all Prisoners prizes c. taken by any of his men the Indenture of that his Retainer bearing date at London 13 Februarii the year abovesaid Nay it farther appears that upon the same day he was also retained with that Earl by another Indenture wherein he is stiled the right mighty Prince Humphrey Earl of Buckingham Hereford Stafford Northampton and Perche Lord of Brecknock and of Holdernesse then Captain of the Town and Castle of Calais as his Lieutenant of that Castle for one whole year with xxix men at Armes on Foot and xx Archers whereof two men at Armes on Foot and four Archers to be of the said Sir Philip's own retinue taking for himself xvi d. per diem for his said men at Arms vii d. and his Archers vi d. at the hands of the Treasurer at War to the same Earl And moreover for himself his Lady and a Gentlewoman with her and a Gentleman and two Yeomen of his own retinue bouche of Court and xx l. per an of speciall reward or else allowance for their bouch of Court according as other souldiers of their degree used to have as also for their skippeson and reskippeson And of this Sir Philip I farther find which is not the least observable that having wedded Elene the widow to Edmund Lord Ferrers of Chartley daughter and heir to Thomas de la Roche as also Cosin and heir to Iohn de Bermingham as in Bromwich appeareth he empaled her Armes on the dexter part of his own which as I conceive was for the dignitie of her person she being a Baronesse and so great an heir and that he departed this life in 24 H. 6. leaving William his grandchild his Cosin and heir Which William afterwards one of the Gentlemen-Huishers of the Chamber to King H. 7. became so much envied by Sir Humphrey Stanley then of Pipe in Com. Staff one of
then Bishop of Coventre Lichfield reserving the Rent of a pair of Gloves or a Peny at Easter to Sir Raph de Grendon and his heirs for all service suit of Court and demand whatsoever After which it was not long ere it came to the hands of the Lords of Grendon again for I perceive that in 22 E. 1. Raph de Grendon son to the before specified Sir Raph had it From whom the greatest part of it is divolved with Grendon to the Familie of Chetwin and enjoyed by them at this day But the Inhabitants thereof are within the Leet of Polesworth Freseley THis was also very antiently belonging to the Marmions being originally a member of Polesworth as I guess by one of which Familie I conclude that Robert de Kaily or his Ancestor became at first enfeoft of it for it appears that Robert Marmion who lived in H. 2. time calls that Robert his Knight in respect he held of him by militarie service and confirmed the grant of Freseley Mill which the said Robert had made to the Nunns of Polesworth This Robert de Kaily gave and sold to the Canons of Lilshull in Com. Salop. full two parts of this Village disposing his body to sepulture in that Monasterie and having no issue left the inheritance of the rest to his Sisters whereof one was married to Simon de Whitacre of Whitacre-superior in this Countie and the other to one Richard de Pakington who ratified her Brother's grant But wanting the like Confirmation from the former there grew suits betwixt Sir Simon de Whitacre Knight grandchild to the said Simon and the Canons of Lilshull for part of that land which suits being accorded in 25 H. 3. he released unto them all his title claim thereto Notwithstanding which Release Iordan de Whitacre son and heir to the said Simon after his Father's death taking advantage of those turbulent times scil the Barons Warrs entred upon the same lands again and dyed possest of them in so much as Philippa his widow who shortly after became the wife of Iames de Astley retained them in her hands till another Agreement being made betwixt the said Canons and her unto which Richard de Whitacre her son and heir assented they had quitted their right thereto And yet did not this binde the said Richard de Whitacre but that he began a new suit for those lands whereupon a Jury was returned for triall thereof yet before it came to be so decided they grew to a finall accord which being made in 21 E. 1. he released once more all his right and interest to those lands So that afterwards they enjoy'd them till the generall dissolution by King Henry the viiith but then coming to the Crown they were granted out in 35 H. 8. by the name of the Mannour of Fresely unto Iames Leveson Merchant of the Staple to be held in Capite by the xxth part of a Knight's Fee which Iames the same year aliened part of them to one Iohn Beck That which remained to the Whitacres as hath been said into which the Free warren granted to Simon de Whitacre in 41 H. 3. extended came at length to Alan Waldeiffe by an heir female of that Family as the Descent in Whitacre sheweth and afterwards to Poultney as it seems but it being so small a proportion I have not farther taken notice of it Hall-End OF this place I have not seen any thing till K. Ric. 3. times that it came by a daughter and heir of Sturmie to the Family of Corbin whose antient seat is at Corbins-Hall within Swinford-Parish in Com. Staff where most of them have had their residence but their Descent since they had to do here I have added Nich. Corbin 1 R. 3. Johanna filia haeres Joh. Sturmie Ric. Corbin 20. H. 8. Anna filia haeres Thomae Ramsey de Hitcham in Com. Buck. Thomas Corbin obiit an 1584. Anna filia Will. Repington de Amington ar nupta 31 H. 8. Georgius Corbin ob 25. Sept. 1636. Maria filia Will. Faunt de Foston in Com. Leic. ar Thomas Corbin obiit .... Iunii 1637. Winifreda filia Gawini Grosvenor de Sutton-Colfield Henricus Georgius Thomas Corbin natus .... Apr. 1624. Leticia Dodenhale THis is a depopulated place and did totally belong to the Nunns of Polesworth part thereof being given to them about H. 3. time by William Sauvage sometime Lord of Pooley and the rest by Richard Dodenhale Merchant of Coventre in 21 R. 2. In consideration whereof the said Nunns by their publique Instrument dated 12. Apr. 1. H. 4. granted that there should be every day and night a speciall Collect said for the same Richard in their Chapter-House in such sort as they used to do for their other Benefactors and at his death his name registred in their Martyrologe as also his Anniversarie kept with Placebo and Dirige and solemn Masse celebrated for the soul of Henry Dodenhale sometime Merchant and for the said Richard with Beatrice and Alice his wives their Parents Benefactors and all the faithfull deceased over and besides the night of S. Thomas the Martyr and likewise one Collect once a year for the said Henry Richard Beatrice and Alice their Parents and Benefactors for ever And lastly that at the celebration of the Anniversarie of the said Henry Richard Beatrice and Alice on the Feast-day of S. Thomas the Martyr's translation all the Nunns present thereat to have xii Eggs in the name of a Corrodie for their faithfull performance of that Office Pooley THis as a member of Polesworth did antiently belong to the Marmions of Tamworth-Castle and being originally given by Marmion to Burdet in Fee-Ferme for the Rent of xâ— s. yearly was soon after granted from Burdet to Sauvage as appears by a Confirmation made from Geffrey Sauvage to William Burdet in 10 H. 3. Which passages from Marmion to Burdet and Burdet to Sauvage were about King Stephen's time for Osanna then Abbesse of Polesworth with the consent of her fellow Nunns granted to Helias the son of Geffrey Sauvage a Chapell here but without Service as also a Chapell-yard in consideration whereof he gave to that Covent the inheritance of four Acres of the best Meadow-ground in this Village promising to pay yearly during his life xii d. upon S. Edith's Altar on the day of her Festivall and bequeathed his body wheresoever he should depart this life to be buried in the Church of Polesworth Which Agreement was so made in the presence of Roger de Clinton then Bishop of this Dioces But this tenure in Fee-Ferm did not long continue for it is evident that Robert Marmion whom I take to be the man that first granted it to Burdeâ— did in consideration of x. marks in the nature of a Fine and the yearly payment of a Sore-Spaâ—hawk to himself and his
with the Milk of the Cow i d. ob And that the Parson of Newton and his successors should receive the Tithe Wooll wholly and the Tythe of Piggs and other living things depasturing in the said Parish of Clifton In 26 H. 8. this Rectorie was valued at xiv li. xvi d. over and above ix s. vi d. allowed for Procurations and Synodals Patroni Ecclesiae Incumbentes c. D. Ric. de Herthull miles Thomas de Poule Subdiac 17. Cal. Dec. 1307. D. Hug. de Meygnill miles Ioh. de la Warde Cap. 6. Id. Apr. 1320. D. Ric. de Herthull miles Rob. de Aldeport Cap. Cal. Febr. 1350. D. Ric. de Herthull miles Will. de Blaby Pbr. 2. Cal. Ian. 1364. D. Rex ratione custod terr c. Ric. Meignil defunctâ— Rob. de Sekindon Pbr. 4. Martii 1378. D. Ric. Herthull miles Nich. de Sekindon Cap. 12. Oct. 1381. Thom. de Sekindon Rector Eccl. de Blechingley Ric. de Sekindon Rect. Eccl. de Olâ—on Rob. de Sekindon Pbr. 10. Nov. 1388. Tho. de Greseley miles alii hac vice patroni D. Will. Childecote ult Iulii 1406. D. Ioh. Cokain miles hac vice patronus Ioh. Kempe Pbr. 18. Feb. 1425. Rad. Pole Iustic D. Regis Ioh. Gresley miles Ioh. Neuton 21. Maii 1458. Will. Compton miles ratione minoris aetat Fr. Shirley D. Will. Leson Cap. 26. Aug. 1517. Thomas Cokain gen ex concess Barb. Cokain jure juncturae D. Edw. Bowear Cap. 17. Feb. 1537. Franc. Shirley de Stanton-Harold ar D. Rob. Tarleton Cler. 20. Apr. 1552. Thomas Cokain miles Thom. Shepard Cler. 28. Ian. 1561. Rad. Shirley ar Christophorus Hodgson Cler. 22. Oct. 1572. Dorothea Barwell vidua ratione concess Georgii Shirley ar Ric. Orgell 17. Nov. 1617. Sekindon THis place is famous for a memorable Battail fought thereat in the year from our Saviour's Incarnation DCCLVII betwixt Cuthred King of the West-Saxons and Ethelbald King of the Mercians wherein the same Ethelbald was slain by Beornred one of his own military Commanders and buried in the Monasterie of Repandune now called Repton in Derby-shire not far distant But Beornred had little enjoyment of that rule which by the death of Ethelbald he expected for within a short space he was cut off by King Offa who succeeded the said Ethelbald in the Kingdom of Mercia In the Conqueror's time the Earl of Mellent was possest of the greatest part of this Village whereof two hides and a half one Leuuinus then held of him in which there were Woods of half a mile in length and three furlongs in breadth all having been the freehold of Celred and Godric in Edward the Confessor's days Other two hides and a half did Godric hold of him at the same time whose inheritance it had been before the Norman Invasion In which part there were Woods of the very same extent as aforesaid and a Mill Half whereof pertained to this part and a half to the other But the last two hides and half Ingenulfus and Arnulfus held which also had been of the said Godric's inheritance Besides these particular parcels so possest by the Earl of Mellent Will. fil Corbucionis of whom I have spoke in Studley held at that time two hides and a half here by one Iubellus his undertenant whereof one Ernvi had been owner before the Conquest All which joyned together were valued at v li. x s. But by the said Earl of Mellent or Robert Earl of Leicester his son was the Father of Richard Bruton as I guess enfeoft of a good proportion hereof for I finde that the said Richard by the consent of Hamon his Brother about the 24 th of King H. 2. reign sold it to William de Camvile and his heirs by the name of Domus de Secchendona for Xl. marks of silver to be held in Capite of the Earl of Leicester unto which grant young King Henry scil son of H. 2. gave his assent To this William de Camvile succeeded William who being thus possest of the Mannour-House for so I take it the word Domus here imports obtained ere long a grant from Aubreda Marmion his mother of the fourth part of a Knight's Fee in this place which was of the Fee of Leicester and then held by the said William in demesn and another fourth part likewise from her of the Fee of Warwick as also half a Knight's Fee more lying here and in Weston which Simon de Bercheston held In consideration whereof he the said William gave her Xl. marks and discharged her of xx marks more due to the Monks of Combe for to perform the Anniversarie of William de Camvile her husband One of which fourth parts did Geffrey Marmion father to the said Aubreda hold of Robert Bossu sometime Earl of Leicester But all of them were afterwards held though by what agreement I find not by the heirs of the said William de Camvile of the Earls of Warwick Of these Camviles the last that had to do here was Gerard whose daughter and heir Elizabeth wife to Robert Burdet brought this Lordship to that Familie Which Robert being so possest thereof obtained a Charter for Free warren inter alia in all his demesn lands here bearing date at â—orcester 25 Dec. 1 E. 3. From whom as the Pedegree in Arrow sheweth is lineally descended Sir Francis Burdet Baronet now Lord of this Mannour Scarce a furlong from the Church North-wards upon an ascending ground is yet to be seen a notable Fort made after a circular forme the dimensions whereof though much lesse than what they were at first by reason that the Earth is so shrunk down are yet as followeth viz. The breadth of the outer Ditch at the top xx foot and at the bottome x. foot The depth of it xii foot The diameter within the bank CCXCvii foot On the North-side of it opposite to the entrance there is a round Hill artificially raised of Xlii. foot in height which at the top is xxiii foot in breadth and whereupon as it should seem some Watch-Tower hath formerly stood By the Countrey people it bears the name of a Castle whose tradition is that it was antiently the Burdets and pulled down in King Hen. 2. time by William Burdet for the structure of that little Monasterie at Aucote hard by which as they report he founded to expiate the murther of his wife But having not seen that the Burdets were so long since possest of this Lordship I somewhat doubt the truth thereof Patroni Ecclesiae de Sekindon Incumbentes c. Thomas de Kamvile Dominus de Sekindon Hugo de Folvile Cler. anno 1251. Guido de Bellocampo Com. Warw. ratione minoris aet filiae haer D. Gerardi de Camvile defuncti Will. de Brymsgrave Accol 10. Cal. Apr. 1305. Henr. de Campvill Henr. de Newton Pbr. 4.
thereof jointly with his said wife in 2 E. 3. leaving Baldwin his son and heir xxxvi years of age who after the decease of his mother in 14 E. 3. doing his homage to the King had full possession thereof Which last mentioned Baldwin died in 17 E. 3. leaving Baldwin his son and heir 26. years of age who the next year following did his Homage to the King and had thereupon Liverie of all the lands of his inheritance lying in this Shire as also in the Counties of Hereford Salop. Staff Wigorn. Wiltf Norf. and Suff. In 26 E. 3. he was a Knight and bore for his Armes Or a Crosse fleurè gules and for his Crest upon a Chapeu the Leggs of a man booted spurred and reverst as appeareth by his Seale but not long after this he altered it and bore a Plume of Fethers in stede of the other Of this Sir Baldwin I further find that he was in great esteem with Edward Prince of Wales commonly called the Black-Prince being for his approved fidelitie and service in 38 E. 3. made by him his Steward of Xantoigne in France for life and in 46 E. 3. retained with the same martiall Prince by Indenture to serve Rob. Marmion temp Regis Will. Conq. Robertus Marmion temp H. 1. Milisear Robertus Marmion 12 H. 2. obiit 2 H. 3. Rob. Marmion senior ob 25 H. 3. Maria ux 2. Iohanna primò nupta Thomae Ludlow mil. secundò Henrico Hillarie Philippus Marmion ob 20 E. 1. Iohanna filia cohaer Hug. de Kilpeck 27 H. 3. Iohanna ob 23 E. 1. sine prole Mazera ux Rad. Cromwell Iohanna consangu una haeredum Philippi Marmion 20 E. 1. Alex. Frevile 20 E. 1. Baldw. Frevile obiit 17 E. 3. Elizabetha 3 E. 3. Eliz. soror cohaerâ— Ioh. de Monteforti mil. ux 1. Baldw. Frevile mil. ob 49 E. 3. Iohanna filia â—â—â— Domini Strange 46 â— 3. Baldw. Frevile mil. ob 11 R. 2. Iocosa filia Joh. Botetourt mil. 11 R. 2. Baldw. Frevile miles obiit 2 H. 4. Iohanna filia Thomae Greene mil. 11 R. 2. Baldw. Frevile mil. ob s. prole 7 H. 5. Elizabetha 7 H. 5. Thom. Ferrers filius secundogeniâ—us Will. D. Ferrers de Groby Thomas Ferrers miles obiit 22. Aug. 14 H. 7. Anna filia Leonardi Hastings de Kirby soror Will. Domini Hastings Ioh. Ferrers miles obiit vivente patre Matilda filia Ioh. Stanley de Elford mil. Ioh. Ferrers miles consanguâ— haeres Thomae Ferrers militis 14 H. 7. Dorothea filia Will. Harper de Rushall in Com. Staff ar Margareta filia Thomae Picot servientis ad legem ux 1. Humfr. Ferrers miles obiit 13 Sept. 1. 2. Ph. M. Ioh. Ferrers arm Humfr. Ferrers miles obiit 13 Sept. 1. 2. Ph. M. Dorothea filia cohaer Thomae Marrow serv. ad legem nupta 32 H. 8. Barbara nupta 31 H. 8. Dorothea ux Edw. Holt ar Humfridus Ferrers miles obiit 5 Iac. Anna filia Humfr. Bradburne de Lee in Com. Derb. nupta 5 Eliz. Walt. Thomas Edw. Ioh Ferrers miles obiit .... 1633. Dorothea filia Ioh. Puckering militis Custodis magni Sigilli Angliae Humfr. Ferrers miles obiit ..... Sept. 1633. Anna filia Ioh. Pakington de Ayles borough in Com. Wigorn. equ aur secundo nupta Philippo Comiti de Chesterfield Ioh. Ferrers natus .... anno 1629. Francisca ux Ioh. Pakington eq aur Anna ux Sim. Archer eq aur Iana ux Thom. Rous Bar. Elizabethaâ— Catherina Brigita Susanna Edw. Henr. Thomas Georgius Dorothea filia cohaer Thomae Marrow serv. ad legem nupta 32 H. 8. Franciscus Cokain primus maritus Leonardus Ferrers 12 H. 7. Rad. Ferrers Decanus Eccl. Coll. de Tamworth 12 H. 7. Margareta primò nupta Hug. Willoughby mil. secundò Ric. Bingham mil. Eliz. filia Joh. de Botetourt de Weoley mil. nupta 27 E. 3. ux 1. Iecosa ux Rogeri Aston Ida filia .... Clinton 35 E. 3. Matilda ux Rad. le Boteler 20 E. 1. Robertus Marmion 12 H. 2. obiit 2 H. 3. Philippa 5 H. 3. Rob. Marmion jun. 2 H. 3. Will. Marmion 43 H. 3. Will. Marmion 2 H. 3. Will. Marmion 43 H. 3. him in the warrs of France with six men at Arms viz. three Knights and three Esquires taking xx li. per annum Fee for the Knights and x. marks for the Eâ—quires As also that he had three wives viz. Elizabeth sister and coheir to Sir Iohn Montfoâ—t Kt. of which Family I have spoke in Beldesert Secondly Ida daughter to ..... Clinton a Ladie of Honour to Queen Philippa and thirdly Ioane daughter to the Lord Strange and that he departed this life in 49 E. 3. leaving by the said Elizabeth Baldwin his son and heir xxiv years of age Which Baldwin being a Knight in 1 Ric. 2. exhibited his claim to be the King's Champion on the day of his Coronation and to do the service appertaining to that Office by reason of the tenure of this Castle viz. to ride compleatly armed upon a barb'd Horse into Westminster Hall and there to challenge the Combate with whomsoever that should dare to oppose the King's title to the Crown which service the Marmions antiently Lords thereof had heretofore performed But Sir Iohn Dimock being then his Competitor carryed it from him by Judgment of the Constable and Marshall of England in regard he was possest of the Lordship of Scrivelby in Lincolnshire which by better authorities than Frevile could produce appeared to have been held for divers ages by that service and that the Marmions had the said office as owners thereof and not in right of this Castle it being descended to Dimock with Scrivelby from an heir female of Sir Thomas Ludlow Knight husband of Ioane the yongest daughter to Sir Philip Marmion before spoken of Which Sir Baldwin in 3 R. 2. was also one of the Commissioners for arraying of men in this Shire and in 9 R. 2. upon partition made betwixt him and Sir Thomas Boteler Knight of Mountfort's lands whereunto they were heirs had the Mannour of Ashstede in Com. Surr. with Gunthorpe and Loudham in Com. Nott. assigned to him as also the reversion of the Mannours of Henley Beudesert and Haselholt in this Countie after the decease of William de Beauchamp Lord Bergavenny in whose hands they then were And had two wives both daughters unto Sir Iohn Botetourt of Weoley-Castle in Com. Wigorn. whereof Elizabeth the first was married to him in 27 E. 3. but I suppose she was then very young and died before they lived together in regard it is plain that he afterwards married Ioyce her sister who overlived him and took to her second husband Sir Adam Peshale Knight which Joyce at length became one of the coheirs to Ioyce her Neece daughter and heir to Iohn son
doing Scutage to the Earl of Leicester for half a Knights Fee upon occasion As also that within this Mannour of Oversley there was at that time a certain Messuage with a Dove-house two Gardens Cxxvi. acres of land in two fields and six acres of meadow of the Abbot of Evesham's Fee and likewise x. Villains who held ten yaâ—d land paying yearly x. marks xi s. iiii d. And moreover a free Rent service therein of two Arrows with vi Cottagers paying yearly vii s. vi d. and two marks yearly by way of Tallage but doing service to the Abbot of Evesham yearly for the whole vi marks and for four acres lying here to Hugh Aguilon i d. And besides all this that there was of the Abbot of Bordsley's Fee seven yard land a Mess. and xix Cottages with vi s. viii d. being a Rent service from two Freeholders That there was also a Park with two Gardens paying to the said Abbot v s. per an in recompence for Housebote which he had used to have there as belonging to his Mannour of Budiford And lastly of the â—â— of Warwick's Fee a Rent of xx d. issuing yearly out of a certain Mill. Unto which William succeeded Iohn his son and heir then but xvi years of age a grant of whose marriage Walter de Beauchamp of Alcester the same year obtained in the behalf of Elianore his daughter and in case the said Elianore should die before the accomplishment of that intended marriage that then he might marry some other of his daughters And moreover that if the same Iohn should depart this life before such marriage that then the said Walter might have the like benefit of his next heir and so from heir to heir till one of his daughters were wedded to one of those Butlers or in case that such one should take a wife of his own choise otherwise then to have the forfeiture due to the King thereupon But this Iohn died within 3 years following so that whether the said marriage were compleated by him or his brother Gawine who was his heir I make a question so that the inheritance came to Will the third brother as the Descent sheweth Which Will. in 25 E. 1. had Summons with other great men to be at London on Sunday next after the Octaves of S. Iohn Bapt. well furnisht with Horse and Armes to attend the K. in his expedâ—tion beyond the Seas whose service was so gratefull that the next year following the K. in recompence thereof acquitted to him the debt due by his Father for the Scutage of 3 Knights Fees which Scutage ought to have been performed by Maud his grandmother in the service of Wales in the tenth year of the same K. Edward's reign This last mentioned William died in 8 E. 3. leaving Will. his son and heir who in 18 E. 3. by the solicitation of Will. de Clinton then Earl of Huntingdon obtained a special discharge from the K. that he should not be compelled to bear Armes in respect of his impotencie nor to take upon him the Order of Knighthood against his own good will And departed this life in 35 E. 3. leaving Will. his son and heir 32 years of age and another son called William as it seems but whether by one wife or not I cannot affirm Which Will. the younger son I take to be him that married Ioan the sister and coheir of Sir Iohn Sudley Knight from whom the Butlers Barons of Sudley descended as in Griffe is manifested For it is evident that Will. the grandchild to William and Ankaret left issue Eliz. his only daughter and heirâ— who being wedded to Robert de Ferrers a younger son to the Lord Ferrers of Chartley brought this place with Wemme and other lands of a fair extent to her said husband who was thereupon summoned to Parliament by the name of Rob. Ferrers de Wemme Chivalier which Lordships viz. of Oversley and Wemme with other of her inheritance lying in the Counties of Salop. Leicester and Warwick were after her said marriage in 44 E. 3. entailed upon the heirs of the body of them the said Robert and Elizabeth with remainder to her right heirs But in 4 R. 2. this Robert died leaving by the same Eliz. Robert his son and heir 4 years of age which Elizabeth continued not long a widow for I find that the next year following she was the wife of Iohn Say and surviving him afterwards became wedded to Thomas Molinton who wrote himself Baron of Wemme in her right and that by her Testament bearing date 6 Ian. 1410 12 H. 4. whereby she bequeathed her body to be buried in the Church of the Crouched Friers near the Tower of London she stiles her self Elizabetha Ferrers Baronissa de Wemme retaining the name of that husband who was of the greatest dignity a custome which I find that women have long used and not yet left and departed this life the same year leaving Elizabeth the wife of Iohn Greistoke son to Raph Lord Greistoke and Mary the wife of Raph Nevill a younger son to Raph Nevill Earl of Westmerland her cosyns and heirs as saith the Inquis viz. daughters of Robert son to her the said Eliz. But I think it mistaken For the Fine Roll of 13 H. 4. whereby this Mannour of Oversley with Merston-Boteler in this County and the Mannour of Tirley in Com. Staff are assigned to the said Raph Nevill and Mary for her purpart she having at that time issue by him directly calls her una filiarum haeredum praedictae Elizabethae Neither is it very likely that she should be her grandchild as the Inquis imports for Robert the son of Rob. Ferrers by her was but 4 years of age in 4 R. 2. so that had he been then living he could have been but 34 years of age And to fortifie my opinion the Clause Roll of 9 H. 5. expresses as much To which Sir Raph Nevill for he was a Kt. succeeded Iohn Nevill Esq. his son and heir by the same Mary who dyed seized of this Mannour in 22 E. 4. leaving Sr. Will. Gascoin Knight his cosyn and next heir viz. son of Ioane his daughter then 30 years of age Which said Sir Will. being great grandchild to Sir Will. Gascoin who served under the renowned H. 5. King of England in his French Warrs and he son to that sometime famous Lawyer Will. Gascoin of Gauthorpe in Yorkshire chief Justice of the Kings bencâ— temp H. 4. was made K t of the Bath at the Queens Coronation in 1 H. 7. From whom descended S Will. Gascoin jun. of Cussworth in the same County of York who in 29 H. 8 past away the inheritance of this Lordship with all other his lands in Warwickshire to Sir Thomas Cromwell Knight then Lord Cromwell which eschaeting to the Crown by his attainder in 31 H. 8.
at Dublin for his support in his service But I must not here stand to trace down the descent of that Family in Ireland it being besides my business and therefore shall pass it by with this onely note that in 12 E. 2. when Edward de Brus raised a rebellion in those parts and caused himself to be crowned King of Ireland through the singular valour and prudent conduct of Iohn de Bermingham then Commander in chief for the King against those Rebells the said Edw. de Brus with a multitude of his party were slain and the rest routed for which signall service he the said Iohn was created Earl of Loveth whose posteritie do continue there in great honour till this day bearing the antient Armes of this Family before exprest with a Castle in the sinister part of the Shield for a distinction Willielmus Petrus de Bermingham 12 H. 2. Will. de Bermingham Will. de Bermingham occcisus in praelio de Evesham 49 H. 3. Isabella filia Thomae de Estelegh Will. de Bermingham 11 E. 1. Isabella 32 E. 1. Will. de Bermingham 2 E 2. Matilda relicta 1 E 3. Will. de Bermingham miles 5 E. 3. Will. fil Will. Coleson de Walshall 2 maritus Fulco de Bermingham miles 16 E. 3. Eliz 50 E. 3. Iohanna 5 E. 3. Baldw. de Berming 13 R. 2. s. p. Will. de Bermingh miles 40 E. 3. ob s. p. Cath. filia einiscia cohaer Will. de la Planch 30 E. 3. Ioh. de Berming miles 6. R. 2. ob s. p. Eliz. altera fil cohaer Will. de la Planch ob 2 H. 6. Ioh. de Clinton miles 3. maritus Thom. de Berm mil. 2 R. 2. Isabella fil Ioh. fil Ric. de Whitacre Eliz. filia haeres Thomas de la Roche Elena ux Edm. Ferrers domini de Chartley 2 H. 6. Eliz. ux Georgii Longvile ar Ioh. de Bermingham 5 E. 3. Will. de Bermingham Will. de Berm mil. 27. H. 6. duxit Isab. fil haer W. Hilton Will. de Bermingham ob 7 Iunii 15 H. 7. Nich. Bermingham Edw. Bermingham aet 3. an 15 H. 7. Eliz. posteà nupta Will. Ludford de Ansley gen deinde Will. Askeric gen 2. 3. Ph. M. Anna filia haeres ux or Ric. Atkinson Will. Bermingham 14 H. 7. Henr. Bermingham Will. Bermingham obiit 10 Aug. 1 Eliz. Ioh. de Berm mil. 38. H. 6. Eliz. filia haer ux Baldw. fil Ric Bracebrig 19 E. 4. Thomas de Bermingh Arm. pro corp Regis 24 H. 6. Henr. de Bermingmiles 3 E. 3. ob s. p. D. Petrus de Bermingham defunctus 2 E. 2. Ela filia una haer Will. de Odingsells â— E. 2. Ioh. de Bermingham Com. de Lovâ—th in Hibernia 12 E. 2. Petrus de Bermingham 18 H. 3. I now come to Will. de Bermingham son and successor to the last mentioned William In 25 H. 3. he had a suit for certain lands lying in this place with Iohn the son of Robert de Hathewy for determination whereof certain Justices of Assize were then constituted In 34 H. 3. he was by a speciall Pat. exempted from serving on Juries and the next year following had a Charter for a Faire to be annually held here by the space of four days beginning on the Eve of the Ascension commonly called Holy Thursday as also Free warren in his Mannour of Hoggeston in Com. Buck. Not long after this I find that there grew some dispute betwixt Rog. de Someri Baron of Dudley of whose Fee Bermingham was held and this Will. de Bermingham touching the services due by him to the said Roger for this Mannour with the members thereto belonging for which he required that the same Will should perform the service of eight Knights Fees a half and fourth part and also do suit to the Court at Dudley for the Knights fees belonging thereto once every three weeks whereupon they came to an Agreement in 46 H. 3. viz. that the same Will should do service for so many Knights fees as aforesaid and appear at the Court at Dudley onely twice every year scil at that held next after Michaelmass and that likewise after Easter And moreover that whensoever the King 's Writ of Right should be executed there id est that when of necessitie all the Kts. and Peers of the same Court holding by service military were to be called thither to give Judgement in cases of difficultie as also for triall of a Theif upon reasonable Summons he should not neglect to make his appearance Upon which Agreement the before specified Roger de Someri released to him his suit of Court from three weeks to three weeks But the next thing memorable that I find of this Will. de Bermingham is that he sided with his Father in Law Thomas de Astley and the other Barons in that grand Rebellion against King H. 3. and that being slain in the battail of Evesham in 49 H. 3. and his lands extended this his Mannour of Bermingham was rated at xl l. and the inheritance of it given by the K. with divers Lordships more forfeited by others unto Roger de Clifford for his faithfull service Howbeit by vertue of the Dictum de Kenilworth whereof I have there spoke the greatest part of all mens lands so confiscate being liable to Composition this with the rest upon satisfaction made according to the tenor of that Decree was repossest by Will. de Bermingham son and heir to the Rebell who in 11 E. 1. obtained a Charter of Freewarren throughout all his demesn lands here as also within his Mannour of Stokton in Worcestershire Shetteford in Com. Oxon. Maidencote in Berkshire Hoggeston in Com. Buck. and Cristelton in Cheshire which last viz. Cristleton was given by Thomas de Estley with Isabell his daughter in frank Marriage to Will. de Bermingham Father to the present William In 13 E. 1. this Will upon a Quo Warranto brought against him and all others who excercised or claimed any Liberties or Priviledges within their Lordships exhibited K. Henry the 2. Charter for the Thursday Mercate Toll Tem Sak Sok and Infangenthef And for the Faire and Freewarren K. H. 3. Charter pleading Prescription for Weyfâ— Gallows Court Leet with Assize of Bread and Beer all which were allowed The next year following he had Letters of protection upon the King 's purposed transfretation whom he was to attend therein Whether at that time he went bâ—yâ—nd Sea considering it doth not appear by our Historians that the King himself was out of England I am uncertain but in 25 of the same King's reign it is manifest that he was in Gascoin in his service under the conduct of the Earl of Lincolne and Iohn de S. Iohn of Basing a great Baron where intending to relieve Bellagard then besieged by the Count of Arras the said Earl and Baron divided their forces the Lord S. Iohn leading the Van